Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Supporting innovation and knowledge sharing in Agriculture [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 13 October 2022.

Projects receive funding through Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.

A range of projects aimed at tackling climate change and enhancing competitiveness in the agriculture and food production sectors have received funding of more than £370,000.

The seven awards are part of the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) with funding focussed on projects which help maximise resource efficiency, cut emissions and enhance viability.

These KTIF projects support knowledge transfer and learning, as well as innovative on-the-ground improvements in agricultural competitiveness, resource efficiency, environmental performance and sustainability.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “We have ambitious targets across the agricultural sector in terms of net zero goals, enabling the essential role of agriculture and addressing the need for food security.

“These are issues that affect us all and investment in these successful projects will contribute to meeting these targets.”

Background

The successful projects are:

Project 1: ‘Data driven decisions in Potatoes’ facilitated by Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS). KTIF Award – £36,095.00.

Overview: This knowledge transfer based project seeks to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Scottish ware growers. To support potato growers to become more productive and sustainable, reducing their impact on the environment/biodiversity.

Project 2: ‘Trustable IoT’ facilitated by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). KTIF Award – £62,832.85.

Overview: The innovation based project seeks to develop a set of open source standardised processes for IoT sensors and digital devices that measure and triangulate biodiversity baselines and improvements.

Project 3: ‘Reducing Inputs’ facilitated by Soil Association (Scotland). KTIF Award – £24,000.00.

Overview: This knowledge transfer project aims to inspire and inform farmers and growers to reduce their use of external inputs including synthetic nitrogen-based fertiliser, pesticides and herbicides; to reduce carbon footprints, tackle disease resistance, improve soil health and ecological performance, protect natural capital and boost financial resilience.

Project 4: ‘Decarbonising Scottish Malting Barley production’ facilitated by Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS). KTIF Award – £ 36,905.25.

Overview: This knowledge transfer project’s primary aim is to raise the awareness and understanding amongst farmer producers of the emissions associated with producing malting barley.

Project 5: ‘Agroecology: enabling the transition’ facilitated by Nourish Scotland. KTIF Award – £112,500.00.

Overview: This knowledge transfer based project builds the previous project ‘Agroecology – facilitating mindset change’ and its design builds on the learning from that programme. It aims to widen and deepen understanding of agroecology specifically through a farmer to farmer/crofter to crofter cooperative learning programme.

Project 6: ‘Wader Friendly Farmers: Building a Stronger Network’ facilitated by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). KTIF Award – £27,825.00.

Overview: Another knowledge transfer based project which will look to increase the number of farmers and landowners who are engaged with the Working for Waders Initiative, increase the area of land positively managed for waders and improve data collection from the projects.

Project 7: ‘Farm Carbon Storage Network’ facilitated by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). KTIF Award – £85,970.00.

Overview: This innovation based project seeks to develop a representative farmer group that will estimate their farm carbon stock using soil testing and LiDAR surveys.

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : More than 1.3 million winter vaccines delivered [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 12 October 2022.

Most vulnerable protected against COVID-19 and flu.

Over a million vaccines have been delivered to protect against the latest strains of flu and COVID-19 in the latest efforts to relieve pressure on the NHS over winter.

Frontline healthcare staff and the country’s most vulnerable have been immunised at speed – with 80.2% of all care home residents being fully vaccinated since the rollout began in September.

The next groups in line for their vaccines – over 65s and those at high-risk – are receiving a scheduled appointment and 50-64 year olds will soon be invited to book an appointment. Anyone who has missed an appointment can reschedule through the NHS Inform online booking portal.

The COVID-19 vaccine is being given at the same time as the flu jab where possible, and so far 94% of those invited have had both at the same appointment. Over two million Scots will be offered both vaccines over the next three months – a pace that aims to maintain Scotland’s place as a leading nation on vaccine uptake.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“This impressive uptake is testament to the frontline staff who got us through the pandemic and continue to protect our population and NHS from the threats that winter brings.

“Scotland remains steadfast in the effort to protect everyone – continuing the huge success of the vaccination programme since it was first rolled out in December 2020.

“COVID-19 has not gone away and I call on everyone to take up the offer of a booster as soon as their invitation arrives to protect themselves, their families and the NHS.”

BACKGROUND

1,369,270 COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been delivered since the winter vaccine programme launched.

Both new bivalent vaccines, which target Omicron and the original variant of COVID-19, are being deployed alongside existing vaccines, though the vaccination individuals receive will depend on age and vaccine availability. Both the current and new bivalent vaccines provide good protection from severe illness and hospitalisation from known COVID-19 variants.

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of Welsh farms to receive payments [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 13 October 2022.

