UK Government – Page 164 – The NEN

Coronavirus: Business as Usual … for now

CORONAVIRUS ACTION PLAN PUBLISHED

The Scottish Government, Welsh Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and the UK Government have today jointly published an Action Plan setting out a collective approach to the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Scottish Government has also published additional Scotland-specific guidance on its resilience and response arrangements, which provides further detail on how the response will be delivered and coordinated if there is a sustained epidemic.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland are well-prepared to deal with a coronavirus outbreak. As well as the four nations’ Action Plan published today, we have also published tailored guidance for Scotland’s unique landscape.

“The Action Plan and the detail of our additional resilience arrangements for Scotland set out very clearly what we know so far about coronavirus, the different phases of managing an infection of this nature, what each phase means and the actions that have been or could potentially be taken at each stage.

“Much of this planning is based on reasonable worst case scenarios which will be refined as our understanding of the virus develops, but it is vital that we are well equipped to deal with all possibilities as this outbreak grows globally.

“We will continue to work closely with the UK Government, Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive as part of a coordinated response to this virus.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind and health boards and social care services plan and prepare for a range of emergencies in order to minimise disruption as far as possible.

“We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and follow the highest safety standard possible to protect health and social care staff, patients and the public.

“The NHS has been specifically preparing for the possibility of further spread of coronavirus since it was first detected in Wuhan and today’s planning information outlines the processes and protections in place to ensure a coordinated response to this outbreak.”

Scottish Conservative shadow health spokesman Miles Briggs MSP said: “Understandably many people in Lothian are deeply concerned about whether the Scottish NHS will be able to cope with the extreme demands that the Coronavirus will place on it.

“Over the last six years we have seen a significant reduction in hospital beds with the loss of hundreds of acute hospital beds over a six year period.

“The worst case scenario outlined by SNP Ministers and the Chief Medical Officer suggests a high number of vulnerable patients will require hospitalisation. The SNP must therefore consider the worst case scenario and recommission NHS beds across the hospital estate urgently.

“It is the responsibility of all of us regardless of politics to make sure that guidance is followed to help protect individuals and families and to provide advice and assistance especially to the most vulnerable in our society.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the press this morning:

Good morning and thank you for coming along, and I am very glad to be joined this morning by the government’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor.

Today we have published the Coronavirus Action Plan setting out how all four parts of the UK will take all necessary and reasonable steps to tackle this outbreak.

The plan has four strands. Containing the virus, delaying its spread, researching its origins and cure, and finally mitigating the impact should the virus become more widespread. That is, contain, delay, research, mitigate.

And let me be absolutely clear that for the overwhelming majority of people who contract the virus, this will be a mild disease from which they will speedily and fully recover as we’ve already seen.

But I fully understand public concern, your concern, about the global spread of this virus. And it is highly likely that we will see a growing number of UK cases.

And that’s why keeping the country safe is the government’s overriding priority. And our plan means we’re committed to doing everything possible based on the advice of our world leading scientific experts to prepare for all eventualities.

Let’s not forget – we already have a fantastic NHS, fantastic testing systems and fantastic surveillance of the spread of disease.

We will make sure the NHS gets all the support it needs to continue their brilliant response to the virus so far.

The plan does not set out what the government will do, it sets out the steps we could take at the right time along the basis of the scientific advice.

Our country remains extremely well prepared, as it has been since the outbreak began in Wuhan several months ago.

Finally, crucially, we must not forget what we can all do to fight this virus, which is to wash our hands, you knew I was going to say this, but wash our hands with soap and water. And forgive me for repeating this but there will be people who will be tuning into this for the first time: wash your hands with soap and hot water for the length of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.

It’s simple advice but it’s the single most important thing we can do, as I think our experts would attest.

But at this stage, and with the exception of all of the points I have just mentioned, I want to stress that for the vast majority of the people of this country, we should be going about our business as usual.

Coronavirus_action_plan_-_a_guide_to_what_you_can_expect_across_the_UK

Cash for Sea Rescue Heroes

Five Scottish sea rescue charities are to share part of a £1 million UK Government funding boost.

