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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : OPCW 105th Executive Council – UK national statement [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : OPCW 105th Executive Council – UK national statement [March 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2024.

    Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Joanna Roper, at the 105th Executive Council.

    Mr Chair, Director General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, let me begin by thanking Ambassador Fatu for a year of dedicated service to this Council. His leadership has driven important progress, including on issues that we have been struggling to resolve for many years.

    I also thank Director General Arias for his report reflecting on the work of the Technical Secretariat. We are encouraged by the level of progress in a number of priority areas, building upon the momentum generated in 2023. The UK is committed fully to supporting the Technical Secretariat’s programme of work in the coming year, including on enhancing geographical and other forms of representation including gender balance and tackling emerging threats.

    Mr Chair, this organisation rightly celebrates the Convention’s success, but we are reminded too of the threat that chemical weapons continue to pose. My Prime Minister expressed his shock at the recent death of Alexei Navalny, noting that “He died for a cause for which he dedicated his whole life, freedom”. His shocking poisoning by Russia in 2020 using Novichok is a stark reminder of the modern threat we face.

    This week we also mark the sixth anniversary of the Novichok nerve agent attack in Salisbury. Five people were injured and Dawn Sturgess, poisoned in nearby Amesbury, tragically died. Only the Russian state had the technical means, operational experience and the motive to carry out the attack.

    The attack in Salisbury and the 2020 poisoning of Alexei Navalny demonstrate Russia’s utter contempt for the basic principles that sit at the heart of the CWC. This contempt for international law extends to Putin’s illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine. Two years since the beginning of Putin’s war, we continue to see evidence of Russian use of riot control agents, in clear breach of Article I of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The UK stands with Ukraine and any use of chemical weapons in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would bring severe consequences.

    Mr Chair, I would like to acknowledge the IIT’s expert and diligent work to deliver the report published on 22 February, which found reasonable grounds to believe that Daesh were responsible for a sulphur mustard attack in Marea in September 2015. This report further confirms Daesh’s use of chemical weapons in Syria. Independent reports from the JIM and IIT have now attributed a total of 4 chemical weapon attacks to Daesh and a further 9 to the Syrian regime.

    We call on all States Parties and the Technical Secretariat to implement in full the Decision adopted at the 28th Conference of States Parties on ‘Addressing the Threat from Chemical Weapons Use and the Threat of Future Use’. This Decision will help us to mitigate the continuing, serious risks presented by both the Syrian Regime and non-state actors to Syrian civilians and regional security.

    Mr Chair, as we enter 2024, the work of the OPCW is more important than ever. We welcome the approval of the biennial budget at the 28th Conference of States Parties and decisions taken in November to improve the long-term viability of this crucial organisation. Yet, the threat of future chemical attack by both state and non-state actors demonstrates the need for us all to work even more intensively to ensure chemical weapon use is confined to history. Let me close by thanking the Director General and colleagues for working so hard to pursue this outcome. Thank you Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Five elements to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and lasting peace – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Five elements to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and lasting peace – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [March 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at UN General Assembly on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

    President, the civilian suffering in Gaza cannot continue.

    Hunger has reached devastating levels.

    Disease is on the rise.

    People are crammed into ever smaller slivers of land, with nowhere left to go.

    Last week, the UK and Jordan air-dropped four tonnes of life-saving aid to the Tal Al-Hawa hospital in northern Gaza.

    We also announced an additional $5.4 million in aid to ensure UNFPA can continue to provide life-saving support to more than 100,000 vulnerable women and girls in Gaza.

    As my Prime Minister has told Prime Minister Netanyahu and regional leaders, we are deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah.

    Over half of Gaza’s population are sheltering in the area, and the Rafah crossing is vital to ensure aid can reach the people who so desperately need it.

    The deaths of people in Gaza waiting for an aid convoy last week were horrific.

    There must be an urgent investigation and accountability.

    This must not happen again.

    And we cannot separate what happened from the inadequate aid supplies.

    In February, only half the number of trucks crossed into Gaza that crossed in January.

    This is simply unconscionable.

    President, Israel has an obligation to ensure that significantly more humanitarian aid reaches the people of Gaza.

    We have identified a series of bottlenecks that need addressing: Israel must urgently open more crossings into Gaza; eliminate bureaucratic obstacles; enable aid operations in Gaza; and ensure there is a robust de-confliction mechanism in place to protect ordinary Palestinians, NGOs, medical staff and others providing aid.

