Of course most of the doom and gloom mainstream media may not be interested in featuring any positive British news stories, but we certainly are.
Here are our 20 best read and most shared positive news stories from this week (6th – 12th March 2023):
20. UK and New Zealand expand schemes for young people to work abroad
Young Brits and New Zealanders will benefit from life-changing opportunities on the other side of the world thanks to the expansion of our shared visa schemes. From 29 June, the age limit for New Zealand applicants coming to the UK will go up from 30 to 35 years old and the maximum length of time people can stay in their host country will be extended to 3 years. For Brits wanting to take advantage of the scheme in New Zealand, the age range will be increased on 1 July and they will be able to work throughout their stay of up to 3 years… click here
19. NHS continues to make huge strides reducing waits for patients despite winter pressures
The number of people waiting longest for routine care has fallen, despite hospitals having to contend with high levels of winter viruses and strike action, new figures show today. Thanks to the hard work of staff, the NHS is making significant progress against its elective recovery plan, with the number of people waiting over 18 months cut by over 9,000 in January compared to the previous month – and down almost two thirds on its peak in September 2021 (from 124,911 down to 45,631)… click here
18. £370 million to cement UK’s place as science and technology superpower
The Prime Minister and Technology Secretary have this week launched the government’s plan to cement the UK’s place as a science and technology superpower by 2030, alongside a raft of new measures backed by over £370 million to boost investment in innovation, bring the world’s best talent to the UK, and seize the potential of ground-breaking new technologies like AI. The new Science and Technology Framework is the first major piece of work from the newly created Department for Science, Innovation and Technology… click here
17. Over 3500 drug lines closed and thousands more arrested in nationwide crack down on county lines
County lines drug gangs continue to be shut down at pace across England and Wales, as new figures this week demonstrate the impact of coordinated and relentless police action. New figures reveal that since the government launched its County Lines Programme in 2019, police have shut down 3,588 drug lines. In the last year alone, over 1,000 lines have already been closed, meaning the government is on track to surpass its target to close 2,000 lines over 3 years… click here
16. UK Atomic Energy Authority and University of Sheffield partnership to drive fusion technology
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Sheffield have entered a partnership that is set to drive the development of fusion technology and the UK’s future fusion industry. The collaboration, announced this week will see Sheffield appoint two Chairs in fusion research and development. Both roles will establish new research programmes to address global fusion challenges… click here
15. Network behind £70 million criminal money laundering service dismantled
Ten members of a network who laundered £70 million for organised criminals have now been sentenced. The final three members of the London-based group were sentenced this week, after their criminal enterprise was taken out following a five-year investigation by the Organised Crime Partnership – a joint National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police Service unit… click here
14. Funding to support British space exploration using Moon resources and nuclear power
UK Space Agency is investing in British University projects that could revolutionise our ability to journey deeper into space. The UK Space Agency is investing in projects that could revolutionise our ability to journey deeper into space – and even travel to Mars – safely and efficiently, using remote technologies and supplies found in space to sustain astronauts and spacecraft. One project is creating remote equipment that scientists can use to run experiments on biological models in deep space from Earth… click here
13. Major fund to tackle loneliness and boost volunteering in disadvantaged areas launched
Youth clubs, mental health charities and social enterprises are among the organisations to benefit from up to £30 million to create volunteering opportunities and help reduce loneliness. Launched by the government working in partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and UK Community Foundations (UKCF), the ‘Know Your Neighbourhood Fund’ will support local organisations in 27 areas… click here
12. Over £40 billion to be invested in transformational transport schemes across the country
As part of the government’s largest capital programme commitment ever, over £40 billion will be invested in transformational transport schemes over the next two financial years across the country, helping to level up local communities and deliver on one of the government’s 5 priorities to grow the economy. This includes a continued investment in delivering HS2, which will grow local economies, provide a green transport solution and train a skilled construction workforce… click here
11. UK and Canada sign agreement to boost tech supply chains
The UK and Canada have agreed a landmark agreement to co-operate on critical minerals such as cobalt and lithium that are essential to the economy. Agreement signed on Minister Nus Ghani’s five-day visit to Canada to meet counterparts and attend the International Mines Ministers Summit and the closing of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The UK and Canada have agreed a landmark agreement to co-operate on critical minerals such as cobalt and lithium that are essential to the economy and used in almost all modern and green technologies, from solar panels to electric vehicles… click here
10. Millions of patients to benefit from care at home thanks to NHS community response teams
