Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Call for Evidence launched to identify geospatial opportunities [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 2 November 2022.

The Geospatial Commission has launched a Call for Evidence that urges stakeholders to contribute to the government’s evolving strategy to accelerate the UK’s use of location data.

In 2020, the Geospatial Commission published an ambitious five year strategy aimed at unlocking the value of location data and technology in the UK. The strategy committed to a mid-point refresh in order to remain relevant and focused in its priorities.

Location data already unlocks significant economic value and can address a multitude of challenges across sectors. We have seen the core geospatial ecosystem in the UK grow from £2 billion in 2009 to £6 billion in 2018, an average annual growth rate of 10% for that period.

Cabinet Office Minister, Baroness Neville-Rolfe said:

Location data is driving economic growth and unlocking innovation – from the mapping of underground pipes and cables to drone-enabled deliveries. This Call for Evidence asks for your help to inform the UK’s priorities for location data in sectors across the economy

The Call for Evidence is the next step in the UK’s strategy development to allow the government to hear more about the latest geospatial market context: the challenges, proven successes and potential opportunities such as the role of location data in hybrid reality – the geoverse. Responses will help to define and update the strategy’s priorities, in alignment with the wider geospatial ecosystem as it matures.

The opportunities that come from geospatial tools and applications reach across the UK economy. The government therefore urges stakeholders from all industries to respond, to comment on opportunities and barriers for the use of location data.

Geospatial Commission Director, Thalia Baldwin, said:

Location data and technologies are fundamental to how our economy and society functions today. They provide live information for individuals on travel, exercise and deliveries, and support long term decisions for organisations on where to invest and build, such as electric vehicle charge-points. Demand is increasing and innovative applications of location data are vast. We welcome your ideas.

November 2, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands [1 November 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 November 2022.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, this afternoon.

The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Rutte for his warm congratulations on his appointment, and said he looked forward to working closely with the Netherlands.

The leaders highlighted how as transatlantic facing countries, they both faced a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Discussing illegal migration, the leaders reflected on the difficulties posed by people smuggling gangs and discussed how the UK and the Netherlands could work with partners on a joint approach.

Both agreed on the need for deeper cooperation on shared challenges.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch in the coming weeks.

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland Secretary of State holds talks with party leaders after restoration of Executive deadline passes [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 1 November 2022.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP spoke with NI party leaders following the failure to restore the NI Executive.

Following the meetings in Belfast, he stressed that he was now under a legal duty to call an election as set out in the New Decade New Approach agreement.

Mr Heaton-Harris also highlighted the serious situation that the lack of an Executive has left the people of Northern Ireland facing, including rising cost of living challenges, growing pressure on health services and a concerning financial overspend situation with no clear strategy for balancing the budget.

He expressed particular concern about the state of Stormont’s finances, which half way through the financial year are forecasting a £661m overspend.

Mr Heaton-Harris also discussed MLA pay, and how he would be looking at taking action on this should the Executive fail to re-form. Since the election in May, MLAs have been paid more than £3 million, despite not being able to conduct business.

He met Vice President of Sinn Féin Michelle O’Neill, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, leader of the Alliance Party Naomi Long and leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Doug Beattie. He will meet Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney on Wednesday.

Commenting after the meetings, Heaton-Harris said:

“I had conversations with party leaders today and expressed how disappointed I am that under current legislation the legal duty now falls on me to call an election. I listened to the party leaders’ various views on calling that election.”

“There are important issues of government to be dealt with due to the absence of ministers.

“I am particularly worried that the Executive has an enormous black hole in its budget, which potentially has serious implications for the delivery of many of Northern Ireland’s public services. Measures to set a budget will be required in the short term.

“I will provide a further update on next steps in due course.”

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Energy bill support for Northern Ireland households launches [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Northern Ireland on 1 November 2022.
- Energy Price Guarantee launches in Northern Ireland today – cutting energy costs for households
- the UK government scheme will reduce energy bills until the end of March 2023 to help consumers this winter – providing equivalent support to that being delivered in Great Britain
- it comes in addition to wider support including a £400 discount on bills and scheme to protect businesses from surging energy costs
From today (Tuesday 1 November) households in Northern Ireland will receive money off their energy bills, shielding them from soaring energy costs as the UK government’s Energy Price Guarantee launches.

The scheme reduces the price suppliers charge customers for units of gas and electricity, with support running until 31 March 2023 – providing crucial help to households who might otherwise face very significant increases in their energy bills.

It offers support equivalent to help already being delivered in Great Britain, which is expected to save consumers who use both gas and electricity around £700 this winter.

