Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary responds to GDP figures for August 2023 [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 1 November 2023.

Alister Jack welcomes economy’s resilience while remaining committed to halving inflation for long-term growth.

Scotland’s onshore GDP is estimated to have increased by 0.1% in August, following the figures increasing by 0.2% in July (revised up from 0.1% in the previous publication)

In the three months to August, GDP is estimated to have remained constant (0.0% growth) compared to the previous three month period. This indicates an increase in growth during the third quarter of the year so far, relative to the fall of 0.3% in 2023 Quarter 2 (April to June)

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said:

While this month’s figures indicate a resilient economy, we are still absolutely committed to halving inflation to achieve sustained long-term growth.

Not only are we encouraging trade and boosting investment with more than £2.5 billion invested directly into all parts of Scotland, we also continue to help families with the cost of living, with the second of three £300 payments going out from this week to those who need it most.

The UK has grown faster than France and Germany since the pandemic and we will continue to prioritise growing the economy for the benefit of people all over the UK.

Additional information:
- Since 2010, the UK has grown faster than France, Japan and Germany.
- Recent figures have shown that by 2021 the UK had recovered faster than France, Germany, Italy and Japan, with the economy 0.6% above pre-pandemic levels by 2021 Q4.
- Through measures announced at the Spring Budget, the Chancellor is tackling two of the biggest issues for UK growth – employment levels and business investment – while also supporting households with cost-of-living pressures.
November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Russia aligns with authoritarian regimes out of desperate necessity – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is a tragedy for Ukrainians but an unmitigated disaster for Russia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Once again, Ukrainian civilians have paid the price for Russia’s illegal war of aggression on its sovereign neighbour. In the town of Izium, in Kharkiv Oblast, Russian missiles struck a fire station, injuring eight personnel. It is a feature of the depravity of the Russian campaign that Russia continues to cause damage to targets, such as ‘first-responders’, whose very role it is to preserve life.

On 26 October, Russian one-way-attack UAVs struck near Khmelnytsky Nuclear Power Plant, 280km west of Kyiv. 20 people were reported injured by falling debris in a town nearby, windows at the plant were shattered and power was temporarily cut to off-site radiation monitoring stations. The attack also downed power lines near the facility. Thankfully the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the plant’s operation continued to be unaffected. Alongside the unacceptable military control of Zaphorizhzhia Power Plant by Russia this acts as another example of Russian recklessness and the risks this brings to nuclear safety and security.

No doubt, in a moment, we will hear from the Russian Delegation in another attempt to draw equivalence with Ukraine. But we should be in no doubt that there is no equivalence. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine did not illegally invade its neighbour; Russia did. In what has historically been a monologue of disinformation, Russia may proclaim a new world order; but this is a world order in which Russia invites the Hamas terrorist group to Moscow, following Hamas’s brutal murder of over 1400 Israeli citizens; it is the world order of allying with Iran, the provider of Shahed one way attack drones which have been used extensively by Russia to kill Ukrainian civilians and attack critical infrastructure; and the development of North Korea as Russia’s new strategic arms partner and provider of military aid. Madam Chair, this is not a new world order, but a grouping of authoritarian States that have aligned out of desperate necessity.

Mixing with such regimes mark the depths to which Russia has sunk in an effort to maintain its military in the field. Russia does this while it continues to suffer devastating losses both around the town of Avdiivka and in the campaign more broadly.

Madam Chair, Russia’s horrendous war against Ukraine has now lasted 200 times longer than Russia had predicted it would. The incredible defence of Ukraine is the result of the tremendous courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. It is quite plausible that Russia will once again try this winter to directly target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, if it can replenish its diminished stockpile of long-range cruise missiles. This would be in keeping with the cynical way in which Russia has chosen to fight its illegal war to date. And Russia will continue to mask its myriad military failures to enable this debacle to continue. Even in this diplomatic Forum, Russia will threaten to destroy Ukrainian aircraft, whilst at the same time Russia continues to shoot its own aircraft out the sky; it will talk of military advances whilst now only having control of half of the Ukrainian territory it did at the beginning of the campaign; and it may even show a handful of NATO vehicles on the obligatory slideshow, never acknowledging that Russia has now lost 5000 tanks in this calamitous campaign.