Millions more people will benefit from quicker care at home thanks to the boosted rollout of healthcare teams in the community, as part of the NHS plan to recover urgent and emergency care services. Almost a quarter of a million people (226,895) have received urgent medical support from home – many avoiding a hospital stay – since the teams were rolled out nationally in April – two years ahead of the NHS Long Term Plan target. Thanks to the major new plan to help recover services and reduce waiting times for patients… click here
9. Over 100,000 more vulnerable and disadvantaged families to receive support as government scheme marks 10 years
Up to £233.5 million allocated to the Supporting Families programme for 2023/24, in addition to the £1.9 billion allocated over the past 10 years. Thousands more vulnerable families with multiple and complex issues such as housing insecurity, poor education attainment and substance misuse are to receive tailored support to turn their lives around through a flagship government programme which this week marks its 10th year. Over 100,000 more families in England will benefit from allocations totalling £233.5 million announced this week from the Supporting Families programme… click here
8. British businesses to save billions under new UK version of GDPR
New data laws to cut down pointless paperwork for businesses and reduce annoying cookie pops-up are being introduced by the government today in Parliament. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill was first introduced last Summer and paused in September 2022 so ministers could engage in a co-design process with business leaders and data experts – ensuring that the new regime built on the UK’s high standards for data protection and privacy, and seeks to ensure data adequacy while moving away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach of European Union’s GDPR… click here
7. Princess Catherine impresses Irish Guards as they welcome her as their new Royal Colonel
The Irish Guards provided a warm welcome despite sub-zero conditions on Salisbury Plain this week for their new Royal Colonel, Catherine, Princess of Wales. Though harsh winds blew across the Plain, stinging faces and fingers with cold, nothing could lessen the pleasure and enthusiasm of the Irish Guardsmen as they showed The Princess what they have been doing recently on operational duties across the world… click here
6. Over 320 foreign criminals and immigration offenders with no right to be in the UK returned in February
New figures show the Home Office returned more than 320 foreign criminals and immigration offenders with no right to be in the UK last month as part of efforts to stop the boats. The people who were returned to their home countries included over 200 foreign national offenders, over 30 asylum offenders and over 85 non-asylum offenders, with more than 15 known to have arrived in the UK via small boats. The foreign national offenders removed were convicted of crimes including rape and the supply of drugs. They had a total combined sentence of more than 145 years… click here
5. UK and India another step closer to securing trade deal
Round seven of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom and the Republic of India have now taken place. The EU has been trying for years to reach a meaningful deal with India, with little success. A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India will be a a major prize for the UK post-Brexit and a crucial element in strengthening relations with democracies in the region as a counterweight to China. Technical discussions were held across 11 policy areas over 43 separate sessions. They included detailed draft treaty text discussions in these policy areas… click here
4. King Charles confers The Dukedom of Edinburgh upon Prince Edward
His Majesty The King has granted the title of Dukedom of Edinburgh upon his brother Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and Forfar. The title was conferred this week (10 March) on the occasion of Prince Edward’s 59th birthday and will be held for His Royal Highness’s lifetime. In a statement the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh say they are “proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential”… click here
3. BMW revs up to invest £500 million to secure Mini production in Britain
BMW could soon be investing hundreds of millions of pounds into its Oxford plant, securing future production of the iconic Mini here in the UK. A source said BMW hopes to announce its decision soon and if confirmed, the investment package which is thought to be worth about £500 million will be a major boost to Britain’s car industry. A BMW spokesperson said: “With its high degree of flexibility, competitiveness and expertise, the Oxford plant plays an important role in the BMW Group’s production network… click here
2. Prime Minister agrees unprecedented measures to tackle illegal migration alongside France
Hundreds of extra French law enforcement officers will use enhanced technology and intelligence insight to prevent illegal Channel crossings under a new agreement struck by the Prime Minister and President Macron in Paris this week. For the first time, the UK will help fund a detention centre in France to enhance the country’s ability to cope with the level of people being trafficked across the Channel… click here
1. Government reveals ground-breaking new laws to stop the boats
The ‘Stop the Boats’ – or Illegal Migration – Bill will fulfil that promise by ending illegal entry as a route to asylum in the UK. This will remove the incentive for people to risk their lives through these dangerous and unnecessary journeys and pull the rug from under the criminal gangs profiting from this misery once and for all. People who arrive in the UK illegally will instead be detained and swiftly removed to their home country if safe, or another safe third country, such as Rwanda, where they will be supported to rebuild their lives… click here
For last week’s Top 20 Great British news stories (27th February – 5th March 2023) click here.
By Claire Bullivant
Conservative Post, Founder and Editor
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