The ministerial appointments are:
A Downing Street spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister spoke to both President Karzai and President Zardari yesterday to take stock of progress following their last meeting at Chequers in February.
They all agreed that they remain fully committed to working together to establish a secure, stable and democratic Afghanistan that never again becomes a haven for terrorism. All three reiterated their support for an Afghan-led peace process and for negotiations between the Taliban and the High Peace Council and both Presidents confirmed their ongoing commitment to achieve the goals set at Chequers.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need for increased cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, built on a relationship of trust and strong relations between 2 neighbours.
The following appointments have been approved:
These appointments will fill forthcoming vacancies in the Court of Appeal arising over 2013.
These appointments are required in the light of the elevation of Sir Terence Etherton, Sir Roger Toulson and Sir Anthony Hughes, the retirements of Sir Alan Ward and Sir Malcolm Pill, and the forthcoming retirements of Lord Judge, Sir Bernard Rix, Sir Mathew Thorpe, Sir John Mummery and Sir Timothy Lloyd.
The appointment of Lord and Lady Justices of the Court of Appeal are made by Her Majesty The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor following the recommendation of an independent selection panel chaired by Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge. The other panel members were:
In accordance with section 79 of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 the panel determined the selection process to be followed. In accordance with s10(3) of the Senior Courts Act 1981, the selection exercise was open to applicants that satisfied the judicial eligibility condition on a 7 year basis or were Judges of the High Court.
Called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1978 and was Junior Counsel to Crown Chancery from 1990-94. He became a Queen’s Counsel in 1994. He was made a Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn in 2001, and was appointed Attorney General of the Duchy of Lancaster on 24 July 2001. He held this post until shortly after his appointment on 3 July 2006 as a Justice of the High Court, when he was assigned to the Chancery Division. He is currently Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster, a Chancery judge appointed by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in consultation with the Lord Chancellor, to supervise Chancery business and hear cases on the North and North Eastern Circuits.
Called to the Bar, Middle Temple, in 1969, Bencher 1991; Attorney of Supreme Court of Turks and Caicos Islands, 1975. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1984; a Recorder, 1990-2004; a Deputy High Court Judge, 1993-2004; a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey, 1998-2004. Counsel to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, 1998-2004. Councillor, International Bar Association, 1988-90; Chairman, Commercial Bar Association, 1993-95; Member, Bar Council, 1993-99. FRSA 1995. He was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, on 11 January 2005.
Called to the Bar, Inner Temple, 1975, Bencher, 2001; called to the Bar of Republic of Ireland, 1988. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992; Assistant Recorder, 1994-2000; a Deputy High Court Judge (Patents Court), 1998-2007; a Recorder, 2000-07. He was appointed Deputy Chairman, Copyright Tribunal, 1995-2007; Chairman, Competition Appeal Tribunal, 2007-. Member: Bar Council Chairman’ Arbitration/Conciliation Panel, 1996-2007; Bar Council Professional Conduct and Complaints Committee, 1998-2002; Bar Council, 2000-04; Bar Council European Committee, 2003-04; Litigation Accreditation Board Appeal Panel, Chartered Institute Patent Attorneys, 2005-07; Enlarged Board of Appeal, European Patent Office, 2011-; Chairman, Intellectual Property Bar Association, 1999-2004. He was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division on 8 November 2007. He has been the Senior Judge, Patents Court, since 2011.
Housing Advisor, Shelter’s Housing Aid Centre, 1974-75; called to the Bar, Middle Temple, 1978, Bencher, 2002. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1994; a Recorder, 2001-02. Editor, UK Human Rights Reports, 2000-2010 Hon. DLaws Southampton, 2011. He was appointed a Judge of the High Court, Queen’s Bench Division, on 22 November 2002. He was a Judge of the International Criminal Court, The Hague, from 2003-2012 (President, Trial Division, 2008-12; Presiding Judge, Trial Chamber I, 2007-12). He is currently the Lead Presiding Judge, South Eastern Circuit.
