Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : New measures targeting bomb-making materials come into force [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New measures targeting bomb-making materials come into force [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 October 2023.

    Stronger restrictions on poisons and explosive substances came into effect on 1 October 2023.

    New restrictions on poisons and explosive substances have come into effect from Sunday 1 October, strengthening existing controls for poisons and chemicals which could be used to make explosives.

    Under these changes, there will be stricter requirements on reporting suspicious activity, including new obligations for online marketplaces. Customer information, such as photo identification, will be recorded when selling regulated materials to business users.

    Additional substances have also been added to the list of regulated poisons, including 2,4 Dinitrophenol, also known as DNP, which has taken the lives of many young people in the UK. Other substances to be added include zinc phosphide and hexamine, often used in fireworks.

    This will mean it will be a criminal offence to sell these substances to members of the public without a valid licence.

    Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

    The deaths of dozens of young people at the hands of criminals selling chemicals like DNP is a tragedy.

    These new measures will help prevent dangerous controlled substances from falling into the wrong hands.

    These measures come on the back of the devastating Manchester Arena attack in 2017, and the government’s commitment to look at whether current laws went far enough to protect the public.

    The changes will come into force through the updates to the Poisons Act 1972.

    Food Standards Agency (FSA) Head of National Food Crime Unit Andrew Quinn said:

    DNP can, and does, kill. This is why we strongly support the Home Office on the reclassification of DNP as a poison as well as the police on tackling criminals who supply this killer chemical.

    British Retail Consortium (BRC) Retail Products Advisor Adrian Simpson said:

    Retailers play an important part in spotting any suspicious activity from customers when buying particular chemical products, and will take additional steps to verify legitimacy of a purchase through more thorough ID checks.

    We welcome these new strengthened measures – retailers are vital in protecting the public by ensuring that all changes are clearly communicated to their customers. They will provide additional information online to explain the risks associated with certain products.

    The government continues to regularly work with online marketplaces to ensure that they are aware of the harms of chemicals and poisons and can identify and take down potentially unlawful listings as quickly as possible.

    The Poisons Act 1972 already sets out controls of chemicals which can be used to make explosives and poisons, restricting the general public’s access to the most dangerous materials. It permits a licensing regime for the purchase and use of regulated substances where there is a legitimate need and no safer alternative.

    Newly reportable explosives precursors:

    • Sulfur

    Newly reportable poisons:

    • Metal sulfides and polysulfides
    • Metal phosphides
    • Sodium hypochlorite solutions (above 6% available Cl).

    Newly regulated precursors:

    • Hexamine
    • Hydrochloric acid (over 10% w/w)
    • Phosphoric acid (over 30% w/w)
    • Ammonium nitrate (over 16% N)

    Newly regulated poisons:

    • Aluminium sulfide
    • Sodium sulfide
    • Calcium sulfide
    • Magnesium sulfide
    • Calcium phosphide
    • Zinc phosphide
    • Arsenic compounds
    • Mercury compounds
    • 2,4- dinitrophenol (DNP) and compounds including sodium dinitrophenolate
  • PRESS RELEASE : Developer prosecuted for breaching Bat Mitigation Licence [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Developer prosecuted for breaching Bat Mitigation Licence [October 2023]

    The press release issued by Natural England on 2 October 2023.

    Derby-based property developer ordered to pay £14,435.17 for breaching conditions of an European Protected Species Bat Mitigation Licence.

    • Derby-based property developer to pay total of £14,435.17
    • Defendant pleads guilty to four charges over development in Ashbourne
    • Court told defendant ignored advice from Natural England and ecologist

    A Derby-based property developer has been ordered to pay a total of £14,435.17 in a prosecution brought by Natural England for breaching the conditions of a European Protected Species Bat Mitigation Licence.

    On 4 September 2023 at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, Patrick Weekes, aged 55, of Radbourne Construction Limited, Vernongate, Derby, pleaded guilty to four offences relating to a housing development in Harehill, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

    He was fined £3,200 plus a victim’s surcharge of £1,280 and ordered to pay full prosecution costs of £9,955.17.

    A European Protected Species Bat Mitigation Licence was issued to the defendant in October 2020.

