Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Bradwell [June 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 June 2023.

The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Adam Atkinson, Archdeacon of Charing Cross in the Diocese of London, for appointment to the Suffragan See of Bradwell, in the Diocese of Chelmsford, in succession to The Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath, following his appointment as Bishop of Liverpool.

Background

Adam was educated at Birmingham University, after which he worked in media before training for ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He served his title at St Paul Shadwell, in the Diocese of London, and was ordained Priest in 2008. In 2010 Adam was appointed Priest in Charge of St Peter & St Thomas Bethnal Green in the Stepney Episcopal Area of the Diocese of London.

In 2011 Adam was appointed Vicar of St Peter Bethnal Green. He additionally served as Network Chaplain, Church Revitalisation Trust from 2018 and from 2019 served as Director of Mission Development in the Two Cities Episcopal Area. In 2020 Adam was appointed Archdeacon of Charing Cross.

June 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : World’s first astronaut with a disability hopes to inspire others as he begins training [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 June 2023.

The world’s first astronaut with a disability, former UK Paralympian John McFall, has arrived in Germany to begin feasibility studies at the European Astronaut Centre.

John, a former NHS surgeon in Hampshire, joined the latest European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut cohort last year following a rigorous selection process and record UK Space Agency investment into ESA.

He will spend the next two years working with experts to identify how traditional equipment and facilities for astronaut life could be made more accessible and allow for a wider range of people to qualify for human spaceflight.

As part of the Fly! Feasibility Study, the 42-year-old father-of-three will undergo elements of astronaut training, such as sea survival and testing in hyperbaric (low atmospheric pressure) environments. This will help ESA to assess the impact that being an amputee and wearing a prosthesis will have on the requirements for living and working in space, and test possible solutions to any problems.

John McFall said:

I’m a naturally curious person and I’m excited about the learning ahead, the science that will come out of it, and the fact that this is the small first step of a much bigger journey.

While the feasibility study is bespoke to my own disability, this programme delivers a powerful message, which I hope will both broaden people’s appreciation of what people with disabilities can do, as well as inspire people with a range of disabilities about the opportunities available to them.

My three children are really stoked to be moving to Germany and about the fact that their dad could one day go into space. It’s helping to engage them, especially my two daughters, with STEM learning, which is hugely important to me.

John was selected alongside Career Astronaut Rosemary Coogan and Meganne Christian who became a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve, in 2022. They were among the first astronauts to be unveiled by ESA since 2009.

Science and Technology Secretary, Chloe Smith said:

John was inspirational as a British Paralympian, and I wish him all the success on his journey as he becomes the world’s first Paralympic astronaut – showing there is space for everyone in the industry.

The UK is reaching for the stars in the realm of space innovation, with three brilliant British candidates handpicked for the Agency’s prestigious astronaut cohort for the first time in over a decade – it is undeniable proof of our stellar global reputation in space leadership.

Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate, said:

We are thrilled to be supporting John’s journey as he takes on training and feasibility studies with ESA colleagues.

John’s selection as the first ever astronaut with a physical disability is a landmark moment for the global space sector. It will help us discover new and more inclusive ways of working, demonstrating first-hand that space offer opportunities for everyone.

We wish him all the best over the next two years and look forward to working closely with him.

John was announced as ESA’s first ever astronaut with a physical disability during the ESA Council of Ministers in November 2022.

The government committed £1.84 billion during the meeting, which included £217 million towards the global exploration programme, supporting robotic missions to Mars and contributing to the Artemis Moon programme, including the Argonaut (European Large Logistics Lander), Gateway space station and commercial lunar communications systems.

More about John McFall

John grew up in Hampshire and, as a teenager, always wanted to join the army.

At the age of 19, John had a motorcycle accident that resulted in an above-knee amputation. Having always been a keen athlete, sport became an important vehicle for his rehabilitation – both physically and emotionally.

In his early 20s John gained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sports and Exercise Science, and taught himself to run again.

Capitalising on his passion for running and love of athletics, John went on to compete at the highest level in Paralympic sport, winning European, World and Paralympic medals. Following his career in elite sport, John reignited his passion and curiosity for science and, at the age of 28, returned to university to study medicine.

