Category: Gov Press Releases

Welsh troops based in Afghanistan are showing the “incredible spirit” of Welsh soldiers throughout history as they work to support the war-torn country, Alun Cairns said today.

The Secretary of State for Wales spoke after a 24-hour visit to see soldiers of the Welsh Guards based in the Afghan capital Kabul. Mr Cairns sat down with soldiers to learn more about their role in providing security and mentoring help to Afghan officials as the country’s Government continues its work of reconstruction. He also met senior British army commanders for an update on the troops’ peace-keeping mission.

Mr Cairns said:

I was inspired by the incredible spirit and determination of the soldiers I met who are doing their job in a volatile and often dangerous environment.

Having heard from the soldiers first-hand about their life in Kabul, I am incredibly proud of what the Welsh Guards are doing. This is a regiment with a century-long history of serving across the world in conflicts from WWII to Palestine and the Falklands. They are now on their third tour of duty in Afghanistan, and showing the incredible spirit they always do.

While I have always championed our Welsh servicemen and women, being in Afghanistan really brought home to me the work they do in dangerous circumstances. All of Wales owes them a vote of thanks.

There are currently 260 members of the Welsh Guards battle group deployed to Kabul as part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission from all parts of Wales. The Secretary of State for Wales visited the Regiment’s base camp, sat in on preparations for a patrol and also learned more about their support for the Afghan National Army Officer Academy – often compared to the country’s equivalent of Sandhurst – which is producing the Afghan army’s future officer corps.

Notes to editors:

• The Welsh Guards came into existence on 26 February 1915 by Royal Warrant of George V in order to include Wales in the national component to the Foot Guards. They were the last of the Guards to be created, with the Irish Guards coming into being in 1900. Just three days later, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards mounted its first King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace on 1 March 1915 – St David’s Day. Since then the Welsh Guards has served in WW2, Palestine, Aden, The Falklands War, Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Welsh Guards are Wales’s Senior Infantry Regiment with a formidable reputation forged throughout the last century.
• The regiment maintains very close links to the Royal Family and the Colonel of the Regiment is HRH The Prince of Wales. Due to the regiments dual role as combat soldiers and ceremonial troops, it is inextricably tied to the Royal Family. It is the fifth regiment of Foot Guards and regularly conducts guard duty at the Royal palaces and on state occasions such as the Trooping of the Colour.

Dr Martin Read, Sir Adrian Johns and Dr Peter Westaway have been reappointed to the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB), with Dr Read continuing in his role as Chair. The SSRB provides independent advice to the Prime Minister and senior ministers on the pay of many of the nation’s top public servants. The appointments are all for a further term of approximately 3 years with immediate effect.

Biographies

Dr Martin Read, CBE, MA, DPhil, FIET

Martin Read is Chairman of Laird plc, of the two government companies which manage contracts and payments under the electricity market reform programme (the Low Carbon Contracts Company and the Electricity
Settlements Company) and of the Remuneration Consultants Group. He is also a non-executive director of Lloyd’s of London. Martin was chief executive of international IT services company Logica from 1993 to 2007 and has served as a non-executive director on the boards of invensys, Aegis Group, British Airways, Siemens Holdings, Boots, ASDA and the UK Government Efficiency and Reform Board. He was chairman of the Remuneration Committees at Invensys, British Airways and Boots. He has been a senior adviser to private equity firms Candover and Actis and to Indian technology companies HCL and Zensar. He led UK government reviews on back office operations and IT across the public sector (2008/9) and management information (2012).

Sir Adrian Johns, KCB, CBE, DL

Adrian Johns served for 35 years in the Royal Navy specialising as a helicopter pilot and flying instructor but also commanding 5 times at sea in ships ranging from a minesweeper to HMS OCEAN, Britain’s largest warship
at the time. He was Head of the Fleet Air Arm for 5 years and retired from the Navy in the rank of Vice-Admiral as Second Sea Lord and Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command in 2008. In his final appointment he was responsible for all aspects of HR, remuneration, recruiting, training, and career management for the naval service. Following retirement from active service he was Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Gibraltar from 2009 to 2013. He has a variety of charitable interests, is patron of a number of Veterans’ Associations, and is a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London.

