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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : 500 Trucks rapidly procured for British Army operations [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 500 Trucks rapidly procured for British Army operations [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 February 2024.

    500 support trucks will be delivered to the British Army, to support operational activity, following a rapid procurement process of just 7 months.

    500 support trucks will be delivered to the British Army in 2024 to support operational activity, following a rapid procurement process.

    Collaboration between Defence Equipment & Support, Army Headquarters and the Field Army has helped push the boundaries of Defence procurement, acquiring all the vehicles in just 7 months.

    Under a £282 million contract, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles will deliver the multipurpose trucks that will allow personnel to load flat racks onto the platform, which can carry essential logistics such as ammunition, food, water, and support materiel, to operational locations.

    The newly procured vehicles will be from the HX family, which are a range of purpose-designed military trucks equipped with a multitude of protection capabilities, keeping our most important asset safe, our people.

    The vehicles will be delivered under the Rapid Acquisition Project, expediting the procurement of the trucks with efficiency and precision, meaning these advanced mobility trucks reach operational deployment swiftly, ultimately enhancing our military’s agility and responsiveness.

    Minister For Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

    “The rapid delivery of transport capabilities to the front line is paramount to the lifeblood of British Army logistics and operations.

    “This procurement demonstrates our commitment to equipping our Armed Forces with the best tools available, ensuring mobility, agility, and resilience in the face of evolving threats.”

    The HX family stands as a proven and cost-effective mobility truck class, integrating military off-the-shelf components. Purposefully designed to bolster military operations, these HX vehicles offer high mobility and reliability in challenging terrains. The platforms have several capability improvements compared to those already in service, including an increased payload, a reduced turning circle, an underrun protection safety feature and a more efficient EURO 5 engine.

    Major General Darren Crook, Director of the Land Equipment Operating Centre, DE&S said:

    “In an ever-changing and demanding operational landscape, it is essential that we can quickly identify what equipment our soldiers need and procure it rapidly.

    “This project demonstrates our agility and our commitment to push the boundaries; it shows what we can achieve when we work collaboratively to deliver the equipment our Armed Forces need, when they need it. I’m delighted that together with industry that we have been able to turn around this contract from conception, through approvals to contract award and first delivery, in just seven months.”

    Colonel Stuart Nassé, Assistant Head Military Capability Delivery, Army Headquarters said:

    “We are delighted with this project which provides essential reinforcement to the logistic spine of the Army.

    “As a collaborative project, it shows that the acquisition process can be responsive to user demands, and more importantly that when the user, delivery agent and industry all work together we can achieve significant outcomes quickly. We are really excited to put this important capability in the hands of the soldiers this year.”

    The rapid procurement of these vehicles comes at an essential time, as in 2024 the British Army will face increased commitments through Op MOBILISE and its offer to the NATO New Force Model. The procurement contract also delivers on the Chief of General Staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders’ objective of increasing logistical lift as a British Army capability.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon [February 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 February 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday.

    The leaders discussed a wide range of international issues, as well as the thriving UK-New Zealand bilateral relationship.

    The Prime Minister thanked New Zealand for their contribution to Operation Interflex, which has trained almost 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers in the UK, saying it was an extremely valuable contribution to Ukraine’s defence.

    He also welcomed Prime Minister Luxon’s support for action to deter Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The leaders agreed it was vital to build an international coalition to stand up to aggression and defend freedom of navigation at sea, whether in the Gulf or the Pacific. On the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Prime Minister set out the UK’s work to secure the release of hostages, alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reach a sustainable ceasefire.

    Turning to economic issues, Prime Minister Luxon welcomed the UK’s accession to the major CPTPP trade bloc and the leaders highlighted the opportunities flowing from the new UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. They agreed it was important for 5 Eyes partners to continue to cooperate on addressing threats to global economic security and stability, including from China.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the opportunity to speak to Prime Minister Luxon and looked forward to continuing to deepen the historic alliance between the UK and New Zealand, built on strong security, economic and cultural ties.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary – Lebanon’s stability and security are paramount [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary – Lebanon’s stability and security are paramount [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 February 2024.

    David Cameron reaffirms UK commitment to supporting de-escalation efforts in Lebanon, & ongoing support to the Lebanese Armed Forces reaching £100m since 2009.

    UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, ended a one-day visit to Lebanon yesterday. This is his first official visit to the country as Foreign Secretary, following his previous visit as Prime Minister in September 2015 and his fourth visit to the Middle East as Foreign Secretary.

    David Cameron, accompanied by Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Joseph Aoun, and Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon,  Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz. In his meetings, David Cameron raised his concerns on the rising tensions along Lebanon’s boundary with Israel and underlined the UK’s commitment to support the de-escalation of violence.

    During a visit to the Rayak military airbase in the Bekaa, David Cameron saw first-hand how the UK and Lebanon are working closely together on providing training for the four Land Border Regiments. Cameron reaffirmed the longstanding and proud partnership with the Lebanese Army.

    The Foreign Secretary announced UK support for the LAF, which has now surpassed £100 million since 2009. To date, the UK has supported the construction of 78 border towers, the provision of 344 Land Rovers, 3450 sets of PPE to soldiers deployed on border operations, 100 Land Rover armoured patrol vehicles trained and mentored over 26,500 LAF personnel in border operations and internal security.

    The Foreign Secretary also announced £7.35 million of new UK aid funding to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, which supports UN agencies and NGOs to provide food, water, shelter and other basic support to vulnerable communities across Lebanon. And a £2.6m contribution to support the education of vulnerable children through a network of community centres for out of school children as part of UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s (MEHE) Transition and Resilience Education Fund (TREF).

    The visit builds on the Foreign Secretary’s regional visits last week and this week. He continues to push for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, and building towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.

    Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

    The UK is working to help preserve stability in Lebanon and prevent a damaging regional escalation.

    We’re supporting the Lebanon Armed Forces – we’ve trained over 26,500 Lebanese soldiers and are giving further humanitarian aid to help the most vulnerable.

    Thank you PM Najib Mikati and Speaker Berri.

    British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell said:

    Yesterday’s visit by Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and Minister for the Middle East Lord Ahmad reaffirms the UK’s long-standing support and commitment to Lebanon’s stability and security.

    The situation across the Blue Line is fragile and an escalation in violence is not in anyone’s interests. In his meetings, the Foreign Secretary stressed the need for a cessation of hostilities and implementation of UNSCR 1701. This is critical if we are to see a long-term solution for peace.

    We are proud of our steadfast support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, which will continue to strengthen their ability to manage and respond to security challenges. Our support to the most vulnerable in Lebanon also continues.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Forest for the Nation competition launched [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Forest for the Nation competition launched [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 3 February 2024.

    The Forest for the Nation will improve public access to nature and provide a boost for our native wildlife.

    The Forest for the Nation has moved a step closer today (Saturday 3 February) with the launch of a new major multi-million-pound grant funding competition.

    The competition is inspired by the success of the original National Forest which transformed a large area of the Midlands from an industrial landscape to a thriving 200 square mile treescape rich with wildlife.

    The new Forest for the Nation is set to build on the achievement with the aim of transforming more local communities and landscapes. Organisations from across England are now invited to put forward their local areas to become the new Forest for the Nation, with the winning bid announced in the autumn and receiving up to £10 million to help fund their project.

    The competition will put local people at its heart with the winning applicant needing to tell a compelling story of how the new forest will benefit local communities but also have a national impact for people, nature and the environment. Projects could include those that show real innovation in woodland and forest creation and other forms of tree planting, have a transformational impact for nature recovery in the area or boost community engagement with woodlands.

    Forestry Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    “We are investing in our communities and the new Forest for the Nation will not only boost tree-planting in local areas, but will create a lasting legacy and benefit future generations.

    “More trees means more green jobs, more wildlife, more nature recovery and more timber. This will have a positive impact on local people and their communities enabling a more sustainable future.”

    Forestry Commission Chair Sir William Worsley said:

    “Trees bring multiple benefits for future generations, and the new Forest for the Nation will improve access to nature and connect more people with our countryside to boost health and wellbeing.

    “The Forest for the Nation will learn from the success of the National Forest in transforming lives of local people, preventing nature loss and creating green jobs, and I urge organisations to consider applying before the deadline.”