Here, he quickly discovered that orthopaedics was the specialty for him, and, in 2018, John became a trauma and orthopaedic specialist registrar in the Wessex Deanery.

He has sat on UK Athletics’ Athlete Council, been a mentor for Paralympics GB’s Paralympic Inspiration programme, and worked with the International Paralympic Committee during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

You can learn more about John McFall’s career and achievements on the ESA website.

June 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Elisabeth Davies appointed as the National Chair of the Independent Monitoring Boards [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 June 2023.

The Secretary of State for Justice has announced the appointment of Elisabeth Davies as National Chair of the Independent Monitoring Boards for 3 years from 1 July 2023.

The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon. Alex Chalk KC MP has announced the appointment of Elisabeth Davies as the National Chair of the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) for an initial term of 3 years. Her appointment will commence on 1 July 2023 and run until 30 June 2026.

IMBs provide statutory, independent oversight, monitoring the treatment and care of prisoners and detainees. They operate in prisons, young offender institutions, immigration removal centres, some short-term holding facilities and on flights for those being removed from the UK.

This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Biography

Elisabeth Davies has extensive experience of working across both charitable and public sectors, where she has specialised in the areas of dispute resolution and consumer protection.

In April 2020, she was appointed Chair of the Office for Legal Complaints (OLC), which oversees the work of the Legal Ombudsman.

Elisabeth holds a number of professional roles across organisations. She is the Chair of the Assurance and Appointments Committee of the General Pharmaceutical Council and a member of the Civil Justice Council. Alongside this she has been the Chair of the Prisoners’ Education Trust since the end of 2018. She is also the former Deputy Chair of Support Through Court, which assists people going through the court process without legal representation.

Previously, Elisabeth was the Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Quality Committee at the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. She also served as a former Chair of the Legal Services Consumer Panel, where she ensured regulators were able to consider and act on the user perspective.

June 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK-Singapore Cyber Dialogue [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2023.

The UK-Singapore Cyber Dialogue was held in London on 13 June 2023 to discuss cyber priorities and deliverables for both countries.

The dialogue was co-chaired by David Koh, Chief Executive of Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency, and Will Middleton, Cyber Director in the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Lindy Cameron, CEO, National Cyber Security Centre and senior officials from the Cabinet Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Home Office and the Department for Business and Trade participated in the dialogue, alongside senior officials from Singapore, including those from the Cyber Security Agency and the High Commission in London.

The dialogue is a welcome opportunity to further strengthen our countries’ already close ties in cyber cooperation, as reaffirmed by the UK-Singapore Cybersecurity Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an outcome of the ambitious UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement.

The dialogue included exchanges on the cyber threat landscape, deterrence strategies against cyber threats, international cyber capacity building, international cyber policy issues including in the UN, and the role of public-private partnerships in cybersecurity.

Both sides explored opportunities to deepen cooperation and further align approaches towards Internet of Things (IoT) security, app security and cyber skills development. We agreed on the importance of security for apps and app stores, and agreed to further explore the potential for an international standard for the security of apps and app stores. We also reaffirmed the importance of recognised international standards and norms for IoT and agreed to continue work on mutual recognition of our schemes for IoT and to explore the potential to work more closely together on other areas of IoT. We also agreed to work together on mapping the skills and competencies of cybersecurity professionals in Singapore and the UK.

Both countries reaffirmed our continued joint commitment to supporting international cyber governance and capacity building, including in South East Asia through the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (ASCCE).

We also discussed the latest trends in cyber threats and opportunities to deepen cooperation to counter malicious cyber activity that undermines the rules-based multilateral order.

On 15th June, CSA’s Chief Executive David Koh also met with the UK’s Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins on cybersecurity of critical national infrastructure, and Director General for Homeland Security Chloe Squires on the UK and Singapore’s co-chairing of the Counter Ransomware Initiative’s Policy Pillar.

Both sides committed to continuing to meet under the framework of the MoU as a priority for our international cyber cooperation.

June 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : CPS to have new obligation to meet adult rape victims ahead of trial [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 June 2023.

