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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : £20 million for North Quay regeneration (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £20 million for North Quay regeneration (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 October 2023.

    £20 million has been awarded to Great Yarmouth Borough Council for the North Quay redevelopment. This will transform the area around the town’s railway station and waterfront.

    Great Yarmouth North Quay Development

    North Quay is a new development in the heart of Great Yarmouth, close to Great Yarmouth Rail Station and Market Place. Underutilised land will be reimagined to create a new area for retail, leisure and housing. Levelling Up funding will support phase 1 of the development and unlock the area. The significant development will provide a key link between the station and the town centre.

    Find out more about the North Quay regeneration project.

    Regenerating the area around Great Yarmouth Station

    Funding will also support regeneration around Great Yarmouth Station. This will include:

    • improved cycling and walking paths
    • improvements to the outdoor space next to the station
  • PRESS RELEASE : New global surveillance aircraft begins UK trials [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New global surveillance aircraft begins UK trials [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 23 October 2023.

    A new uncrewed RAF aircraft, capable of global surveillance operations, will begin trials in the UK this week.

    • The first of 16 Protector aircraft arrive at RAF Waddington for test flights
    • Boosts RAF technology with unparalleled surveillance and strike capability
    • Aircraft will undergo test flights until entering service in late 2024

    The first of 16 remotely piloted Protector aircraft has arrived at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to commence a series of rigorous trials and tests before entering the RAF fleet.

    Equipped with a suite of surveillance equipment, the Protector aircraft will bring a critical global surveillance capability for the UK, all while being remotely piloted from RAF Waddington.

    It will be able to undertake a wide range of tasking including land and maritime surveillance to track threats, counter terrorism and support to UK civil authorities, such as assisting HM Coastguard with search and rescue missions.

    With a wingspan of 79 feet, the uncrewed aircraft can operate at heights up to 40,000 feet and has an endurance of more than 30 hours, enabling unparalleled surveillance and strike capability.

    The aircraft has been assembled by a newly reformed 31 Squadron who are preparing it for ground and air testing ahead of its anticipated in-service date later next year. 31 Sqn, which previously operated the Tornado GR4, will operate and maintain the aircraft at RAF Waddington. The squadron has a long history stretching back to 1915 and have operated multiple aircraft types in the last century. They are exclusively a Protector Sqn now and have been reformed to operate Protector as it enters Service.

    Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartlidge MP said:

    “The UK’s world-class Protector aircraft will emphasise our ultra-modern surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike capabilities, ensuring we are ready to monitor and protect against potential adversaries around the globe.

    “With the first aircraft at RAF Waddington ready to begin trials, we will once again demonstrate how we are spearheading military defence technology.”

    The first phase of tests, beginning this week, will involve ground testing of the satellite links and taxi procedures, as well as take-off and landing trials. This will also incorporate a circuit above RAF Waddington.

    In addition to accepting the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles currently undertaken by Reaper, which has provided exceptional service on operations around the clock for more than 15 years, Protector will be certified to stringent NATO safety and certification standards allowing it to operate in the UK and European civilian airspace.

    Senior Responsible Owner, Protector Programme Air Commodore Alex Hicks, said:

    “The arrival of the UK’s first Protector to the Royal Air Force is the culmination of years of work by many personnel across the whole of the MOD. The ISR Capability Team will be working with 56 Sqn, our test and evaluation experts, who will put the aircraft through its paces to ensure it is ready for operational service next year, whilst the newly reformed 31 Sqn will focus on preparing to operate the aircraft in service. This is an important milestone for the Programme, Air Force and wider defence and I am delighted to see Protector at RAF Waddington.”

    Head of Remotely Piloted Air System DE&S, Simon Holford said:

    “The arrival of the first Protector system in the UK is a major milestone for the project.  It reflects all of the hard work that everyone involved has put in to reach this stage, and we are immensely proud of our achievements.  However, we can’t rest on our laurels as there is much more to do. Now assembled, this aircraft will be used to perform initial UK flight trials ahead of progressively delivering the capability to the RAF next year.”

    Arrival of 15 further aircraft from General Atomics in the US into the UK will be a phased delivery over the coming years. All aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Colchester boosted with £19.6 million (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Colchester boosted with £19.6 million (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 October 2023.

    Almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund will support a variety of improvements in Colchester City Centre.

    St Botolph’s Circus scheme

    Residents of Colchester will benefit from a spectacular redevelopment that will transform St Botolph’s Circus. As a vital gateway into Colchester’s rich historic city centre, the project promises to revolutionise connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to seamlessly coexist. By reclaiming road space, the project will create clean air public spaces where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy new flourishing businesses and pop-up retail experiences.

    The improvements will:

    • promote walking and cycling journeys
    • improve safety and reduce crime in the area
    • reclaim road space at the roundabout
    • create potential for pop-up retail opportunities
    • improve air quality

    Other improvements in St Botolph’s include:

    • a vibrant new plaza and green spaces
    • new step free access to Colchester Station
    • a new heritage walking route from St Botolph’s Priory to Colchester Castle and Castle Park to encourage visitors to delve into the city’s rich history and awe-inspiring past
    • improved pedestrian and cycle crossings
    • a dedicated new bike hub at Britannia Yard / Vineyard Street
    • better links to the Britannia car park redevelopment

    Regeneration of the area will benefit pedestrians, cyclists and car users. It will improve a key gateway to the city.

    Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said:

    The improvements to St Botolph’s Circus will bring immense benefits to both current and future residents.

    With a focus on managing traffic flow, promoting walking and cycling, enhancing air quality, and creating new green spaces, this project will truly open up our city and cater to the ever-evolving needs of our vibrant communities and businesses.

    We are thrilled to be working hand in hand with our residents, businesses, and partners – especially Essex County Council – who have played an instrumental role in shaping our plans. Yet closer to the finish line of a great project.”

    Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, added:

    As Team Colchester, our two councils have united to craft a sustainable and forward-thinking vision for St Botolph’s. It brings me immense joy to witness the remarkable collaboration that has gone into this extraordinary project. With Colchester’s rich history as Britain’s first Roman capital 2,000 years ago, we are proud to be a part of shaping its future, ensuring that our generation leaves an indelible mark on this historic quarter.

    A bright future for Colchester

    Funding will also be used to complete the Kerbless Street route on Short Wyre Street, create commercial units for creative and digital industries and the Shopfront Improvement Grants scheme.

    These projects will complement other funding in the area provided as part of the Colchester Town Deal and Colchester City Status

    Find out more about the regeneration of Colchester

  • PRESS RELEASE : £24 million to boost King’s Lynn transport infrastructure (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £24 million to boost King’s Lynn transport infrastructure (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 October 2023.

    £24 million from the Levelling Up Fund was provisionally allocated to Norfolk County Council. The funding will modernise local road systems and enhance public spaces by reducing traffic congestion.

    STARS Southgates

    The funding will support the ‘King’s Lynn Sustainable Transport and Regeneration Scheme (STARS)’ project. Improvements to the road system will enable easier entrance and smoother movement around King’s Lynn.

    Plans include:

    • converting Southgates roundabout into an intersection
    • new cycle and pedestrian pathways
    • bus priority measures

    The transformation of the current one-way system will

    • reduce congestion in the area, specifically on Railway Road
    • reconnect the sections of Norfolk Street
    • enhance public spaces and views for local residents

    The planned improvements will help to preserve the area’s natural greenery, creating new scenic views of the South Gate and bridge.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Action plan to tackle shoplifting launched [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Action plan to tackle shoplifting launched [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 23 October 2023.

    The government brought together retailers and policing to set out measures to tackle the rise in shoplifting, catch more offenders and keep retail workers safe.

    Policing Minister Chris Philp chaired a meeting with senior police leaders and 13 of the UK’s biggest retailers today to launch the Retail Crime Action Plan.

    Commissioned by the minister and published today, the plan includes a police commitment to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shoplifting instances involving violence against a shop worker, where security guards have detained an offender or where attendance is needed to secure evidence. Police attendance will be assessed based on risk, and prolific or juvenile offenders will be treated with elevated priority.

    Police have also reaffirmed their pledge to follow up on any evidence that could reasonably lead to catching a perpetrator. Forces will step up targeted hotspot patrols in badly affected areas.

