Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Independent review provides recommendations for the management of protected sites on Dartmoor [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Independent review provides recommendations for the management of protected sites on Dartmoor [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 December 2023.

    An independent review on the management of protected sites on Dartmoor has been published today

    An independent review has today (12 December) published its recommendations on how protected sites on Dartmoor can be managed in a way that delivers on legally binding environmental targets whilst supporting food production, public access and cultural and natural heritage.

    The review was commissioned by Defra earlier this year in response to stakeholder concerns over proposed changes to winter grazing on Dartmoor. It was chaired by David Fursdon and provides an independent perspective on the management of the moor. Its recommendations follow more than 150 written submissions and over 200 conversations across three and a half months with commoners and organisations including Dartmoor National Park Authority and Natural England.

    The review makes a series of recommendations for the Government, Natural England, Dartmoor National Park Authority and commoners on subjects such as vision and governance, operations, communication, agri-environment agreements, and grazing and vegetations management. The Government is expected to respond in full in the coming months.

    Key recommendations include:

    • The creation of an independently chaired Dartmoor Land-Use Management Group to help deliver a land use framework and plan for Dartmoor, improve SSSI conditions, and identify areas for data collection that will feed into the development of protected site management strategies.
    • Actions to support vegetation management including conservation grazing by cattle and ponies and controlled burning, alongside exploring the management of sheep over winter months to protect vulnerable heather and dwarf shrubs.
    • An overarching agri-environment scheme, or a small number of closely integrated and coordinated schemes, that are based on the proposed plan for Dartmoor and support the vision for Landscape Recovery.
    • Improved transparency of protected site monitoring and management of these sites in line with proposals in Defra’s Nature Recovery Green Paper.
    • Increasing Natural England staffing resource and the creation of partnerships to help rebuild trust and confidence on Dartmoor.

    Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

    Dartmoor cannot either stand still or retreat into its past, so it is vital that all parties take heed of the review’s recommendations so we can effectively support food production, public access and heritage on the moor whilst delivering much-needed improvements for nature.

    I would like to thank David Fursdon and the panel for their work on this important review.

    David Fursdon, Chair of the Review, said:

    This is a time for those involved with Dartmoor to come together in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss to protect and enhance nature on the Moor. Commoners have a vital role to play in delivering the management and grazing that contributes to this, as do those working to re-wet the degraded peatland.

    We are concerned that the processes around monitoring and evaluation of protected sites are too opaque for all of those who are involved in ensuring their success. We have proposed a series of changes to ways of working for the commoners, Natural England, the RPA and others, including taking decisions with a much greater clarity and transparency based on evidence and collaborative working.

    Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England said:

    I welcome this important report and would like to thank David Fursdon, panel members and all who submitted views for their hard work. We will now work with our colleagues in Defra and the RPA, and our partners on Dartmoor, to consider the recommendations and implement the final decisions in due course.

    We especially look forward to measures that will bring all partners around the table to find collective solutions. This will help us meet our legally binding environmental targets while properly rewarding commoners for conservation grazing, supporting nature-friendly and profitable farm businesses across Dartmoor.

    The review also reiterates the need for careful management of a fresh round of Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) extension negotiations, given one-year extensions will in some cases expire in the first few months of 2024.

    The Farming Minister is writing to HLS Agreement Holders on Dartmoor to advise them they will be contacted ahead of the expiry of their agreements.

    Further information

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sovereign Base Areas Specialised Committee meeting [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sovereign Base Areas Specialised Committee meeting [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2023.

    The fifth meeting of the Specialised Committee, co-chaired by the European Commission and the UK government, discussed issues relating to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.

    Joint statement by UK government and European Commission:

    The fifth meeting of the Specialised Committee on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus was held on 12 December 2023, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

    The Committee was established by the Withdrawal Agreement to facilitate the implementation and application of the Protocol.

    The EU and the UK reviewed the operational phase of the implementation of the Protocol since its last meeting in July 2022.

    Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the smooth implementation of the Protocol and confirmed the need to finalise technical discussions with the objective of reaching a common understanding on the correct implementation of the Protocol in the area of fisheries (Article 6 of the Protocol) and taxation (Article 3 of the Protocol).

    The co-chairs confirmed that the technical discussions should include legal experts from both sides and be completed promptly.  The Specialised Committee will revert to this issue immediately afterwards.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of a new Lord Justice of Appeal [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of a new Lord Justice of Appeal [December 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 December 2023.

    His Majesty The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of Mr Justice Fraser as a Lord Justice of Appeal.

    This appointment is in line with Mr Justice Fraser’s appointment as Chairman of the Law Commission, which will take effect from1 December 2023.

    The appointment of Lord and Lady Justices of the Court of Appeal are made by His Majesty The King on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor following the recommendation of an independent selection panel.

    Biography

    Mr Justice Fraser: was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) in 1989 and took Silk in 2009. In 2002 he was appointed as a Recorder and as a High Court Judge in 2015, assigned to the King’s Bench Division.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The British High Commission donates ambulances to the Ghana Armed Forces [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The British High Commission donates ambulances to the Ghana Armed Forces [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2023.

    The British High Commission, Accra has presented 8 ambulances to the Ghana Armed Forces to improve medical outreach in the Northern border regions.

    The official handover ceremony which took place on Friday, 12 December at the Burma Camp in Accra is a testament of the strong security and defence ties that the UK and Ghana share.

    The event brought together:

    • the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Rt. Hon. James Heappey
    • the Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama from the Ghana Armed Forces
    • British High Commissioner, H.E. Harriet Thompson
    • representatives from the UK government
    • representatives from the Ghana Armed Forces

    Together, they demonstrated a collaborative effort to bolster peace and security in the Northern regions.

    Ghana, like her neighbours, appreciates the importance of civilian cooperation in the Northern regions as the Armed Forces work alongside non-governmental organisations in the fight to prevent and limit violent extremist organisations. The ambulances provided are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to aid the Ghana Armed Forces in their medical outreaches in the 5 Northern regions, as part of the UK-Ghana Civilian Military Cooperation Programme.

    Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Rt. Hon. James Heappey said:

    Ghana is a key partner for the UK. We work together to tackle shared challenges from violent extremism in the Sahel to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and this donation underscores the strong partnership between the UK and Ghana.

    We are proud to contribute to Ghana Armed Force’s capacity to protect and serve its civilians in the 5 Northern regions to counter violent extremism, and we will continue to foster long-lasting partnerships through our annual security dialogue.

    The ambulances will be distributed in the Wa, Bolgatanga, Sandema Mechanical Brigade Headquarters and the Armoured Regimental Headquarters in Damango respectively.

    The UK continues to work closely with the Ghana Armed Forces to support Ghana’s leadership position in the sub-region and to strengthen the capability of Ghanaian security services to take the lead in responding to instability in the region, particularly those related to that of violent extremists emanating from the Sahel.

    Further information

    About The Rt. Hon. James Heappey

    The Rt. Hon James Heappey is the UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces. Prior to his appointment, he previously served as the Minister for Defence Procurement and a former Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.

    About the UK-Ghana Security Dialogue

    The UK-Ghana Security Dialogue is one of the many platforms which exhibits the UK and Ghana’s longstanding relationship, particularly in defence and security. The relationship is underpinned by shared principles of democratic governance and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law as well as mutual concerns about regional instability and a desire to support regional and international peace and security.

    The governments of both countries affirm their commitment to the partnership in the face of complex and evolving regional and global threats including terrorism, conflict, human trafficking, serious and organised crimes, drug trafficking, cyber-crime and piracy, and recognising the prominent role Ghana plays in countering these threats.