    Stage 1 of the competition will close in March 2024 with the successful applicants going to stage 2 where they will be directly supported by the National Forest Company to work up detailed proposals. The winning project will also receive mentoring from the National Forest Company, who will share their experience and best practice from more than 30 years of growing a woodland with national impact. The National Forest Company have to date planted 9 million trees and are recognised for creating one of the most ambitious and imaginative regeneration projects in the country.

    National Forest Company Chief Executive John Everitt said:

    “This competition provides a platform for new projects to come together at a landscape scale and demonstrate real ambition and innovation in woodland creation, access and biodiversity.

    “It will be a transformational opportunity for the successful project just as the National Forest has been for its 200 square miles of the Midlands”.

    The competition first announced in November is the latest step in the Government’s plans to help people access nature, plant more trees and support nature recovery. The England Trees Action Plan and Environmental Action Plan set out ambitious targets to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament and to achieve at least 16.5% of tree and woodland cover by 2050.

    • For more information, including links to upcoming webinars providing potential applicants the opportunity to ask questions about the competition, visit Forest for the Nation competition – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
    • The new Forest for the Nation competition invites bids from across England for ambitious and innovative woodland creation and management projects. This can include partnerships which involve connecting and enhancing existing woodlands.
    • To be the overall winner, applicants must have agreement from an English Local Authority to receive and distribute the Section 31 grant to the delivery partner and manage the relationship between them and the delivery partner.
    • The new Forest for the Nation will support the England Trees Action Plan, which is committed to treble tree planting rates in England by the end of this Parliament. Its delivery is funded by the Nature for Climate Fund, which is over £750m.
    • The new Forest for the Nation will also support the government’s statutory tree and woodland targets to increase tree canopy and woodland cover of England to 16.5% by 2050.
    • Additionally, the project will support specific Environmental Improvement Plan aims such as plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, restoring nature and helping to bend the curve of biodiversity loss.
  • PRESS RELEASE : 20,000 more young people to access new and renovated youth clubs [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 20,000 more young people to access new and renovated youth clubs [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 3 February 2024.

    Young people set to benefit from 140 new or refurbished youth centres thanks to latest funding round from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund of £90 million.

    • Nearly 20,000 more young people will have access to dance, drama and sport as part of the Government’s latest investment in youth services
    • 140 more youth centres to be built or refurbished backed by over £90 million from the Youth Investment Fund
    • Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer officially opens The Chichester Shed – the first new build youth centre funded by the Youth Investment Fund

    Young people in villages, towns and cities across England are set to benefit from 140 new or refurbished youth centres thanks to the largest funding round to date from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund.

    Totalling more than £90 million, funding announced today (3 February) will support nearly 20,000 more young people per year to access new state of the art facilities such as workshop spaces, sports halls, art rooms, recording studios and skateparks.

    Activities ranging from dance, drama and music to sport, horticulture and employment skills development will be on offer, giving young people access to opportunities that broaden their horizons.

    Today also marks a major milestone with the very first new build youth centre funded by the Youth Investment Fund opening its doors.

    Located in a deprived area with high levels of antisocial behaviour, The Chichester Shed has used a grant of over £420,000 to build a brand new space to support more than 120 young people. The open access service will provide a space to relax and learn new skills, with activities including woodworking, yoga and skateboarding available.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    I want to see every young person have someone to talk to, something to do, and somewhere to go outside of the classroom, no matter where they are from, to help maximise their potential in life.

    This next round of funding from the Youth Investment Fund will help nearly 20,000 more young people achieve this goal.

    We have now committed to building or refurbishing over 220 projects in some of the country’s most underserved areas, creating more opportunities for young people to gain the skills needed to succeed in life and stopping them from falling through the cracks.”

    The Youth Investment Fund has now allocated £250 million of its more than £300 million budget to services in areas of the country where need is high and provision is low.

    It will engage young people most in need, including those that might have otherwise been at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour or falling out of education, training or employment.

    This is the latest announcement that forms part of the Government’s ambition to make sure young people are supported with positive and engaging opportunities both in and outside of school hours.

    Clare de Bathe, CEO of Chichester Community Development Trust said:

    The Chichester Shed will provide an informal, dynamic and versatile space where young people can connect, learn and experience new activities. The space will be a haven for all ages and backgrounds to use throughout the school day and holidays, including intergenerational activities where boundaries can be broken down as well as adult education sessions and group workshops delivered.

