Hoffwn hysbysu’r Tŷ y bydd y Llywodraeth, ynghyd â Llywodraeth yr Alban a Llywodraeth Cymru, yn diweddaru rhai mesurau rhagofalus clefyd amrywiolyn Creutzfeldt-Jakob (vCJD) penodol yn Lloegr, yr Alban a Chymru.

Yn 2004, cynghorwyd y Llywodraeth i sefydlu mesurau rhagofalus i leihau’r risg o vCJD yn y DU, gan gydnabod risgiau anhysbys vCJD i’r rhai sy’n derbyn plasma a phlatennau’r DU. Cyflwynwyd nifer o fesurau, megis mynd ati i ffiltro leucosytau o holl gyfansoddion gwaed a gohirio gwaed oedd wedi’i drallwyso’n flaenorol gan roddwyr. Mae’r mesurau lleihau risg penodol hyn yn hynod o effeithiol a byddant yn parhau mewn lle er mwyn sicrhau diogelwch cyflenwad gwaed y DU.

Mesur lleihau risg ychwanegol a fabwysiadwyd oedd trin cleifion a anwyd ar neu ar ôl 1 Ionawr 1996 gyda phlasma a /neu blatennau afferesis oedd wedi’u mewnforio. Diben hyn oedd lleihau’r risg o ddod i gysylltiad â chyfansoddion y credid bod ganddynt y potensial i gynyddu eu risg o ddatblygu vCJD.

Dros y 15 mlynedd diwethaf, mae tystiolaeth wyddonol ar ôl tystiolaeth wyddonol wedi dangos fod y risg o gael vCJD drwy drallwysiad plasma neu blatennau’r DU yn llawer is na’r hyn a dybiwyd yn wreiddiol; ni wyddir am unrhyw drallwysiad a oedd yn cynnwys vCJD o unrhyw gyfansoddion gwaed ers cyflwyno’r broses o ffiltro leucosytau. Ym Mawrth 2019, adolygodd y Pwyllgor Ymgynghorol Annibynnol ar Ddiogelwch Gwaed, Meinweoedd ac Organau (SaBT) y dystiolaeth wyddonol ac ymarfer gweithredol, gan ymgysylltu â rhanddeiliaid. Argymhellodd y pwyllgor fod rhai mesurau lleihau risg, sy’n gofyn am ddefnyddio plasma wedi’i fewnforio a phlatennau afferesis ar gyfer unigolion a aned ar neu ar ôl 1 Ionawr 1996 a/neu gyda TTP, i gael eu tynnu yn ôl.

Cyhoeddwyd cyngor terfynol SaBTO ar wefan GOV.UK, gan gynnig dadansoddiad cynhwysfawr o’r risg sy’n gysylltiedig gyda diweddaru’r mesurau hyn i leihau’r risg o vCJD. Mae’r cyngor hwn ar gael ar-lein yma: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sabto-reports-and-guidance-documents

Wedi derbyn y cyngor arbenigol hwn, cymeradwyodd y Gweinidog dros Ofal y defnydd o blasma domestig a phlatennau cyfun ar gyfer cleifion a anwyd ar ôl 1 Ionawr 1996 neu gyda TTP. Bydd mesurau eraill i leihau risg yn para mewn grym, gan gynnwys ffiltro leucosytau, gohirio gwaed oedd wedi’i drallwyso’n flaenorol gan roddwyr a gwahardd cynhyrchu cynnyrch meddygol sy’n deillio o blasma sy’n tarddu o’r DU.

Mae Gwaed a Thrawsblaniadau’r GIG eisoes yn cael 94% o’u plasma o roddwyr y DU a bydd cynyddu’r defnydd o blasma domestig yn cynnig manteision pellach yn ymwneud â darparu cyfansoddion gwaed yn deg, llai o gymhlethdod gweithredol ar gyfer ysbytai a gwell hygyrchedd yn y man y maent yn cael eu defnyddio. Bydd clinigwyr sydd eisiau rhagnodi a chael gafael ar gynhyrchion plasma masnachol wedi’u mewnforio ar gyfer cleifion, yn seiliedig ar anghenion y claf a dewisiadau clinigol, yn parhau i wneud hynny yn unol â chanllawiau lleol a chenedlaethol.