Rape victims will be given the opportunity to meet the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) staff involved in their case ahead of a trial in the latest move to guide them through the criminal justice system.
prosecuting teams will offer to meet victims face-to-face following a not-guilty plea

this will help victims better understand the process and support available

Victims and Prisoners Bill begins next stage of passage through Parliament today (19 June 2023)

This will give victims the chance to discuss what they can expect in court, better understand the process and be talked through the support measures available to them such as appearing via video link. It will also provide victims the opportunity to have their voice heard and discuss any concerns ahead of trial.

This obligation will be cemented into an updated Victims’ Code, the principles of which will be put on a statutory footing through the Victims and Prisoners Bill. The bill begins its next stage through Parliament today.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, said:

Going to court as a victim can be daunting and confusing so meetings with the prosecution team will ensure they can have their questions answered and worries eased.

Helping rape victims to give their best evidence will ensure we put more of these vile attackers behind bars.

Figures show that rape trials have significantly higher not guilty plea levels compared to other crimes – meaning a greater proportion of victims are put through the stress of giving evidence in court. Fewer than one in five adult rape trials arriving at Crown Court receives a guilty plea, compared to 60% of all crime.

Victim groups say that many rape survivors find the idea of giving evidence in court daunting, which can lead to them dropping their support for the case. By providing greater support ahead of trial, the prosecution team will be able to address any specific concerns or questions victims may have, reducing the risk of them withdrawing from the process.

This measure, alongside the roll out of pre-recorded evidence and more Independent Sexual Violence Advisers, will help victims feel supported within the justice system and reduce the number of cases that never reach trial.

Max Hill KC, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said

Victims deserve, and rightly expect, to be supported, informed and treated fairly. They are central to our cases and our ability to bring successful prosecutions.

This new offer for a meeting between adult victims of rape and other serious sexual offences and a member of the prosecution team complements the service we are developing for all victims through our Victim Transformation Programme.

We hope it will help give victims confidence in attending court and highlight the support available to them when giving evidence.

Today’s announcement will form part of a full consultation the Victims’ Code which will take place after the Victims and Prisoners Bill receives Royal Assent taking on board views raised during its passage through Parliament.

Justice Minister, Edward Argar, said:

We want to ensure that rape victims are supported throughout the criminal justice system and know what they can expect when their case goes to court, so this announcement is an important step forward.

Alongside the Victims and Prisoners Bill our broader reforms will help ensure victims get the support they need and the confidence they need to stay the course throughout the criminal justice process and help bring their attacker to justice.

Victoria Prentis KC, Attorney General, said:

Survivors of these crimes have been through enough trauma before the justice process even begins.

Having the chance to connect with the prosecution team and ask questions about the court process can make a world of difference to what can be a very daunting experience. That is why I welcome this new initiative and hope it means many more victims can claim the justice they deserve.

The Victims and Prisoners Bill builds on the wider government work to improve support to them.

Alongside this the government is transforming how rape investigations are handled to avoid disproportionate scrutiny of victims and their accounts. Operation Soteria sees academics working with police forces and the CPS to look at their handling of rape cases and develop new operating models to be rolled out nationwide.

The government will also more than quadruple funding for victim support services by 2025, compared to 2010 and boost the number of Independent Sexual and Domestic Violence Advisors by more than 40% over the next 3 years taking the total to over 1,000.
June 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government announces tax top-up payments for postmasters affected by the Horizon IT Scandal [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 June 2023.

There will be top-up payments to postmasters under the Historic Shortfall Scheme (HSS).
Postmasters in the Historic Shortfall Scheme (HSS) will receive top-ups to their compensation, to ensure that the amount they receive is not unduly reduced by tax.

HSS claimants will also be able to claim up to £300 for advice on filing their tax returns.

Government has introduced the top-ups to ensure that postmasters receive full and fair compensation.

All postmasters in the Historic Shortfall Scheme will be given a top-up payment in addition to their compensation award as soon as the Post Office has calculated all the individual payments.

The tax treatment of awards in the Historical Shortfall Scheme has, in some cases, had the effect of unfairly reducing the compensation received by postmasters, which these top-up payments will address.

Claimants will also be able to claim £300 of further support for tax advice, to help them when filing their tax returns.

The Government is determined that postmasters affected by the Horizon IT Scandal receive the compensation they deserve, and today’s announcement marks another step in ensuring compensation is fair and consistent.

