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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Asia Pacific investors set to pour millions into UK Tech after biggest post-Brexit trade deal [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Asia Pacific investors set to pour millions into UK Tech after biggest post-Brexit trade deal [June 2023]

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

    Largest ever delegation of Asia Pacific (APAC) investors travel to the UK for the start of London Tech Week.

    • Just weeks after the UK concludes negotiations with CPTPP, £100bn investment funds from APAC flock to London for tech and investment bonanza.
    • Multi-million-pound deals on the cards at London Eye pitching event on first day of London Tech Week.
    • UK proving itself to be a tech superpower and the best place in the world to invest.

    Cutting edge British tech firms are set to pitch for multi-million-pound deals with Asia Pacific (APAC) investors today just weeks after the UK concluded negotiations with the CPTPP – a £9 trillion combined GDP trade bloc in the Indo-Pacific.

    As part of the biggest APAC delegation to ever visit London Tech Week, investors representing funds of over £100bn will meet with UK tech companies as they seek cash injections into innovative new projects, ranging from fintech and clean tech to life sciences and Artificial Intelligence.

    As day one (Monday 12 June) of the UK’s largest technology event gets underway, business deals have already been secured with APAC investors and tech firms, with the Minister for Investment, Lord Johnson, kicking off further investment talks later today at the London Eye.

    This includes a strategic partnership between Malaysian company Sunway Group – one of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates – and Cambridge-based venture capitalist firm Deeptech Labs, enabling them to accelerate the growth of net zero technologies and open new avenues for UK startups in the APAC region.

    The signing of the new partnership will take place on the banks of the River Thames before more lucrative deals are struck on the London Eye, as 25 tech firms have 30 minutes to pitch their latest innovations to investors before their pods circle back to the ground.

    Minister for Investment Lord Johnson said:

    London Tech Week is a huge opportunity to show that we are a science and technology superpower, and that the UK is the number one place to invest.

    Just weeks after successfully negotiating our biggest post-Brexit trade deal with the CPTPP, we are seeing huge interest from investors in the region, with millions of pounds being invested into world-leading British tech.

    Creating closer ties with our friends in the Asia Pacific region is creating enormous opportunities for inward investment, as the UK sits at the cutting edge of innovation in science and technology.

    Various APAC tech firms are also announcing they will move their HQs to the UK in a further vote of confidence that we have the best credentials as a place to do business. This includes Japanese startups Datagusto and Qufooit, as well as booking platform Enrolmy in New Zealand, with further potential announcements through the week.

    Extra support is also being announced by the Government to grow tech exports to Asia Pacific and facilitate more investment.

    A new contract has been awarded to Oxfordshire-based Intralink to run the new UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme as part of the UK’s Digital Trade Network (DTN), which will help UK tech companies and entrepreneurs to trade in the APAC region. The DTN itself will also expand to Taiwan and Vietnam to ensure UK exporters can access digital tech expertise and help with market access and digital trading systems.

    Minister for Technology and the Digital Economy Paul Scully MP said:

    Seamless collaboration with our global counterparts is the key that will unlock the potential of our leading start-up community, and in turn the UK’s future as a science and technology superpower. This is why Intralink’s work with the Digital Trade Network to bring together the UK and Asian tech communities is fundamental to our shared success.

    Natalie Black, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, said:

    This record-breaking delegation from Asia Pacific demonstrates our deepening relationship with nations across the CPTPP.

    At this year’s London Tech Week, we are seeing delegations of startups brought over by the Japanese government and our first ever delegation from Vietnam, demonstrating how the UK is the tech powerhouse of the CPTPP.

    I look forward to seeing the UK’s trillion-dollar tech sector thrive in the region through our expanded Digital Trade Network.

    The new UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme will increase UK digital tech exports to APAC markets by increasing private sector investment in UK tech companies and strengthening trading relationships between the UK and APAC countries.

    An Australian tech mission is also included in the 600-strong APAC delegation, looking to maximise benefits of the UK-Australia free trade agreement that came into force last month.

