Tag: UK Government

AI doctors’ assistant to speed up appointments a ‘gamechanger’

Interim trial data shows revolutionary tech has dramatically reduced admin

  • Westminster Government drives forward use of innovative artificial intelligence in hospitals to improve patient care
  • New government guidance set out today will encourage its use across health service while protecting patient data and privacy 
  • Trials show dramatic reduction in admin and more time for direct patient care, as Plan for Change delivers ‘seismic shift’ in care to digital

NHS clinicians in England will be supported to use groundbreaking artificial intelligence tools that bulldoze bureaucracy and take notes to free up staff time and deliver better care to patients thanks to guidance published today.

Interim trial data shows that the revolutionary tech has dramatically reduced admin, and meant more people could be seen in A&E, clinicians could spend more time during an appointment focusing on the patient, and appointments were shorter.

Through its Plan for Change the UK government is getting the NHS back on its feet and slashing waiting lists. Guidance published today will encourage the use of these products – which use speech technologies and generative AI to convert spoken words into structured medical notes and letters – across a range of primary and secondary care settings, including hospitals and GP surgeries.

The government’s mission-led approach is driving forward the use of innovative tech and new approaches to reform the health system and improve care for patients – offering them quicker and smarter care.

One of the tools – ambient voice technologies (AVTs) – can transcribe patient-clinician conversations, create structured medical notes, and even draft patient letters.

Patient safety and privacy will be paramount. This is why the guidance will focus on data compliance and security, risk identification and assessment, while ensuring that staff are properly trained before using the technology. 

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “AI is the catalyst that will revolutionise healthcare and drive efficiencies across the NHS, as we deliver our Plan for Change and shift care from analogue to digital.

“I am determined we embrace this kind of technology, so clinicians don’t have to spend so much time pushing pens and can focus on their patients.

“This government made the difficult but necessary decision at the Budget to put a record £26 billion into our NHS and social care including cash to roll out more pioneering tech.”

The NHS England funded, London-wide AVT work, led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, has evaluated AVT capabilities across a range of clinical settings – Adult Outpatients, Primary Care, Paediatrics, Mental Health, Community care, A+E and across London Ambulance Service.

This multi-site evaluation involving over 7000 patients has demonstrated widespread benefits. Interim data shows:

  • Increase in direct care – clinicians spending more time spent with patients rather than typing on a computer
  • Increase in productivity in A&E – the technology has supported more patients to be seen in emergency departments by carrying out admin for A&E staff

At GOSH, AVTs have listened to consultations and drafted clinic notes and letters. These were then edited and authorised by the clinician before being uploaded to the secure electronic health record system and sent on to patients and their families. Clinicians agreed the AI helped them offer more attention to their patients without affecting the quality of the clinic note or letter. 

Dr Maaike Kusters, Paediatric Immunology Consultant at GOSH, says: “The patients I see in my clinics have very complex medical conditions and it’s so important to make sure I capture what we discuss in our appointments accurately, but often this means I am typing rather than looking directly at my patient and their family.

“Using the AI tool during the trial meant I could sit closer to them face-to-face and really focus on what they were sharing with me, without compromising on the quality of documentation.”

As it stands, clinicians in hospitals and GP surgeries are forced to spend much of their consultations recording information into a computer instead of focusing on the patient in front of them. 

Once the patient has left, they are often required to take that information and summarise it in documents like referral letters. The government is determined to reform these outdated ways of working and revolutionise care, and this innovative tech will do that work for them, so they can see their next patient. 

The Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre in East Hull (part of City Health Care Partnership) has introduced an ambient scribing product to make their documentation process faster and better support their work to care for people living with frailty. 

By converting a conversation with a patient into a clinical note, the ambient scribing product is freeing up time for a range of staff including GPs, consultants, nurses, and physiotherapists.

Thanks to government action, GP surgeries delivered 31.4 million appointments last month– a 6.1% increase on the previous year – and waiting lists have fallen by 219,000 patients. This technology will help consolidate this progress. 

The government is already using AI to speed up diagnosis and treatment for a range of health issues – spotting pain levels for people who can’t speak, diagnosing breast cancer quicker, and getting people discharged quicker.