    Through these annual dialogues, the UK and Ghana agree to enhance strong existing cooperation in the following areas:

    • defence cooperation and maritime security
    • serious and organised crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and border security
    • countering terrorism and violent extremism

    They also seek to promote:

    • civil-military cooperation
    • human security led approaches to mitigating risks of instability
    • combatting mis- and disinformation
    • effective use of intelligence
    • regional cooperation to address transnational security threats

    About the Civilian Military Cooperation Programme (CIMIC)

    The system of interaction involving exchange on information, negotiation, de-confliction, mutual support and planning at all levels between military elements and humanitarian organisations, development organisations or the local civilian population to achieve respective objectives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Algiers Agreement Anniversary: UK statement [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Algiers Agreement Anniversary: UK statement [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2023.

    On the 23-year anniversary of the Algiers Agreement, the FCDO gave a statement to reiterate its support.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said:

    Twenty-three years ago today, Ethiopia and Eritrea, with the support of the international community, concluded the Algiers Agreement to establish peace and demarcate a common border. In 2018, in a historic peace agreement, both countries recommitted to respect the border as established by the Algiers Agreement and its subsequent Boundary Commission.

    On this anniversary it is more important than ever that the sovereignty and territorial integrity as defined by these agreements is respected. The UK reiterates our full support for the Algiers Agreement and the border as established by its subsequent Boundary Commission, and remains committed to working with all Horn of Africa countries toward the shared goal of a peaceful and prosperous region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Works to start on major £1 billion transformation of Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet route [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Works to start on major £1 billion transformation of Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet route [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 12 December 2023.

    New dual carriageway to reduce congestion and improve journey times between Milton Keynes and Cambridge.

    • new 10-mile dual carriageway will transform journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge
    • £1 billion government investment to help grow the economy across the region
    • funding will back drivers by reducing congestion by up to an hour and a half every week

    Upgrades to the iconic Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet route on the A428 started today (12 December 2023) following £1 billion of government investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times, boosting economic growth across the region.

    The £1 billion transformation will create a new 10-mile dual carriageway and numerous junction improvements, transforming journeys between the A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire and A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders will also enjoy better footpaths and safer crossing points.

    The scheme will help grow the economy across the region and ensure that jobs in Milton Keynes, Cambridge and everywhere in between are far more accessible.

    Once complete, journeys at peak times are expected to be cut by a third, saving businesses and road users an average of an hour and a half over a working week.

    In a significant milestone for the project, Transport Minister, Anthony Browne, broke ground on the project today to mark the main start of construction.

    Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

    I’m delighted we have marked the start of works on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet project, a huge investment by the government to grow the economy in the region and reduce congestion for drivers.

    This government is backing drivers by investing in much-needed road projects like this, using savings from HS2 to resurface roads across the country, and introducing a long-term Plan for Drivers to slam the brakes on anti-car measures.

    Nicola Bell, National Highways Executive Director for Major Projects, said:

    It’s a pleasure to welcome Minister Browne to the site this afternoon for what is a momentous occasion. As we break ground today, we embark on a journey that will transform transport in this region, easing congestion, improving connectivity and fostering economic growth.

    This project highlights National Highways’ commitment to delivering major projects that make lasting impacts for people, communities and businesses. The start of construction represents a culmination of meticulous planning, collaborative efforts and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the nation’s infrastructure.

    We are proud to be part of a project that will lay the foundations for a more resilient and connected future.

    Plans from National Highways will see the creation of a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 and A421 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. Both existing roundabouts will be upgraded into modern, free-flowing junctions with a new junction added at Cambridge Road, improving access to St Neots and its train station.

    The new dual carriageway will also remove the temptation for drivers to use local roads to avoid delays, removing up to 4,000 vehicles from these routes. The scheme is expected to open to traffic in spring 2027.

    Lee Galloway, A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Project Director, said:

    Today marks a pivotal milestone for everyone connected with this much-needed and wanted scheme. To get to this point would not have been possible without the dedication of our team, the support of our partners and stakeholders and the invaluable input from local communities.

    This project is about connecting communities and leaving a positive legacy in the region. Throughout construction, we are committed to bringing the community on the journey with us, minimising disruption and ensuring that local people and businesses remain an integral part of the process.

    Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive Officer, Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

    Fostering the A428 development marks a pivotal stride towards unlocking further economic growth in our community. By enhancing connectivity, we unlock opportunities for local businesses, driving productivity, innovation and prosperity across Cambridgeshire.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK commits to enhanced training offer for UN peacekeepers [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK commits to enhanced training offer for UN peacekeepers [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 December 2023.

    Support for UN peacekeeping efforts pledged by Minister for the Armed Forces at United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Ghana.

    • Support for UN peacekeeping efforts pledged by Minister for the Armed Forces at United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Ghana.
    • Also holds bilateral security talks with government of Ghana.
    • Signs Defence Cooperation Treaty with Senegal.

    The UK will commit to an enhanced training offer for UN peacekeepers, the Minister for the Armed Forces announced last week at the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Accra, Ghana.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Rt Hon James Heappey MP, said:

    From violent extremism in the Sahel, to political instability in a number of African states, the importance of working with our regional partners and the UN has rarely been clearer.

    It’s not enough for us to train peacekeepers and then let them put themselves in harm’s way with no support. Our new Enhanced Training Model will see our personnel accompany the UN’s peacekeepers on their missions, standing shoulder to shoulder with them on the ground as they work tirelessly to prevent conflict.

    Representing the UK at the conference, the minister outlined the UK’s new and continuing commitments to UN peacekeeping missions, including:

    • A new Enhanced Training Model (ETM) for UN peacekeepers, which will see UK personnel assisting UN peacekeeping troops before and during missions, based on their requirements.
    • Building on the £1m of funding announced earlier this year, a continued commitment for the Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations, which supports the participation of women in United Nations peace operations.
    • Support for the UN’s counter misinformation and disinformation training efforts.
    • A commitment to new training initiatives to build the counter-IED capability of others.

    During his visit to Ghana, the minister also held a bilateral security dialogue with the Minister for National Security Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of Defence Dominic Nitiwul and Minister for Interior Ambrose Dery. They discussed how to deepen our bilateral defence relationship, building on the deployment of HMS Trent to the Gulf of Guinea and work to counter the threat of violent extremist activity emanating from the Sahel.

    He also met the Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumi and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Botchwey.

    Visiting Burma Camp, the headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces, the minister also oversaw the delivery of eight ambulances to Ghana. These ambulances, gifted by the UK, will allow Ghana to improve its medical outreach in the northern border regions.

    Earlier in the week, he visited Senegal for bilateral talks with the Minister for Armed Forces Oumar Youm and President Macky Sall, where he signed a new Defence Cooperation Treaty.  The agreement is the first between the UK and Senegal and marks a significant step forward in our defence and security partnership. The UK and Senegal will work together to deepen our relationship, to tackle organised crime and drugs trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea, and to counter regional instability and terrorism in the Sahel.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister fuels energy exports in trade mission to Chile [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister fuels energy exports in trade mission to Chile [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 December 2023.

    Exports Minister will lead renewable energy companies to meet Chilean government and business officials.

    • British expertise and services can boost Chile’s ambitions to develop its renewable energy capability
    • Chile is one of the UK’s most important trading partners in Latin America and a fellow member of CPTPP

    Exports Minister Lord Offord has today [12/12/2023] landed in Santiago, Chile where he is leading a trade mission of British hydrogen and renewable energy companies to match them with business opportunities in the country.

    The businesses will be introduced to key Chilean developers and prospective customers at a showcase event hosted in Santiago. The Minister will also be meeting with Chilean developers to better understand their needs and promote how British companies can meet these.

    Lord Offord will meet with Chilean Minister for Energy Diego Pardow, and Minister for Economy Nicolás Grau, to discuss how Chile and the UK can work together to boost trade and support the transition to renewable energy sources.

    Minister for Exports Malcolm Offord said:

    With Chile’s ambition to boost its renewable energy infrastructure, and the UK’s expertise and capabilities in this field, there is a clear opportunity for both our countries to benefit and prosper.

    Chile is one of our most important trading partners in Latin America and with our upcoming accession to CPTPP I want to see trade between us boosted even further.