Inshore rescue services in Port William, Moray, Loch Lomond, Nith and East Sutherland will receive awards totalling £125k to support their life-saving work.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Douglas Ross said: “This UK Government funding boost is great news for our search and rescue teams who provide an invaluable service to their communities.

“The latest round of our Rescue Boat Grant fund is part of our ongoing support to those brave volunteers carrying out their lifesaving work.”

The £1m grant pot is the latest round of the UK Government’s Department for Transport Rescue Boat Grant Fund. Since launching in 2014, the Rescue Grant Boat Fund has provided £5.7 million to 104 charities around the UK.

Moray Inshore Rescue will use their funding to purchase much-needed dry suits and a launch tractor to improve their response to calls for help.

The volunteer teams from Port William, Loch Lomond, East Sutherland and Nith will use the funding to repair and replace equipment, ensuring the rescue teams can respond to situations quicker and more safely.

In all, fifty charities will receive funding for essential search and rescue equipment, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced last week.

From rescuing people stranded by raging floodwaters to helping locate high risk missing persons, search and rescue teams across the UK carry out lifesaving work every day.

One of the charities to receive money is Berkshire Lowland Rescue, the oldest Lowland Search and Rescue team in the UK. The charity will receive over £38,000 for vital equipment including a thermal imaging camera – to aid their efforts in recovering missing persons.

Other volunteer teams around the UK including Freshwater Independent Lifeboat on the Isle of Wight, and Maryport Inshore Rescue in Cumbria, have been given funding for new lifeboats – ensuring rescue teams can respond to situations quicker and more safely.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Our rescue boat teams carry out vital work to keep our rivers, lakes and inshore areas safe.

“These inspirational charities and their dedicated volunteers save lives every day, and this additional funding will ensure that they have the craft, equipment, and resources to provide these services year-round.”

Rob Jackson from Berkshire Lowland Rescue said: “This funding will help us immensely. We will now be able to purchase game changing equipment like thermal imaging cameras and a brand new vehicle – helping us to carry vital equipment and people to incidents and support our emergency services in searches for missing people.

“As a charity which relies solely on donations, this grant means that we as volunteers can support communities and make a difference to other people’s lives.”

Bolton Mountain Rescue is another team to benefit from funding this year. The volunteers have been given more than £29,500 to boost their ability to search for missing people in water and evacuate flooded properties.

Steve Fletcher from Bolton Mountain Rescue said: “We are delighted to receive this significant grant support from the Department for Transport. The money we receive will help us purchase a new water incident support vehicle and boat trailer improving our ability to deploy and support our community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Since launching in 2014, the Rescue Boat Grant Fund has provided £5.7 million to 104 charities around the UK.

We need to talk!

CALL FOR MEETING ON IMMIGRATION PROPOSALS

Following the UK Government’s new immigration proposals, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has offered to lead a delegation from the Scottish business community in a meeting at Downing Street.

The First Minister has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson inviting him to meet representatives from key sectors in Scotland to discuss how to ‘prevent serious and lasting harm to Scotland’s economy’.

In the letter, she highlights a number of industries that will be significantly affected by the new immigration policies including the social care sector, food and drink industry and construction sector.

The full text of the letter reads:

Dear Boris

The immigration policy announced by your government this week has caused concern in many sectors across Scotland’s economy. More than half of all roles in Scotland would not meet the salary threshold you have set, rising to as many as 90% in our vital social care sector.

Many other sectors of the economy are clear that the plan to end free movement and introduce this new system in its place has not been designed with the interests of Scotland in mind, including the production and processing sectors underpinning Scotland’s world-class food and drink industry, the construction sector delivering on investments in housing and infrastructure, and the tourism and hospitality sectors that make Scotland one of the best places in the world to visit.

The proposals the Scottish Government put forward last month were intended to provide a basis for discussion on how the UK immigration system could meet Scotland’s needs: a tailored approach for Scotland through a Scottish Visa; a targeted way to encourage migration to remote and rural communities, recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee; and suggestions for reform to UK-wide routes for migration. The Scottish Government’s position has attracted broad support from business, trade unions, third sector, local government and academic experts

An immigration system which truly delivers for the whole of the UK also needs to deliver for Scotland. My government has been in contact with representatives of key sectors of Scotland’s economy who would like to join me in a meeting with you, in Downing Street, to discuss the impact your new policy and the changes we believe should be made in order to prevent serious and lasting harm to Scotland’s economy and services as a result of your migration policy.

