Tag Archives: HM Government

Some of the most dangerous and radicalised extremists are now being housed in the government’s first specialist centre at HMP Frankland – helping stem the flow of radicalisation behind bars and preventing their influence over others.

More than 4,500 frontline officers have also received the latest specialist counter-extremism training to identify and challenge extremist views, boosting the government’s ability to tackle this evolving threat. New recruits to the prison service now receive the training as standard, and work will continue at pace to train every prison officer across the estate.

HMP Frankland is the first of 3 separation centres, forming part of the wider government strategy to tackle extremists in prisons. Two further centres are planned to follow at other establishments in the coming months, with the 3 centres combined holding up to 28 of the most subversive offenders.

Offenders are placed in the specialist centres if they are involved in planning terrorism or are considered to pose a risk to national security. Those seeking to influence others to commit terrorist crimes, or whose extremist views are purposely undermining good order and security in the prison estate, may also be placed in the centre.

Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah said:

Extremism must be defeated wherever it is found. The most dangerous and subversive offenders are now being separated from those they seek to influence and convert – an absolutely crucial element of our wider strategy to tackle extremism in prisons and ensure the safety of the wider public.

It is also right we give our hard-working staff the skills and knowledge they need to keep our prisons and communities safe. Over 4,500 frontline staff have now received the specialist training they need to identify and counter the poisonous and repugnant activities of extremists – work that is essential to the safe running of prisons and fundamental to public protection.

The new centre at HMP Frankland was one of the central recommendations of a landmark review into extremism in prisons. The government takes the threat of radicalisation and extremism in prisons extremely seriously and has built on the recommendations in the review to further boost efforts to tackle extremism.

Today’s news forms part of the government’s wider strategy to tackle extremism, which includes:

The formation of a new directorate for Security, Order and Counter-Terrorism – responsible for monitoring and dealing with the evolving threat of extremism.

A launch of a new unit that will analyse intelligence and advise prisons in England and Wales on how to deal with specific threats, as well as instruct and train prison and probation staff on how best to deter offenders from being lured into extremism.

Extremist literature being banned from prisons and the removal of anyone from communal worship who is promoting dangerous views.

A new training package to identify, report and combat extremism being rolled out to all prison officers and new pre-employment vetting check for chaplains and imams was introduced in February 2017.

Notes to editors

The first of a number of offenders were placed in the separation centre last week. For operational security reasons, we will not comment further on the identity or number of offenders held within the centre.

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Public Health England (PHE) has launched a national ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ awareness campaign which prompts people with symptoms of some of the leading causes of death in England to see their doctor.

Lung cancer, heart disease and lung disease cause more than 150,000 deaths in England each year. Early diagnosis can save lives and improve the quality of life of those living with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Getting out of breath doing things you used to be able to do, or having a cough that has lasted for 3 weeks or more, could be a sign of lung disease, including lung cancer. Breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease. As well as prompting anyone with these symptoms to see their GP, the campaign also calls on people to look out for each other and encourage friends and family to act.

This call comes as a new survey found that adults over 50 are more likely to encourage others to see the doctor than go themselves. The survey found that:

• 86% would urge friends and family with these symptoms to see their GP
• only 67% would contact the GP themselves if they experienced symptoms

The campaign is aimed at men and women aged 50 and above who are most at risk of lung cancer, COPD and heart disease.

In England, there are around 1.8 million people who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD), the main type of heart disease and 1 million people diagnosed with COPD. Around 37,600 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.

Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference to the quality of life and help people live longer. However, late diagnosis is common. The survey found a third (32%) of people would wait for a month or longer before visiting the GP if they experienced breathlessness doing everyday things and over half (55%) would wait over a month before speaking to their GP if they had a persistent cough.

The campaign reassures people that they would not be wasting their GP’s time by getting their symptoms checked out – something a third of adults surveyed said they would be worried about.

Julia Verne, Clinical Lead for PHE, commented:

Breathlessness and a persistent cough are symptoms that can be easily ignored or put down to getting older, or seen as just minor health niggles. But these symptoms can be warning signs and it is really important to get them checked out by a doctor.

People are more likely to urge others to seek medical help for these symptoms than to speak to a GP themselves. If anyone has concerns, we would encourage them to seek medical advice, as getting help early rather than waiting until the problem gets worse is vital.

Early diagnosis saves lives and can improve quality of life for people with long term conditions, so if you find yourself getting out of breath doing things you used to be able to do, or if you have a cough that has lasted for 3 weeks or more, get it checked out.