    The licence permitted the capture, disturbance, transport, and damage of resting places for Brown long-eared (Plecotus auritus) and Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) bats.

    And it also permitted the damage of a breeding site for Brown long-eared bats.

    The court was told that Natural England’s Wildlife Licensing Service had been made aware of potential breaches of the licence issued to the defendant in October 2022.

    Natural England took the decision to prosecute because the breaches were considered so significant as to have impacted the welfare and Favourable Conservation Status of the bat species involved.

    The breaches left brown long-eared bats with no suitable maternity roosting provision within the site.

    They also significantly reduced the suitability of roosting opportunities for common pipistrelle bats, as well as endangering the welfare of both species.

    Following a compliance check, Natural England’s Enforcement Team led a multi-agency site visit in February 2023 which evidenced that the defendant had breached the conditions of his licence on four counts:

    • Failed to install Bitumen type 1F roofing felt with hessian matrix as agreed in the licence. This roofing felt is designed to be non-breathable which mitigates the risks to bats. Breathable roofing membranes, such as the one installed by the defendant, can cause bats to become entangled in the loose fibres and result in their injury and/or death. This is a significant risk to bat welfare.
    • Failed to install the compensation and mitigation measures as agreed in the licence. Mitigation and compensation measures are included in licences to reduce the harm to bats, mitigate for any impacts, and where impacts cannot be mitigated then compensation is designed to maintain the Favourable Conservation Status as required in legislation. In this case, the agreed compensation in the form of various specific ridge crevices and access tiles to allow bats to roost within the roof were not installed, and the loft space set aside in one building to compensate for the loss of a Brown long-eared maternity roost was unsuitable and did not meet the requirements set out in the licence.
    • Failed to complete post-development monitoring as agreed in the licence. Monitoring is vital to understand whether the impacts of bats have been successfully mitigated and compensated for, as well as determining if there are any issues with the compensation that need to be addressed to ensure they remain suitable for use by bats.
    • Stripped the roof of a property containing a Common pipistrelle day roost without direct ecological supervision, as agreed in the licence. Ecologist supervision is required wherever there is a risk that bats can be encountered such as stripping a roof of a property with a confirmed bat roost present. This requirement is to ensure that works are done in a sympathetic way towards bats and if any bats are found during the process they can be safely transferred to a suitable bat box on site.

    In sentencing the defendant, the court noted that he had acted in contravention to the professional advice provided by both their own ecological consultant and Natural England.

    Also the defendant did not carry out work to mitigate the harmful impact on bats when so instructed by Natural England.

    Steph Bird-Halton, Natural England’s National Delivery Director, commented:

    “Natural England does not take the decision to prosecute lightly.

    “However, where individuals or companies place the welfare or Favourable Conservation Status of protected species at risk, we will not hesitate to take targeted and proportionate enforcement action.

    “I would like to thank the Bat Conservation Trust’s Wildlife Crime Project for the assistance they provided in this case.”

    Additional information

    All bat species are afforded legal protection as a European Protected Species under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

    It is a criminal offence to contravene or fail to comply with any condition of a licence issued by Natural England, pursuant to Regulation 60(1) of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

    The Favourable Conservation Status of a species refers to the situation in which a habitat or species is thriving throughout its natural range and is expected to continue to thrive in the future.

    Ensuring that Favourable Conservation Status is maintained after any licensable actions is key to all European Protected Species licensing decisions made by Natural England.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Reprisals [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Reprisals [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2023.

    Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary-General’s Report on Reprisals. Delivered by the UK on 29 September 2023 at 54th Human Rights Council.

    Thank you Mr President, [Assistant-Secretary General] And thank you to the Secretary-General for his report, and his continued efforts to counter instances of reprisals against those who cooperate with the United Nations.

    The UK unequivocally condemns each and every act of intimidation or reprisal.

    Anexa Alfred Cunningham, a Miskitu Indigenous leader and human rights defender, has been denied entry back into her home country of Nicaragua, due to her participation in a UN group of experts.

    Delegates of the Human Rights Centre Viasna have been arbitrarily detained in Belarus for their work defending human rights, including through their engagement with UN human rights mechanisms. Belarusian trade union leader, Aliaksandr Yarashuk, was arrested for his work, including submitting information to the ILO.