    This latest tragedy serves only to underscore the importance of securing an immediate end in fighting, leading to a permanent and sustainable ceasefire.

    The negotiations led by Egypt, Qatar and the US are the only way to get lifesaving aid in at the scale needed and to free the hostages currently held by Hamas.

    Such a deal would offer the basis from which to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and lasting peace.

    The elements essential to achieving this are: first, the release of all hostages.

    Second, the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package.

    Third, removing Hamas’s capability to launch attacks against Israel.

    Fourth, Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza.

    Fifth, and finally, a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution, with a clear commitment to grant Palestine recognition, including at the United Nations.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : AustralianSuper announces £8 billion investment in the UK [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : AustralianSuper announces £8 billion investment in the UK [March 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 4 March 2024.

    Australia’s biggest pension fund to invest more than £18 billion in UK by 2030.

    • Set to unleash billions in productive finance for innovative businesses in the high-growth sectors of the future like clean energy and digital infrastructure.
    • Chancellor hails investment as part of vision to make the UK the global capital for capital.

    A fresh £8 billion investment from Australia’s biggest pension fund, AustralianSuper, will take its total investment in the UK to over £18 billion by the end of the decade.

    It comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt met with CEO Paul Schroder, alongside some of the Board, this afternoon and rounds off a day of significant investment announcements, including the government announcing over £360 million of funding for advanced manufacturing.

    The Prime Minister attended the ground-breaking of a development site in Swindon today owned by Panattoni, Europe’s largest developer of new build industrial and logistics facilities, which has the potential to create 7,000 jobs for local people and add £1.2 billion to the economy, and the Chancellor visited Siemens Mobility, which revealed a £100 million investment for a manufacturing and research and development centre in Chippenham.

    Growing the economy is one of the Prime Minister’s priorities, and is part of the plan to improve economic security and opportunity for everyone. The UK has secured investment from major corporations over the past year, and according to PWC, around 4,000 CEOs see the UK as a top-three priority country for investment, alongside the US and China.

    It also follows the announcement of a series of pension fund reforms to back British business and increase returns and transparency for savers, including a new Value for Money (VFM) framework aimed at improving the performance of defined contribution pensions – a market growing rapidly, fuelled by the success of Automatic Enrolment in increasing pension savings by over £26 billion between 2012 and 2022.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    The raft of investment announcements we have seen today show that the UK remains one of the most attractive places to invest in the world.

    But because of the difficult, long term decisions the government has taken the economy is now turning a corner, and we must stick to the plan – driving investment and growth to deliver long-term change and a brighter future everyone.

    Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said:

    This major investment from AustralianSuper will promote growth and strengthen the UK’s position as a leading financial centre, creating wealth and helping to fund public services.

    Britain continues to be Europe’s leading hub for investment, and it is through commitments like this that we will funnel billions into our brightest, burgeoning businesses to scale up and grow.

    The Australian pension fund industry is the fastest growing in the developed world with assets under management doubling every five years, and the Chancellor has previously referred to the success of the pensions model in Australia, which has pioneered a similar set of reforms to VFM.

    AustralianSuper has had a presence in the UK since 2016, with approximately £8 billion currently invested in the UK and holding over £2.5 billion in UK listed equities. It is on track to deploy more than £8 billion of new capital by 2030 into large-scale, long-term investment opportunities in some of the fastest growing sectors in which Britain excels in comparison to its European peers, such as the energy transition and digital infrastructure.

    Mr Schroder has praised the UK’s investment opportunities for enabling high-quality, long-term returns for members. In future the company stated it expects £7 of every new £10 invested to be deployed outside Australia, as it pursues the best global investment opportunities and long-term returns for members.

    The United Kingdom has the largest pension market in Europe, worth over £2.5 trillion. Last year the Chancellor set out his ‘Mansion House Reforms’ to capitalise upon this, with the possibility to unlock an additional £75 billion for high growth businesses – supporting the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy and delivering tangible benefits to pensions savers. These include the ‘Mansion House compact’ which encourages pension funds to invest at least 5% of their assets in unlisted equity, which is in line with the Australian model.

    Minister for Investment Lord Johnston said:

    Foreign investment is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It creates jobs, nurtures skills and unleashes our nation’s innovative spirit. That’s why the UK’s recent trade deal with Australia prioritised boosting investment flows.