Graduated from Girton College, Cambridge. She was called to the Bar, Inner Temple, 1971, Bencher 1992. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1989; a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey, 1993-2004; a Recorder, 1995-2004; Judge in Charge of Commercial Court, 2010-12. Mem., panel of Counsel who appear for DTI in company matters, 1982-89. Mem. Hon. Fellow, Harris Manchester College, Oxford, 2006. She was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court) on 21 April 2004. Hon. Fellow, Girton College, Cambridge, 2011.
Called to the Bar, Lincoln’s Inn, 1979 (Bencher, 2005); Midland and Oxford Circuit. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1998; a Recorder, 1999-2005. She was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Family Division, on 3 October 2005. She was Family Liaison Judge for the South Eastern Circuit from 2007 until she was appointed Presiding Judge on the Midland Circuit, 2008-11.
Merchant banker, Grindley Brandt & Co., 1979; called to the Bar, Gray’s Inn, 1981; QC 1997; Asst Recorder, 1997-2000; a Recorder, 2000-04; a Dep. High Court Judge, 2001-04; Northern Circuit. Counsel, N Wales Tribunal of Inquiry, 1996-99. Asst Boundary Comr, 2000-04. Commnd Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry, 1981; Sqdn Leader, 1990; Sqdn Leader, Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry, 1992. Awarded TD. 1994 DL Greater Manchester, 2009. FRSA 2010. He was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Family Division, on 4 May 2004. He was a Family Division Liaison Judge for the Northern Circuit until he became Presider Judge, Northern Circuit, in 2010. He has been Judge in Charge of Modernisation of Family Justice, since 2011
Called to the Bar, Inner Temple, 1979, Bencher 2009. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2001 and a Recorder in 1998. She was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division on 13 January 2009. She has been a Presiding Judge on the Western Circuit since 2012.
Called to the Bar, Gray’s Inn, 1976 (Bencher 2000). He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992 and was a Recorder 1994-2006; Attorney General to HRH the Prince of Wales 1998-2006; a Deputy High Court Judge 1998-2006; and a Judge of the Employment Appeal Tribunal, 2000-03. He was Chairman of the Bar Pro Bono Unit 2002-05. Appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, on 30 January 2006. He has been a Judge of the Employment Appeal Tribunal since 2006 and was its President 2009-11.
Called to the Bar, Inner Temple, 1977; Bencher, Lincoln’s Inn, 2000. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1993; a Judge of Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey, 2005-09; Judge of the Court of Appeal of Cayman Islands, 2008-09. Chairman Chancery Bar Association, 1999-2001 (Honorary Secretary, 1994-97; Vice-Chairman, 1997-99). Chairman Bar Council, 2007 (Vice Chairman 2006, Chairman Professional Standards Committee 2004-05; Member, General Management Committee, 2004-07). Member, Panel on Fair Access to the Professions, 2009. Trustee: Social Mobility Foundation, 2007-11 (Chairman, 2008-11); Slynn Foundation, 2009 to date. He was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division on 27 October 2009 and is currently a Nominated Judge of the Patents Court
Prime Minister David Cameron is today visiting the Nissan car manufacturing plant in Sunderland, as the company thanked the UK government for continuing support and investment.
The visit marks the official start of production of the new, 100% electric Nissan LEAF. The car is now rolling off the line at the company’s Sunderland Plant, using advanced lithium-ion batteries manufactured in Nissan’s new UK Battery Plant. Together the Battery Plant and Nissan LEAF production are supporting jobs for more than 2,000 people in the UK car industry, including more than 500 directly at Nissan.
Mr Cameron said:
Nissan’s record breaking year last year is a success story for UK volume car manufacturing and demonstrates how our automotive industry is competing and thriving in the global race. I warmly welcome the production of the new electric LEAF model and battery plant at Sunderland. This £420 million investment, backed by government, is supporting over 2,000 jobs in our automotive sector including more than 500 at Nissan in Sunderland, helping people in the area who want to work hard and get on.
The government has committed £400 million to make the UK a leading market for ultra low carbon vehicles. Nissan’s announcement shows the confidence the company has in the skills-base and the business environment in the UK and that the UK is open for business.
The launch event comes as Nissan Sunderland Plant celebrates making more than seven million units since its opening in 1986. Last year it became the first UK car factory ever to make more than half a million cars in one year.
