UKPOL.CO.UK

Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : 2024 Business Council launched [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 2024 Business Council launched [January 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 January 2024.

    The Prime Minister launches this year’s Business Council today (31st January) and will meet with members throughout the year to discuss economic growth.

    • PM to receive intelligence from the vanguard of business.
    • Some of the biggest names from across UK business – from FTSE 100 companies to SMEs – to help drive the Government’s growth agenda.
    • Builds on a banner year for investment in UK plc.

    The Prime Minister launches this year’s Business Council today (31st January) and will meet with members throughout the year to discuss economic growth.

    The council will have a regular meeting with the Prime Minister in Downing Street to share intelligence directly from the shop floor to help boost the UK economy and create jobs. The first meeting will take place next month.

    It includes Chief Executives from:

    • BT Group
    • Nationwide
    • Unilever
    • Rolls-Royce
    • Scottish Power
    • Almac Group
    • Barratt Developments
    • ITV
    • Lloyds Banking Group
    • OMass Therapeutics
    • Raspberry PI
    • Principality Building Society
    • Informed Solutions
    • Castore
    • Greggs

    These firms account for over 200,000 employees from across the United Kingdom, and are intrinsic to the success of this nation, whether this be the delivery of critical infrastructure, the development of new homes, or the production of aircraft engines.

    This year’s Business Council builds on the economic success of 2023, which saw the Government stabilise the economy, cut inflation in half, and deliver the biggest business tax cut in modern British history – worth over £50 billion over the next five years.

    The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

    Coming from a small business family, I know how integral business is to communities and the wider economy.

    Without the jobs, growth, and innovation created by UK firms, the country simply wouldn’t function.

    That’s why I’m getting businesses in for a regular update on how well we are doing in delivering for business – straight from the shop floor.

    The newly appointed Business Council will be a forum to bring a real-world perspective on how the current economic climate is impacting business and how government and industry can work together to boost investment and innovation, drive productivity and create highly skilled jobs.

    The Minister for Enterprise, Markets & Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, and the PM’s Special Advisor on Business & Investment, Franck Petitgas, will also host quarterly meetings in Downing Street with small business representative groups to ensure the Government hears from a broad range of SMEs, in addition to those that sit on the Council.

    This year’s Council will continue to provide insights on how we ensure the UK remains a great place to invest; as evidenced by the bumper investments that landed in 2023:

    • Tata Group’s £4bn UK gigafactory
    • BMW’s £600m commitment to develop electrical vehicle production in the UK
    • Nissan’s £2bn to support two new electric vehicle models in Sunderland
    • Microsoft’s £2.5bn investment in AI infrastructure
    • The Global Investment Summit where £29.5bn of investment was committed to the UK
    • The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement that will drive £20 billion more business investment per year by the end of the decade

    Debbie Crosbie, CEO of Nationwide said:

    Business and government have a common interest in strong economic growth. It releases investment for communities, funds improvements in public services, and inspires innovation. I’m delighted to work with the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council on new growth strategies and to keep the UK competitive.

    Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO of Rolls-Royce said:

    Rolls-Royce welcomes the opportunity to continue its ongoing dialogue with Government, building partnerships between business and politics to promote growth in the UK economy.

    Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower said:

    The Prime Minister has set out clear ambitions to significantly speed up investments in the critical infrastructure we need to deliver energy security and decarbonisation. From clean homegrown energy to modern electricity networks, ScottishPower has a £12bn plan to invest at record levels to help make these ambitions a reality – creating the conditions for wider economic growth in the UK and unlocking skills and capabilities right across the domestic supply chain and in communities throughout the whole country.

    David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Developments said:

    I welcome the chance to join the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council, the opportunity to share the challenges faced by all housebuilders and discuss solutions for a vital sector which provides the new sustainable homes the country needs and is a powerful driver of economic growth across the UK.

    Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV said:

    ITV is a global company but one that remains firmly rooted in the UK – around half of our UK employees live and work outside of London in news teams and production bases across our nations and regions.  That’s why I want to work with the Government to create the right economic platform and incentives to encourage businesses to increase investment and economic activity across the UK, particularly in the development of skills and talent.

    Ros Deegan, CEO of OMass Therapeutics said:

    Given healthcare and scientific innovation is so strong and important to the United Kingdom, I am excited to accept this invitation and look forward to working with the Government and contributing to discussions around our scale up economy.

    Elizabeth Vega, CEO of Informed Solutions said:

    It is an honour to join the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council and help shape ambitious and dynamic policy that energises and sustains growth, productivity, international trade, and job opportunities across the UK. The UK needs great businesses with a growth, skills, innovation, and productivity mindset – from small to medium and large enterprises – to build a strong, resilient, and internationally competitive economy.

    Thomas Beahon, CEO of Castore said:

    It is a real honour to be joining the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council. I look forward to working with the PM and other business leaders from across the UK and making a positive contribution to the country’s long term economic growth priorities with a particular focus on bringing my experiences of starting and growing a business in the North of England.

    Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi said:

    At Raspberry Pi, we design computers and semiconductors, while our parent organisation, the Raspberry Pi Foundation, works to get young people excited about computing and electronics. I’m delighted to join the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council, and look forward to sharing perspectives on the needs of design and manufacturing companies in the UK high-tech ecosystem, and the opportunities for even greater focus on STEM skills in the school, further and continuing education sectors.

    Julie-Ann Haines, CEO of Principality Building Society said:

    I welcome the opportunity to sit on the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council and am proud there is representation from Wales and the mutual sector, bringing diversity of thought to the table. Housing and financial stability is critical to building a strong balanced economy which supports our communities and our mission to provide better homes, secure futures and a fairer society will be at the heart of the discussions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Greece bolster trade and security cooperation [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Greece bolster trade and security cooperation [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

    Minister for Europe Leo Docherty met Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou in London to review progress on the Strategic Bilateral Framework.

    Minister for Europe Leo Docherty reinforced the importance of deepening cooperation between the UK and Greece as he hosted Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou in London today (30 January).

    Since signing the Bilateral Framework agreement in 2021, the UK-Greece relationship has gone from strength to strength: trade between the two countries has grown to £10.7 billion, our armed forces work closer together than ever before, and we have secured nine higher education agreements in the last year alone for our mutual benefit.

    The Ministers agreed to build on these growing ties even further in the year ahead focusing on ongoing work to tackle shared challenges including disrupting organised migration routes, security cooperation, and our joint efforts to reach a peaceful resolution in the Middle East and war in Ukraine.

    Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said:

    The UK-Greece relationship is hugely important, from our ongoing work to promote security and stability as NATO allies, to our deep people-to-people links.

    Welcoming Deputy Foreign Minister Papadopoulou in London, we agreed to drive cooperation on shared challenges facing our two countries, from tackling illegal migration to enhancing European security and our joint efforts to reach a lasting peace in the Middle East and continuing support to Ukraine

    The Minister for Europe also extended his thanks to the Greek authorities and people for their crucial role in getting British Nationals to safety during the wildfires in Greece last summer.

    Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary David Cameron spoke with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis where they discussed the situation in the Red Sea.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Nature recovery to be accelerated as the government delivers on measures to protect land and sea [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Nature recovery to be accelerated as the government delivers on measures to protect land and sea [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 31 January 2024.

    One year on since the publication of the Environmental Improvement Plan, the government launches new measures to halt and reverse nature’s decline.

    Puffins, porpoises, and pine martens are just some of the species set to benefit from new measures set out by the Government today (31 January) to boost nature recovery on land and at sea.

    The new plans – announced one year on from the launch of the Environmental Improvement Plan – will see a permanent closure of the sandeel fisheries in English waters of the North Sea from April, further targeted restrictions on damaging bottom trawling and a new framework for national parks and protected areas to help them better deliver for nature.

    Sandeels are a vital food source for some of our most vulnerable seabirds and marine mammals, such as the iconic puffin and harbour porpoise, and commercially important fish species such as haddock and whiting. This closure will bolster the resilience of these species and make space for nature to recover across our marine habitats.

    Important pink sea fans, fragile sponges, anemones will also be further boosted with a targeted ban announced on bottom trawling in an additional 13 Marine Protected Areas.

    To bring us closer to achieving the global goal to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, a new framework for National Parks and National Landscapes to help them better deliver for nature and access will also be published. This builds on the commitments the government set out at COP28, including a map which demonstrates which areas of land could contribute to the 30by30 target in England.

    The framework will support our cherished Protected Landscapes and landowners to deliver our Environmental Improvement Plan targets including tree planting and peatland restoration which are essential for sequestering and storing carbon to mitigate the impacts of climate change while supporting biodiversity.

    Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    We’ve made a lot of progress since we launched the Environmental Improvement Plan – we’ve planted nearly 5 million trees, improved public access to our beautiful countryside and accelerated the adoption of our world-leading farming schemes.

    We are building on this progress with a new package to safeguard our marine ecosystems and bring us one step closer to achieving our 30by30 target, both on land and sea.

    Protecting the environment is fundamental to the prosperity of our country and our new commitments will drive forward our mission to create a cleaner and greener country for all.”

    Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said:

    Restoring thriving ecosystems is a vital process, not only for meeting our national Nature recovery goals, but also for our food and water security, wellbeing and economic prosperity.

    The measures set out by the government today will take us closer to meeting our ambitious 2030 targets, both on land and at sea. Natural England has played a key role over the last year delivering the commitments set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan and we look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with government to accelerate delivery on the ground.

    Beccy Speight chief executive of the RSPB said:

    Answering the RSPB’s call to end industrial Sandeel fishing, today’s announcement is a vital lifeline from our Government for our seabirds when they need it most. The UK is home to globally important seabird colonies, but these populations are at the forefront of the nature and climate emergency and are in significant decline, with their resilience being pushed to the limit.

