News story: Improved healthcare for all: pioneering projects get funding

MeiraGTx colleague in the company’s facilities.

New initiatives to accelerate the development and manufacture of new medicines that could have real benefits to patients will share almost £50 million. The funding is from Innovate UK under the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

This is the leading edge healthcare challenge, which supports UK businesses and researchers to develop and manufacture new medicines and vaccines, as well as digital health products and medical technologies. A total of £181 million will be invested over 4 years.

The challenge of manufacturing medicines

To stimulate the development and manufacture of novel medicines for patients, 22 projects involving 58 organisations will get £15 million.

One of those to receive funding is MeiraGTx, which develops novel gene therapies for patients with acquired and inherited disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

MeiraGTx’s Jon Telfer.

MeiraGTx will work with Touchlight Genetics and Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services to develop a next-generation gene-therapy manufacturing platform.

The project will look at the manufacturing process for the adeno-associated virus. This virus infects humans but is not known to cause disease, making it a good candidate for gene therapies. It should help to deliver new treatments more quickly and efficiently.

New digital healthcare solutions

Innovate UK will also invest £8 million in 52 projects through the digital health technology catalyst, which aims to improve patient outcomes, access to healthcare and service delivery and treatments.

Digital therapeutics start-up Neurofenix will partner with Brunel University London to develop Gameball, an affordable and enjoyable rehabilitation programme for patients with neurological impairment, which includes people that have suffered strokes.

Patients will use a hand-controller and connected software to take part in digital games. It will provide upper-limb training to help patients regain mobility, an online community of support, as well as analytics on performance.

Neurofenix’s Guillem Singla Buxarrais and Dimitris Athanasiou.

Centres for advanced therapies

£21 million will go towards setting up a network of 3 advanced therapies treatment centres that span the UK.

The centres will be alliances between the north of England and Scotland, and the Midlands and Wales, with the final site being based in Manchester.

This is a joint collaboration between hospitals, therapeutics development businesses and the supply chain. It should advance the use of pioneering cell and gene therapies with a large number of patients.

Building the UK’s capacity

Finally, a further £5.6 million will go to the manufacture and production of viral vectors.

Viral vectors are important to advanced therapies as the carrier of gene therapy treatments. However, there is a shortage of capacity for making viral vectors in the UK.

The projects funded under this competition will expand commercial capacity in the UK and increase the ability to produce viral vectors to be used in advanced therapy medicinal products.

Work will be conducted at 2 locations at Oxford and Keele, Staffordshire.

One of Neurofenix’s 3D printers.

New opportunities

In addition to the almost £50 million already pledged under this challenge, a further £18 million will be made available to UK businesses and researchers in 2 new competitions.

There will be up to £8 million in the next round of the digital health technology catalyst. Up to £10 million will support collaborative research and development in medicines manufacturing.

These will open for applications in February and March 2018.

Developing research and innovation

Sam Gyimah, Minister for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, announced the funding today (22 January 2018) in a visit to Imperial College London.

The Minister also outlined plans to map UK’s research infrastructure to show strengths and identify any gaps. This will be the first major piece of work by UK Research and Innovation.

Press release: Licence Conditions and how the Parole Board use them

What are licence conditions?

Licence conditions are the set of rules prisoners must follow if they are released with still a part of their sentence to serve in the community.

The aim of a period on licence is to protect the public, to prevent re-offending, and to secure the successful reintegration of the individual into the community. They are not a form of punishment and must be proportionate, reasonable and necessary.

If a prisoner is released by the Parole Board, the licence conditions will be suggested by the Offender Manager but will be agreed by the board.

Victims and Licence Conditions

In cases where the victim does not qualify for statutory contact, but where the National Probation Service has used discretion to provide them with the Scheme, the victim receives the same level of service as those with a statutory entitlement, and will be able to make representations about licence conditions.

Where a Parole Board panel has not made the licence conditions requested by a victim, or issued an adapted version of the request, the Panel will explain why it has not done so in its decision. This should include reference to the principles of the request being necessary and proportionate.

This information will be passed on to the victim by their VLO. This is a requirement as set out in the Code of Practice.

Application to vary a licence condition

Offender managers (National Probation Service) can apply to vary or add conditions to the licence of a prisoner once a release decision has been made.

Victims can request to vary/add licence conditions and this will be through the Victim Contact Service who will then pass it on to the Offender Manager to make the request.

These variation requests are sent to the Public Protection Casework Section to submit to the Parole Board on behalf of the secretary of state.

Prisoners are also allowed to request for their licence to be varied or for conditions to be removed.

What will be considered in a licence variation request:

The Parole Board member who chaired the Oral Hearing, or a Parole Board duty member, will make the decision on a licence variation request .

To make this decision they will look at:

The full dossier for the offender;
the Parole Board’s decision to release;
a report from the Offender Manager setting out in detail why the request to vary or revoke conditions has been submitted.

The basic rule is to ensure that the requested changes are necessary and proportionate. They should also be realistic.

There will need to be sufficient evidence that risk can be effectively managed if the licence condition is varied or removed and the Parole Board member can ask for more information if necessary.

