Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : UK reiterates support for integrity of Bosnian state during meeting of defence ministers [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 September 2023.

The UK has underlined its support for the integrity of the Bosnian state during a meeting today between defence ministers from both countries.

The UK has underlined its support for the integrity of the Bosnian state during a meeting today between defence ministers from both countries.

UK Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, hosted the Minister of Defence for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Zukan Helez and Deputy Minister Slaven Galić in London to discuss bilateral defence relations and the current security situation in country.

Minister Heappey made clear the UK is committed to supporting the defence reforms and the continued development of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as backing BiH’s ambition for Euro-Atlantic accession.

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said:

It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Helez to London today following our meeting in Sarajevo in May, building on our combined work to strengthen our bilateral defence relations.

I shared my concerns regarding the developing situation in Bosnia, making clear the UK fully supports the unity and integrity of the Bosnia and Herzegovina state

The ministers discussed a range of issues including the UK and BiH’s bilateral defence relationship, with both ministers expressing an interest to further deepen defence engagement.

During his visit to the UK, Minister Helez attended the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition and was also hosted by Lord Peach, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, in Parliament’s House of Lords.

The UK will continue to work closely with international partners to secure the European Union Force’s (EUFOR) mandate renewal in the UN and our Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Lord Peach, recently issued a statement confirming the UK’s support for the High Representative. That came after the Prime Minister hosted BiH Presidency member, Dr Denis Bećirović, in July to underline the UK’s support.

The UK also supports Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), including through joint training, and the provision of military equipment including live fire targets, urban training facilities, search and rescue gear; as well as the exchange of expertise.

Personnel from 1 Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment of the British Army will also be deploying to BiH in October to train alongside AFBiH personnel .

This will help to build the overall capability of the AFBiH and their ability to operate alongside other international forces. More than ever in the wake of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, these kinds of defence and security partnerships help to underpin the stability and security of a sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina.

September 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 13 September ballistic missile launches by North Korea [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 September 2023.

Following North Korea’s ballistic missile launches on 13 September 2023, an FCDO spokesperson made the following statement.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

North Korea’s ballistic missile launches on 13 September are yet another breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).

Illegal ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK will continue to call out violations of UNSCRs. We strongly urge North Korea to return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation.

The launches come alongside reports that DPRK and Russia are negotiating a possible arms deal.

We urge the DPRK to cease its arms negotiations with Russia and abide by the public commitments Pyongyang has made not to sell arms to Russia. We also call on Russia to uphold UN Security Council resolutions.

September 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New grants for rising star developers to help turn video game ideas into smash hits [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 14 September 2023.

Creative developers and start-up studios can bid for new cash from a multi-million pound government funded scheme to turn their new video game ideas into market leaders – and potentially score a hit such as Grand Theft Auto or Tomb Raider.
- High potential games studios can apply for development grants from the UK Games Fund’s new Content Fund
- £5 million available over next 18 months to get games ready to release
- Funding increased as part of plan to maximise the potential of the creative industries by 2030
Creative developers and studios can bid for new cash from a multi-million pound government funded scheme to turn their new video game ideas into market leaders – and potentially score a hit such as Grand Theft Auto or Tomb Raider.

As part of the government’s plans to maximise the potential of the creative industries and its Creative Industries Sector Vision, the UK Games Fund (UKGF) has been boosted by an extra £5 million of government funding to support domestic studios with scale-up grants.

From today, companies can apply for the new funding which is dedicated to getting games in development ready for market. The expanded fund will also help to attract even more private investment into this world leading industry – and compound the total government investment into the fund which now stands at £13.4 million from 2022-25.

The value of the UK video game consumer market was £7.05 billion in 2022. It has more than doubled in value since 2013. Since 2015, the UK Games Fund (UKGF) has invested more than £8 million to help more than 400 home-grown studios. Internationally best-selling video games made in the UK include the Tomb Raider and Grand Theft Auto series, Little Big Planet and Lego: Star Wars.