Dr Peter Westaway, DPhil

Dr Peter Westaway is chief economist and head of investment strategy for Vanguard Asset Management, Europe. He meets with clients and writes articles to provide Vanguard’s perspective on economic issues and longerterm investment strategy implications. Dr. Westaway was previously chief economist, Europe, for Nomura International and a senior official at the Bank of England where he conducted analysis on the economy and financial markets and the economy for the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England. He also provided analysis and input to HM Treasury’s “Five Tests Assessment” in 2002-2003 of whether the UK should adopt the euro.

Dr. Westaway earned a Ph.D. in economics and a Master of Philosophy in
control engineering and operational research from the University of Cambridge, and a B.Sc in mathematics and economics from the University of York.

Further information

Further details of the roles are available on the Centre for Public Appointments website.

The appointment process for these roles was in full accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice. The SSRB provides independent advice to the Prime Minister, the Lord Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Defence, the Secretary of State for Health and the Home Secretary on the pay of: the judiciary; senior civil servants; senior officers of the armed forces; certain senior managers in the NHS; Police and Crime Commissioners; chief police officers; and other such public appointments as may from time to time be specified.

The Regulator of Social Housing reports that Inclusion Housing Community Interest Company has been placed on its Grading under review list.

The regulator is currently investigating a matter regarding Inclusion’s compliance with the Governance and Financial Viability Standard. The outcome of the investigation will be confirmed in a regulatory judgement, once completed.

The GUR list is available on the website.

Further information

1. The GUR list includes providers being investigated for an issue that may result in non-compliant grades for the Governance and/or Financial Viability Standard.
2. The regulatory framework can also be found on the website.
3. Inclusion does not currently have a regulatory judgement as it previously held less than 1,000 homes. The regulatory judgement to be published at the end of the investigation will be its first regulatory judgement.

The regulation of social housing is the responsibility of the Regulation Committee, a statutory committee of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The organisation refers to itself as the Regulator of Social Housing in undertaking the functions of the Regulation Committee. Homes England is the trading name of the HCA’s non-regulation functions.

The regulator’s purpose is to promote a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver homes that meet a range of needs. It does this by undertaking robust economic regulation focusing on governance, financial viability and value for money that maintains lender confidence and protects the taxpayer. It also sets consumer standards and may take action if these standards are breached and there is a significant risk of serious detriment to tenants or potential tenants.

For more information visit the RSH website.

Our About the Regulator of Social Housing page has contact details for media enquiries.

For general queries to RSH, please email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk or call 0300 124 5225.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has today committed to conserve and enhance England’s most cherished landscapes as a new review launches into the nation’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

Nearly 70 years after the country’s National Parks were first established, opening up the countryside and allowing more people to connect with nature, an independent panel will look at how these iconic landscapes meet our needs in the 21st century – including whether there is scope for the current network of 34 AONBs and 10 National Parks to expand.

The review, led by writer Julian Glover, will also explore how access to these beloved landscapes can be improved, how those who live and work in them can be better supported, and their role in growing the rural economy.

Weakening or undermining their existing protections or geographic scope will not be part of the review, which will instead focus on how designated areas can boost wildlife, support the recovery of natural habitats and connect more people with nature.

Undertaking a review is one of the key commitments of the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, which outlines our vision for improving the environment over a generation by connecting people with nature and helping wildlife to thrive.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:

The creation of National Parks almost 70 years ago changed the way we view our precious landscapes – helping us all access and enjoy our natural world.

Amid a growing population, changes in technology, and a decline in certain habitats, the time is right for us to look afresh at these landscapes. We want to make sure they are not only conserved, but enhanced for the next generation.

Sir Arthur Hobhouse’s landmark report in 1947 paved the way for the creation of England’s network of designated landscapes, with the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act passed in 1949.

The Act, described at the time as a “recreational gift to Britain’s returning Second World War service men and women”, set out to recognise, conserve and enhance access to landscapes deemed to be “of national importance and quality”.

