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  • NEWS STORY : The Observer Issues Apology Over ‘Racist’ Saffron Swire Cartoon

    NEWS STORY : The Observer Issues Apology Over ‘Racist’ Saffron Swire Cartoon

    STORY

    The Observer newspaper has issued an apology and removed a controversial cartoon by illustrator Saffron Swire, following widespread condemnation and accusations of racism, particularly from former Labour MP Zarah Sultana. The cartoon, published on 21 July 2025, sparked outrage for its depiction of Ms Sultana.

    The contentious element of the cartoon, which the MP published on Twitter, featured a “goodie bag” with a box of raisins labelled “Zarah Sultanas”. This image depicted a “brownfaced” version of the iconic Sun-Maid woman, a caricature that Ms Sultana swiftly denounced as “brownfacing a box of raisins and mocking my surname.” She further labelled the cartoon “racist trash” in a social media post, highlighting Swire’s background as “a right-wing hack who is the daughter of an aristocrat and ex-Tory MP,” referring to Sir Hugo Swire.

    The cartoon was reportedly a reaction to Ms Sultana’s recent announcement of forming a new political party with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Another part of the cartoon showed Mr Corbyn in a red jumpsuit with hammer and sickle decorations, with a speech bubble stating: “Let’s paint the town red!” The immediate backlash on social media, with numerous users accusing the newspaper of racism, prompted The Observer to act. A spokesperson for the newspaper stated on 21 July 2025: “We are genuinely sorry for any offence caused and we are in the process of removing the cartoon.”

    Saffron Swire has yet to make an official comment on the allegations of racism.

  • NEWS STORY : James Cleverly Likely Back in the Fold as Cabinet Reshuffle Looms

    NEWS STORY : James Cleverly Likely Back in the Fold as Cabinet Reshuffle Looms

    STORY

    There is speculation following reports that James Cleverly is poised for a return to the Conservative front bench, a move widely interpreted as a strategic bolstering of the opposition’s ranks ahead of potential anticipated challenges. While no official announcement has been made, sources close to Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, suggest that the former Foreign Secretary is being lined up for a significant role in an upcoming shadow cabinet reshuffle, expected in the coming weeks.

    Cleverly, known for his robust media presence, has remained a prominent figure within the party and his potential re-entry is seen by many as an attempt by the Leader of the Opposition to inject fresh energy and experience into the Conservative Party’s communication efforts and policy delivery. The timing of this potential return is particularly noteworthy. With the political landscape becoming increasingly volatile and a general election drawing nearer, the opposition is keen to present a united and competent front.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK statement – response to E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK statement – response to E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

    The UK has issued a statement in response to the announcement by Israel’s Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said:

    The UK strongly opposes the announcement by the central planning bureau of Israel’s Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan, frozen since 2021.

    This plan would build over 3000 houses to the east of Jerusalem, dividing a future Palestinian state in two, and marking a flagrant breach of international law.

    If implemented, the E1 settlement plan would critically undermine the two-state solution – the only route to a lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Targets Putin’s Regime with New Sanctions

    NEWS STORY : UK Targets Putin’s Regime with New Sanctions

    STORY

    The UK has taken decisive action against Russia’s malicious activities, sanctioning three units of the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU) and 18 military intelligence officers. These individuals and units are accused of a sustained campaign of cyber operations and other malign activities, including those with devastating real-world consequences in Ukraine and beyond. The sanctions, announced on 18 July 2025, target GRU units exposed for their involvement in the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre and the targeting of Yulia Skripal. Unit 26165, now sanctioned, reportedly conducted online reconnaissance in 2022 that aided missile strikes against Mariupol, including the attack on the Mariupol Theatre where hundreds of civilians perished.

    Further revelations indicate that GRU military intelligence officers were responsible for targeting Yulia Skripal’s device with malicious malware known as X-Agent, five years prior to the attempted Novichok poisoning in Salisbury. The UK also highlights Russia’s targeting of media outlets, telecoms providers, political and democratic institutions, and energy infrastructure within the UK.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, “GRU spies are running a campaign to destabilise Europe, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and threaten the safety of British citizens. The Kremlin should be in no doubt: we see what they are trying to do in the shadows and we won’t tolerate it.” He added that the UK is committed to protecting its national security and will continue to work with international allies to counter these hybrid threats. Beyond Europe, the UK is also sanctioning three leaders of “African Initiative”, a Russian-funded social media content mill employing Russian intelligence officers to conduct information operations in West Africa. This includes attempts to undermine global health initiatives by spreading baseless conspiracy theories.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions Russian spies at the heart of Putin’s malicious regime [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions Russian spies at the heart of Putin’s malicious regime [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

    The UK has exposed Russian spies responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin’s orders.

