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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Iron Age ruler’s coin at risk of leaving the UK [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Iron Age ruler’s coin at risk of leaving the UK [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 14 August 2024.

    A temporary export bar has been placed on an Iron Age coin bearing the name of a British ruler from 40 BCE.

    • The coin is valued at a price of £20,040
    • Export bar is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the coin

    A temporary export bar has been placed on an Iron Age coin bearing the name of the local ruler Esunertos, from the Danebury region.

    The coin, valued at £20,040 (plus VAT of £680 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution), bears the name of Esunertos, a significant historical figure who is thought to have been a ruler from the Danebury region in Wessex around 40 BCE. He was a contemporary of Julius Caesar and likely held a position of authority and prestige.

    It was found in 2023 in the Test Valley in Hampshire, England and provides vital evidence to support  historians’ claims of the ruler’s existence.

    Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    This Iron Age coin is a unique item from the time of Julius Caesar providing fascinating insights into who ruled parts of England and the very foundations of our early history.

    As a rare object from our distant past, I hope a suitable UK buyer can be found so it can teach us about this period in our history and be studied and enjoyed by the public for years to come.

    The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest. The committee noted that the coin was found to meet the first and third Waverley criteria. Its departure from the UK would be a misfortune because it was so closely connected with our history and national life and was of outstanding significance to the study of archaeology, numismatics, history, and linguistics.

    Committee Member Tim Pestell said:

    Discovering the name of a previously unknown person from Britain’s pre-historic Late Iron Age is a rare and special occasion. The recovery of this tiny gold ‘quarter stater’ coin in Hampshire’s Test Valley in 2023 has provided archaeologists with a unique witness to the life of Esunertos, who lived c.40-30BC and whose name appears on one side. A British contemporary of Julius Caesar, he was clearly a leader with power and influence among the Belgae tribe in southern England. Despite its diminutive size, this coin therefore has huge potential to help tell us more about the tribal people of our pre-Roman period and, through its inscription, even the language they spoke. I earnestly hope that the deferral of this coin from being exported will allow a public institution to acquire and display this most special and nationally significant object, evidencing as it does the rule of Esunertos – one of the first British people whose name we now know.

    The decision on the export licence application for the coin will be deferred for a period ending on 13 October 2024 (inclusive). At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the coin at the recommended price of £20,040 (plus VAT of £680 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution).

    The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.

    Notes to editors

    1. Organisations or individuals  interested in purchasing the coin should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.
    2. Details of the object are as follows: an Iron Age coin (quarter stater), which was found in 2023 in the Test Valley in Hampshire, England. The coin bears an inscription: IISVNIIRTOS (Esunertos). Gold, 12.65 mm x 11.75 mm x 2.65 mm. The coin was likely minted around 40–30 BCE.
    3. Provenance: found in the Test Valley (Hampshire), 12 March 2023. The coin was found before the commencement of The Treasure Designation (Amendment) Order 2023 on 30 July 2023. The 2023 Order designated a new class of treasure based on the significance of finds which would not otherwise be defined as treasure. As a single gold coin this find would not have met the definition of treasure at the time it was found, but could have been referred to the coroner, who has responsibility for deciding whether objects meet the legal definition, as possibly meeting the significance definition if it had been found after 30 July 2023.
    4. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by the Arts Council (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Royal Air Force takes to Indian skies to participate in exercise Tarang Shakti [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Royal Air Force takes to Indian skies to participate in exercise Tarang Shakti [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 August 2024.

    The Royal Air Force (RAF) will join the Indian Air Force (IAF) and counterparts from Germany, Spain, and France in the first phase of the IAF’s maiden multilateral exercise Tarang Shakti today (6 August).

    The RAF contingent comprising 130 personnel, six Eurofighter Typhoons, two A330 Voyager air to air refuellers and an A-400M military transport aircraft arrived at Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu.

    The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for the RAF to work closely with the IAF alongside other nations in a more challenging multilateral environment, significantly enhancing interoperability and sharing best practice.

    Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

    I congratulate the Indian Air Force on organising its first multilateral air exercise, Tarang Shakti, and am delighted that the Royal Air Force is one of the key participants.