    Armel Niyongere, Dieudonné Bashirahishize, Vital Nshimirimana and Lambert Nigarura, were forced to leave Burundi after engaging with the Committee Against Torture in 2016.

    Following an appearance earlier this year in this very room, Sebastian Lai, the son of Jimmy Lai, and their international legal team have faced shocking intimidation and harassment by the Chinese authorities.

    When individuals or organisations face threats or retaliation for engaging with international bodies, not only do the individuals involved suffer, but so do our collective efforts towards upholding human rights.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Newly appointed UK Trade Commissioner for APAC visits Taiwan [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Newly appointed UK Trade Commissioner for APAC visits Taiwan [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2023.

    Newly appointed UK Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific visits Taiwan to strengthen trade and investment links.

    His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent is currently in Taiwan conducting a 5-day visit to broaden and deepen trade and investment links between the UK and Taiwan.

    The key purpose of the visit is to meet with Taiwan’s International Trade Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to prepare discussion topics for the 26th annual UK-Taiwan Trade Talks due to take place in London in November. HMTC will also meet with Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Chern-Chyi Chen, who will co-chair the Trade Talks alongside Nigel Huddleston, the UK’s Minister for International Trade at the Department for Business and Trade. He will also meet with Minister without Portfolio and Chief Trade Negotiator, John Deng to continue talks on the UK-Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) announced earlier this year.

    During his visit, HMTC will meet with key representatives of UK businesses in Taiwan to understand the market opportunities, as well as key Taiwanese companies, including China Airlines and GlobalWafers to explore collaboration.

    HMTC will also meet with Taiwan’s Smart Capital Investors’ Club to share more about the UK as Europe’s most popular investment destination. The UK has long been at the forefront of global exploration, invention and innovation. World-leading companies choose the UK as a place to invest, research, manufacture and grow. Global multinationals have created more subsidiaries in the UK (28,707) than anywhere else, outside of China and the USA. In November, the UK will host its second Global Investment Summit, which will bring more than 200 of the world’s highest profile investors, CEOs and financiers to showcase the UK as a world leading investment destination.

    The UK and Taiwan already have a thriving trade relationship based on collaboration in key areas such as offshore wind. Through this visit and wider engagement we are broadening this to include new areas in the technology-related sectors, including semiconductors. The UK has a long and exceptional history attracting foreign direct investments to its tech sector, which is worth over $1 trillion. It is only the third country globally to reach this landmark valuation, and has produced more unicorns than any other European country at over 160. The UK’s startup ecosystem also ranks the first in Europe and 3rd globally in terms of VC investment raised. There are more than 180 Taiwanese companies established in the UK.

    The UK-Taiwan bilateral trade and investment relationship is going from strength-to-strength with total trade in goods and services reaching £8.6 billion in 2022. Total UK exports to Taiwan in 2022 hit £3.9 billion, with an 18.2% year-on-year increase in goods exports. Taiwan is now the UK’s 5th largest trading partner in the Asia Pacific region, and the UK is Taiwan’s 3rd largest trading partner in Europe.

    Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, said:

    I look forward to promoting UK-Taiwan trade growth from its existing bilateral level of £8.6 billion per year using the upcoming Trade Talks and Enhanced Trade Partnership as a catalyst. I am also prioritising promoting investment into our world-leading UK clean growth sector, as well as exploring broader partnerships in science, tech, research and development.

    John Dennis, Representative at the British Office Taipei said:

    Trade & investment play an enormous part in the bilateral partnership between the UK and Taiwan, and I am delighted to welcome Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to Taiwan. We have huge momentum to deliver economic growth for both the UK and Taiwan, and the visit is another testament to the importance of our partnership to maximise opportunities and tackle current challenges together.

    More information

    • Martin Kent has been appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific on 18 September 2023, joining a team of nine HM Trade Commissioners encouraging UK trade and investment and promoting Global Britain across the world. See the announcement at GOV.UK
    • Martin Kent’s biography
    • ‘Unicorn’ is the term used in the venture capital industry to describe a startup company with a value of over $1 billion.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister for the Armed Forces meets defence leaders and military chiefs in Central Asia and Mongolia [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister for the Armed Forces meets defence leaders and military chiefs in Central Asia and Mongolia [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 October 2023.