    The funding has enabled the project ideas to be brought to a reality and we cannot wait to open the doors.

    Examples of other youth centres receiving grants in this funding round include:

    • Bodies in Motion, Pendle – a combined grant of over £1.4 million will pay for the refurbishment of Orchid House Gym with new changing facilities and equipment, supporting 290 additional young people a week. The Garden Project will create a community-focused garden and greenhouse facility, engaging an additional 400 young people through therapeutic horticultural activities to promote a sense of wellbeing.
    • Youth Options, Southampton – a new community café and training centre, backed by £1.2 million investment, will provide a safe haven for nearly 100 additional young people a week in a disadvantaged part of the city.The café will offer training in catering and hospitality, and will be targeted at those not in education, employment, and training, while the indoor space will be transformed to create new activity space and a counselling room.
    • Positive Futures, Liverpool – The Positive Futures hub will be expanded to provide a sensory room, music rooms, art space, large sports hall and virtual reality spaces to support 250 additional young people a week.
    • Tinside Cove and Lido, Plymouth – two listed buildings at the Tinside Lido will be renovated to  provide space for nearly 300 more young people a week to benefit from new training and educational programmes, while the lido will be used for swimming, snorkelling, diving and life-saving classes.
    • Weymouth West Air Scouts, Weymouth – The Scouts building will be refurbished with a new shower room, extended kitchen and three breakout rooms, doubling the building’s size and enabling them to run multiple activities at the same time. The project will support nearly 80 more young people a week.

    Nick Temple, CEO of Social Investment Business said:

    The Youth Investment Fund is transforming the youth service landscape right across the country, enabling youth centres of all shapes and sizes to enhance their services and reach more young people.

    It’s very exciting to see the first Youth Investment Fund newbuild open its doors to Chichester’s young people today. Before securing the funding, these young people had nowhere safe to go, and nothing to do after school.

    Young people now have a brand-new youth centre, inspired by their ideas and needs, giving them every opportunity to thrive and discover their passions. The Youth Investment Fund is truly unlocking potential and creating a legacy for future generations of young people in communities like this across the country.

    Denise Hatton, Chair of Back Youth Alliance said:

    We are delighted that nearly 20,000 young people will be able to access new and refurbished youth clubs through the latest instalment of the National Youth Guarantee. With mental health, loneliness and anti-social behaviour all on the rise, now more than ever young people need a safe space to go, a trusted adult to speak to and access to positive activities in their communities all year round.

    Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), said:

    This multi million-pound investment is so much more than skateparks, sports halls and art rooms. It’s an investment in the resilience, confidence and independence of young people, which thanks to the on-going impact of a pandemic and cost of living crisis, has never been more needed.

    We at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award know first-hand that when you invest in young people, there is no limit to what they can achieve. The government’s National Youth Guarantee has brought the DofE to thousands of young people in England for the first time, breaking down barriers and providing life-shaping activities and volunteering opportunities.

    Today’s announcement forms the latest part of the Government’s ‘National Youth Guarantee’, that will ensure every young person aged 11-18 in England has access to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home, and volunteering opportunities by 2025, backed by an investment of over £500 million.

    The National Youth Guarantee will provide greater access to activities such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the National Citizen Service, and uniformed youth groups such as Scouts, Girlguiding, and Cadets.

    To further support giving young people the best start in life, in September 2023 the Government announced the opening of the second phase of the £19 million Million Hours Fund, designed to create more than one million additional hours of youth centre provision in areas with high numbers of antisocial behaviour incidents.

    Notes to editors:

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement from Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States on Additional Strikes Against the Houthis in Yemen [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement from Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States on Additional Strikes Against the Houthis in Yemen [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 February 2024.

    Today, at the direction of their respective governments, the militaries of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand conducted an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes against 36 Houthi targets across 13 locations in Yemen in response to the Houthis’ continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea.

    These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade, and the lives of innocent mariners, and are in response to a series of illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing Houthi actions since previous coalition strikes on January 11 and 22, 2024, including the January 27 attack which struck and set ablaze the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda.

    Today’s strike specifically targeted sites associated with the Houthis’ deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, and radars.