Background

1. Public Health England exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities. It does this through world-class science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. PHE is an operationally autonomous executive agency of the Department of Health. Follow us on Twitter: @PHE_uk and Facebook: www.facebook.com/PublicHealthEngland.
2. Be Clear on Cancer campaigns are run by PHE in partnership with the Department of Health and NHS England.
3. Be Clear on Cancer campaigns, which aim to raise public awareness of the symptoms of cancer and encourage earlier presentation, are included in the report of the Independent Cancer Taskforce ‘Achieving World-Class Cancer Outcomes: A Strategy for England 2015 to 2020’. The campaigns also form part of PHE’s Annual Business Plan for 2017 to 2018.
4. Celebrity supporters of this campaign include Arlene Philips, Dame Esther Rantzen and Lucy Briers. Quotes from the celebrities are included below.
5. Pictures, quotes and video footage of celebrity ambassadors are available on dropbox.
6. Interview opportunities with PHE, HCPs and case studies are available upon request.
7. The campaign includes national TV, radio, digital and out of home advertising, together with face to face events in venues such as shopping centres.
8. Symptoms of lung disease (including lung cancer) and heart disease include:
   • a persistent cough that lasts 3 weeks or more
   • getting out of breath doing things that you used to be able to do, such as:
     • vacuuming
     • mowing the lawn
     • walking at a normal pace (and struggling to keep up with friends)
     • moving from the sofa to make a cup of tea
     • dressing and undressing yourself
     • climbing short flights of stairs
   • a cough that has got worse or changes
   • frequent chest infections
   • coughing up blood
   • chest pain or shoulder pain
   • wheezing
   • feeling more tired than usual for some time
   • losing weight for no obvious reason

If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor.

Additional spokespeople quotes:

Arlene Phillips, whose best friend died from lung cancer, is supporting the campaign and commented:

My best friend, Molly Molloy, passed away last year from lung cancer. She had this cough that didn’t seem to go away, but every time I asked her about it she said it was a virus and it would go – we had no idea that the cough was a symptom of something more serious until it was too late. This campaign is so important and I hope everyone takes note – if you have a cough that has lasted for 3 weeks or more, go and see your doctor, don’t ignore it. Or if you notice a friend or loved one who has had a cough for longer than 3 weeks, push them to see the GP. It could save their life.

Dame Esther Rantzen, whose late husband had heart disease, commented:

My husband was diagnosed with heart disease in 1986. We were very lucky he went to see the GP when he first had symptoms, because it enabled him to be treated and he could manage his condition. It gave us 15 extra years we might not have had, which I am so grateful for. Everyone gets breathless now and again, but if it feels unusual or you’re getting out of breath doing everyday things, you must go and see the GP – don’t put these symptoms down to old age or think it’s just because of your lifestyle. It might be something more serious and early diagnosis can make a huge difference. Also if you notice changes in loved ones – if you notice them getting out of breath doing things they used to do fine – give them the nudge to visit their doctor. It really could make a huge difference.

Lucy Briers, whose father Richard Briers had lung disease, said:

My father, Richard Briers had COPD, which is a form of lung disease. We didn’t know very much about lung disease before my father’s diagnosis – sadly I don’t think many people do until they know someone who has been affected. But we knew that it was a chronic condition and the sooner you are given a diagnosis the better. With the help of his doctor, the exercises and the medication that he was on, my father was able to carry on living his life as normal for several years after his diagnosis – he even did a play. My message to you is don’t be afraid, go and see the GP if you notice you are getting out of breath or you have a cough that’s lasted for 3 weeks or more – this is your body telling you something could be wrong and you need to get to the GP. Of course, it might not be anything serious, but if it is, a diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference.

Professor Mike Morgan, National Clinical Director for Respiratory Services, said:

As the National Clinical Director responsible for respiratory services I am constantly striving to reduce the number of deaths from lung disease, including lung cancer. People may not realise that getting out of breath easily or developing a persistent cough could be a sign of something serious, so don’t go to their doctor. These signs shouldn’t be brushed aside – getting help early, rather than waiting until the problem gets worse, is vital.

Professor Huon Gray, National Clinical Director for Heart Disease from NHS England, commented:

Coronary heart disease is the single biggest cause of death in England, accounting for around 12% of all deaths annually. If we are to improve patient outcomes in England, it is critical that we raise awareness of the symptoms associated with this condition. The earlier heart disease is diagnosed, the better – treatment can help manage the symptoms, reduce disability and prevent cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

Dr Matt Kearney, National Clinical Director for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention from NHS England, commented:

Over 150,000 deaths in England each year are attributed to heart disease, lung disease and lung cancer. With such a high number of deaths being down to these diseases, we need to take action so we are delighted that Public Health England is running this campaign. It’s crucial that people are aware of the signs and symptoms, to give those with these diseases the best chance of an early diagnosis.

Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said:

We know lung disease kills 1 person every 5 minutes in the UK. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing irreversible damage.

You should make an appointment with your GP if you feel breathlessness doing everyday tasks. It could be an important sign of respiratory disease. Don’t put it off.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said:

Coronary heart disease is still one of the biggest killers in England causing over 56,000 deaths every year. Thanks to years of research we are now able to effectively treat and manage coronary heart disease and resulting conditions such as heart failure. But early diagnosis and treatment is key. It is therefore vital to look out for symptoms, including breathlessness, and to contact your doctor as soon as possible if you are concerned.

Paula Chadwick, Chief Executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation said:

It is really encouraging to see the long-standing Be Clear on Cancer campaign continuing to help raise vital awareness of the crucial symptoms to look out for that could be a sign of lung cancer. So many people may otherwise simply ‘shrug off’ something like a persistent cough, yet to do so can have potentially devastating consequences. Anyone with a cough for 3 weeks or more should go and see their GP to get it checked. You have nothing to lose by making the appointment and it could ultimately save your life.