    AustralianSuper’s ongoing commitment shows the strong relationship we have built as they create a global centre of excellence in London. We are a top choice for major investments like this, and the government is committed to promoting the opportunities available to global investors so they choose the UK.

    The UK-Australia free trade agreement, which came into force on 31 May 2023, includes comprehensive provisions on investment, which has made the UK a more attractive place to do business.

    Notes to Editors  

    More information on the Value for Money framework and other pension fund reforms announced by the Chancellor this past weekend.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Dr Nicola Byrne reappointed as National Data Guardian [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Dr Nicola Byrne reappointed as National Data Guardian [March 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 4 March 2024.

    The Cabinet Office has today announced that Dr Nicola Byrne has been reappointed to the role of National Data Guardian for an additional term of three years.

    The appointment was made in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Governance for Public Appointments.

    The National Data Guardian role was established in 2014 as an independent advisor to the government and health and social care system on the use of people’s confidential information across health and adult social care in England.

    It plays a crucial role in preserving public trust in the confidentiality of our healthcare services, and advocating for transparency when confidential patient information is used for secondary purposes, such as research or healthcare planning.

    With this new appointment, Dr Byrne will continue to serve in her capacity as the National Data Guardian, alongside her clinical role as a consultant psychiatrist in the NHS, until 16 March 2027.

    Dr Byrne said:

    I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue my efforts in ensuring the highest ethical as well as legal standards for the use of health and social care data.

    In this constantly evolving policy and regulatory landscape, my team, panel of advisors and I remain dedicated to promoting the safe and appropriate use of data to improve patient care. We are committed to protecting patient confidentiality and choice and ensuring that healthcare data is only used in ways that benefit the public.

    Our ultimate goal is to build public trust in the use of their confidential data, so that it can be used to improve healthcare outcomes for everyone.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Hedgerow regulations to be brought into law to protect wildlife [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Hedgerow regulations to be brought into law to protect wildlife [March 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 4 March 2024.

    English hedgerows will be protected in law as the government sets out its plans for domestic hedgerow regulations, following a consultation last year.

    English hedgerows will be protected in law as the government today (4 March) sets out its plans for domestic hedgerow regulations, following a consultation last year.

    Backed by over 95% of consultation responses, and providing continuity for farmers and land managers, the regulations will include a two metre ‘buffer strip’ from the centre of hedgerows with no cultivation or application of pesticides or fertilisers, and a hedge cutting ban between 1 March and 31 August to protect nesting birds.

    A fairer, more proportionate enforcement approach focused on outcomes will see farmers provided with advice to help them comply with requirements – very different from the approach seen previously.

    The regulations will support the efforts of many farmers already carrying out vital work to protect hedgerows, providing important ecological benefits including wildlife habitats, slowing soil erosion and water run-off, supporting crop pollinators and absorbing carbon.

    This includes over 90,000km of hedgerows being managed through 16,000 agreements in the government’s Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes, and more than 13,000km of hedgerows created or restored using Countryside Stewardship grants.

    Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

    Farmers have been protecting, planting and maintaining our hedgerows for centuries and I want to thank them for their continued efforts to help wildlife thrive on their farms alongside food production.

    I am delighted that thousands of farmers are taking up the support and guidance on offer in our Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes.

    Almost 9,000 consultation responses were received and highlighted clear support from farmers and environmental groups for hedgerows to be protected in law.

    Alongside the two metre buffer strips and spring/summer hedge cutting ban, the government will also introduce a streamlined notification process for farmers needing an exemption to cut or trim hedges in August if they are sowing oilseed rape or temporary grass.

    Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    Hedgerows have long-shaped our beautiful countryside and provide homes for a huge variety of birds and wildlife, while delivering clear benefits for water, soil and the climate.

    Our consultation showed just how valued our hedgerows are by farmers, the public and environmental groups alike, and these regulations will mean we can all reap the benefits they bring for generations to come.

    The new requirements will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows and will be regulated by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) who will provide advice and guidance to help farmers comply with the regulations. The government will also introduce civil and criminal sanctions to enable the RPA to take appropriate and proportionate actions against anyone causing serious or repeated damage.

    The government will launch a consultation and work with farmers and environmental groups to inform the statutory guidance that will be used to enforce the regulations.

    These regulations will sit alongside the existing Hedgerows Regulations 1997 which prohibit the removal of countryside hedgerows, or parts of them, without first seeking approval from the Local Planning Authority. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 meanwhile prohibits the killing, injuring or taking of wild birds, or taking or damaging their eggs and nests.

