UK selected as Peru’s delivery partner to rebuild facilities damaged by El Nino

today, Peru and the UK signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement for an ambitious Reconstruction Programme
the UK Delivery Team (UKDT) is represented by strategic partners Mace Limited, Arup Limited and Gleeds International Limited

Following severe damages caused by climate cycle El Nino in Peru in 2017, today the Department for International Trade (DIT) has signed a G2G agreement with the Government of Peru to support the crucial reconstruction of public services facilities.

After a rigorous selection process, the UK has been chosen as the delivery partner of the Reconstruction Programme, to provide international expertise in major prevention programmes and to rebuild critical infrastructure affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

The Reconstruction Programme includes the reconstruction of 74 schools and 15 new health centres. As El Nino is a recurring phenomenon, the project also includes for the UK to support Peru in its prevention work on several infrastructure amenities, including the construction of 7 storm drainage systems.

Today, the agreement was signed by the Peruvian Government, represented by the Authority for Reconstruction with Changes (ARCC), and by the UK Government, represented by DIT. The Department will support UK businesses Mace Limited, Arup Ltd and Gleeds International Ltd to deliver the Reconstruction Programme. Knowledge transfer is at the heart of the UK’s approach as well as a shared interest in assuring the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure projects against the impact of climate change.

The UK delivery team will deliver technical assistance in relation to the provision of schools, medical facilities and flood resilience programmes. This major infrastructure programme is critical for Peru’s economic recovery from the damage caused by El Nino.

Following the success of the Lima 2019 Games, this is another great example of UK-Peru collaboration and is a testimony of UK businesses’ support for international projects that tackle natural disasters.

This agreement will last for two years, starting from July 2020 to June 2022, with the possibility to extend by one year.

International Trade Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart said:

I am delighted that the UK has been selected by Peru to support the Reconstruction Programme, following the devastating repercussions of the El Nino phenomenon in 2017.

This partnership highlights the value UK businesses can bring to other countries and is a great example of UK expertise helping people around the world.

The Department for International Trade will be working hand in glove with the Peruvian Government to help rebuild and protect these regions for years to come.

Mrs. Amalia Moreno Vizcardo, Executive Director from Reconstruction Authority, said:

The United Kingdom has a vast experience in the management of complex projects and will provide technical assistance in prevention works in rivers and streams.

The synergy of knowledge between the United Kingdom and Peru will make it possible for major reconstruction projects to become a reality and for Peruvians to access quality services and be protected against an eventual natural disaster.

We are convinced that the signing of this agreement and its immediate execution will become an important tool for economic reactivation for our country in the coming months and years.

Jason Millett, CEO for Consultancy at Mace, said:

Having already worked closely with DIT for the Lima 2019 Games, this contract is a testament to the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships, trust and collaboration.

To that point, I’m delighted that we can continue to collaborate with our friends and colleagues in Peru, to help deliver the critical social infrastructure needed by communities across the country. It’s an exciting commission that lays a clear marker for Mace’s ambitions overseas.

Stuart Senior, Supervisory Board, at Gleeds, said:

Over the next two years, on behalf of the Department for International Trade, we will be working hand in hand with the Peruvian Government to help future-proof Northern Peru from the impact of flooding in the years to come, following the devastating repercussions of the El Niño phenomenon in 2017.

Through intelligent risk analysis, cost planning and modelling and our in-depth understanding of routes to procurement, this programme will mark the beginning of a lasting relationship between the UK Delivery Team and our strategic network in the UK with local partners and communities in Peru.

Jerome Frost, Global Cities Leader at Arup, said:

This commission will build on the strong partnership that we have been proud to help build between the UK and Peru during our work on the Pan American and Parapan American Games.

And now, UK firms will be in a position to make an even bigger impact with this Reconstruction Programme. It’s partnerships like this that build better, more sustainable futures for all and we hope as part of this commission we can cement even closer ties between the two countries.

UK selected as Peru’s delivery partner to rebuild facilities damaged by El Nino

today, Peru and the UK signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement for an ambitious Reconstruction Programme
the UK Delivery Team (UKDT) is represented by strategic partners Mace Limited, Arup Limited and Gleeds International Limited

This agreement will last for two years, starting from July 2020 to June 2022, with the possibility to extend by one year.

International Trade Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart said:

I am delighted that the UK has been selected by Peru to support the Reconstruction Programme, following the devastating repercussions of the El Nino phenomenon in 2017.