    The plan sets out advice for retailers on how to provide the best possible evidence for police to pursue in any case. They should send CCTV footage of the whole incident, and an image of the shoplifter from the digital evidence management system, as quickly as possible after an offence has been committed.

    Where CCTV or other digital images are secured, police will run this through the Police National Database using facial recognition technology to further aid efforts to identify and prosecute offenders – particularly prolific or potentially dangerous individuals.

    A specialist new police team is also being created to build a comprehensive intelligence picture of the organised crime gangs that fuel many shoplifting incidents across the country, to help target and dismantle them.

    The initiative, called Pegasus, is a business and policing partnership that will radically improve the way retailers are able to share intelligence with policing, to better understand the tactics used by organised retail crime gangs and identify more offenders. This will include development of a new information sharing platform and training for retailers.

    Spearheaded by Katy Bourne, the Business Crime lead for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), Pegasus is the first national partnership of its kind. It is backed by the Home Office, John Lewis, the Co-op, M&S, Boots, Primark and several more, who have collectively pledged to provide over £840,000 to get the initiative off the ground.

    Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp said:

    I want a new zero-tolerance approach to tackling shoplifting. It is a blight on our highstreets and communities and puts the livelihoods of traders at risk. I am determined to drive forward change.

    While it is encouraging to see a 29% increase in charges for shoplifting in the past year, the rise in offending is unacceptable and there is much more to do to stop it happening in the first place.

    That’s why we’re taking action and bringing together government, policing and business to commit to smarter, more joined up working when it comes to retail crime, which will help to drive down criminal behaviour and rebuild public confidence in the police response when it does occur.

    The majority of funding for Pegasus will go towards the creation of a dedicated team of specialist analysts and intelligence officers to work within OPAL, the national policing team that oversees intelligence on serious organised acquisitive crime. OPAL is run by Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Taylor and overseen by North Wales Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman. Recruitment has already started, and the team will be operational later this month, delivering outcomes across the country by the New Year.

    Pegasus will deliver a new digital interface to streamline information sharing between retailers and the police and also provide training for retailers on appropriate information and intelligence to share with policing.

    Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Acquisitive Crime, said:

    Dealing with retail crime requires a multi-faceted approach and through the launch of Pegasus, plus the Retail Crime Action Plan, we have bolstered the policing response to tackling offenders and supporting retailers in reducing shoplifting and attacks on retail staff.

    We welcome the collaboration between retailers, police and crime commissioners and policing through Project Pegasus which centralises intelligence and enhances our ability to identify and tackle the groups involved.

    We continue to target those prolific and habitual offenders whose behaviour causes misery and takes profit from our communities and retailers. Local police forces assess each report through a threat, harm and risk model to determine their police response and will deploy resources where they can be most effective in catching offenders and keeping people safe.

    Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs and Board Secretariat Director of the Co-op, said:

    The Co-op has long called for greater police prioritisation so they tackle the rampant rise in retail crime especially those involving violence or prolific offenders; this is now what happens at present as our colleagues see every day.

    We, therefore, welcome the commitments in the ‘Retail Crime Action Plan’ to attend incidents of violence, incidents where offenders have been detained and ensure all evidence is collected so every reasonable line of enquiry can be followed.

    Alongside Pegasus, which the Co-op is helping to fund, we are hopeful that this will mark the point at which the police will provide the support to protect shopworkers and shops so they can help the communities they serve thrive.

    The Co-op stands ready to work with every police force to ensure our colleagues and the shops they work in can continue to serve their communities.

    Katy Bourne, PCC and APCC National Lead for Business and Retail Crime, said:

    Pegasus will be a game changer in the fight against retail crime providing for the first time an accurate national picture of the organised groups from local families to cross border criminals driving organised shop theft.

    Retailers will agree ways to capture information that can be shared and analysed to create intelligence packages for police forces to target and track perpetrators. I am very grateful to all the contributors to Pegasus and to Mitie in particular for helping to get Pegasus airborne.