I look forward to your swift response, and to meeting with you alongside representative voices from across Scotland’s economy.

NICOLA STURGEON

PM announces plans to mark VE Day 75

Hundreds of veterans will take part in commemorations across the UK to mark 75 years since VE Day
Churchill’s famous victory speech will be broadcast across the country
The Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will perform a fly past over Buckingham Palace
Veterans encouraged to register for The Royal British Legion’s programme of events

On 8 May a day-long series of events will take place across the UK to commemorate the Allied Victory in Europe and give thanks to the Second World War generation and the sacrifices they made securing peace across the continent.

The Prime Minister is also backing The Royal British Legion’s search for those from the Second World War generation who will take centre stage at the commemorations in London, culminating in a procession down the Mall.

Applications are now open for veterans from the UK, Allied Forces and the Commonwealth, descendants, child evacuees and all those who contributed to the war effort – including those who served on the Home Front and in the emergency services – to take part in the events that will celebrate and give thanks for their role.

Other events include a Service of Remembrance and parade in Cardiff, a Veterans’ parade and concert in Edinburgh, and the opportunity for street parties to take place in cities, towns and villages across the country, recreating the national outpouring of thanksgiving that took place 75 years ago.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The 75th anniversary of VE Day marks a historic moment for our great country to come together and reflect on the heroes of the Second World War.

“No one will ever forget what they sacrificed in defending our freedom and securing peace across Europe, and we will continue to honour those who contributed at home and abroad.

“This programme of events gives the whole nation a chance to thank all those involved for everything they did – both for those alive today, and for future generations.

“And by commemorating these moments, we can remember and remind ourselves of the fragility of peace, and the need for us all to collectively uphold this.”

Commemorations will begin at Westminster Abbey with a Service of Thanksgiving attended by hundreds of veterans and representatives of the Second World War generation.

At 3pm, an extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech will be broadcast in public spaces across the UK recreating the iconic moment the Prime Minister announced the end of the war. This will be part of Imperial War Museums’ Voices of War, which includes a series of personal testimonies of people who experienced VE Day taken from the museums’ sound archive.

Second World War veterans and individuals that contributed to the war effort will then take part in a procession down the Mall. Events will conclude in a fly past that will include the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and other modern aircraft, followed by a tea party for veterans in St James’s Park.

Throughout the weekend, part of St James’s Park will be turned into ‘Victory Park’ where veterans and the public can experience themed events based on life in the UK during the Second World War. A nearby ‘Military Village,’ also situated in St James’s Park, will provide an opportunity for the public to meet serving military personnel who will be there with a display of modern military equipment.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The VE Day anniversary events will allow the nation to come together and celebrate the greatest generation which saved our nation from tyranny.

“Our nationwide programme will tell the stories of those who served in the Second World War at home and abroad, and honour their memories as we reflect on 75 years since the Allies restored peace in Europe”.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Members of the Armed Forces will be honoured to lead the nation in marking the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe in May.

“I hope as many veterans as possible can take their rightful place at the heart of the commemorations in London. We will always remember the selflessness and sacrifice of those who served at home and overseas, both in Europe and further afield, and pay our respects to those who gave their lives.

“The anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day this year will commemorate the end of the war and remind us of the heavy price paid for peace”.

Catherine Davies, Head of Remembrance for The Royal British Legion said: “To mark the anniversary of VE Day this year, the Legion is calling on communities across the UK to come together to honour the Second World War generation and recognise the scale of service and sacrifice made by those both at home and overseas.

“We are inviting all those who contributed to victory in Europe who wish to attend these special commemorations to enter the ballot. In addition to events taking place in London it is equally as important for communities of all types across the UK to come together locally and put our Second World War generation at the heart of your events in recognition of their incredible achievements”.

Last year the UK Government announced the early May Bank Holiday would be moved to Friday 8 May so the public can take part in the nationwide commemorations and recreate the moment 75 years ago when the nation stopped to celebrate Victory in Europe.