Households will see the discount on their energy bills from this month, with savings for October’s energy use seen in bills from November. To make this as easy as possible, there is no need for consumers to apply for the scheme with support delivered automatically.

Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said:

Getting this support to households across Northern Ireland will help ease the pressures facing families this winter, with consumers seeing a discount on their bills from this month.

We’ve worked at pace to deliver this support, including introducing new powers so the UK government can get it to households as soon as possible, with a further £400 discount on bills due later this winter.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said:

This is vital support for households across Northern Ireland, providing relief for many families in the face of high energy bills.

It is disappointing that this support has had to be delivered in the absence of a functioning Executive, but the government has been clear in its commitment to help Northern Ireland households through this challenging time.

Only this week the UK government put into law support to help households with their energy bills through the Energy Prices Act. This gives the UK government powers to ensure support can get to households, businesses and public-sector organisations in Northern Ireland this winter in the absence of a fully functioning devolved government.

It comes in addition to the previously announced £400 energy bill discount for all households through the Northern Ireland Energy Bills Support Scheme. This also offers the same level of support as households in Great Britain, with the UK government working at pace to deliver a solution which accounts for differences in the Northern Ireland energy market so it can get to households as soon as possible.

John French, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator said:

The Utility Regulator welcomes the delivery of both the Energy Price Guarantee scheme and the Energy Bill Relief Scheme in Northern Ireland, the first schemes to go live from the UK government’s energy support package. This support is desperately needed to help households and businesses in Northern Ireland with their energy bills this winter.

We have worked hard to assist the UK government with the delivery of these schemes and we will continue to provide proactive support to get the additional schemes rolled out in Northern Ireland. Specifically, we are currently working with the UK government to ensure that the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme payment is paid to Northern Ireland consumers as soon as possible.

Under the Energy Price Guarantee, energy suppliers will reduce bills in Northern Ireland by up to 20p/kWh for electricity and 4.8p/kWh for gas. The discount for households in Northern Ireland has been set to account for energy use covering October.

For pre-payment meter customers in Northern Ireland, the Energy Price Guarantee will be applied to the rate you pay for each unit of energy at the same rate as for all other customers (20p/kWh for electricity and 4.8p/kWh for gas), so the money put on the meter will last longer than would otherwise have been the case this winter.

Those not on the main gas grid and therefore use alternative fuels like heating oil to warm their homes will instead receive a one-off £100 payment. This has been calculated to ensure a typical customer using heating oil does not face a higher rate of growth in their heating costs since last winter, in comparison to those using mains gas who are supported by the Energy Price Guarantee. The government will set out the timing of this payment soon.

Support with energy bills is also available for businesses, public and voluntary sector organisations across Northern Ireland through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. It works in a similar way as the Energy Price Guarantee, providing a discount on the wholesale cost of gas and electricity and could see wholesale energy costs reduced by half for some businesses.

Whilst the scheme applies to energy use from 1 October, savings applied to October bills are typically received in November – meaning businesses across the UK will start to feel the benefits this month.

Government support with energy bills will deliver substantial benefits to the economy – boosting growth and curbing inflation by 4 to 5 points, reducing the cost of servicing the national debt.
November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK leads the way on ending plastic pollution [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 1 November 2022.

The Environment Secretary has today started talks with businesses, environmental groups, scientists and civil society on shaping a legally-binding global treaty that aims to end plastic pollution by 2040.

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest global environmental challenges we currently face and it is predicted that unless action is taken there will be a threefold increase in the amount of plastic flowing into the ocean between 2016 and 2040.

In partnership with the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network – an organisation comprised of industry, scientists and activists – the UK Government is running a series of dialogue meetings, which will be key in strengthening the UK’s leading voice at the treaty negotiations.

At the first meeting, stakeholders including Tesco, Sainsburys, Coca Cola, Nestle, H&M and Greenpeace came together to provide their views on how UK businesses can contribute towards bringing an end to plastic pollution, and inform the UK’s negotiating position for a far-reaching treaty.

The international treaty will set obligations on countries to reduce pollution across the whole plastics lifecycle – from production and consumption to disposal and waste management. The first formal negotiations will take place on 28 November to 2 December 2022 in Uruguay and will be facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

“Plastic pollution has a direct and deadly effect on our wildlife, polluting our ocean and damaging our planet.

“Our laws are already helping to cut waste domestically, and international action is needed to end plastic pollution by 2040.

“Today’s meeting was important in bringing together government, business and environmental organisations on this issue – it’s vital for us all to work together if we are to make progress in tackling plastic pollution globally.”

Dave Ford, Founder, Ocean Plastics Leadership Network said:

“We are honoured to collaborate with the UK Government on the UK Plastics Treaty Dialogues.