Speaking at video games trade body Ukie’s annual general meeting, held at the W.A.S.D. video games conference at the Truman Brewery in London, Creative Industries Minister John Whittingdale said:

Our plan is to grow the creative industries by an extra £50 billion by 2030 – and we can only do that if we maximise the potential of our world-class video games industry.

The UK’s reputation for creating video games is second to none. We want to build on that success and I’m calling on talented developers and early-stage studios to apply for the support they need to make more groundbreaking titles which thrill gamers around the world.

Alongside the new Content Fund, UKGF will continue awarding grants up to £30,000 to young video game developers and early-stage studios to turn their drawing board ideas into working prototype games and showcase them to investors. UKGF also supports graduate talent development through its DunDev and Tranzfuser programmes.

The £5 million in additional investment has been used to establish a new UKGF Content Fund, which will provide UK games studios with £50,000 – £150,000 grants to support the development of intellectual property, allowing companies to attract investment and reach their next stage of growth. Investing in video games at the crucial development stage will help UK studios expand their businesses, and create new jobs in the creative industries, which are one of the Government’s five priority sectors to grow the economy.
September 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : International Joint Statement at IAEA Board of Governors on NPT Safeguards Agreement with Iran [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 September 2023.

63 Countries sign a joint statement expressing concern at Iran’s lack of cooperation on NPT Safeguards Agreement.
Thank you Chair.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of a group of 63 member states from all regional groups including all EU member states.

These 63 states are: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, and Yemen.

We express our sincere appreciation for the continued professional and impartial efforts of the Agency to implement Iran’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. We commend the Director General for his extensive efforts to engage Iran regarding the outstanding safeguards issues and implementation of further verification and monitoring activities by the Agency. We note that the Director General has further reiterated that the outstanding safeguards issues stem from Iran’s obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and need to be resolved for the Agency to be in a position to provide credible assurance regarding the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. We echo the Director General’s request that Iran work with the Agency in earnest and in a sustained way towards the fulfilment of the commitments contained in the March 4 Joint Statement.

Recalling this Board’s resolution contained in GOV/2022/70, which was adopted on 17 November 2022, we collectively highlight the contents of the Director General’s latest report contained in GOV/2023/43. This report concludes once again that the safeguards issues related to possible undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran remain outstanding due to insufficient cooperation by Iran, and moreover that new issues related to Iran’s implementation of its NPT required safeguards agreement have arisen. In addition, despite signs in June that Iran was making limited progress towards implementation of the Joint Statement with the IAEA, we share the Director General’s regret that no progress has been made since. Iran’s de-designation of experienced Agency inspectors and denials of visas for Agency officials run counter to the Joint Statement and undermine the Agency’s ability to carry out its safeguards mandate.

We reiterate that the Board has adopted three resolutions on safeguards issues over four years as a result of the Agency’s calls for better co-operation by Iran. We recall that the resolution adopted last November by the Board of Governors decided it was and it is essential and urgent that Iran act to fulfill its legal obligations and, with a view to clarifying all outstanding safeguards issues, take the following actions without delay:

Provide technically credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at three undeclared locations in Iran;

Inform the Agency of the current location(s) of the nuclear material and/or of the contaminated equipment;

Provide all information, documentation, and answers the Agency requires for that purpose; and

Provide access to locations and material the Agency requires for that purpose, as well as for the taking of samples as deemed appropriate by the Agency.

We note that over the past ten months Iran still has not provided technically credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin found by the Agency at undeclared locations in Iran. We underline that the Director General has reported once again that “the outstanding safeguards issues[…] need to be resolved for the Agency to be in a position to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful”.

Collectively, we underscore the urgent need for Iran to clarify and resolve these issues in a manner satisfactory to the IAEA. Iran must provide technically credible answers to the IAEA, as required by its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, in order to address the Agency’s legitimate questions on the outstanding locations, and to resolve the nuclear material discrepancy relating to its Uranium Conversion Facility. As noted in the Board’s November Resolution, when the Secretariat is in a position to report the safeguards issues as no longer outstanding as a result of Iran’s provision of technically credible information, it would remove the need for the Board’s consideration and action on these issues. In addition, like all other states with a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, and as the Director General’s report notes, Iran’s implementation of modified Code 3.1 is a legal obligation for Iran under the Subsidiary Arrangements to its Safeguards Agreement. Iran therefore is obligated to provide design information as soon as the decision is made to construct, or authorize construction of, a nuclear facility. Iran must provide the required information regarding new nuclear facilities without further delay. This is essential to ensure not only the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, but also the effectiveness and efficiency of the Agency’s safeguards system on which we all rely for the nonproliferation assurance that is key to international security.