Scottish Secretary increases Scottish Government borrowing powers

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has laid the ‘The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025’ which increases the Scottish Government’s borrowing limits to a cumulative total of £3 billion for capital and £629 million for resource. 

The Scottish Government’s borrowing limits (both annual and cumulative) are uprated annually in line with inflation, as set out in the Fiscal Framework. As the cumulative limits are legislated for under the Scotland Act 1998, secondary legislation is required to make the annual changes. The annual limits are non-legislative so no legislative change is required to amend these. 

Speaking after laying the Order, Mr Murray said: “I’m very pleased to have laid this Scotland Act Order which increases the Scottish Government’s cumulative borrowing limits to a total of £3.6 billion.

“The Autumn Budget provided an additional £4.9 billion for the Scottish Government, ending austerity. These borrowing powers are on top of the Scottish Government’s record funding settlement of £47.7 billion this financial year.

“We have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government, and this order is a key part of our commitment to maintain the devolution settlement.”

The Order will take effect on 30 June 2025. There will be a debate in the House of Commons before then. 

The 2023 Fiscal Framework Agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments sets out the Scottish Government’s funding arrangements, including budget management tools such as borrowing powers. 

Officials in both the UK Government and the Scottish Government worked together to deliver the Order, as they do with all Scotland Act Orders.

£1,000 retirement savings boost from plans to bring together small pension pots

Millions of people will find it easier to track their pension savings with the creation of a small pensions pot consolidator, in reforms unveiled by the pensions minister today (Thursday 24 April).

  • UK Government unveils reforms to combine small pension pots to make working people better off as part of Plan for Change
  • Move is set to boost retirement savings for the average worker by around £1000 and save businesses £225 million a year in unnecessary admin costs
  • Comes as part of Pension Schemes Bill which will drive investment in pensions industry and deliver on the government’s growth mission

This new initiative will tackle the growing problem of small, forgotten pension pots that many people accumulate as they move between employers over their working lives. There are now 13 million of these small pots, holding £1,000 or less, with the number increasing by around one million a year. 

This is a hassle for savers and can stop them getting a good return on their savings if they have to pay multiple flat rate charges. Overseeing all these small pots also costs the pensions industry around £225 million in unnecessary admin costs.  

Under reforms introduced by this government as part of the Pension Schemes Bill, each individual’s small pots will be brought together into one pension scheme that is certified as delivering good value to savers. Individuals will retain the right to opt out.

This will cut costs for savers and make it easier to keep track of their pensions while boosting living standards and make working people better off. It will also cut red tape for businesses managing the schemes and unlock economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

This announcement will reduce costs as well as hassle for savers, in time increasing the pension pot of an average earner by around £1,000 – boosting living standards and making working people better off. It will also cut red tape for businesses managing the schemes and unlock economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “It’s great news that more people are saving for their retirement. But I want to make pension saving as simple and rewarding as possible.

“There are now more small pension pots in the UK than pensioners – raising costs and hassle for workers trying to track their savings. It also costs the pensions industry hundreds of millions of pounds every year. 

“We will automatically bring together people’s small pots into one high performing pension, reducing costs as well as hassle for savers. In time this could boost the pension of an average earner by around £1,000 as part of our Plan for Change to put more money in people’s pockets.”

The announcement follows the work of the Small Pots Delivery Group. Their findings, aimed at supporting the design and implementation of the new small pots consolidator scheme, include:

  • A Small Pots Data Platform to identify and source the pension pots that could be consolidated.
  • A framework setting out the rules a scheme would need to follow to become a consolidator scheme. These would include already being in an Automatic Enrolment qualifying scheme, having a specified level of scale to manage expansion, providing good value for money for their members and providing additional protection for members from flat fee charges.
  • Safeguards for savers whose pension pots would be consolidated which include a member op-out option. 

Transforming the pension landscape through the Pension Schemes Bill, set to be introduced in Parliament later this Spring, will deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment to boost investment and returns for savers and make working people better off. 

The Bill will help over 15 million people, boost pension pots by £11,000 and spur on greater investment in productive assets. 