“Our objective with the series is to build knowledge and understanding of the UN Global Treaty process and various solutions, to help unite the myriad of stakeholders in working together in efforts to solve the plastics crisis.

“We aim to expand this effort to 20 countries worldwide.”

Current commitments around the world will only reduce the annual discharge of plastic into the ocean by 7% by 2040, according to the Breaking the Plastic Wave report published by the Pew Charitable Trusts. The only way to achieve a significant reduction in the flow of plastic into the environment is by taking action across the whole lifecycle of plastic, reducing our consumption of plastic, re-using plastic products and improving waste management systems.

The UK has been a leading voice in attempts to tackle marine plastic pollution, co-sponsoring the proposal to prepare a new treaty and being a founding member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, a group of more than 30 countries calling for a target under the treaty to stop plastic from flowing into our lands and ocean by 2040.

This builds on the UK’s world-leading efforts to tackle plastic pollution at home. We have so far introduced a plastic packaging tax on packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic, a ban on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products, and measures to restrict the supply of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds.

Our carrier bag charge has reduced the use of single-use carrier bags in the main supermarkets by over 95%. We plan to go even further through our Environment Act, which enables us to change the way we manage our waste. Through the introduction of extended producer responsibility for packaging, we will ensure producers cover the costs of collecting and managing plastic waste.

The Environment Act also gives us powers to introduce deposit return schemes, establish greater consistency in the recycling system, better control the export of plastic waste and introduce charges for single-use items.

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Privy Council appointments [1 November 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 November 2022.

The King has been pleased to approve that Rachel Reeves MP and Baron Kennedy of Southwark be sworn of His Majesty’s most Honourable Privy Council.

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Secretary celebrates 40 years of S4C [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Wales on 1 November 2022.

Secretary of State David TC Davies has congratulated broadcaster S4C on its 40th anniversary.

Since 1982 S4C has entertained and served viewers throughout Wales and beyond. The channel celebrated its 40th birthday on 1 November.

The UK government continues to support S4C. Earlier this year the channel secured an improved funding deal which included £7.5m in new money each year to support its digital services.

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:

Congratulations to S4C on 40 years of broadcasting. The channel has educated and entertained generations of audiences and plays a crucial role in the creative industries in Wales.

As a government we continue to support S4C so it can create and broadcast the highest-quality content to audiences in Wales and across the world.

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak discussed with Ben Affleck the support for Ukraine in the world [November 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 1 November 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a video call with American actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck.

Andriy Yermak thanked him for supporting Ukraine, which has been defending its freedom and independence in the war against the Russian invaders for more than eight months already.

The Head of the Office of the President emphasized that today it is extremely important to maintain a high level of attention of the whole world to what is happening in our country. In particular, this can be facilitated by famous personalities who have achieved success thanks to their talent and are popular in all parts of the world.

Andriy Yermak discussed with Ben Affleck ways to provide even greater support to Ukraine and its citizens during these ordeals.

The Head of the President’s Office invited Ben Affleck to visit Ukraine at his convenience.

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine met with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic in Kyiv [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 October 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala who is in our country on a visit.

Welcoming Petr Fiala to Kyiv, the Head of State noted the importance of this visit, as it is taking place at a time when Ukraine is facing Russian attacks on civil infrastructure, in particular on energy facilities.

“50 Russian missiles only this morning. The Prime Minister personally saw what such terror means and what damage it does to Ukraine, namely to our civilian population. I thank you, Petr, for the assistance already provided to our state, for your willingness to increase support to overcome the consequences of Russian terror, and for your willingness to increase pressure on the Russian Federation, which erases itself from international relations with its terror every day,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during communication with media representatives following the meeting with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic.

The President of Ukraine stated that Russia deliberately resorts to escalation, and this escalation of aggression deserves a tough reaction from the whole world, both at the national level and at the level of international organizations and associations of states.

“Russia should have no place in the G20, the UN and other structures that were created specifically to protect peace and cooperation between nations. It is obvious that Russia just exploits all such structures cynically to cover up its crimes. Any criminal must bear responsibility for what he has committed,” he emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that during today’s meeting with Petr Fiala, steps were coordinated to increase sanctions against the Russian Federation for terror and bring it to justice.

“That is, the creation of a special tribunal regarding the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine and an international compensation mechanism that will ensure compensation for all damages caused by the Russian war at the expense of Russian assets,” the President said.

The parties also discussed defense cooperation, which will be increased. Separately, they focused on strengthening anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense, as well as protection against drones, which Russian terrorists have acquired from their accomplices in Iran.