Madam Chair, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is a tragedy for Ukrainians but an unmitigated disaster for Russia. The sooner Russia recognises its folly and withdraws from internationally recognised Ukrainian territory, the better. Until that time, the United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine, to help it become ever more capable of defending itself and, assist in the reconstruction that Russia has necessitated. As for Russia, those responsible will be held accountable for the destructive and catastrophic campaign; the longest ‘lightning strike’ in military history at over 600-days and counting. Ukraine will win this war. Thank you.

November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Environmental principles duty comes into force [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 1 November 2023.

Under the duty set out in the Environment Act 2021, ministers and policy makers must consider the environmental impact of new policies.
A new environmental principles duty – a measure to ensure the environment is at the heart of governmental policy making – comes into force today (Wednesday 1 November).

The duty reflects the government’s commitment to leaving the environment in a better state for future generations, ensuring that green issues are taken into account throughout the decision-making process. This will help the government to meet the targets outlined in the Environmental Improvement Plan and will ensure that environmental impacts are always given due consideration when policy is drafted.

Under the duty, ministers and policy makers must consider the environmental impact of new policies, following a framework of key principles:

The integration principle, which is the principle that environmental protection should be integrated into the making of policies.

The prevention principle, which states that government policy makers should aim to prevent environmental harm.

The rectification at source principle, which means that policy should address environmental damage at the source, to avoid the need to remedy its effects later.

The polluter pays principle, which states that where possible, the costs of environmental damage should be borne by those causing it, rather than the person who suffers the effects of the resulting environmental damage, or the wider community.

The precautionary principle, which provides that where the threat of serious or irreversible environmental damage exists, a lack of scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.

The duty applies to new or revised policies made across government, with exceptions for national security and spending decisions, and delivers on commitments included in the Environment Act 2021 for Ministers of the Crown to have legal due regard to these principles.

Nature Minister Trudy Harrison said:

This government has gone further and faster to protect nature than any other, and the introduction of this duty further reaffirms our commitment to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.

Considering the environment across government policy will support our wider efforts to restore halt species loss and protect our much-loved landscapes, green spaces and the marine environment.

The principles are designed to guide policymakers towards opportunities to prevent environmental damage and enhance the environment. These are internationally recognised as successful benchmarks for environmental protection and enhancement.

The duty is outlined in detail in the Environmental Principles Policy Statement, published earlier this year, which outlines how to interpret and proportionately apply the principles. Ministers and the officials advising them on policy need to thoroughly consider these principles throughout the policy development process.

Work has been underway to implement the new duty across government, including working with policymakers, lawyers and analysts.

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) will monitor and report on implementation of the duty across government.

Environmental protection is devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, subject to a small number of reserved areas. Therefore, each devolved administration can legislate individually for the Environmental Principles in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively.
November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment to the Youth Justice Board [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 1 November 2023.

The Secretary of State for Justice has approved the reappointments of Susannah Hancock, Jacob Sakil, and Louise Shorter as members of the Youth Justice Board.

The Secretary of State has reappointed Susannah Hancock, Jacob Sakil, and Louise Shorter as members of the Youth Justice Board (YJB) for 3 years from 1 December 2023 until 30 November 2026.

Susannah Hancock is the Chief Operating Officer for the National Fire Chiefs Council. She was previously Chief Executive of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. Before that she was Assistant Chief Executive of Victim Support and Chief Executive of the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in Essex. Between 2004-2008, she served as Head of London for the YJB.

Jacob Sakil: Since 2017, Jacob has been a passionate advocate for youth social action and community engagement. He is the founder of American Bites start-up, Youth Justice Service representative and sits on the Business in the Community’s (BITC) Place Taskforce supporting the collaborative potential of business to strengthen communities around the UK.

Louise Shorter is founder and investigator of Inside Justice; a registered charity which investigates alleged miscarriages of justice on behalf of prisoners who maintain their innocence. She is also a Board member of Inside Time; a not-for-profit newspaper for prisoners and an Associate Tutor at the School of Law, University of East Anglia.

All 3 have not declared any political activity.

The YJB is a non-departmental public body, responsible for overseeing the youth justice system in England and Wales. Its primary function is to monitor the operation of the youth justice system and the provision of youth justice services.

Reappointments to the YJB are made by the Secretary of State for Justice and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. These reappointments comply with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.

November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Nations and AI experts convene for day one of first global AI Safety Summit [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 November 2023.