Postal Affairs Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

We are committed to ensuring that postmasters and their families receive the full and fair compensation they deserve for the pain and suffering caused by the Horizon scandal.

With these top-ups, we’re making sure that every penny stays in postmaster’s pockets where it belongs.

The HSS was set up in line with tax legislation and other commercial compensation schemes, with offers made on a gross basis and compensation then taxable. This allowed claims to be processed more efficiently without the need for postmasters to provide tax information.

However, this approach did not account for the tax on compensation when paid as a lump sum, which means that postmasters are not necessarily restored to the position they would otherwise have been in. Top-up payments are the quickest and most efficient way to address this issue, and will be exempt from tax.

In total, an additional £26 million is expected to be delivered to claimants through these top-ups which will be tax exempt.

Background

Claimants can claim for up to £300 costs incurred for tax advice to be reimbursed by the Post Office.

The top-up payments are exempt from income tax, capital gains tax and national insurance contributions.

Starting in the late 1990s, the Post Office began installing Horizon accounting software, but faults in the software led to shortfalls in branches’ accounts. The Post Office demanded sub-postmasters cover the shortfalls, and in many cases wrongfully prosecuted them between 1999 and 2015 for false accounting or theft.

The issue of taxation does not apply to the Group Litigation Order Scheme or the Overturned Convictions where there is a tax exemption in place.
June 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK and France’s most senior military officers have gathered in London [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 June 2023.

The UK and France’s most senior military officers have gathered in London to celebrate the importance of our military relationship, while attending ceremonial events including the Trooping of the Colour for the King’s birthday.

UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, hosted his French counterpart, Chef d’État-Major des Armées (CEMA) General Thierry Burkhard, during visits to watch the Trooping of the Colour in London, and Navy Ceremonial Divisions at HMS Collingwood.

The UK and France share an incredibly close defence relationship enshrined in the Lancaster House Treaty, cooperating on shared NATO commitments in eastern Europe, ongoing military support for Ukraine, and previously conducting joint operations in Africa, the Caribbean and the Indo-Pacific. In a joint statement at the UK-France summit in March, a broad range of priorities were agreed, to promote security and stability in Europe, as well as to deepen economic ties – in line with the UK Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

CDS and CEMA signed a joint letter of intent in Admiralty House before the Trooping of the Colour on Saturday, providing direction to drive forward the outcomes of the UK-France summit. They encouraged rapid progress on key priorities agreed at the summit, specifically on deepening the integration of UK and French forces throughout the next decade, continuing to adapt the UK-France Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), and working closely together in the Indo-Pacific.

The meeting was followed by an audience with the Prime Minister in Downing Street before attending the Trooping of the Colour and a lunch in Lancaster House, which included the chiefs’ extended network.

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

“The first Trooping the Colour of the new King’s Reign is a historic moment, and I am privileged to host not only my French counterpart, General Thierry Burkhard, but also all of his supporting military chiefs and our exchange officers. Having all of our most seniors officers united today, is highly symbolic and demonstrates the strength and depth of the UK-France Military relationship, which is critical to the security of Europe and the World.

“Britain and France share a global outlook that reflects our responsibilities as permanent members of the UN Security Council and G7 economies, but also our democratic and humanitarian values. At the recent Paris Summit, Prime Minister Sunak and President Marcon reaffirmed our commitment to even closer defence cooperation.

This will build on our joint presence in NATO’s Eastern flank, our shared commitment to Ukraine and many years of joint operations in Africa and the Middle East. In the years ahead, we will coordinate our activity in the Indo-Pacific and explore new technological projects that will ensure Britain and France remain Europe’s strongest and most capable defence partners.”

During the visit, CDS was supported by his Vice Chief of Defence Staff, The First Sea Lord, The Chief of the Air Staff, a representative of the Chief of General Staff, and the UK’s Military representative to NATO.

They were joined by over 100 members of the extensive military exchange and liaison network shared by both nations, with soldiers, airmen, sailors and civil servants represented.

The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. 2023 will mark His Majesty King Charles III’s first Trooping of the Colour as Sovereign, with more than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians ready to demonstrate military precision, horsemanship and fanfare, as part of the ceremony.

