10 March 2017 – Although a decline in cases of Zika virus infection has been reported in some countries, there is still a need for heightened vigilance, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported today, issuing fresh guidance on the virus that has been linked to birth defects and neurological complications.

The new WHO data also lists countries where the Aedes aegypti mosquito is present, but where there is no sign of the Zika virus.

The insect is considered to be the main transmitter of the disease, which has been identified in more than 80 countries to date.

As such, WHO says that overall, the global risk assessment has not changed and “the [Zika virus] continues to spread geographically to areas where competent vectors are present.

The current data adds some 70 countries to the list of those considered to be ‘at-risk.’ These are countries where there’s no sign of the virus, but where the Aedes aegypti mosquito is present; it is considered to be the main carrier of the virus.

Speaking to UN News in Geneva, WHO technical Officer Monika Gehner said: “[The new guidance] helps us because now we can assess risks more precisely. Now, even if you do not have Zika virus transmission, but if you have the Aedes aegypti mosquito, you are at risk of Zika virus transmission.”

She went on to stress that amid surging global travel, “a traveller who is infected with Zika virus may go to an area in a country and in fact mosquitos that are established there, and a mosquito can then transmit to other people and so on, so you have a cycle of transmission.”

The aim of this new WHO guidance is not to spread alarm. Instead, it’s a call to governments to do more to prevent the spread of Zika.

This requires greater surveillance of mosquito populations and research into suspected Zika infections, as well as better diagnostic techniques and updated health advice to at-risk communities and travellers.

This is a major milestone in preparations at the naval base where £100m has been invested by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

USNS Robert E Peary on the Jetty

The jetty, parts of which date back over 90 years, has been refurbished to prepare for the first of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. This is in addition to the dredging of the approach channel, inner harbour area and berth in order to make them deep and wide enough for the new ships, moving three million cubic metres of clay, sand and gravel from an area the size of 200 football pitches.

Bespoke navigational lights, a high-voltage electrical supply and specialist carrier-specific gangways, known as ‘brows’ are also being provided as part of the huge programme of works. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has worked with VolkerStevin and BAE Systems to deliver the package of infrastructure needed for the carriers.

DIO Project Manager Philip Wise said:

“I am delighted that the works to the jetty are completed. It is a crucial element of the £100m infrastructure package being delivered to support the arrival of the carriers into their homeport of Portsmouth. We are looking forward to seeing the first of the ships berthing against the new and improved jetty later this year.”

With the core jetty works complete and new specialist equipment delivered, the Naval Base’s preparations for the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) Carriers are centred on a programme of Familiarisation, Integration and Testing, otherwise known as FIT.

This has been designed by BAE Systems on behalf of the Portsmouth Naval Base Commander and Naval Base staff to prepare equipment, personnel and processes for the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. They provide a valuable means to practice and refine standard operating procedures designed for the QEC and to role-play emergency scenarios.

David Mitchard, Managing Director, BAE Systems Maritime Services said:

“In readiness for the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth our team at BAE Systems in Portsmouth has put in place a rigorous testing programme for the new infrastructure at the Naval Base. We have a long expertise in maritime support and servicing and are committed to delivering the most innovative and cost-effective solutions to the Royal Navy for these remarkable ships.”

Today (10th March) saw the start of Phase 3 of the FIT trials, using the visit to the Naval Base of the 40,000 Tonne United States Naval Ship Robert E. Peary for live testing of people, processes and equipment.

Royal Navy Captain Iain Greenlees, the QEC Infrastructure Director said:  

“This jetty lies at the very heart of the preparations for the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth and the wider development of the Base for this century.  It is tangible evidence of how close we are to the dawn of the QEC era and I am proud of the way the Royal Navy, DIO and Volkerstevin have been able to work together on this challenging project to get us ready for today.”

This is a major milestone in preparations at the naval base where £100m has been invested by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

USNS Robert E Peary on the Jetty

The jetty, parts of which date back over 90 years, has been refurbished to prepare for the first of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. This is in addition to the dredging of the approach channel, inner harbour area and berth in order to make them deep and wide enough for the new ships, moving three million cubic metres of clay, sand and gravel from an area the size of 200 football pitches.