We call upon Iran to act immediately to fulfil its legal obligations to address the following issues identified by the Director General:

The outstanding safeguards issues in relation to nuclear material detected at undeclared locations in Iran, including informing the Agency of the current location(s) of nuclear material and/or contaminated equipment;

The discrepancy in the amount of nuclear material verified by the Agency at the Esfahan Uranium Conversion Facility (originating from the Jabr Ibn Hayan Laboratories), compared to the amount declared by Iran; and

Iran’s implementation of modified Code 3.1 of the Subsidiary Arrangements to its Safeguards Agreement, including the provision of the required early design information.

We would like to thank the IAEA for its impartial and professional work on this issue. We request the Director General to continue to report to the Board of Governors on this issue.
September 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : First meeting of UK science champions to cement UK leadership in safe, responsible biology breakthroughs [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 14 September 2023.

The UK’s leadership in the responsible use of engineering biology will be driven forward by the first-ever meeting of the UK Biosecurity Leadership Council.
- Council of leaders from across industry and academia meets with Science Minister for the first time, aimed at making the UK a world leader in responsible use of engineering biology
- supporting responsible innovation in engineering biology will unlock the breakthroughs key to the health and economic growth of the UK, while safeguarding against potential misuse
- UK is spearheading an engineering biology revolution, that is set to deliver new medical therapies, means of recycling and environmentally-friendly food sources
The UK’s global leadership in the safe and responsible use of engineering biology will be driven forward by the first-ever meeting of the UK Biosecurity Leadership Council, bringing together some of the UK’s brightest minds from the worlds of science, research and business today (Thursday 14 September).

Engineering biology is one of the most exciting new frontiers in science. It describes the application of rigorous engineering principles to biology, enabling the construction of new or redesigned biological systems, such as cells or proteins. It has the potential to change the way we grow food, create medical treatments and produce the sustainable fuel we need to run our cars, homes and offices.

The UK Biosecurity Leadership Council, which meets for the first time today, will help shape the way advances in engineering biology are governed, to guard against potential risks whilst ensuring the UK’s world-leading biology, health and life science innovators are supported to explore, invent, and continue to thrive. Engineering biology is one of the 5 critical technologies, which are all being nurtured by a single government department for the first time because of their strategic importance to the future prosperity and security of the UK. The UK’s engineering biology sector has the potential to grow at tremendous speed, driving forward the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

The council will include representatives from top Universities like Kings College London and Cambridge, leaders from companies such as GSK, Deepmind, AstraZeneca and Oxford Nanopore, and stakeholder groups including the UK Bioindustry Association, and the Centre for Long-Term Resilience.

Ahead of chairing the council’s inaugural meeting, George Freeman, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said:

As we end reliance on fossil fuels for our energy, we also open up huge markets for new bioscience alternatives to hydrocarbon based bio-manufacturing: from harnessing bugs to convert waste into new biofuels to seaweed replacement of plastic. From industrial chemicals, to agrifood, to medicines manufacturing, the UK is pioneering a new bioeconomy. That is why we have made engineering biology one of our five key strategic technologies over the next decade.

We are on the cusp of an engineering biology revolution, from therapies for previously untreatable illnesses to entirely new ways of recycling. This is an opportunity the UK is primed to capitalise on, whether by our world-leading expertise in life sciences or through the more than £170 million the government is investing in the field.