    The full government response and summary of responses has been published online.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 55 – UK Statement for Item 2 General Debate [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 55 – UK Statement for Item 2 General Debate [March 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 March 2024.

    HRC55: UK Statement for Item 2 General Debate. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

    High Commissioner,

    We continue to support implementation of the peace agreement, as South Sudan works towards credible and peaceful elections. But accountability remains severely limited and we urge this Council to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights.

    In Sudan, warring parties must be held accountable for the egregious human rights violations and abuses. We call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and a return to a civilian-led democratic transition.

    We urge President Ortega to fully respect the human rights of all Nicaraguans and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.

    Civil society in Libya continues to face restrictions and regular reprisals by armed groups and security actors. The UK urges all sides to engage in the UN-facilitated Libyan-led political process in good faith.

    Civilians are paying the price for the conflict in Amhara and Oromia in Ethiopia. Civilians must be protected and we offer our assistance to find peaceful resolution and support for reconciliation and transitional justice.

    High Commissioner, it has been 18 months since your office published its Xinjiang Assessment. We have still seen no progress or meaningful engagement by China on its recommendations. We welcome an update from your office on this.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Nearly £300m of drugs seized by Royal Navy in the Caribbean Sea [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Nearly £300m of drugs seized by Royal Navy in the Caribbean Sea [March 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 March 2024.

    A Royal Navy warship seized drugs with a street value of £290.66m in two separate blows to drug runners in the Caribbean.

    British sailors, Royal Marines and a US Coast Guard team on HMS Trent intercepted a suspected smuggling speedboat south of the US Virgin Islands.

    The smugglers began offloading their illegal cargo as they fled towards land, but Trent, her fast sea boats and an American patrol aircraft gave chase – eventually recovering over 2,700kg of cocaine and other drugs, with an estimated street value of £220.56m.

    Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps said:

    This operation sends a clear message: The Royal Navy remains resolute in its efforts to disrupt and dismantle the operations of drug traffickers across the world.

    We will continue to ensure that those who seek to profit from illegal drugs face the full force of justice.

    I’d like to congratulate the ship’s company for their invaluable work keeping illegal drugs off our streets.

    This was HMS Trent’s second drugs bust in the space of only three weeks, having seized £70.1m of cocaine in a separate operation in January.

    During a high-speed chase, the smugglers tried to offload their illegal cargo, but Royal Marines coxswains and the USCG boarding team closed in, took control of the vessel, and detained four crew members.

    During a ten-hour search, Trent’s 60-strong crew scoured 24 square miles of ocean for the abandoned cargo, eventually retrieving almost 900kg of cocaine.

    A Royal Marine who took part in the operation and cannot be named for operational reasons said:

    This was a challenging operation and required us to push the boats to their limit.

    Despite their best efforts to evade us, they finally gave up the chase and we were able to get alongside and enable members of the US Coast Guard to seize the vessel.

    Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Langford, said:

    The achievements of this ship and her crew in the last nine months have been spectacular, and it is brilliant to see the hard work and dedication of this amazing team paying off.

    The team is rightly proud of their efforts, and those of our USCG colleagues.

    Trent’s second bust more than tripled her total amount of drugs seized – again in a coordinated operation with the USCG and a US Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

    These successful interceptions not only disrupt criminal networks in the UK but also underscore the Royal Navy’s vital role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law in the region.

    HMS Trent’s Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Mike Rydiard, who was in temporary command for the second drugs bust, said:

    I am immensely proud of my combined team of Trent Ship’s company, UCSG team and 47 Commando Royal Marines who carried out the intercept and pursuit in challenging conditions to get the right result.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £360 million to boost British manufacturing and R&D [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : £360 million to boost British manufacturing and R&D [March 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 4 March 2024.

    The Chancellor has today (4 March) announced a significant investment package in the UK’s life sciences and manufacturing sectors.

    • Chancellor to announce significant funding package for R&D and manufacturing projects across the life sciences, automotive and aerospace sectors.
    • £92 million joint government and industry investment to expand facilities to manufacture life-saving medicines and diagnostics products.
    • £200 million joint investment in zero-carbon aircraft technology to develop a more sustainable aviation sector and almost £73 million in automotive technology.
    • Follows the Advanced Manufacturing Plan to give the industry the long-term certainty to grow and invest in the UK, backed by £4.5 billion of targeted support announced at Autumn Statement to boost the British manufacturing sector.