Nissan’s Executive Vice President Andy Palmer said:
Today’s announcement progresses Nissan’s unwavering commitment to zero emissions motoring.
The Nissan LEAF is our most technically advanced car yet and the launch of this new model, built along with its batteries in Sunderland, is a huge boost not only for the plant but for British manufacturing. We have been showing that you can operate a world-beating plant in the UK for almost 30 years and the construction of the battery plant is a vote of confidence in the country’s ability to support high-technology manufacturing.
We could not have reached this point without the support and commitment we have enjoyed from governments across Europe, especially the British government, who are backing the car industry on manufacturing and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. I would also like to once again place on record our thanks to our many partners and their strong belief in zero-emissions motoring.
The Prime Minister spoke to President Putin earlier today on a range of bilateral issues.
On trade, both leaders welcomed the recent deal between BP and Rosneft and commented that it was very positive to see trade between the UK and Russia on the rise. The Prime Minister added that he was looking forward to welcoming President Putin to Northern Ireland for the G8 summit.
On Syria, the Prime Minister set out the urgent need to find a political solution to the crisis. Both leaders agreed that a stable Syria was in everyone’s interest.
On the ongoing situation in Cyprus, the Prime Minister and President agreed it was important that a swift resolution was reached between Cyprus and other members of the Eurozone.
Prime Minister David Cameron has today outlined plans for a cross-Government immigration system that seeks to favour those who work hard to get on in life.
The Prime Minister will said that immigration continues to have huge benefits to our nation and we can be proud of how open and diverse we are. He explained that he believes a sensible debate will help ensure that everyone who comes here pays their way and gives something back.
The speech outlined Government plans to do this by:
Mr Cameron said:
While I have always believed in the benefits of immigration I have also always believed that immigration has to be properly controlled.
As I have long argued, under the last government this simply wasn’t the case. Immigration was far too high and badly out of control. Net migration needs to come down radically from hundreds of thousands a year to just tens of thousands.
And as we bring net migration down so we must also make sure that Britain continues to benefit from it. That means ensuring that those who do come here are the brightest and the best the people we really need with the skills and entrepreneurial talent to create the British jobs and growth that will help us to win in the global race.
And it also means ensuring that the system is fair so that we support the aspirations of hard working people who want to get on in life. This is about building that aspiration nation I have been talking about.
New measures set out by the Prime Minister include:
The current Home Office Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations state that someone who enters the UK in order to seek employment means they have a ‘right to reside’ as a job seeker. This means they can claim Job Seekers Allowance and other benefits.
To ensure people cannot claim benefits indefinitely, in early 2014 we will create a statutory presumption that after 6 months an EEA national can no longer retain their status as a job seeker or retained worker and continue to claim benefits, unless they can demonstrate they have actively sought work throughout that period and have a genuine chance of finding work.
Currently some immigrants are exploiting a loophole which allows them to claim contributory benefits based on their National Insurance contributions despite not having the right to work in the UK. This can happen when someone has worked in the UK and paid NI but then overstayed their visa. Closing this loophole will prevent payment of contributory benefits to those with no right to work in the UK at the point of their claim.
We will strengthen the test people have to pass to see if they are eligible to claim income related benefits – the Habitual Residence Test. There will be an increase in the number and stronger range and depth of questions asked.
The Government will introduce an expectation on councils to introduce a local residency test in determining who should qualify for social housing. This would mean someone would have to live in an area for say 2 or 5 years before they could even go on the waiting list.
This will stop someone from turning up and immediately gaining access to social housing. To ensure UK nationals are protected when they are moving for genuine reasons – for example for work or because of family breakdown – local authorities will have the ability to set exceptions (e.g. in relation to work mobility, armed services personnel, for people escaping domestic violence etc).
Government wants to stop the expectation that our health service is free to the entire world and we will take new steps to ensure the NHS can claim back money that is owed for NHS treatment provided to those not entitled to it. We will look to introduce stricter charging or a requirement for non-EEA temporary migrants to have private health insurance in order to access NHS care. Countries like the US and Australia already expect people to have insurance – we want to do the same. This will ensure we can reclaim costs when people are treated by the NHS.