These days the rugged mountains, unspoilt coastlines and vast moorlands of the nation’s 34 AONBs and 10 National Parks attract more than 260 million visitors a year from at home and abroad.

Julian Glover, who will lead the review, said:

Our protected landscapes are England’s finest gems and we owe a huge debt to past generations who had the wisdom to preserve them.

The system they created has been a strength, but it faces challenges too. It is an honour to be asked to find ways to secure them for the future. I can’t wait to get started and learn from everyone who shares an interest in making England’s landscapes beautiful, diverse and successful.

Chair of National Parks England, Margaret Paren, said:

National Parks are iconic and inspirational cultural landscapes. The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan refers to their establishment as among the outstanding environmental achievements of the past 100 years. We very much welcome the announcement of the review and intend to play a full part.

Our National Parks offer so much to the country. And as we approach the 70th anniversary of the founding legislation we look forward to a future where their beauty is enhanced; they are loved and accessible for everyone; and they continue to support thriving communities in these working landscapes.

Chair of the National Association of AONBs, Philip Hygate, said:

The world has changed significantly since the designation of Gower, the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but our fundamental requirement for beautiful, inspiring places in which to live, work, and relax is probably greater now than ever before.

The National Association for AONBs is delighted to support this exciting review and will work closely with Julian Glover and the review panel to help ensure that all of England’s special landscapes are equally recognised for the value they provide to the nation, and their fundamental importance to future generations.

AONBs and National Parks are some of our most cherished sites, spanning from the Lake District, which was recently announced as a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the picturesque Cornwall AONB.

They cover a quarter of England’s land and are home to over 2.3 million people – with more than 66 per cent of us living within half an hour of a National Park or AONB. They also generate over £20 billion for the rural economy, and support 75,000 jobs.

Notes to editors

• Julian Glover is the associate editor at the London Evening Standard and author of the biography Man of Iron: Thomas Telford and the Building of Britain. He has worked as leader writer and columnist at the Guardian and as a Special Adviser in Number 10 and the Department for Transport.
• He will be supported by an advisory panel bringing a vast breadth of experience in landscape, biodiversity, heritage, farming and rural issues. Further detail on this will be announced in due course.

Gulf countries are strong investors in the UK and this visit will focus on driving further investment and opening up new opportunities for British businesses in the 2 countries. Investment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into the UK was worth £4.3 billion in 2016.

During the 3 day visit, Dr Fox will also meet government and industry representatives from Bahrain and the UAE, championing the UK’s strong business proposition and its free trading values.

International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said:

I recently launched a bold and ambitious investment programme, building on the UK’s position as the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe and investors from Bahrain and United Arab Emirates will have a great deal to offer.

There is a clear appetite for British goods and services all around the world, and as an international economic department we are encouraging UK businesses to grow by taking advantage of the global opportunities available as we leave the EU.

From investment projects to export opportunities, million-pound infrastructure deals to evening internet entrepreneurs, the UK is in a great position to trade with the world, creating jobs and prosperity.

Trade in goods and services between the UK and UAE is worth £14.6 billion and is the UK’s fourth largest export market outside of Europe, whilst Bahrain is a country of huge potential with trade already accounting for more than £740 million.

The visit is a clear demonstration of the importance of the UK’s economic relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, following the creation of the UK-GCC trade and investment group, aiming to boost British trade in the region.

Driving exports to the Middle East, the Department for International Trade has supported a Dudley furnace manufacturer to secure a £25 million order from Bahrain, helping the firm grow its workforce in the UK. Already exporting to more than 50 countries globally, Mechatherm International has built a customer base of blue chip companies, specialising in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of bespoke furnaces used to make aluminium.

Mechatherm’s ongoing success overseas is being celebrated by the DIT’s Exporting is GREAT campaign. The campaign showcases 30+ businesses – from a range of sectors and regions – to inspire and support companies up and down the country to export.

Dr Fox MP also announced that the UK’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), will provide £100 million of financing for the construction of the Dubai World Trade Centre by construction company ASGC UK. Phase 4 of the project will see the construction of a hotel and will generate significant business for UK suppliers. This builds on UKEF’s support for the earlier phases of the project.