    Our cooperation in security and defence extends across the seas, land, and air. It is crucial that our armed forces work together to preserve stability and enhance prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

    Group Captain Neil Jones, Air Adviser, British High Commission, said:

    Exercise Tarang Shakti adds to a significant milestone in the ongoing relationship between the air forces of our two countries. Training in a multilateral environment provides a unique exposure to new challenges as well as integration of our tactics and skills across all specialisations.

    For the Royal Air Force, it also demonstrates our ability to deploy and sustain air operations over great distances and maintain an effective presence in the Indo-Pacific, whilst working with partner nations; it is a pleasure for us to be here.

    Further information

    • the six Typhoons from XI (Fighter) Squadron, from RAF Coningsby arrived in India after participating in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia, where they operated alongside the IAF
    • the RAF and Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft flew together for the first-time during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) in July 2024. Both nations deployed the P8I maritime patrol aircraft to Hawaii for the largest maritime training exercise in the region
    • in March 2023, the IAF debuted at RAF’s multilateral Exercise Cobra Warrior, organised at Waddington Air Base in the UK
  • PRESS RELEASE : GERS stats show higher public spending for Scotland as part of UK [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : GERS stats show higher public spending for Scotland as part of UK [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 14 August 2024.

    The annual Government Expenditure and Revenue report underlines the collective economic strength of the UK, says Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill.

    The collective economic strength of the UK means higher spending on public services in Scotland, according to new figures released today [14 August].

    The Scottish Government’s Government Expenditure and Revenue (GERS) figures show that people in Scotland benefit from £2,417 more per head of additional spending compared to the UK average, as a result of the redistribution of wealth throughout the UK.

    In 2023-24, £88.5 billion in tax receipts was raised in Scotland through devolved and reserved taxation, with £111 billion in public spending for Scotland. That works out to 8.1 per cent of UK revenue and 9.1 per cent of spending.

    The figures also reveal that the ‘notional deficit’ in Scotland grew to around £22 billion, or 10.4 per cent of GDP, more than double the UK deficit of 4.5 per cent of GDP.

    The UK Government is committed to retaining the Barnett Formula and funding arrangements agreed with the Scottish Government in the Fiscal Framework, which enables this higher spending for Scotland, and working in partnership with the Scottish Government to drive economic growth in Scotland.

    UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill said:

    These figures underline the collective economic strength of the United Kingdom.

    By pooling and sharing resources across the UK, Scots benefit by £2,417 more per head in public spending than the UK average. That means more money for schools and hospitals, if the Scottish Parliament chooses to invest in those areas.

    Ensuring economic stability and then delivering economic growth are two of the driving missions of the UK Government. We have reset relationships with partners across the UK, and want to work closely with the Scottish Government to produce better results for people in Scotland.

    The GERS figures can be found here.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British High Commissioner to Bangladesh calls on Government of Bangladesh’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : British High Commissioner to Bangladesh calls on Government of Bangladesh’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 August 2024.

    British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met with Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the interim government of Bangladesh Mr Md Touhid Hossain today in Dhaka.

    The UK welcomes the appointment of the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The interim government has the UK’s support as it works to restore peace and order, ensure accountability and create a peaceful pathway to an inclusive and democratic future.

    In the meeting, the High Commissioner and Adviser for Foreign Affairs discussed the strong and enduring relationship between Bangladesh and the UK, cemented by their deep people-to-people ties and shared Commonwealth values. They also discussed how the UK can support the interim government’s work towards a democratic and prosperous future and other issues of mutual interest including Rohingya.

    British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said

    “As a longstanding partner and friend of Bangladesh, the UK welcomes the appointment of the interim government, led by Chief Adviser H.E. Professor Muhammad Yunus.

    “We have been deeply saddened by the violence and all loss of life in recent weeks. We recognise the bravery of the students and many others who through peaceful protest called for a different future for Bangladesh.

    “The interim government has the UK’s support as it works to restore peace and order, ensure accountability and chart a peaceful pathway to an inclusive, prosperous and democratic future for the people of Bangladesh.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Maldives – Nick Low [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Maldives – Nick Low [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 August 2024.