“When we, together with our partners, ensure 100 percent protection of the Ukrainian sky, it will become one of the fundamental guarantees of the new European security system, as it will deprive Russia of a significant part of its escalation capabilities,” the Head of State emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Petr Fiala also discussed the involvement of the Czech Republic in the training of Ukrainian defenders and the projects for the production and repair of military equipment.

“This increases the defense of Ukraine, gives new strength to the Czech Republic, and also provides the Czech Republic with new jobs and technological opportunities,” noted the President of Ukraine.

In addition, the parties discussed in detail the issue of rebuilding Ukraine and the needs to eliminate the consequences of the destruction caused by Russian terror.

“We appreciate the approval of the government program in the Czech Republic regarding the restoration of our country, as well as the readiness to take patronage over the Dnipropetrovsk region. And I thank the Czech Republic for its readiness to work now to restore specific objects destroyed or damaged by Russian terrorists,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The parties also discussed the entire spectrum of interaction within the European Union, as the Czech Republic currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“I thank the Czech Republic for supporting Ukraine in the matter of allocation of European macro-financial aid for our country. And also for real assistance to our European integration process. I hope that at the stage of the Czech Presidency we will see an assessment by the European Commission of Ukraine’s implementation of the seven recommendations that were given to us, and clarity regarding the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU,” the Head of State said.

The President of Ukraine noted the meaningfulness and usefulness of the negotiations for both peoples.

“The role of the Czech Republic, the role of Prague in protecting peace and people who suffered from the war, has already become historically important. And this is exactly what Ukraine recognized with the special title conferred upon the city of Prague – “Rescuer City”. Once again, thank you very much for your support,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also awarded Petr Fiala with the Order of Yaroslav the Wise of the I degree, which the Prime Minister received for his outstanding personal contribution to the development of Ukrainian-Czech interstate cooperation, support for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“I want this order to symbolize the historical significance of our relations – the relations between Ukraine and the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Europe, which have been achieved thanks to your efforts, Mr. Prime Minister, dear Petr. My congratulations,” the Head of State emphasized.

The President of Ukraine thanked the Czech people, who are holding rallies in support of Ukraine and the common European values of the two peoples.

“On the eve of the Prime Minister’s visit, just such a rally took place in Prague – tens of thousands of people took to the square. And I thank everyone who came to this square to remind us that Europe must be brave, must be genuine and can really win this confrontation. And I’m sure it will prevail. When Europeans are together, no one will be able to take away our freedom – the freedom of everyone on the continent,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

For his part, Petr Fiala noted that today’s massive shelling of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, which coincided with his visit, clearly demonstrates what Ukrainians are going through every day and how urgent concrete steps and actions to support Ukraine are.

The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic noted the courage of the Ukrainian people in defending democratic values, freedom and territorial integrity of their state.

“We will continue to support Ukraine, because we see: in the east of Ukraine, Russia’s actions are becoming more aggressive and Russia’s policy is becoming more aggressive. It is shown, inter alia, in attacks on energy infrastructure, which we observe in particular today. These are moments that concern not only the military – it concerns civilians who are suffering,” said Petr Fiala.

In this context, he emphasized the importance of providing military, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine.

“For Ukraine to have a clear prospect of joining Western structures – NATO and the European Union,” the Prime Minister noted and added that the Czech Republic is a partner that Ukraine can rely on in these matters.

Petr Fiala assured that our country will be a priority during the Czech Presidency in the EU and the steps taken by Ukraine will be welcomed in all the bodies of the European Union.

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Petr Fiala signed the Joint Declaration on Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic Perspective [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 October 2022.

During a meeting in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala signed the Joint Declaration on Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic Perspective.

The document defines the priority areas of cooperation between Ukraine and the Czech Republic in the framework of our country’s strategic course to acquire full membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The declaration expresses support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and also confirms its commitment to NATO’s “open door” policy.

With the signing of the document at the level of the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, the support of the Czech side for the prospect of Ukraine becoming a member of NATO was recorded as soon as conditions allow.

The declaration separately notes the intention of the Czech Republic to continue providing powerful military, technical, defense and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

As Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized, this is the first document signed by Ukraine with the aim of accelerating Euro-Atlantic integration.

“We confirmed with this declaration that we will enhance cooperation to ensure NATO standards in Ukraine. The Czech Republic has confirmed that it supports our country in becoming a full-fledged member of the Alliance as soon as conditions permit,” the President said.

He thanked the Czech friends of Ukraine and personally Prime Minister Petr Fiala for the leadership in the Euro-Atlantic integration of our country, as this is what brings Ukraine and the whole of Europe closer to long-term peace and security.

“We will work to ensure that such joint declarations are signed with other NATO member states as well,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

November 1, 2022