A decision on the licence variation request will then be sent to all parties.

Where a licence conditions have not been added that were requested by a victim, the Parole Board member will explain why it has not done so in its decision. This should include reference to the principles of the request being necessary and proportionate.

This information will be passed on to the victim by their VLO. This is a requirement as set out in the Code of Practice.

Standard Licence Conditions

Every release decision will contain a standard set of licence conditions, which are as follows:

A prisoner must:

(a) be of good behaviour and not behave in a way which undermines the purpose of the licence period;
(b) not commit any offence;
(c) keep in touch with the supervising officer in accordance with instructions given by the supervising officer;
(d) receive visits from the supervising officer in accordance with instructions given by the supervising officer;
(e) reside permanently at an address approved by the supervising officer and obtain the prior permission of the supervising officer for any stay of one or more nights at a different address;
(f) not undertake work, or a particular type of work, unless it is approved by the supervising officer and notify the supervising officer in advance of any proposal to undertake work or a particular type of work;
(g) not travel outside the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man except with the prior permission of your supervising officer or for the purposes of immigration deportation or removal.

Additional Licence Conditions

Licences may also include additional conditions, for example, exclusion zones or non-contact restrictions.

These categories are:

residence at a specified place;
restriction of residency;
making or maintaining contact with a person;
participation in, or co-operation with, a programme or set of activities;
possession, ownership, control or inspection of specified items or documents;
disclosure of information;
curfew arrangement;
freedom of movement;
supervision in the community by the supervising officer, or other responsible officer, or organisation.

These additional licence conditions need to be specifically asked for by the supervising officer and the Parole Board will judge whether they are necessary and proportionate.

Recall of Prisoners on Licence

Offenders can have their licence revoked and be recalled to custody at any time during their licence period. Where the National Probation Service considers that an offender on licence presents a danger to the public it should request that the offender be recalled.

More detailed information

For more detailed information on licence conditions and licences, here are some useful links:

Prisoner service Instructions 22/2016: Generic Parole Process for Indeterminate and Determinate sentenced prisoners

Prison Service Instructions 12/2015: LICENCE CONDITIONS, LICENCES AND LICENCE AND SUPERVISION NOTICES

News story: Damian Hinds Launches Global Celebration of Education

New Education Secretary Damian Hinds welcomed counterparts from across the world to the Education World Forum to share ideas and expertise, as he gave his first speech as Education Secretary today.

Speaking at the Education World Forum, he highlighted the importance of international cooperation and openness to more than 80 Education Ministers from around the world. He focused on what they can learn from each other when tackling common issues and challenges, as well the knowledge they can gain from each other’s successes, to help ensure every young person can access a world-class education.

Education Secretary Education Damian Hinds said:

Standards are rising in our schools thanks to our reforms and the hard work of teachers. There are 1.9 million more children in good or outstanding schools than in 2010, nine out of ten schools were given this rating at their last inspection and our recent rise up the international rankings for reading and literacy puts England’s achievements on a global scale.

We are already learning from international best practice, with programmes like the Teaching for Mastery and the Mandarin Excellence Programme. Now we want to go even further and ensure all our young people are able to excel in the new global economy.

As well as learning from other countries, education is also one of our country’s biggest export earners. By continuing to forge strong relationships globally we can create even more opportunities for the next generation and help build a Britain that is fit for the future.

The Education Secretary’s speech comes days after he confirmed further plans to drive up education standards across England and increase opportunity in the areas that need it most. The announcement last week included support for underperforming schools alongside a package of measures to offer young people more opportunities to make the best of their lives in social mobility ‘cold spots’.

Minister for School Standards Nick Gibb and Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills Anne Milton will also speak at the Education World Forum later this week, focusing on government reforms and an increased emphasis on training and vocational skills.

Attended by more than 500 people, the Education World Forum will run until Wednesday 24 January. It is supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Education, the Department for International Trade, the Department for International Development, the British Council and the EWF industry partners.

The event comes ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which will be hosted by the UK in April and will bring experts from around the world together again.

Press release: Government invests in Leeds’ Royal Armouries Museum acquiring catering and events arm to unify operations at major Yorkshire tourist attraction

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Royal Armouries (International) plc (RAI) have reached an agreement for the sale of RAI’s shareholding to the DCMS, on behalf of the Royal Armouries (RA).

The move will benefit the Royal Armouries museum in Leeds and help further support culture in the city.

The Royal Armouries Museum (RA) houses one of the oldest collections of arms and armour in the world and is the United Kingdom’s oldest museum. Originally housed in the Tower of London from the 15th century it was the first museum in Britain. It moved to Leeds in 1996.

RAI assets include the cafe and catering arm, events business and carpark. The business will continue to trade and the offer will continue in its existing form, with all current bookings being honoured.

By bringing both operations together (Royal Armouries and RAI) it will enable the museum to consolidate its position as one of the leading cultural and business tourism attractions in the North.

Both the DCMS and RAI directors are delighted that a deal has been reached. The £11.2 million acquisition will enable the Royal Armouries museum to take ownership of the commercial offer at its site in Leeds and unify and concert all museum operations, aligning its services with the highly successful model used at other major DCMS-sponsored national museums.