    To support the recovery of our seabirds, the RSPB has long recommended an end to industrial Sandeel fishing in UK waters to secure vital food sources for these amazing birds. A call that has been passionately backed by tens of thousands of our members and supporters when Defra launched a public consultation on the issue. Halting wildlife decline and putting nature on the path to recovery must be supported by a programme of Government actions and today’s announcement represents one of those jigsaw pieces, along with demonstrating that overwhelmingly the public supports  these actions that enable nature’s recovery.

    The government has also announced the recipients of £7 million of awards to improve lowland peat soils.

    Peatlands are our largest terrestrial carbon store, however, as a result of centuries of drainage for agriculture, just 1% of England’s lowland peatlands remain in a near-natural state, and these drained peatlands account for 88% of all greenhouse gas emissions from England’s peat.

    The 34 projects, spread across England’s lowland peat regions such as the Cambridgeshire Fens and Somerset Levels, will use government funding to improve the management of water on lowland peat and enhance understanding of climate change impacts and flood risk. They include projects that will use innovative technologies, such as telemetry, to precisely control water retention levels across the landscape.

    Since the launch of the Environmental Improvement Plan a year ago, the government has delivered more than 50 commitments set out in the plan and the Environment Act. This includes:

    • Implementing a ban on single-use plastics
    • Planting nearly 5 million trees
    • Accelerating the Sustainable Farming Incentive and a launching   further 34 new Landscape Recovery projects – putting us on track to have 70% of land in Environmental Land Management schemes by 2028
    • Launching a new species survival fund
    • Beginning the process of creating a new national park and forest for the nation
    • Significantly improving air quality with PM2.5 emissions down by 10%
    • Improving access to the countryside by opening up a further 245 miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path

    Delivering on these commitments will ensure that our most important places, at the core of nature’s recovery, deliver for people and the planet. In doing so, we will create a natural world that is rich in diverse plants and wildlife and restored for future generations to enjoy.

    It is due to UK leadership that the global target to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, known as 30by30 was adopted and these announcements today will further support that target and the historic agreement for nature reached by the UK and nearly 200 countries at the 2022 UN Biodiversity summit.

    Notes to editors:

    Sandeels:

    • A spatial closure of English waters of the North Sea to fishing for sandeel will be introduced before the start of this year’s sandeel fishing season on 1 April.
    • UK vessels are not permitted to fish for sandeel because the UK’s share of the Total Allowable Catch for North Sea sandeel is not allocated. The spatial closure will extend that prohibition to all vessels operating in English waters of the North Sea.
    • In March 2023 Defra undertook a public consultation proposing options for future sandeel management in English waters of the North Sea.  Over 95% of respondents support some form of prohibition on fishing for sandeel, with a majority favouring the closure of all English waters.

    Marine Protected Area protections:

    • The UK is at the forefront of marine protection with 377 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) protecting 38% of UK waters. In English waters there are 181 sites protecting 40% of our seas. We have built a comprehensive network of MPAs and are now focusing on measures to enhance their protection.
    • Now that we are an independent coastal state, free from the Common Fisheries Policy, the Fisheries Act 2020 introduced new powers enabling the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to implement fisheries management measures in MPAs in English offshore waters. The first 4 offshore MPA byelaws were implemented in 2022.
    • MMO consulted last year on proposals to restrict bottom-towed fishing gear over rock and reef habitat in a further 13 MPAs and we are announcing today that a byelaw will be implemented to bring those proposals into effect.

    ###Improving lowland agricultural peat:

    • Projects funded under the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot and the Lowland Agricultural Peat Small Infrastructure Pilot will help to deliver our mosaic approach, which includes more sustainable farming practices and restoring peat where possible, helping to deliver on our Net Zero goals and providing further environmental co-benefits.
    • Our new lowland agricultural peat pilots are designed to provide much-needed evidence, which will help to deliver on the recommendations of the Lowland Agricultural Peat Task Force report – known as the Caudwell report – which was published in June 2023.
    • Under the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot, delivered by the Environment Agency: 13 projects (totalling £3.1 million) will receive funding, which is enabling local collaborations to develop costed water management plans that support our mosaic approach to reducing carbon emissions from lowland peat soils, including both sustainable farming on higher water tables and peat restoration where possible.
    • Under the Lowland Agricultural Peat Small Infrastructure Pilot: 21 projects (totalling £3.8 million) will receive funding, which is supporting Internal Drainage Boards to update and install water management infrastructure to enable better water management for peat and the environment.