Bespoke navigational lights, a high-voltage electrical supply and specialist carrier-specific gangways, known as ‘brows’ are also being provided as part of the huge programme of works. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has worked with VolkerStevin and BAE Systems to deliver the package of infrastructure needed for the carriers.

DIO Project Manager Philip Wise said:

“I am delighted that the works to the jetty are completed. It is a crucial element of the £100m infrastructure package being delivered to support the arrival of the carriers into their homeport of Portsmouth. We are looking forward to seeing the first of the ships berthing against the new and improved jetty later this year.”

With the core jetty works complete and new specialist equipment delivered, the Naval Base’s preparations for the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) Carriers are centred on a programme of Familiarisation, Integration and Testing, otherwise known as FIT.

This has been designed by BAE Systems on behalf of the Portsmouth Naval Base Commander and Naval Base staff to prepare equipment, personnel and processes for the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. They provide a valuable means to practice and refine standard operating procedures designed for the QEC and to role-play emergency scenarios.

David Mitchard, Managing Director, BAE Systems Maritime Services said:

“In readiness for the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth our team at BAE Systems in Portsmouth has put in place a rigorous testing programme for the new infrastructure at the Naval Base. We have a long expertise in maritime support and servicing and are committed to delivering the most innovative and cost-effective solutions to the Royal Navy for these remarkable ships.”

Today (10th March) saw the start of Phase 3 of the FIT trials, using the visit to the Naval Base of the 40,000 Tonne United States Naval Ship Robert E. Peary for live testing of people, processes and equipment.

Royal Navy Captain Iain Greenlees, the QEC Infrastructure Director said:  

“This jetty lies at the very heart of the preparations for the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth and the wider development of the Base for this century.  It is tangible evidence of how close we are to the dawn of the QEC era and I am proud of the way the Royal Navy, DIO and Volkerstevin have been able to work together on this challenging project to get us ready for today.”

My Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I’m delighted to be here with you this evening to celebrate the inaugural Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting.

I’d like to thank Lord Marland and the Commonwealth Secretariat for organising the event, and the Lord Mayor for hosting this wonderful reception in such a fantastic setting.

And thank you to all of you who have travelled so far to contribute to this event, at a time when we are seeing great change across the world in terms of economic development and our shared prosperity.

A crucial juncture for the Commonwealth

You heard this morning from the Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox, that this is a time of historic change for Britain.

Our Prime Minister could not have been clearer – it is time for Britain to rediscover our place as a champion of global trade.

We must stand tall in the world as the brightest beacon for free trade and liberal markets.

And I want to be clear, that as Britain fixes its gaze on the global horizon, the Commonwealth, and how we can strengthen and deepen our cherished ties with our Commonwealth partners, is foremost in our minds.

Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel gives her Commonwealth Trade speech

In some of the darkest days in world history, it has been our friends and allies in the Commonwealth who have remained steadfast on the side of freedom.

We’re at a new and exciting moment in history, one that presents a vital chance to revitalise our partnerships with Commonwealth countries, and secure a stable and prosperous future, built upon our shared institutions, cultures, values and often a shared language.

My Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I believe that in this new era Britain and the Commonwealth should be ambitious about the future.

The benefits of trade

And breaking down barriers to free trade will be a central part of this.

Trade between nations has the power to lift millions out of grinding poverty.

It is both a crucial driver of development, and one of the most dynamic forces for good in the world.

It creates jobs, and fosters peace. It raises incomes and it unleashes the power of private enterprise.

It changes individual lives, and by doing so it can transform entire economies.

As Margaret Thatcher once said:

“The market is a more powerful and more reliable liberating force than government can ever be.”

Promoting trade, free markets, private enterprise and liberal economies are the most powerful way we can break the cycle of debt and dependency,

And put countries on the path to long term economic growth so that they can provide for themselves and their people.