    The Houthis’ now more than 30 attacks on commercial vessels and naval vessels since mid-November constitute an international challenge. Recognizing the broad consensus of the international community, our coalition of likeminded countries committed to upholding the rules-based order has continued to grow. We remain committed to protecting freedom of navigation and international commerce and holding the Houthis accountable for their illegal and unjustifiable attacks on commercial shipping and naval vessels.

    Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea but let us reiterate our warning to Houthi leadership: we will not hesitate to continue to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways in the face of continued threats.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement on Air Strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement on Air Strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 February 2024.

    On 3 February, Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, supported by Voyager tankers, joined US forces in further deliberate strikes against Houthi locations in Yemen involved in their campaign targeting shipping in the Bab al Mandab and southern Red Sea.

    The Typhoons employed Paveway IV precision guided bombs against multiple military targets identified by careful intelligence analysis at three locations.

    At As Salif, due west of Sanaa on the Red Sea coast, our aircraft targeted a ground control station inside a defensive position. This station had been used to control Houthi drones, both attack and reconnaissance types, launched from further inland, operating over the sea against international shipping.

    A second drone ground control station was confirmed to be at Al Munirah, on the same stretch of coastline. As with As Salif, the station provided direct control of reconnaissance and attack drones targeting shipping in the Red Sea, its position on the coast allowing it to maintain the line of sight data links such weapons require to target ships with any accuracy.

    The Typhoons also attacked a significant number of targets at Bani. An initial group of facilities there were successfully struck by the RAF on the night of 11 January, and since then a further set of buildings at the site had been positively confirmed as involved in the Houthi drone and missile operations and were duly targeted on this occasion.

    As is standard practice with such operations by the Royal Air Force, the strikes were very carefully planned to ensure minimal risk of civilian casualties, and by bombing at night, any such risks were further mitigated.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Smarter maintenance for Navy Fleet under £1.85 billion contract [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Smarter maintenance for Navy Fleet under £1.85 billion contract [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 February 2024.

    UK security will be boosted through a vast new contract – worth nearly £2 billion – that will ensure the long-term availability and resilience of critical naval assets.

    • £1.85 billion contract to sustain world-class leading sonar and sensors for Royal Navy ships and submarines
    • Defence Secretary announces 450 UK jobs to be created or sustained across the UK
    • AI and data management to analyse availability and reduce repair times and increase ship availability

    UK security will be boosted through a vast new contract – worth nearly £2 billion – that will ensure the long-term availability and resilience of critical assets used by Royal Navy ships and submarines over the next 15 years.

    Announced by Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, on his first visit to His Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport, the Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team (MSET) contract with Thales UK will aim to provide full availability of the equipment that is the eyes and ears of the Royal Navy.

    Utilising data technology, including AI and virtual reality to be more proactive and predictive maintenance systems, the contract will see the Royal Navy maximise the days they are ready to deploy.

    The contract will support sonar – our ability to hear underneath the water – masts, periscopes and also electronic warfare equipment that enable the Royal Navy to detect and target potential threats. Crucially, by increasing the longevity of our sensor and sonar capability, it will significantly increase equipment availability which is critical for the Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) and wider ship and submarine capabilities.

    Touring the naval base and speaking with Royal Navy sailors and civilian staff, Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, thanked the workforce for the incredibly important role they play in maintaining UK security, particularly at a time of heightened global tensions.

    Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

    In a time of global instability, it is imperative we minimise the time our ships and submarines are out for maintenance.

    This is another partnership with Thales UK and our outstanding UK defence sector that not only boosts national security but provides a boost to local communities and helps fuel economic growth.

    Devonport Naval Base is an incredibly impressive facility with staff who play a role of such magnitude it cannot be underestimated.

    Around 300 UK jobs from a previous Thales UK support contract will be sustained and a further 150 STEM jobs, including highly skilled engineering roles and apprenticeships, will be created across Devonport, Faslane, Glasgow, Portsmouth, Cheadle, Crawley and Bristol. This contract also safeguards jobs from across an extensive UK supply chain.

    The contract, awarded by Defence Equipment & Support – the MOD’s procurement arm – will improve the facilities at HMNB Devonport, Faslane, Portsmouth and Bahrain and deliver advanced test and repair capabilities. This enhanced waterfront presence will allow equipment to be triaged at source, thereby enabling rapid improvements in fault diagnosis, thereby reducing repair times.

