The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Girls’ Education, Helen Grant, visited Nepal this month to meet activists, advocates and campaigners who, with UK support, have championed the rights of women and girls on education and climate change.

Her visit follows the Government of Nepal’s announcement to boost spending on education by over 50%, following the UK-hosted Global Education Summit in July, which will improve equality and standards in access to education.

In Nepal, girls still too often drop out of education to marry young. Married girls are eleven times more likely to be out of school than unmarried peers, with marriage the second most common reason for adolescent girl school dropout.

Commenting on her visit, Helen Grant said:

“Our Leave No Girl Behind campaign isn’t just a meme, a hashtag, or a vague aspiration. It’s a cast iron commitment.

“In Nepal, we’ll continue to work with all spheres of government, with civil society, and with others in the international community, until that commitment is met.”

In addition, nearly two-thirds of the population in Nepal work in the climate-vulnerable agriculture sector, most of them women. Nepal is the fourth highest climate-risk country in the world with annual warming in the Himalayan region twice the global average.

Mrs Grant travelled to some of the areas in the country most badly struck by COVID19. She saw first-hand how UK-supported programmes have helped 86% of girls to improve their learning, understanding and performance in literacy and numeracy.

• Helen Grant was appointed to her role by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in January 2021 to underline the UK Government’s global commitment to the right of every girl to 12 years of quality education.

• The UK partnered with Kenya and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to co-host the Global Education Summit: Financing GPE 2021-2025 in London in July, urging world leaders to invest in education and improve access for girls

• The GPE Summit raised £4bn (over $5bn) over five years to give 175 million children the opportunity to learn. The UK was a leading donor.

• More information on her role can be found here

• New campaign supported by charities and healthcare organisations encourages those eligible to get vital protection with a free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccine ahead of winter

• Comes after the government has launched the biggest flu programme in history for 2021/22 and COVID-19 booster campaign is well under way to protect as many lives as possible

• New research suggests adults are underestimating the combined threat of COVID-19 and flu this winter

Those eligible for the free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster jab are being urged to book their appointments as soon as possible in a new film campaign launched today [Friday 8 October] aiming to help people give themselves and their loved ones the best possible protection this winter.

The new film sees media medics Dr Amir Khan, Dr Dawn Harper and Dr Karan Ranj explain why it is more important than ever for people to get their winter vaccines as soon as possible this autumn, as both viruses have the potential to cause serious illness and hospitalisation.

The campaign is launched as new research released today suggests that adults in England are severely underestimating the combined threat of COVID-19 and flu this winter.

There could be a significant flu surge this winter coinciding with continuing or rising COVID-19 cases. This is due to colder weather which favours transmission, darker nights which mean increased social contact indoors where it is less well ventilated, and expected lower immunity to flu due to lower levels in circulation last winter.

A recent survey seeking views from 3,000 participants found that nearly one third (32%) were unaware that flu and COVID-19 can circulate at the same time, over a quarter (26%) did not know that flu can be fatal and over half (55%) underestimated the number of people who die from flu in an average year in England (which is approximately 11,000).

Even those deemed high risk for covid-19 had low awareness of the possible dangers. Nearly a quarter of those over 50 (24%) and 29% of those with long term health conditions, (who are a priority group for the COVID-19 booster and an eligible group for the flu vaccine), were unaware that flu and COVID-19 could circulate at the same time. Over a third (37%) of pregnant women, who are an eligible group for a free flu vaccine, were also unaware that you can still catch flu if you’ve had the COVID-19 vaccine.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, said:

This year we are rolling out the largest flu vaccine programme in our history, alongside the new COVID-19 booster vaccine rollout; both are important to provide vital protection not only to yourself, but also your loved ones while also helping to ease pressure on the NHS.

The COVID-19 vaccine programme is a fantastic example of how successful vaccination programmes can be – with around 130,000 lives saved. It is vital we continue that incredible progress with all those eligible ensuring they get both their flu and COVID-19 booster injections as soon as they are invited.