The Commonwealth is an exemplar of this potential.

We only have to look around this room to be reminded of the stunning impact trade can have as a weapon in the fight against poverty.

In recent months I’ve visited India, Kenya, and Pakistan and been struck again by the power of jobs and economic growth to enhance people’s choices and prospects – particularly women and their families.

Embracing free trade can jump-start an economy and turbo-charge growth.

On the other hand, shutting a country off from trade means depriving people the power of innovation, technology, ideas, and the chance of a better life.

And they set themselves up to remain poor and weak, with growing inequality.

But those countries which embrace reform, who welcome the free flow of trade, technology and ideas, and who want to be a part of a globalised world, will be well-placed to be prosperous and strong.

Faster growth for our partners in developing countries is a win-win.

We can enable countries to trade their way out of poverty, liberate them from aid dependency, and build stable, strong trading partners for the future.

And with an unprecedented number of young people in many Commonwealth nations, the need to create jobs and better economic opportunities has never been more pressing.

In the long run, it is sustainable growth, trade and investment that will really tackle poverty, and build shared prosperity.

We need to work to ensure free markets deliver for everyone, and that the benefits of economic success are felt by all our citizens.

Trade, development and continuity

So development must be, and will continue to be, at the heart of the UK’s approach to international trade.

My department and this Government will continue to support humanitarian relief. We will continue to help alleviate poverty.

We will continue to support better health and education services in developing countries.

And we will also support stronger governance so that developing countries can have the confidence to embrace trade, markets, and investment.

The Commonwealth countries will be right at the heart of this effort.

And my department is also accelerating our work on trade, to help link developing countries to global markets and to enable them to reap the rewards of trade access.

The cost of bilateral trade for Commonwealth partners is, on average, 19% lower than between non-Commonwealth members – because of the similarities in language, institutions and regulatory systems.

Some 80% of Commonwealth members benefit from preferential access to UK markets.

These mutually beneficial ties grow stronger every day.

UK trade with these Commonwealth partners has increased by a staggering 50% since 2005, to over £42 billion in 2015.

So as we leave the EU, a key priority will be to ensure that we do not disrupt our vital trading partnerships with the Commonwealth.

And my Government confirmed last month that we aim to achieve continuity and a smooth transition in our trading arrangements with all developing countries.

Breaking down the barriers to trade

So the UK’s commitment to free trade has never been stronger, and we will place the Commonwealth front and centre in this work.

But, let’s be clear, tariff barriers aren’t the only things that hold back trade.

Burdensome regulations, high transport costs, delays at customs and weak infrastructure all increase the cost of trading, and stop countries from competing on a level playing field.

Tackling corruption and building stronger, more accountable and more open governance structures and institutions are key to breaking down trade barriers.

And I know you are also working hard to ensure that the opportunities free trade offers are available to all.

It is this government’s ambition to tear down the barriers to free trade, and help support our partners to build open economies, where the poorest are free to work and trade.

That way we can empower those groups who have been excluded.

Small businesses, rural communities, women and minority groups – they all stand to benefit from the growth and job creation that trade brings.

My Department is committed to using our programmes to do this, and to helping our partners create the hard infrastructure for trade.

A few months ago I saw a fantastic example of this myself when I visited Mombasa Port. This is East Africa’s biggest port and serves 200 million people across the region. And over the last few years the UK has helped modernise this port, by building viable roads and expanding docking points.

This has helped reduce the amount of time that it takes to move goods from Mombasa to neighbouring countries by 75%, contributing to a 10% increase in Kenya’s annual exports and hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of additional trade.

Helping countries harness the power of trade to reduce poverty, including investment in infrastructure and other areas that drive economic growth, is a top priority for my Department.

Conclusion

Now more than ever, we must remember that free trade, open markets and the expansion of global commerce have not just fuelled unprecedented growth, lifting millions of people out of poverty.

They have also bound nations more tightly together. Trading nations are less likely to be warring nations.