    Janet Coyle CBE, Managing Director of Grow London, London & Partners said:

    The relationship between UK tech companies and APAC investors is crucial for unlocking growth opportunities and helping businesses expand into new markets across both regions. I am looking forward to introducing some of our best tech talent to investors from the Asia-Pacific region during London Tech Week. The interest we’ve seen from international companies and investors in this year’s London Tech Week demonstrates the global appeal of the UK’s tech sector.

    Notes to editors

    • 600 delegates will make up the APAC delegation, with a further delegation of 50 from Mexico – another CPTPP member. Investors in the APAC delegation are representing investment funds managing over £100bn of assets.
    • Both the Minister for Investment, Lord Johnson, and APAC HMTC Natalie Black will be attending the Sunway Group – Cambridge Deep Tech Labs signing event this afternoon alongside senior representatives from MyDIGITAL Corporation and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, where they will meet with investors and tech firms. Lord Johnson will also deliver a speech.
    • The ‘Elevator Pitch’ event at the London Eye will follow on shortly afterwards, with HMTC Natalie Black in attendance.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Over 25,000 long term ill and disabled people supported into work with £58m boost [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over 25,000 long term ill and disabled people supported into work with £58m boost [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 June 2023.

    MORE than 25,000 people with health conditions will be helped to start and stay in work thanks to over £58m in new government funding.

    • New funding to support over 25,000 people in England with health issues find and stay in work
    • 12 areas across 41 local authorities in England to benefit from additional employment support
    • Funding marks first step in delivery of Universal Support and key part of efforts to reduce economic inactivity and grow the economy

    The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, today (11 June) confirmed the expansion of a programme which provides employment support to people with mild to moderate mental or physical health conditions who are out of work or need support to stay in work.

    Recognising employment as an important driver of health and wellbeing, participants are referred to the service by healthcare professionals such as GPs and practice nurses, and employment support and advice are integrated with their normal health treatment.

    As well as unlocking people’s potential and supporting them into a fulfilling career, a successful workforce will help deliver on Government’s priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy.

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP said:

    “We know that work has a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing and this pioneering programme will help thousands more people reap the benefits of fulfilling employment with the right help.

    “This is a significant milestone in our commitment to invest in employment support for people with health conditions. Through the reforms we set out earlier this year, we will continue to provide even more inclusive employment opportunities across the country as part of our efforts to unlock people’s potential and grow the economy.”

    The first phase of the Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) programme, launched in April 2023, providing on-the-job “place and train” employment support and advice to 12,700 people across South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, West London, Norfolk, Cheshire West and Chester, and West Midlands, at a cost of £27.9 million.

    We are now expanding IPSPC to support up to a further 12,900 people in Enfield, Essex, Newham, Nottingham, Slough and Surrey who are set to benefit from an additional £31 million joint investment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

    This is part of the first phase of the DWP’s Universal Support employment programme, announced in the Spring Budget.

    Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP said:

    “In our Health and Disability White Paper we highlighted the importance of employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions, so it is absolutely right to expand the proven successful model of supported employment further.

    “I’m delighted that we’re already seeing this approach boost participants’ employment prospects, wellbeing, self-confidence, and motivation to return to work.

    “What we learn from supporting people through IPSPC will pave the way to Universal Support, which, when fully rolled out will offer people personalised support to help them flourish in work.”

    Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, said:

    “This expanded funding is a vital part of our drive to support disabled people and those with health conditions who deserve to live independently. This also includes our £573 million annual Disabled Facilities Grant, which funds housing modifications such as grab rails and ramps to improve independent living at home.

    “We are also inviting views on how the government can better diagnose and support those with major health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases or mental ill-health, which will inform our Major Conditions Strategy later this year.”

    Andrew Beardsall, Associate Director of Primary Care at NHS Bassetlaw Place, Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, said:

    “The expansion of IPSPC is great for patients and for primary care professionals.

    “GPs often report that in trying to deal with patients physical and mental health issues they are often only treating a small part of their patients’ overall problems, which cannot be tackled in isolation.

    “IPSPC offers the chance to break the spiral between ill health, employment and quality of life. It is simply a good idea and warmly welcomed”

    It is estimated the programme will help over 25,000 people secure or retain employment by March 2025 by offering them personalised employment support and advice integrated with their normal health treatment.