Leading AI nations, organisations and experts meet at Bletchley Park today to discuss the global future of AI and work towards a shared understanding of risks.
- The US, France, Singapore, Italy, Japan and China among nations confirmed to attend Bletchley Park Summit
- historic venue will play host to crucial talks around risks and opportunities posed by rapid advances in frontier AI
- Secretary of State Michelle Donelan to call for international collaboration to mitigate risks of AI
Leading AI nations, businesses, civil society and AI experts will convene at Bletchley Park today (Wednesday 1 November) for the first ever AI Safety Summit where they’ll discuss the global future of AI and work towards a shared understanding of its risks.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan will open the event by welcoming an expert cast list before setting out the UK government’s vision for safety and security to be at the heart of advances in AI, in order to enable the enormous opportunities it will bring.

She will look to make progress on the talks which will pave the way for a safer world by identifying risks, opportunities and the need for international collaboration, before highlighting consensus on the scale, importance and urgency for AI opportunities and the necessity for mitigating frontier AI risks to unlock them.

The historic venue will play host to the landmark 2-day summit, which will see a small, but focused group comprising of AI companies, civil society and independent experts gather around the table to kickstart urgent talks on the risks and opportunities posed by rapid advances in frontier AI – especially ahead of new models launching next year, whose capabilities may not be fully understood.

The US, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and China are among nations confirmed as attendees at the AI Safety Summit. Representatives from The Alan Turing Institute, The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Ada Lovelace Institute are also among the groups confirmed to attend, highlighting the depth of expertise of the delegates who are expected to take part in crucial talks.

As set out by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week, the summit will focus on understanding the risks such as potential threats to national security right through to the dangers a loss of control of the technology could bring. Discussions around issues likely to impact society, such as election disruption and erosion of social trust are also set to take place.

The UK already employs over 50,000 people in the AI sector and contributes £3.7 billion to our economy annually. Additionally, the UK is home to twice as many AI companies as any other European country, and hundreds more AI companies start up in the UK every year, growing our economy and creating more jobs.

As such, day one of the summit will also host several roundtable discussions dedicated to improving frontier AI safety with key UK based developers such as Open-AI, Anthropic and UK based Deepmind. Delegates will consider how risk thresholds, effective safety assessments, and robust governance and accountability mechanisms can be defined to enable the safe scaling of frontier AI by developers.

Secretary of State for Technology, Michelle Donelan MP said:

AI is already an extraordinary force for good in our society, with limitless opportunity to grow the global economy, deliver better public services and tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.

But the risks posed by frontier AI are serious and substantive and it is critical that we work together, both across sectors and countries to recognise these risks.

This summit provides an opportunity for us to ensure we have the right people with the right expertise gathered around the table to discuss how we can mitigate these risks moving forward. Only then will we be able to truly reap the benefits of this transformative technology in a responsible manner.

Discussions are expected to centre around the risks emerging from rapid advances in AI, before exploring the transformative opportunities the technology has to offer – including in education and areas for international research collaborations.

The Secretary of State will be joined by members of the UK’s Frontier AI Taskforce – including its Chair, Ian Hogarth – which was launched earlier this year to evaluate the risks of frontier AI models, and by representatives from nations at the cutting-edge of AI development.

They will also look at what national policymakers, the international community, and scientists and researchers can do to manage the risks and harness the opportunities of AI to deliver economic and social benefits around the world.

Day one will conclude with a panel discussion on the transformative opportunities of AI for public good now and in the long-term, with a focus on how it can be used by teachers and students to revolutionise education.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan will also take to the podium to deliver closing remarks to delegates, before the curtain falls on what is hoped will be an historic first day of the first ever global AI Safety Summit.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK unites with global partners to accelerate development using AI [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

UK unites with global partners to accelerate development in world’s poorest countries using artificial intelligence (AI).
- UK and partners to fund safe and responsible AI projects for development around the world, beginning in Africa, with £80 million collaboration announced at AI Safety Summit
- funding will support home-grown AI expertise and computing power in Africa and help the continent’s AI innovators boost growth and support the continent’s long-term development
- the UK AI for Development Programme will contribute £38 million to the collaboration which shows UK investing in partnerships which are using cutting-edge technology to solve global challenges. A new global partnership to use AI to solve some of the developing world’s most pressing challenges will be unveiled in the UK today at the AI Safety Summit
Along with Canada, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the USA and partners in Africa, the UK is helping to fund a £80 million ($100 million) boost in AI programming to combat inequality and boost prosperity on the continent.