    Ahead of the Spring Budget this week, the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (Monday 4 March) announced a significant investment package in the UK’s life sciences and manufacturing sectors, as part of the government’s plan to grow the economy, boost health resilience and support jobs across the UK.

    The funding will go towards several companies and projects who are making cutting edge technology in sectors key to economic growth and part of wider government support to ensure the UK is the best place to start, grow and invest in manufacturing.

    This includes £7.5 million to support two pharmaceutical companies who are investing a combined £84 million to expand their manufacturing plants in the UK. Almac, a pharmaceutical company in Northern Ireland produces drugs to treat diseases such as cancer, heart disease and depression, while Ortho Clinical diagnostics in Pencoed, Wales, is expanding its facilities producing testing products used to identify a variety of diseases and conditions.

    These new life sciences investments are the latest step in the government’s plan to grow our economy, encourage innovation and support levelling up with nearly 300 supported jobs across the UK.

    The Chancellor is also confirming that companies will soon be able to apply for a share of the £520 million funding for life sciences manufacturing announced at Autumn Statement, with competitions for large scale investments opening for expressions of interest this summer and medium and smaller sized companies in the autumn. The fund is designed to build resilience for future health emergencies such as influenza pandemics and capitalise on the UK’s world-leading research and development.

    On top of this, the government has announced almost £73 million in combined government and industry investment for cutting-edge automotive R&D projects to support the development of electric vehicle technology, delivering highly skilled jobs and cementing the UK’s position as a global hub for EV manufacturing.

    Supported by more than £36 million of government funding awarded through Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) competitions, this includes four projects which are developing technologies for the next generation of battery electric vehicles, making them more efficient and competitive, led by companies including automotive manufacturers YASA and Empel Systems.

    This funding is also supporting a project led by Integrals Power, developing and scaling up high-performance battery systems ahead of testing their mass-commercialisation, enhancing safety, power density, and cost-efficiency.

    These projects build on the record of the government’s established automotive initiatives. The Autumn Statement provided future certainty, announcing over £2 billion across five years from 2025 to unlock investment in the manufacturing and development of zero emission vehicles, their batteries and supply chain. The government will ensure a seamless transition to the new Auto2030 programme which will deliver support in future, and investors are still able to apply to the current schemes.

    The government has already spent over £2 billion to accelerate the uptake of zero emission vehicles, including reducing the upfront cost of electric vehicles and supporting the roll-out of charging infrastructure. The UK’s first ever Battery Strategy published last year outlines our plan for the UK to attract investment and achieve a globally competitive battery supply chain by 2030, with the battery sector alone expected to create 100,000 highly paid and skilled jobs in the UK.

    The significant funding package for R&D and manufacturing projects announced today is targeted to support sectors where the UK is or could be world-leading and is designed to unlock investment from the private sector by providing certainty to investors – supporting the government’s priority to grow our economy by protecting existing and creating new jobs, so we can deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

    “We’re sticking with our plan by backing the industries of the future with millions of pounds of investment to make the UK a world leader in manufacturing, securing the highly-skilled jobs of the future and delivering the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain”.

    Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

    “Today’s announcement builds on the success of our Advanced Manufacturing plan announced last year, and will ensure we continue to grow the economy, help create jobs and secure the future of great British manufacturing.

    “Our plan for the British economy is working – which is why firms like Airbus and BMW are continuing to bet on Britain.”

    Science Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

    “The UK’s £108 billion life sciences sector is driven by the pioneering contributions of over 300,000 highly-skilled individuals who transform lives through groundbreaking advancements in drug discovery and diagnostics.

    “We fuel this progress by fostering a dynamic environment where cutting-edge technologies like AI and genomics meet world-class research to create the next generation of healthcare solutions, including in our NHS. By investing in advanced manufacturing facilities, we are protecting our communities by ensuring we can rapidly respond to future health emergencies and deliver life-saving innovations when they are needed most.”