    Mr Nick Low has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Maldives in succession to Ms Caron Röhsler. Mr Low will take up his appointment during January 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Nicholas David Low

    Year Role
    2023 to present FCDO, Counsellor, India & Indian Ocean Directorate
    2020 to present Visiting Fellow at China & Emerging Economies Centre, University of Northampton
    2019 to 2023 Kolkata, Deputy High Commissioner
    2015 to 2019 Beijing, Head of China Regional Network & Sustainable Urbanisation
    2014 to 2015 FCO, Acting Head of Crisis Management Department
    2010 to 2014 Dhaka, Deputy High Commissioner
    2007 to 2010 FCO, Head of Nuclear Issues, Counter Proliferation Department
    2004 to 2006 Algiers, Deputy Head of Mission
    2004 French language training
    1999 to 2003 Brasilia, Head of Trade, Investment, Trade Policy & Economics
    1999 Portuguese language training
    1995 to 1999 Santiago, Second Secretary (Politics & Development)
    1994 to 1995 Spanish language training
    1994 Rabat, Secondment to Court of HRH Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed
    1993 to 1994 FCO, Security Policy Department
    1993 Joined FCO
    1982 to 1993 Metropolitan Police Service, serving in London Boroughs of Greenwich, Camden, Brent and Tower Hamlets (Uniform and CID)
    1980 to 1981 National Health Service, Guy’s Hospital London
  • PRESS RELEASE : Business leaders and unions to work hand in hand to deliver new plans to Make Work Pay [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business leaders and unions to work hand in hand to deliver new plans to Make Work Pay [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 August 2024.

    British workers are set for better working conditions as the Government takes its first steps towards its Plan to Make Work Pay.

    • Businesses and workers will get a bigger voice at the table as Government takes the next steps in its mission to Make Work Pay
    • Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary host senior representatives from trade unions and business organisations for the first time to discuss workers’ rights
    • This sets out Government’s commitment to engaging on the Plan to Make Work Pay and deliver an ambitious agenda to ensure workplace rights fit for a modern economy

    British workers are set for better working conditions as the Government takes its first steps towards its Plan to Make Work Pay.

    The Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary convened a meeting with trade unions and business leaders in a first-of-its-kind meeting today [14th August 2024].

    They agreed to wipe the slate clean and begin a new relationship of respect and collaboration to help deliver the Government’s first mission – to kickstart economic growth.

    They discussed views on the Employment Rights Bill and wider Plan to Make Work Pay, with the Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary carefully listening to the valuable insights of attendees.

    This comes soon after the Deputy Prime Minster and Business Secretary decided to overhaul the remit of the Low Pay Commission to deliver early progress on the Make Work Pay plan and put more money in working people’s pockets.

    The Employment Rights Bill – which will play a key role in delivering the Plan to Make Work Pay – will be introduced within 100 days of entering Government.

    Senior representatives from a cross section of major businesses representative organisations and trade unions were invited to the heart of government today to contribute to the Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    Our plan to Make Work Pay will bring together workers and businesses, both big and small and across different industries, for the good of the economy.

    This first-of-its-kind meeting has kicked off a new era of partnership that will bring benefits to everyone across the country striving to build a better life.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    For too long the valuable insights of business and trade unions have been ignored by Government, even on past decisions which have directly impacted them.

    Business and workers will always help to shape the ambitions of government including our plan to Make Work Pay, to ensure it boosts economic growth and creates better working conditions for all”

    Minister for Employment Rights Justin Madders said:

    It is time for the views of unions and businesses to be heard. This government understands the importance of stakeholders when deciding on policy.

    We are getting cracking on the Bill, it will be delivered in the first 100 days and it’s great to get together to share insights that will help us to make sure it does what we intend it to.

    The Plan to Make Work Pay sets out an ambitious agenda to ensure workplace rights are fit for a modern economy, empower working people and deliver economic growth.

    The Plan will support more people to stay in work, make work more family friendly, and improve living standards. This will put more money in working people’s pockets to spend, boosting economic growth, resilience and conditions for innovation.

    Further engagement is planned to discuss the detail of the Plan to Make Work Pay. Trade union and business representatives will be invited to continue to engagement on the Plan to Make Work Pay via similar meetings, as well as share vital insights via the upcoming consultations.