    The trade agreement with Chile was particularly important to the UK, being the first one signed in 2019. With the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) of which Chile is a member, this trading relationship will continue to grow with businesses in both countries being able to choose the most beneficial agreement to trade under.

    Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Chile in the last year grew by over 13%, reaching £1.9bn. The UK government aims to continue to grow this trading partnership, particularly by supporting Chile to harness its potential in renewables, including low carbon hydrogen, with the world leading expertise from UK companies.

    CPTPP will cut tariffs for goods exporters and provide new opportunities and improved access for services industries, enhancing the bilateral relationship in key sectors such as energy and infrastructure services.

    Chile is a key player in the global race to decarbonise, holding huge reserves of copper and lithium, as well as leading the region in renewable energy development. That’s why so many UK companies are eager to do business in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

    Patricio Maguire, Director of Turner and Townsend Chile said:

    Chile and UK share a long history of cooperation. Green hydrogen and carbon capture industries are another examples of new areas of integration. While Chile has a vast stock of clean energy resources and a mature industrial environment, UK is a leading actor in the decarbonisation industry and, in particular, offers top notch technologies in electrolysis for H2 production.

    As the local branch of a global UK-based consultancy firm, we, at Turner & Townsend are proud to be part of the energy transition industry and look forward to continue to provide our expertise and global footprint at the service of their actors.

    Tom Wills, Development Director at Voar Energy said:

    We are delighted to be participating in this UK trade mission at such an important moment in Chile’s energy transition.

    Chile is set to be a world leader in green hydrogen and at Voar we’re keen to develop relationships with others active in that area, with a particular focus on Power-to-X projects in remote locations and green bunkering / fuel systems for ships.

    Agustin Lopez Munell, CEO of Desitec who are moving their HQ from Argentina to the UK said:

    We are honoured to join the Renewable Energy Trade Mission to Chile. This mission perfectly aligns with our goals to expand our innovative sensor technology into new markets as we transition our headquarters from Argentina to UK, specifically London or Edinburgh. Our goal is to continue educating ourselves about hydrogen and to seek partners with whom we can collaborate on our developments.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of three members to the Board of Tourism Northern Ireland [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of three members to the Board of Tourism Northern Ireland [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 12 December 2023.

    The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of new Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) Board Members.

    The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of Ms Karly Greene, Mr Michael Counahan and Mr John Hood as new Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) Board Members. In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, these appointments were made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022.

    The new members took up post with effect from 27 November 2023.

    These new Members will bring a wealth of private and public sector experience to the Board of Tourism NI to the benefit of the local tourism sector. The successful candidates have extensive backgrounds in such areas as corporate governance; financial management; strategic thinking; business improvement and the hotel and hospitality industry, and their significant knowledge and skills will play a key role in ensuring that this important sector goes from strength to strength in what promises to be an exciting time for tourism in Northern Ireland.

    Biography

    Karly Greene has been the Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland since November 2020. She is responsible for developing the Arts Council’s strategic, corporate and business plans and for research, policy and advocacy. Karly also has responsibility for ensuring the Arts Council meets its statutory requirements in relation to equality and inter-agency co-operation with other public bodies.

    Karly has over thirteen years of experience across the public, private and voluntary sectors in using research and data to inform strategy, policy and executive decision making, having previously worked as Head of Research & Equality Services in the NI Housing Executive and Research Director with Quadrangle.

    Karly is passionate about using research insights to implement change and demonstrate impact with a focus on equality, social justice and involving customers and underrepresented people in the strategy design process. She is also a trustee on the board of Housing Rights and former chairperson of Nexus NI.

    Michael Counahan is managing director of CHL Consulting Co. and has more than 38 years’ professional experience in tourism, cultural heritage and the arts. During this time, he has worked on tourism development projects throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Middle East and South-East Asia. His consultancy work includes strategic planning for public and private sector organisations, economic planning, project analysis and management, and business planning. Particular areas of activity in recent years include tourism destination planning, visitor attraction development and operations, and land/building asset utilisation.