    The Defence Secretary’s visit to HMNB Devonport follows a £750 million funding boost to the naval base, announced in November 2023, that will significantly improve the infrastructure. Creating around 1,000 construction roles, the work will also support maintenance of existing and future submarines, and enhance the dockyard’s ability to deliver major defence projects.

    The Southwest recently became the country’s Marine and Maritime Launchpad, recognising its leadership in the sector. The area will receive an additional £7.5 million in funding to support outstanding innovation projects within maritime. The shipbuilding enterprise directly supports over 43,000 jobs across the country, with over 19,000 employed in the Southwest alone.

    Alex Cresswell, Chairman and CEO of Thales in the UK, said:

    Thales is delighted to strengthen our century long partnership with the Royal Navy, and support its vital role in defending the UK and keeping the world’s critical sea lanes open.

    This £1.8 billion contract with Thales will help keep more Royal Navy ships at sea for longer, by harnessing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, data analysis and improved dockland facilities.

    Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell said:

    The warships and submarines of the Royal Navy rely on the latest cutting-edge sensors and sonars to give us a key warfighting edge.

    The new contract is a significant commitment from the MoD and Thales-UK to improving the availability of our equipment, maximising its effectiveness and enabling the Royal Navy to operate with confidence.

    This significant investment in our ship and submarine sensors will ensure our equipment is at the cutting edge of technology.

    Vice Admiral Paul Marshall, Director General Ships, DE&S said:

    I am delighted that we have been able to secure a 15-year contract with Thales UK that will ensure the long-term support for major sonar, mast, periscope and electronic warfare equipment that are critical for Ship and Submarine capabilities.

    Achieving this notable milestone is testament to the tremendous effort from all involved, both DE&S and Thales, where there has been determined focus on establishing long-term efficiencies and improvements that are vital to improving overall equipment availability.

    Senior Responsible Owner for Naval Support Integrated Global Network Program, Graeme Little, said:

    The signing of the contract is a significant milestone for the Support of Sonars and Sensors across the Royal Navy, I am delighted that we have put in place a contract focussed on a Value for Money solution that will drive availability and resilience into these critical capabilities and improve the Lived Experience of Royal Navy Engineers.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of members to the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of members to the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 2 February 2024.

    The Secretary of State, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the appointment members to CCEA.

    The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the appointment of Ms Jackie Bartley, Dr Michael Johnston MBE, Ms Sheila McClelland, Professor Susan Morison and Ms Maire Thompson as new members of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, these appointments were made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022.

    The new members took up post on 2 February 2024 and will join Mrs Paula Leitch who was re-appointed for a further term of four years on 26 October 2023.

    These new members will bring a wealth of private and public sector experience to the CCEA Council. The successful candidates have extensive backgrounds in such areas as governance, strategic decision making, professional knowledge, analytical thinking and working with others. Their significant knowledge and skills will play a key role in underpinning the work of the Council.

    Biography

    Ms Jackie Bartley is currently Principal of St Genevieve’s High School, Belfast.  She was a teacher for the past 33 years and a school leader for 13 years and has been a member of several Department of Education Practitioner Groups.  She has been the post primary Chairperson of the National Executive of the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) and has recently taken up the role of President. Ms Bartley has a thorough knowledge of the curriculum and qualifications, was formerly a co-opted Principal CCEA Council member and has worked closely with the CCEA Director of Education and her Team. She does not hold any other public appointments.

    Dr Michael Johnston MBE is a former Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland.  He is a former visiting Professor to the Ulster University Business School and Chairman of CAFRE’s College Advisory Group, a former Board member of the European Milk Forum and former Chairman of the International Dairy Federation’s Standing Committee on Marketing.  He is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Dr Johnston is a Board member of Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health.  He does not hold any other public appointments.

    Ms Sheila McClelland is currently Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and is a Board member of Cooperation Ireland and a member of the Governing Body of Maynooth University.  She was previously Director of Corporate Services at CCEA and was Chairperson of the Board of the Consumer Council (CCNI), a Board member of NI Co-operation Overseas (NICO) and was a NI committee member on the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  Ms McClelland holds one other public appointment as a Board member of the Communities Relations Council for which she receives no remuneration.

