UKPOL.CO.UK

Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) Transition Day – UK statement [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) Transition Day – UK statement [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    The UK government has issued a statement on its decision to maintain nuclear and missile-related restrictions on Iran beyond JCPoA Transition Day.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

    18 October 2023 marks ‘Transition Day’ under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), when certain restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes are due to lift, including: 84 UN and 112 UK designations on individuals and entities involved in nuclear or ballistic missile activities; and sectoral measures including arms and missile embargoes on Iran.

    In response to Iran’s serious and escalating non-compliance with the JCPoA since 2019, the UK, alongside the EU, is maintaining the autonomous designations and sectoral measures, and has transferred the UN designations into our autonomous sanctions regime. The UK will therefore continue to apply these sanctions on Iran. The UK, France, and Germany (E3) jointly notified the JCPoA Coordinator of this decision on 14 September 2023.

    This step is a proportionate and legitimate response to Iran’s nuclear escalation and is fully compliant with the JCPoA. The extent of Iran’s nuclear advances has no credible civilian justification. The programme poses a grave threat to international peace and security and undermines the global non-proliferation system.

    The UK has also joined other states as part of the Proliferation Security Initiative today in calling Iran out for providing missile and drone technology to its partners and proxies, which endangers international stability and escalates regional tension. We and our partners remain committed to tackling Iran’s missile threat.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is working to close the gap between resolutions and reality – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is working to close the gap between resolutions and reality – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council Arria Meeting on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.

    Thank you Foreign Minister Hasani for organising this important event, which the United Kingdom is grateful to co-organise alongside Albania and the US. Thank you also to President Osmani and all our briefers for their powerful remarks on the horrors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and the need for robust international action.

    In July, at the annual Open Debate on CRSV and as part of the UK Presidency, the Security Council again heard powerful statements from a survivor, a human rights activist and SRSG Pramila Patten on the urgent need for justice to address these crimes.

    The message delivered then by Lord Ahmad, my Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) was clear: the Security Council and the wider international community must do more to close the gap between the strong normative framework on CRSV and the realities on the ground.

    This includes implementing this Council’s resolutions, such as Resolution 2467, which calls for a survivor-centred approach. It includes mainstreaming a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations and it includes using this Council’s sanctions to deter perpetrators.

    The UK is working to close the gap between resolutions and reality. We have partnered with the Mukwege Foundation to produce a new Guidebook on State Obligations for CRSV. We encourage all States to use this tool to understand their commitments and civil society and survivors to use this tool to hold States to account.

    And we are building on last year’s international Conference on Sexual Violence in Conflict in the UK, by hosting a High-Level Meeting of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict in the coming days. Since the conference the Alliance has grown to 25 members and it is vice-chaired by the Governments of Colombia and Ukraine. Together, we will amplify survivor voices, share expertise and strengthen international action.

    Mr President, wherever sexual violence in conflict occurs it is our moral duty to stamp it out. And as Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said, it is not an inevitable consequence of war. We are determined to consign it to the history books.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Critical services to be better protected from satellite data disruptions through new Position, Navigation and Timing framework [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Critical services to be better protected from satellite data disruptions through new Position, Navigation and Timing framework [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 18 October 2023.

    New Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) measures set out, which include a crisis plan in the event current PNT services are unavailable.

    • New framework for Greater Position, Navigation and Timing Resilience to underpin Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and bolster essential services like banking, defence and emergency services
    • everyday activities, like television broadcasting and ensuring accurate financial transactions use Position, Navigation and Timing
    • comes alongside a new report on importance of robust framework to safeguard UK economy

    Sectors relying on Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) satellite information such as emergency services and banks will be given added resilience through a new framework unveiled by Science Minister George Freeman today (Wednesday 18 October).

    New measures set out in the framework include a crisis plan in the event current PNT services are unavailable, as well as the creation of a dedicated government unit to ensure critical services can operate without disruption.

    The government’s policy framework for Greater Position, Navigation, and Timing Resilience will support critical sectors such as finance, defence, transportation, telecommunications, and the emergency services, by ensuring they can safely rely on PNT information to run services without interruption and serve the public.