This partnership highlights the value UK businesses can bring to other countries and is a great example of UK expertise helping people around the world.

The Department for International Trade will be working hand in glove with the Peruvian Government to help rebuild and protect these regions for years to come.

Mrs. Amalia Moreno Vizcardo, Executive Director from Reconstruction Authority, said:

The United Kingdom has a vast experience in the management of complex projects and will provide technical assistance in prevention works in rivers and streams.

The synergy of knowledge between the United Kingdom and Peru will make it possible for major reconstruction projects to become a reality and for Peruvians to access quality services and be protected against an eventual natural disaster.

We are convinced that the signing of this agreement and its immediate execution will become an important tool for economic reactivation for our country in the coming months and years.

Jason Millett, CEO for Consultancy at Mace, said:

Having already worked closely with DIT for the Lima 2019 Games, this contract is a testament to the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships, trust and collaboration.

To that point, I’m delighted that we can continue to collaborate with our friends and colleagues in Peru, to help deliver the critical social infrastructure needed by communities across the country. It’s an exciting commission that lays a clear marker for Mace’s ambitions overseas.

Stuart Senior, Supervisory Board, at Gleeds, said:

Over the next two years, on behalf of the Department for International Trade, we will be working hand in hand with the Peruvian Government to help future-proof Northern Peru from the impact of flooding in the years to come, following the devastating repercussions of the El Niño phenomenon in 2017.

Through intelligent risk analysis, cost planning and modelling and our in-depth understanding of routes to procurement, this programme will mark the beginning of a lasting relationship between the UK Delivery Team and our strategic network in the UK with local partners and communities in Peru.

Jerome Frost, Global Cities Leader at Arup, said:

This commission will build on the strong partnership that we have been proud to help build between the UK and Peru during our work on the Pan American and Parapan American Games.

And now, UK firms will be in a position to make an even bigger impact with this Reconstruction Programme. It’s partnerships like this that build better, more sustainable futures for all and we hope as part of this commission we can cement even closer ties between the two countries.

Ensuring fair and timely elections in Central African Republic

Thank you, Mr President. I want to start by thanking our briefers; we share much of their analysis. I join others in paying tribute to the peacekeepers in MINUSCA and we think in particular of those who lost their lives. I also want to express our solidarity with the government and the people of the Central African Republic as they face the twin threats of continued violence and of Covid-19.

Mr President, the 2019 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation remains the only viable framework for sustained peace in the Central African Republic and it must be protected. While condemning the repeated violations of the peace agreements by members of some signatory armed groups, we welcome the progress that has been made recently, including ongoing high-level engagement and the legislation adopted by the National Assembly.

Mr President, the Central African Republic is at a crossroads as it approaches the presidential and legislative elections later this year. As many here said today, these elections must be a turning point. In this regard, I want to underline three points:

First, the elections must be held in a peaceful, free and transparent manner, and within constitutional deadlines. All Central Africans must have the chance to be heard. The UK is in the process of reviewing its financial support to the elections, and we hope to make a contribution shortly.

Secondly, in the likes of certain signatories withdrawing participation, we must not be complacent about the risks to the peace agreement. We stand ready to impose appropriate measures, including sanctions, in line with Article 35 of the Peace Agreement, in response to violations.

And thirdly, the UK reiterates the Secretary-General’s call for a ceasefire amid the Covid-19 pandemic to allow health and humanitarian needs to be met. We recognise the secondary impacts of Covid-19 and that they will require support to address the longer-term fallout from the pandemic.

In conclusion, Mr President, while challenges still remain in the Central African Republic, we should reflect on how far the country has come already. Let us all today recommit to ensuring that this year marks a turning point for the Central African Republic leading to long-term stability and prosperity for the people because they deserve it.

Thank you, Mr President.

Education Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 19 June 2020

This transcript is for the coronavirus statement delivered on 19 June2020: Coronavirus press conference 19 June 2020.

Welcome to today’s briefing from Downing Street. I’ll start with an update on the progress we’re making to beat the virus, before moving on to an update on schools.

The first slide shows the latest COVID alert level:

The COVID-19 alert level across the UK has moved down from level 4 to level 3, as recommended by the Joint Biosecurity Centre.
The Chief Medical Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reviewed the evidence and agree with this recommendation.
In all four nations, there has been a continuing steady decrease in cases but this does not mean that the pandemic is over. The virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur.