    Nicki Juniper, Head of Security for the John Lewis Partnership, said:

    While there’s no silver bullet for tackling retail crime, we welcome this significant step forward. Retail crime is not victimless, it has an impact on Partners, customers and on prices. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with police and others in the sector to keep our Partners and customers safe.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is ready to consider further sanctions against gangs to deliver stability for the Haitian people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is ready to consider further sanctions against gangs to deliver stability for the Haitian people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 October 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

    I thank SRSG Salvador, Executive Director Russell, Executive Director Waly, and Ms. Manigat for their briefings today. UN staff and their local partners continue to do vital work in Haiti in the toughest of circumstances. I also welcome the participation of the representatives of Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

    The UK remains concerned by the deteriorating political and security situation in Haiti that has been set out by our briefers today and its severe impact on the Haitian people and the region. Gangs continue to take over entire neighbourhoods on which they unleash killing, burning, kidnapping and severe restriction of movement.

    The Multinational Security Support mission, which this Council mandated earlier this month, is an important step to help the Haitian National Police address the deteriorating security situation in their country and we pay tribute to Kenya and other countries who are stepping up. But this mission will not alone solve the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.

    President, long-term stability in Haiti cannot be achieved without political progress that allows the Haitian people to choose their next leaders through free, fair and credible elections. We call on all political actors to put aside their differences for the common interest of the Haitian people and agree on a roadmap that commits all parties to working towards a return to long-term stable governance. We commend efforts to broker transparent dialogue in search of a genuine commitment to political progress.

    We continue to hear chilling accounts of the widespread use of sexual violence – including collective rape – by armed gangs as a weapon to instil fear into communities. There are also accounts of the recruitment of vulnerable children into gangs. The UK welcomes the renewal of sanctions targeting those responsible for, and supporting, armed criminal violence in Haiti. We stand ready to consider further sanctions designations against gangs and their influential backers to help deliver a more stable future for the Haitian people.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Extra £20 million in humanitarian aid doubles UK support to Palestinian civilians [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Extra £20 million in humanitarian aid doubles UK support to Palestinian civilians [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 October 2023.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a new aid package to provide food, water, healthcare, and shelter for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis.

    • Prime Minister announces new aid package to provide food, water, healthcare, and shelter for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis
    • in a statement in the House he reiterated the UK’s commitment to Israel’s defence and called for “a constant stream of aid going in to Gaza”
    • new pledge makes UK one of the biggest humanitarian donors to the crisis and follows Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary’s diplomatic efforts to open the Rafah crossing

    The UK will provide a further £20 million of humanitarian aid for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), the Prime Minister announced today (Monday 23 October).

    This latest funding is in addition to the £10 million of aid announced by the Prime Minister last week and brings to £30 million the total donated by the UK to the OPTs since Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year (£27 million).

    The Prime Minister made the announcement in a statement to the House of Commons, in which he also set out the UK’s intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent regional escalation, back Israel’s security and support long-term solutions to the crisis in the Middle East.

    The additional funding means the UK continues to be at the forefront of the global effort to help Palestinian people access the vital lifesaving support they need. The funding will allow trusted partners, including key UN agencies and the Red Cross, to provide essential relief items and services. The aid will respond to critical food, water, healthcare, shelter and protection needs for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis.

    Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    I recognise that the Palestinian people are suffering terribly. Too many lives have already been lost, and the humanitarian crisis is growing.

    We welcome the limited opening of the Rafah crossing – it is important progress, and testament to the power of diplomacy. But it is not enough.

    We need a constant stream of aid pouring in, bringing the water, food, medicine and fuel that is so desperately needed.

    We are providing an additional £20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza – more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people.

    The opening of the Rafah crossing allowing aid to enter Gaza came after a series of diplomatic engagements in the Middle East by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly last week.

    The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    The UK remains wholeheartedly committed to supporting civilians trapped in Gaza.

    Humanitarian access must be allowed so civilians can receive vital, lifesaving support, including food, water and shelter, as quickly and effectively as possible.

    The UK is committed to easing the desperate – and deteriorating – humanitarian situation in Gaza, while standing alongside the people of Israel against the terrorist group Hamas. We continue to call for immediate, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access for lifesaving aid to reach Gazans including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, and for all parties to take steps to protect civilians and uphold international law.

    The UK will consider further support depending on the changing humanitarian needs on the ground. This goes beyond funding alone and must include diplomatic efforts. The Prime Minister raised humanitarian support his meetings with the leaders of Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Palestinian Authority last week; and during the Foreign Secretary’s recent visit, he spoke to counterparts in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar to work with them to push for agreement on ongoing humanitarian access to Gaza.