    Its ten measures and recommendations include setting up a dedicated National PNT Office in government, bolstering back up plans in case of failure of regular navigation systems such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and the further scoping of technologies such as precise clocks and new satellite-based systems to ensure continuous location and timing information.

    A resilient PNT system supports a range of interactions in our daily lives, from ensuring secure banking to uninterrupted television and radio broadcasts, and more widely stock market operations – ensuring the systems run smoothly, even in adverse conditions such as severe space weather events, which could disrupt PNT provided by Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

    The framework also supports the PNT ambitions as set out in the National Quantum Strategy, published earlier this year.

    Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman MP, said:

    Position, Navigation and Timing is vital to so many of the public services we rely on daily – from the emergency services to transport, satellites and telecommunications.

    Enhancing our PNT resilience and long-term capabilities is key to both Critical National Infrastructure, our economic security and resilience and strategic high growth sectors like space, future telecoms, quantum and cyber security.

    Today’s policy framework, including the creation of our new National PNT Office, is a sign of our commitment to PNT as a key strategic capability.

    The ten points the government is working towards implementing are:

    • National PNT Office: establish a National PNT Office in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology – to improve resilience and drive growth with responsibility for PNT policy, coordination, and delivery.
    • PNT Crisis Plan: retain and update a cross-government PNT Crisis Plan to be activated if Global Navigation Satellite Systems provided PNT is lost and identify and implement short term mitigations.
    • National Timing Centre: develop a proposal for a National Timing Centre– to provide resilient, terrestrial, sovereign, and high-quality timing for the UK (UTC(NPL)), including sovereign components and optical clocks.
    • ‘MOD Time’: develop a proposal for ‘Ministry of Defence Time’ creating deeper resilience through a system of last resort and use National Timing Centre provided timing to support the Ministry of Defence.
    • eLORAN: develop a proposal for a resilient, terrestrial, and sovereign Enhanced Long-Range Navigation system to provide backup Position and Navigation.
    • Infrastructure Resilience: rollout resilient GNSS receiver chips, develop holdover clocks, and consider options for legislation on CNI sectors to require minimum resilient PNT.
    • UK SBAS: develop a proposal for a UK Precise Point Positioning Satellite-Based Augmentation System to replace the UK’s use of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, monitor GNSS and enable GNSS dependent high accuracy Position for autonomous and precision uses.
    • PNT Skills: explore options for Centres for Doctoral Training in timing and PNT and review PNT skills, education, and training for long term sovereign PNT capability.
    • Growth Policy: develop a PNT growth policy, including R&D programmes, standards and testing, to drive innovation for PNT based productivity.
    • Next Generation PNT: deploy existing R&D funding into a UK Quantum Navigator and investigate possible options for a UK sovereign regional satellite system.

    Strengthening PNT capabilities, will give direction to the PNT industry, while fostering innovation, growth, and cutting-edge technology development, positioning the UK as a global PNT leader.

    Alongside this framework, the government is publishing research that reveals the economic impact on the UK if the GNSS were to be disrupted. It found that a 24-hour outage could result in a £1.4 billion loss to the UK economy, with a 7-day outage costing the economy £7.6 billion.

    The report, a re-evaluation of an analysis from 2017, revealed that the majority of losses during a 7-day outage stemmed from impacts on emergency services, road transport, and maritime transport, collectively representing 87.5% of the total losses. These findings underscore the necessity for a concrete PNT framework to safeguard the UK against such vulnerabilities.

    This also builds on today’s release of the ‘Space Based PNT Technical Concepts’ from the UK Space Agency, which explores innovative approaches to delivering Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Services from space. These insights serve as a foundational basis for the decision-making process of the new PNT Office concerning future space-based PNT solutions.

    Professor Dame Angela McLean, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, said:

    I am very pleased to see the publication of a cross-government PNT policy framework to develop the capabilities, skills and technologies that will ensure our future PNT Resilience. This framework will provide ever-increasing opportunities for economic growth, employment and innovation for the UK.