In addition to a Bank Holiday, pub licensing hours will be extended until 1am on both Friday 8 May and Saturday 9 May 2020.

In the coming weeks the Government will announce major plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, 15th August, which marked Victory Over Japan and the final end of the Second World War.

Veterans of the Far East campaign will be at the heart of the commemorations as the nation thanks them for their service and sacrifice. Events will also pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and the Commonwealth who fought and died in the war against Japan, including all those who were held as prisoners of war by the Japanese.

A consultation will also be launched tomorrow (24 February) on extending licensing hours to mark the anniversary of VJ Day.

Blue passports return next month

Britons will be able to travel with a blue passport when the traditional colour returns for the first time in almost 30 years.

The distinctive blue cover will be re-introduced now the UK has left the EU, and will replace burgundy passports which were gradually rolled out from 1988.

The first new passports will be issued and delivered early next month. Full introduction will be phased in and from mid-2020 all new passports will be blue.

The colour is not the only change, in a first for the British passport, the back cover will also carry its own symbolic design – the floral emblems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales embossed.

The blue passport will also be the greenest British passport ever. The carbon footprint produced through manufacture will be reduced to net zero, through projects such as planting trees.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Leaving the European Union gave us a unique opportunity to restore our national identity and forge a new path in the world.

“By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one.”

The new passport will also be the most technologically advanced British passport ever, with a raft of new and updated security features, including a hard-wearing, super-strength polycarbonate data page, which contains innovative technologies embedded into the document, to keep personal data secure.

It also includes the latest and most secure printing and design techniques, which means it offers better protection against identity theft and fraud and will be even harder to forge.

The blue cover is a return to the original appearance of the British passport, with the colour first used in 1921.

It remained the colour of choice until the UK joined the EU when a change to burgundy was agreed and adopted.

All British passports will continue to be personalised with the holder’s personal details and photograph in the United Kingdom, ensuring no personal data leaves the country.

Standard passports will continue to contain 34 pages. Frequent traveller ‘Jumbo’ passports will now contain 54 pages.

Those with valid, burgundy passports can continue to use their passport for travel until it expires.

Rejoice … !

Immigration proposals ‘an insult to Scotland’

Home Secretary Priti Patel has launched a new points-based immigration system which will ‘open up the UK to the brightest and the best from around the world’ – but the Scottish Government says the plans completely disregard Scotland’s needs.

The new system, which takes effect from 1 January 2021, will ‘end free movement, reassert control of our borders and restore public trust’.

It will assign points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries or professions and visas will only be awarded to those who gain enough points.

The government says it has listened to the clear message from the 2016 referendum and the 2019 General Election and will end the reliance on cheap, low-skilled labour coming into the country.

Overall levels of migration will be reduced, with tighter security and a better experience for those coming to the UK.

The new single global system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally. It will give top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, engineers and academics.

The global talent scheme will also be opened up to EU citizens which will allow highly-skilled scientists and researchers to come to the UK without a job offer.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Today is a historic moment for the whole country. We’re ending free movement, taking back control of our borders and delivering on the people’s priorities by introducing a new UK points-based immigration system, which will bring overall migration numbers down.

“We will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe, boosting the economy and our communities, and unleash this country’s full potential.”

The UK government says the points threshold will be carefully set to attract the talent the UK needs.

Skilled workers will need to meet a number of relevant criteria, including specific skills and the ability to speak English, to be able to work in the UK. All applicants will be required to have a job offer and, in line with the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) recommendations, the minimum salary threshold will be set at £25,600.

The new points-based system will also expand the skills threshold for skilled workers. Those looking to live and work in the UK will now need to be qualified up to A level or equivalent, rather than degree level under the current system. This will provide greater flexibility and ensure UK business has access to a wide pool of skilled workers.

In line with the government’s manifesto commitment there will be no specific route for low-skilled workers. It is estimated 70% of the existing EU workforce would not meet the requirements of the skilled worker route, which will help to bring overall numbers down in future.

Professor Alice Gast, President of Imperial College London, said: “British science is global. The new post-study work and global talent visas will help us to attract the world’s brightest students and researchers, wherever they come from.