    The UK is also working with the Government of Egypt to advocate for the Rafah crossing to be opened for foreign nationals, including British nationals and staff members of the British Consulate and their families, to leave Gaza.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visits US for urgent talks in support of global stability amid Gaza-Israel crisis [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visits US for urgent talks in support of global stability amid Gaza-Israel crisis [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 October 2023.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visited Washington D.C. to hold urgent talks with his counterpart and members of Congress in support of global stability.

    • UK has sent military assets to the eastern Mediterranean to prevent escalation and provide humanitarian support
    • Visit comes less than a week after UK and US defence secretaries met at NATO HQ in Brussels
    • As the Prime Minister visits Israel, UK is clear that the situation in the Middle East will not distract the world from Ukraine

    Following Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel and Ukraine’s continued defence against Putin’s illegal invasion, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visited Washington D.C. for the first time in his role to hold urgent talks with his counterpart and members of Congress, in support of global stability.

    The UK and US stand firm in our shared commitment to uphold international law and protect civilian lives wherever freedom is challenged. That commitment has been clear in the last week as our two countries have led the response to prevent escalation in the Middle East, and support Israel’s right to defend itself – taking all steps possible to minimise civilian casualties.

    Prior to the trip, Grant Shapps held calls with his Israeli counterpart, Minister Gallant, to set out the UK’s support to Israel and to urge the importance of a proportional response to the situation.

    The Secretary of State has also been speaking with his opposite numbers in Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt to coordinate the response and prevent escalations.

    The Defence Secretary’s visit came as the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary travelled across the Middle East to discuss the importance of avoiding escalation and a growing humanitarian crisis.

    The Prime Minister ordered the deployment of surveillance aircraft and RFA ships to the Eastern Mediterranean to support regional stability and announced the UK will provide a further £10 million in humanitarian aid funding for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    The UK and US are determinedly standing up to aggressors and terrorists and supporting our friends and partners in the fight for freedom and security.

    Our nations were the first to provide Ukraine with the sustained support they need to beat Russia, and now we’re working alongside regional partners to prevent escalation and protect civilians in the Middle East.

    At such a crucial time for global stability, the urgent talks I have held with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, US Members of Congress and my counterparts in the Middle East underline the UK’s enduring commitment to peace and prosperity.

    On Wednesday, Defence Secretary Shapps met US Secretary for Defense Lloyd Austin to discuss the UK and US’s continued support for global security and prosperity, including the Middle East, Ukraine and AUKUS. These topics were also discussed with Congress representatives Adam Smith and Mike Rogers, as well as senators Roger Wicker and Jack Reed, during Shapps’ meetings on Capitol Hill which sought to strengthen the deep defence political and political ties with Congress.

    The Defence Secretary also visited the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) headquarters in Virginia. The NGA delivers geospatial intelligence for the military service and intelligence professionals, as well as emergency services and has cooperated closely and provided support to the UK for more than half a decade.

    Speaking during engagements in the US, the Defence Secretary made clear the crisis in the Middle East will not distract the UK or our allies and partners from our unwavering resolve to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to repel Russia’s barbaric invasion. The joint efforts of the international community, led by the UK and US, have ensured Putin continues to fail in his goal of conquering Ukraine.

    The Defence Secretary also paid his respects to all those sacrificing their lives for Ukraine’s freedom at Holodomor memorial where he laid a wreath in their honour, and the memory of the millions killed by the famine 90 years ago.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Royal Engineers lead training effort to help Ukraine defend its critical national infrastructure [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Royal Engineers lead training effort to help Ukraine defend its critical national infrastructure [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 October 2023.

    Ukrainian civilian engineers have received training in the UK to learn techniques to protect critical infrastructure from Russian drone and missile attacks.

    British Army Royal Engineer specialists have delivered a new programme of training to help Ukraine strengthen its ability to protect its critical national infrastructure (CNI) from Russian attacks and save civilian lives this winter.

    Damage and destruction of CNI by Russian missile and drone attacks represents one of the greatest threats to the lives and safety of Ukrainian civilians following Putin’s illegal invasion.