    He has worked on many tourism development projects in Northern Ireland including acting as project leader on the development of Titanic Belfast. He co-founded AVEA, the Association of Visitor Experiences & Attractions, which now has a membership of 103 leading attractions, and Michael is company secretary. He is also a director of Pipeworks Music, formerly the Dublin International Organ & Choral Festival.

    John Hood has over 23 years’ in-depth experience in investment, marketing and economic development. For the last 10 years he was the Director of the Food; Drink & Tourism Division at Invest NI where he delivered a number of key tourism accommodation and development projects in Northern Ireland, as well as delivering significant growth across the food and drink sector. In October 2023 he was appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of the Livestock & Meat Commission for Northern Ireland which is remunerated at £6,485 per annum.

    Details of body

    Tourism NI has responsibility for the development of tourism products and experience across Northern Ireland and is also responsible for the marketing of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination to visitors within Northern Ireland and from the Republic of Ireland.

    Tourism NI’s primary responsibility remains the marketing of Northern Ireland on the Island of Ireland and working with partners to attract visitors from across the globe. However, it also continues to play a vital role in supporting recovery of the tourism and hospitality industries from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and setting them on the path back to sustainable growth. Going forward the organisation will make an important contribution to the Department for the Economy’s 10x economic vision and aims to ensure that tourism contributes to the creation of a dynamic, competitive economy.

    Further information on the work of Tourism NI can be found at: Tourism NI

    Terms Of Appointment

    The appointments will be for 3 years commencing on 27 November 2023. Members are expected to attend Board meetings, sub-committee meetings and other events, amounting to at least 1 day per month. In addition, Members will be expected to attend occasional evening engagements. Remuneration is £5,471 per annum. The roles are non pensionable.

    Regulation

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

    Political Activity

    None of the appointees have declared any political activity in the last five years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of Chair and two Members to the Board of the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority (NIFHA) [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of Chair and two Members to the Board of the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority (NIFHA) [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 12 December 2023.

    The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon. Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the appointment of Mr Stephen Welch as the new Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority and Mr Maynard Mawhinney and Siobhan McCauley as Board Members. In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, this appointment was made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022.

    The new Chairperson and two Members will take up their positions on 18 December 2023.

    Stephen Welch has extensive experience in the public, private and third sectors at strategic and Board level. He has worked in a number of senior roles across the Defence, Government administration, Higher Education and Health Sectors, specialising in Capital Development, Estate and Facilities Management, Procurement, Contract Management, and Risk Management. Stephen is currently a Non-Executive Member of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and chair of its Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

    Maynard Mawhinney has held a number of senior roles in the agri-food industry, as a Director and Business Consultant and Coach, with expertise in marketing and growth. He is an experienced Board Member and currently holds a Non-Executive Director position on the South-Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and is the current Chair of the College Advisory Group (CAG) at the College of Agriculture, Farming and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). He has also recently been appointed to Chair the review of roles and responsibilities of Councillors in NI.

    Siobhan McCauley brings significant experience from senior roles across the public and private sectors.  With a background in tourism, economic and business development, she has considerable experience in financial management, corporate governance and strategic planning, most recently from her long-standing role as the Director of Regional Services at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and before this, Director of Product Development at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board of the Signature Projects which included the Titanic and Causeway Visitor Attraction.

    Details of body

    The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority is an Executive non-departmental public body (Executive NDPB) sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).  It was established in 1973 under the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 and the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority Order (Northern Ireland) 1973 and has responsibility for the fishery harbours and harbour estates of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie.

    Terms Of Appointment

    • The Chair role requires approximately 30-32 days per annum.
    • The Member role requires approximately 16-18 days per annum.
    • The Chair and Member appointments to the NIFHA are for a four-year term.
    • The Chairperson post is remunerated at £10,776 per annum and the Member positions are remunerated at £5,099 per annum.

    Regulation

    The procedure for these appointments is designed to adhere to the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.  This means that the process will be based on merit after a fair, open and transparent process that involves independent scrutiny.  A copy of the code can be found at:

    https://www.publicappointmentsni.org/

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published. None of the appointees have declared any political activity in the last 5 years.