We are already seeing how this new sector can benefit our economy, with the UK founding more biotech companies than anywhere else in Europe. To make sure this position of strength delivers jobs, growth, and a better quality of life for all, now is the time for us to set the pace globally on how this new sector will be governed, empowering responsible innovation in the UK and worldwide.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, said:

The Biosecurity Leadership Council brings together experts from our world-leading life sciences and biotechnology sectors here in the UK – vital in making sure we continue to drive scientific breakthroughs and manage biosecurity risks effectively.

The inaugural meeting today shows we are already delivering on the Biological Security Strategy I announced just a few months ago, and that we are committed to keeping the public safe from bio-threats and maximising the benefits from our thriving life sciences industry.

To begin with, the UK Biosecurity Leadership Council will support work on how the responsible development of DNA-based technology should be governed. Members of the council will help ministers and officials build their understanding of how industry-changing tools like AI and new techniques for engineering DNA are being used, the potential risks they pose, and how those can be mitigated in a practical and proportional way.

Establishing the council was one of the objectives on the UK Biological Security Strategy, published in June, which sets out the government’s overall plan to build our national resilience to future biological threats, whilst establishing the UK as a world leader in responsible innovation.

Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA), said:

Engineering biology has great potential and the diverse applications, making it a decisive force in tackling our world’s biggest challenges, from climate change to environmental degradation and feeding the growing global population.

UK biotech companies have long understood the power that lies in combining biology with modern technology, driving our world-class life sciences sector and leading advances in developing novel therapeutics and cell and gene therapies, and creating vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Our long-standing expertise and experience means the UK is well placed to safely and responsibly unlock the engineering biology revolution.

Sophie Rose, Senior Biosecurity Policy Advisor at the Centre for Long-Term Resilience, said:

We praise the government’s commitment to ensuring the UK set the example for empowering responsible innovation across emerging technology sectors, which is particularly crucial as life sciences and artificial intelligence advance at rapid paces.

The Biosecurity Leadership Council is a great starting point to ensure that a wide range of relevant external expertise is readily available to address both acute and chronic biological risks.

The government is continuing to develop wider policy to support the huge potential of the UK’s engineering biology sector, and a call for evidence is still open until the end of September. Further to this, the latest in a series of roundtables is being hosted by Ministers today, bringing science leaders and businesses from across the country together with policymakers to look at how engineering biology can boost the UK’s chemicals and materials industries.

Notes to editors

The UK is Europe’s leading biotech hub for breakthrough life-sciences start-ups and ranks fourth on the Global Innovation Index, presenting opportunities for future trade and prosperity across the UK. Our academic institutions are world leading and our strengths in biotechnology and engineering biology are ideally placed to support the UK’s ambitions as a science superpower.

The UK is a leader in engineering biology thanks in part to early, forward-thinking investment by the government over the last decade. This includes more than £100 million being invested through UK Research & Innovation’s Synthetic Biology for Growth programme.

A further £73 million is being invested into Engineering Biology Missions Hubs and Mission Awards that will build on our country’s reputation as a hub of innovation in the field.

The UK has clusters of strength in engineering biology across the country, stretching from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Bristol and Norwich.
September 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New Director of Public Prosecutions announced [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 14 September 2023.

Stephen Parkinson will be the new Director of Public Prosecutions and head of the Crown Prosecution Service the Attorney General has announced today.

Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP selected Mr Parkinson following an open and transparent competition. It is expected that he will take up the appointment from 1 November for an initial term of five years. He will succeed the outgoing DPP, Max Hill KC.

The Attorney General Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP said:

Stephen Parkinson brings a unique combination of legal expertise and public service at the highest levels, demonstrated most recently as Senior Partner at law firm Kingsley Napley LLP, and having spent numerous years in three of the Law Officers’ Departments: the Attorney General’s Office, Treasury Solicitor’s Department and as a prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) itself.

Stephen has had a stellar legal career both in and outside of government as well as experience of both prosecuting and defending. Combining this with his extensive track record of leadership, I have every confidence he will be a collaborative director and a principled and independent chief prosecutor. The public will rightly expect nothing less.

He will build on the achievements of Max Hill to whom I am grateful. The role of DPP requires exceptional qualities of judgement and character. I am looking forward to working with the new Director.