    • UK exposes and sanctions three GRU units and 18 of their military intelligence officers, responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin’s orders
    • GRU units exposed for their involvement in the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre, the targeting of Yulia Skripal and cyber operations in support of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine
    • action by UK and allies comes amid global threat posed by Russian malign activity

    Russian spies and hackers targeting the UK and others are today exposed and sanctioned in decisive action by the UK Government to deliver security for working people.

    Today’s measures target three units of the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU) and 18 military intelligence officers who are responsible for conducting a sustained campaign of malicious cyber activity over many years, including in the UK.

    The GRU routinely uses cyber and information operations to sow chaos, division and disorder in Ukraine and across the world with devastating real-world consequences.

    In 2022, Unit 26165, sanctioned today, conducted online reconnaissance to help target missile strikes against Mariupol – including the strike that destroyed the Mariupol Theatre where hundreds of civilians, including children, were murdered.

    Today’s action also hits GRU military intelligence officers responsible for historically targeting Yulia Skripal’s device with malicious malware known as X-Agent – five years before GRU military intelligence officers’ failed attempt to murder Yulia and Sergei Skripal with the deadly Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury.

    In the UK, Russia has targeted media outlets, telecoms providers, political and democratic institutions, and energy infrastructure. The United Kingdom and our international allies are watching Russia and are countering their attacks both publicly and behind the scenes.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    GRU spies are running a campaign to destabilise Europe, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and threaten the safety of British citizens.

    The Kremlin should be in no doubt: we see what they are trying to do in the shadows and we won’t tolerate it. That’s why we’re taking decisive action with sanctions against Russian spies. Protecting the UK from harm is fundamental to this government’s Plan for Change.

    Putin’s hybrid threats and aggression will never break our resolve. The UK and our Allies support for Ukraine and Europe’s security is ironclad.

    The UK government is committed to accelerating its efforts to counter hybrid threats at home, protecting the UK’s national security – a key foundation of the Plan for Change – and abroad, working in collaboration with a growing international coalition including all 32 NATO Allies, the EU and its member states, and our partners in the FBI.

    That is why the UK has announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending – rising to 2.6% of GDP from 2027 – since the Cold War, and as highlighted in the National Security Review, the UK is stepping up our focus on tackling hybrid and technology enabled threats. The new UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership will support this, enabling closer cooperation across a wide range of areas.

    The Kremlin has also used cyber operations in support of Putin’s illegal war – including targeting critical infrastructure like Viasat satellite communications. Some of these attacks were conducted on the eve of the full-scale invasion in 2022 with the express purpose of degrading Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.

    Russia’s insidious activity stretches far beyond Europe. In addition to the GRU Units and officers, the UK is also sanctioning three leaders of “African Initiative”, a social media content mill established and funded by Russia and employing Russian intelligence officers to conduct information operations in West Africa. This includes reckless attempts to undermine lifesaving global health initiatives in the region by pushing baseless conspiracy theories to further the Kremlin’s political agenda.

    Background

    The Foreign Secretary laid out how the UK is stepping up our approach to combatting Russian hybrid threats in his Mansion House speech. Read more here.

    See this factsheet for further information: GRU Cyber and Hybrid Threat Operations

    North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) NAC statement: Statement of Condemnation by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) concerning Russian Malicious Cyber Activities

    EU HR / VP Statement on behalf of the European Union Member States: Hybrid threat / Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU condemning Russia’s persistent hybrid campaigns against the EU, its Member States and partners

    Hybrid Threats activity refers to overt or covert actions by foreign governments which fall short of direct armed conflict with the UK but cause harm or threaten the safety or interests of the UK or our allies.