    Protected Landscapes Outcomes Framework:

    • The Protected Landscape targets are non-statutory and create a shared ambition for all 44 of England’s Protected Landscapes (National Parks and National Landscapes). National Landscapes is the new name for designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
    • The targets are for the Protected Landscapes as places (the geographic area covered by the designation).
    • Whilst action will be coordinated by Protected Landscape bodies it will be the responsibility of all stakeholders, partners and land managers in the area to support their delivery.
    • The targets are based on an analysis of the environmental potential of the Protected Landscapes to deliver on current national targets. Each individual Protected Landscape body will set their own individual contribution to these national targets for Protected Landscapes.
    • At COP28 the government published a map indicating which areas could count towards the target to protect 30% of our land for nature by 2030. More information can be found here: Delivering 30by30 on land in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Projects for Nature platform:

    • At COP28, the government announced a new initiative to align financial flows to nature recovery. The Projects for Nature scheme will match corporate donations to nature restoration projects selected by Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency in an effort to link up forward thinking businesses, such as Lloyd’s Banking Group and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, with projects to help us reach our environmental targets.
    • To learn more about the Projects for Nature initiative and view the platform, visit: www.projectsfornature.com.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Cyberflashing, epilepsy-trolling and fake news to put online abusers behind bars from today [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cyberflashing, epilepsy-trolling and fake news to put online abusers behind bars from today [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 31 January 2024.

    New offences have been introduced to criminalise cyberflashing, fake news intended to cause non-trivial harm and other online abuse.

    • New offences introduced to criminalise cyberflashing, fake news intended to cause non-trivial harm and other online abuse.
    • Offences from the Online Safety Act kick in from today, meaning criminals can face up to five years behind bars for their demeaning and dangerous actions.
    • Love Island stars, children’s charities, eight-year-old campaigners, and more collaborated to bring “Zach’s Law” and other rules into effect.

    Abusers, trolls, and predators online now face a fleet of tough new jailable offences from today (Wednesday 31 January), as offences for ‘cyberflashing’, sending death threats, and ‘epilepsy-trolling’ are written into the statute book after the Online Safety Act gained Royal Assent.

    These new criminal offences will protect people from a wide range of abuse and harm online, including threatening messages, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images known as ‘revenge porn’, and sending fake news that aims to cause non-trivial physical or psychological harm.

    Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

    From today, online abusers and trolls will be prosecuted and put behind bars for their cowardly and menacing acts – ensuring the public are protected and can have better peace of mind when online.

    Our pioneering Online Safety Act is already setting a global standard, and pivotal protections like these will keep sick individuals off our streets and unable to endanger Brits online.

    Dubbed “Zach’s law”, a new offence will also mean online trolls that send or show flashing images electronically with the intention of causing harm to people with epilepsy will be held accountable for their actions and face prison.

    The campaign for this offence began when Zach – who has epilepsy and was then aged eight – was raising money for the Epilepsy Society and was looking at Twitter responses to his campaigning efforts. It became clear that online trolls had flooded the Epilepsy Society’s profile with images and GIFs designed to trigger a seizure for people with epilepsy. While Zach was thankfully unharmed, several others with the condition reported seizures after following the fundraiser online.

    Clare Pelham, Chief Executive, Epilepsy Society:

    In this country we have a fine tradition of standing up to bullies. And with this new offence, Zach’s Law, the government is offering the full protection of the criminal law to people with epilepsy who are deliberately assaulted by flashing images sent by cowardly bullies.

    We are the first country in the world to do this and the Epilepsy Society has already been contacted by victims abroad who hope their governments will follow our example.

    Following the campaigning of Love Island star Georgia Harrison, bitter ex-partners and other abusers who share, or threaten to share, intimate images on or offline without the consent of those depicted will face jail time under new offences from today.

    Those found guilty of the base offence of sharing an intimate image could be in prison for up to 6 months, or 2 years if it is proven the perpetrator also intended to cause distress, alarm or humiliation, or shared the image to obtain sexual gratification.

    Cyberflashing on dating apps, AirDrop and other platforms will also result in perpetrators facing up to two years behind bars where it is done to gain sexual gratification, or to cause alarm, distress or humiliation.

    Sending death threats or threatening serious harm online will also carry a jail sentence of up to five years under a new ‘threatening communications’ offence that will completely outlaw appalling threats made online that would be illegal if said in person.

    A new false communications offence will bring internet trolls to justice by outlawing the intentional sending of false information that could cause ‘non-trivial psychological’ or physical harm to users online. This new offence will bolster the government’s strong commitment to clamping down on dangerous disinformation and election interference online.

    In the wake of sickening content, often targeted at children, that encourages users to self-harm, a new offence will mean the individuals that post content encouraging or assisting serious self-harm could face up to 5 years behind bars.

    Richard Collard, Associate Head of Child Safety Online at the NSPCC, said:

    Children can be particularly vulnerable to content that encourages or assists self-harm and everything possible should be done to protect them from it while they are online.

    We hope this new offence will act as a deterrent to people deliberately spreading this extremely dangerous material. At the same time the focus must remain on tech companies and their duty under the Online Safety Act to design safety into their platforms and stop this content from being suggested and shared in the first place.

    While much of the Online Safety Act’s protections are intended to hold tech companies and social media platforms to account for the content hosted on their sites, these new offences will apply directly to the individuals sending threatening or menacing messages and bring justice directly to them.

    Some of the offences that commence from today will be further bolstered too, when the wide-ranging Criminal Justice Bill completes its passage through Parliament.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £15 million boost for cultural venues to level up access to the arts across England [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : £15 million boost for cultural venues to level up access to the arts across England [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 31 January 2024.