    Additional information

    • IPSPC represents the first step in delivery of Universal Support, a supported employment programme which will support at least 50,000 disabled people and people with health conditions per year into sustained work from 2025/26, using the proven “place and train” employment model.
    • Eligible people will be able to opt into Universal Support to receive up to 12 months of support, helping them to move quickly into suitable work and followed with wraparound support to help them to sustain that employment for the longer-term.
    • IPSPC is an extension of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme, another example of supported employment targeting people with more severe health conditions in secondary care settings, such as hospitals.
    • The expansion of IPSPC follows evaluation research into IPS in South Yorkshire and the West Midlands, which found the IPS approach boosted participants’ employment prospects, wellbeing, self-confidence, and motivation to return to work.
    • “Place and train” employment models like IPS and IPSPC see participants receive a job from the outset, learning as they go rather than having to train before being allowed to start employment.
    • The first phase of IPSPC, which launched this year, will support around 12,700 people across six areas and 30 local authorities, South Yorkshire (Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham), Greater Manchester (Manchester City, Bolton, Bury, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Trafford, Wigan), the West London Alliance (Ealing, Barnet, Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow), Norfolk, Cheshire West and Chester, and West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton), at a cost of £27.9m,
    • The expansion will cover a further 12,900 people across six more areas and 11 local authorities, Enfield, Essex, Newham (Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets), Nottingham (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby), Slough and Surrey.
    • The majority of participants found the service boosted their confidence, job search capability, and motivation to return to work.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to provide £16 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to provide £16 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 June 2023.

    The FCDO is to provide £16 million to address widespread needs in Ukraine, including to support people affected by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam.

    • in recognition of growing needs FCDO to provide £16 million to enable aid partners to help civilians, including 32,000 people directly affected by flooding, as well as at the frontlines and displaced communities
    • UK funding will assist aid organisations with their response and includes £10 million to the Red Cross Movement, £5 million to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and £1 million to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
    • to bolster rescue efforts and manage impact of ongoing flooding the FCDO is sending boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to Ukraine

    The UK has today (10 June) set out an additional £16 million in humanitarian support as Ukraine deals with the aftermath of flooding caused by the destruction of Nova Kakhova dam, which has affected 42,000 people in the Kherson area, and continuing Russian attacks.

    This builds on our existing humanitarian support of £220 million which is allowing partners, such as the Ukraine Red Cross, to help evacuate civilians affected by the flooding.

    Alongside this the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine has already delivered 2 specialist rescue boats, search and rescue equipment, and trauma medicine to Kherson to assist the ongoing rescue operations by the State Emergency Services.

    The additional £16 million is given in recognition of mounting needs across Ukraine, including in the areas affected by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam.

    Funding will support aid organisations in the area who are currently assisting people affected by the flooding with rapid response equipment, shelter and essential supplies, as well as in areas affected by fighting and communities who have been displaced.

    Beyond the immediate rescue efforts, this funding will help to respond to the ongoing impacts from flooding, including waterborne infectious diseases, loss of livelihoods and risks from landmines.

    The funding will consist of £10 million of support to the Red Cross Movement, £5 million to OCHA and £1 million to IOM.

    The UK is also providing a package of rescue boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to help State Emergency Services of Ukraine responders deal with the ongoing impact of the flooding. Equipment is expected to start arriving in Ukraine by next week.

    Today’s announcement comes as water levels in Kherson continue to rise, with flooding spreading to other towns along the Dnipro River. The UK has moved quickly to bolster its support to Ukraine as it deals with severe flooding from the dam, which is expected to last for weeks and leave many in need of food, water and basic supplies.

    Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary James Cleverly said:

    Flooding from the destruction of Kakhovka dam is having an untold impact on over 32,000 people living in Kherson, and thousands more in the surrounding area.

    The UK is leading the way in providing support to those desperately in need. Our funding is playing a vital role in helping Ukrainian services and aid organisations evacuate people and get help to those in need.

    We will continue to stand by Ukraine in dealing with this terrible incident.