UKEF is also supporting UK businesses to win export contracts in Bahrain by lending or guaranteeing loans in Bahraini Dinar, offering buyers of UK goods the ability to ‘Buy British, pay local’.

For further information

Contact the DIT Media and Digital Team on 020 7215 2000

Follow us: @tradegovuk, gov.uk/dit

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Foreign Minister of Chile Roberto Ampuero met today (23 May) in Santiago for a High-Level Political Dialogue to set the agenda for the next four years – with a clear emphasis on increasing bilateral trade – and issued the following Joint Statement.

Foreign Secretary Johnson and Foreign Minister Ampuero reaffirmed the historic friendship and partnership that exists between Chile and the UK. They took the opportunity to commemorate the 53rd Anniversary of the visit to the UK by the then President Eduardo Frei Montalva in 1965 and the 50th Anniversary of the State Visit to Chile of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1968.

Both Ministers acknowledged the enormous potential to increase bilateral trade and agreed to take steps to capitalise on these opportunities.

Bilateral Relations

Foreign Secretary Johnson emphasised that the UK will continue to be a globally-orientated outward looking country after its departure from the EU. The UK would look to Chile as a natural partner given the shared commitment to free trade and free enterprise as a means to increase trade and other commercial links. He recognised that Chile was a world leader in free trade having signed 26 Free Trade Agreements with 64 countries.

Both Ministers agreed that a priority was maintaining our existing preferential trading arrangements to avoid any disruption when the UK leaves the EU. They stated the commitment of both parties to maintain – at a minimum – the current terms of trade within the EU-Chile Association Agreement. Likewise, they reiterated the importance
of concluding ongoing bilateral talks ensuring the continuity of bilateral trade – when the UK leaves the EU – before the end of 2018.

Minister Johnson confirmed the United Kingdom’s continuing support for the modernisation of Chile’s Association Agreement with the European Union.

Both Ministers identified cyber security as a field of cooperation that warrants further bilateral development. They agreed to explore mechanisms in the short term – such as an MoU or other mechanisms – to develop joint working in this area.

Bilateral trade and investment

Foreign Secretary Johnson and Foreign Minister Ampuero noted that Chile is the UK’s third largest export market in Latin America after Brazil and Mexico and the UK is the sixth largest foreign direct investor in Chile.

Foreign Secretary Johnson and Foreign Minister Ampuero looked forward to the next Chile Day in London 5th -7th September 2018. Finance Minister Larraín would lead a large Chilean business delegation and meet with Government Ministers in London. Investment flows and development of the capital markets were important to both countries; as were tackling corruption, building ‘business of trust’, and exploring new areas such as green finance, fintech and cybersecurity.

Foreign Minister Ampuero highlighted the importance of mining to Chile’s economy. Foreign Minister Johnson confirmed that British business was well placed to help provide equipment, expertise and technology to help the transformation of the mining industry, including in Lithium. With this in mind, both parties agreed to work together to increase mining sector links.

Global Challenges

Both Foreign Secretaries strongly support the respect for international law and condemn the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances. They agreed on the importance of re-establishing the taboo of Chemical Weapons use under any circumstance.

Foreign Secretary Johnson welcomed Chile’s role on the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the statement on 18 April in support of the OPCW findings on the use of nerve agent in Salisbury.

Foreign Secretary Johnson welcomed President Piñera’s statement denouncing Syria’s use of chemical weapons and reiterated the need to strengthen international rule of law regarding this matter. Foreign Secretary Johnson thanked Foreign Minister Ampuero for Chile’s support to hold a Special Conference of States Parties in June 2018 with a view to strengthening international mechanisms for responding to violations of the Chemical Weapons Charter.

Foreign Secretary Johnson and Foreign Minister Ampuero stated that the elections in Venezuela on 20th May were illegal, which is clear evidence of the infringement of democratic rule of law in Venezuela. Such elections did not have independent international observers or the necessary assurances for them to be accepted as a free, fair, transparent and democratic process. Foreign Secretary Johnson offered Chile the UK’s full support in regional efforts to bring about a peaceful return to democracy in Venezuela.

