The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach had a positive and constructive meeting in Government buildings this morning. This was an essential and timely opportunity for the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach to establish a relationship and a better understanding of each other’s positions.

They spoke privately over breakfast for more than half an hour before joining their delegations for another half hour meeting.

While they agreed that the discussions are at an early stage, common ground was established in some areas although significant gaps remain.

The UK and Ireland are committed to securing an agreement between the European Union and the UK, and recognise that negotiations take place through the Brussels Task Force.

They also shared their commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the restoration of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland.

They look forward to meeting each other again in the near future.

Published 9 September 2019

How to register and update your personal, business and land details on the Rural Payments service (including RLE1 guidance).

British based businesses will have improved access to skilled workers following changes to the Immigration Rules announced by the immigration minister today (Monday 9 September).

The changes mean that occupations such as veterinarians, architects and web designers will be added to the shortage occupation list (SOL), giving people coming to the UK to work in these industries priority in securing a Tier 2 work visa, over occupations not on the list.

It also means that employers can advertise job vacancies for the occupations included to all nationalities as soon as it’s available, making it easier for them to access the international talent they need.

Immigration Minister Seema Kennedy said:

Giving British based businesses the access to the brightest and best global talent is a key priority for this government.

That is why we have made it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers, such as vets and web designers, that this country needs to flourish.

The Tier 2 shortage of occupation list (SOL) is a list of occupations recognised by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) as being in national shortage, which they assess would be sensible to fill, in part, through non-EEA migration.

Reflecting recommendations by the independent Migration Advisory Committee in its review of the shortage occupation list in May 2019, today the Immigration Rules have been amended accordingly, putting the changes into law.

When reviewing the shortage of occupation list, the MAC considers a range of factors including whether the role is in national shortage and whether it is sensible to fill with migrant workers.

In addition to expanding the SOL, the Immigration Rules have been amended to further demonstrate the government’s commitment to transferring the 480 unaccompanied children under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 as soon as possible.

The updated rules will ensure that those children transferring under section 67 are granted with ‘section 67 leave’ upon arrival. This form of leave allows them to study, work, access public funds and healthcare, and is a route to settlement which they would not ordinarily have had. Currently, those who transfer to the UK under section 67 only receive ‘section 67 leave’ if their asylum application is unsuccessful.

It will provide the children, and the local authorities who will care for them, with additional reassurance and guarantee their status in the UK at the earliest opportunity.

The Home Office has also streamlined English language testing ensuring that doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives who have already passed an English language test accepted by the relevant professional body, do not have to sit another test before entry to the UK on a Tier 2 visa. This change will make sure that hospitals and medical practices across the country will be able to access the staff they need more quickly.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President,

The United Kingdom wishes to address some remarks to the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery. The UK looks forward to renewing this mandate at this session.

Ms Bhoola, the UK wishes to put on record our sincere thanks for your dedication and the excellent work you have done throughout your tenure as Special Rapporteur. The UK has been pleased to engage with you at the most senior levels and we applaud the way in which you have worked with states, civil society and victims in pursuit of your mandate.

We welcome your report on contemporary and emerging forms of slavery and support your call for a coordinated and strategic international approach to tackling this heinous crime that affects every country in this room. We also recognise the importance of looking to future challenges, including migration, climate change, and shifts in global markets.

The UK continues to support the important role of Alliance 8.7 to mobilise and prioritise international resources, and agrees that the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery and the Pathfinder 8.7 initiative should be used as frameworks for coordinated international action. The UK welcomes the number of ratifications of the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, and urges states that have not yet done so to consider its ratification.

The report notes that over 85 Governments have now endorsed the Call to Action to End Modern Slavery, launched in 2017. There is an urgent need to maintain international momentum on this agenda if we are to make significant inroads towards SDG target 8.7.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

What are the best ways for the international community to ensure that they take a more survivor-informed approach?

Thank you.