    This aid package is part of the UK’s total support for Ukraine which so far totals £1.5 billion in economic and humanitarian support, which has paid for the delivery of more than 11 million medical items as well as food supplies, ambulances, shelter kits.

    Earlier this week the Foreign Secretary visited Ukraine to highlight the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its recovery. During his time there he met President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and discussed how best the UK will continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

    The UK is also set to host the Ukraine Recovery Conference later this month, which will bring together governments and industry leaders to develop a concerted multi-sector plan to help Ukraine to recover from Russia’s illegal invasion.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian families supported into own homes with £150m funding [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian families supported into own homes with £150m funding [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 10 June 2023.

    Ukrainians in the UK will be helped into their own homes as part of a £150 million funding allocation.

    The funding will be divided across the UK according to the number of Ukrainians in each nation: circa £109 million for England, circa £30 million for Scotland, circa £8 million for Wales and around £2 million to Northern Ireland.

    Funding can be used by councils to help Ukrainian families into the private rental sector, help them get jobs, and continue sponsorship for guests’ second year in the UK.

    Local authorities are best placed to understand the support needed for local communities and, within England, this funding will be used to help people remain in their current accommodation or find alternative housing, including in the private rented sector.

    The Homes for Ukraine scheme has welcomed over 124,000 Ukrainians to the UK, with almost half of working-age nationals now in employment and settled into their local areas, having had the right to work, receive benefits and access public services from day one.

    The Department for Transport has also announced it will extend the length of time Ukrainian refugees can drive in Great Britain on their home country driving licence, from 1 year to 3, in a move that will help many continue the lives and jobs they have forged since arriving here.

    Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said:

    The UK has an honourable tradition of offering shelter to those fleeing the horrors of war. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hosts in this country, over 124,000 Ukrainians have now found safety in the UK.

    Sadly, the fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of ending soon, so we are appealing for more people to become hosts while providing councils with this additional funding to support guests into long-term housing.

    Petro Rewko from The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said:

    Ukrainians everywhere are grateful to the government and the British people for opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    We welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the commitment of sponsors and local authorities during difficult economic times and will provide additional support and reassurance to Ukrainian families as they rebuild their lives and seek to overcome the trauma of war.

    The UK government will continue to work with the Ukrainian government, the devolved administrations, local authorities and charities and voluntary groups to support guests and sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

    The government is keen to ensure that Ukrainian guests receive the support they are entitled to while they are in the UK, and are helped into employment and long-term suitable accommodation, as soon as possible.

    Hosts in the UK will continue to receive a monthly £350 thank-you payment during guests’ first 12 months, rising to £500 a month during the following 12 months.

    Check how to apply to be a host.

    Background

    • In December 2022, DLUHC announced £150 million UK-wide funding to help support Ukrainians and others into sustainable accommodation and reduce the risk of homelessness in the financial year 2023 to 2024.
    • Funding split: The £150 million is being apportioned across the UK according to the number of Homes for Ukraine arrivals in each nation. Scotland circa £30 million, Wales circa £8 million, and Northern Ireland circa £2 million for a total of circa £41 million to the devolved administrations. England circa £109 million.
    • Funding to devolved administrations (DAs): fund will be delivered to the DAs via Budget Cover Transfer, in line with DA preferences, at Supplementary Estimates in early 2024.
    • Funding in England: In England the £109 million will be administered as a top-up to the existing Homelessness Prevention Grant (HPG) for all local authorities, using the same conditions. Recognising wider pressures alongside those arising from the Ukrainian cohort, 66% of funding to local authorities will be allocated in line with the 2023 to 2024 HPG formula, and 34% based on the number of Ukrainian guests in each local authority.
    • Purpose: the funding will help local authorities support Ukrainian guests into sustainable accommodation including through access to the private rented sector, employment support and facilitating ongoing sponsorship into guests’ second year.

    Other funding: this funding forms part of the wider £650 million support package for Ukrainians announced in December, on top of the £1.1 billion already provided to councils through a tariff and thank you payments for each arrival in their area.