Mae’r Gweinidog dros Ofal bellach wedi cyfarwyddo Gwaed a Thrawsblaniadau’r GIG i ddechrau cynyddu’r plasma domestig sy’n cael ei gaffael yn Lloegr drwy wneud hynny’n raddol bach mewn modd sy’n cael ei reoli. Mae Llywodraeth yr Alban a Llywodraeth Cymru hefyd wedi gofyn i’w Gwasanaethau Gwaed i ddechrau rhoi argymhellion SaBTO ar waith. Yng Ngogledd Iwerddon, bydd unrhyw benderfyniad ar argymhelliad SaBTO i ddiweddaru’r mesurau lleihau risg vCJD yn cael eu gohirio hyd nes y bydd yna Weinidog yn ei le.

Hundreds of native crayfish have been carefully hand-collected and moved to a remote refuge as part of a project to grow their numbers.

Environment Agency ecologists have relocated the white-clawed crayfish – a protected species under threat across the country – to sites where their populations can flourish out of harm’s way.

The new sites are free of the larger, more aggressive, invasive signal crayfish – which outcompete the native species for food and habitat and carry a disease fatal to the UK species.

In a day-long operation, a dozen officers collected around 350 native crayfish from a stretch of the River Witham near Grantham, checked their size, health and gender, and moved them to a secret site on a Lincolnshire lake.

Regular monitoring will keep tabs on their numbers as the crayfish distribute across their new home and start to breed.

The work is part of a national scheme known as the ‘Ark project’, aiming to secure the future of white-clawed crayfish in England. The species has been in decline since non-native American signal crayfish escaped into UK waters in the 1970s.

This relocation is the second such rescue in the county after a similar effort in 2017 saw hundreds of crayfish successfully transferred to chalk streams in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Surveys carried out in the area since have confirmed the crayfish are breeding and boosting the population.

Richard Chadd, senior environmental monitoring officer with the Environment Agency, said:

Lincolnshire’s flat, open rivers and pristine chalk streams are a haven for native crayfish, making our county one of the largest strongholds in England for this protected species.

They’re a vital part of the local ecology, which is why we’re working so hard to protect them – and these efforts are just part of our ongoing work to improve the environment for people and nature.

White-clawed crayfish, named for the pale colour of the underside of their claws, are the country’s largest native freshwater crustaceans. Generally growing to 30 – 40mm in length, some can live up to 12 years and reach 120mm long from tip to tail.

The Ark project is just one example of the work being done as part of the government’s 25 year environment plan to protect and improve the environment within this generation.

Collectively, non-native invasive species cost the UK economy an estimated £1.7 billion every year.

Everyone can do their part to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect native ones by taking care to follow the biosecurity steps of thoroughly checking, cleaning and drying your clothes and equipment any time you’ve been in the water. You can get more information at http://www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/.

Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open until 5 November 2019, with applications to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply.

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

The call for new applicants follows the selection of 13 scholars from Bangladesh, who won an award to study at a UK university this year. Successful applicants have been sharing their stories through the #ChosenForChevening hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.

The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh HE Robert Chatterton Dickson held a reception on 8 September to award certificates to 15 scholars who completed their studies in the UK last year. So far around 300 scholars from Bangladesh have completed their studies in the UK under the Chevening Scholarships.

Since the programme was created in 1983, over 50,000 outstanding professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening. There are more than 1,500 scholarships on offer globally for the 2020/2021 academic year, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh HE Robert Chatterton-Dickson, said:

‘We are looking for ambitious, professional, and innovative future leaders from any walk of life, who will study hard in the UK, and immerse themselves in the opportunities.

‘If you have demonstrable leadership qualities and you have a clear vision for the future you want to help shape, you are very likely to fit in with our community of over 50,000 alumni worldwide.

‘If you have what it takes to be a Chevening Scholar, please apply before the 5 November deadline.’

Head of Scholarships at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ben Coates, said:

‘Chevening represents the very best of the UK, welcoming exceptional people from across the world to study, grow, and thrive at some of the world’s best universities. Chevening can be a transformative experience, not just for the scholars, but for their communities and countries as they return and use the benefit of their UK experience to make a positive difference in their chosen field.

‘Since the programme started in 1983, many of those selected for this scholarship have gone on to become respected leaders across a range of sectors. Being a part of the Chevening network instils a strong sense of pride and responsibility, I have seen this first hand and am consistently impressed by the passion and commitment of the scholars and alumni I meet.’

Chevening’s Head of Programme Management, Louise Thomson, said:

‘Chevening puts you in control of your experience. You can choose from over 12,000 master’s courses at over 150 different higher education institutions. UK institutions consistently rank highly in global university rankings, so be prepared for an academically challenging and fulfilling experience.