    Examples of this include:

    • Cyber attacks (e.g. hacking government systems or stealing trade secrets)
    • Disinformation (e.g. spreading false or misleading information online)
    • Sabotage (e.g. damaging infrastructure or supply chains)
    • Political interference (e.g. influencing elections or public opinion)
    • More information on the Salisbury Poisonings and the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry can be found here: The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry – Inquiry into 2018 Salisbury poisonings

    Below is a full list of those sanctioned today:

    • Aleksandr Vladimirovich OSADCHUK
    • Yevgeniy Mikhaylovich SEREBRIAKOV
    • Anatoliy Sergeyvich KOVALEV
    • Artem Valeryvich OCHICHENKO
    • The 161st Specialist Training Centre (TsPS) (Unit 29155) of the GRU
    • Vladislav Yevgenyevich BOROVKOV
    • Nikolay Aleksandrovich KORCHAGIN
    • Yuriy Federovich DENISOV
    • Vitaly Aleksandrovich SHEVCHENKO
    • Ivan Sergeyevich YERMAKOV
    • Aleksey Viktorovich LUKASHEV
    • Sergey Sergeyevich VASYUK
    • Andrey Eduardovich BARANOV
    • Aleksey Sergeyevich MORENETS
    • Sergey Aleksandrovich MORGACHEV
    • Artem Adreyevich MALYSHEV
    • Yuriy Leonidovich SHIKOLENKO
    • Victor Borisovich NETYKSHO
    • Dmitriy Aleksandrovich MIKHAYLOV
    • African Initiative
    • Artyom Sergeevich KUREYEV
    • Anna Sergeevna ZAMARAEVA
    • Victor Aleksandrovich LUKOVENKO

    In addition, we have brought new evidence to light on the following existing designations:

    • The Main Centre for Special Technologies (GTsST) (Unit 74455) of the Russian GRU
    • The 85th Main Special Services Centre (GTsSS) (Unit 26165) of the Russian GRU
  • PRESS RELEASE : Huge boost for UK industry as Government powers ahead with cuts to electricity costs [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Huge boost for UK industry as Government powers ahead with cuts to electricity costs [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 July 2025.

    The Government has announced a huge boost to UK industry as it powers ahead with its plan to cut electricity costs.

    • Plans to slash electricity network costs for energy-intensive businesses by 90% are set in motion as Government launches new consultation.
    • Around 500 of UK’s most energy-intensive firms set to save up to £420m a year when current 60% discount on network charging costs increases to 90% from 2026.
    • Shows UK getting on with delivering announcements in Modern Industrial Strategy that will level the playing field for British businesses, backed by Plan for Change

    Around 500 of the UK’s most energy-intensive businesses such as British Steel and INEOS are set for a huge boost as the Government powers ahead with a 90% discount for businesses’ network charging costs.

    Delivering on its promise in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy launched last month to slash energy costs for heavy industry, the Government today (18 July) launches a four-week consultation on its plans to increase the discount on businesses’ electricity network charges from 60% to 90%.

    The landmark new support is expected to save around 500 of Britain’s most energy-intensive firms in key sectors like steel, ceramics, glass and chemicals up to £420m per year from 2026 when in force and bring the UK’s industrial energy prices in line with European competitors, helping secure jobs and attract new investment as part of the Plan for Change.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This government is on the side of British industry. When we make promises we deliver on them. That’s why we’re wasting no time in powering ahead with our plans to tackle energy costs for great British businesses and level the playing field.

    The cornerstone of our modern Industrial Strategy, this landmark new support will meet a longstanding need from industry which other governments shirked – paving the way for new investment and job creation at the heart of our Plan for Change.

    The launch of the consultation on the Network Charging Compensation (NCC) scheme, part of the Government’s British Industry Supercharger package of measures to tackle industrial electricity costs, will seek industry’s views on the 30% uplift and double the window which businesses have to apply for support through the scheme from one month to two.

    Network charges are the costs paid by electricity network users for access to the service and are already discounted by 60% for some of the UK’s biggest industrial businesses through the NCC scheme since April 2024, saving businesses millions of pounds every month.

    The proposals in the consultation launched today would see their costs fall by around a further £7 per megawatt hour (/MWh) bringing electricity prices more into line with European countries such as France and Germany.