Key enforcement organisations will be brought together to form more local and national taskforces to target hotspots of high employment and housing abuse and there will be tougher action on rogue businesses who employ illegal workers by doubling maximum penalties to £20,000. Biometric residence permits will make it easier to identify illegal immigrants.
Government will introduce a new legal requirement for landlords to check the migration status of new tenants, so they are not renting to an illegal immigrant. Landlords/letting agents will be expected to demand suitable evidence from tenants (passport/valid visa/Biometric Residence Permit) and to keep a record. For UK nationals proving their status will be straightforward – simply showing a passport, driving licence or birth certificate in most cases.
Rogue landlords who flout the rules and fail to take sufficient checks will face tough consequences, which could include a fine.
Prime Minister David Cameron sends greetings to Jewish communities in UK and across the world observing Pesach (Passover).
Mr Cameron, said:
I send my very best wishes to Jewish communities in Britain and internationally celebrating Passover this year.
The fact that millions of people are observing a festival which is thousands of years old shows the enduring and positive strength of your faith in our world.
And it is right that the story of the Exodus – the freeing of oppressed peoples – is not forgotten. I join you in the hope and determination that a lasting peace can be found for Israel and the wider region.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to praise the British Jewish community for their significant historic and continued contribution to life in the UK, which has helped make Britain the richly diverse and inclusive place it is today.
I wish you a happy and peaceful Pesach.
The Queen has approved the nomination of the Reverend Christopher David Goldsmith, BA, DPhil, Vicar of Warley Christ Church and Great Warley Saint Mary the Virgin, in the Diocese of Chelmsford, to the Suffragan See of St Germans, in the Diocese of Truro, in succession to the Right Reverend Royden Screech, BD, AKC, on his resignation on the 31 December 2011.
The Reverend Chris Goldsmith (aged 58), studied at York University and thenworked for Shell International for the next 25 years in Kent, Essex, Amsterdam and London, first as a Research Scientist and then in various Human Resources and Change Management roles. He was licensed as a Reader in 1984 and trained for the ordained ministry on the North Thames Ministerial Training Course from 1997 to 2000. He served his curacy at Pitsea with Nevendon, in Chelmsford Diocese from 2000 to 2004. Since 2004 he has been Vicar at Warley Christ Church and Great Warley Saint Mary in the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Reverend Chris Goldsmith is married to Ellen who is also ordained and they have two grown up children. His interests include garden design, walking and the visual arts.
A Number 10 Spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister spoke to Premier Li Keqiang of China this morning to congratulate him on his recent appointment. Premier Li thanked the Prime Minister and spoke warmly about his last visit to Downing Street in 2011.
They agreed that the bilateral relationship was one of great importance and that they were keen to build on this strong partnership which was based on mutual respect. Both leaders placed a high priority on trade and investment and stressed their commitment to championing free trade. The Prime Minister said that Britain was very much open for business and that he greatly valued Chinese investment.
They said they looked forward to meeting and continuing their discussions in due course.
The organisation helps young, disabled and disadvantaged people gain life skills and independence by recycling mobility equipment which is then sold to those in need.
The workshop enhances the lives of people with disadvantages and disabilities by teaching hands-on and useful skills. Those involved in the scheme refurbish donated and discarded mobility equipment, which is then sold to those who need it. The new skills help trainees build more self-confidence while reducing the levels of isolation that people who are disadvantaged or disabled often feel, while at the same time providing equipment to those who need it at a lower cost.
BFW also helps to reduce the amount of mobility equipment destined for landfill – including wheel-chairs, power chairs, scooters, and fully-functional hospital beds by recycling them in the workshop and returning the equipment back into the community.
The organisation, which opened in 2005 with three part time employees and two trainees, has now grown to include 16 full time employees, and 18 trainees, winning over 10 international national and regional awards, including England’s Best Small Social Enterprise and UK’s Best Social Enterprise. Their ‘can do’ approach wins them much repeat business, as well as plenty of goodwill from suppliers and clients.
Since commencement accomplishments have included:
Brighter Futures also acts as a supplier of community prescription equipment as well as Motability agents for scooters and power chairs, and also offer services including breakdown and emergency call out, cost-effective servicing of mobility equipment, contract servicing for other mobility equipment suppliers and manufacturers.