    The training will improve Ukraine’s ability to plan the defence of its CNI from such attacks, with trainees instructed how to identify the most vulnerable elements of CNI, potential blast ranges and impacts of different weapons and explosives, and where best to locate physical and aerial barriers to help protect these sites from Russian attacks.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    It is essential that Ukraine receives the support it urgently needs throughout the winter, as its civilian population faces mortal danger on a daily basis from Putin’s forces and their indiscriminate campaign of bombardment against its critical infrastructure.

    The Ukrainian people have demonstrated unwavering resilience in the face of this illegal invasion and this tailored package of training will help save lives during the bitterly cold winter months, where access to reliable energy is of vital importance.

    The two-week training package was developed and delivered following a request from Ukraine to further improve the protection of its energy sector and has already progressed in complexity from earlier courses focused on basic protection measures, such as use of sand bags and entrenchment.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps recently announced a new package of support for Ukraine, procured through the International Fund for Ukraine, to provide £100m in capability to provide maintenance and manoeuvre support – including heavy duty plant vehicles to help shore up Ukraine’s defensive infrastructure. The UK also hosted the Ukraine Recovery Conference this year, where new support was announced including a £45m funding boost for Ukraine’s energy recovery.

    Bringing together Ukrainian professionals from across the energy, water, transport, and academic sectors for the CNI protection training meant they could share knowledge and past experiences which ultimately will increase the resilience of the CNI network.

    Major Michael Suddaby, from 63 Works Group Royal Engineers, said:

    There is no doubt this training will be implemented in Ukraine in the coming weeks and have a real-life impact on the quality of life of its civilians and the ability for Ukraine to resist Russian attacks throughout the winter.

    The Ukrainian participants were extremely motivated and will be able to apply the specialist force protection measures and the infrastructure assessment methods delivered on this course to support their country.

    The Royal Engineers have drawn on specialist reservists, who work within the UK CNI sector and have employed their professional experience and technical knowledge to deliver elements of the training at a UK gasworks, military airstrip, and a port facility.

    This is built upon experience from deployments including to Bangladesh to assess flood damage and Nepal to assess earthquake damage. The course drew on several real-life scenarios to provide Ukrainian participants with opportunities to practice plan development and implementation of practical solutions to provide their CNI facilities with the most efficient protection.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Simpler recycling collections and tougher regulation to reform waste system [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Simpler recycling collections and tougher regulation to reform waste system [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 21 October 2023.

    Reforms to household and business bin collections and a crackdown on unscrupulous waste carriers will boost recycling rates and protect the environment.

    Reforms to household and business bin collections and a crackdown on unscrupulous waste carriers will boost recycling rates and protect the environment, the Government announced today.

    A new, simpler common-sense approach to recycling means people across England will be able to recycle the same materials, whether at home, work or school, putting an end to confusion over what can and can’t be recycled in different parts of the country.

    Weekly collections of food waste will also be introduced for most households across England by 2026 – ending the threat of smelly waste waiting weeks for collection and cutting food waste heading to landfill. This will also stop a trend towards three- or four-weekly bin collections seen in some local authorities across the UK, particularly in Wales.

    The government is proposing new exemptions to make sure that waste collectors will be able to collect dry recyclables together, in the same bin or bag, and collect organic waste together, to reduce the number of bins required.

    As previously confirmed by the Prime Minister, the new plans for simpler recycling will make sure that households will not need an excessive number of bins. The reforms will bring in a more convenient and practical system which prevents councils from being hit with extra complexity, while making sure all local authorities collect the required recyclable waste streams: glass; metal; plastic; paper and card; food waste; and garden waste.

    This means manufacturers can design packaging and know it can be recycled across the nation, ensuring there is more recycled material in the products we buy and allowing the UK recycling industry to grow.

    Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said:

    Simpler recycling will help us all recycle more easily, doing our bit to help save the planet and make the best use of precious resources that we use every day.

    Alongside weekly food waste collections, we are ending the postcode lottery of what you can put in your bin so that wherever you live in the country, you will be able to recycle the same products with confidence.

    Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: 

    Our ambitious plans will help every household, business, school and hospital in the country to recycle more. We have listened to councils and come up with a system that will increase recycling in a way that does not clutter our pavements with numerous bins and smelly food waste collections for weeks, making recycling simpler and more effective.