    Notes to editors:

    As part of its Make Work Pay plan, the Government has committed to:

    • Ban exploitative zero hours contracts
    • End fire and rehire
    • Introduce basic rights from day one to parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal
    • Strengthen the collective voice of workers, including through their trade unions, and create a Single Enforcement Body to ensure employment rights are upheld
    • Make sure the minimum wage is a genuine living wage by changing the remit of the independent Low Pay Commission so for the first time it accounts for the cost of living
    • Remove the discriminatory age bands, so all adults are entitled to the same minimum wage, delivering a pay rise to hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK

    The attendees of the meeting are below:

    • Deputy Prime Minister
    • Business Secretary
    • GMB
    • TUC
    • Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW)
    • UNISON
    • Unite
    • Prospect
    • British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
    • Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD)
    • Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
    • Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
    • Institute of Directors (IoD)
    • Make UK
    • Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)

    Attendee quotes:

    TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

    The government’s plan to make to make work pay, including the introduction of an Employment Rights Bill within its first 100 days, can set our economy on a path towards higher growth and better living standards. Today’s meeting was an important chance for unions and businesses to discuss the shared gains that the government’s reforms will bring, and we look forward to continued close working as ministers implement their plans.

    Together, we can raise the floor so that every job has the pay and security that families need to thrive, workers have access to unions, and good employers are not undercut by the bad.

    Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said:

    Today’s meeting is an important first step in ensuring that there is meaningful dialogue with business as these proposals move forward, as the specifics will be crucial in determining whether they support or stifle economic growth.

    We look forward to the start of a detailed engagement and consultation process, which will be essential to minimising the risk of unintended consequences of these reforms.

    UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

    Britain’s problems are best solved when governments, unions and businesses work together. Lifting standards and making work pay will drive the economic growth to deliver proper investment in essential services.

    The fair pay agreement promised in care will rejuvenate recruitment in a sector that’s long struggled to hold on to the workers needed to support an ageing population.

    Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK said:

    Manufacturers believe that good, well-paid, secure work is key to the Government’s missions of securing economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity, which belongs at the heart of an industrial strategy. The manufacturing sector, working closely with trade unions, pays 9% above the national average salary, and is investing increasing amounts in skills training and wellbeing to develop their workforce and improve productivity.

    We look forward to continuing to work with the Government on ensuring its Plan to Make Work Pay benefits both manufacturing employers and their employees.

    Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said:

    The Government’s Make Work Pay programme should be an historic opportunity to improve the rights of working people in this country and should represent a symbolic shift in favour of partnership between employers, government, and workers to drive economic progress.

    This meeting represents the start of a dialogue that, done properly, can deliver the growth and stability the country needs to compete on the world stage.

    Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce:

    It was important to be in the room today to represent the views of business, and to emphasise that the Government needs to genuinely listen as it develops its plans. Our members are clear that their employees deserve high standards of protection, but it’s important to guard against any unintended consequences of the proposed changes.

    This will require thorough and detailed consultation with firms of all sizes.  The Government must take its time, engage with employers, and ensure that any changes are proportionate and affordable for businesses.”

    John Foster, CBI Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer, said:

    Politicians and businesses are united in wanting to raise living standards through higher levels of growth underpinned by increased productivity. Creating the conditions in which businesses can invest and create jobs is key to this. Today’s meeting was a welcome a step in beginning the constructive dialogue that can deliver solutions that will be both lasting and effective.

    Creating the space for meaningful consultation will be vital because it is business input that can ensure these reforms support growth, investment and jobs, while avoiding unintended consequences.

    Paddy Lillis, General Secretary of Usdaw, the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, said:

    After 14 years of dither and delay, it’s great to sit down with a government committed to delivering for working people and talking about how to implement the change Usdaw members need.

    The Government’s plans for workers’ rights will massively improve the lives of our members and we are pleased to see grown up government, bringing together politicians, employers and unions to ensure the changes outlined during the election are delivered.

    Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said:

    We recognise and welcome a number of the changes in the Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay. Together they amount to the biggest transformation of workers’ rights in a generation.

    Therefore, consultation will be essential to ensure that any reforms achieve the right outcomes for individuals and employers. We look forward to being part of that process.

    Neil Carberry, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Chief Executive, said:

    The longest-lasting and most successful changes to the jobs market have been those developed with businesses, not just handed down to them.

    Today’s meeting is an opportunity to re-discover that principle and ensure that the work of the new Government supports business growth and opportunity for workers, including over a million temporary workers across the UK.

    Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:

    We had positive engagement with Angela Rayner and Jonathan Reynolds in Opposition, including on their commitments to working in partnership with small business. We hope this meeting is a signal that the Government will soon start a proper, meaningful and constructive engagement process as it moves from campaigning into practical policy making.

    It will be crucial the Government starts to demonstrate it is prepared to try and reduce harm to employment, small business, and the economy from any and every negative impact of these proposals. The new administration must listen to the real needs of small businesses on the ground and help, not harm, small business efforts to get people into work and secure the high levels of growth the country desperately needs.

  • David Lammy – 2024 Article “Only with diplomacy can we deliver long-term peace”

    David Lammy – 2024 Article “Only with diplomacy can we deliver long-term peace”

    The article written by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, for Asharq Al-Awsat and issued as a press release on 14 August 2024.

    For months, the Middle East has been teetering on the brink of full-scale conflict. None of us can know precisely how close we are to falling into the abyss of all-out war. But everyone recognises that this is a critical moment for the stability of the entire region. And that the risk of things spiralling out of control has been growing sharply.

    The new British Government is doing all it can to push for de-escalation. At the end of my first full week in office, I travelled to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ramallah, meeting Israeli and Palestinian leaders and communities. British Defence Secretary, John Healey, and I made a joint visit to Qatar and Lebanon.

    Our message to counterparts in the region and beyond has been simple. A widening of the conflict is in nobody’s interest – least of all civilians on all sides. Britain is committed to getting behind a diplomatic solution so that together, we can ease the current tensions.

    This week, there has been a renewed push for precisely such a diplomatic solution, starting with a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. Such a deal is absolutely critical. Britain and our European partners welcome the efforts by Qatar, Egypt and the United States: there is no more time to lose. The fighting must stop – now. All the hostages still cruelly detained by Hamas must be released – now. Urgent delivery of unfettered aid into Gaza needs to start – now.

    All sides must seize this opportunity to open a pathway towards a lasting solution. That requires restraint. Iran and Iranian-aligned groups must refrain from attacks that would jeopardize this. We cannot risk further delay.

    Of course, a ceasefire is just a first step on the path to long-term peace. The UK will play a full diplomatic role in seizing the opportunity for momentum towards a two-state solution, creating safety, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

    At the same time, we must support a sovereign Lebanon with strong state institutions. The Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces have a critical role to play in Lebanon’s future, and we continue to back them with training and equipment. Investing in Lebanese institutions like these will maintain the country’s stability and reduce the threat of terrorism in Lebanon and the wider region.

    And we urge Israel and Lebanon to engage with the US-led discussions to reach a political settlement and resolve their disagreements diplomatically. UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the basis for a long-term solution. It calls for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon. For no foreign forces in Lebanon without its government’s consent. And for no armed forces other than UN and Lebanese government troops south of the Litani river near the border with Israel.

    While diplomatic efforts intensify, the UK continues to offer extensive humanitarian support. Our new government has restarted funding for UNRWA, the UN agency whose life-saving aid is most critical for Palestinians in Gaza and the wider region. We have announced new funding for UK-Med field hospitals in Gaza and UNICEF’s efforts to give food, water and essential services to vulnerable Palestinian families.

    And I will continue to speak out over actions which make a diplomatic solution more difficult. The deaths of civilians at Madjal Shams were appalling – Hizballah and Hamas must both cease their rocket strikes, which only make a ceasefire less likely. And Israel must comply with international humanitarian law – the loss of life at the al-Tabeen school was also a tragedy.

    The Israeli government should retract and condemn Minister Smotrich’s recent remarks – international law is clear that the deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime. An Israeli government minister praying at the holy sites at Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound was also inflammatory – we oppose unilateral action in Jerusalem absent a final status settlement.

    At a time of such serious tension, our guiding star is diplomacy. Only with diplomacy can we end the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence. Only with diplomacy can we deliver long-term peace and security for all.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Minister for Scotland reacts to LMS for August 2024 [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Minister for Scotland reacts to LMS for August 2024 [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 13 August 2024.

    Kirsty McNeill underlines plans to tackle poverty, grow the economy, and make work pay for hard-working Scots.

    The latest Labour Market Statistics have been published today here.

    UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill said:

    Today’s figures are encouraging but there is still a lot of work to do and the UK Government is going to deliver the change the country needs. Giving people support to join the workforce and the security they need to remain in fairly-paid jobs is vital as we tackle poverty and grow the economy.

    We’re banning exploitative zero hour contracts, we’ve taken the first steps to make the national minimum wage a real living wage, and we’re planning JobCentre reform.

    Background:

    • More information on the Plan to Get Britain Working is available here: Back to Work Plan will help drive economic growth in every region – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
    • A new Labour Market Advisory Board has been announced, chaired by Professor Paul Gregg. It is a new group of external experts who will provide labour market insight and advice to drive change throughout the system.
    • The unemployment rate in Scotland during April to June 2024 was 4.4 per cent, unchanged over the quarter. Scotland’s unemployment rate was slightly above the UK rate of 4.2 per cent.
    • The employment rate in Scotland during April to June 2024 was 73.4 per cent, up 0.3 percentage points on the quarter. Scotland’s employment rate was below the UK rate of 74.5 per cent.
    • The economic inactivity rate (the proportion of people aged 16 to 64 years who were not working and not seeking or available to work) in Scotland was 23.1 per cent, down 0.3 percentage points on the quarter. Scotland’s economic inactivity rate remains higher than the UK rate of 22.2 per cent.
    • Early seasonally adjusted estimates for July 2024 show payrolled employees increased in Scotland by 16,000 (0.7%) up to 2.47 million.This compares with the UK where the number of payrolled employees had risen by 0.8 per cent over the same period.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Fleur Anderson visits Cookstown [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Fleur Anderson visits Cookstown [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 13 August 2024.

    The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Fleur Anderson, has visited Cookstown to meet with local organisations Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN) and Super Stars Café.

    NIRWN is a membership based organisation with a mission to amplify and articulate the voice of rural women at local, regional and strategic level. The Minister took the opportunity to hear directly from service users and members of NIRWN, discussing the most pressing priorities of rural women in Northern Ireland.

    Founded in 2005, Super Stars Café is a unique and dynamic charity whose purpose is to provide learning opportunities and new skills for people with learning disabilities which are not available elsewhere.

    Speaking following her visit to Co Tyrone, Minister Anderson said:

    “Northern Ireland’s community sector is united on many issues and I’ve been privileged to meet many groups across Northern Ireland already.

    “I wanted to take today as an opportunity to focus on the fantastic work of NIRWN and hear about the issues most pressing to women in rural communities.

    “It was also great to hear about the work of the Super Stars Café and how they enable young people in the local community to reach their full potential.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : 312,000 rural homes and businesses  to get access to faster broadband in overhaul of old infrastructure [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 312,000 rural homes and businesses  to get access to faster broadband in overhaul of old infrastructure [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 13 August 2024.

    Hundreds of thousands of rural homes and businesses will receive major internet speed upgrades, as the UK Government fixes the digital divide and powers up all regions of Britain.

    • Up to £800 million in UK Government funding to end the plight of poor broadband for around 300,000 across Great Britain
    • For the first time, Wales is included in the initiative to enhance connectivity, expanding the reach of improved infrastructure to homes and businesses
    • Marks start of UK Government’s ‘renewed push’ to reach full gigabit coverage by 2030 to plug connectivity black holes across the country

    Hundreds of thousands of rural homes and businesses struggling to fulfil basic online tasks due to outdated broadband infrastructure will receive major internet speed upgrades, as the UK Government fixes the digital divide and powers up all regions of Britain.

    Up to £800 million in government investment will be made available to modernise broadband infrastructure in rural areas of England, Scotland and Wales, ending the plight of buffering so people can fulfil everyday online tasks, such as streaming films, video calling, or downloading large files, which is currently particularly challenging in some areas of Wales and Scotland.

    The deal will provide access to lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband to around 312,000 homes and businesses across Great Britain. It is the first time Wales, the region with the lowest percentage of gigabit coverage, will benefit from this programme.

    It will mean residents and businesses in remote areas of Britain, such as the South Wales Valleys, Exmoor National Park and the Forest of Bowland will finally gain access to the fastest connection on the market. This will help deliver improved productivity, as part of the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth.