    Fourth round of the Cultural Development Fund launched for cultural organisations across England to level up access to the arts, heritage and culture.

    • Funding expected to be supporting projects on the ground from this summer, creating new jobs and helping to grow the economy
    • Builds on 20 existing projects up and down the country which have benefited from £76.8 million of funding since 2019

    Cultural venues big and small are set to benefit from a £15 million boost as part of the Government’s Cultural Development Fund, which continues to level up access to the arts across the country.

    Successful bidders will share a pot of £15.2 million as part of the fourth round of the popular scheme. The funding will help create local job opportunities and new training places while supporting local cultural institutions as they look to attract tourists and new businesses, helping to grow the economy.

    So far, 20 projects have received a combined total of £76.8 million since 2019, with arts centres, community venues and heritage buildings among the beneficiaries. Previous funding rounds are already making a real difference, with places like Barnsley, Worcester, Plymouth, Stockport and the Isle of Wight receiving transformative investment.

    This year’s round will be the first time since 2019 that projects in London are able to apply to the fund as well, expanding the range of places that can benefit from Cultural Development Fund investment.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

    I’ve been pleased to see how Government investment through the Cultural Development Fund is already making a real difference to people’s lives. The further funding announced today will extend our work to level up access to arts and culture, ensuring that everyone has high-quality opportunities on their doorstep, no matter where they live.

    I encourage applicants to put forward ambitious proposals which will make a real difference to the lives of even more people across the country, and help to preserve the UK’s position on the world stage as a cultural and creative powerhouse.

    Previous projects include:

    • Plymouth City Council received £3.8 million from the Cultural Development Fund round one. As a result of the project, Market Hall at Devonport has become a destination for businesses, schools and many more looking to access the facilities or enjoy the immersive experiences, events, workshops and children’s clubs on offer.
    • The University of Kent was awarded £4.8 million in round one for buildings in Medway, Purfleet and Thurrock to be re-developed for creative use by communities.
    • In round two, Barnsley Museums were awarded £3.9 million to transform Elsecar Heritage Centre into a cultural and creative industries hub by supporting additional community activity and culturally-focused public realm works.
    • Middlesbrough Council Cultural Services was awarded £4.3 million in round two to help deliver a package of construction projects, making Centre Square into a hub for creativity, and boosting digital skills. Events spaces and galleries will also be added to Carnegie Library and Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art thanks to the fund.
    • £2.7 million awarded to Morecambe Winter Gardens in round three will regenerate a Grade II-listed site to create a venue with capacity of up to 2,500 to support local and national promoters and artists in North Lancashire and Cumbria.
    • Also in round three, North Devon Council was awarded £3 million to refurbish two Grade II-Listed Buildings in Barnstaple, creating an accessible learning and performance venue in Bridge Chambers, and co-working, office and studio space for creative industries, visual arts, community and environmental groups.

    The Cultural Development Fund was launched in 2019 to level up the country through investment in culture and the creative industries. By unlocking local growth and productivity, the fund increases access to the arts and regenerates communities through investment in cultural initiatives.

    Arts Council England delivers this fund on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

    Guidance has been published today to provide further information for those considering making an application.

    Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said:

    The Cultural Development Fund brings the transformative power of creativity and culture to more people in more places, across the country. By investing in the infrastructure that cultural organisations need, we can help them make an even bigger impact on the places where they’re based, benefiting the communities they work with. We’re pleased to continue delivering it on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, building on the successes of the programme so far.

    The Cultural Development Fund also builds on further support for the cultural sector through the other two strands of the Cultural Investment Fund; the Libraries Improvement Fund and the Museum Estate and Development Fund, which have also provided more than £50 million over two rounds.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £1,000 National Insurance cut boosts Britain’s paychecks [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : £1,000 National Insurance cut boosts Britain’s paychecks [January 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 31 January 2024.

    Millions of UK workers see boost in take home pay today as cut to National Insurance shows in January’s payslip as part of plan to reward work and boost growth.

    • Progress made on economy means government is able to cut taxes for hard working people
    • Saving worth £450 for an average worker earning £35,400 a year

    Millions of workers are going to start seeing a boost to their take home pay today as January’s pay comes into bank accounts across the UK.

    With millions of monthly earners getting paid today (Wednesday 31 January 2024), a household with two average earners will be starting to see a nearly £1,000 a year benefit from the Chancellor’s record personal tax cut.

    Thanks to the progress made against its economic priorities, the government announced it will cut National Insurance by 2p from 12% to 10% at the Autumn Statement and made sure it took effect within weeks of the announcement, as part of its plan to reward work and grow the economy. The change is a more than 15% reduction in National Insurance, saving £450 this year for the average salaried worker on £35,400.

    Millions of people working different jobs across hundreds of industries will now be better off. To a pub landlord that’s £418 a year, a bus driver £328, a nurse £527. A teacher will pay £635 less in National Insurance contributions this year.

    Today’s historic NICs cut takes effect with the government having faced the legacy of Covid-19, and global instability with war in Ukraine and the Middle East.