More than 15,600 Welsh farms will receive a share of over £161m when Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2022 advance payments are made tomorrow (Friday 14 October), Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced.

This means 97% of claimants will receive a BPS advance payment worth 70% of their estimated claim value.

This is the second year Rural Payments Wales (RPW) is making automatic BPS advance payments in October.

Before 2021, BPS payments commenced from 1 December annually.

Regulation changes made by the Minister following the end of the EU Exit Implementation Period simplified the requirements for BPS. This sees BPS advance payments made prior to December to eligible claimants. Reasons why a BPS advance payment may not be made include ongoing land dispute, breaches identified at inspection or outstanding probate matters.

Full and remaining balance BPS 2022 payments will be made from 15 December 2022, subject to full validation of the BPS claim.

It is expected all but the most complex BPS claims will be fully validated, and payments made before the end of the payment window on 30 June 2023.

Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths said:

Following the simplification of BPS requirements, advance payments have been made prior to December which provides financial certainty to farm business during this extremely challenging time.

In addition, here in Wales we have maintained the BPS budget at £238m, the same level as last year.

Full and remaining balance BPS 2021 payments will be made from 15 December and my officials will again this year be working hard to make these payments to as many farmers as possible early in the payment window.

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations return to the banks of the Thames [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 14 October 2022.
More than 100,000 ticket-holders will again be able to gather to watch London welcome in the new year

Annual spectacular has only been available to watch on BBC One and iPlayer for the last two years due to COVID restrictions

First tickets go on sale at noon on Friday 21 October

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that London’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations will return to the banks of the River Thames for the first time since 2019, with the first tickets on sale next Friday.

The annual fireworks celebration will again take place near the iconic lastminute.com London Eye, allowing more than 100,000 ticket-holders to unite to welcome in the new year.

For the last two years, the capital has welcomed in the new year with a multi-site spectacular show only available to watch on TV due to the impact of COVID restrictions.

This year ticket holders will again be able to able to watch the fireworks in person, while a global television audience tunes in to see the celebrations and hear the traditional sounds of Big Ben’s chimes marking the start of the new year.

Tickets must be bought in advance and cost £15 – with every penny used to pay for the costs associated with the ticketing scheme. There are two ticket releases ahead of the event, but they are likely to sell out very quickly so it is important to book early as visitors from around the world travel to London to watch the fireworks.

Those without a ticket are encouraged to watch the display live on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer alongside millions of viewers or to celebrate the new year at the capital’s fantastic range of bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs.

City Hall is working with a wide range of partner agencies including the Met Police, TfL, local authorities and the emergency services to safely deliver the event.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that our fireworks are back and Londoners and visitors to our capital will again be able to join together on the banks of the Thames to welcome in the new year. The celebrations are one of the biggest nights of the year for our capital’s hospitality industry and an unforgettable moment when the eyes of the world turn to our city. This year will be the best ever! To watch the fireworks in person you have to buy a ticket in advance, so I urge anyone wanting to attend to book their ticket as early as possible.”

Imran Tauqir, General Manager of The lastminute.com London Eye, said: “London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are renowned as the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations and we are delighted to partner with the Mayor of London to bring this incredible show back to The lastminute.com London Eye. As a long established feature of the capital’s famous skyline we’ve been part of these famous celebrations since the Eye’s inception in 1999 so it’s an honour that the fireworks will once again inspire visitors from around the world to visit our great capital. A dazzling display of colour and sound awaits, against the backdrop of our world famous landmark, for both those here in London and for TV audiences across the globe welcoming in 2023 with their families and friends.”
October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : nurtureuk and Tender to deliver new inclusive education programme [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 13 October 2022.

nurtureuk and Tender are delighted to announce their roles in a transformational new programme aimed at tackling school exclusions in London.

The charities have been named as joint delivery partners for the London Violence Reduction Unit’s Inclusive and Nurturing Schools Programme, which is being rolled out across 70 schools in seven London Boroughs. It aims to keep children safe, supported, and thriving in school, tackle exclusions, and ensure children and young people have healthy relationship behaviours and attitudes.

nurtureuk, which champions nurture in education, and Tender, a charity specialising in the prevention of gender-based violence and the promotion of healthy relationships between children and young people, will deliver the programme in partnership.

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “We firmly believe in the importance of education and the support and guidance that good quality schools, colleges and alternative provision settings can give a young person. What’s also clear is there is a direct correlation between school exclusions and serious violence affecting young people.

“We’re redoubling our focus to minimise exclusions and keeping children and young people safe and engaged in their education. The VRU will be delivering a new, targeted programme – backed up with nearly £2m investment – to tackle school exclusions, sexual harassment and abuse.