    The Department for Transport carefully considered the need to ensure roads remain as safe as possible, and responses to a consultation on the proposal were overwhelmingly positive, with 99% agreeing there should be an extension and 89% agreeing with the proposed 3-year extension.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Leeds finance boss, Liam Francis Wainwright, sentenced for £20 million fraud [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Leeds finance boss, Liam Francis Wainwright, sentenced for £20 million fraud [June 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 9 June 2023.

    Yorkshire-based boss of finance company found guilty of fraud, false accounting and forgery after abusing millions of pounds of investors’ money to buy racehorses and fund other businesses.

    A Yorkshire-based finance boss has been found guilty of fraud and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court.

    An investigation by the Insolvency Service found Liam Francis Wainwright, 61, from Leeds, had falsified documents to mislead investors and spend their money on ventures including a racehorse syndicate and his own failed private businesses.

    These investors were victims of a classic Ponzi scheme, whereby the returns paid to them were funded by the capital injections from later investors.

    Wainwright, who had been a director of Rawdon Asset Finance Ltd, was disqualified for 11 years in November 2020 after investigators at the Insolvency Service found he had falsified around £12 million worth of entries in the company’s loan book in the two years before the company entered administration in 2019.

    After a further criminal investigation, the Insolvency Service brought the director to court on counts of false accounting, fraud, forgery, and acting as a director while bankrupt.

    Julie Barnes, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service, said:

    Liam Wainwright’s greed and selfish actions had a devastating effect on the people who had put their trust in him and his business.

    His victims included elderly and vulnerable people. Many investors lost most or all of the money they had entrusted to him, and some lost their life savings.

    His sentencing today shows that the Insolvency Service will seek the toughest penalties for those who break the law, to help ensure that the UK is a safe place for investors and for businesses.

    The court heard that Wainwright had enjoyed a lavish lifestyle as a result of his offending, and that his actions had had a devastating impact on individuals and families who had invested money into the business.

    Wainwright told investors and shareholders that Rawdon Asset Finance was lending money to businesses with security on property, land or plant and equipment, but was in fact using the cash to pay returns to other creditors, buy into a racehorse syndicate and to fund other companies, including a Lincolnshire-based property development and a redevelopment company in West Yorkshire, both linked to himself.

    By the time the company went into liquidation, Rawdon Asset Finance’s creditors were owed more than £20 million. Liquidators have so far recovered £750,630.

    Wainwright admitted that he began to falsify accounts from around 2017, to hide the company’s true financial position from his co-directors and investors. He also admitted he had earlier forged a mortgagor’s signature on a legal charge to mislead investors and had – between April 2010 and April 2011 – breached the terms of a previous bankruptcy by acting as a director of the company the court’s permission.

    The court also heard that Wainwright had lied about the company’s accounts and the destination of funds in order to elicit £100,000 from one investor only weeks before the business collapsed, in the full knowledge that investors would not get their money back.

    Wainwright pleaded guilty on 20 February 2023 at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court, and was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court by His Honour Judge Bayliss on 9 June 2023.

    The Judge passed concurrent sentences for all charges, except for the sentence for fraud against the final investor, which was added consecutively to reflect an escalation in Wainwright’s culpability.

    Background information

    • Liam Francis Wainwright is from Leeds and his date of birth is April 1962.
    • Rawdon Asset Finance Limited (RAF). Company number 06902099
    • The prosecution was brought by the Insolvency Service on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

    The following sentences were imposed, with reductions reflecting credit for the plea:

    1. False accounting – 6 years 6 months, reduced to 4 years 4 months.
    2. Forgery – 2 years after trial, reduced to 16 months, concurrent.
    3. Breach of Director Disqualification – 12 months after trial, reduced to 8 months, concurrent.
    4. Failing to Surrender offence under Bail Act – 28 days, concurrent.
    5. Fraud – 4 years after trial, reduced to 2 years 8 months, consecutive.

    Liam Wainwright remains disqualified as a director.

  • PRESS RELEASE : RAF Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft twice in 24 hours [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : RAF Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft twice in 24 hours [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 June 2023.

    In a single 24 hour period, Royal Air Force Typhoons scrambled twice to intercept several Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace.