    In the past year, inflation has halved; the economy has recovered more quickly from the pandemic than first thought; and debt is on track to fall. The government is sticking to the plan and is building a stronger economy where hard work is rewarded and ambition and aspiration are celebrated.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

    “I never shied away from making the tough decisions needed yesterday to cut taxes today.

    “This January pay boost for hard-working Brits is part of our plan to grow the economy and build a brighter future where hard work is always rewarded, relieving pressure on UK workers by putting around £450 back in their pockets.”

    The cut means that for those on average salaries, personal taxes would be lower in the UK for single parents with no children than every other G7 country, based on the most recent OECD data. The UK also has the most generous starting allowances for income tax and social security contributions in the G7.

    To mark the tax cut, earlier this month HMRC launched an online tool to help people understand how much they could save in National Insurance this year.

    The tool uses salary information to give employees personalised estimates of how much they could save because of the government’s changes, and is hosted on the government’s cost of living support website on gov.uk.

    The last major cut to the current personal tax system of today’s magnitude was when the National Insurance personal allowance increased from £9,880 to £12,570. This was the largest ever cut to a personal tax starting threshold, allowing working people to hold on to an extra £2,690 free from tax whilst last year taking around 2.2 million people out of paying tax altogether.

    The cut to National Insurance combined with above-inflation increases to tax thresholds since 2010 means that the average earner will pay over £1,000 less in personal taxes than they otherwise would have done.

    The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) says that, by 2028-29 this tax cut will increase the number of people in employment by 28,000 alongside a substantial economic benefit from those in work increasing their hours which the OBR forecast will be equivalent to 79,000 on a full-time equivalent basis. Overall, the OBR says that by 2028-29 this measure will increase the number of hours worked by new and existing employees by 0.3%, or 94,000 in full-time equivalent terms.

    At the Autumn Statement the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the biggest package of tax cuts to be implemented since the 1980s. In addition to today’s action, he announced a National Insurance cut for 2 million self-employed people, which will take effect on 6 April 2024 and is worth £350 for the average self-employed person on £28,200. He also made full expensing permanent, which at £11 billion per year is the biggest business tax cut in modern British history helping businesses invest for less. Over 200 business leaders told the government that it would have the single most transformational impact on business investment and growth.

    The OBR says these two measures will increase the number of people in work and grow the economy.

    He also announced the biggest ever increase to the National Living Wage, froze alcohol duty for six months and extended cuts to business rates relief for the high street.

    Further information

    Today’s tax cut combined with above-inflation increases to tax thresholds since 2010 means that the average earner will pay over £1,000 less in personal taxes than they otherwise would have done – this is based on the mean earnings for all employees from ASHE 2023. The income tax and employee NICs liability is compared to a hypothetical counterfactual where tax rates are kept unchanged and thresholds are uprated in line with inflation every year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : International community urged to come together or face losing the global contest of ideas, Lord Chancellor to warn in landmark speech in Washington [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : International community urged to come together or face losing the global contest of ideas, Lord Chancellor to warn in landmark speech in Washington [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 31 January 2024.

    The international accords that have guaranteed freedom, security and prosperity since 1945 are “fraying at the edges” as a direct result of Russia’s illegal war, the Lord Chancellor will tell Washington today.

    • Justice Secretary to issue rallying cry in support of international co-operation during visit to US
    • International rules-based order under threat thanks to actions of Russia and Iran
    • Lord Chancellor to also visit New York to see tough community sentences that cut crime and keep public safe

    Justice Secretary Alex Chalk will address American legislators, members of the judiciary and legal professionals at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington D.C to underline the importance of the rule of law, especially in the face of hostile states who believe “might is always right”.

    The Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk will say:

    “The truth is we are in a global contest of ideas, a contest between rule of law nations like ours and those who offer an authoritarian alternative – a solution that says agreements don’t matter, values don’t count, rights are mere impediments. Instead, ‘might is always right’. And it means that a global post-War consensus, which we assumed was unshakeable, now needs shoring up. Rather than letting complacency reign, we must reinforce the rule of law foundations on which it was built.”

    Against a backdrop of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Lord Chancellor will set out how crucial it is there is accountability and repercussions when one country chooses to rip up the rule book.

    This has been exemplified by the UK’s role in expediting the International Criminal Court’s investigation into Russian war crimes in Ukraine. The UK has worked with the USA and the European Union to establish the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group, which is supporting Ukraine’s Prosecutor General in the domestic investigation and prosecution of more than 120,000 currently alleged conflict-related crimes, with both funding and expertise.

    The Lord Chancellor will go on to argue this instability is leaving many people feeling they have to leave their home country – sometimes illegally – which is putting huge pressure on countries like the UK and the United States, and challenging democracies. He will go on to say:

    While rule of law underpins prosperity, its absence feeds poverty, insecurity and instability.