Zoe Alexander, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, said: “The accumulation of small pots creates unnecessary cost and complexity for savers and schemes alike. The PLSA has worked extensively with industry and the DWP to propose solutions and supports the model being proposed by the Government.

We look forward to working on delivering the recommendations of the Small Pots “Development Group and are pleased the Government is tackling this long-standing issue in the Pension Schemes Bill.”

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Which? called for the consolidation of small pots under £1,000 before the election, so we are delighted that the government is committing to doing this – a move that will provide greater value for savers and support them to keep track of their pensions. 

“Which? looks forward to working with the government to ensure the pensions system is fit for the modern age.”

Gail Izat, Workplace Managing Director at Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group said: “The number of small pots in the system is growing at a rate of knots and ultimately heightens the risk that people will lose track of their hard-earned savings. 

“The introduction of consolidators that can administer these pots effectively and invest them dynamically will be a step forward and when combined with pension dashboards will empower people to take control of their savings. We look forward to working with government on the creation of this new system.”

Free breakfast clubs roll out in England

Thousands of children to attend free breakfast clubs today, as UK government delivers its manifesto commitment and promise to working families

School mornings just got easier for families across England as 750 schools open breakfast clubs today, offering 30 minutes of free childcare, a healthy start for kids and a little more breathing room before the school bell rings.

Parents will be supported with additional time at the start of the day to attend appointments, get to work on time and run errands. In total, this means parents will be able to save up to 95 additional hours and £450 per year if their child attends free breakfast clubs every day. 

This amount rises to a saving of up to £8,000 every year when combining the free breakfast clubs with further support through the expansion of government-funded childcare and new school uniform cap on branded items.

With the cost of everyday essentials stretching budgets, these clubs will be a lifeline for working families simply trying to get by. When you’re raising a family, every penny counts and that’s why the government is stepping in to ease the pressure and put money back in parents’ pockets.

No matter the postcode or the pay packet, every child deserves the same chance to thrive. That’s the principle behind this rollout — real support for families in every corner of the country, so no one is left behind.

These clubs sit alongside action to tackle the cost of living, with inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing faster than prices and fuel duty frozen. The Labour government says that, together, they show the Plan for Change is delivering for working families.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As a parent, I know that the combined pressures of family life and work can often feel impossible to juggle. That is why our manifesto promised to make parents lives easier and put more money in their pockets with free breakfast clubs. Under a year since we came into office, this government is delivering that through our Plan for Change.

“The rollout of free breakfast clubs is a truly game-changing moment for families in this country. They mean parents will no longer be hamstrung by rigid school hours and have the breathing space they need to beat the morning rush, attend work meetings and doctors’ appointments, or run errands. And crucially, it means better life chances for children.

“By making these clubs free and universal, we’re doing something that previous governments have never done. We’re going further and faster to deliver the change working families deserve. That’s the change this government was elected to deliver.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Free breakfast clubs are a central part of our Plan for Change. At a time when there is so much pressure on families, they provide real help with the cost of living and ensure children start the day with a nutritious meal. 

“On top of the hectic school run, parents should not have to worry about how to balance work and getting their children fed and ready for school. These clubs will break down barriers and help children settle in, focus and get the most out of their learning.

“We are delivering on our promises and giving every child the best start in life while making sure families get the support they need, wherever they live.”

According to new government data, parents are also motivated to take up free breakfast clubs because of the improvements they can have on their wellbeing.

Many see them as is an opportunity to socialise with other children before school (30%) and spend more time doing the activities they enjoy (28%) – offering a supportive start to the day that leads to better behaviour, and better life chances.

The rollout delivers on the government’s manifesto promise to ensure state schools offer free breakfast clubs to all pupils; while supporting its Plan for Change milestone to ensure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn.

Victoria Taylor, mum of two children aged 5 and 7, said: “For me, free breakfast clubs provide vital support, meaning I can get into work a little easier and ensure my two kids are settled and ready to learn.

“I’m a primary school teacher, so early mornings are a must however I try to not let my busy schedule dictate the pace of mornings.

“Taking my children to breakfast clubs means I know they are fed, ready to start the day and emotionally regulated – the commitment to rollout nationally will make the world of difference for working families.”