    On Thursday evening (8 June), RAF Typhoons based at Amari airbase in Estonia and Swedish Air Force Gripens were scrambled to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 ‘COOT’ A and Su-27 ‘FLANKER’ B flying close to NATO and Swedish airspace.

    The Russian aircraft were not complying with international norms by failing to communicate with the relevant Flight Information Regions (FIRs), however they remained in international airspace and flew in a professional manner.

    Typhoons were again scrambled on Friday morning (9 June) to intercept one AN12 ‘CUB’ and one AN72 ‘COALER’ flying south from mainland Russia towards the Kaliningrad Oblast. The RAF fighters were later re-tasked to intercept two Tupolev Tu-22M ‘BACKFIRES’ and two Su-30 SM FLANKER H, also flying south from mainland Russia over the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. The Russian aircraft were once again not complying with international norms by failing to liaise appropriately with local FIRs.

    The Typhoons were joined by F18s of the Finnish Air Force as they escorted the BACKFIRES and FLANKER through the Gulf of Finland, later handing over to Gripens of the Swedish Air Force. Portuguese and Romanian F16s, based out of Siauliai Airbase in Lithuania, were also scrambled to escort the Russian aircraft as they transited further south through the Latvian and Lithuanian FIRs.

    The Defence Secretary, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, said:

    These intercepts are a stark reminder that the RAF is always ready to defend our skies and those of our allies, while the coordinated action by several air forces serves as a clear demonstration of the value of our international alliances.

    A pilot involved with the scramble said:

    These intercepts highlight the speed at which we can get airborne to intercept unidentified aircraft. The Typhoon is the perfect platform to conduct these intercepts with its incredible speed, manoeuvrability, and modern onboard systems.” He added, “although there is an apparent increase in regional activity, these intercepts remain normal jogging for us and we are ready to respond to any task that may pose a threat to regional security.

    NATO is currently conducting naval activity in the Baltic Sea as part of BALTOPs and, as expected, Russian aircraft have been monitoring allied vessels throughout. The RAF’s 140 EAW are currently deployed to Amari Airbase in Estonia to undertake NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission.

    CO 140 EAW, Wg Cdr Maccoll said:

    This is a busy period yet these intercepts remain routine business for us. Our ability to scramble and intercept multiple Russian jets on separate occasions, within a short period of time, is testament to our resilience and flexibility.” He added, “140 EAW, NATO and our future ally, Sweden, have further showcased their ability to perform multinational intercepts in a professional and seamless manner. Our commitment to defend the region and secure the skies over the Baltics remains steadfast and we will act with speed and decisiveness to counter any potential adversary.

    The RAF will continue to conduct NATO’s Air Policing Mission in Estonia with 1 (F) Sqn Typhoons until August, when they will hand over to the Spanish Air Force.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Commission’s unique data platform to address regional inequality [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Commission’s unique data platform to address regional inequality [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Social Mobility Commission on 9 June 2023.

    The new Data Explorer breaks down social mobility measures across the UK by geography, gender, ethnicity and disability for the first time.

    An exciting innovation which provides a detailed analysis of regional social mobility was unveiled in Manchester by Alun Francis, interim chair of the Social Mobility Commission.

    The Data Explorer is a unique interactive visualisation tool, developed by the SMC, which breaks down social mobility measures across the UK by geography, gender, ethnicity and disability for the first time.

    It could revolutionise policy making by helping education, business and local government leaders to provide coordinated help for disadvantaged families in their region. But it can also be used by the public to better understand the area they live in.

    At present there is not enough data to show how education and employment outcomes interact with socio-economic data on a geographical basis. This means that too often national policy on social mobility fails to take account of regional differences which can limit opportunities.

    The new tool, which becomes publicly available in September, will be published alongside the SMC’s latest State of the Nation report and bring its findings to life in an interactive way. The report will include a detailed update on social mobility outcomes across more than 40 regions. Early data for the report confirms that there is a large variation across a range of social mobility metrics in the UK. This includes educational attainment and occupational mobility.

    Alun Francis, also principal of Oldham College, wants to encourage regional partnerships to draw up policies to boost social mobility. “The Data Explorer tool should be a game-changer in policy making,” Mr Francis said at Greater Manchester Chambers of Commerce. “School, university and business leaders should now work with local government to address regional inequalities more effectively. There are big challenges to face in the levelling up agenda but there can be no one-size-fits-all approach.”