    This has led to record levels of migratory movements, and fuelled illegal migration. It is clear that unmanaged illegal migration disregards borders and is putting undue pressure on the national systems of rules-based countries like ours – as countries whose sovereign legislatures believe in, and consciously have chosen to be part of, the international rules based order.  The actions of criminal gangs smuggling people across borders brings those very rules into disrepute, particularly if they are perceived to afford, perversely, an unfair advantage to those who break the immigration rules rather than those who abide by them.

    He will highlight the need for international and domestic law to evolve and adapt to the challenges posed by insecurity:

    Both international and domestic law must evolve if they are to meet the challenges posed by insecurity, and to win the global contest of ideas. Because, as Thomas Paine famously said in the eighteenth century, “a state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.

    The unique genius of the common law, of course, is its flexibility – its readiness to adapt and respond to societal changes and perspectives. I dare say we need some of that same spirit when to comes to the challenge of uncontrolled migration, and the evolution of the rules-based system as a whole.

    He will add that the global community must work together and defend international order at a time when it is under threat by saying:

    To show that we can evolve and adapt while our opponents remain rigid and dogmatic. That is one of the most powerful ways that we can make the case for the rules-based order.

    The Lord Chancellor will also visit New York to see how the state is delivering tough community sentences using the latest technology to cut crime and keep the public safe.

    The problem-solving courts are stopping repeat offending in its tracks by giving low-level offenders the stark choice of getting clean through specialist substance misuse treatment to kick the drug or drink addictions driving their criminality – or face jail.

    This innovative scheme has seen a huge reduction in drug charges over a 15-year period as a direct result of its approach – and is similar to Intensive Supervision Courts currently being piloted on this side of the Atlantic.

    This is part of wider work the government is doing through the Sentencing Bill, which will be back before Parliament shortly. This will ensure tougher sentences for those convicted of the worst murders and sexual offences, promote rehabilitation and reduce crime by limiting use of counter-productive short sentences – the so-called revolving door of prison.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Three years since the military coup in Myanmar – foreign ministers’ joint statement [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Three years since the military coup in Myanmar – foreign ministers’ joint statement [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

    The foreign ministers of 8 countries and the European Union High Representative gave a statement marking 3 years since the military coup in Myanmar.

    Joint statement by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs on behalf of the European Union, marking 3 years since the military coup in Myanmar:

    Three years ago, on 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government, undoing a decade of progress.

    Under the military regime, violence against civilians has escalated, with thousands jailed, tortured and killed. Airstrikes, shelling and arson have been used to destroy civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, healthcare facilities and places of worship. Systematic discrimination against members of religious and ethnic groups, including Rohingya, is rife. Many are displaced and continue to face horrific conditions, and others have been forced to flee across Myanmar’s borders. The military’s actions have fuelled a growing humanitarian crisis with 2.6 million people displaced from their homes, and more than 18 million people in need.

    We condemn in the strongest possible terms the military regime’s ongoing atrocities and human rights violations, such as sexual and gender-based violence, and the restriction of fundamental freedoms including freedom of expression, through peaceful protests and the media. We reiterate our call for the Commander-in-Chief and the military to change course, immediately ceasing violence against civilians, releasing all unjustly detained political prisoners, allowing full humanitarian access and creating space for inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders.

    We strongly encourage unified efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to resolve the crisis. We commend the constructive efforts of the ASEAN Chairs and Special Envoys. We call on the military regime to implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and engage meaningfully and positively with ASEAN representatives, in order for Myanmar to transition towards an inclusive democracy.

    We continue to support the full implementation of United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution 2669 (2022) and underline our support for UN Security Council activities to support ASEAN’s efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. We call on the UN to strengthen its efforts on Myanmar including via the timely appointment of a Special Envoy and a Resident Coordinator and urge UN Member states to maintain their support to address urgent humanitarian needs in Myanmar.

    We call on all members of the international community to support efforts to push the Myanmar military to cease violence, to bring about genuinely inclusive dialogue, in order to establish a credible, peaceful democratic future for Myanmar;  to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of people in Myanmar and refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries, including its most vulnerable communities, and to cease providing the Myanmar military with the arms and equipment that are necessary for them to commit atrocities.

    Three years on from the military coup, we continue to stand in solidarity with the Myanmar people and their desire for an inclusive and genuine democracy in Myanmar.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Dual agreements cement UK-Canada science and innovation ties [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Dual agreements cement UK-Canada science and innovation ties [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 31 January 2024.

    A new agreement on AI compute, one of the fundamental building blocks which sits at the heart of how AI is used and developed.

    • UK and Canada strengthen collaboration across science and innovation to unlock new advances for the public good
    • new agreement struck on compute, a vital tool in the development of AI
    • UK and Canada to explore opportunities to work together and with likeminded countries on compute capability
    • countries to explore new shared resource to further their joint research on AI

    The UK and Canada have signed a dual set of agreements which cements their collaboration on science and innovation, while also laying out a new agreement on AI compute – one of the fundamental building blocks which sits at the heart of how AI is used and developed.