    PNT resilience was identified as a significant issue in the 2018 Blackett Report Satellite-derived Time and Position: A Study of Critical Dependencies – this policy framework will help address the challenges set out there.

    John Pottle, Director of the Royal Institute of Navigation, said:

    Today’s significant and very welcome announcement recognises that achieving greater PNT resilience is a multi-faceted endeavour. The ownership provided by the National PNT Office will provide policy and delivery oversight, and co-ordination across all stakeholders.

    As well as improving national preparedness, the PNT framework has potential to help further strengthen the UK’s thought leadership and innovation in robust and resilient PNT.

    Dr Peter Thompson, CEO, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), said:

    The inclusion of a commitment to develop a proposal for a National Timing Centre in the new government policy framework for Greater PNT Resilience is an important step to improving timing resilience for UK critical infrastructure and the wider economy.”

    The NPL, as the home of accurate time in the UK and the national technical authority for time and frequency, will continue to work with DSIT on the challenge of timing resilience, building on the ongoing National Timing Centre R&D programme.

    David Henderson, Chief Geospatial Officer at Ordnance Survey said:

    With new technology-enabled ecosystems like autonomous vehicles and digital twins starting to take shape, it’s the perfect time to be thinking in a strategic way about how we use and develop our position, navigation and timing systems.

    We have the infrastructure and know-how in the UK to help us think innovatively about how to better connect our digital and physical places, and the PNT framework sets out a clear way of thinking of how we can strengthen that.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Security Council Resolution 2231 Transition Day: joint statement [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Security Council Resolution 2231 Transition Day: joint statement [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    The UK joins other Proliferation Security Initiative-endorsing states in committing to countering destabilising Iranian missile and drone-related activities.

    Statement from the UK and other Proliferation Security Initiative-endorsing states:

    The proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems continues to pose a significant threat to international security.  In this environment, Iran’s missile program remains one of the greatest challenges to international nonproliferation efforts.  Today, Iran holds the largest inventory of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, and its ballistic missile programs continue to pose a threat to countries across the region and beyond.  In addition, Iran’s provision of missile and UAV technology to its partners and proxies endangers international stability and escalates regional tension.

    On October 18, 2023, the restrictions set forth in UN Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) to constrain Iran’s ballistic missile program are slated to expire. Resolution 2231 (2015) was based on the assumption that Iran would take the necessary steps towards restoring confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program. This has not happened. In this context, it is imperative that all states continue to take steps to counter Iran’s destabilizing ballistic missile-related activities through ongoing counterproliferation cooperation.

    We, the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)-endorsing states listed below, will uphold the commitments enshrined in the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles by continuing to counter destabilizing Iranian missile- and UAV-related activities, consistent with all other relevant national and international authorities and related commitments.

    Specifically, with regard to Iran and consistent with the PSI principles, we affirm our commitment to take all necessary measures to prevent the supply, sale, or transfer of ballistic missile-related items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology, to protect peace and stability in the region and beyond including: (1) undertake effective measures to interdict the transfer to and from Iran of missile-related materials, including those related to UAVs; (2) adopt streamlined procedures for rapid exchange of relevant information concerning Iran’s proliferation activities; (3) review and work to strengthen our relevant national legal authorities to address Iranian missile- and UAV-related issues; and (4) take specific actions in support of interdiction efforts related to Iran’s missile and UAV programs.

    We further reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that domestic processes are in place to undertake such efforts. We call on all countries to ensure they have sufficient domestic legal authorities and capabilities to address Iran’s missile program, and we stand united in our determination to address Iran’s destabilizing missile-related activities.

    Signing states: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Belize, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Welsh universities showcase cutting edge research and innovation [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Welsh universities showcase cutting edge research and innovation [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 18 October 2023.

    Showcase event highlights university research from Welsh Universities that is having an impact in communities in Wales, the UK and across the world.

    • Key strengths in areas such as semi-conductors, agri-tech and Net Zero demonstrated by exhibitors.
    • Attended by Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Science Minister George Freeman, the event demonstrated Welsh R&I strengths and aimed to encourage continued investment in Welsh research.