“From the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine to clean energy, British science’s international collaborations drive innovation and excellence.”

Student visa routes will also be points-based and be opened up to EU citizens, ensuring talent from around the globe has access to the UK’s world-class universities. Those wishing to study in the UK will need to demonstrate that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, that they can support themselves financially and that they speak English.

In addition, the seasonal workers pilot will also be expanded in time for the 2020 harvest from 2,500 to 10,000 places, responding to the specific temporary requirements of the agricultural sector.

EU citizens and other non-visa nationals will not require a visa to enter the UK when visiting the UK for up to 6 months. However, the use of national identity cards will be phased out for travel to the UK and the Home Office will set out our plans in due course.

Those EU citizens resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 can still apply to settle in the UK through the EU Settlement Scheme until June 2021.

While the points-based immigration system may be welcomed by some, the Scottish Government has lambasted the proposals.

Migration Minister Ben Macpherson said: “The UK Government’s immigration proposals are an insult to Scotland – they completely disregard the needs of our employers, our public services and our communities.

“There is a clear need for a fundamentally different approach to migration policy to reflect Scotland’s distinct demographic and geographical needs. The UK Government promised a system that would deliver for all of the UK including Scotland yet these proposals do not reflect the clear evidence from employers, local authorities, universities and experts about their needs. Indeed there is not a single reference to Scotland in the document.

“Telling employers that they will just need to adjust will be deeply concerning to our agriculture sector; to our care sector; and to our transport sector. We need an evidence based approach to immigration policy which reflects the needs of our economy and has been developed through engagement with employers and communities.

“The Scottish Government put forward a clear, workable proposal of devolving immigration powers by introducing a Scottish Visa, which would allow Scotland to attract and retain people with the skills and attributes we need for our communities and economy to flourish.

“Our proposals have widespread support across the business and third sector communities in Scotland, and it is time the UK Government listened to those voices, instead of ploughing ahead with their deeply damaging proposals which will devastate the Scottish economy and our future prosperity.”

DEVASTATE the Scottish economy? NOT SO, argues Douglas Ross, the UK Government’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland.

“We will build an open, outward-looking United Kingdom – a nation which draws on a global pool of talent and expertise, and values a person’s skills more than what country they come from.

“The new system announced today will make sure our economy attracts and retains the best talent from around the world, welcoming people to Scotland and the whole UK based on how they can help grow our country.

“For our Universities and high-tech sectors, this will open the door to more skilled staff. We have also recently confirmed a new graduate route which will allow international students to stay in the UK for two years after they finish studying. It will make the UK’s offer even more competitive and make it easier for international students to secure skilled jobs in the UK.

“The new system will also reduce the salary threshold, which is again good news for Scotland. As an MP for a rural constituency I know there are challenges that communities in rural Scotland are facing, particularly the reliance on low-skilled and seasonal migrants. Although remote areas are not unique to us in Scotland.

“To further support this sector, we are quadrupling the Seasonal Workers scheme for agriculture from 2,500 to 10,000 places which is important for our vital agricultural sector. Expanding this pilot will help us assess and inform future decisions of our immigration system.

“But we also need to consider why people leave these areas which is more important than bolstering local communities with uncontrolled migration. The Scottish Government has significant devolved tools at its disposal to attract people to parts of Scotland and we encourage them to start delivering on this.

“The Scottish Government have been campaigning for a different immigration system that goes against the recommendations of the independent and impartial Migration Advisory Committee. Applying different immigration rules to different parts of the UK would create additional burdens for business – and build borders within the UK.

“Our points-based immigration system will deliver what businesses in Scotland have asked for and work in the interests of the whole of the United Kingdom.

“What we need to do now is continue to work, with the Scottish Government, to ensure Scotland is an attractive destination for workers from around the world, so that we continue to build our economy.”

THINK! campaign calls on young men to step in and stop their mates from drink driving

UK Government research has revealed that a third of people don’t think it’s important to intervene if someone they know is planning to drink and drive.

While the majority agreed that drink driving is unacceptable, only 64% said it was important to step in to stop a friend drink driving. That number drops to 45% for young males.