Chef d’État-Major des Armées, General Thierry Burkhard, said:

“It is a great honour to be part of such an historic event and I am very grateful to my counterpart for his invitation. This ceremony allows the French chiefs of staff delegation to witness the devotion of British soldiers to the King and their country. It is very impressive and it is always inspiring for a nation to see that some of its members are prepared to sacrifice their lives for the common good.

“Admiral Radakin also took the opportunity to bring together all the French and British liaison and exchange officers serving on both sides of the Channel. This highly symbolic moment undoubtedly contributes to the consolidation of our bilateral relationship. This is more important than ever as we seek to deepen our interoperability at a time when warfare is presenting new faces.

“Among the French Armed Forces, the value of the British Armed Forces no longer needs to be proven. Indeed, we are all still inspired by the commitment of our veterans during the Second World War. Moreover, our soldiers, sailors and airmen have since been fighting and training together on a daily basis for many years. In Estonia, for example, a French company is integrated into a British battalion. Living together for several months, training together in harsh conditions creates bonds that make all the difference in combat. At the same time, our staffs are also working hard to share their assessments of the situation, the potential for using new technologies in our courses of action, and the development of procedures to facilitate our joint operational effectiveness.”

In addition to Trooping of the Colours, on Friday, the two chiefs attended ceremonial divisions at HMS Collingwood, where CEMA was the guest of honour and gave a speech. This is the largest Royal Navy ceremonial parade outside of State-level events, with around 900 personnel on parade.

The chiefs took the salute from officers and ratings on parade and presented awards and prizes to a number of individuals reflecting both academic achievement and exemplary service.

The visit by CEMA was the latest in a series of activities between the UK and France this year – following the joint summit attended by the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and other Ministers in Paris in March – as well as the Defence Secretary’s visit to Normandy this month, in which he gave a speech reflecting on European security and urging continued support for Ukraine. Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, will visit Paris on Monday to meet French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the French Minister for the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu.

June 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : PM calls on investors and business leaders to join the fight for Ukraine [June 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 June 2023.

Ukraine’s recovery must be accelerated through rapid investment and innovation, the Prime Minister will tell a major global summit this week.
Ukraine’s economic recovery is just as important as its military strategy, the Prime Minister is set to say this week as he calls on global investors and British businesses to step up their backing for Ukraine by embracing rapid innovation to rebuild the country

He will tell the Ukraine Recovery Conference summit on Wednesday that innovation must be embraced to accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery, mirroring the success of innovation on the battlefield

World leaders, business chief executives, investors and NGOs expected to travel to London for the summit, underlining the international unity and backing for Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction

Ukraine’s recovery must be accelerated through rapid investment and innovation, the Prime Minister will tell a major global summit this week, as he calls on investors and businesses to back the country for the long term.

The Prime Minister will tell the conference that the financial fight to ensure Ukraine is able to rebuild and recover is its own form of counteroffensive against Russia.

His call comes as the UK prepares to launch a number of rapidly deployable, agile digital tools as part of the Ukraine Recovery Conference this week to help the country quickly harness overseas investment.

More than 1000 foreign dignitaries from 61 states, NGO representatives and hundreds of business leaders and entrepreneurs are expected to travel to London for the event, with the Prime Minister opening the conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will attend virtually.

Both European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are also expected to speak in the opening session of the conference on Wednesday.

The two-day summit will be the largest international conference the UK hosts this year.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to say:

Ukraine’s bravery on the battlefield must be matched by the vision of the private sector to help the country rebuild and recover. Time and time again, Ukraine has shown its ability to rapidly harness innovation and creativity, and I know its recovery will be no different.

The illegal invasion of Ukraine has devastated businesses and livelihoods throughout the country, but it has not destroyed the ingenuity or determination of the Ukrainian people.

A financially stronger, technologically advanced Ukraine will bolster its ability to drive Russia back behind its borders and build a brighter future for a sovereign and modern Ukraine of the future.

Innovation will be a key them at this week’s conference, with Ukraine becoming a major player in the global IT industry prior to the invasion. The rapidly expanding sector also supported more than 300,000 jobs across the country.

Many people working in the industry have now sharpened their skills on the battlefield, turning their hands to building new apps and modifying weapons software in their retaliation against invading Russian forces.