The research showed some misunderstanding of flu in particular, with around one in ten (9%) saying they thought the COVID-19 vaccination would protect them against flu. More than one in ten (13%) also believed with the statement that flu is ‘a disease of the past’, with a further one in five (20%) who did not know or were unsure that flu is spread by coughs, sneezes and can live on hands and surfaces – similar to COVID-19.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said:

Not many people got flu last year because of COVID-19 restrictions, so there isn’t as much natural immunity in our communities as usual. We will see flu circulate this winter; it might be higher than usual and that makes it a significant public health concern.

COVID-19 will still be circulating and with more people mixing indoors, sadly some increases are possible. For the first time we will have COVID-19 and flu co-circulating. We need to take this seriously and defend ourselves and the NHS by getting the annual flu jab and the COVID-19 booster when called.

Both these viruses are serious: they can both spread easily, cause hospitalisation and they can both be fatal. It is really important that people get their vaccines as soon as they can.

Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said:

We are facing a challenging winter but we can all help ourselves and those around us by taking up the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine, if eligible.

Getting vaccinated against both viruses will not only help to protect us and our loved ones, but will also help protect the NHS from potential strain this winter.

Now that people are able to socialise more with far fewer restrictions in place compared to last year, vaccines provide vital protection for the public, by protecting individuals and those around them.

Up to an estimated 131,300 lives have been saved by the COVID-19 vaccine so far – and up to 24.3 million infections prevented. The flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccines offer the best protection from these life-threatening viruses.

Despite low awareness of the threat of both flu and COVID-19 this winter, the survey findings revealed vaccine confidence levels were still high with over 8 in 10 (83%) of those double-vaccinated saying they would get the COVID-19 booster vaccine if offered and two in three (66%) of all adults in England saying they would get the flu jab.

After restrictions put in place to protect the public from COVID-19 last Christmas, the main incentives people listed in the new survey included the desire to be with family at Christmas this year, with two in five (41%) citing this as a reason to get the COVID-19 booster vaccine and nearly a quarter (24%) for flu.

NHS deputy vaccination programme lead Dr Nikki Kanani said:

The NHS COVID-19 vaccine programme, the largest and most successful in NHS history, has protected millions of people and saved around 130,000 lives.

Flu and COVID-19 both cost lives and the increased threat from the two deadly viruses this winter makes it even more important for people to continue sticking to good habits like washing their hands regularly.

It’s important anyone eligible comes forward for a flu vaccine as soon as possible and books in their booster when they are invited – the vaccines are safe, effective and the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.

Dr Amir Khan, NHS doctor and regular on ITV’s This Morning, said:

We are well aware of the threat posed by COVID-19 by now, but we can’t forget about flu which can also be deadly. Both viruses have the potential to cause serious illness and hospitalisation this winter.

Luckily, we know the best form of protection is to get vaccinated against both viruses and they are free to those eligible.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said:

This year it’s more important than ever to take up the offer of a flu jab and COVID-19 booster. Both illnesses are fully capable of taking a terrible toll on an older person but being vaccinated will help keep you, and those around you, safe and well through the winter months to come.

We’re so lucky to live at a time and in a country that makes these potentially lifesaving protections available, please don’t spurn the opportunity to benefit from them when it arrives.

Those eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccine should book as soon as they are invited, with around 30 million people eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccine.

Those eligible for a free flu vaccine should come forward to get it as soon as possible. Last year, the free flu vaccine was offered to 30 million people, this year the programme is being expanded again to the largest in history offering it to over 35 million people who are eligible.

To check your eligibility for the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccine or to find a service visit here

Eligible people can book an appointment for their flu jab at either their GP practice or their local pharmacy. Those who are pregnant can ask for their free flu jab at their local maternity service.