    Welsh universities are delivering world-leading research that makes vital contributions to the economy and society. This is the message from a special event held in London this week showcasing the very best of Welsh research and innovation.

    Hosted by the Wales Office and Wales Innovation Network, the event at Lancaster House on 17 October highlighted the strength and breadth of Welsh university research, and its ability to deliver tangible benefits to communities in Wales, the UK and across the world.

    With projects ranging from decarbonisation and cyber innovation to virus detection and semiconductor technology, the exhibition demonstrated the diversity of the Welsh research and innovation sector, and the vital role it has to play in driving forward the UK economy and providing solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.

    Wales is already leading the way in areas as diverse as MedTech, AgriTech and Net Zero and has a world-leading compound semi-conductor cluster driving innovation in a technology used in nearly every mobile phone on the market today.

    Collaboration is also a key strength of the Welsh sector, with many of the projects on display involving partnership working across several Welsh universities.

    The UK Government has made a commitment to invest nearly £40 billion in research and development between 2022 and 2025. Welsh universities are well-placed to access more research funding for research with a push to increase funding to areas of the UK outside the southeast of England by at least 40% by 2030.

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Science Minister George Freeman were among those attending the event which featured 20 exhibits, including an insight into digital imaging technology based on human vision and demonstrations on the future applications of nuclear power.

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

    I was delighted to welcome Welsh universities to this very special event and demonstrate the UK Government’s commitment to the higher education sector. It was a great opportunity for UKRI to get a flavour of some of the incredible research and innovation that’s already taking place in Wales across all of our universities.

    I want Welsh universities to play a vital role in positioning the UK at the forefront of R&D, and I hope this event has helped us make progress towards that common goal.

    Professor Paul Boyle, Chair of the Wales Innovation Network and Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University said:

    We welcome this opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic research and innovation taking place at Welsh universities.

    The Wales Innovation Network’s purpose is to strengthen Welsh research and innovation by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, so it was particularly positive to see so many of the projects on display demonstrating the value of collaborative working across Wales’ universities.

    We will continue to showcase the strengths of Welsh research and we welcome further engagement with government and stakeholders to continue to increase research and innovation funding in Welsh universities.

    With a sustainably-funded R&I sector we can continue to create economic and societal impact for this and future generations.

    Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UKRI said:

    There are remarkable research and innovation strengths in Welsh universities, and the wider Welsh research and innovation system. In my visits to Wales and meetings with Welsh stakeholders, I’ve talked to many brilliant people including early career researchers and entrepreneurs, technicians, local community and global research leaders.

    Welsh universities are highly successful at winning research funding from across UKRI, with success rates similar to the rest of the UK. These projects powerfully demonstrate how Welsh universities are advancing research across a wide range of areas, and driving innovation and economic growth, benefiting the whole UK and beyond.

    Notes

    • All nine of Wales’ universities – Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, Open University in Wales, Swansea University, University of South Wales, University of Wales Trinity St David’s and Wrexham University – featured in the Lancaster House event.
    • A number of the 20 R&D exhibits featured joint teams from different universities.
    • The event brought together representatives from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Wales Office and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology with the aim of encouraging more funding for Welsh research.
    • In the latest UK-wide assessment of the quality of research (REF 2021), published last summer, 89% of Welsh university research was rated as internationally excellent or world-leading for impact. A selection of REF impact case studies can be found here.
    • The Wales Innovation Work (WIN) is a collaborative initiative set up to strengthen research and innovation in Wales. The Network has four main objectives:
    • Increasing the competitiveness of Welsh research and innovation through facilitating collaboration to build innovative and distinctive projects.
    • Leveraging strategic investment into Wales by working with appropriate partners to deliver impactful research and innovation.
    • Advocating for Welsh research and innovation through communicating the strengths, reach and impact of the sector.
    • Facilitating the sharing of facilities, equipment and practice between Welsh universities to strengthen the research infrastructure and environment.
    • Universities Wales is a membership body representing the interests of Wales’ nine universities. We develop higher education policy, deliver political and stakeholder engagement, and campaign on issues where our members have a shared interest. www.uniswales.ac.uk
  • PRESS RELEASE : Venezuela negotiations – Joint Statement [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Venezuela negotiations – Joint Statement [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    Foreign ministers of the US, UK and Canada, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs gave a statement welcoming the Venezuelan-led political agreement.