“It’s crucial that we support schools – and our fantastic, hardworking teachers – to be safe and nurturing places where pupils’ needs – both educational and personal – can be identified early. We’re looking forward to working with Nurture and Tender in the delivery of our inclusive education programme to tackle school exclusions and help promote the importance of healthy relationships.”

nurtureuk CEO Arti Sharma said: “We’re delighted to help deliver this vital programme. Children are struggling with their social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing like never before. A nurturing approach in schools is now more essential than ever and this programme will ensure children are ready and able to learn. We look forward to working alongside Tender and the London Violence Reduction Unit to help achieve its aims of reducing exclusions and ensuring children can thrive in school.”

Tender CEO Susie McDonald said: “As one of Tender’s Youth Board members noted recently, preventing abuse and harassment is a form of care. We are therefore thrilled to be working with nurtureuk and the London Violence Reduction Unit to ensure that children receive the care and protection they need to enjoy and excel in their education. Positive social connections are foundational to children’s wellbeing, and we are excited to support schools to embed and embody healthy relationships education through this dynamic new programme.”

The initiative is being delivered in Barking and Dagenham, Enfield, Croydon, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham and Islington. The boroughs have been selected based on rates of suspension, absence, persistent absenteeism and pupils with special educational needs (SEN) support, as well as wider measures such as rates of Children in Need and domestic abuse incidents.

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor partners with Black Cultural Archives to inspire future leaders [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 13 October 2022.
Around 100 young Londoners from all backgrounds will be invited to attend masterclasses to help develop their futures

Black Leaders from the ‘40 X 40: Black Cultural Archives Chair’s Awards’ will share their experiences to inspire others to pursue their dreams

Partnership is announced as part of the Mayor’s celebration of Black History Month and the Black Cultural Archives’ Black Futures Season

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that around 100 young Londoners are to benefit from masterclasses to help develop their futures, thanks to a new partnership with the Black Cultural Archives.

City Hall and the Black Cultural Archives are working together to inspire young Londoners from all backgrounds with classes designed to develop their skills and resilience and help them to map out a plan to achieve their dreams

The classes will be led by young Black leaders from the ‘40 X 40: Black Cultural Archives Chair’s Awards’ – a national initiative developed by the Black Cultural Archives, University College London and Black Britain and Beyond, to award 40 rising leaders from across the country.

The leaders will share their knowledge and experience across a range of industries with local young people, aged between 16-24, who will be invited by charitable and voluntary sector organisations and Mayoral programmes that support them.

The classes are designed to encourage and inspire the young people to pursue their ambition and realise their potential, and form part of the Mayor’s work to provide positive opportunities for young people, particularly those who face inequality and the biggest challenges.

To mark Black History Month, the Mayor has exhibited a photographic portrait exhibition of the London winners of the 40 X 40 awards winners in City Hall. Last week, Sadiq held a reception to mark the 35th anniversary of Black History Month and emphasise the theme ‘Time for change: Action not words’. His Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm has also funded a number of Black history walks and talks across the capital to help Londoners learn more about our history.

The classes form part of the Black Cultural Archives ‘Black Futures: Our Time is Now’ season which is designed to recognise the importance of understanding Black history in order to ensure continued momentum towards racial justice and a better future for all.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that these inspiring young Black leaders will be working with young people from across the capital to build their skills and confidence, and set them on a path for success. We need to celebrate the achievements of Black Londoners throughout the year not just in Black History Month, and with these masterclasses we will not only recognise these talented leaders but encourage young people to follow in their footsteps. It’s another example of how we’re working to build a fairer, better and more equal London for everyone.”

Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, BCA Chair, said: “At Black Cultural Archives we constantly strive towards achieving and sharing excellence throughout our communities as we have done for the past 40 years, and look forward to doing so for the next 40 and beyond. BCA Chair’s 40×40 Future Leaders Campaign does just that by recognising our past, and how to make our future better for it. It’s my belief that we all need to learn more, be more and do more to cultivate a culture of tolerance for all across London, and that is what the BCA Future Leaders Masterclasses are all about. We are honoured to have the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s ongoing support to ensure that happens not just for Black History Month but on an ongoing basis.”
October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : DUP Leader congratulates Peter Weir & Arlene Foster on Life Peerage [October 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 14 October 2022.

The Democratic Unionist Party welcomes the news that Peter Weir is to become a Life Peer sitting in the House of Lords. The conferment of this peerage is rightful recognition of the significant contribution and public service given by Peter over a twenty-four year period as an MLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

DUP Leader Rt Hon Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said,

“On behalf of our party and indeed many throughout Northern Ireland I welcome this recognition for Peter. Peter Weir has given a lifetime of service to his constituents and to the Pro-Union cause in Northern Ireland. He will be a very welcome addition to our Parliamentary team in the House of Lords as well as a strong advocate for Northern Ireland and the Pro-Union cause throughout the United Kingdom.