The campaign is also supported by a coalition of leading charities and healthcare professional bodies, including The Royal College of General Practitioners, The Royal College of Midwives, Asthma UK, The British Lung Foundation and Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Notes to editors

• The campaign video can be found here

• NHS is urging people who are eligible for the free flu vaccine to book their appointment as soon as possible this autumn before flu starts to circulate.

• For the COVID-19 booster, people will be invited when it’s their turn, and do not have to do anything in the meantime.

• The public can find out if they are eligible for a free flu or COVID-19 booster vaccine here

• Survey commissioned by Cabinet Office, Opinium conducted an online survey with a nationally representative sample of 3,000 adults in England which ran from 10th to 14th September (2021).

• 20% were unaware that flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes and can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours – 12% said they didn’t know, 8% said it was false and 80% said it was true

• 13% said flu is a disease of the past and doesn’t pose as much of a threat today – 8% said they didn’t know and 79% said it was false

• 9% said the vaccination against COVID-19 will protect you from flu – 12% said they didn’t know and 81% said it was false

• 14% said flu won’t be as prevalent this autumn / winter due to past lockdowns – 65% False, Don’t know 21%

• 13% said flu is no longer a fatal respiratory disease – 13% said they didn’t know and 75% said it was false

• 83% said they were likely to have a booster vaccine for COVID-19 if offered – 5% unlikely and 9% neither likely nor unlikely, 3% didn’t know

• 66% said they were likely to have a flu vaccine – 17% unlikely and 13% neither likely nor unlikely, 4% didn’t know

Over 50s (eligible group for both flu and COVID-19 booster)

• 37% unaware that flu could pose a personal threat to their health this autumn and winter

• 11% unaware that the COVID-19 vaccine does not protect them against flu

• 24% unaware that COVID-19 and flu can circulate at the same time

Those with long term health conditions (eligible group for both flu and COVID-19 booster)
* 29% unaware that COVID-19 and flu can circulate at the same time

Pregnant women (eligible group for flu vaccines)

• 26% thought it wouldn’t be as prevalent this autumn and winter (18% said they didn’t know)

• 34% were unaware that it could pose a threat to their health

• 37% were unaware that the vaccination against COVID-19 did not protect them against flu

Additional data

• Modelling suggests this winter influenza and RSV hospital admissions and deaths could be two times that of a ‘normal’ year and could coincide with an increase of COVID-19 infections, and their associated long-term consequences (Academy of Medical Sciences, July 2021)

• The number of people reporting a fever or cough has also risen for the past six consecutive weeks coinciding with circulating rhinovirus and RSV, according to the weekly Flu and COVID-19 Surveillance Report.

• An estimated 131,300 lives have been saved by the COVID-19 vaccine so far – and up to nearly 24.3 million infections prevented according to the Weekly Covid-19 Surveillance report, Week 39

International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan has today kicked off preparations for a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), launching a 14-week consultation calling for the public and business to share their views ahead of negotiations starting in 2022.

The GCC is already an important trading partner, with almost £22 billion of UK exports and bilateral trade worth over £30 billion in 2020. An advanced trade deal would takeour relationship to the next level in industries of the future such as digital trade, services and green growth – delivering higher-paying jobs across the country. 

British business could seize new opportunities in areas like renewable energy and play a key role in helping a region that wants to move away from a reliance on oil. Financial and digital services companies, along with education and healthcare providers could also strengthen their position in a region that holds UK expertise in high regard.

Over £597 million of British food and drink exports headed to GCC countries last year, including lamb, biscuits and chocolate. Farmers and food producers could now benefit hugely from better market access to a region that imports virtually all its food and has high demand for top-quality British produce.

The UK is already a top destination for investment from GCC members and a trade agreement is expected to attract even more into world-leading UK industries such as renewable energy, infrastructure, tech and life sciences. 

The Secretary of State is to hold a bilateral meeting in London with GCC Secretary General H E Dr Nayef Falah M Al-Hajraf and Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade, Hamad Bin Salman Al Khalifa, from the Bahrain Government, who hold the current rotating presidency of the GCC, to mark the beginning of the consultation.