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MAIB report on the investigation of the serious head injury sustained by a deckhand on board the twin rig prawn trawler Sea Harvester in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland on 3 August 2016 is now published. The report contains details of what happened, subs… read more

Mr President,

Like the previous speakers from the United States, Japan and France, the United Kingdom condemns in the strongest terms the DPRK’s flagrant violation of unanimous decisions of the Security Council.

Despite our repeated condemnation and despite successive Security Council resolutions, the leadership of the DPRK has persisted in pursuing its illegal programmes in misguided pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability. This is simply not acceptable.

We have seen an unprecedented number of ballistic missile tests over the past year, including ground testing.

However, with this launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, the Council should note that the DPRK clearly intends to threaten directly an ever greater number of States, and indirectly the whole world.

All such ballistic missile activity by the DPRK is in violation of binding Security Council resolutions. And any capability that the DPRK develops to threaten the security of other States is of grave concern.

Our response must be strong and clear. The international community must redouble our efforts. As the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary has said, North Korea strains every nerve and sinew to build nuclear weapons and launch illegal missiles, even as the people of North Korea endure starvation and poverty.

Amidst reports of widespread hardship and human rights violations in DPRK, Pyongyang’s priority should be the health and welfare of North Korean people, not continuation of the nuclear programme.

We continue to urge the DPRK to return to credible and authentic multilateral talks on its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, and to abide by its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions.

The United Kingdom had today summoned the DPRK’s Ambassador in London, conveying in the strongest terms our views of this reckless behaviour.

We will also be redoubling our efforts, with partners, to seek strong enforcement of the measures that aim to bring the DPRK to the right path.

Increased vigilance is needed. We will continue to encourage partners globally to take effective action to understand, and where necessary disrupt, the DPRK’s illegal proliferation and other sanctions-evasion activity. And we will also work with allies and partners around the world to consider the fullest range of measures to increase diplomatic pressure.

The primary responsibility lies with the DPRK, but all members of the international community must further strengthen their resolve to enforce existing measures fully and effectively, without delay. We also urge all States to comply with the Security Council’s requirements for reporting on implementation of measures.

But as the DPRK’s own statements of defiance make clear, even these steps will probably not be enough.

Faced with these provocations, we must toughen our resolve. The United Kingdom supports new binding measures to raise the cost further for these illegal actions. The Security Council should start work immediately on a new Security Council resolution to achieve this

Thank you.

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Well thank you very much Mr. President, thank you Secretary-General, thank you Deputy Secretary-General for your initiative, for your report, and for your presentation this morning.

Look, we’re here for a simple reason. Extreme poverty, and conflict, and humanitarian crises are completely interlinked. More so than ever before. And in combination, this means that more people than at any point in human history need the UN development system. We’re failing too many of them. We need to do better. The good news is that we can do better. And we need to reform the UN and we need to do it now.

I think we all want an effective, rules-based international system. In the UK view, a reformed United Nations must be at the heart of that international system to prevent and resolve conflict, to help countries develop sustainably, to respond to humanitarian crises, and to build and sustain peace. In short, we want the UN to live up to its full potential.

There’s an unprecedented demand for multilateral responses to global challenges – and the international system must evolve to keep up. And that is why your strong vision, Secretary-General, for reform is so welcome. And it’s why this report is such a welcome step in the right direction.

Millions of people are currently relying on a development system whose processes and whose institutions were set up over half a century ago. Since then, more and more structures have been added, and a fair bit of red tape with them.

It is our duty now to refocus, reorganise, and renew.

And like other speakers, I want to thank you personally Secretary-General and you Deputy Secretary-General for driving forward this agenda personally. You have our appreciation. You have our full support and I hope that together we can move forward with the reform that the UN development system so much needs.

And I’m sure I speak for almost everyone in the room in saying that we want to be part of creating that future for this great organisation. That’s why we are so pleased that there has been so much consultation with Member States so far and we look forward to further consultation between now and December. But we have entrusted the leadership of this great organisation to you, and it is right that you use your authority to steer the reform that you judge the organisation needs.

I won’t respond right now to the specifics in the report. Let me simply say that first of all I’m very glad that there are so many concrete proposals in there. I welcome all of your eight guiding ideas. And I particularly like this repeated emphasis on leadership, effectiveness, accountability, and performance.

The UK strongly supports your efforts to bring about meaningful change and we will carry on putting our money where our mouth is. We’re the second largest donor to the UN development system. We’re very proud of that, and we want to make our funding support your reform agenda. And I know that my International Development Secretary, Priti Patel, is keen to discuss that with you as soon as possible.

So we will keep calling for ambition, we will keep calling for a bold approach to UN reform. And we will do so with the millions who need the UN development system in mind. They deserve more than we are currently offering them. They deserve an improvement on the status quo. This report is a very good start, but it is just the first step. We now need all of us to come together to help the UN to deliver it, and build on it, to keep the UN relevant and central to the multilateral needs of today.

Thank you.

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