Figures show that 60 young drivers aged 17-24 are killed or injured each month in the UK while found to be driving over the legal alcohol limit, and young males are over represented in alcohol related deaths and serious injuries on the road.

To address this problem, THINK! has launched a campaign calling on young men to intervene and ‘Pint Block’ their mates. The campaign uses social and online video, and messaging in pubs, bars and sports clubs, to bring the message to life through a series of humorous and surreal interventions. This follows a move in recent years to focus THINK! activity on young men aged 17-24, who are 4 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the road than drivers aged 25 or over.

To launch Pint Block, THINK! has commissioned 60 unique Pint Block illustrations by young artists from across the country – one for each of the 60 young drivers killed or seriously injured when found to be driving over the limit every month in the UK. The Pint Blocks, which involve everything from Mexican waves to mosh pits, are a tongue-in-cheek way to spread the message that it’s okay, and indeed important, to step in and stop a friend from drinking alcohol if they are intending to drive.

The illustrations will be showcased at an exclusive THINK! pub takeover in Birmingham on 18 February where, for one night only, pub-goers will be introduced to the concept of Pint Blocking in highly original ways, with zero alcohol drinks provided by Heineken.

A mate doesn’t let a mate drink and drive

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Those who drink drive put both themselves and others at risk. While there has been a long-term reduction in drink driving since 1979, we are determined to reduce this number even further.

“Our THINK! Pint Block campaign is about empowering young men to step in and stop their mates drink driving, but it also carries a message for all of us that it’s important to intervene if someone we know is planning to drink and drive.”

Liz Brooker MBE, Chair of Road Safety Great Britain, said: “Road Safety Great Britain fully supports the THINK! Pint Block campaign. Someone who gets in their car after drinking is a risk to themselves, and all others on the road, including their friends.

“This campaign highlights the role everyone has to play in reducing the number of people who drink drive, using the power of friendship to encourage safer driving and the need to protect those we care about.”

Angela Appleton, Senior Brand Manager Heineken Low and No Alcohol, said: “We are committed to backing initiatives like THINK!’s new Pint Block campaign and ensuring that anyone who is planning to drive does not drink any alcohol.

“Friends have a key role to play here, watching out for each other and making sure designated drivers always stay on the soft and zero % drinks for the evening.”

Pint Block builds on THINK’s award-winning Mates Matter campaign which saw the biggest shift in more than a decade in young men’s attitudes towards drink-driving.

The campaign is being rolled out with the support of partners including the County FA through its grassroots football clubs, Heineken Zero, Drinkaware and insurethebox which specialises in black box insurance for young drivers.

The campaign was created in collaboration with marketing agency VMLY&R.

“Enough Is Enough”

ministers act swiftly after second terror attack in as many months
around 50 jailed extremists will see their automatic release blocked
no terrorist offender released before the end of their sentence unless the Parole Board agrees

Emergency legislation introduced in the Westminster Parliament today will end the automatic early release of terrorist offenders, as the government takes decisive action to protect the public and keep our streets safe.

The urgent laws, unveiled by Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC MP, will ensure terrorist offenders cannot be released before the end of their sentence without a thorough risk assessment by the Parole Board – with those considered still a threat to public safety forced to spend the rest of their time in prison.

The new rules will apply to offenders sentenced for crimes such as training for terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation, and the dissemination of terrorist publications.

The Bill will cover England & Wales, and Scotland and the government’s Counter-Terrorism Sentencing Bill will apply UK-wide.

The move will end the current automatic half-way release for offenders who receive standard determinate sentences. Instead, they will be forced to spend a minimum of two-thirds of their term behind bars before being referred to the Parole Board for consideration.

It will mean around 50 terrorist prisoners already serving affected sentences will see their automatic release halted.

Justice Secretary & Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, said: “No dangerous terrorist should be released automatically only to go on to kill and maim innocent people on our streets.

“Enough is enough. This government will do whatever it takes to keep the public safe, including making sure no terror offender is released early without a thorough risk assessment by the Parole Board.

“And we are not stopping there. We are stepping-up deradicalisation measures in our prisons, introducing a 14-year minimum for the worst terrorist offenders, and giving more money to the police to deal with these horrific crimes.”