The CPS prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales. The CPS is independent and makes its decisions independently of the police and government.

Mr Parkinson said:

I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as the next Director of Public Prosecutions. Both as a prosecutor and defender I have always strongly believed in the importance of the CPS in bringing to justice and prosecuting fairly those accused of crime.

I would like to pay tribute to the work that Max Hill has done leading the CPS successfully through the challenges of the Pandemic and setting a clear direction for the future. I look forward to building on his legacy.

Note to Editors
- As set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1987, the Attorney General appoints the DPP.
- The current DPP, Max Hill KC, will serve his full five-year term, which is due to end in October 2023.
Stephen Parkinson Biography

Experience

Senior Partner, Kingsley Napley LLP 2018 – 2023

Head of Criminal Litigation Practice Area, Kingsley Napley 2006 – 2018

Deputy Legal Secretary (SCS, Grade 3) 1999 – 2003

Government Legal Department, Group Head, Litigation Division 1996-1999

Department of Trade and Industry – Assistant Solicitor 1992-1996

Crown Prosecution Service – Head of International Co-operation Unit 1991-1992

Education

University College London, LLB 1976 – 1979

Inns of Court School of Law, Barrister 1979 – 1980

Pupillage, 3 Temple Gardens 1980 – 1982

Qualified as Solicitor 2005

Biography

Stephen Parkinson is a practicing lawyer with a long and distinguished career which began in the CPS as a junior Prosecutor.

He has most recently been Senior Partner at law firm Kingsley Napley LLP where he has represented a number of high-profile clients.

His last 20 years as a defence lawyer have built on the skills and experience that he gained from his years working as a prosecutor, and he has developed an extensive practice advising on, or undertaking, investigations for organisations, companies and individuals which will be a strength in his role as DPP.

He accumulated a wealth of experience in Government, including roles in the Treasury Solicitor’s Department, where he was responsible for most of the Government’s regulatory litigation, and also the Department of Trade and Industry, where he headed a team providing legal advice in live company investigations.

In the CPS, he progressed from junior prosecutor to the head of the International Co-Operation Unit and also spent two periods in the Attorney General’s Office, with his last post being as deputy head of the department.
September 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Dr Dave Smith takes helm as UK’s National Technology Adviser [September 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 September 2023.

Smith’s extensive expertise and leadership in the tech sector will ideally place him to guide the UK’s tech aspirations.
Dave Smith appointed as the UK’s National Technology Adviser

the senior appointment will drive government commitment to work with the tech industry and academia to drive growth and innovation, tackling the greatest challenges of the day

Smith’s focus will be on integrating academic and industry expertise with government to boost UK’s superpower ambitions

The government has appointed Doctor Dave Smith as its National Technology Adviser, following the departure of Sir Patrick Vallance from the role.

Appointed by the Prime Minister after a rigorous process, Smith’s extensive expertise and leadership in the tech sector ideally places him to guide the nation’s tech aspirations.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Innovation in technology is one of the most important ways we can transform people’s lives, which is why I am delighted to appoint Dave Smith as the UK’s National Technology Adviser – who brings expertise and vision to this vital role.

We share the ambition of forging a better Britain and growing the economy through technology – and with Dave at the helm, we will champion the dynamism of the tech sector so that it can continue to thrive, attracting top talent, boosting innovation and cementing our place as a global science and technology superpower by 2030.

National Technology Adviser Dave Smith said:

I am deeply honoured to serve as the UK’s National Technology Adviser. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently advocated for the transformative power of technology and innovation to redefine societies.

I’m delighted to have the opportunity to harness the growing potential of the British tech sector to drive growth and tackle society’s biggest challenges. Building upon the significant foundations laid by Sir Patrick Vallance, I’m eager to ensure the UK’s continued leadership and position as a global tech superpower.

As National Tech Adviser, Dave Smith will advise the Technology Secretary on the best approach to building and enhancing the UK’s technology strengths, working across government to champion the science and tech industries, and build networks across industry and academia to draw the best minds into policymaking.