    James Heappey meets counterparts in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia with talks focusing on cooperation on regional security.

    In Kazakhstan on Tuesday, he met with officials including Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Defence Minister Lieutenant General Sultan Burkutbayevich Kamaletdinov and members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security of the Mazhilis of Parliament, to discuss future cooperation on peacekeeping missions. The Minister also welcomed Kazakhstan’s support for the sanctions regime against Russia in response to the war against Ukraine.

    For over 20 years, the UK has assisted Kazakhstan in building the capability of the Peace Operations Centre (KAZCENT), helping to enable Kazakh deployments on peace support operations such as the UN missions in Côte d’Ivoire, Lebanon and Western Sahara. These efforts have been underpinned by military English language training delivered by the UK.

    The minister then travelled to Uzbekistan on Wednesday, where he held regional security talks with the Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General Bakhodir Kurbanov, as well as the Commander of the National Guard, General Rustam Jo’rayev, and Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan Ismatulla Irgashev. He also laid a wreath at the Victory Park in Tashkent to pay tribute to Uzbek soldiers who lost their lives in World War Two.

    His visit concluded in Mongolia, where he became the first British defence minister to visit the country. He met Defence Minister Gürsediin Saikhanbayar and discussed cooperation on peacekeeping missions. The UK and Mongolia have an especially close relationship: our soldiers have served together in Afghanistan and as peacekeepers in South Sudan, and 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the UK becoming the first Western country to forge diplomatic relations with Mongolia.

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

    My visits this week form part of the approach outlined in the recent Defence Command Paper as we build our strategic international partnerships across Asia, in the interests of security and prosperity for everyone.

    I’ve held productive discussions with defence ministers and military leaders in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia, laying the groundwork for future cooperation, especially on peacekeeping operations.

    As set out in the Integrated Review Refresh 2023, the UK is committed to strengthening engagement with Central Asia and Mongolia to boost their prosperity, security and resistance to Russian interference.

  • PRESS RELEASE : FCDO to recruit more armed forces veterans [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : FCDO to recruit more armed forces veterans [October 2023]

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

    The FCDO will implement new measures to increase the number of staff employed with military backgrounds.

    Plans will encourage applications from veterans to the department and improve their chances of successful appointment. Roles are open to veterans in both the diplomatic service and in jobs across the UK. This will include FCDO representation at career fairs for veterans of the armed forces, and promotion to increase take-up of a guaranteed interview scheme for people who have served in the military.

    Once recruited, plans are being developed to encourage career progression. This includes a bespoke mentoring scheme to support veterans to reach the Senior Civil Service.

    Data on the number of veterans recruited will be published next year to demonstrate progress made against this ambition.

  • PRESS RELEASE : RAF Fighter jets deploy to Poland for joint exercises ahead of Warsaw Security Forum [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : RAF Fighter jets deploy to Poland for joint exercises ahead of Warsaw Security Forum [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 October 2023.

    Four RAF Typhoon jets have been deployed to Poland, to conduct exercises with aircraft from Spain, Poland, and Italy.

    The deployment will provide an opportunity for RAF pilots to practice dogfighting against different types of aircraft, and develop tactics to exploit their weaknesses.

    The Typhoons, which deployed to Poland today, will remain in Poland for two weeks and practice engaging targets beyond visual range, simulating various possible combat scenarios. They will be supported by a team of more than 50 RAF personnel during the deployment.

    It is just one of many joint exercises conducted with Polish forces, including the UK’s permanent deployment of hundreds of troops in Poland as part of our NATO commitment under Operation CABRIT.

    The activity comes ahead of UK Ministers attending the Warsaw Security Forum this week. Defence Minister James Heappey and FCDO ministers Anne-Marie Trevelyan and Lord Ahmad will all use the forum to stress the need to maintain support for Ukraine and keep up the pressure on Russia.

    Earlier this year, the UK and Polish foreign secretaries and defence ministers signed a strategic partnership on foreign policy, security and defence – emphasising both countries’ commitment to European security and collective defence through NATO.