Trade unions argue that the funding allocated to breakfast clubs just isn’t enough, while charities and campaigners say that scrapping the current two child benefit cap would make a far greater difference in tackling poverty for the poorest families.

UK fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near NATO’s eastern flank

UK fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace

UK fighter jets intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace as part of the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the region, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday (April 15) to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

Whilst on Thursday (17 April) another two Typhoons scrambled from the base, to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space and close to NATO airspace.

The intercepts mark the RAF’s first scramble as part of Operation CHESSMAN and come just weeks after the aircraft arrived in eastern Poland to begin their deployment alongside Sweden in defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank.

It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.   

Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and foundation of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Air Force is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our Plan for Change.

“This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member Sweden and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.”

The UK’s deployment of six Typhoon jets and nearly 200 personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing is the UK’s latest contribution to NATO’s air policing efforts, following successful operations in Romania and Iceland last year.

It also represents a landmark in NATO integration with RAF jets from RAF Lossiemouth operating alongside Swedish Gripens – the first time Sweden has contributed fighter aircraft to another Ally’s air policing since joining NATO in 2024.

The intercepts come after the Defence Secretary’s visit to NATO last week where he reaffirmed the UK’s unshakeable commitment to the alliance and co-led a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in which more than 50 nations pledged a total of £21 billion of support to Ukraine.

The Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK every year, which is defending our security whilst creating jobs back home.  

The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert forces, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton, remain ready to protect UK airspace around the clock, while deployed operations like Op CHESSMAN ensure that British airpower is defending the Alliance wherever it is most needed.

Homes fit for heroes: New measures to improve military family housing

Living conditions for families in military housing will be improved under a new Consumer Charter, as Defence Secretary John Healey promised to “stop the rot” in military housing

  • New Consumer Charter for families in military homes, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
  • Measures will include higher move-in standards, more reliable repairs, renovation of the worst homes, and a named housing officer for every family – all in place before the one-year anniversary of 36,000 military homes being brought back into public ownership.
  • Pledge comes alongside the announcement of an independent, expert team appointed to help deliver a rapid Defence Housing Strategy – with work already underway.

The Charter will be part of a new Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, which will set out further plans to improve the standard of service family homes across the country.

Under the Charter, basic consumer rights, from essential property information and predictable property standards, to access to a robust complaints system, will be rapidly introduced. These will be underpinned by new, published satisfaction figures, putting forces families front and centre.

The wider Defence Housing Strategy – overseen by the Defence Secretary and the Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns – will also turbocharge the development of surplus military land, creating opportunities for Armed Forces homeownership. It will further support the delivery of affordable homes for families across Britain as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

It follows the Government’s landmark deal, completed in January, to bring back 36,000 military homes into public ownership, reversing a 1996 sale described by the Public Accounts Committee as “disastrous”, and saving the taxpayer £600,000 per day by eliminating rental payments to a private company.

The announcement follows the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to deliver “homes for heroes” and means that under this government, support will be there for veterans at risk of homelessness. This included removing local connection tests for veterans seeking social housing, meaning as of November, veterans will have access to the housing support they need.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: Our Armed Forces serve with extraordinary dedication and courage to keep us safe. It is only right that they and their families live in the homes they deserve.

“For too long, military families have endured substandard housing without the basic consumer rights that any of us should expect in our homes. That must end and our new Consumer Charter will begin to stop the rot and put families at the heart of that transformation.

“We cannot turn around years of failure on forces housing overnight, but by bringing 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, we’ve already taken greater control and are working at pace to drive up standards.

“This is about providing homes fit for the heroes who serve our nation, and I’m determined to deliver the decent, affordable housing that our forces families have every right to expect.”

The new Consumer Charter will include the following commitments: 

  • A strengthened move-in standard so families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional.
  • Improved, clearer information for families ahead of a move, including photographs and floor plans of all homes when a family applies for housing.
  • More reliable repairs, including an undertaking to complete urgent repairs within a set timeline consistent with Awaab’s Law, and a new online portal for service personnel to manage repairs.
  • Raising the minimum standard of forces family housing with a new programme of works targeted at the worst homes, with up to 1,000 refurbished as a downpayment on the broader programme of renewal to be set out in the Defence Housing Strategy.
  • Better and clearer communication for families, including a named housing officer for every service family who they can contact for specific housing related queries.
  • A new, simpler complaints process that will shorten the process to two stages in line with industry best practice, so that service personnel and families have a quicker resolution, backed up by the new Armed Forces Commissioner.
  • Modernising policies to allow more freedom for families to make improvements, giving them a greater sense of pride in their homes.