The goals of the UK government’s AI for Development programme include:
- unlocking the benefits of AI to the 700 million people who speak 46 African languages
- making 5 or more African countries globally influential in the worldwide conversation on AI including in using AI to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
- creating or scaling up at least 8 responsible AI research labs at African universities
- helping at least 10 countries create sound regulatory frameworks for responsible, equitable and safe AI
- help bring down the barriers to entry for African AI innovators with the private sector
The initiative will initially focus on sub-Saharan Africa ensuring that this ground-breaking technology will be accessible to all.

AI could have a transformative impact on a range of challenges, including speeding up drug discovery, helping people who are deaf or blind to access education, and improving access to clean energy.

Over the next 5 years, the UK’s collaboration with global partners will:
- fund post-graduate training and fellowships in AI in African universities
- invest in innovators building models with data that accurately represents the African continent, using home-grown skills and computing power
- foster responsible AI governance to help African countries mitigate the risks of AI and adapt their economies to technological change
- help sub-Sahara African countries have a bigger voice in influencing how AI is used to further the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, a series of targets to make the world a healthier, fairer and more prosperous place by 2030
This collaboration is part of a wider UK commitment to harness the opportunities of AI and ensure its use as a force for good, as the UK hosts the first ever AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park this week.

James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Secretary, said:

The transformative power of AI should have a global benefit. AI can change lives for the better around the world, including helping to develop new treatments for diseases and to tackle food insecurity.

The AI for Development programme, alongside the AI Safety Summit hosted in Britain this week, are a testament to how we and our partners will use cutting-edge technology to create a more equitable and prosperous future.

Eliud Owallo, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information Communications and Digital Economy said:

Through this broad coalition of partners, AI potential benefits will open opportunities and the risks preparedness broadened. This partnership will benefit all countries and ensure that developing countries are not left behind in the AI revolution.

Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation said:

Africa has historically lagged behind in previous technological revolutions due to a lack of local production and value addition capacity. Rwanda is fully committed to harnessing the transformative power of AI to drive our nation’s and continent’s social and economic development agenda by becoming the proof of concept hub that Africans produce from, for the continent.

This collaborative initiative is of paramount importance as it empowers African countries to become producers, not just consumers, in the AI revolution, ensuring that we are at the forefront of shaping our own future and driving sustainable progress across the continent.

Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said:

From accelerating medical breakthroughs and expanding access to health care to boosting learning outcomes and increasing agricultural production, AI has the potential to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

But impact is only possible if the benefits of the technology are relevant, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The commitments announced today underscore the importance of supporting locally-led innovation to ensure AI can be used by communities around the world as a powerful and equitable tool for good.

François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Science, Innovation and Industry, said:

International collaboration is essential to ensure AI is used safely and responsibly around the world. Our government makes a point of working with like-minded partners and innovators to harness the potential of AI for sustainable economic development, aligned with global efforts to develop and use AI safely and responsibly.

Christopher Burns, USAID Chief Digital Development Officer and Director for Technology, said:

As development practitioners and donors, we have a moral obligation to ensure AI is designed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner to the benefit of all, particularly underserved communities. USAID looks forward to working alongside our partners to advance this vision.

James Manyika, Senior Vice President, Research, Technology & Society, Google said:

Getting AI right – that is, harnessing its potential to benefit society while addressing the complexities and risks – requires approaching it in a way that involves and benefits everyone. That means mobilising regional expertise, expanding infrastructure, supporting nonprofit innovators using AI, and making sure individuals can develop needed skills. Google has been supporting innovation and growth in Africa since 2005 when we made a big bet on the Seacom Cable, and we look forward to working with this consortium, the African Union, and other key stakeholders across the continent to unlock the promise of AI for all.

Justin Spelhaug, Vice-President, Tech for Social Impact, Microsoft said:

We at Microsoft are proud to partner with the UK government and other international development organisations in the launch of the joint AI for Development initiative. This initiative aligns with our own vision for digital development and our commitment to using technology to drive social impact. We look forward to being an active partner in this collaboration and to working with African countries to realise the opportunities of AI for development and social impact. By leveraging our Digital Development Program and working together, we can coordinate our efforts for maximum impact on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria said:

Artificial Intelligence offers an unprecedented opportunity to appropriate knowledge more quickly and seamlessly in addressing some of our pressing socio-economic challenges. Our duty as policymakers is to ensure that our nation can participate and mainstream value creation from AI.

As we embark on this journey to accelerating our investment in the use of AI for good, it is essential to collaborate with long-standing allies to deepen our capacity and knowledge.