    Mr Francis hosted a panel of experts in Manchester to discuss how to tackle geographical inequality by working with local partners. Sir Michael Barber, Chancellor of Exeter University and Lee Elliot Major, Professor of Social Mobility at Exeter University, who both spoke, have recently set up the South West Social Mobility Commission. They presented their model at the event to show where regional partnerships can be effective and discussed whether this could be mirrored across the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Afghanistan [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Afghanistan [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2023.

    Mr Robert Chatterton Dickson has been appointed Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the UK Mission to Afghanistan in succession to Mr Hugo Shorter.

    Mr Robert Chatterton Dickson has been appointed Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the UK Mission to Afghanistan, currently based in Doha, in succession to Mr Hugo Shorter who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Chatterton Dickson will take up his appointment during July 2023.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Robert Chatterton Dickson

    Married to: Teresa Albor

    Children: Two

    Stepchildren: Two

    Place of Birth: Plymouth, UK

    Date Role
    2019 to 2023 Dhaka, British High Commissioner
    2018 to 2019 FCO, Additional Director, West Balkans Programme
    2015 to 2018 Cabinet Office, Director, National Security Secretariat
    2013 to 2015 Kabul, Deputy Ambassador and Chargé d’Affairesr
    2010 to 2013 Chicago, HM Consul General
    2007 to 2010 FCO, Head of Counter Terrorism Department
    2004 to 2007 Skopje, HM Ambassador
    2003 to 2004 FCO, Review of Travel Advice for the Foreign Secretary
    2003 FCO, Iraq Policy Department, Deputy Director
    2000 to 2003 FCO, Security Policy Department, Head of NATO Section
    1997 to 2000 Washington, Press Officer then Private Secretary to HM Ambassador
    1995 to 1996 FCO, United Nations Department, Head of Peacekeeping Section
    1991 to 1994 Manila, Political and Press Officer
    1990 to 1991 FCO, Security Policy Department, Nuclear Section, Desk Officer
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK’s specialist radar workforce receives £270 million boost [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK’s specialist radar workforce receives £270 million boost [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 June 2023.

    Critical radars that protect the Royal Navy’s warships against hostile airborne and seaborne attacks will be upgraded and maintained under a £270 million deal.

    • £270 million contract awarded to BAE Systems to support, upgrade, and maintain critical radars.
    • Contract secures 400 jobs across the UK and boosts investment in the UK supply chain of SME and high-tech suppliers.
    • Radars are a key defensive capability to the Royal Navy used to identify and track potential airborne and seaborne threats.

    Critical radars that protect the Royal Navy’s fleet of warships against hostile airborne and seaborne attacks will be upgraded and maintained under a deal worth £270 million.

    The 10-year contract, which has been awarded to BAE Systems to run until 2032, will support Artisan, Sampson and Long-Range Radars which are found on warships including Type 23 and Type 26 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, and the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.

    As well as securing 400 highly skilled jobs in Cowes, Portsmouth, Essex and in Hillend near Edinburgh, the contract, which includes upgrading existing radars as well as maintenance and other in-service support, ensures the UK retains the highly-specialist skills required for a sovereign option in future radar development.

    Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said:

    Equipping our Armed Forces with the latest technology to counter emerging threats is critical to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our fleet and personnel.

    Securing hundreds of jobs across the country, this contract is a boost for the UK Supply Chain and lets our adversaries know we are equipped, prepared and ready.

    Supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy this contract secures hundreds of jobs and provides a boost to the wider UK supply chain by allowing BAE Systems to create new support roles in engineering and project management including further investment in the UK supply chain of SME and high-tech suppliers.

    Cdre Steve McCarthy, Director Ships Support at DE&S, said:

    This is an excellent outcome for Defence and our industry partners, supporting vital highly skilled UK jobs to underwrite the future of state-of-the-art British naval radar technology. These systems give the Royal Navy the battle-winning edge it needs to protect and defend our nation.