    Further measures include:

    • As part of the investments announced today, almost £200 million of joint government and industry funding is also going to aerospace R&D projects, supporting the development of energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft technology and accelerating the transition to net zero aviation.
    • This includes £40 million which is going towards a project developing zero-carbon aircraft engine technology – led by Cambridge-based Marshall Group – and around £96 million is being invested in Airbus-led projects. Airbus, which manufactures almost all its aircraft wings in the UK bringing in jobs and investment to the UK economy – is developing more efficient wing designs and increasing carbon fibre production rates for wing components, reducing CO2 emissions and fuel burn.
    • Funding for these projects will be delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme. It was also confirmed today that the £975 million in aerospace funding over five years from 2025, announced at Autumn Statement, will be allocated to the ATI programme. The programme has facilitated over £3.6 billion of joint government and industry R&D investment to date – providing industry with continued confidence and security to invest in the UK for the long term – and includes R&D support for small businesses through the ATI SME competition.
    • The Chancellor is also announcing up to £120 million increase to the Green Industries Growth Accelerator (GIGA) to further support expansion of low carbon manufacturing supply chains across the UK, lowering costs and accelerating the transition. The government is also confirming today that the total fund, which has now increased to almost £1.1 billion, will be split between the clean energy sectors, with around £390 million earmarked to expand UK-based supply chains for electricity networks and offshore wind sectors, and around £390 million for carbon capture, utilisation and storage and hydrogen sectors.
    • The remaining £300 million has been previously announced for UK production of the fuel required to power high-tech new nuclear reactors, known as HALEU.
    • The GIGA funding will enable the UK to seize growth opportunities through the transition to net zero, building on our world-leading decarbonisation track record and forms part of the government’s priority to grow the economy focusing on making the right long-term decisions for a brighter future by creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.

    Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

    “We are backing our green industries with extra cash for the Green Industries Growth Accelerator – taking the total to more than £1 billion. We have long been energy pioneers in advanced manufacturing and this will allow us to carry on that great British tradition. While we have attracted £300bn in low carbon investment since 2010, with £24bn since September alone, this will help to unlock even more.”

    • Alongside this, the Chancellor has today set out further details of the two-year £50 million apprenticeship growth sector pilot announced at Autumn Statement.
    • Following engagement with the sector, from April eligible apprenticeship providers of apprenticeship standards including pipe welder, nuclear technician and laboratory technician will now benefit from targeted payments worth £3k for every start of an apprentice.
    • It is intended the funding will be used to support providers in making capital investment that will unlock their ability to grow and deliver the standards in scope of the pilot, such as purchasing course specific equipment, tools, and machinery that will last beyond delivery of a single apprenticeship.
    • This will explore ways to stimulate training and break down barriers to high-quality training in advanced manufacturing and engineering, green industries, and life sciences apprenticeships. Further detail will be set out in upcoming guidance later this month.

    Today’s announcements follow £4.5 billion announced at Autumn Statement to increase investment in strategic manufacturing sectors – auto, aero, life sciences and clean energy – across the UK for five years from 2025.

    Katherine Bennett, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult said:

    “Today’s funding announcements from the Chancellor for R&D and manufacturing projects are welcome news for our domestic life sciences, automotive and aerospace sectors and will support the growth of cross-sector low carbon supply chains across the UK.

    “From developing technology for lower-carbon aircraft wings, to supporting the expansion of UK-based supply chains in offshore wind, hydrogen and electrification our network of innovation centres is helping drive industrial transformation across the UK”

    Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said:

    “Industry will welcome this announcement as yet another boost for key sectors that will put advanced manufacturing at the heart of the UK’s economic future. These industries will be key to addressing many of the societal challenges we face in a competitive world and highlight what can be achieved with a constructive dialogue between Government and business. Taken together they are another piece in the jigsaw of a modern industrial strategy to make the UK a world leader in key sectors of the future.”

    APC Chief Executive Officer Ian Constance said:

    “We’re committed to building the electric vehicle supply chain in the UK. By investing in the capability and expertise in this country we will grow businesses and take decisive action towards creating zero tailpipe emission technology. Our latest R&D funding does just that.”