Some of the innovative tools expected to be announced at the summit will include a digital platform that will connect Ukrainian businesses with global companies, enabling virtual networking and driving collaboration on everything from supply chain issues to business expansion.

The matchmaking platform will support reconstruction and recovery through the creation sustainable and long-lasting commercial relationships, all at the touch of a button.

Concurrently, a new UK-Ukraine TechBridge will be launched by Business and Trade Minister Nusrat Ghani in London on Tuesday evening in partnership with the Government of Ukraine.

The initiative was first proposed ahead of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine but has gained momentum in recent months as it became clear it could provide vital opportunities to businesses trying to rebuild and grow in Ukraine.

The TechBridge will be established as a physical space to bring together the UK and Ukrainian innovators, entrepreneurs and the technology and financing industries to foster greater collaboration to drive forward recovery and reconstruction. The centre will also offer training, upskilling and business support across the tech sector.

As part of the push on innovation, the UK will also launch a £10 million InnovateUkraine Green Energy Challenge Fund at the summit.

The fund will spark and accelerate the development of low-carbon, affordable energy projects for Ukraine, with researchers, businesses and NGOs able to apply for financial backing to make their green energy ideas a reality, with the hope of being able to roll out some of the projects to communities in Ukraine routinely facing blackouts and energy shortages.
June 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK to give Ukraine major boost to mount counteroffensive [June 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 June 2023.

UK to give major boost to cyber defences as Ukraine mounts counteroffensive.
Up to £25 million expansion to harden Ukraine’s cyber defences as Russia continues its callous attacks

Funding will protect critical national infrastructure and vital services through bolstered cyber defence capabilities to Ukraine, enabling them to detect, respond and prevent Russian cyber-attacks.

Cyber defence funding comes as the Prime Minister prepares to make the case for the private sector to join the fight to push back Russia by investing in Ukraine

The UK will roll out a major expansion to its cyber defence programme in Ukraine, protecting the country’s critical national infrastructure from crippling Russian attacks.

The programme, which supports Ukraine’s Government to rapidly respond to and defend vital government services against debilitating cyber-attacks, will be boosted by an injection of up to £25 million and a two-year expansion.

The package will include £16 million in UK funding and potential for a further £9 million contribution from international allies.

It is the latest tranche of UK support to Ukraine as the country mounts its counteroffensive against Russian forces that have brutally invaded the country, using all domains to sow instability and attempt to destroy Ukraine’s rightful sovereignty.

The Prime Minister, who will this week make the case for the private sector to join the counteroffensive against Russia by supporting Ukraine through investment, will say that it is vital the international community hardens Ukraine’s defences to enable it to protect and grow investment into the country.

Ukraine has successfully fought back a number of cyber-attacks by Russian forces, including destructive wiper-ware attacks and covert espionage-ware attacks.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Russia’s appalling attacks on Ukraine are not limited to their barbaric land invasion, but also involve sickening attempts to attack their cyber infrastructure that provides vital services, from banking to energy supplies, to innocent Ukrainian people.

This funding is critical to stopping those onslaughts, hardening Ukraine’s cyber defences and increasing the country’s ability to detect and disable the malware targeted at them.

The UK-funded Ukraine Cyber Programme (UCP) uses world-leading expertise, from both the private and public sector, to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure and vital public services.

The support, which builds on the Foreign Secretary’s announcement of £6.35 million for the programme last year, will also fund and provide forensic capabilities to enable Ukrainian cyber experts to analyse system compromises, attribute attackers and build better evidence to prosecute these indiscriminate attacks.

In addition to boosting cyber defences, the UK has also stepped up its military support to Ukraine.

This week, the UK contributed a further £250 million to the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), which announced it would provide a major package of air defence, including radars, guns and ammunition to Kyiv to protect Ukrainian cities from indiscriminate Russian attacks.

That announcement followed the delivery of the UK’s long-range missile strike capability Storm Shadow last month, which has provided Ukraine with game-changing capability to defend itself from Russian attacks and degrade the capability of invading Russian forces.
June 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Tech entrepreneur Ian Hogarth to lead UK’s AI Foundation Model Taskforce [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 18 June 2023.