This will see Smith use his decades of experience working across the technology industry, which has most recently seen him lead Rolls-Royce’s approach to innovation as Technology Director. His career has otherwise seen him sit as the Managing Director of a British tech firm working across cyber-security, networking and more, before taking up key leadership roles in renowned public sector and technology consultancies.

At a reception with senior tech executives from leading British businesses this evening, Secretary of State Michelle Donelan will highlight Smith’s appointment, emphasising his extensive experience and expressing her optimism about the direction of the UK’s tech landscape under his guidance.

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

The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology has a clear mission: to ignite innovation that enriches our economy, elevates our public services, and strengthens our national security. Dave Smith’s appointment sends a firm message: we are committed to bringing the brightest tech minds to government, and working hand-in-glove with industry to make the most of what tech has to offer.

The UK is pro-tech and open for business, I look forward to championing and delivering for the sector alongside Dave.

Dave’s work and visionary leadership will no doubt propel us towards our goal of becoming a global tech superpower by 2030.

Smith will report directly to the Department for Science Innovation and Technology’s Permanent Secretary to drive forward the work of the newest government department to drive innovation, create better paid jobs and grow the economy.
September 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Commissioner for Investigations of ICRIR [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 14 September 2023.

Secretary State for Northern Ireland confirms Peter Sheridan as Commissioner for Investigations designate of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has accepted the recommendation for Peter Sheridan to be confirmed Commissioner for Investigations designate of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

Confirming the announcement, Mr Heaton-Harris said:

“I am pleased to confirm Peter Sheridan as Commissioner for Investigations designate, following an independent recommendation from Sir Declan Morgan and his panel.

“Peter brings a wealth of senior investigative experience and I am confident he can utilise these skills to help victims of the Troubles and their families find the answers they deserve.”

The formal appointment of Mr Sheridan will only take place following the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill receiving Royal Assent and establishment of the ICRIR.

The appointment process followed a fair and open competition against criteria that were set out to Parliament.

Notes to editor

The Secretary of State accepted the recommendation from an independent panel chaired by Sir Declan Morgan, ICRIR Chief Commissioner Designate. The independent selection panel membership included:

Robert Beckley, QPM – a former Deputy Chief Constable and currently Assistant Commissioner;

Wendy Williams, CBE – His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and author of the independent Lessons Learned Review into the Home Office and its handling of events leading up to the Windrush scandal; and

David Porter – the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Chief of Staff from 2016 to 2022, having previously served as the Archbishop’s advisor on Reconciliation.

The Commissioner for Investigations, will have the full powers and privileges of a constable and will have responsibility for the ICRIR’s review functions into Troubles-related deaths and other harmful conduct.

The Commissioner for Investigations will be responsible for supervision of reviews, deciding if there should be a criminal investigation, issuing notices requiring information to be provided to the ICRIR and the referral of conduct to prosecutors if there is sufficient evidence that the conduct constitutes an offence.

The ICRIR is being established as a non-departmental public body that will operate independently of the government.

September 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Quad statement at IAEA Board of Governors on the Safeguards Agreement with Iran [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 September 2023.

Germany, France, the US and the UK (the Quad) gave a joint statement to the IAEA Board of Governors on 13 September.

Chair,

France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States thank DirectorGeneral Grossi for his report on the implementation of safeguards in Iran contained in GOV/2023/43.

We welcome the statement made by Denmark on behalf of a group of 63 States, to which I will add separate remarks on behalf of our four countries. We fully support and commend the DG and the Secretariat for their professional, independent and impartial verification of Iran’s safeguards obligations. We commend their repeated efforts to engage Iran to clarify information concerning the correctness and completeness of its declarations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement. The IAEA should continue to evaluate all safeguards-relevant information available, in line with its mandate and standard practice.

Chair,

It has been more than four years since the IAEA raised questions regarding possible undeclared nuclear material at a number of undeclared locations in Iran. The Board has adopted three resolutions in reaction to Iran’s persistent lack of substantive cooperation, most recently in November 2022, when the Board decided that it is “essential and urgent”, that Iran act to fulfil its legal obligations and clarify all outstanding safeguards issues without delay.