    Signed by Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Canadian Minister for Innovation, Science, and Industry François-Phillippe Champagne in Ottawa, the Memorandum of Understanding on compute is the latest step in the two countries’ efforts to collaborate on AI research and development. At its core is a commitment to explore how both countries can support researchers and industry with the secure and affordable access to computing capacity, which is needed to drive the training and use of AI systems on both sides of the pond. This includes examining opportunities for collaborations on areas of shared strategic importance such as biomedicine and working both together and with likeminded countries on models for collaboration on compute capability.

    Compute is a vital component in the development of AI, enabling a wide range of tasks from processing data to training the latest wave of AI models, making access to computing power increasingly essential. Given the rapid development of the technology, access to compute power is also a vital tool in conducting state of the art research.

    Alongside today’s agreement on compute, the UK and Canada have also signed a refreshed partnership to further strengthen wider collaboration on science and innovation. This agreement identifies a number of key technologies such as quantum, AI, semiconductors, engineering biology, and clean energy technology where the UK and Canada will redouble efforts to foster research and bring innovative new solutions to market to help tackle shared global challenges. An additional focus on scientific diplomacy will see both countries exchanging expertise on issues such as international standards, governance and regulation of new technologies, helping to inform discussions with international forums such as the G7 and G20.

    Academics and researchers from both countries are increasingly sharing data and developing new partnerships, and have done since the first partnership on science and innovation was agreed in 2017. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, some £350 million was awarded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) on collaborative programmes with Canada. This includes the first industry led partnership between any two countries to develop quantum technologies, and an £8 million project in partnership with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami on arctic ecosystems which funds research projects around climate-driven changes in Inuit Nunangat.

    The landmark agreements signed today come as Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan continues a three-day visit to Canada, which has already seen a range of engagements with leading AI companies in Toronto. The Secretary of State will conclude her visit with discussions in Montreal, including a meeting with Yoshua Bengio – world leading AI professor and Turing prize winner – as he leads work on the State of Science report unveiled at November’s AI Safety Summit.

    UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan said:

    The UK’s unique partnership with Canada across science, innovation, and technology is built on a shared desire to be an active force for good on the global stage.

    Today’s agreements deepen that relationship even further, as we commit to working side-by-side to address the defining technological challenges of our generation.

    My visit this week and the foundations we have laid will ensure we can continue to lead the way in harnessing the opportunities of new innovations across science and technology for decades to come.

    Canadian Minister for Innovation, Science, and Industry, François-Phillipe Champagne said:

    Canada and the UK have a deep relationship that encourages collaboration to help both countries thrive. Today’s Memorandums of Understanding on scientific research, innovation and AI compute will drive positive impacts across all fields of research and innovation, help businesses accelerate commercialization, and link our leading researchers together.

    These agreements will strengthen our AI companies and enable our researchers, as well as encourage sharing research excellence with the Global South to build international capacity and address worldwide challenges.

    The UK and Canada represent a joint global powerhouse, with our combined economies worth a total of £4 trillion. The refreshed collaboration on science and innovation agreed today re-enforces the joint commitment to work hand-in-glove across science, innovation, and technology, and is centred on three distinct pillars. The first, a focus on deep science and technology, will see a re-doubling of efforts to work closely on areas of advanced R&D, particularly in the fields of quantum, AI, semiconductors, and engineering biology. Closer ties will also be developed on “commercialising innovation” to support the adoption of emerging technologies and foster research to bring commercial applications to market on both sides of the Atlantic. The renewed partnership will be marked with biennial meetings of the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, which will continue to identify priority areas of collaboration between the two countries.

    In marking the new partnership on Compute, the UK and Canada have also set out their ambition to explore opportunities for collaborations on areas of shared importance like climate research and biomedicine. The agreement also highlights the importance of close collaboration on sustainability in compute, particularly given the significant resources which are required and the subsequent need for improved energy efficiency and measures which will work to reduce associated carbon emissions and environmental impacts.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Executive Vice-President Šefčovič [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Executive Vice-President Šefčovič [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

    The Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron spoke to Executive Vice President Šefčovič on 31 January 2024.

    Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and the Foreign Secretary spoke today (31 January). It followed a call between the Executive Vice-President and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris.

    The Executive Vice-President and the Foreign Secretary both agreed on the high importance of seeing the Northern Ireland Executive restored and delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.

    The Foreign Secretary ​explained the package of measures being set out in Parliament today, as the next step in the process to see the Northern Ireland institutions restored. The Executive Vice-President noted that the Commission will analyse carefully the texts published today.

    They discussed ​the proposed joint UK-EU solution on Tariff Rate Quotas​, published ​the previous day, ​which would be considered at the next meeting of the UK-EU Joint Committee after completion of relevant procedures ​on both sides. This would deliver benefits for Northern Ireland importers and was another demonstration of the positive outcomes constructive joint working could achieve.

    This reflected their shared commitment to the full implementation of the Windsor Framework.

    The Commission will continue to exchange with the UK through the channels set up by that Framework.

    The Executive Vice-President and Foreign Secretary noted ongoing work on the other areas of cooperation including on support for Ukraine and agreed to stay in touch​.