‘Recently, scholars have visited the UK prime minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street, hiked up Mount Snowdon in Wales, exhibited art in London galleries, interned at the BBC, volunteered with the elderly, debated current affairs at the Cambridge Union, and sat in the home dressing room at Anfield. Some have even visited the locations where scenes from ‘Game of Thrones’ was shot. All this whilst studying on an intense master’s course. Our hope is that you will leave the UK inspired, motivated, and better equipped to bring your own ideas to life.’

More information

Visit www.chevening.org/scholarships for detailed information on the eligibility criteria and scholarship specifications.

Notes to editors

Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one year taught master’s degrees – for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.

Chevening began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international awards scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 160 countries and territories worldwide, and almost 1,800 scholarships were awarded in 2019/2020. There are over 50,000 Chevening Alumni around the world who comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.

The name ‘Chevening’ comes from Chevening House in Sevenoaks, Kent – currently the joint official residence of the UK’s Foreign Secretary.

More information is available at www.chevening.org.

Further information

Email: Dhaka.Press@fco.gov.uk

Follow the British High commissioner to Bangladesh on Twitter: @RCDicksonUK

Follow the British High commission Bangladesh on Twitter and Facebook: @UKinBangladesh and UK in Bangladesh

People across the country could lead healthier and longer lives following significant government investment in new research to improve treatment, diagnosis and care options for devastating diseases including cancer.

The government has today (9 September) unveiled details of how it will help thousands of people across the country living with debilitating, painful and/or sometimes life-threatening diseases by investing £133 million in life-changing treatments for arthritis and cancer and for pioneering gene-based therapies for diseases including dementia and Parkinson’s.

Faster, more accurate diagnosis, and earlier interventions will be boosted by £50 million to be pumped into NHS diagnostic services and support the work of existing Centres of Excellence in digital pathology and imaging with artificial intelligence. The centres – based in Leeds, Oxford, Coventry and London – will be able to partner with more NHS Trusts and further develop cutting edge products using digital systems and artificial intelligence that could ultimately save lives.

Adult social care will also receive a new cash injection of £7.5 million to use research to improve care delivery for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and £14 million for bioscience projects and technologies across the UK that could, for example, treat osteoarthritis and develop new vaccines.

Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said:

Chronic and painful illnesses like arthritis and Parkinson’s are dreadful and prevent people from living a full life.

Curing these kinds of debilitating illnesses is one of the great challenges we face globally, and today’s commitment will play a vital role in ensuring that our scientists and thinkers have the tools they need to find new treatments that will support people to lead longer, healthier lives.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:

We’ve got to bring NHS technology into the 21st century. I’ve seen for myself how better technology and diagnosis can save clinicians’ time so they can concentrate on care. The NHS is now spearheading world-leading technologies that can transform and save lives through new treatments, diagnosis techniques and care. I’m determined that the benefits of these advances will improve the lives of thousands of patients whose conditions have long been considered life-limiting.

Combined with this new funding, none of this would be possible without the long-term plan, backed by an extra £33.9 billion a year for the NHS.

Minister for Innovation Nicola Blackwood said:

The UK is a global powerhouse in health research and innovation. The investments announced today will cement this, and help to further deliver on the NHS’s international leadership on applying artificial intelligence to complex health problems. Today’s announcement is good for patients, good for staff and good for researchers.

UK Research and Innovation Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport, said:

Supporting people to live long, healthy and independent lives is a fundamental value of our society and, as our population ages, one of the biggest challenges we face.

This £133 million investment will tackle important chronic diseases and also create a national centre of evidence for implementing the best evidence to provide adult social care.

A further £69.5 million of the total investment through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will help fund 4 British projects:

• Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator: ‘NATA’ (£30 million) – brand new therapies and technologies directly targeting genetic mutations could be rolled out to treat diseases including cancer, Huntingdon’s, Parkinson’s and arthritis
• The Advanced Pain Discovery Platform (£12 million) – deepening our understanding of pain, this will reveal new treatment approaches and address a wide spectrum of chronic and debilitating conditions including arthritis. Versus Arthritis will contribute an additional £12 million over 3 years  
• UK Centre of Evidence Implementation in Adult Social Care (£7.5 million) – using high quality research, this project will lead to improvements in the delivery of social care across the UK; implementing innovations with the potential to allow more people to receive care from the comfort of their own home
• Tackling Multimorbidity at scale (£20 million, of which the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) is contributing £10 million) – this research into multimorbidity – when someone is suffering 2 or more long-term health conditions – will propel forward drug development, allow for earlier diagnosis and reduce progression to more severe illness and disability

The Centres of Excellence funding

The Centres of Excellence in digital pathology and imaging with AI were originally established in 2018 by UKRI. They bring together the NHS, industry, and academia who work together to develop products using advances in digital technology to improve early diagnosis of disease, including cancer by detecting abnormalities. The programme, managed by UKRI, will allocate the £50 million via a competition run between the 4 centres. The bids must demonstrate how funding will be used by the centres to invest in digital infrastructure and equipment in partner NHS Trusts, and digitally link these trusts to the centres. This will expand the geographic coverage of the NHS trusts who are able to work with the centres.