In supporting all aspects of AI ecosystems in Africa, the programme will include investment in post-graduate AI research skills and inclusive and locally focused datasets in Nigeria, and it will support innovation and scaling in Kenya to accelerate impact on the Sustainable Development Goals.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Boost to ASEAN-UK cooperation with first UK visit by Secretary General of ASEAN [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

Secretary General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) His Excellency Dr Kao Kim Hourn is visiting the UK to further the ASEAN-UK Partnership.
- The Secretary General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will meet senior leaders from Government, business, and academia to advance ASEAN-UK Cooperation
- Discussions will focus on priority areas outlined in ASEAN strategies including in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and reflected in the 2022-2026 ASEAN-UK Plan of Action.
The Secretary General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn begins a three day visit to the UK today (1 November), during which he will discuss the breadth of the ASEAN-UK relationship with Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and four other UK Ministers. It will mark the first time the Secretary General has visited any European country in his role.

With Indo-Pacific Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary General will discuss the UK and ASEAN’s shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the UK’s bids to join regional security and defence organisations. The Minister and Secretary General will join a maritime roundtable to discuss a new UK-ASEAN Maritime Programme to boost regional resilience in responding to maritime challenges.

ASEAN-UK cooperation on science, technology and health will also be celebrated at a reception hosted by Minister for Health and Secondary Care Will Quince and Minister for Science, Research and Innovation George Freeman.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said:

The UK’s relationship with ASEAN is central to our long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. As an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, we are growing our trading links – worth over £46bn a year – and deepening cooperation on areas like cyber security and resilience. I was delighted to further this work with Deputy Secretary-General Michael Tene in Jakarta in September, and today with Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn in London.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

Our Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN provides boundless opportunities to collaborate with our friends in Southeast Asia.

Through the ASEAN–UK Plan of Action we are developing programmes of cooperation to advance a wide range of shared goals, from economic reform and financial sector development to maritime sustainability and adapting to climate change. We look forward to further deepening our friendship over the many years to come.

The Secretary General will also meet UK Government International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith and British Council CEO Scott McDonald to discuss the UK’s International Education Strategy and creative economies, and support for advancing girls’ education in the region. During the visit, the UK will announce 10 new UK-ASEAN Scholarships for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and an ASEAN Chevening Programme to be launched in 2024.

Infrastructure, trade and supply chain resilience will also be an important focus of the visit. The Secretary General will meet Minister of State for International Trade Nigel Huddleston to discuss UK-ASEAN trade including cooperation on digitalisation and financial services. He will also visit Battersea Power Station and the London Stock Exchange and discuss opportunities for strengthening UK-ASEAN collaboration with senior leaders in business, including the UK-ASEAN Business Council, think tanks and academia.

The visit follows the Foreign Secretary’s travel to the ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta in July, where he met ASEAN Leaders including the Secretary General, and the Minister of State for International Trade’s attendance at the Third ASEAN Economic Ministers-UK Consultation in August.

The UK became an ASEAN Dialogue Partner in 2021, in recognition of the bloc’s central role promoting co-operation and shaping the wider Indo-Pacific regional order.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Technology Secretary announces investment boost making British AI supercomputing 30 times more powerful [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 November 2023.

British supercomputing to be boosted 30-fold with a new Cambridge computer and Bristol site.
British supercomputing to be boosted 30-fold with a new Cambridge computer and Bristol site

the 2 computers will form the government’s ‘AI Research Resource’, which helps researchers discover how to make the most advanced models of AI safe and drive other breakthroughs

this comes as the UK opens its AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, to consider the risks of AI and discuss their mitigation through international action

The government’s Frontier AI Taskforce and leading British researchers will be equipped with cutting edge supercomputers to analyse the safety of advanced AI models, thanks to new investment in the ‘AI Research Resource’.

The tool will build and connect 2 new supercomputers across the UK, giving researchers access to resources with more than 30-times the capacity of the UK’s current largest public AI computing tools. They will be able to use the machines, which will be running from summer 2024, to analyse advanced AI models to test safety features and drive breakthroughs in drug discovery and clean energy.

The investment into the AI Research Resource has been tripled to £300 million, up from £100 million announced in March 2023, in a bid to further boost UK AI capabilities.

