HM Government

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

“In advance of the Gothenburg Social Summit, Prime Minister Theresa May held a bilateral meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven.

“PM May began by thanking PM Löfven for hosting tomorrow’s important summit, which gathers together heads of State and government, social partners and other key players to work together to promote fair jobs and growth.

“On Brexit, the two leaders discussed the progress made so far in the negotiations on citizens’ rights, Northern Ireland and the financial settlement.

“PM May reiterated her wish for the UK to have the smoothest possible exit from the EU followed by a deep and special partnership.

“Both leaders said they wanted to see further positive discussions ahead of the December European Council.

“PM Löfven said that, post Brexit, he wanted strong UK/Swedish relations as well as a strong relationship between Britain and the EU.

“Mrs May welcomed the deepening of the close defence and security cooperation between the two countries, including in the Baltic region.

“The leaders spoke about working together to tackle terrorism, including the importance of internet and social media companies automatically removing terrorist content.

“The leaders also discussed how important it is for the EU to continue to have a firm and unified position on Russia.”

The National Apprenticeship Service will be present over the 3 day event, talking to thousands of people about the benefits of apprenticeships and the many opportunities available.

The National Apprenticeship Service will have stands in Hall 6 and Hall 17, and a further stand in the Staffroom – an area dedicated to careers advisers, teachers and parents. The University Zone, with a focus on higher and degree apprenticeships, is being supported by HEFCE and UVAC whilst Spotlight sessions are scheduled to take place over the three days, covering general information on apprenticeships and ‘Meet the Apprentice’ talks.

Three apprentice conferences all take place on Thursday too – with an Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN) and Young Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (YAAN) conference, which includes the launch of the YAAN by Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton. This will be followed by an Employer Conference, being attended by the Chair of the Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network, Helen Grant MP. A Public Sector Conference is also taking place.

During day 1 of the Skills Show the National Apprenticeship Service will also formally announce the theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2018 – taking place from 5 to 9 March. The theme – Apprenticeships Work – will celebrate the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers, local communities and the wider economy.

Sue Husband, director, National Apprenticeship Service added:

The Skills Show will give us the opportunity to talk to young people, parents, teachers and adults looking for a career change, amongst others, about the range of careers on offer through apprenticeships. It is important that we use this opportunity to tell everyone who attends that no matter who you are, how old you are, or where you are from, an apprenticeship will help you achieve your career ambition.

There are conferences taking place at the Skills Show that allow us to celebrate apprenticeships along with our partners and this year it is great for us to have so many apprentice ambassadors joining us.

Having a captive audience at the Skills Show also gives us a great platform to announce the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2018. Having employer and apprentice support over the course of National Apprenticeship Week is paramount to its success and I look forward to seeing how both apprentices and employers alike get involved.

Keep up to date with apprenticeship news by signing up web alerts to receive Business Update, our primary communication to employer.

The British government is dismayed to learn of the dissolution of Cambodia’s main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). This effectively renders Cambodia a one-party state in its parliament and delegitimises next year’s General Election.

We renew our calls for the release of CNRP President, Kem Sokha, from detention. We shall consider with partners what further steps we shall take in response to this disturbing development.

We are also unable to accept payments for deputy fees at this time. For general help and support with our deputy services you can: You can also get guidance for court-appointed deputies on GOV.UK. We hope to offer our full deputy services within the n… read more