Regional Cooperation

Foreign Minister Ampuero welcomed the steps taken by Argentina and the United Kingdom aimed at re-setting their bilateral relations regarding the Islands of the South Atlantic following the Joint Statement in 2016, particularly those linked to humanitarian actions and the ones seeking to regularise the air link between the Islands and the continent. Chile fully supports this sort of initiative.

Foreign Secretary Johnson expressed his support for the Pacific Alliance. The UK will continue its engagement as an active Observer – looking to explore how this relationship could be strengthened in the future – and looked forward to the Alliance’s further progress, in particular conclusion of the current negotiations with the Associate Member States.

Likewise, Foreign Secretary Johnson congratulated Foreign Minister Ampuero on the new Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), signed in Santiago in March 2018; and looked forward to Chile’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in October 2019.

Defence

Foreign Secretary Johnson and Foreign Minister Ampuero reiterated the importance of defence relations between the two countries, with naval links going back over 200 years from the arrival to Chile of Lord Cochrane in 1818. The MOD and the Chilean Defence Ministry will continue their strategic defence dialogue, sharing best practice and identifying opportunities for future coordination and collaboration.

United Nations Reform

Both Ministers emphasised that the United Nations should deepen its process of reform and highlighted the importance of increased transparency and efficiency.

Education

Both Ministers agreed on the importance of a strong, inclusive and non-discriminatory education sector. Education is an essential tool in tackling gender inequality. They noted that the UK remains the top destination for ‘Becas Chile’ Masters and PhD students.

Foreign Minister Ampuero highlighted President Piñera’s priorities and expressed his willingness for the UK to be a relevant partner in this process -especially in areas such as investments, innovation, digital revolution, and education improvement, among others. The launch of the “Computer Coding” project carried out by the Ministry of Education and the British Council is an excellent step towards such an end. Within this context, Minister Ampuero expressed Chile’s willingness to work more closely with the British Council.

Foreign Secretary Johnson and Foreign Minister Ampuero expressed their interest in fostering collaboration in education, science and innovation, to ensure our young people can make the most of the opportunities that living and working in our connected and globalised world can offer. The UK and Chile will engage in policy dialogue and share experience on topics of mutual interest, including the effective introduction of computing and coding in the classroom, and equipping teachers to improve pupil participation and performance, particularly in STEM subjects and particularly for girls. Both governments anticipate that dialogue will lead to robust partnerships paving the way for young people from both countries to pursue more educational and professional opportunities.

Science, Innovation and Environmental issues

Foreign Secretary Johnson congratulated Foreign Minister Ampuero on Chile’s leadership in the region on environmental issues and noted that the UK looked forward to continuing our excellent bilateral cooperation in areas such as science and innovation, protection of the ocean, reducing emissions and building smarter cities.

Foreign Secretary Johnson and Foreign Minister Ampuero agreed upon the importance of continuing scientific and logistical collaboration in Antarctica, building on the agreement between BAS (British Antarctic Survey) and the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) signed during the 2012 visit of President Piñera to London.

Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT)

Foreign Secretary Johnson highlighted the UK’s commitment to tackling IWT and was interested to hear of Chile’s initiatives on marine protected areas and wider conservation issues. Foreign Minister Ampuero confirmed that he would make his colleagues aware of Chile’s invitation to attend the IWT conference in London in October 2018.

Both countries look forward to continue strengthening cooperation in all these areas in the future and commit to a periodic follow-up.

Two violent attackers have had their sentences increased today after the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, referred them for being too low.

On July 16 2017 Aiden St Louis, 19, and Mohammed Gedi, 22, pursued their 18-year-old victim into a busy fast-food restaurant and carried out a sustained attack in front of horrified onlookers. St Louis was armed and repeatedly stabbed the victim with a kitchen knife.

The pair was originally sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court in March. St Louis received 6 years 6 months’ imprisonment in a young offenders’ institution with an extension period of 3 years, and Gedi received 7 years’ imprisonment. Today, after the Solicitor General’s reference, the Court of Appeal increased St Louis’ sentence to 9 years with an extension period of 3 years and Gedi’s to 9 years 6 months’.