Trade is not a zero-sum game. Trade between nations creates jobs, prosperity and strong economies. It underwrites peace, it drives down prices and it increases choice.

We must recognise the risks, but be bold in our solutions.

And we must continue to speak up for free trade as one of the bedrocks of global prosperity and stability.

We must entrench the Commonwealth’s position as a beacon of co-operation, trade and partnership.

And through the crucial institution of the Commonwealth, we can and must work together to build a better, more prosperous, and more stable world for us all.

Thank you.

Today’s event saw current and ex-apprentices from across England take part in a photo call on the door step of Number 10 Downing Street – to celebrate 10 years of National Apprenticeship Week. Apprentices were invited to Number 10 for this exciting opportunity and even got to go inside for a tour. They were accompanied by Sue Husband, Director, National Apprenticeship Service, and David Hill, Apprenticeships Director, DfE.

An IBM event on Cyber Security apprenticeships also took place on the last day of National Apprenticeship Week 2017. The event included a presentation on the Cyber Security apprenticeship standard, with employer presentations and input from apprentices.

Friday’s events bring to an end the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week 2017 – themed ‘Ladder of Opportunity’ – which started on Monday 6 March with a launch event at Barclays HQ at Canary Wharf, London. Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening MP addressed an audience of employers and apprentices at the launch event, outlining just some of the apprenticeship highlights from the last decade.

On Tuesday, a webinar ran by The Big Assembly gave 10,000 individuals taking part the opportunity to hear first-hand from apprentices, employers and the Minister for Skills, Robert Halfon.

Wednesday’s events included a visit to the House of Commons for five apprentice ambassadors from the North West and North East Young Apprentice Ambassador Networks. They met with Minister for Skills, Robert Halfon to discuss how their successful networks can be rolled out nationally.

A return trip to the House of Commons was made on Thursday, with 170 apprentices and 40 employers taking part in an ‘Apprentices take over the Commons’ event. Nus Ghani MP and chair of the Apprenticeship Diversity Network addressed the audience, alongside Minister for Skills, Robert Halfon, David Meller, chair of the National Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and chair of the Apprenticeship Delivery Board and Joe Billington, Deputy Director, National Apprenticeship Service.

Also taking place on Thursday was the unveiling of a JCB, built by 68 apprentices and 3 graduates from JCB’s Loadall Division. The build took 568 hours from design to completion and involved 775 nuts and bolts to complete. The machine will later this year be auctioned with all proceeds going to charity.

The Unipres Training Academy was formally opened on Thursday too, by Sharon Hodgson MP, Unipres Managing Director Gary Graham and Sunderland City Council deputy leader Councillor Harry Trueman. The training facility will be used to train existing staff and 100 apprentices each year – ensuring when they leave the training facility and move onto the automotive production line, they are fully trained and work ready.

As National Apprenticeship Week 2017 draws to a close, Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said:

“This year’s National Apprenticeship Week has truly been one remember. Not only have we been celebrating the best of the best in apprenticeships, this government has also put skills at the heart of the Budget with £500m for new technical routes to rival A Levels.

“But National Apprenticeship Week is all about the people behind the announcements. I have met some amazing apprentices during this week of different ages and backgrounds who are inspiring, driven and on the ladder of opportunity to fulfil their potential. I want to wish every apprentice across the country the very best of luck in their future careers.”

Sue Husband, Director, National Apprenticeship Service concluded:

“This 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week has been a huge triumph. We have witnessed an array of events taking place up and down the country – some run by apprentices, some run by employers themselves – all with the common aim to showcase the brilliance of apprenticeships and the numerous job roles and sectors they are available in.

“And, the shining stars of National Apprenticeship Week 2017 have to be the apprentices themselves – they have supported the Week on social media, they have addressed audiences at events and they have showcased really well the benefits apprenticeships have brought to their professional and personal lives.”

Over 530 events took place during National Apprenticeship Week 2017 and included business breakfasts, careers fairs, opening evenings and even a five-a-side football tournament.

To find out more about National Apprenticeship Week 2017, visit our page on GOV.UK.