    The following statement was released by US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles, and the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs the Honourable Mélanie Joly, on the Venezuela negotiations in Barbados on 17 October 2023:

    We welcome the Venezuelan-led political agreement reached today in Barbados. This agreement represents a necessary step in the continuation of an inclusive dialogue process and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.

    We support a peaceful negotiated outcome that leads to fair and competitive elections and a return to economic stability and security.

    We continue to call for the unconditional release of all those unjustly detained, the independence of the electoral process and judicial institutions, freedom of expression including for members of the press, and respect for human and political rights.

    We will work with our international partners and others to address the urgent needs of all Venezuelans inside and outside their country and to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

    We are grateful to Barbados for hosting the negotiations and to Norway for its leadership in facilitating the negotiations.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the third Edition of the UK Colombia Trade Dialogue [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the third Edition of the UK Colombia Trade Dialogue [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 October 2023.

    On October 9, 2023, the UK Minister of State for International Trade, Nigel Huddleston MP, and the Colombian Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Germán Umaña, met in Bogotá, Colombia, for the third edition of UK-Colombia trade dialogues.

    Ministers welcomed the longstanding and deep bilateral trade relations enjoyed between Colombia and the United Kingdom and committed to promote inclusive and sustainable trade that drives economic growth, business opportunity and job creation.

    Ministers agreed on the importance of promoting sustainable foreign investment that, through value chains, can result in the development of new technologies and enhance each country’s competitiveness.

    Ministers agreed to work together to increase support for the improvement of regulatory policy of mutual interest to Colombia and the United Kingdom. In addition, the ministers agreed to develop a joint road map as a mechanism to establish a methodology for holding annual UK-Colombia trade dialogues and assessing delivery of joint initiatives and collaboration.

    Minister Huddleston set out the United Kingdom’s world-class offer in the renewable energy, infrastructure, and life sciences sectors, and the potential for closer working to help deliver Colombia’ economic, environmental and social ambitions.  He highlighted the United Kingdom’s willingness to exchange experiences and best practices in harnessing innovation and creating enabling environments to deliver for citizens in these sectors.

    Minister Umaña expressed Colombia’s desire to modernise the international and bilateral frameworks governing investments.

    Ministers celebrated the recent success in delivering joint objectives in key sectors of future growth:

    • Renewable Energy: Ministers agreed to co-ordinate strategies for the regulatory development of hydrogen and offshore wind energy in Colombia to help develop the market.
    • Life Sciences: Ministers welcomed the practical measures recently taken to support innovation on the sector and agreed that further co-operation can help deliver Colombia deliver its healthcare objectives.
    • Infrastructure: Ministers welcomed the close working on sustainable transport infrastructure, which will be of benefit to Colombian citizens and help meet climate commitments. Ministers encouraged the implementation of the railway master plan.
    • Agribusiness: Ministers expressed their pleasure in progress promoting sustainable land use and urged continued collaboration to open new market opportunities for agricultural products.

    Ministers emphasized the importance of working together on the global stage, including in the WTO.  They agreed to continue discussions in the run up to next year’s MC13 to ensure that Ministers are able deliver tangible progress in areas such as services and climate change and safeguard the organisation’s effectiveness.

    Ministers recalled the deep bond of friendship between the two countries, symbolised by the levels of cooperation in trade and investment discussed during the Dialogue. Minister Huddleston welcomed the progress that Colombia had made in its peace process and offered United Kingdom continued support in helping build sustainable and prosperous communities in former conflict areas.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Negotiations on an enhanced UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Negotiations on an enhanced UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 October 2023.

    Update on the second round of negotiations for an enhanced UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement.

    The second round of negotiations on a UK-Switzerland Enhanced Free Trade Agreement took place from 18 September to 6 October 2023.

    During the round, which was virtual, UK officials held discussions with their Swiss counterparts across all negotiation areas outlined in the UK’s strategic approach to talks, published earlier this year to coincide with the launch of talks.