    On Wednesday, James Heappey will visit RAF personnel deployed with the Typhoons, as well as troops deployed in eastern Poland who operate the Sky Sabre surface-to-air missile system, bolstering Poland’s air defences close to the border with Ukraine.

    The Warsaw Security Forum is focused on transatlantic cooperation in response to common challenges, first organised in 2014, bringing together ministers and senior officials from across defence to provide a forum to discuss challenges facing Central and Eastern Europe, and the wider international community.

    The UK is the Partner Nation of this year’s Warsaw Security forum and the British Embassy Warsaw has worked closely with the Polish government and conference organisers to design a programme that reflected the UK’s objectives and views, as outlined in the Integrated Review Refresh 2023 and the Defence Command Paper 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £4 Billion UK contracts progresses AUKUS submarine design [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £4 Billion UK contracts progresses AUKUS submarine design [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 October 2023.

    Next phase of next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine is underway.

    UK businesses will be behind the design and manufacture of the world’s most advanced submarines, following the awarding of £4 billion of contracts today [1 October].

    The signing of the Detailed Design and Long Leads (D2L2) Phase with BAE Systems (BAES), Rolls-Royce and Babcock represents a significant milestone for both the UK and the trilateral AUKUS programme as a whole, in the lead up to build the future class of nuclear-powered attack submarines, known as SSN-AUKUS.

    The contracts totalling £4 billion will progress the programme through the design, prototyping and purchase of main long lead components for the first UK submarines, allowing construction to commence in the coming years and ensure the stability and resilience of our domestic supply chain.

    Building on more than 60 years of British expertise in designing, building and operating nuclear-powered submarines, the D2L2 contracts will support thousands of highly skilled jobs in the UK – a clear demonstration of how the AUKUS programme supports the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

    Alongside the design development and long-lead procurement, infrastructure at the submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness and the nuclear reactor manufacturing site in Raynesway, Derby will be developed and expanded where needed to meet the requirement of the future submarine build programme.

    The aim is to deliver the first UK submarines into service in the late 2030s to replace the current Astute-Class vessels, and the first Australian submarines will follow in the early 2040s. They will be the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, combining world-leading sensors, design and weaponry in one vessel.

    Construction of the UK’s submarines will take place principally in Barrow-in-Furness, while Australia will work over the next decade to build up its submarine industrial base, and will build its submarines in Australia with Rolls-Royce supplying the nuclear reactors for all UK and Australian submarines.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary deploys UK forces to Kosovo for NATO peacekeeping mission [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary deploys UK forces to Kosovo for NATO peacekeeping mission [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 October 2023.

    UK forces will deploy to Kosovo following increasing tensions in the northern part of the country.

    UK forces will deploy to NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo following a request from NATO. This follows on from the violent attack on Kosovo Police in northern Kosovo on 24th September and increasing tensions in the region.

    Following a request from Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and approval by the North Atlantic Council, the UK will deploy around 200 soldiers from 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment in the coming days to join the 400-strong British contingent already in country as part of an annual exercise. The British Army unit has been assigned to the NATO Commander of the Kosovo Force following a specific request from the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, “SACEUR”, US General Chris Cavoli. This deployment is testament to the leadership and agility of UK defence, this deployment will provide strength and expertise to NATO, as part of our pivotal and unwavering commitment to the alliance.

    Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said:

    The deployment of the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment demonstrates the responsiveness of the UK’s Armed Forces. We continue to be a fundamental part of the NATO alliance, sharing our military expertise and strength.

    The extension of our support to the Kosovo Force (KFOR) underlines our unwavering commitment to NATO and the security of the Western Balkans region.

    Under NATO command, and working alongside other Allied nation forces, the UK forces will be available to conduct operations in accordance with KFOR’s mandate to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people of Kosovo .

    NATO has been leading a peace-support operation in Kosovo – the Kosovo Force (KFOR) – since June 1999. Troops from the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) are provided by 28 countries. The UK contributes two intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) units, staff officers to the mission Headquarters alongside the SRF commitment, held at 14 days’ readiness. The UK commitment to KFOR was extended in May 2023 when the Minister for Armed Forces James Heappey announced the UK would continue to contribute to the NATO mission until at least 2026.