These improvements will be in place by the one-year anniversary of the announcement to buy back military homes last December, with final detail to be set out in the Defence Housing Strategy following consultation with military personnel and their families.

Many of the commitments in the Charter will be achieved by driving better performance – and better value for the taxpayer – from existing suppliers of maintenance and support for service family housing.

The new standards will be underpinned by new published customer satisfaction measures and enhanced accountability so families can have confidence in the improvements being made. This will sit alongside an independently conducted stock survey, as recommended by the Kerslake review of military housing which was published last year.

The Defence Housing Strategy will be driven by an independent review team whose members have been announced today, and which will be chaired by former Member of Parliament and housing expert Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, drawing on expertise from industry and forces families.

In the meantime, the Defence Secretary and the Minister for Veterans and People have instructed the MOD to immediately plan improvements for the new Consumer Charter, as part of a short-term action plan to enhance the family homes after years of neglect.

Natalie Elphicke Ross, Chair of the Defence Housing Strategy Review said: Our pride in our armed forces must include pride in our military homes.

“Delivering better housing, boosting home ownership opportunities for service personnel and improving the experiences of service families will be at the heart of our work.”

David Brewer, Chief Operating Officer of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: We are dedicated to making changes that will bring real improvements to the lives of families living in military homes and the plans set out in the new charter are an important step towards doing this.

“The advisory team, announced today, brings together an exceptional group of individuals, who through their expertise and experience will help ensure our housing strategy maximises benefits, not just to families living in military homes, but to communities and industry more widely.”

Antony Cotton MBE said: Our Armed Forces community are the backbone of our society, so improving the standard of service family housing is essential if we are to continue to retain and recruit the soldiers, sailors and aviators that protect us selflessly, every day.

“I welcome this consumer charter as a starting point to give our military families an improved service, and homes they deserve.”

More than half a million more people in line for savings boost

  • Government’s Help to Save scheme now open to 550,000 more people to help with cost of living
  • Those saving £50 a month can expect £25 Government top-up, putting more money in people’s pockets
  • Part of Government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on Plan for Change

More than half a million more UK savers are in line for Government bonuses worth up to £25 a month to boost their cash pots and help ease rises in the cost of living, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced today.

As part of the Government’s mission to grow the economy and improve lives in every corner of the UK and to deliver its Plan for Change, Help to Save is now open to anyone working and receiving Universal Credit – rewarding 550,000 more people.

Its extension to April 2027 means more can benefit from the scheme, which has paid out millions of pounds in bonuses to more than 500,000 people since Help to Save was launched in 2018.

This is evidence of the Government backing the most vulnerable in society with 93% of savers paying in the maximum £50 every month to their Help to Save account.

In Scotland, 36,050 Help to Save savers have paid in a total of £33,584,000 into their accounts, since September 2018.

An account can be set up in less than 5 minutes and easily managed through GOV.UK or the HMRC app, making it accessible to people throughout the UK.

Savers who deposit the maximum amount of £2,400 over four years will receive a bonus totalling £1,200 into their bank accounts, with payments coming at the end of the second and final year.

Economic Secretary Emma Reynolds said: ““Security for working people is at the heart of our Plan for Change.

“We want more people to have a bit in the kitty for a rainy day, which is why we are giving hundreds of thousands more working families on tight budgets access to this support.”

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Thousands of customers have already benefitted from Help to Save and many more are now eligible to get a great return of 50% on top of their savings, no matter how little you can save each month. Go online or via the HMRC app to find out more and apply today.”

Savers can deposit between £1 and £50 each month earning an extra 50 pence for every £1 saved, with bonuses paid in the second and fourth years of the account being opened. The bonus payment applies to the highest amount saved within the period.