    Discussions continue to be constructive and collaborative, and we have made good progress in starting to agree draft treaty text in several chapters.

    These negotiations demonstrate our shared ambition to agree a modern, comprehensive agreement that reflects the current and future UK-Swiss trade relationship.

    The UK is working to negotiate an agreement that delivers modern services and investment provisions, while further removing tariff barriers to create mutually beneficial commercially meaningful opportunities for our world class producers and exporters.

    The Government will make its next statement on progress following the third round of talks scheduled for later this year.

    His Majesty’s Government remains clear that any deal we sign will be in the best interests of the British people and the United Kingdom economy.

    Any organisations or individuals interested in speaking to the Department for Business and Trade about negotiations with Switzerland should do so by emailing: ch.fta.engagement@trade.gov.uk.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Peter Freeman reappointed as Chair of Homes England [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Peter Freeman reappointed as Chair of Homes England [October 2023]

    The press release issued by Homes England on 17 October 2023.

    Peter Freeman will continue in role for further two years.

    The Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has reappointed Peter Freeman as Chair of Homes England, for two years from 23 October 2023 to 22 October 2025.

    Homes England Chief Executive Peter Denton said:

    I’m very happy Peter is to continue as Chair of Homes England for another term, leading an organisation equipped with a huge range of skills and expertise, but with a single laser focus on supporting local housing and regeneration visions to become a reality.

    His experience, leadership, and dedication is a huge asset for the Agency, our partners, and the sector as we work together to build thriving places for communities across the country. I look forward to our continued collaboration as Peter embarks on his new term.

    The Chair will be responsible for the proper running of the Board, and guiding and influencing the Agency at a strategic level, providing confident, clear and consistent leadership, and act as an ambassador for Homes England.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two Board Members appointed to the British Tourism Authority [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two Board Members appointed to the British Tourism Authority [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 17 October 2023.

    The Secretary of State has appointed William Burton and Beth Knight as Board Members of the British Tourism Authority for five year terms commencing 18 September 2023.

    William Burton

    Appointed for a 5 year term commencing 18 September 2023.

    William Burton has spent more than 25 years in the travel and tourism sector, starting at British Airways Group, where he went on to become Head of Strategic Analysis; through Thomson Travel Group (now TUI) where he was Director of Sales, eCommerce and Distribution; through Thistle Hotels Group (now GLH Hotels) as Global Sales and Marketing Director.

    He went on to senior commercial executive roles at Kuoni UK and Bourne Leisure Group, and government COO roles at The British Library and The Rural Payments Agency, before becoming Chief Executive of Page & Moy Travel Group, the UK’s largest outbound group tours operator. He has subsequently been Chief Executive of both the Construction Industries Training Board (CITB) and Cambridge University’s OCR Exam Board, before founding online travel company, Awesome Experiences.

    In addition, he is also a Director of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and sits on its ARC committee. In the past he has also sat on the Councils of ABTA, Federation of Tour Operators; and London & Partners and on the Senate of the University of London.

    Beth Knight

    Appointed for a 5 year term commencing 18 September 2023.

    Winner of the Great British Business Woman Award 2022, Beth Knight is a leading figure in social impact and sustainability – an experienced business transformation and systems change strategist. She has spent over fifteen years applying her expertise to help global companies evolve as purpose-led businesses. She is a working mother of two and is passionate about equal rights and diversity, tackling climate change, and innovating through technology.

    Beth is currently an independent consultant and board director – with positions ranging from Chair of Save the Children’s corporate advisory board, to Domain Expert for Carbon13’s venture builder in climate tech. Alongside this, Beth is a Senior Associate at the University of Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and is Head Tutor for the Business Sustainability Management executive education program.

    Beth’s prior roles have included: Head of ‘Amazon in the Community’ Leader for Europe, Global Markets Associate Director at EY, Head of Corporate Sustainability for EY’s Financial Services business.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Board Members of the British Tourism Authority are remunerated £320 per month for two days a month. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. William Burton and Beth Knight has not declared any significant political activity.