The relationship between the Royal Armouries, a DCMS-sponsored national museum, and RAI has, since the establishment of the museum in Leeds. It has helped the Royal Armouries to establish itself as a must-see attraction in the heart of Yorkshire and the RAI to develop a successful events and catering business.

Michael Ellis, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, said:

“This deal begins a new chapter for the Royal Armouries, bringing the museum and commercial arms together to evolve the full offer of this fantastic cultural institution in the heart of Yorkshire. The move will help this world-class museum go from strength to strength, attracting new visitors from home and abroad. It is a clear statement of the government’s continued commitment to arts and culture across the North of England.”

Chair of the Royal Armouries board of trustees Lord (Richard) Dannatt said:

“The Royal Armouries museum has established a very strong cultural presence within the North of England over the past twenty years. I am delighted with this landmark deal for the Royal Armouries which will enable it to continue to flourish and grow for many years to come. I extend my deep thanks to the DCMS for their commitment and support and to the outgoing directors of the Royal Armouries International for their contribution to our story in Leeds “

Managing Director of RAI, James Vincent said:

“The Directors of RAI have been involved at Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds for over 20 years. It is now the right time for the catering, corporate hospitality and event arm to be brought closer to the museum and for the Directors to stand to one side. We wish the RAI team and this wonderful national museum, here in the north of England every success for the future. “

Notes to Editors:

For further information please contact:

DCMS Press Office on 020 7211 2210

Press release: International Development Secretary in Somalia: “The UK averted famine last year, but the job is not yet done”

Penny Mordaunt and the UK Ambassador to Somalia David Concar listen to the UN Secretary General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Peter de Clercq during a meeting with UN humanitarian aid workers in Mogadishu. Picture: UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

The International Development Secretary has travelled to Somalia, where she saw how the UK is tackling both the causes and consequences of instability, including how UK aid is saving lives and helping those impacted by extreme drought.

This was Ms Mordaunt’s first visit to Somalia as International Development Secretary.

During the visit, Ms Mordaunt saw how life-saving water, food and healthcare provided by DFID helped avert famine in 2017, in the face of devastating drought across East Africa.

She was also told about the extreme and challenging climate conditions, which the country will continue to face in 2018. Low levels of forecasted rain threaten crops and livestock, leaving half the Somali population hungry and at risk of disease. Without sustained relief and recovery there is a real risk of famine in the near future.

The International Development Secretary said:

The devastating consequences of drought in Somalia remain a major concern. The UK led the global effort to avert famine last year, but the country is facing further difficult conditions in 2018. The job is not yet done.

I am very clear that this is not just Somalia’s problem. The whole world is less safe when instability, poverty and extreme weather triggered by climate change are left to feed extremism and mass migration.

This is why the work we are doing here is so important, from British troops helping develop Somali forces, to world-class diplomats delivering a peaceful future and aid workers providing life-saving water and food. This is why the international community also needs to step up their support to Somalia before more innocent lives are lost.

Ms Mordaunt pledged an additional £21 million for immediate lifesaving aid in Somalia, which will include:

Screening and treatment for 130,000 children at risk of life-threatening acute malnutrition
Providing nutrition support for over 300,000 vulnerable people including with cash support
Maintaining access to water and improved sanitation for over 155,000 people
Food security and livelihoods support to approximately 40,000 beneficiaries
Vaccinations for 12.5 million goats against respiratory tract diseases, benefitting over 2 million farmers

Ms Mordaunt met with Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre and members of his Government during the visit.

In a meeting with Peter de Clercq, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Somalia, she also learned how NGOs and other agencies effectively pooled their resources last year to tackle the debilitating drought. The UN Drought Operations Coordination Centre established in February 2017 played a crucial role in tackling the effects of a fourth bad harvest in a row.

She also learned during the trip about the progress made on vital reforms agreed at last year’s landmark Somalia Conference in London; including finding a political settlement, supporting economic recovery and building stability to reduce the risk of violent extremism, which is keeping the UK safe at home. She discussed with civil society and private sector representatives ways to empower youth, women and marginalised groups, including disabled people, in the restoration of democracy and building a more inclusive economy.

Ms Mordaunt’s visit follows a two-day trip to Kenya where she saw the UK working in partnership with the government to break down barriers to trade and encourage economic growth, allowing British companies to harness the untapped potential Africa presents for business after Brexit.

Notes to Editors

In 2017, UK aid was first on the scene with life-saving water, food and healthcare after widespread drought across East Africa, saving many thousands of lives. We provided a total of £170 million humanitarian funding, which included providing over 1 million people with access to safe drinking water, and over 1.5 million people with emergency food assistance.

In addition to this £21 million, a further £40 million will be provided as planned in 2018 to sustain the relief and recovery effort, totalling £61 million already planned for the 2018 response.

Somalia is one of the world’s smallest and poorest economies. Driving Somalia’s economic recovery to support livelihoods and create jobs will be essential for building peace, stability and sustainable development.