On March 4 2023, Iran made commitments to the Agency regarding the outstanding safeguards issues and Agency verification and monitoring activities. We recall that this Joint Statement was agreed in the context of Iran’s continued escalation of its nuclear program, as demonstrated by the detection of uranium enriched at 83.7%. This constituted an extremely grave development, and further strengthened the view that there is no credible civilian justification for Iran’s nuclear programme.

As the DG has reported in the clearest terms, there has been no progress whatsoever both on outstanding safeguards issues and on verification and monitoring activities since the last Board. Instead, Iran persists in its deliberate refusal to engage earnestly with the Agency.

Chair,

On outstanding safeguards issues, we note that Iran has still not addressed the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin found by the Agency in Turquzabad and Varamin. As clearly requested by the Agency, Iran needs to provide, without further delay, technically credible information on the current location(s) of nuclear material and contaminated equipment in relation to Turquzabad and Varamin.

We note that the Agency’s assessment of the activities undertaken in Marivan remains as set out previously: that Iran conducted explosive experiments in preparation for the use of neutron detectors at this site. This is a stark reminder of why we need to continue to demand full transparency from Iran on all outstanding safeguards issues.

Unless and until Iran provides technically credible explanations in response to the Agency’s outstanding questions, as reiterated in the November 2022 Resolution, the Agency will not be able to confirm the correctness and completeness of Iran’s declarations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement or provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. Such assurances are critical for the international community and the international non-proliferation regime.

In addition, we note that the Agency still awaits resolution of the discrepancy, detected more than a year ago, between the amount of natural uranium from Jaber Ibn Hayan Laboratory declared by Iran and the amount verified by the Agency. The Agency considers Iran’s accountancy “not to be based on scientific grounds, and therefore, not acceptable”. We call upon Iran to engage the Agency to explain the shortfall of nuclear material and demonstrate ‘valid and technically sound measurement results’. It is worth recalling that this material is related to a previous safeguards site of concern – LavisanShian.

Finally, we once again recall that implementation of modified Code 3.1 of the Subsidiary Arrangements General Part to Iran’s Safeguards Agreement is a legal obligation for Iran which cannot be modified or stopped unilaterally. Iran has announced the locations of new nuclear facilities and the Agency has asked Iran to provide required preliminary design information. Iran must respond to these requests imminently. Iran is the only state with significant nuclear activities implementing a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement but not modified Code 3.1.

Chair,

We note with regret that there has been no progress in implementing the 4th March Joint Statement, despite the Agency’s request to install additional cameras and for access to data on cameras previously installed. We urge Iran to allow the Agency to install all cameras it deems necessary, provide the Agency with access to all existing recorded data, and agree specific arrangements to fill the gaps in the Agency’s knowledge for the periods during which recorded data does not exist.

Furthermore, we note the de-designation of experienced Agency inspectors and denial of visas for Agency officials dealing with Iran during this period – which runs counter to the co-operative relationship that should prevail between Iran and the Agency. These actions undermine the Agency’s ability to carry out its safeguards mandate. We urge Iran to fully facilitate the implementation of the Agency’s safeguards verification activities. The Board will monitor this closely. Furthermore, the recent attempts at intimidation by Iran, aimed at discouraging Board members from raising their concerns at Board meetings are unacceptable. It is the legitimate right of Board members to participate in the debate on all agenda items as they see fit as set out by the Board of Governors’ Rules of procedure.

Chair,

Iran cannot continue to fail to meet its legal safeguards obligations. We urge Iran to act without delay to clarify and resolve all outstanding issues. The Director General has made clear asks in his report and requested engagement from Iran. The November 2022 Resolution makes clear the Board’s requirements of Iran. Iran must urgently deliver both sets of requirements.

If Iran fails to implement the essential and urgent actions contained in the November 2022 Resolution and the 4th March Joint Statement in full, the Board will have to be prepared to take further action in support of the Secretariat to hold Iran accountable in the future, including the possibility of a resolution.