Artificial intelligence expert announced as chair of government’s Foundation Model Taskforce.
- Leading tech entrepreneur and renowned investor and AI specialist will chair the Foundation Model Taskforce.
- The Taskforce will lead vital AI safety research as part of driving forward the safe and reliable development of Foundation Models while seizing the extraordinary opportunities they present.
- Modelled on the success of the Vaccine Taskforce, operating with the same agility and delegated authority, is backed with an initial £100 million of government funding.
The renowned tech investor, entrepreneur and AI specialist Ian Hogarth has been announced as the chair of the Government’s Foundation Model Taskforce, reporting directly to the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary.

A leading authority on AI, Ian has co-authored the annual State of AI report since 2018 on the progress of AI. Ian is also a visiting professor at University College London and he has a strong background in tech entrepreneurship as the founder of the start-up Songkick and the venture capital fund Plural.

The appointment brings a wealth of experience to developing this technology responsibly, which underpins the government’s AI strategy and follows the launch of the AI White Paper. Ian’s strong commercial experience and connections across the AI sector equip him with valuable insights that he will bring to this role.

Under Ian’s leadership, a key focus for the Taskforce in the coming months will be taking forward cutting-edge safety research in the run up to the first global summit on AI safety to be hosted in the UK later this year.

Bringing together expertise from government, industry and academia, the Taskforce will look at the risks surrounding AI. It will carry out research on AI safety and inform broader work on the development of international guardrails, such as shared safety and security standards and infrastructure, that could be put in place to address the risks.

The Taskforce will be modelled on the successes of the Vaccine Taskforce, operating with the same agility and delegated authority so the Chair and Taskforce are empowered to take forward work and make decisions at pace.

Ian Hogarth, Chair of the Foundation Model Taskforce, said:

UK scientists and entrepreneurs have made many important contributions to the field of AI, from Alan Turing through to AlphaFold. The Prime Minister has laid out a bold vision for the UK to supercharge the field of AI safety, one that until now has been under-resourced even as AI capabilities have accelerated. I’m honoured to have the chance to chair such an important mission in the lead up to the first global summit on AI Safety in the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

The more artificial intelligence progresses, the greater the opportunities are to grow our economy and deliver better public services.

But with such potential to transform our future, we owe it to our children and our grandchildren to ensure AI develops safely and responsibly.

As one of the leading figures in UK tech, it’s great to have Ian leading our expert taskforce, empowered with authority and agility to build our leadership in AI safety and development.

It will ensure we do things differently and move with the same pace and vigour as we rise to meet the task ahead.

In April, the government committed an initial £100 million to set up the Foundation Model Taskforce, seizing the extraordinary opportunities presented by cutting-edge AI systems and advancing their safety and reliability.

Foundation models, including the large language models that power popular new services like ChatGPT, Google Bard and Claude, are general-purpose AI systems trained on massive data sets which can be applied to tasks across the economy.

Technology Secretary Chloe Smith said:

Our Foundation Model Taskforce will steer the responsible and ethical development of cutting-edge AI solutions, and ensure that the UK is right at the forefront when it comes to using this transformative technology to deliver growth and future-proof our economy.

With Ian on board, the Taskforce will be perfectly placed to strengthen the UK’s leadership on AI, and ensure that British people and businesses have access to the trustworthy tools they need to benefit from the many opportunities artificial intelligence has to offer.

The expert Taskforce will help build UK capabilities in foundation models and leverage our existing strengths, including UK leadership in AI safety, research and development, to identify and tackle the unique safety challenges presented by this type of AI.

The work of the Taskforce will be vital in seizing the opportunities of AI and building public confidence in its use, complementing work already taking place in AI companies themselves, who are looking at their own measures to ensure development of AI is safe and responsible. They have also committed to give the Taskforce early or priority access to models for research and safety purposes to help build better evaluations and help us better understand the opportunities and risks of these systems.

The global AI safety summit later this year will be an opportunity for leading nations, industry and academia to come together and explore an assessment of the risks, to scope collective research possibilities and to work towards shared safety and security standards and infrastructure.

As President Biden has noted, the UK is well-placed to lead the international effort on AI safety.
June 18, 2023