    Professor Susan Morison is Professor Emeritus and Honorary Professor of Healthcare Education at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). Formerly she was Director of Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Education, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Deputy Director of the QUB Dental School and Director of the DEL-funded, Centre for Excellence in Interprofessional Education (IPE). As Honorary Professor she undertakes unremunerated activities for QUB including PhD supervision, admissions interviews and contributes to healthcare education research projects. She has also been an Education Associate of the General Dental Council and served on a number of education-related committees.  Professor Morison does not hold any other public appointments.

    Ms Máire Thompson is currently principal of Hazelwood Integrated College. Newtownabbey, and formerly principal of Malone College, Belfast.  She is an Associate Assessor with the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) and an Associate of the Association of Education Advisers (AoEA). She is a member of various educational stakeholder groups, including the CCEA Curriculum and Assessment Principals’ Group, the Excluded Lives Advisory Group and the A Fair Start Stakeholders’ Reference Group.  She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for services to Education by Ulster University in 2022, the same year that Hazelwood College won TES UK School of the Year. She was awarded the Pearson UK Principal of the Year in 2017.  Ms Thompson does not hold any other public appointments.

    Mrs Paula Leitch is a former Assistant Principal of the Belfast Model School for Girls and former member of the Belfast Education and Library Board. She is currently a Director of the Controlled Schools’ Support Council and a member of Stranmillis College Board.

    Details of body

    CCEA is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Education and is responsible for keeping under review all aspects of the curriculum, examinations and assessment for schools including developing, conducting and moderating qualifications and assessments, and developing resources to support the implementation of the curriculum. Further information about the work of the organisation can be found at www.ccea.org.uk.

    Terms Of Appointment

    The five new appointments will be from the date of appointment until 25 October 2027. The time commitment is approximately 2 days per month. Members are not remunerated but are eligible to claim travel and other expenses necessarily incurred while carrying out their CCEA duties. They are non-pensionable.

    The one re-appointment commenced on 26 October 2023 until 25 October 2027.

    Regulation

    In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, these appointments have been made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022, and in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice.

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published. Ms Bartley, Dr Johnston MBE, Ms McClelland, Ms Maire Thompson and Ms Paula Leitch have not declared any political activity in the last five years. Professor Susan Morison has declared that during the last five years she has undertaken political activity as Woman’s Officer for the Labour Party in Northern Ireland (LPNI) from April 2023 to January 2024.

    Notes to Editors

    1. The Council’s membership comprises a Chairperson and 13 members all of whom are appointed by the Department of Education.
    2. The recruitment competition was widely advertised including in the Public Appointments section of NI Direct. The competition was sought to fill vacancies on the Council.
    3. Media queries should be directed to the Department of Education press office via email at press.office@education-ni.gov.uk
    4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
  • PRESS RELEASE : The first UK-EU Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The first UK-EU Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 February 2024.

    The inaugural UK-EU Counter-Terrorism Dialogue took place in Brussels on 2 February 2024, to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism.

    On 2 February 2024, the inaugural UK-EU Counter-Terrorism (CT) Dialogue, as established by the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), took place in Brussels. This Dialogue was a welcome opportunity for the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) to discuss a wide range of counter-terrorism issues, including assessments on the terrorist threat, and strategic approaches for prevention and response in order to protect our citizens.

    The UK and EU shared best practice and expertise on counter-terrorism, including responses to terrorist content online and financing of terrorism. They also spoke about cooperation, including with other third countries and in multilateral fora and agreed to continue these important exchanges.

    The UK delegation was chaired by Jonathan Emmett, Director of Counter-Terrorism & Homeland Security Strategy in the Home Office, who was accompanied by officials from the Home Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and a police representative from the UK’s Liaison Bureau at Europol. On the EU side, which included an observer from the Belgian Presidency on behalf of EU Member States, the Dialogue was chaired by Nadia Costantini, Special Envoy for Counter-Terrorism, of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Representatives from the European Commission, including Deputy Director-General from the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs, Olivier Onidi, and the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator’s office also joined.

    The UK welcomed the rich and constructive discussion with its EU counterparts. The next CT Dialogue will be held in London.