    The news follows Deloitte’s latest survey of finance officers which has found the UK is the joint top location for investment in the world, and new data from Make UK and BDO which finds that manufacturing in the UK has recovered to 2019, pre-pandemic, levels in every region, with 12,000 new jobs created in the year to March 2024.

    The uplift follows other new landmark support for British industry announced in last month’s modern Industrial Strategy, with the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme expected to slash energy costs by up to 25 percent for over 7,000 businesses.

    This scheme, which government will consult on shortly and is due to come into force in 2027, will cut costs for thousands of electricity-intensive businesses in key manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive and chemicals, supporting hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs by exempting firms from paying levies like the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market.

    A new Connections Accelerator Service will also come into force by the end of 2025, streamlining access to the UK electricity grid for major investment projects to speed up delivery and bring new high-quality jobs and economic growth.

    New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before Parliament, could also allow the Government to reserve grid capacity for strategically important projects, cutting waiting times and unlocking growth in key sectors.

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

    We are protecting energy-intensive businesses from volatile global fossil fuel markets, slashing their electricity costs and driving growth through our Plan for Change.

    These changes support our mission to bring bills down for good with homegrown clean power that we control, ensuring that industry reaps the rewards of lower energy costs.

    Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel, and Chair of Energy Intensive Users Group, said:

    Increasing network charge compensation under the Government’s Supercharger scheme is a very welcome and much-needed step towards achieving competitive electricity prices for the UK’s steel sector and other foundation industries.

    These reforms reflect solutions that UK Steel has long advocated to address the persistent challenge of uncompetitive industrial electricity costs. While more still needs to be done, this is meaningful progress.

    Truly competitive energy prices are essential to unlocking investment, creating jobs, accelerating decarbonisation, and securing the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK.

    Investment Minister Baroness Gustafsson visited Special Melted Products – an historic British advanced manufacturing firm which currently benefits from the 60% network charging discount – in Sheffield yesterday to welcome the news, as well as a major investment in the company from Taiwanese firm Walsin Lihwa, set to create over 200 skilled jobs by 2028.

    Notes to editors:

    • The total estimated value of the network charging compensation component of the Supercharger (at 90%) is £310-420m this year (in 2025 prices).
    • The NCC uplift will provide an estimated additional £7-10/MWh discount to eligible businesses.
  • PRESS RELEASE : British Army troops partner with Kenya Defence Forces to offer free medical services to Laikipia and Samburu residents [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : British Army troops partner with Kenya Defence Forces to offer free medical services to Laikipia and Samburu residents [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

    Exercise Haraka Serpent provided over 3,000 residents with preventive, diagnostic, and curative medical services, along with healthcare education.

        • The medical outreach provided vital medical services to communities living in Lokusero, Musul, Nosorai, Laresoro, Sereolipi, Archer’s Post, Suguroi, Mathira and Kanduturai who have limited access to medical diagnosis and treatment.
        • The team offered a range of healthcare services such as nutrition screening, maternal health services, ENT check-ups, family planning services, health education sessions, and voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS, cervical screening and children’s immunisations.

    Friday 18 July 2025: British Army medical troops provided free medical services to over 3000 residents of Laikipia and Samburu Counties in the month of July 2025 in partnership with the Kenyan Defence Forces, Samburu County Government, and Beyond Zero.

    Exercise Haraka Serpent delivered a comprehensive range of preventive, diagnostic, and curative medical services, along with healthcare education, across nine locations—three in Laikipia North, three in Laikipia West, and three in Samburu County.

    Additionally, 202 MMR conducted a Defence Engagement with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at Kahawa Garrison in Nairobi. During this engagement, 202 MMR clinicians provided specialised training focused on austere pre-hospital treatment, fostering a valuable exchange of experiences and best practices with KDF troops.

    Speaking at the end of Exercise Haraka Serpent, Robert Mathews, from 202 Multi Role Medical Regiment, said:

    This has been an extremely challenging yet worthwhile exercise for our deployed medics. To come to Kenya and assist our host nation medical staff and the medical staff from the Kenyan Defence Forces in providing outreach health care to remote parts of Samburu and Laikipia Counties has been extremely rewarding.