    The landmark deal with telecoms provider Openreach represents one of the biggest milestones in the rollout of Project Gigabit, which targets places too expensive for providers to reach in their commercial build and which would otherwise be left behind with poor digital infrastructure. It will help meet the growing demand for reliable connectivity, stimulating local rural economies and reducing regional disparities, by enabling remote working and attracting new businesses.

    The announcement follows this Government’s vow to redouble its efforts to achieve full gigabit coverage by 2030 and harness the enormous potential of technology to grow the economy, accelerate innovation and improve people’s lives.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle said: 

    Over the past decade, the UK’s broadband rollout has clearly not happened fast enough and has overlooked too many areas, especially in Scotland and Wales. Robust digital infrastructure is essential for growth, productivity and competitiveness and this shortfall not only poses risks to our economic stability, but also entrenches existing inequalities across the country.

    We are fixing this by delivering for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses up and down the country, focusing on the areas that were not prioritised by the previous government, such as Wales.

    Today marks a significant milestone in delivering on our promise to redouble our efforts to achieve full gigabit coverage by 2030 and lay the foundations for a more inclusive, dynamic and prosperous future for all citizens.

    Today’s announcement will also improve learning opportunities for students, who will be able to gain better access to online resources and remote learning platforms, as well as healthcare patients, who will be able to further rely on remote consultations – as the UK Government continues its mission to improve public services and grow the economy.

    Contracts worth £288 million have already been signed with Openreach under the agreement to connect approximately 96,600 homes and businesses in England and, for the first time, Wales. Areas to benefit include Lancashire, North Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire, West and Mid-Surrey, Staffordshire, West Berkshire and Hertfordshire, West and North Devon, and North West, Mid and South East Wales.

    Talks are now underway with Openreach to agree further contracts to benefit around 215,800 more premises across England, Scotland and Wales, with more announcements expected in the coming months. Areas expected to benefit from these future contracts include Central and North Scotland, North and South West Wales, Mid and South Devon, East and South Shropshire, North Herefordshire, North Somerset, Essex, North East England and Worcestershire.

    Minister for Digital Infrastructure Chris Bryant said:

    Far too many rural citizens and businesses are still stuck with outdated internet infrastructure, not being able to fulfil day-to-day tasks as easily as people living in our towns and cities.

    We have been clear we want to achieve sustained economic growth in every corner of Britain, and this starts by ensuring our communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive.

    This monumental deal with Openreach will make a real difference to communities – such as staying in touch with loved ones or being able to do business no matter where you are.

    Project Gigabit will support the government’s plans to kickstart economic growth, creating and supporting thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs, empowering industries of all kinds to innovate and increasing productivity by taking up digital technology. It will also ensure people can access vital services they need now and, in the future, from giving patients improved access to healthcare through virtual appointments and remote health monitoring to helping pensioners combat loneliness by catching up with loved ones over higher quality video calls.

    For households, gigabit-capable broadband delivers faster speeds and fewer dropouts. Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections won’t slow down at peak times, meaning no more battling for bandwidth with the neighbours. Gigabit networks can easily handle over a hundred devices all at once with no buffering, meaning the whole family can seamlessly surf, stream and download at the same time.

    Clive Selley, CEO of Openreach said:

    Research shows that full fibre provides a host of economic, social and environmental benefits – and I believe we’re the best in the business at delivering it.

    I’m proud we’ve been chosen, through a fiercely competitive process, and we’re already cracking on with the job.

    This is a British infrastructure success story. Our network already reaches more than 15 million urban and rural premises and, wherever we build, we bring the widest choice of providers for customers. I’m confident we can reach as many as 30 million homes by the end of the decade if the conditions remain supportive.

    Trinity House, a charity dedicated to safeguarding lighthouses and maritime navigation aids in England and Wales is set to benefit from this investment. Chief Executive Rear Admiral Iain Lower welcomed the rollout:

    As an organisation that works in remote parts of the nation, we applaud this rollout by Openreach and Government. This rollout will, among other things, help our operational teams work, connect and live better at our remote lighthouses, an invaluable improvement for when they are away from their homes and families.

    Looking at the wider benefits, improved working conditions help ensure that our lighthouses work exactly as expected for the tens of thousands of mariners in our waters that rely on our aids to navigation. Safer seas make for a more prosperous island nation, as we depend on merchant shipping to carry 95% of the goods we use daily.