This will bolster Isambard-AI, which will be Britain’s most advanced computer. Based at the University of Bristol, it is set to be 10 times faster than the UK’s current quickest machine, thanks to 5,000 advanced AI chips from Nvidia in a supercomputer built by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

The investment will also connect Isambard-AI to a newly announced Cambridge supercomputer called ‘Dawn’. This computer – delivered through a partnership with Dell and UK SME StackHPC – will be powered by over 1000 Intel chips that use water-cooling to reduce power consumption. It is set to be running in the next 2 months and target breakthroughs in fusion energy, healthcare and climate modelling.

Chaired by Ian Hogarth, the Frontier AI Taskforce will have priority access to the connected computing tools to support its work to mitigate the risks posed by the most advanced forms of AI, including national security from the development of bioweapons and cyberattacks. The resource will also support the work of the AI Safety Institute, as it develops a programme of research looking at the safety of frontier AI models and supports government policy with this analysis.

Announcing this investment at the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

Frontier AI models are becoming exponentially more powerful. At our AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park, we have made it clear that Britain is grasping the opportunity to lead the world in adopting this technology safely so we can put it to work and lead healthier, easier and longer lives.

This means giving Britain’s leading researchers and scientific talent access to the tools they need to delve into how this complicated technology works. That is why we are investing in building UK’s supercomputers, making sure we cement our place as a world-leader in AI safety.

Bristol’s Isambard-AI computer, first announced in September, will be backed by a £225 million investment.

The supercomputer, 10 times faster than the UK’s current fastest machine, will deliver over 200 ‘petaflops’, meaning it can make 200,000,000,000,000,000 calculations (that’s 200 quadrillion) every second. By comparison, the newest smartphones today deliver only trillions of calculations per second, and a human would have to make a decision every second for 6.3 billion years to match what this computer can calculate in one second.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : International Day to End Impunity Crimes against Journalists in Somalia [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

The UK announces support to the BBC Media Action project, to amplify Somali women’s voices, build community resilience, and promote female participation.

On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the British Embassy in Mogadishu has announced more than $1 million dollars of conflict security and stability funding to a BBC Media Action project. This is meant to amplify women’s voices to raise awareness on the impact of climate change, conflict and support efforts towards peacebuilding, and promoting gender equality.

BBC Media Action will work with local media partners in each Federal Member State and Somaliland to develop capability for female journalists to promote community-led action on issues affecting women, with a focus on the active participation of women.

This grant is testament to the UK’s longstanding role as champion of media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information in Somalia. Media freedom is the cornerstone of democracy and a crucial component of a more stable, secure and prosperous Somalia.

British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said:

The UK believes a free, fair and independent media speaking truth to power is essential to democracy. Within this, the voice of women is critically important. This BBC Media Action project will empower cohorts of female journalists throughout Somalia to report on the issues that matter most – including on climate change, conflict and peacebuilding, and gender equality.

Open access to information is vital. Informed citizens make better informed decisions, and this leads to a more open society and resilient communities. I therefore see this as a step in the pathway towards a more stable, secure and prosperous Somalia. In the words of His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh, a “Somalia at peace with itself and the world”.

BBC Media Action Chief Executive Officer, Simon Bishop, said:

Access to trusted, impartial information is critical wherever you are in the world, as an essential cornerstone of democracy and prosperity. This vital support will help to strengthen local media, which face tremendous financial pressures, while ensuring women’s voices remain at the heart of respectful discussion, debate and decision-making around the issues that matter most in their everyday lives.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Countries agree to safe and responsible development of frontier AI in landmark Bletchley Declaration [October 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 November 2023.

Leading AI nations have reached a world-first agreement at Bletchley Park establishing a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by frontier AI.
- For the first time, 28 countries convened by the UK and including the US, EU and China agree opportunities, risks and need for international action on frontier AI – systems where we face the most urgent and dangerous risks
- driving forward key summit objectives on understanding of the risks and establishing further global collaboration, crucial talks are underway at Bletchley Park with the Technology Secretary opening the 2-day Summit
- consensus on need for sustained international co-operation sees next summit hosts confirmed
Leading AI nations, convened for the first time by the UK and including the United States and China, along with the European Union, have today (Wednesday 1 November 2023) reached a world-first agreement at Bletchley Park establishing a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by frontier AI and the need for governments to work together to meet the most significant challenges.

The Bletchley Declaration on AI safety sees 28 countries from across the globe including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as the EU, agreeing to the urgent need to understand and collectively manage potential risks through a new joint global effort to ensure AI is developed and deployed in a safe, responsible way for the benefit of the global community.

