LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Independent Public Advocate, established by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, will be a new statutory office with a permanent Standing Advocate to support victims of major incidents. The Standing Advocate will ensure victims of major incidents understand their rights and can access vital emotional and practical support from the outset. The IPA can also advise the government on the type of review that should...
LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Cindy Butts named as Government's preferred candidate for Independent Public Advocate * Role will ensure victims of major incidents better supported and heard * Delivering justice for victims vital to Government's Plan for Change Ms Butts has a comprehensive track record of supporting victims and working with vulnerable people - specialising in putting their needs first. Having dedicated her career to public s...
LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: National security will be bolstered as the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme launches today, one of the foundations of the government's Plan for Change. This landmark measure introduces an unprecedented enhanced tier, protecting our economy and society from covert activities by Iran and Russia. It also introduces a new layer of accountability around political influencing activity shedding light on attempts by...
LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: With the support of Word 4 Weapons and FazAmnesty, young people will be able to anonymously hand in any weapons to surrender bins or a purpose-built and fully secure van, across London, Greater Manchester and West Midlands - the 3 highest areas for knife crime in England. Part of the government's most ambitious surrender scheme yet and Plan for Change, the 37 new amnesty bins and the locations of the mobile surre...
LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Statement from the interim Biometrics Commissioner, Francesca Whitelaw KC: I am delighted to have been appointed the interim Biometrics Commissioner, while the government progressesthe appointment of a permanent Commissioner. My focus will be to consider police applications to retain, exceptionally,DNA and fingerprints under s63G of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, and under National Security Determinations...
LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The role of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner has been vacant since August 2024. The government is actively recruiting the next permanent Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, through open competition. While this campaign is ongoing, the minister has decided to appoint Francesca as the interim Biometrics Commissioner. Francesca has been appointed in accordance with the Governance Code...
LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * with the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro football tournament kicking off tomorrow, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is working closely with the Football Associations of England and Wales to provide information and advice to travelling fans * ahead of Women's Summer of Sport, the UK government continues to drive progress in women's sport to improve access and boost the nation's economy With thousan...
LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Comprehensive roadmap for Employment Rights Bill to raise living standards across the country whilst giving employers and workers the time to adapt. * Sets out timelines for new landmark rights with 15 million, or half of all, workers set to start benefitting from later this year. * Government will continue to consult with employers, workers and trade unions to ensure the best deal for growth and boostin...
LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Jo Shanmugalingam as the new Permanent Secretary of the Department for Transport (DfT). Jo is currently the department's Second Permanent Secretary, and has been serving as the Interim Permanent Secretary since Bernadette Kelly stepped down last month. Jo started her career at the Department for Trade and Industry an...
LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Government launches a full review of parental leave and pay to better support working families and help children get the best start in life * Review will look at all types of leave - including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave - to make the system fairer and easier to use * Part of the Plan to Make Work Pay - boosting growth, improving living standards for working families and ensuring working paren...