    Today’s announcements come alongside wider progress across government’s commitments set out in the Advanced Manufacturing Plan including:

    • The industry co-chaired Made Smarter Commission met earlier this year to advise on delivery of the Autumn Statement commitment to expand the Made Smarter Adoption programme. The Made Smarter Adoption programme supports manufacturing SMEs to use advanced digital technologies. As part of the 2023 Autumn Statement and Advanced Manufacturing Plan, government committed to expanding the programme from 2025-26.
    • This month the government will hold the first meeting of the Hydrogen Propulsion Manufacturing Taskforce involving leading manufacturers across auto, aero, rail and marine. This taskforce will make recommendations to government and industry to maximise investments in the UK manufacture of hydrogen propulsion systems.
    • In the coming weeks, Minister for Industry Nusrat Ghani and Brian Holliday of Siemens will convene the new Industry Innovation Accelerator with leading digital companies and manufacturing businesses to identify how to speed up and widen the adoption of transformative AI solutions across manufacturing. The work of this group will complement the wider work of the AI Opportunity Forum, announced by the PM late last year.
    • The renewed Battery Strategy Taskforce will meet quarterly to identify knowledge gaps requiring further research and consider potential risks to UK battery supply chains.

    A full breakdown of the auto and aero winning projects is included below:

    Advanced Propulsion Centre Collaborative R&D projects led by:

    • Nissan Technical Centre Europe: Building the UK R&D electric vehicle capability and enhancing the knowledge base in the UK EV battery industry as a whole.
    • JLR: Developing a next generation EDU ‘toolkit’; a modular family of electric machines, inverters and transmissions for future vehicle platforms.
    • YASA: Developing a dual inverter for regenerative braking in BEVs, enabling new vehicle designs with EV specific, optimised electronics and safety systems.
    • EMPEL Systems: Developing a UK-designed and sourced innovative silicon carbide power module for use in high efficiency automotive inverters and DC-DC converters.

    Advanced Propulsion Centre Scale-up Readiness Validation (SuRV2) competition funded by the Automotive Transformation Fund:

    • Integrals Power: The scale up of high-performance, low-cost Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, that offers superior performance including high discharge rate, improved capacity retention and rate recovery, specifically in extreme temperatures.

    9 Aerospace Technology Institute Programme projects led by:

    • Marshall Group: Developing and testing a smart, connected liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel system for the next generation of zero emission aircraft.
    • Airbus and National Composites Centre: Developing technology which increases the production rate of carbon fibre upper covers for aircraft wings.
    • Airbus: Developing ultra-efficient technologies to cut fuel burn and weight, independent of the fuel choice.
    • Airbus: Developing wing design and manufacturing technologies for lighter, more efficient aircraft.
    • Spirit AeroSystems: Developing technologies for the storage and integration of liquid hydrogen on large aircraft.
    • Goodrich: Developing a power-dense electric propulsion motor drive system aimed at hybrid and electric aircraft including helicopters and potentially next generation single aisle planes.
    • TT Electronics: Developing technology to support electrical power conversion and electric machines for future more electric and all electric aircraft operating at higher voltages.
    • Safran Landing Systems: Developing new designs, methodologies, and technologies to accelerate and catalyse benefits for current and next generation landing gears.
    • Phoenix Scientific Industries: Transforming the production of titanium powder via ‘cold-crucible’ gas atomisation to enable high volume production.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 55 – Core Group Statement on Item 2 General Debate – Sri Lanka [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 55 – Core Group Statement on Item 2 General Debate – Sri Lanka [March 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 March 2024.

    HRC55 Item 2 General Debate: Sri Lanka. Core Group Statement delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    This statement is on behalf of the Sri Lanka Core Group comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    High Commissioner,

    There have been several important legislative developments regarding human rights, reconciliation and civic space. Unfortunately, some of these developments give cause for concern.

    The Online Safety Act has the potential to severely restrict online communication and could potentially criminalise nearly all forms of expression, creating an environment that has a chilling effect on freedom of expression. We urge the government to enact amendments to align the Act with Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations and commitments.

    We continue to call for the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to be replaced with legislation that is consistent with Sri Lanka’s international obligations. We acknowledge the recent release of nine Tamil leaders detained last November.  We encourage the release of unjustly held long-term PTA detainees and for Sri Lanka to maintain a moratorium on its use.

    While we note the government’s efforts to establish a Commission on Truth, Unity and Reconciliation, we stress the importance of an inclusive participatory process to build trust in advance of any legislation. Any future commission must be independent, inclusive, meaningful, and transparent, meet the expectations of affected communities, build upon previous transitional justice processes, and provide pathways for accountability.

    As the government brings forward other legislation with potentially serious implications for fundamental freedoms and civic space, we encourage comprehensive consultations with stakeholders, including civil society, and due legislative process.

    We welcome the government’s stated commitments on land releases but note with concern reports of increased tensions around land seizures in the north and, particularly, the east of the country.