    The radars provide a key defensive capability to the Royal Navy at sea and are used to identify and track potential airborne and seaborne threats.

    Rear Admiral James Parkin CBE, Director Develop at Navy HQ said:

    By combining the support of our existing maritime complex radars, the Royal Navy will be better able to adapt to technological change and our ships will be able to respond faster to developing operational threats. This system of systems approach being taken by BAE Systems aligns with our own approach to sensor development and will maintain our status as one of the world’s leading maritime forces.

    Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business, said:

    This is a pivotal moment for UK radar technology development. This contract secures a decade of investment into a critical capability for the UK armed forces. It also allows us to evolve future radar technology with the MOD to sustain maritime air dominance and vital radar development skills and experience in the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Wrightbus secures £50 million UKEF financing to turbocharge green exports [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Wrightbus secures £50 million UKEF financing to turbocharge green exports [June 2023]

    The press release issued by UK Export Finance on 9 June 2023.

    UK Export Finance announces support for the world’s first hydrogen-powered bus company.

    • Wrightbus receives £50 million to boost exports of electric and hydrogen-powered buses supported by a loan guarantee from the UK’s export credit agency.
    • The company plans to double its workforce in the next three years, creating 1,000 new local green jobs.
    • Government backing will enable Wrightbus to sell its electric and hydrogen-powered, zero-emission buses to new markets in Europe and North America.

    A guarantee from UK Export Finance (UKEF) has provided Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus with £50 million in financing to support its ambitious exporting strategy. This Export Development Guarantee sees the UK’s export credit agency guarantee 80 percent of the loan from Barclays Bank.

    This financing builds on previous government support announced last year, helping deliver on the Prime Minister’s priority of keeping the economy growing. The development gives Wrightbus critical working capital support as well as a more flexible way to deploy the funds to support its business needs.

    This will enable Wrightbus to deliver orders to new markets, such as Germany and North America, as well as additional orders in existing markets like Singapore and Hong Kong.

    The announcement comes a week after Minister for Investment Lord Johnson visited Wrightbus’ site in Ballymena, County Antrim as part of a wider visit to Northern Ireland. There, he met investors and leading businesses ahead of the Northern Ireland Investment Summit taking place later in the year.

    Minister for Investment Lord Johnson said:

    Wrightbus is a fantastic example of a British business seizing the vast exporting opportunities around the world and embracing clean growth. UK Export Finance support for Wrightbus will be a great boost to its exporting journey, helping the company to create more local growth and jobs.

    This is the type of success we will build on at this autumn’s Northern Ireland Investment Summit, which will be a catalyst for securing more investment, creating more jobs and empowering more businesses to seize exporting opportunities.

    The company generated 27% of its revenues from exports in 2022 and seeks to grow this by nearly a fifth by the end of 2023 thanks in part to the UK government’s support. To facilitate this growth, Wrightbus plans to double its workforce by 2026, creating 1,000 new green jobs with most of the roles based at the company’s Ballymena hub.

    The company’s hydrogen-powered, zero-carbon buses are in strong demand globally with over 600 buses of all types expected to be delivered by the end of 2023, up from 450 last year. Wrightbus now has the largest hydrogen fleet in the UK, with 100 buses in operation.

    Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO, said:

    UKEF and Barclays’ support has been fundamental to the development of Wrightbus. The flexible products suit the needs of our business, which is growing exponentially and requires financial headroom.

    We are excited about our next phase and working within the Ballymena and wider Northern Ireland community to deliver innovative British technology to the global market.

    James Binns, Global Head of Trade and Working Capital, Barclays said:

    Barclays are proud to work alongside UKEF to enable British companies to get the competitive edge when it comes to exporting.

    This new funding builds on our previous support to Wrightbus, providing crucial flexibility which will enable further growth in exports and domestically, continuing the vital pivot towards zero-emission sales.

    Based in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Wrightbus introduced the world’s first hydrogen-powered double-decker bus in 2020, and also produces and exports electric-powered single and double-decker buses. The business is aiming to manufacture 3,000 zero-emissions buses by 2024, comprising 10% of the UK’s total fleet. Wrightbus last month received a further £12 million in joint government and industry-backed funding.