Nearly 18,500 people opened a Help to Save account via the HMRC app in 2024. App users have access to their savings account at their fingertips. They can view their account, check their balance and bonus details, and make a deposit via debit card, bank transfer or standing order.

Money can be withdrawn at any time, although this may affect the 50% bonus payments.

Michelle Highman, Chief Executive of The Money Charity, said: ‘We are really pleased to see the Help to Save scheme extended and made available to more people.

“It’s a brilliant way for people to start to save and to build their financial resilience and futures. Saving even just a little each month will help, and the added 50% bonus payment from the Government means that if you are eligible, then it’s a great place to boost your savings.”

Find out more about Help to Save at GOV.UK.

Victory for For Women Scotland

UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex

Tory party leader KEMI BADENOCH has welcomed the Court verdict: “Saying “trans women are women” was never true in fact and now isn’t true in law, either.

“A victory for all of the women who faced personal abuse or lost their jobs for stating the obvious. Women are women and men are men: you cannot change your biological sex.

“The era of Keir Starmer telling us that some women have penises has come to an end. Hallelujah! Well done @ForWomenScot!”

SCOTLAND’s ALBA Party has also welcomed the judgement. ALBA Women’s Convener Kirsty Fraser said: “Since our inception, the ALBA Party have been steadfast in standing up for the sex-based rights of Women and Girls across Scotland.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Supreme Court which vindicates our longstanding position on this issue.

“Now is the time for our political leaders in Scotland to reflect on their actions over recent years and recognise that the rights of women merit some attention”

ALBA Party Depute Leader, Neale Hanvey said: “The UK Supreme Court judgement has clearly established in law the boundaries between protected characteristics contained in the Equality Act making clear that Sex in the Act pertains to biological natal sex.

“This judgement will reverberate around the world thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Marion, Trina and Susan of For Women Scotland.”

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government accepts today’s Supreme Court judgement. The ruling gives clarity between two relevant pieces of legislation passed at Westminster.

“We will now engage on the implications of the ruling. Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions.”

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman responded on X: “Sending love and solidarity to trans people everywhere.

“We will always fight to protect human rights, dignity and respect for all people.

“We stand with the trans community today, tomorrow and always.”

LABOUR’S Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities, said: ” We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex.

“This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges and sports clubs.

“Single sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.”

Ms Phillipson’s remarks were followed by similar comments by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who said on X this evening: “I’ve always called for the protection of single sex spaces on the basis of biological sex.

“This judgment gives clarity to women and service users about the protections in the Equality Act. The SNP Government must provide clear guidance for Scottish public services so they can implement the Equality Act properly to uphold dignity for all.”

In fact Sarwar voted IN FAVOUR of the SNP’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. The official Scottish Parliament record shows that only two Labour MSPs – Carol Mochan and Claire Baker – voted against!

NHS Fife has issued a statement following this morning’s Supreme Court ruling: “NHS Fife notes the clarity provided by today’s Supreme Court ruling regarding the legal definition of a woman.

“We will now take time to carefully consider the judgment and its implications.”

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry MP said before the judgement was announced: “Whatever way the judgement falls three extraordinary women will well and truly have cemented their right to be remembered alongside Scotland’s great feminists like Mary Burton, Elise Inglis, and Frances Wright.“

She added later: Today’s judgment is not about rolling back trans rights. It is a victory for grass roots activism because self-funding feminist and lesbian groups have fought the might of the state and won.”

Baroness Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:

UK Government secures raw materials to save British Steel

NATIONALISATION BY ANY OTHER NAME?

The Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is pushing ahead with efforts to safeguard British Steel. Today [Tuesday 15 April] he will travel up to Immingham as the raw materials that have been waiting in the dock are unloaded and transported to the site, following the government settling payment for them.

The materials – which have arrived from the US – are enough to keep the blast furnaces running for the coming weeks, with officials continuing to work at pace to get a steady pipeline of materials to keep the fire burning.

A separate ship which contains yet more coking coal is on the way to the UK from Australia. This cargo was the subject of a legal dispute between British Steel and Jingye over the weekend that has now been resolved. The materials have been paid for using existing DBT budgets.

New legislation passed last weekend, in an unprecedented move, gives Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnaces running. It also permits the Government to do these things itself if needed. 