Countries endorsing the Declaration include Brazil, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

The Declaration fulfils key summit objectives in establishing shared agreement and responsibility on the risks, opportunities and a forward process for international collaboration on frontier AI safety and research, particularly through greater scientific collaboration. Talks today, with leading frontier AI companies and experts from academia and civil society, will see further discussions on understanding frontier AI risks and improving frontier AI safety.

Countries agreed substantial risks may arise from potential intentional misuse or unintended issues of control of frontier AI, with particular concern caused by cybersecurity, biotechnology and disinformation risks. The Declaration sets out agreement that there is “potential for serious, even catastrophic, harm, either deliberate or unintentional, stemming from the most significant capabilities of these AI models.” Countries also noted the risks beyond frontier AI, including bias and privacy.

Recognising the need to deepen the understanding of risks and capabilities that are not fully understood, attendees have also agreed to work together to support a network of scientific research on Frontier AI safety. This builds on the UK Prime Minister’s announcement last week for the UK to establish the world’s first AI Safety Institute and complementing existing international efforts including at the G7, OECD, Council of Europe, United Nations and the Global Partnership on AI. This will ensure the best available scientific research can be used to create an evidence base for managing the risks whilst unlocking the benefits of the technology, including through the UK’s AI Safety Institute which will look at the range of risks posed by AI.

The Declaration details that the risks are “best addressed through international cooperation”. As part of agreeing a forward process for international collaboration on frontier AI safety, The Republic of Korea has agreed to co-host a mini virtual summit on AI in the next 6 months. France will then host the next in-person Summit in a year from now. Further details on these events will be confirmed in due course.

This ensures an enduring legacy from the Summit and continued international action to tackle AI risks, including informing national and international risk-based policies across these countries.

The Declaration, building upon last week’s announcement of the UK’s emerging processes for AI safety, also acknowledges that those developing these unusually powerful and potentially dangerous frontier AI capabilities, have a particular responsibility for ensuring the safety of these systems, including by implementing systems to test them and other appropriate measures.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

This is a landmark achievement that sees the world’s greatest AI powers agree on the urgency behind understanding the risks of AI – helping ensure the long-term future of our children and grandchildren.

Under the UK’s leadership, more than 25 countries at the AI Safety Summit have stated a shared responsibility to address AI risks and take forward vital international collaboration on frontier AI safety and research.

The UK is once again leading the world at the forefront of this new technological frontier by kickstarting this conversation, which will see us work together to make AI safe and realise all its benefits for generations to come.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, said:

Today’s agreement signed by attendees from across the globe, offers an important first step as we begin 2 days of vitally important discussions here at Bletchley Park.

We have always said that no single country can face down the challenges and risks posed by AI alone, and today’s landmark Declaration marks the start of a new global effort to build public trust by ensuring the technology’s safe development.

Bletchley Park marks the start of a long road ahead, and the Summit will kickstart an enduring process to ensure every nation and every citizen can realise the boundless benefits of AI.

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

AI knows no borders, and its impact on the world will only deepen.

The UK is proud to have kickstarted the global discussion at Bletchley Park on how we ensure the transformational power of AI is used as a force for good by and for all of us.

A spokesperson for the French Presidency said:

The French authorities welcome the international and cooperative work cycle launched by the AI Safety Summit to analyse, understand and respond to the risks that certain Frontier AI models could cause. France is ready to participate in this long-term collective effort and will be happy to host the next in person Summit.

A spokesperson for the Republic of Korea Government said:

Minister Lee is delighted that Korea will be the co-hosts of the mini virtual summit. Korea is a world leader in technologies like AI and recognises the importance of multilateral cooperation to ensure AI technologies are designed, used and governed in safe ways.

To mark the opening of the Summit, His Majesty The King delivered a virtual address, via video to the AI Safety Summit this morning as proceedings got underway. His Majesty pointed to AI being one of the ‘greatest technological leaps in the history of human endeavour’ and hailed the technology’s enormous potential to transform the lives of citizens across the world through better treatments for conditions like cancer and heart disease. The King also spoke of the ‘clear imperative to ensure that this rapidly evolving technology remains safe and secure’ and the need for ‘international coordination and collaboration’. The King’s address signed-off with thanks for the vital role attendees will play over the next two days, laying the foundations for a ‘lasting consensus’ on AI safety to cement its place as a force for good.
November 4, 2023