    UK forces have been undertaking a key role in peacekeeping and bolstering security in the region for more than two decades, and alongside its Allies continue to show collective strength in dealing with the complex issues the world faces today.

    Background:

    • NATO has been leading a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo – the Kosovo Force (KFOR) – since June 1999. KFOR was established when NATO’s 78-day air campaign against Milosevic’s regime, aimed at putting an end to violence in Kosovo, was over.
    • KFOR’s original objectives were to deter renewed hostilities, establish a secure environment and ensure public safety and order, demilitarize the Kosovo Liberation Army, support the international humanitarian effort and coordinate with the international civil presence.
    • Today, KFOR continues to contribute towards maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo and freedom of movement for all
  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary visits Armed Forces in first month in post [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary visits Armed Forces in first month in post [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 October 2023.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visited multiple military locations, vowing for personnel to remain at the heart of our Armed Forces.

    People will remain at the heart of our Armed Forces, the Defence Secretary has said, as he made his first visits as Defence Secretary to the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

    The Defence Secretary prioritised meeting Armed Forces personnel to understand their experiences and give his steadfast commitment to supporting serving personnel and their families.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    The work of each and every one of our Armed Forces personnel is critical to our nation’s security, and I am grateful for their tireless dedication and expertise, and proud to be leading such a brilliant organisation.

    I am committed to protecting the security and prosperity of our nation while ensuring that all personnel and their families have the best possible experience, from childcare and accommodation, to pay and equipment.

    On his visit to the Navy in Portsmouth, the Defence Secretary met with serving Navy personnel to understand their experiences and opportunities they have had in the forces.

    He toured Type 45 HMS Defender which has recently been at the heart of joint operations with the UK’s allies, having completed four operations and four exercises in the year prior to her refit – including Exercise Formidable Shield. The Defence Secretary received briefs on Navy priorities and met with representatives from BAE Systems – a key defence partner – which is supporting thousands of jobs and livelihoods across the UK.

    On Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, visiting the Army, the Defence Secretary and Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders, met the British soldiers at the centre of the UK-led training programme which has trained more than 26,500 Ukrainian recruits to date. He heard their inspiring stories and observed the world-leading training, before receiving briefings on the Army’s priorities, including modernisation.

    At RAF Waddington, accompanied by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, the Defence Secretary met the personnel serving at the station – including 51 and XIII Squadrons, who operate Rivet Joint and Reaper Aircraft respectively. The Defence Secretary heard about their experiences in the Armed Forces and the work they have recently done. Grant Shapps was briefed on the intelligence gathering roles the RAF provides for defence.

    Providing the often-unseen elements of Defence is Strategic Command, based at Northwood, London and led by its Commander, General Sir Jim Hockenhull. During a meeting with General Jim, the Defence Secretary was briefed on the work of the specialists in the organisation such as cyber operators, intelligence analysts, medics, and logisticians.

    By integrating capabilities across Defence, Strategic Command ensures our Armed Forces are ready to respond anytime and anywhere. People are the key to making this work, and the Defence Secretary discussed the broad range of initiatives ongoing in Strategic Command to attract, upskill, and retain people, particularly those with science, digital and technical skills.

    This week, the Defence Secretary also visited Kyiv with Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin to discuss the UK’s steadfast support to Ukraine.

    Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    I am pleased the Secretary of State has had an opportunity to see how the Armed Forces are adapting to the lessons from the war in Ukraine, and to a world of state-on-state competition.

    An Army that is benefitting from a £40 billion investment programme to become even more lethal and even stronger within NATO. A Royal Air Force which is transitioning from fourth-generation aircraft to fifth-generation aircraft, more capacity to transport people and cargoes, and is improving our ability to both use and defend in space. A Royal Navy that is a carrier force once again with an enhanced global presence and an ongoing renewal of our nuclear deterrent.  And all our Services striving to make more use of technology and data both to provide the winning edge and look after our people better.

    Most of all I am pleased the Secretary of State is able to meet even more of our people. It is their commitment and skill, and the partnerships they forge internationally and with industry, that keep our nation safe.