The second slide shows cases confirmed with a test:

7,433,114 tests for coronavirus have now been carried out or posted out in the UK. This includes 169,600 tests carried out or posted out yesterday.
301,815 people have tested positive, an increase of 1,346 cases since yesterday.
SAGE has confirmed today that their estimate of the R rate for the UK is unchanged on last week, at 0.7-0.9. We want to keep the R number below 1.0. R is the average number of additional people infected by each infected person.

The third slide shows the latest data from hospitals:

494 people were admitted to hospital with coronavirus in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 16 June, down from 534 a week earlier, and down from a peak of 3,432 on 1 April.
354 coronavirus patients are currently in mechanical ventilation beds in the UK, down from 392 a week ago, and down from a peak of 3,301 on 12 April.

The fourth slide shows what is happening in hospitals across the country:

There are now 5,030 people in hospital with coronavirus in the UK, down 10% from 5,608 a week ago and down from a peak of 20,699 on 12 April.
As the graphs show, while there is some variation, most nations and regions of the UK are broadly following a similar pattern.

The fifth slide shows the daily figures for those who have sadly lost their lives after testing positive for coronavirus:

Across all settings, the total number of deaths now stands at 42,461. That’s an increase of 173 fatalities since yesterday.
When measured by a 7-day rolling average, the daily number of deaths currently stands at 140, down from a peak of 943 on 14 April.

Turning to schools.

In March when we asked schools to close we did something different from virtually every other nation, we made the decision to keep schools and nurseries open not just for the children of critical workers but also to those children who are the most vulnerable in society. This was because we recognised the important role that they play in keeping those children safe.

From the start of this month, schools began to welcome back children from nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6 as part of a phased and cautious return. And from this week, we started to see the return of years 10 and 12.

We want as many children back in school as possible which is why, this week, we announced more flexibility for primary schools so that they have the opportunity to bring back more of their pupils if they are able to do so, in line with the protective measures that we have set out.

Today, with the overwhelming majority of primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and nurseries, opening to more children and young people, I wanted to take the opportunity, again, to say thank you. Thank you to all of the teachers, childcare and support staff who have done and continue to do so much to welcome children back in to such a positive, supportive environment.

I think all of us who have seen our children return to school, know they are enjoying being back in the classroom and being with their friends and other children.

School is vital for every one of our children. That is why we will bring all children, in all year groups, back to school in September.

While many children have already returned to school, I do understand the anxiety that some parents continue to feel. I want to assure you the wellbeing of your child is absolute top priority of us all.

We have put robust protective measures in place, including a hierarchy of controls and protective bubbles – I must stress that it is in every child’s best interest to return to school if they are eligible and able.

This measured return is part of our roadmap, it’s part of how we will recover and rebuild.

But I think all of us recognise how much children have missed out, and why it is so important we support them to catch up on lost ground.

Having opened schools to more pupils and set out our intention for a full return in September, the next part of our recovery will be to roll out our hugely ambitious catch-up plan for all our children. We must get them back to where they should be and put in place a secure foundation for longer term reform. We will not allow an entire generation to lose out on their education or accept lower expectations for them.

That’s why we are launching the £1 billion Covid catch-up plan that will lift outcomes for all pupils, with targeted support for those from disadvantaged backgrounds who are most at risk of falling behind because of this disruption.

As part of this package, we’ll provide a universal ‘catch up premium’ worth £650 million for all state school children in England to help them to make up for the lost teaching time in the next academic year.

The Education Endowment Foundation has published a guide for schools on how the money could be best spent, which will include intervention programmes, access to technology or summer schools.

This crisis will have affected children in many different ways – and for this reason I am giving schools the discretion to tailor this funding towards their particular needs and the needs of the children they teach.

The plan also includes a new £350 million National Tutoring Programme to increase access to high-quality tuition for disadvantaged children and young people. This will not only help children in the short term but will create a positive, long-lasting legacy to drive up standards – expanding the number of high-quality tutoring providers for all schools to use.

This £1 billion package is on top of the £14.4 billion three-year funding settlement announced last year – recognising the additional work schools will need to do to help students to catch up.

Over the coming weeks we will publish further information and guidance to help schools prepare for a full return in September. We are working across Government and with the sector to ensure these plans are fully in place so that this can happen.

The pandemic has dealt an unprecedented shock to our education system, as it has to many other parts of our national life. Although we have a clear plan, there will of course be times when we have to respond quickly to changing circumstances. If this virus has taught us one thing, it is the absolute importance of being flexible and adaptable when we have to be.