I am also delighted that our friend and former First Minister Rt Hon Dame Arlene Foster has been conferred a peerage and will sit in the Lords. Arlene will be a strong voice for Northern Ireland and this is rightful and worthy recognition for her contribution and service to Northern Ireland. We look forward to working closely with her in the time ahead.”

Mr Peter Weir said,

“I am very honoured and humbled to be appointed to the House of Lords as a nominee of the DUP. At Westminster, I will be operating as a full time working Peer, advocating on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland, and promoting the great cause of the Union.

Northern Ireland needs stability and prosperity, and alongside my colleagues at Westminster, the Assembly and local Councils, I will focus on delivering those twin objectives, particularly through the necessary removal of the Protocol, which acts as a barrier to good governance and the economic well-being of our people.”

I am very grateful to my many friends and colleagues who have supported and worked with me over many years and with the opening of this new chapter I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve the people of Northern Ireland in Parliament.”

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Council of Europe warned that hostility to unionist concerns must end [October 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 13 October 2022.

DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has warned the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg that question marks over the future of devolution in Northern Ireland will continue to exist for as long as Brussels ignores the concerns of Unionists in relation to the Protocol.

Commenting after Thursday’s sitting, in which he responded to a report claiming Brexit has led to a ‘backsliding’ on human rights protections in Northern Ireland, Mr Paisley said:

‘‘There has been no reversal of human rights in Northern Ireland.

The European Convention was enshrined in Northern Ireland law by Sections 6 and 24 of the 1998 Act. This does not depend on the Human Rights Act or being a member of the European Union. There is also no absolute commitment to a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights in either the Belfast Agreement or New Decade New Approach and it is clear that any agreement at all is to be reached through consensus. In addition, the Government’s legislation on the Protocol would not alter any of its current obligations in this area.

The authors of this report should accept these facts but instead they are more interested in listening to the Sinn Fein spin and playing on the fears of people across Northern Ireland.

It is striking that there is not a single reference in this report to the immense damage caused by the Protocol to the cross-community consent principle that is foundational to power-sharing. It is as if the concerns of Unionism don’t exist. The report even has the audacity to suggest that in Northern Ireland ‘‘the general population is not really worried about the Protocol.’’

If there is to be a basis for stable government in Northern Ireland in the future, this sort of hostility to the legitimate concerns of Unionism must end. In fact we would be keen to know which Unionists, if any, the rapporteur of this report met during his fact-finding visit to Northern Ireland.

The Protocol does not ‘‘respect the constitutional order of the United Kingdom.’’ In truth, it alters and attacks Northern Ireland’s constitution position in the United Kingdom. This Party has a mandate to seek the restoration of our place in the UK internal market, and if necessary, we will go to the electorate and ensure that mandate is renewed.

The DUP is committed to ensuring these concerns can no longer be viewed as expendable. Unless legitimate concern about the Protocol is placed front and centre of the latest round of talks, that process will simply default to an echo chamber, casting the future of the devolved institutions further into jeopardy.’’

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : A47 – A11 Thickthorn Junction development consent decision announced [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 October 2022.

Today, 14 October 2022, the A47 – A11 Thickthorn Junction application has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The application involves the improvement of the interchange between the A47 and A11, improving access into Norwich. The project consists of two new uni-directional slip roads connecting the A11 south to the A47 east with widening and full signalisation of Thickthorn Interchange the gyratory. The side road strategy will include mitigation measures for the severance issue caused to Cantley Lane South.

The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by National Highways on 31 March 2021 and accepted for Examination on 28 April 2021.

Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 20 June 2022.

This is the 117th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and 44th transport application to have been examined by The Planning Inspectorate within the timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.

The Planning Inspectorate’s interim Chief Executive, Navees Rahman said:

“The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities, the local authority and other interested parties have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.

“The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.”

The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Transport and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : North Korea ballistic missile launch [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 October 2022.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

North Korea continues to violate UN Security Council Resolutions by conducting a further ballistic missile test on 14 October. Alongside our allies and partners, the UK is committed to peace on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the rules-based international system and securing an end to North Korea’s illegal activities.

The recent increase in DPRK missile and military activity is destabilising regional peace and security. It is critical that sanctions which target the DPRK’s unlawful weapons development remain in place while its programmes exist. We urge North Korea to refrain from further provocations, and to return to dialogue with the US.

October 14, 2022