In addition to the Bill the government will ensure that when a terrorist offender is released they will be subject to robust safeguards, which could include notification requirements, restrictions on travel and communications, and imposed curfews.

The Bill is expected to be debated in Parliament as a matter of urgency, receiving Royal Assent by the end of February. It delivers on the government’s commitments following the senseless attack in Streatham last week, with ministers acting swiftly to prevent another terrorist being released early.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Recent months have been a stark reminder of the threat we continue to face from terrorism.

“We are determined to ensure that dangerous terrorists are not free to spread their hateful ideologies or harm the public.

“We are already boosting funding for counter-terrorism police and victims of terrorism and this legislation will ensure terrorist offenders are not released early unless there has been a full assessment of the risks.”

Most serious terror offences already attract extended sentences, which require an offender to be referred to the Parole Board before they can be considered for release before the end of their sentence. The worst cases receive life sentences and may never be released.

However, those who serve what is known as ‘standard determinate sentences’ are released automatically at the half-way point. This means that authorities are powerless to prevent a release – even if an offender continues to display concerning behaviour.

The emergency legislation will prevent that from happening and make sure terrorist offenders are assessed by the Parole Board, who have the powers and expertise to examine sensitive evidence about the specific risks that terrorists pose to public safety.

Today’s announcement builds on recent action by ministers to strengthen the response to terrorism following the Fishmongers’ Hall attack in London Bridge. This includes plans for a new Counter Terrorism Sentencing Bill to be introduced in the coming months which will:

Introduce tougher sentences for the most serious terrorist offenders and a 14-year minimum for the worst terrorist offenders.
Remove the possibility of any early release from custody for serious dangerous terrorist offenders who receive an Extended Determinate Sentence (EDS).
Introduce measures to strengthen licence supervision for terrorist offenders, with longer periods on licence following release.
Introduce Polygraph testing for terrorist offenders on licence.

And finally, the Westminster government will review whether the current maximum penalties and sentencing framework for terrorist offences is indeed sufficient or comprehensive on the underlying principle that terrorist offenders should no longer be released until the Parole Board is satisfied that they are no longer a risk to the public.

Coronavirus: public information campaign launched

A UK-wide public information campaign has been launched to advise the public on how to slow the spread of coronavirus and reduce the impact on NHS services.

The government-funded campaign will include public health advice on how people can protect themselves from infection.

Similar to the ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ campaign used for flu and norovirus, it will promote important hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses.

HM Government and NHS-branded information will appear in radio and print media, as well as social media.

The campaign will advise the public to:

always carry tissues and use them to catch coughs and sneezes, and bin the tissue
wash hands with soap and water, or use sanitiser gel, to kill germs

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Our highly trained and experienced clinicians are working round the clock to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the UK. The government has detailed plans for how to deal with an outbreak like this. We can all play our part.

“Basic hygiene such as washing our hands regularly and using tissues when we cough and sneeze can play an important role in minimising the spread of viruses like this. Today we have launched a UK-wide public information campaign to help the public protect themselves and each other.

“Our world-class NHS is well prepared and we are doing everything we can to protect the public.”

Coronavirus public information video

People who have travelled back from the Hubei province in China within the last 14 days are being asked to:

stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu
call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the city
if you are in Northern Ireland, call your GP

Anyone who has travelled from anywhere else in China (not including Macao or Hong Kong) to the UK in the last 14 days and develops symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath should immediately self-isolate, even if symptoms are minor, and call NHS 111.

The UK is extremely well prepared for any potential outbreak of an infectious disease – we are one of the first countries in the world to have developed a test for the new virus.

On Friday 31 January 2020, 2 patients in England, who are members of the same family, tested positive for coronavirus. They are receiving specialist NHS care and we are using tried and tested infection control procedures to prevent further spread of the virus.

The government is already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had to prevent further spread, and are in close contact with the World Health Organization and the international community as the outbreak in China develops to ensure the UK is ready for all eventualities.

Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough or difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

For further information on coronavirus, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

UPDATE

The UK Government has pledged £20 million to develop new vaccines to combat the world’s deadliest diseases, amid concerns over the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak in China.