Concluding in January 2022, it includes a questionnaire that will gather information from participants about their experiences and priorities when doing business with the countries in the GCC to ensure any deal reflects the country’s best interests.

International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

A trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council is a huge opportunity to liberalise trade with a growing market for British business and deepen ties with a region that is vital to our strategic interests. 

We want a modern, comprehensive agreement that breaks down trade barriers to a huge food and drink market and in areas like digital trade and renewable energy which will deliver well-paid jobs in all parts of the United Kingdom.

International Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena said:

The nations forming the Gulf Cooperation Council are, together, one of our biggest trading and investment partners and are home to over 50 million people.

From exports of Welsh lamb and Scotch beef, to biscuits from Belfast and financial services from the City of London, we are determined to strike a deal that will further cement our relationships, attract investment, promote trade opportunities and provide significant benefits for British business, creating jobs in communities across the country.

• For the first time, each longlisted bidder will receive £40,000 to develop a full application
• The winner will be announced next year and will be at the centre of the UK’s cultural spotlight in 2025

Eight areas longlisted for UK City of Culture 2025 were today unveiled by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.

Following a record 20 bids, the eight longlisted locations are Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Southampton, Stirling and Wrexham County Borough.

Winning the prestigious title has enormous benefits with previous hosts attracting millions of pounds in additional investment, creating jobs and attracting thousands of visitors to their local area.

The places will now work with a panel of experts and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to finalise their bids before the shortlist is announced early next year.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said:

Winning the UK City of Culture competition has a hugely positive impact on an area, driving investment, creating jobs, and highlighting that culture is for everyone, regardless of their background.

This year’s focus is on levelling up access to culture across the country and making sure there is a legacy that continues for generations to come. I look forward to seeing what this brilliant longlist has in store as they continue in the competition.

Sir Phil Redmond, Chair of the City of Culture Expert Advisory Panel, said:

The Expressions of Interest stage was introduced as an opportunity to encourage many more places to experience the benefit of coming together to define and share a cultural vision for their areas, and what the longlist demonstrates is the range and depth of cultural ambition across the whole of the UK.

Also for the first time, each longlisted city will receive financial support to help them develop their vision. Each is different. Each has its own story to tell. All share a common aim: to demonstrate how culture can act as the creative catalyst for change. I am really looking forward to seeing how each story develops.

The competition, delivered by DCMS in collaboration with the Offices for Scotland and Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive, uses culture as a tool for levelling up towns and cities across the country. The longlist was recommended by an independent advisory panel which brings together a wide range of expertise from across the UK.

All bids were asked to explain how they would use culture to grow and strengthen their local area, as well as how they would use culture to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. For the first time, this year each longlisted place will receive £40,000 to support the development of their promising proposals.

The winner will be announced in spring 2022 and will follow Coventry’s tenure as UK City of Culture 2021 to take the lead on culture in the UK in 2025.

Previous winners Hull and Derry-Londonderry have shown how the competition can deliver greater and long-lasting cultural participation, economic regeneration and local pride, whilst Coventry City of Culture 2021 is already providing a blueprint for how culture can be at the heart of social and economic recovery.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries will also be hosting a roundtable with all unsuccessful bidders to discuss how best they can be supported.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said:

I’m particularly pleased that Stirling is in the running for this prestigious award. With its fascinating history and vibrant creative scene, it’s a strong contender for the title.

The list of cities announced today is testament to the outstanding creativity and culture across the UK. I look forward to seeing proposals develop as Stirling strives to bring the UK City of Culture to Scotland for the first time.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said:

I am delighted that Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, and Northern Ireland, continues to be represented in the longlist for the prestigious UK City of Culture 2025 title.

Northern Ireland has a wonderful heritage in this competition, with Derry-Londonderry being a previous winner in 2013. I have no doubt that Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon will showcase the very best of what Northern Ireland has to offer the UK.