The education system has shown it can do this and more.

We all want to see every child back in school and we will work together to achieve this.

Thousands of children to benefit from free meals and activities

Disadvantaged children in England will benefit from free healthy meals and enriching activities throughout the summer as part of ambitious plans set out by the Government.

Backed by £9 million, the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme will support up to 50,000 disadvantaged children across 17 local authority areas and help them to stay healthy and active over the summer.

Ten providers were successful in their bid for the programme, who will be supporting families in need with activities and healthy meals. Activities will include a variety of online and directly delivered physical activities such as dance, Yoga, HIIT and adventure play making the most of their outdoor spaces.

Minister for Children and Families Vicky Ford said:

It is more important than ever before to make sure the needs of the most disadvantaged are at the heart of everything we do. We cannot afford for any of our children to lose out of their education as a result of Covid-19.

Just last week we announced the Covid Summer Food Fund, and a £1 billion Covid catch up fund so that no child is left behind.

On top of this, we are rolling out the £9 million Holiday Activities and Food programme in England, ensuring that thousands of children will be able to benefit from free nutritious food and enriching activities during the summer period.

John Downes, StreetGames North East Area Director and Head of Youth and Sport, said:

StreetGames campaign Fit and Fed has been developed to ensure summer programmes are delivered by trained staff to provide 4 hours of activity and a meal at School Food Standards. Last year Newcastle’s Best Summer ever was a success across the city and we hope to build on that success this year. We’re delighted to be working alongside Newcastle upon Tyne Council to deliver this year’s holiday program which will provide much needed support to children and families who have suffered the full force of lockdown isolation.

This year we hope to engage many children and their families across the city via mixed approach that will flex as social distancing changes. We will invest in local community organisations to provide support right to the front doors of children through activity packs, weekly activity programmes and food parcels to provide families with food over the summer holiday period. We will also be encouraging activities to take place in open spaces within the community for children and their families to reengage with each other as and when social distancing allows this to take place.

Angela Allen, CEO of Spring North, said:

Blackburn with Darwen has more than 20,000 children living in food poverty so these HAF clubs will provide a vital lifeline for families in the area. In addition to providing a hot meal and snacks, the clubs will facilitate a way for young people across the communities to reconnect in a safe environment and enjoy a range of activities that are fun and help to build their skills including teamwork, cooperation and communication.

We will also be working with a number of parents to support them with life skills activities including cooking clubs, wellbeing support and debt, welfare and employment advice.

We are looking forward to working with our partners and delivering our Get Stuck In clubs during August, providing essential support for our families across Blackburn with Darwen.

Jonathan de Sausmarez, headteacher at Romsey Community School in Hampshire, said:

I am really pleased that the need for vulnerable families to have support and care over the summer holidays has been recognised. We had a very successful programme last year and we have been able to include new venues and introduce new activities. We want to make a real difference and we are very proud to support this much needed project.

The news comes after the Government announced the Covid Summer Food Fund on Tuesday 16 June, which will support children who are eligible for free school meals with a voucher to cover the full six week summer holiday beginning next month, which schools will be able to order before the end of term.

This adds to the wide range of support this government has put in place to support families, not just at school but through the welfare system, in funding for local services, and via a new welfare assistance scheme to help those who are struggling.

The summer 2020 Holiday Activities and Food programme builds on the success of last year and is reaching disadvantaged children in more areas across England. Each organisation will deliver at least four weeks of free activities and healthy food during July and August 2020. All the successful co-ordinators have confirmed that their programmes will adhere to relevant government public health advice and are committed to providing free food and activities for as many disadvantaged children as possible.

The 10 co-ordinators receiving a share of the £9 million across 17 local authorities are:

StreetGames (Newcastle, North East region)
Gateshead Council (Gateshead – North East region)
Edsential (Cheshire West and Chester, Halton, Wirral – North West region)
Spring North (Blackburn with Darwen – North West)
Leeds Community Foundation (Leeds and Bradford – Yorkshire & the Humber region)
Voluntary Action Sheffield (Sheffield – Yorkshire & the Humber region)
Suffolk County Council (Suffolk – East of England region)
Mayor’s Fund for London (Lambeth and Southwark – London)
Tower Hamlets Local Authority (Tower Hamlets – London)
The Romsey School (Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight – South East region)