    We have worked closely with Kenyan led teams and together we have treated over 3000 people, this has also been a great learning experience for my medics for the vast majority of whom this is their first time in Kenya.

    Kenya Defence Forces Nursing Officer, Lt. Brian Kiplimo, said:

    We had three objectives for the exercise: offering healthcare to the marginalised communities who are not able to easily access healthcare facilities, learning, and enhancing our co-operation with BATUK.  The learning objective saw 45 KDF personnel trained on medical readiness during operations especially of casualty care. Through the exercise, we have been able to share experiences and knowledge with BATUK which is vital for future cooperation.

    British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan, said:

    This is a powerful demonstration of our mutual partnership between Kenya and the UK.  Through this medical outreach, we’ve seen the very best of what our partnership can achieve – bringing vital healthcare to remote communities, sharing knowledge between our armed forces, and strengthening the bonds between our people. Kenya remains a vital strategic partner to the UK. We have a shared history—and more importantly, we have a shared future. We’re going far, together.

    The medical outreach provided vital medical services to communities living in Lokusero, Musul, Nosorai, Laresoro, Sereolipi, Archer’s Post, Suguroi, Mathira and Kanduturai who have limited access to medical diagnosis and treatment. The team offered a range of healthcare services such as nutrition screening, maternal health services, ENT check-ups, family planning services, health education sessions, and voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS, cervical screening and children’s immunisations.  Among those who turned up for the free medical care, many locals presented with respiratory tract conditions and received appropriate medication.

    Notes for editors:

      • 202 MMR is specially trained and equipped to provide an integrated healthcare system within a single unit by integrating Deployed Primary Healthcare, Pre-Hospital Emergency Care, Medical Evacuation and Deployed Hospital Care capabilities. MMRs provide improved tactical flexibility, agility, clinical continuity and credibility throughout the Operational Patient Care Pathway (OPCP); by combining traditional Field Hospital General Service Medical Regiment roles into a new type of medical unit, MMRs integrate medical capability at the lowest level.
      • Under an agreement with the Kenyan Government, up to six infantry battlegroups per year, including Haraka Serpent, carry out up to eight-week exercises in Kenya, in preparation to deploy on operations or assume high-readiness tasks.
      • British Army Training Unit Kenya is a permanent training support unit based in Nanyuki. BATUK runs a wide range of training events and exercises for British and Kenyan troops including infantry, artillery, logistics, engineering, and medical specialists.  Every exercise includes the completion of projects to support the local communities amongst which BATUK live and work.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of new jobs created by Sheffield manufacturing investment [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of new jobs created by Sheffield manufacturing investment [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 July 2025.

    Hundreds of high skilled jobs are to be created in Sheffield after Walsin Lihwa (WL) announced a major investment that boosts the UK’s steel industry and advanced manufacturing sector.

    • Vote of confidence in UK steel and manufacturing as Taiwanese investor Walsin Lihwa brings new capabilities to the UK and expands its aerospace and energy materials portfolio.
    • Hundreds of well-paid and skilled jobs to be created, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change for economic growth and higher living standards.
    • Investment Minister, Baroness Gustafsson, visited Sheffield site today to celebrate investment.

    Hundreds of high skilled jobs are to be created in Sheffield after Taiwanese advanced manufacturing company Walsin Lihwa (WL) announced a major investment that boosts the UK’s steel industry and advanced manufacturing sector.

    The positive news will create over 200 jobs by 2028 in a first phase, and marks the first step towards the company’s plans for a major presence in the UK, with further job creation and investment expected from WL in South Yorkshire and the UK in the coming years.

    The investment from WL will establish a new superalloy forging facility and plans for a research and development centre and come through an upgrade of its existing Special Melted Products (SMP) factory in Sheffield, which will be focused on producing speciality steel and nickel parts for aerospace jet engines and energy industry products.

    Delivering on the government’s economic growth mission at the heart of the Plan for Change, the investment will create good, well-paid jobs for local workers, with average salaries expected to be over £40,000 a year.

    The news follows Deloitte’s latest survey of finance officers which has found the UK is the joint top location for investment in the world and data out this week from Make UK and BDO which finds that manufacturing in the UK has recovered to 2019, pre-pandemic, levels in every region.