We reiterate that, should Iran clarify all outstanding issues and enable the IAEA Director General to confirm that these issues have been duly addressed, we will not deem further reports on developments necessary. We would like to thank the IAEA for their impartial and professional work on this issue. We encourage the Director General to continue reporting to the Board of Governors and welcome making the report contained in GOV/2023/43 public, in line with long-standing practice.

Thank you, Chair.

September 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £88 million research and development boost for innovative connectivity to future proof UK mobile network [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 14 September 2023.

Sporting venues and tourism hotspots will see trials of new mobile tech to increase the resilience of the UK mobile network, thanks to £88 million of UK government R&D investment in innovative connectivity.
- Government announces £88 million investment in innovative open 5G connectivity solutions across the UK
- funding awarded to 19 projects through the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) competition – designed to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of technology
Iconic sporting venues and tourism hotspots across the UK will see trials of new mobile tech designed to increase the resilience of the UK mobile network and ensure we are not overly reliant on any one form of technology, thanks to £88 million of UK government R&D investment in innovative connectivity.

The 19 successful projects in the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) Competition will demonstrate the reliability and feasibility of Open Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies and showcase their role in delivering resilient and future-proofed connectivity to UK citizens and businesses.

The ONE competition helps deliver on the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in telecoms research and development, through investment in cutting-edge open hardware and software.

The funding will enable the successful projects to develop and demonstrate a range of innovative technological solutions to improve connectivity in places with some of the biggest demand on mobile services. This includes busy locations like cities, airports, stadiums, or large venues where many people use their devices simultaneously, posing a challenge for mobile networks to handle high levels of traffic.

The ONE competition was designed to demonstrate how this new way of building mobile networks can deliver fast, dependable connectivity in busy places where many people need wireless connections. Instead of using only one company’s equipment, Open RAN enables different companies’ technology to work together, which can make the network better and more flexible.

The projects will initiate trials of open 5G networks across the country, in:
- major urban centres in Glasgow, Cambridge, Liverpool, Bath, and the City of London
- iconic sports and entertainment venues including Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, the National eSport Arena, Cambridge Corn Exchange, and Shelsley Walsh motorsport venue
- the historic seaside resorts of Blackpool and Worthing
Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale said:

Whether you’re in a busy city centre or a rural village, a fast and reliable mobile connection is vital to staying in touch, accessing services and doing business.

In order to secure that, we need to embrace a diverse and secure range of technology that will underpin the network.

The projects we’re backing today with £88 million in government research and development investment will use innovative Open RAN solutions to make our mobile networks more adaptable and resilient, with future-proofed technology to support bringing lightning-fast connections across the country for many years to come.

Running until March 2025, the projects are part of the government’s Open Networks Research and Development Fund, dedicated to building secure and resilient communications infrastructure and enhancing competition and innovation within the 5G telecoms supply chain. The full list of successful projects can be found here.

In a further boost to telecoms supply chain resilience and diversification, major mobile network operators – BT/EE, Three UK, Virgin Media O2, and Vodafone have endorsed the UK’s Open RAN Principles.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reaffirms the ambition for 35% of the UK’s network traffic to pass through open and interoperable Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies by 2030.

Hamish MacLeod, Chief Executive of Mobile UK:

The development of open and interoperable RAN solutions is important to the UK’s mobile industry. This announcement highlights Mobile UK’s member operator’s ongoing R&D trial and deployment programmes, helping progress solutions to realise ambitions to grow traffic over open RAN architecture.

Nick Johnson, Head of UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) said:

The government’s funding to tackle adoption barriers of open mobile networks is another significant contribution to the telecoms industry, and once again highlights the important role the sector plays in driving connectivity and economic growth in the UK.

Building a diversified telecoms infrastructure in the UK is crucial to unlocking opportunities for growth and creating a prosperous future. The projects announced today, in support of that mission, will both deliver exciting innovations and consider how to overcome some of the tricky but important challenges to wide-scale deployments.

This announcement coincides with Vodafone’s recent start of Open RAN equipment installation at 2,500 sites in Wales and the South-West of England.
September 15, 2023