    High Commissioner,

    We urge the government to engage with you and your office to address these and other challenges, and we remain ready to support Sri Lanka in addressing HRC resolution 51/1.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £10 million to support suicide prevention [March 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : £10 million to support suicide prevention [March 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 4 March 2024.

    Those struggling with their mental health will be better supported thanks to a £10 million funding boost for charities working to prevent suicides.

    • £10 million for 79 charities across England to help prevent suicide
    • New funding will benefit helpline services, support in schools and groups in area with highest rates of suicide
    • Delivers on government’s suicide prevention strategy which sets out plans to prevent self-harm and suicide to save lives
    • Organisations benefiting include helplines, groups providing therapy to men at risk of suicide and charities providing targeted support in high-risk areas

    People struggling with their mental health will be better supported thanks to a £10 million funding boost for organisations working to prevent suicides.

    A total of 79 organisations, including a suicide prevention helpline, will receive funding through the government’s Suicide Prevention VCSE Grant Fund. This will expand access to support services covering every region in the country, including the areas with the highest rates of suicide.

    Both national charities and small community-led charities, which provide tailored support for local areas, will receive new funding to support people with their mental health.

    Many charities will deliver services through partnerships and alliances, to help ensure joined-up support for individuals seeking help.

    This represents an important milestone in delivering the suicide prevention strategy, which sets out the government’s actions to prevent self-harm, suicide and save lives.

    Minister for Mental Health Maria Caulfield said:

    Every suicide is a tragedy which leaves a terrible mark on the families and communities affected.

    Non-profit organisations play a hugely important role in supporting people with their mental health and preventing suicide in England.

    This new funding will support people who need it the most and build on the brilliant work happening across the country on suicide prevention.

    The fund was announced in the 2023 Autumn Statement to support charities in either meeting increased demand for suicide prevention services, or to support a range of diverse and innovative activity that can help to prevent suicides in England.

    The organisations set to receive grants include James’ Place Charity and PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide – both have been awarded £625,000.

    James’ Place Charity will use the funding to prevent men dying by suicide in Liverpool, Newcastle and London, and will provide 2 full-time-equivalent therapists in each James’ Place centre, to help save the lives of men in active suicidal crisis.

    PAPYRUS aims to establish 6 new community hubs, largely down the east coast of England, which will go towards engaging and training parents and caregivers, providing them with free resources and free training.

    Professor Sir Louis Appleby, the national advisor to the suicide prevention strategy, said:

    The new funding is in recognition of the role of voluntary organisations large and small in suicide prevention.

    They offer support to people in crisis or on the margins of society because of poverty, disability or prejudice.

    They often work alongside the NHS but in settings where many who need help feel more comfortable.

    The new government strategy says that bringing down the suicide rate is a national priority, and the ability of the voluntary sector to reach people at risk is vital.

    We Hear You CEO, Lucy Kitchener, said:

    Along with every other charity we know, We Hear You is finding fundraising extremely challenging right now.

    Hearing the news that we have been awarded suicide prevention funding is wonderful, therefore.

    Better still, this grant will fund counselling sessions with the people who come to our service feeling the most distraught.

    Public Health England figures show that 1 in 10 suicides are from people with a chronic health condition. We Hear You supports people who are affected by cancer and life-threatening conditions.

    The Samaritans will receive a grant of £530,000, to support its 24/7 helpline services and wider innovative suicide prevention activities.

    This will include:

    • postvention, which is an intervention that takes place after a suicide by supporting the family and friends of the person who has died, in schools and colleges
    • preventing suicides in high-risk locations
    • research to increase understanding of the needs of callers and how to reach people who don’t use the service
    • targeting groups including marginalised communities, such as ethnic minorities, LGBT, and people in the justice system

    Julia Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, said:

    This funding will help Samaritans continue our mission to save lives.

    The voluntary sector plays a crucial part in suicide prevention and, in this challenging environment, financial support for charities has never been more important.

    Today’s announcement is a welcome step towards the resourcing needed to deliver the national suicide prevention strategy.

    The suicide prevention strategy commits to more than 130 measures, from prevention and earlier intervention, through to more targeted and proactive support for people in crisis.

    Background information

    See the full provisional shortlist for the Suicide Prevention Grant Fund 2023 to 2025.

    All grants awarded are currently provisional and subject to finalisation of grant agreements. Funds will begin being distributed from April.

    See our suicide prevention strategy for England: 2023 to 2028.