Commenting on the sentence increase, the Solicitor General said:

This was a vicious and sustained attack which deserved a tougher punishment. I am pleased that the Court of Appeal has today agreed with my referral and increased Mr St Louis and Mr Gedi’s sentences to reflect this.

Government has confirmed today (25 May 2018) the responsibilities of John Stevenson MP as the Borderlands Deal Champion.

Mr Stevenson, who represents the Carlisle constituency, was announced as the Champion for the pioneering Borderlands Growth Deal earlier this month by the Prime Minister. He will be the Champion for the English Borderlands councils, working with UK government and local partners to help progress the Deal towards agreement.

The Growth Deal represents a unique opportunity for 5 local councils in the Borderlands region to work with UK government, Scottish government and the private sector to spur investment and drive forward growth across the whole region.

Deal negotiations were started in January 2018 by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon David Mundell MP, and the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry MP.

Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry, said:

John Stevenson will be a strong voice for a Growth Deal which will supercharge growth, boost tourism and create new economic opportunities for communities across the region.

I look forward to working with him and our local partners on agreeing a deal which delivers for the people of the region while further enhancing the burgeoning economy of the Northern Powerhouse.

John Stevenson MP said:

I am delighted to be appointed as the government Borderlands Champion. This is an exciting opportunity for the region and I look forward to working with all parties to help to improve the economic performance of our region.

As part of the role, Mr Stevenson will:

• champion the Borderlands Growth Deal with stakeholders including local authorities, local councillors and MPs on a cross-party basis, local enterprise partnerships and local businesses
• gather intelligence on local issues and update government to help deliver this deal in a way that is locally informed
• attend events and meetings, along with local stakeholders and ministers as appropriate, to promote the Deal or projects

See a full copy of the letter sent from the Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, and Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon David Mundell MP, appointing John Stevenson MP as the Borderlands Champion.

Further information

This role will be unpaid, advisory, and will not involve decision making over government policy. Growth Deal proposals to government will continue to be led by the Borderlands local authorities.

Photo used under Creative Commons.

A Border Force operation designed to protect young holiday makers travelling to Majorca from the risks of labour exploitation launched this week.

The activity, which is supported by modern slavery charity Unseen, was prompted by Foreign Office commissioned research which found that more than 80 per cent of British prisoners on the Spanish island are former “public relations” (PR) workers – those employed to attract people into the bars and clubs they work for.

The week long awareness raising operation, which is running at airports across the UK and specifically targeting Majorca flights, warns of the dangers of undertaking unofficial PR work in the Spanish tourist destination.

Other findings from the Foreign Office research included that unofficial PR workers were often forced to work long hours, for low wages, with no contract. Accommodation was often poor and some employers confiscated passports.

During the operation Border Force officers will be speaking to young holiday makers and distributing information about the steps they should take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of labour exploitation as well as who to turn to if they needed help.

Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said:

By highlighting the issue we want to ensure that those contemplating PR work in Magaluf, many of whom are tourists tempted by the idea of an extended stay in the sunshine, do not find their summer turning into a nightmare.

Advice to people before accepting a PR role is to:

• insist on a contract setting out terms and conditions. Under Spanish law if you are working without a contract, you are working illegally
• keep your passport. Don’t accept offers from others to keep it safe
• ask to see accommodation before accepting it as part of a job package

Lloyd Milen, British Consul General in Barcelona, said:

With this operation we want to ensure young holiday makers are aware of the risks and know what to do if they have problems. Majorca is an amazing place for a holiday and will continue to be a favourite destination with young people, for its fabulous beaches and well-known nightlife, so I hope with this operation we will see fewer PR workers become consular cases this summer.

Anyone who is overseas and has their passport taken should first report it to the police. British nationals should then contact the local British Consulate for help and advice to get a replacement. In Spain the contact details are 0034 933 666 200 or info.consulate@fco.gov.uk.

Anyone feeling vulnerable about their work or finances can contact Unseen, in confidence, on 08000 121 700.

The operation supports the ongoing work of Border Force to address the issue of modern slavery and trafficking.