Commenting on the award Prime Minister David Cameron said:
I’m delighted to see the fantastic work of Brighter Futures Workshops being recognised with a well-deserved Big Society Award. The work they do in their community to improve mobility for people with disabilities, while supporting disadvantaged young people is something to celebrate.
By providing training in practical skills Brighter Futures is helping young people who are disabled or disadvantaged to realise their potential and help boost their self-confidence. These skills are put to great use in recycling vital equipment which helps improve mobility and sense of independence to others with disabilities. I wish them every success in the future.
Peter Cousins MBE and founder of Brighter Futures Workshop said:
We are enormously proud of all our hardworking staff members and the individuals we serve who enable more and more of those with disabilities to gain independence.; from the 82-year-year old man who is now able to get his own newspaper for the first time in 11 years because the social enterprise sold him an affordable scooter to the lady who needed a wheelchair to attend a family funeral and was given one for free even though it normally takes 12 weeks for the initial wheelchair assessment. These stories amongst many drive our team of volunteers and staff.
We are thrilled to be recognised by the Prime Minister for our efforts, and awards like this enable more people with disabilities to be aware of our services and gain access to our recycled equipment.
Updated: Updated after the event
Social impact investments are financial investments that not only have economic benefits, but also focus on generating a positive impact on society. The Social Impact Investment Conference was set up to help boost the growing social impact investment market – by exploring issues such as; how we can enable the market to operate effectively on a global scale, and how we can develop the role of social impact investing to help international development.
Throughout the day there was a trade fair to showcase the UK’s social investment market, as well as sessions to discuss the latest innovations in the market.
The UK government and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) co-hosted this high-level international meeting. The event focused on reducing stunting and improving nutrition for pregnant women and young children. Countries, donors, foundations, businesses and civil society came together to accelerate action on ambitious targets, and on this significant day world leaders signed a global agreement to help beat hunger and malnutrition.
We will also work with a range of companies to both assess the progress and expand the reach of the G8 New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition.
The event followed on from the UK-Brazil Hunger Summit held in London last summer, which highlighted the devastating consequences of under nutrition on children.
Science Ministers and Presidents of the Science Academies in G8 countries met to discuss the role of science in tackling global challenges. At the top of the agenda was dealing with global challenges, namely antibiotic resistance in medicine, and how governments can work together to develop new antibiotics and employ them more wisely.
They also discussed other pressing global challenges, including climate change, energy security and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Following the meeting, the group issued a statement, signed by all G8 members.
The Innovation Conference brought together today’s leading innovators, from the G8 and beyond. Openness to ideas and technologies from across the spectrum of business and society is essential for us to find solutions to the greatest challenges facing the world.
With unique capabilities for taking a broad approach to innovation, the UK’s researchers, businesses and social enterprises will have central roles in global initiatives. From public policy to science and technology, this conference facilitated conversations that influence the dialogue throughout the UK G8 Presidency.
Read more on the G8 Innovation Conference here.
This pre-Summit event involved wider discussions on trade, tax, and transparency with business, civil society and governments. It showed why open governments, open societies and open economies are essential for growth, jobs and sustainable development. Discussions centred on how we can work together to promote and practise fairer trade, proper taxes and more transparent investment in land, minerals, oil and gas.
Read more about the event and its outcomes here.
Updated: Updated for 2013
The Queen’s Speech sets out the government’s policies and proposed legislative programme for the new parliamentary session. It is given in the presence of members of both Houses, the Commons being summoned to hear the speech by an official known as ‘Black Rod’.
Although the speech is delivered by the Queen, the content of the speech is entirely drawn up by the government and approved by the Cabinet.
Following the State Opening, the government’s programme is debated by both Houses. In the Commons the first motion is that the House send an address to the Queen thanking her for the speech.
The subsequent debate, which lasts several days, is a chance for MPs to speak on any matter of government.
The State Opening of Parliament takes place when Parliament reassembles after a general election, and then at the start of each new Parliamentary session.
The Queen drives in state from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. The Imperial State Crown, the Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance are transported to London by coach ahead of her. Only the monarch can call a Parliament together and no business can take place until the Queen reads her speech.
The British Monarchy
UK Parliament
Flickr: The Queen and her Prime Ministers