I wish the bid every success ahead of the final decision next year.

Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said:

In a fantastic field of UK City of Culture bids, Wrexham has done extremely well to fly the flag for Wales by reaching the longlist.

I wish them every success as they seek to become the first Welsh holder of the UK City of Culture title with all the opportunities it will bring to an area of huge cultural pedigree which contains the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, one of the world’s oldest football clubs in Wrexham FC and the Stiwt Theatre.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Full list of bids (* marks longlisted bids):

• Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon*
• The City of Bangor and Northwest Wales
• The Borderlands region, comprising Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, Northumberland, Cumbria and Carlisle City
• Bradford*
• Conwy County
• Cornwall*
• Derby*
• County Durham*
• Lancashire
• Medway
• City of Newport
• Powys
• Southampton*
• Stirling*
• The Tay Cities region
• Torbay and Exeter
• Wakefield District
• City of Wolverhampton
• Wrexham County Borough*
• Great Yarmouth & East Suffolk

More information about the UK City of Culture Panel.

Find out more on Coventry City of Culture 2021.

A partir del lunes 11 de octubre a las 4 hrs. GMT, Uruguay saldrá de la “lista roja” de países para ingresar a Inglaterra. Esto significa que ahora se permite el viaje de personas que no cuenten con la ciudadanía irlandesa o británica al Reino Unido desde Uruguay.

Si viaja a Inglaterra, lo que debe hacer depende de si califica como persona completamente vacunada, con base en las reglas para viajar a Inglaterra. Hasta el día de hoy, los certificados emitidos por el gobierno uruguayo no forman parte del esquema de reconocimiento de certificados de vacunas del Reino Unido. Esto significa que, si viaja a Inglaterra con un certificado de vacunación uruguayo, tendrá que seguir las mismas reglas de una persona no vacunada.

Si viaja sin un certificado de vacuna aceptado por el Reino Unido o como persona no vacunada

Si no está completamente vacunado, o si su certificado de vacuna no forma parte del esquema de reconocimiento de certificados de vacuna del Reino Unido, debe seguir las reglas para las personas que no califican como completamente vacunadas:

Hasta el día de hoy, los certificados emitidos por el gobierno mexicano no forman parte del esquema de reconocimiento de certificados de vacunas del Reino Unido.

Si posee dicho certificado, antes de viajar a Inglaterra debe:

• Realizarse una prueba de COVID-19: en los 3 días previos a su viaje a Inglaterra.
• Reservar y pagar las pruebas COVID-19 del día 2 y del día 8, que se realizarán después de su llegada a Inglaterra.
• Completar un formulario de localización, que se completará en las 48 horas anteriores a su llegada a Inglaterra.

Al llegar a Inglaterra, debe:

Debes reservar los exámenes de viaje del día 2 y del día 8. Solo necesita realizar las pruebas si todavía se encuentra en Inglaterra durante esos días.

Si viaja con un certificado de vacuna aceptado por el Reino Unido

Si viaja a Inglaterra con un certificado de vacuna que forma parte del esquema de reconocimiento de certificado de vacuna del Reino Unido, debe poder demostrar que ha sido vacunado con un ciclo completo de alguna de las siguientes vacunas, al menos 14 días antes de su llegada a en Inglaterra:

• Oxford / AstraZeneca
• Pfizer BioNTech
• Moderna
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

Las formulaciones de estas vacunas, como AstraZeneca Covishield, AstraZeneca Vaxzevria y Moderna Takeda, también califican como vacunas aprobadas.

Si cumple con estos requisitos antes de viajar a Inglaterra debe, usted debe

Las personas con ciudadanía uruguaya que recibieron la vacuna en Estados Unidos deberán presentar la tarjeta CDC que avale que han recibido un ciclo completo de una vacuna aprobada por la FDA en Estados Unidos, además de una prueba de residencia en dicho país.