    The investment is a major boost to the government’s modern Industrial Strategy which launched last month and had identified opportunities in growth-driving sectors like this as priorities for government support. A vote of confidence in South Yorkshire’s world-class strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and defence, it will back the growth corridor across the northern city regions.

    Notably the investment will introduce new melting and superalloy forging capabilities – a new strategic manufacturing capability to the UK – which will reduce domestic producers’, such as Rolls Royce, reliance on imports.

    These capabilities will aid the UK’s aspirations in aerospace, steel, nuclear and defence as set out in the modern Industrial Strategy, contribute resilience towards supply shocks and will help grow Sheffield’s manufacturing sector, which was valued at £1.4bn in 2023.

    Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said:

    Our modern Industrial Strategy is all about having more high paid jobs in the industries of the future, in communities right around the UK. This investment is a major vote of confidence in Sheffield’s world-class manufacturing sector and couldn’t match our ambitions better.

    Our Steel Strategy later this year will set out further support we will take to boost the steel sector and encourage investments like this, and we look forward to hearing from Walsin Lihwa about their ambitious UK growth plans, delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Once the forging facility is established, WL have also set out plans to set up a research and development centre in the UK in a next phase later in the decade, focused on strengthening the company’s capabilities in materials and digital technology innovation and contributing to a growing aerospace and defence cluster in South Yorkshire.

    The centre will generate hundreds of new well-paid jobs and apprenticeships, with a range of future-proof skills and expertise in manufacturing operations, welding, melting, metallurgy, engineering, machining, material science, data analytics, and other high value career opportunities.

    The Investment Minister, Baroness Gustafsson, attended the site today with WL’s Chairman, Yu-Lon Chiao, to celebrate the investment and to hear more about the company’s plans for UK growth.

    Walsin Lihwa Chairman, Yu-Lon Chiao, said:

    The United Kingdom possesses a vast market in aerospace, energy, and nuclear power sectors that is unparalleled by Taiwan. This investment marks a significant milestone in SMP’s development and underscores Walsin Lihwa’s firm determination for global expansion strategy.

    Looking ahead, we plan to establish an R&D centre in the UK to further strengthen our capabilities in materials and digital technology innovation, while deepening our collaborative ties with the European market to jointly promote industrial upgrading and sustainable development.

    Gareth Stace, Director-General, UK Steel, said:

    The substantial investment that Special Melted Products is making in expanding its capability and capacity is tremendous news for local people, and UK plc.  This is sign of trust in British steelmaking and manufacturing, pushing forward valuable investment plans and establishing skilled careers.  Special Melted Products plans mean we are onshoring supply chains for industry giants like Rolls Royce, meaning investment goes directly back into UK jobs and the economy.

    South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard said:

    Walsin Lihwa choosing to invest in SMP and build their new research and development centre in South Yorkshire is a huge vote of confidence in our region’s talent, innovation and expertise, and the advanced manufacturing ecosystem we’re creating here.

    I promised to build a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire, creating good jobs in the industries of the future. So I’m proud my office has been able to provide support that has helped to unlock this major investment, offering new jobs and opportunities, and bolstering our world leading steel industry.

    We have always been known for our strengths in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and industrial excellence. Walsin Lihwa’s investment builds on our legacy, reaffirming South Yorkshire’s place at the heart of UK high-value manufacturing and innovation.

    Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:

    This significant investment in Sheffield’s advanced manufacturing sector is a major milestone for our city and strengthens our global reputation for innovation and excellence.

    The investment is a strong sign of recognition in our city’s capabilities, talent, and ambition. It will create new high-quality local jobs and training opportunities as next generation technologies are developed in Sheffield. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Walsin and Special Melted Products long into the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State attends the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State attends the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 17 July 2025.

    Tournament returns to Northern Ireland for second time in six years.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn has congratulated the organisers of the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, and welcomed the significant benefits it will bring to Northern Ireland, following a visit to the event today (Thursday 17 July).

    He said: “This week’s Open championship at Royal Portrush will shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland, showcasing its world-class sports facilities, tourism, and high quality local food and drink.

    “It will give Northern Ireland a real economic boost and will set the stage for future investment and opportunities for Northern Ireland.