The government acted to protect 37,000 jobs in supply chains and ensure we can build the infrastructure needed to deliver growth which is fundamental to the Plan for Change.

On Monday, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed the appointment of Allan Bell as interim Chief Executive Officer, and Lisa Coulson as interim Chief Commercial Officer, both with immediate effect – ensuring the right expertise is in place to keep the site running smoothly.

After intensive work over the weekend, the government has secured coke and iron ore pellets for the blast furnaces and is confident there will be enough materials to keep the furnaces burning.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We will always act in the interest of working people and UK industry. Thanks to the work of those at British Steel, and in my department, we have moved decisively to secure the raw materials we need to help save British Steel.

“Our industries depend on UK steel and – thanks to our Plan for Change – demand is set to shoot up: helping build the 1.5 million homes, railways, schools and hospitals we need to usher in a decade of national renewal.”

Government cuts price of everyday items and summer essentials

  • Prices slashed on 89 foreign products – ranging from pasta, fruit juices and spices to plastics and gardening supplies – over next two years    
  • Cheaper imports will save businesses at least £17 million per year in a further bid to kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change  
  • Savings could be passed onto families, mixologists and amateur gardeners through lower prices on everyday items and summer essentials 
  • UK committed to economic growth, business security and lower prices through free and open trade

UK businesses and consumers could benefit from lower prices on imports of everyday essentials like spices and juices as the Government takes further action to make the UK the best place to do business and kickstart economic growth.  

In a further demonstration of the government’s commitment to free trade and responding to business need, the UK Global Tariff will be temporarily suspended on 89 products saving UK businesses up and down the country at least £17 million a year.  

The products include plywood and plastics, which are essential for construction – making life easier for chippies all over the country.

Working in partnership with industry, the government has decided to suspend import tariffs on a whole range of products to lower costs for businesses, tariffs will now be cut to zero until July 2027.    

The savings to businesses on products such as pasta, fruit juices, coconut oil and pine nuts could be passed onto consumers just in time for the summer season, meaning lower food prices in supermarkets, restaurants and pubs.  

Products including agave syrup, often used in margaritas, and plant bulbs will also see tariffs removed meaning keen cocktail-makers and amateur gardeners could enjoy lowered costs as the warmer weather approaches. 

These changes will support key growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy to compete with international rivals, supporting the Government’s Industrial Strategy with the Plan for Change.  

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Free and open trade grows economies, lowers prices and helps businesses to sell to the world, which is why we’re cutting tariffs on a range of products.  

“From food to furniture, this will reduce the cost of everyday items for businesses, with savings hopefully passed onto consumers. 

“As we face a new era of global trade, this government is going further faster to make Britain the best country to do business, delivering on our Plan for Change. These suspensions are just another example of that.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “In a changing world we know families are anxious about the cost of living, and businesses uncertain about their future. That’s why we’ve announced lower prices on imports of everyday essentials – helping businesses to thrive and pass on savings to customers.

“Through our Plan for Change we’re supporting British business and putting more money in people’s pockets.”

The UK Global Tariff applies to goods entering the UK that do not qualify for preferential treatment under, for example, a free trade agreement.     

Businesses across the UK apply for temporary suspensions on a regular basis by providing evidence of the benefits to themselves, their sector and the wider economy.  

CBI Europe and International Director Sean McGuire: “In the face of an uncertain and unpredictable global trading environment, government should be commended for suspending import duties on an array of products.

Measures like these will be important for reducing the financial pressures on firms and help to drive growth for businesses of all sizes across the country.

The UK has already reduced tariffs on certain imported goods, benefitting British consumers with better choice, quality and prices on products like fruit juices from Peru and vacuum cleaners from Malaysia.   

The Government is going further and faster in negotiating trade deals with partners including India, the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and Switzerland which will unlock new opportunities for businesses, support jobs, and boost wages.    

These measures come as the government acts swiftly to protect UK businesses and workers in a new era of global trade, through increasing flexibility on the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, cutting the red tape and bureaucracy that slows down clinical trials in the life sciences sector, investing up to £600 million in a new Health Data Research Service and backing a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.