When visiting the Public Health England’s Porton Down laboratory last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the UK will ramp up efforts to fund ground-breaking research into vaccines, diagnostics and cures to fight against the threat of future viruses.

The new funding will support work developing new vaccines for epidemics, including their three new programmes to develop vaccines against the novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV. These projects aim to advance 2019-nCoV vaccine candidates into clinical testing as quickly as possible.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Vaccines are our best defense against a host of deadly diseases, including coronavirus. The UK is a hub of world-leading and pioneering research, and it is vital that we lead the way in developing new vaccines to target global threats with scientists from across the world.

“The £20 million announced today will help our globally recognised vaccine development capabilities continue to develop new defences against emerging diseases including coronavirus. It’s paramount we invest in vital research about infectious diseases, keeping the UK at the forefront of modern-day science so we can share this knowledge globally.”

The £20m in new funding will go to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) – an innovative global partnership between public, private, philanthropic, and civil society organisations launched in Davos in 2017 to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics.

CEPI was originally formed in response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said: CEPI welcomes the UK’s continued support and funding for our vital work, which comes at a crucial moment as the world races to respond to the emergence of a novel coronavirus. The rapid global spread and unique epidemiological characteristics of the virus are deeply concerning.

“Our hope is that, with our partners, we can get an investigational vaccine from gene sequencing of the pathogen through to clinical testing in 16 weeks. The earliest stage of clinical trials (Phase I), to establish the safety of investigational vaccines, would take around two to four months.

“This is an extremely ambitious timeline – indeed, it would be unprecedented in the of field vaccine development. It is important to remember that even if we are successful – and there can be no guarantee – there will be further challenges to navigate before we can make vaccines more broadly available.”

The Government is also in initial stages of talks between NIHR and UKRI regarding plans to run a rapid research call to support the global response to 2019-nCoV.

Brexit Day: Prime Minister addresses the nation

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation last night as the UK finally left the European Union:

Tonight we are leaving the European Union

For many people this is an astonishing moment of hope, a moment they thought would never come

And there are many of course who feel a sense of anxiety and loss

And then of course there is a third group – perhaps the biggest – who had started to worry that the whole political wrangle would never come to an end

I understand all those feelings, and our job as the government – my job – is to bring this country together now and take us forward

And the most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end but a beginning

This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act in our great national drama

And yes it is partly about using these new powers – this recaptured sovereignty – to deliver the changes people voted for

Whether that is by controlling immigration or creating freeports or liberating our fishing industry or doing free trade deals

Or simply making our laws and rules for the benefit of the people of this country

And of course I think that is the right and healthy and democratic thing to do

Because for all its strengths and for all its admirable qualities, the EU has evolved over 50 years in a direction that no longer suits this country

And that is a judgment that you, the people, have now confirmed at the polls

Not once but twice

And yet this moment is far bigger than that

It is not just about some legal extrication

It is potentially a moment of real national renewal and change

This is the dawn of a new era in which we no longer accept that your life chances – your family’s life chances – should depend on which part of the country you grow up in

This is the moment when we really begin to unite and level up

Defeating crime, transforming our NHS, and with better education, with superb technology

And with the biggest revival of our infrastructure since the Victorians

We will spread hope and opportunity to every part of the UK

And if we can get this right I believe that with every month that goes by we will grow in confidence not just at home but abroad

And in our diplomacy, in our fight against climate change,

In our campaigns for human rights or female education or free trade we will rediscover muscles that we have not used for decades

The power of independent thought and action

Not because we want to detract from anything done by our EU friends – of course not

We want this to be the beginning of a new era of friendly cooperation

Between the EU and an energetic Britain.

A Britain that is simultaneously a great European power

And truly global in our range and ambitions

And when I look at this country’s incredible assets

Our scientists, our engineers, our world-leading universities, our armed forces

When I look at the potential of this country waiting to be unleashed

I know that we can turn this opportunity into a stunning success

And whatever the bumps in the road ahead

I know that we will succeed

We have obeyed the people

We have taken back the tools of self-government

Now is the time to use those tools to unleash the full potential of this brilliant country and to make better the lives of everyone in every corner of our United Kingdom.