    “To be chosen to host the Open twice in six years is a fantastic compliment, and I congratulate the organisers of the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush on having achieved this.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Deadline set for unsafe cladding removal [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Deadline set for unsafe cladding removal [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 17 July 2025.

    Strict deadlines for landlords to fix unsafe cladding and over £1 billion allocated to make social tenants safe.

    • New legislation will set strict deadlines for landlords to fix unsafe cladding or face the consequences
    • Next phase of Remediation Acceleration Plan proposes new powers for government to remediate buildings if landlords fail to do so
    • New joint plan for accelerating social housing remediation backed by over £1 billion in new investment

    Thousands of buildings with unsafe cladding are set to be fixed faster thanks to new legislation and over £1 billion of investment in social housing remediation.

    The government is today (17 July) publishing a joint plan with the social housing sector to accelerate remediation across England, as well as setting out plans for a new law as part of the second phase of the Remediation Acceleration Plan.

    At the heart of the joint plan on social housing remediation is a commitment by government to invest over £1 billion to give social landlords equal access to government funding schemes as private building owners.  There is no time to waste, and today the Cladding Safety Scheme guidance has been changed so that the equal access policy can be implemented with immediate effect.

    As part of this work, housing associations, local authorities and regulators are committing to accelerate work to assess and fix social housing buildings, and to improve support to social tenants before, during and after remedial works.

    A new Remediation Bill is also being brought forward to make sure that landlords are held to account for fixing unsafe cladding and to tackle the slow pace of action across the sector.

    The legislation – which will be brought forward as soon as parliamentary timetable allows – will require landlords of buildings 18m or more in height with unsafe cladding to complete remediation by the end of 2029, and landlords of buildings 11-18m in height to complete remediation by the end of 2031.

    Those who fail to comply without reasonable excuse could face unlimited fines or imprisonment. New legislation will also give named bodies, such as Homes England and local authorities, powers to remediate buildings with unsafe cladding if the landlord fails to do so.

    These reforms will help to make homes safer, reinforcing the government’s mission to restore confidence in building safety, and make sure that tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire can never happen again. They will also help the sector to build the affordable homes that the country needs.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said:

    “Today we have given social landlords access to over £1 billion to remediate unsafe cladding and make residents safe. The social sector is ready to rise to the challenge and make sure that residents are safe in their homes.

    “We are also today sending a clear message to those responsible for a building still wrapped in unsafe cladding: act now or face the consequences. Our Remediation Bill will include a new duty on you to make your building safe by a specified date, and new powers to impose serious penalties on those who fail to comply with the duty, and ultimately to bypass them if necessary to make the building safe.”

    Building Safety and Fire Minister, Alex Norris said:

    “We are determined to make buildings safe and protect residents. Since publishing our Remediation Acceleration Plan, we’ve made strong progress, and this update goes further to drive accountability and remove barriers to speed up remediation.

    “There is now a clear pathway to remediate every building with unsafe cladding. We expect everyone to play their part in giving residents and leaseholders the peace of mind that they deserve.”

    Additional support has also been announced for leaseholders, including long-term support to help replace Waking Watch measures and shield leaseholders from costly interim safety measures.

    For the first time, government funding will also be made available to support fire-safety cladding remediation works on buildings under 11 metres, in exceptional cases where no alternative viable funding route exists.

    The government has also recently laid regulations for the Building Safety Levy, delivering on a key commitment from the initial Remediation Acceleration Plan.  The levy is expected to raise £3.4 billion over the next decade to help fund remediation and will come into force from October 2026.

    To maintain the viability of housing delivery, the levy has exemptions for affordable housing, supported housing and for development of fewer than ten dwellings as well as a discount for previously developed land.

    Through Local Remediation Acceleration Plans, Mayoral Strategic Authorities will work closely with regulators and draw on local expertise to drive progress in their areas.  These locally tailored plans will address unsafe buildings more effectively and ensure residents feel safe in their homes. The government has provided over £5 million to Metro Mayors to support them in this effort.

    A new National Remediation system, now being rolled out by Homes England, will also support regulators with up-to date building safety data and help hold failing landlords to account.

    Since publication of the Remediation Action Plan in December 2024, 24,000 more residents are living in homes that have been remediated.  Progress is being made, and must continue until every unsafe building is fixed.