    This will help us to make the most of our finite and precious resources, while reducing carbon emissions and protecting our precious environment from harmful waste.”

    The plans will help ensure that households benefit from frequent and comprehensive rubbish and recycling collections wherever they live across England, with the new weekly food waste collections and the proposal to include in guidance an expectation that residual rubbish is collected at least fortnightly, helping avoid long waits for smelly waste to be removed. Government will also work with local authorities to assess the collection of residual waste more frequently, especially in urban areas.

    Paul Vanston, Chief Executive of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), said:

    INCPEN’s recent citizens surveys show there is huge public support for the idea of clear, unambiguous recycling instructions on packaging that match-up with what can be put into household recycling bins wherever citizens live across the whole country.

    Today’s announcements move us several steps closer to turbo boosting the country’s packaging recycling rates on metals, paper and card, glass, hard and soft plastics and cartons whilst enabling citizens to be super-confident when applying simpler recycling behaviours at home and at work in future.

    Margaret Bates, Managing Director at On-Pack Recycling Label Ltd (OPRL), said:

    This announcement is a prompt and clear message that will make planning and operations more efficient for local authorities, packaging producers, brands and waste managers.

    Defra has clearly worked hard to clarify the detail of Simpler Recycling as quickly as possible and this statement should be a welcome assurance for local authorities and wider industry.

    Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights and Innovation at WRAP, said:

    We welcome Defra’s announcement on Simpler Recycling and the inclusion of the six key materials and universal food waste collections for England.

    It’s encouraging that more than 2.2 million businesses will now be required to separate their waste for recycling.

    UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said:

    Simplifying recycling in this way will make it far easier for hospitality businesses to recycle even more and ensure we’re being as sustainable as possible.

    Recycling rates across the sector are already strong, with the vast majority of single-use plastics having been eliminated and food waste consistently on its way down and we’re pleased to work with the Government to continually improve the recycling systems for businesses.

    Gavin Graveson, Senior Executive Vice President Northern Europe Zone at Veolia, said:

    Today’s simpler recycling announcement is a welcome step forward to improve the quantity and quality of material that we process.

    We now need to quicken the pace of UK recycling rates by ensuring that packaging is designed to be reused, repaired or recycled.

    The plans will apply to all homes in England, including flats. Similar measures will apply to non-household municipal premises, including businesses, hospitals, schools and universities.

    In addition to these measures, the Government will continue to drive forward efforts to make waste collections simpler across the country by launching a four-week consultation on expanding the definition of non-household municipal premises – so that places of worship, prisons, charity shops and residential hostels could also be covered by the rules.

    These plans will be supported by a major new effort to clamp down on untrustworthy waste operators and ensure that our waste ends up where it’s supposed to be. This includes increasing background checks for firms who move or trade waste, to make it harder for rogue operators to find work and easier for regulators to act against criminals. Plans to overhaul the current system for tracking how waste is handled will also improve the way data is currently collected, strengthening regulators’ abilities to detect waste crime through a new system for digital waste tracking which will record information from the point it is produced to the point it is disposed of – giving them the evidence they need to hold criminals to account.

    Steve Molyneux, Deputy Director of Waste Regulation at the Environment Agency, said:

    Inappropriately managed waste can have a terrible impact on local communities and nature and undermines investment in the UK by responsible businesses. That’s why we are working to stop waste crime, which is estimated to cost the economy in England £1 billion per year.

    Reforming the licensing system for carriers, brokers and dealers and introducing mandatory UK-wide digital waste tracking will support people to do the right thing by disposing of their waste correctly.

    We are determined to keep one step ahead of the criminals – those acting without regard for the harm they cause – to shut them out of the system and move us towards an economy in which there is no space for waste crime.”

    Today’s package builds on wider efforts to increase recycling and reduce waste. New restrictions on single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, expanded and extruded polystyrene food and drinks containers came into force on 1 October in order to reduce plastic pollution and keep streets clean. We are also moving forward with the implementation of our Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers and our Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for packaging to boost recycling and clamp down on plastic pollution and litter.

    We have already introduced a ban on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products, restrictions on the supply of single-use plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds, and our world-leading Plastic Packaging Tax last year.

    Meanwhile, our single-use plastic carrier bag charge has successfully cut sales by over 97% in the main supermarkets.