Strategic Priorities Fund

The Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) supports high quality research and development priorities. This is the second wave of funding. The SPF Wave 2 total programme funding allocation is £496.8 million.

More details about the funding projects

Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator: ‘NATA’ (MRC) 

Hosted by the Rosalind Franklin Research Institute – supported by MRC with DHSC, BEIS, Harwell Research Campus and Oxford University.

Funding requested: £30 million over 4 years. 

Location(s): The intention is to establish the NATA core infrastructure hub at Harwell Research Campus (Oxford). However, the challenges will be open to higher education institutions (HEIs), Institutes, public sector research establishments (PSREs) and/or businesses across the UK. Nucleic acid therapies are precision genomic medicines.

The Advanced Pain Discovery Platform: Mapping the complexity of chronic pain (MRC) 

MRC and Versus Arthritis with BBSRC and Innovate UK.

Funding requested: £12 million over 3 years. Versus Arthritis will contribute an additional £12 million over 3 years. 

Location(s): The intention is to build a national capability through calls which are open to HEIs, Institutes, PSREs and/or businesses across the UK.

UK Centre of Evidence Implementation in Adult Social Care (ESRC) 

ESRC and The Health Foundation. 

Funding requested: £7.5 million over 8 years. 

This is co-funded by an additional £7.5 million by the Health Foundation, who are working in partnership with Economic and Social Research Council.

Location(s): This is an open competition to deliver a nationally distributed and locally embedded centre through a call which is open to HEIs, independent research organisations and PSREs.

Tackling Multimorbidity at scale: Unpicking disease clustering biological pathways and trajectories (MRC) 

MRC with DHSC and NIHR. 

Funding requested: £20 million over 4 years.   This is co-funded by NIHR, who are providing half of the £20 million and are working in partnership with the Medical Research Council.

Location(s): The intention is to build a national capability through calls which are open to HEIs, independent research organisations and PSREs across the UK.

Background

The £14 million has been awarded to cutting-edge bioscience projects across the UK by the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC).

The government’s Ageing Society Grand Challenge aims to ensure that people across the UK enjoy an extra 5 years of healthy and independent living by 2035, whilst narrowing the gap between the experience of the richest and the poorest.

With 1 in 7 of us expected to be over 75 by 2040, today’s investment announcement will be an essential step in developing the products and services to support the UK’s ageing society by keeping them healthy, active and independent for as long as possible. Investing in innovation to promote longer, healthier lives is the aim of the government’s Ageing Society Grand Challenge.

This cash boost is the latest move by the government to address the needs of our elderly citizens and meet its goal of helping everyone to enjoy 5 extra healthy and independent years by 2035. Earlier this year, a £300 million competitive fund was announced to address innovations and new technologies to helps people live in their homes longer, tackle loneliness and increase independence.

Lord Mayor Peter Estlin – global ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services industry – will visit Perth, Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney as the head of a business delegation to strengthen trade links with one of the world’s top international finance centres.

As well as meetings with national and regional government leaders, he will also have bilaterals with Australian Super and Macquarie Bank. He will also give a speech at the Australian Investment Council Conference to a room of key investors.

Accompanying the Lord Mayor on his visit is a senior delegation drawn from fintech, asset management, and green finance.

In 2018, the UK was Australia’s second-largest source of foreign investment and second-largest foreign investment destination.

Peter Estlin, the Lord Mayor of London, said:

I’m looking forward to my visit to Australia, a country that is a natural partner for the City of London and the UK’s financial services industry.

The UK’s relationship with Australia is already very strong, but there is still so much more that we can achieve. For example, our unrivalled fintech and green finance expertise can help remove barriers to international investment and business, creating jobs and prosperity and unlocking opportunity.

While our teams continue to battle it out on the pitch for the Ashes, we are stronger together when it comes to business.

The Lord Mayor will be tweeting from @CityLordMayor during his visit.

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

The Lord Mayor’s business delegation for his visit to Australia consists of representatives from: