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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State honours civic society’s contribution to Northern Ireland’s transformation [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State honours civic society’s contribution to Northern Ireland’s transformation [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 May 2023.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland honoured the crucial work by civic society to support the peace process in Northern Ireland over the past 25 years.

    The Secretary of State has this evening (25 May) honoured the crucial work by civic society to support the peace process over the past 25 years at a reception in the iconic Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

    The reception, part of the Northern Ireland Office’s programme to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, was held three days after the 25th anniversary of the two referenda in  Northern Ireland and Ireland in which 71% of people in Northern Ireland voted ‘yes’ to the Agreement.

    Representatives from community organisations, charities, and public servants who have supported Northern Ireland’s transformation came together to reflect upon the peace, prosperity and other benefits delivered by the Agreement, while looking towards the next 25 years. It also offered the opportunity to acknowledge civic society’s ongoing contribution to the peace settlement.

    Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris paid tribute to the incredible work of community organisations and charities in supporting reconciliation between communities, which created the conditions for prosperity which allowed Northern Ireland’s film industry to flourish and to attract world – leading productions such as Game of Thrones.

    According to the latest figures, screen tourism played a part in attracting one in six out-of-state visitors, accounting for 350,000 visitors and over £50m for the local economy.

    The Secretary of State said:

    The people of Northern Ireland, in voting ‘yes’ in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement referendum, demonstrated their commitment to setting aside their differences, breaking down barriers between communities and building a better future together.

    I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those members of civic society who have worked tirelessly to make that vision of a better, brighter future a reality which they will pass on to the next generation.

    It’s the work of many that has seen Northern Ireland move from peace to prosperity. As a result of that transformative power of peace we have seen the establishment of a thriving screen and film production and tourism industries of which the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is a shining example.

    The UK Government remains committed to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and to continuing to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland, to make it an even better place to live, work and do business.

    The Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios is renowned as a filming location for iconic scenes from the multi award-winning television production Game of Thrones. The Banbridge venue is the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour, featuring authentic sets, costumes, and props from the global hit TV series.

    Executive Director of Linen Mill Studios David Browne added:

    Prior to the Good Friday Agreement, it’s difficult to conceive of circumstances where Northern Ireland would be considered as the filming home for Game of Thrones, nor that the business environment would have existed, to nurture, support and invest in the businesses required to design, build, and install everything in a facility such as this.

    Along with the many local companies we have worked with, we are immensely proud of what we’ve collectively achieved.

    The rave reviews from visitors from all over the world, both for our people and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, certainly validate that pride!

    In September, the UK Government will hold the Northern Ireland Investment Summit to support our vision for a prosperous 25 years ahead. The Summit is a key part of the programme to showcase the remarkable progress in Northern Ireland since the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £40 million biodiversity research programme opens for applications [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £40 million biodiversity research programme opens for applications [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 May 2023.

    A £40 million grant programme launched to help projects around the world put the power of biodiversity at the forefront of our fight against climate change and poverty.

    • £7 million is now available for research into natural climate solutions
    • UK and international applicants can secure grants of up to £750,000
    • Move is part of the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate, established with £40 million of Official Development Assistance funding

    A £40 million grant programme launched this week (Thursday 25 May 2023) which will help projects around the world put the power of biodiversity at the forefront of our fight against climate change and poverty.

    First announced in 2021 at the Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow, the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) was established to bridge research gaps and further understanding on the crucial role biodiversity can play in tackling climate change and poverty in ODA-eligible countries across the world. By fostering collaboration between experts and research disciplines, the GCBC strives to shape decision-making and unlock finance for natural solutions to climate change and poverty.

    During its pilot phase, the GCBC funded a range of innovative projects including:

    • Working with local communities to improve environmental and social outcomes for a disused mine site with a negative legacy in the Philippines
    • Developing temperature resilient wild seaweed cultivars in collaboration with indigenous seaweed farming communities in Malaysia
    • Protecting globally important ecosystems and irreplaceable biodiversity and supporting climate resilient food security by mapping plant bioresources in Tropical Important Plant Areas in Guinea and Ethiopia
    • Creating a community-led governance model that integrates strategies for climate resilience, low-carbon and sustainable growth in a Colombian coffee-growing region

    With around £7 million available in the first round, successful applicants have the opportunity to secure up to £750,000 through the GCBC’s Official Development Assistance programme to deliver policy-relevant research on how the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity can help address climate change and improve livelihoods of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Applications are open to a diverse range of local and international partners, from non-governmental organisations to academic institutions.

    Gideon Henderson, Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, said:

    The launch of this grant programme marks a significant milestone in our fight against the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty.

    Through this £40 million initiative, there is a vital opportunity for researchers, organisations, and institutions to harness the power of biodiversity and explore innovative natural solutions to the climate crisis – creating a more sustainable future for all.

    The establishment and goals of the GCBC will help deliver on our climate and biodiversity commitments, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Global Biodiversity Framework targets, which are inherently intertwined with climate change.

    More information, including on eligibility and how to apply, can be found here: www.gcbc.org.uk

  • PRESS RELEASE : Export bar placed on rare 18th-century gun made for the Sultan of Mysore [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Export bar placed on rare 18th-century gun made for the Sultan of Mysore [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 26 May 2023.

    Export bar placed on Tipu Sultan of Mysore’s Flintlock Sporting Gun to allow time for a UK institution or buyer to acquire it.

    • The elaborately decorated gun was made in India for the Sultan between 1793 and 1794
    • The decision to place an export bar follows the independent advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest

    An 18th-century gun made for the Sultan of Mysore and valued at £2 million has had its export barred to allow time for a buyer to come forward to keep it in the UK for public study and education.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay has placed an export bar on Tipu Sultan of Mysore’s Flintlock Sporting Gun in the hope that it can be put on public display here in the UK.

    The Minister’s decision follows the independent advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

    The elaborately decorated gun was made for the Sultan of Mysore and is dated between 1793 and 1794. The fourteen-bore gun was designed for shooting game and is signed by its maker, Asad Khan Muhammed.

    Known as the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan was a defiant opponent of the British East India Company and its allies during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. He was killed on 4 May 1799 while defending his stronghold of Seringapatam (Srirangapatna).

    Following his death, his distinctive personal weapons were given to leading military figures. This firearm was presented to General the Earl Cornwallis, who had previously fought Tipu between 1790 and 1792.

    The expert committee found the gun to be of aesthetic importance as well as significant to the study of Tipu Sultan and his court, to Lord Cornwallis, to British history, and to the conclusion of the third Anglo-Mysorean war.

    Its assessment was based on the ‘Waverley Criteria’, established in 1952 to decide on works of art and cultural objects which deserve efforts to keep them in the country. At a speech to mark the 70th anniversary of the criteria last year, Lord Parkinson noted the important role they had played in preserving cultural heritage and sharing it with a wide public audience, and took the opportunity to invite thoughts on how they should continue to operate. He asked, for instance, “are we considering items’ connection to the history of other countries, or whether they are destined for public display rather than private collection?” His full speech can be found on gov.uk

    Committee Member Christopher Rowell said:

    This is the finest and most elaborately decorated of the personal firearms made for Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, a large state in South India. Dated 1793–4, this fourteen-bore gun was designed for shooting game and is signed by Asad Khan Muhammad. It is extremely beautiful as well as technically advanced.

    The mechanism allows two shots to be fired from the single barrel without reloading, revealing the probable influence of itinerant French gunmakers. Tipu’s court was sophisticated and its workshops produced a variety of fine metalwork including weaponry and ordnance, which was stylish as well as deadly.

    Tipu was fascinated by Western technical innovations, including rocketry, but his leanings towards France antagonised Britain, which waged four wars against Mysore. In 1799, he was killed as the British army overran his capital, Srirangapatna [Seringapatam]. Among the victorious officers was Colonel Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington and hero of Waterloo.

    This superbly executed sporting gun was presented to General Earl Cornwallis, victor of the previous war against Tipu in 1790-2, which had forced the Sultan to cede half his territory.

    Tipu was known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’ and his personal emblems are ubiquitous, from the tiger with brass-inlaid eyes carved into the hardwood stock to the stylised tiger stripes inlaid in silver along the blued steel barrel. One of the silver mounts depicts a tiger attacking European soldiers, an image redolent of ‘Tipu’s Tiger’ in the V&A.

    Given its aesthetic significance, its impeccable provenance, its scope for further research and its relevance to both British and Indian history, I hope that this superb fowling piece made for the unfortunate ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, will be acquired by a British Institution where it can be appreciated by all.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

    This visually striking firearm is a significant antiquity in its own right, as well as an illustration of the important, interconnected history between Britain and India.

    I hope that it can be shared with the widest possible public and used to deepen our understanding of a fraught period which shaped both our nations.

    The decision on the export licence application for the gun will be deferred for a period ending on 25 September 2023 (inclusive). At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the gun at the recommended price of £2 million.The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for four months.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Women’s participation during crises – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Women’s participation during crises – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2023.

    Emma Logan (UK delegation to the OSCE) says that the series of restrictions imposed by the Taliban are effectively erasing women and girls from Afghan society.

    Thank you, Mr Chair, for convening us on this important topic at a time when threats to gender equality continue to increase. And I would like to thank our expert panellists for their sobering updates, reminding us of the terrible situation Afghan women face in terms of participation in political and public life.

    At the global level, the Global Gender Gap Report 2022 shows that Political Empowerment is the largest remaining gender gap, and it is also the subindex with the widest dispersion among countries. The report says that at the current rate, it will take 155 years to close this Political Empowerment gap. Clearly, speeding up progress to increase women’s meaningful and representative participation in decision making processes is vital, both to enable women to realise their right to full and equal political participation and because women’s political leadership plays a critical role in securing and strengthening democracy. We must get more women into civic and political leadership roles, and we must promote and support women’s rights organisations and movements as a critical part of strengthening the enabling environment for women and girls’ full and equal political participation.

    Since August 2021, the Taliban have imposed a series of restrictions effectively erasing women and girls from society. No other country treats its women and girls the way the Taliban do. Their decisions have no grounding in religion and will cause untold damage to the people and country of Afghanistan.

    The toll on women and girls’ mental health has been huge. Afghan women self-censor for fear of reprisal, and opportunities for basic human interaction outside of their homes are being curtailed. Underpinning this, is an exclusive power sharing arrangement that excludes anyone but the Taliban from having a say on Afghanistan’s future.

    Educated and empowered Afghan women would help Afghanistan by contributing to society, the economy, development and peace across the country – without this, Afghanistan will not achieve stability or prosperity.

    The United Kingdom calls on the Taliban to respect international law, and uphold the human rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, and ethnic and religious minorities. We will continue to advocate for Afghan-led efforts towards inclusive governance, and remain committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan.

    Turning briefly to Ukraine, and with thanks to our Ukrainian speaker, as reported by the UN, many female leaders at all levels have been spearheading the country’s humanitarian response to Russia’s illegal and premeditated invasion, joining the army or leading public service delivery. Female health workers and entrepreneurs are providing essential services and goods to the war-affected population, with women’s organisations on the ground leading humanitarian assistance, advocacy, and public outreach to support their communities.

    The bravery of the women of Ukraine in the face of Russian atrocities embodies the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people. These mothers, daughters, sisters and protectors of Ukraine demonstrate strength, compassion and integrity in support of the defence and governance of their country, their people and their principles.

    Mr Chair, as you and the Secretary General have outlined for us, we can only build a fairer, freer, and safer world if we put women and girls at the heart of the OSCE’s work. Women’s leadership, perspectives and knowledge are essential for local, national and regional progress. At the PC/FSC earlier this year we discussed the issue of Women, Peace and Security, which demonstrated that participating States remain overwhelmingly in favour of the OSCE doing more on this across our region. The UK stands ready to support.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Four new Members appointed to the Board of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Four new Members appointed to the Board of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 26 May 2023.

    The Secretary of State has appointed Martin Esom, Alex Lacey, Bradley Pritchard and Jonathan Sellins for terms of three years commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Martin Esom

    Appointed for a three year term commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Martin is Chief Executive of Waltham Forest Council, a position he has held since 2010. During his time at the Council, he has led on a national award winning gang prevention programme and a multi-agency child sexual exploitation protection strategy. Between 2012 and 2018, he was Chair of the London Prevent Board which drives critical work in relation to counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation across the capital.

    He has also taken forward the regeneration of the borough, focussing on returning streets to walking and cycling though the multi award winning Enjoy Waltham Forest programme. Other significant successes include transforming the leisure and culture offers for residents, culminating in the Council’s successful bid to become both London’s first ever London Borough of Culture and then MJ Local Authority of the Year in 2019.

    He is a trustee of the William Morris Gallery, and is a Non-Executive Director at the Health and Safety Executive where he Chairs the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee.

    Most recently, Martin took on the role of London Local Authority Strategic Coordination Chief Executive (London Gold) where he was responsible for coordinating activity across all London boroughs and a member of the London Strategic Coordination Group (SCG).

    Martin is an environmental health officer by training. He was awarded the ‘Ronald Williams Gold Medal’, on graduating, by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, where he later served as a Board Member and Trustee for eight years. His first role after qualifying was as a Health and Safety enforcement officer.

    Alex Lacey

    Appointed for a three year term commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Alex Lacey is the Operations Director at Silverstone Circuits, with over 27 years’ experience and a significant depth of knowledge and experience operating major sporting events and large-scale venue management within a sports environment.

    She has overseen the design and delivery of a range of projects including the 200 bedroom Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and Silverstone Escapade (luxury residences development), all whilst ensuring the day to day business and delivery of events is not impacted.

    Alex was awarded an Associate Member status of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, is a member of the Motorsport UK Race Committee and has played an active role in the Major Event Organisers Association.

    Bradley Pritchard

    Appointed for a three year term commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Bradley is a former professional footballer, having played for Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient and Stevenage whilst in the Football League. He has represented teams at all levels in the non-league football pyramid, most recently representing Lewes FC in the Isthmian Premier Division.

    Bradley is currently a member of the Chair’s Panel for The Football Association’s Judicial Panel and Exception’s Panel, as well as an Arbitrator Specialist member for the panel of arbitrators and mediators for Sport Resolutions.

    He established a non-profit organisation called Sporting Way which runs emotional wellbeing programmes in schools, colleges and youth centres in London and the South East of England.

    Bradley is a board member for the Sport for Development Coalition and a Council member for Kent FA.

    Jonathan Sellins

    Appointed for a three year term commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Jon Sellins has been involved in running large venues and major events for over 35 years. His career began in 1987 when he was fortunate to join Wembley PLC, the former owners of the old Wembley Stadium, Arena and Conference Centre. He spent almost 10 years at the Wembley Complex working across all the venues and learning about major sporting events, large concerts, exhibitions & conferences.

    Since then his career has encompassed the Millennium Dome, Earls Court & Olympia, the London 2012 Olympics, Tottenham Hotspur, Wembley Stadium, some muddy obstacle races around the world and latterly The Roundhouse in Camden.

    Between June 2017 & June 2020 Jon was Group Operations director at The Football Association where he was responsible for the operation of both Wembley Stadium and The National Football Centre at St George’s Park. As both a venue operator and a fan, Jon is passionate about venue safety.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Board Members of the Sports Ground Safety Authority are remunerated £265 a day. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Government’s Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Martin Esom, Alex Lacey, Bradley Pritchard and Jonathan Sellins have not declared any significant political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Funding boost to services diverting women from a life of crime [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Funding boost to services diverting women from a life of crime [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 26 May 2023.

    £15 million for services that work with women in the justice system.

    • tailored support to help female offenders get their lives back on track
    • part of strategy to reduce number of women committing crimes

    Thousands more vulnerable women caught up in crime will benefit from drug, housing and employment support to get their lives back on track thanks to a £15 million government funding boost.

    This investment has been awarded to 40 women’s centres and charities, and four Police and Crime Commissioners to provide or access specialist help to those who commit lower-level offences.

    These organisations help female offenders to get clean, move away from abusive relationships, and find work and stable accommodation ultimately reducing the £18 billion overall cost of reoffending to the taxpayer.

    Successful organisations include:

    • Brighton Women’s Centre, awarded £761,280 to continue their support for vulnerable women through childcare provision, counselling and psychotherapy.
    • The Nelson Trust in the south west of England and Wales, awarded £1,164,915 to continue their work including residential abstinence-based addiction treatment programmes to help women achieve long-lasting recovery.
    • The Together Women Project in Yorkshire and the Humber, awarded £621,309 to continue their work offering one-to-one, trauma-informed support to women serving community sentences.

    This support is key to cutting crime as around one-third of female offenders have a history of drug abuse and more than three fifths of women have experienced domestic abuse.

    Prisons and Probation Minister, Damian Hinds, said:

    We know that female offenders often turn to crime because of poor mental health or drug abuse so it is absolutely vital we address those underlying issues to stop their offending.

    These community organisations play a key role in our work to cut crime and improve support for some of society’s most vulnerable women.

    The Minister visited Brighton Women’s Centre on Thursday (25 May 2023) to meet with the staff providing this specialist help and as well as the women being supported.

    Lisa Dando, Director at Brighton Women’s Centre said:

    I am delighted that we have been awarded funding from the MoJ to support women living with multiple disadvantages to lead happier and fulfilling lives.

    Brighton Women’s Centre is committed to supporting women through a trauma informed and holistic model of care to ensure women can move away from the Criminal Justice System. This funding from the MoJ will enable us to specifically target support at preventing women from entering the Criminal Justice System. Ultimately, this will save lives as well as saving the public purse.

    John Trolan, CEO at The Nelson Trust, said:

    This welcome funding enables us to support women with multiple vulnerabilities many of whom end up in the justice system because of exploitation by others. 58% of women report committing crimes to support the drug habit of others as opposed to 27% of men.

    We enable women to develop positive social networks of support leading to lives where they are financially independent, choosing healthy relationships and if they are parents, parenting responsibly.

    While women who commit the most serious crimes will always be sent to prison, custody should always be a last resort. Tackling the root causes of female offending and providing vulnerable women with early support is a key part of the Government’s Female Offender Strategy to cut crime by women and reduce the number who end up in prison.

    Since 2018, almost £55 million has been invested to tackle female offending. New specialist staff have been recruited to support pregnant women and mothers in prison, and charities and community organisations have also received funding to support their work.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor reveals life sciences growth package to fire up economy [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor reveals life sciences growth package to fire up economy [May 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 May 2023.

    A £650 million war-chest to fire up the UK’s life sciences sector and drive forward the government’s priority to grow the economy has been unveiled by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt today 25 May 2023.

    • Ambitious life sciences package to support economic growth with new commitments and funding for manufacturing, skills and infrastructure
    • Announcements help to cut NHS waiting times with changes to improve commercial clinical trials to bring new medicines to patients faster
    • Significant investment follows an already improved IMF growth outlook for the UK

    The multi-faceted ‘Life Sci for Growth’ package brings together 10 different policies including £121 million to improve commercial clinical trials to bring new medicines to patients faster, up to £48 million of new money for scientific innovation to prepare for any future health emergencies, £154 million to increase the capacity of the UK’s biological data bank further aiding scientific discoveries that help human health, and up to £250 million to incentivise pension schemes to invest in our most promising science and tech firms.

    The Chancellor’s £650 million package also includes plans to relaunch the Academic Health Science Network as Health Innovation Networks to boost innovation by bringing together the NHS, local communities, charities, academia and industry to share best practice. It also lays out changes to planning rules to free-up lab space and updates a route for East West Rail (EWR), the new railway line, to improve connections between UK science powerhouses Oxford and Cambridge, bringing more investment to the region.

    Life Sciences is one of the UK’s most successful sectors, worth over £94 billion to the UK economy in 2021, a 9% increase on the year before. As a key industry driving UK growth the Chancellor has identified it as a focus for government, ensuring regulation aids innovation, government funding is targeted at vital projects and investment is diverse. This also helps to deliver the Science and Technology framework through reforming regulation, boosting investment and driving up talent and skills.

    Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said:

    Our Life Sciences sector employs over 280,000 people, makes £94 billion for the UK each year and produced the world’s first covid vaccine.

    These are businesses that are growing our economy while having much wider benefits for our health – and this multi-million pound investment will help them go even further.

    The package was first revealed to the UK’s Life Science Council this morning by the Chancellor at a meeting at No10 Downing Street, where it was welcomed by the CEOs of global life sciences companies and industry representatives.

    The package follows the Treasury’s Life Sciences Connect conference which the Chancellor hosted on 29 March where he heard first-hand from senior industry representatives about the opportunities and challenges they are facing.

    Policy Announcements

    The announcements improve the regulatory environment for Life Sciences companies and our approach to UK commercial clinical trials. As part of this, the Chancellor has committed to make it easier for revolutionary healthcare products to get to NHS patients by cutting the regulatory burden of approving clinical trials, and committed £121 million, made up of new and existing funding, to speed up clinical trials and improve access to real-time data via new Clinical Trial Acceleration Networks. This comes in response to publications of the Lord O’Shaughnessy review on commercial clinical trials and Dame Angela McLean’s review on the life science regulatory system.

    ‘Life Sci For Growth’ commits to invest £154 million from UK Research and Innovation to upgrade the UK Biobank capabilities, the biomedical database containing the in-depth genetic information of half a million UK citizens, something greatly valued by the global scientific community helping drive forward new medical treatments in the sector. The money will go towards a new facility at Manchester Science Park, a new Hub to help SMEs collaborate with industry and academia and better IT to accommodate multi-disciplinary data.

    A call for proposals has been released on the government’s Long-Term Investment for Technology and Science (LIFTS) initiative, which will offer £250 million of government support to spur the creation of new vehicles for pension schemes to invest in the UK’s high-growth science and technology businesses, benefitting the retirement incomes of UK pension savers and driving the growth of critical sectors like Life Sciences.

    Science and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith said:

    Backing our life sciences sector is a double win for the UK. The package we are announcing today won’t just help this £94 billion industry drive more economic growth and create more high skill jobs. It will support advances in public health which will mean we can all have happier, healthier, more productive lives, delivering a virtuous circle of benefits to society and the economy.

    From our pioneering medics trialling new therapies, to our medicine and vaccine manufacturers, and the world-leading population health studies underway at UK Biobank, we have a life sciences industry the rest of the world is rightly envious of. Today we are delivering on the plan we set out in our Science and Technology Framework by going even further in our efforts to back this burgeoning sector, ensuring that it can stay right at the front of the global race for new investment and talent.

    The government has also signalled its ongoing commitment to the transformational new East West Rail line between Oxford and Cambridge. This region is a globally renowned hub of science, research and innovation, and the railway will support job creation and growth at towns and cities along the route. Today it announced its preferred route alignment for the third section of the railway between Bedford and Cambridge, including a direct link to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, marking a significant step towards delivering the scheme.

    Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

    The cities of Oxford and Cambridge are renowned across the globe for their academic excellence – East West Rail will be vital in allowing them to thrive for generations to come and help to grow the economy.

    With the potential to unlock £103 billion of growth through new homes, businesses and job opportunities, this crucial line will also serve as a catalyst for development in one of Europe’s most vibrant local economies while making travel quicker, cheaper and easier across the region.

    The manufacturing arm of the UK’s life sciences sector is also set for a funding boost thanks to three new pots to bolster the country’s health resilience. A Biomanufacturing Fund worth up to £38 million in new funding has been announced to incentivise investment and improve the UK’s resilience to any future pandemics, via a competitive process to distribute grants. This comes on top of a further £6.5 million made up of new funding and funding from Innovate UK, to ensure that the Life Sciences sector continues to have the right people it needs to deliver its high skilled work. £10 million new cash has also been announced to fund projects to drive innovation in cutting edge medicine manufacturing that can bolster the UK’s health resilience, such as those which use nucleic acid technology and intracellular drug delivery to help improve vaccines, as part of Innovate UK’s ‘Transforming Medicines Manufacturing Programme’.

    Today the government announced that Sterling Pharma Solutions are the latest recipient of funding through the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund. This announcement follows the first tranche of four grants from the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund in March 2023 and the Medicines and Diagnostics Manufacturing Transformation Fund (MDMTF).

    Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    This investment is another significant step in harnessing UK innovation to help cut waiting lists – one of the government’s five priorities – and build a stronger NHS.

    We will take forward Lord O’Shaughnessy’s recommendations to speed up the delivery of clinical trials and boost patient involvement in research, so people getting NHS care can benefit from cutting-edge treatments faster, supported by £121 million in government funding.

    We’re also accelerating research into mental health, backed by over £42 million of investment in clinical research centres across the UK – including in Birmingham and Liverpool – to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis and increase the use of technology for treatment.

    Jeremy Hunt also committed to increasing lab space today through pledging to reform planning rules to help scientists. Proposals including local authorities taking greater account of R&D needs in their planning decisions.

    In addition, £42.7 million for the Mental Health Mission will go towards delivering treatments to patients, setting up a new centre in Liverpool to understand how mental, physical and social conditions interlink, and a site in Birmingham to support research and novel treatments for early intervention in psychosis, depression and children. £10 million for the Addiction Mission will go to support UK organisations and researchers to create novel pharmaceuticals, MedTech, and digital tools to improve treatment and aid recovery for people with opioid and cocaine addictions.

    The Chancellor has hosted four similar events to the Treasury’s Life Sciences Connect conference throughout 2023, each one focused on his key growth industries; digital tech, green industries, creative industries and advanced manufacturing.

    Stakeholder quotes

    Steve Bates OBE, CEO of Bioindustry Association, said:

    Today’s package of support for the UK life sciences sector will help address fundamental challenges large and small companies in our industry face as they look to invest and grow in the UK.

    We welcome today’s initiatives, including those that will improve access to finance for start-ups and scale-ups, and to create a pro-innovation regulatory environment. These positive steps will put us on the front-foot in the global race to develop and manufacture the next generation of medicines and technologies,  underpinning our economic growth and better health for years to come.

    Richard Torbett, Chief Executive, Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), said:

    Today’s announcements show that the government recognises the huge opportunity waiting to be grasped if the UK can unlock the economic potential of its life science industry – already worth £94.2 billion in 2021. These measures demonstrate the government has listened to industry and will help put the UK on track to meeting its life science vision.

    Lord O’Shaughnessy is right that making the UK an attractive destination for industry clinical trials requires regulatory reform, speedier study set-up and approvals, and improved access to data. Implementing his proposals, alongside these other announcements, can be a springboard to delivering on the UK’s ambition to be a science superpower, and we now must press forward with delivery at pace.

    However, improving research is only one part of the equation. To get innovative medicines to patients and fully capture the growth opportunity, we must also fix the commercial environment, and for that, we also look forward to agreeing with Government to a new and improved Voluntary Scheme as soon as possible.

    Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) CEO, Peter Ellingworth said:

    Today’s range of announcements and their emphasis on HealthTech are very welcome. I am pleased to see that the contribution of our industry has been acknowledged in each of them.

    Critical for the continued supply of technology to NHS patients and the competitiveness of our country, will be the approach taken to the regulation of medical devices and diagnostics. This was recognised last year by the Life Sciences Council and led to the creation of an Advisory Group. Today builds on that group’s aligned proposals published in March, and the Chancellor’s ambition for the recognition of approvals from other, trusted jurisdictions.

    Collectively, this package represents significant progress to create a system that values innovation and affords our citizens safe, timely access to life saving and enhancing technology.

    We look forward to continuing to support the work of the LSC Advisory Group, and helping to deliver the recommendations of the Pro-Innovation Regulation of Technologies Review, through initiatives such as secondments to a Regulator with an enhanced and welcome focus on HealthTech.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Urgent action to overhaul HMYOI Cookham Wood [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Urgent action to overhaul HMYOI Cookham Wood [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 26 May 2023.

    Prisons Minister Damian Hinds has today (26 May 2023) outlined a package of urgent measures to improve safety and rehabilitation at HMYOI Cookham Wood, including additional staff being deployed and a major crackdown on weapons.

    • crackdown on weapons through new intelligence taskforce to tackle violence
    • increased access to education, skills and conflict resolution workshops
    • expert teams brought in to train staff and drive improvement

    Today’s news forms part of the government’s response to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) report last month, after it identified serious failings at the Young Offender Institution resulting in an Urgent Notification.

    As part of the Urgent Notification process Ministers have 28 days to respond to the notice and set out how they will make the rapid change needed.

    In just 4 weeks significant improvements are already underway, including:

    • Expert teams have been deployed to train staff and improve the care provided to children, ensuring they are rehabilitated, educated, and leave custody with better prospects than when they entered it.
    • A crackdown on weapons will see a dedicated searching team with dogs brought in to seize items fuelling violence in custody.
    • A new intelligence taskforce will also root out and deter children from carrying weapons.
    • The number of young people being kept apart has already reduced, helping avoid any harmful impact on their education and rehabilitation.
    • An improvement notice has been issued to Cookham Wood’s outsourced education provider, requiring them to develop an action plan to resolve issues preventing children in custody from receiving a quality education

    In response to staffing pressures, HMYOI Cookham Wood is now receiving dedicated support from HMPPS to unlock additional resources and improve the retention and recruitment of staff.

    The action plan published today also details how ministers will continue to build upon these improvements and hold the YOI to account over the coming weeks and months.

    Prisons Minister Damian Hinds said:

    Last month’s inspection found unacceptable failings at HMYOI Cookham Wood, and today I am setting out how we will put this right without delay.

    Children should feel safe in custody and leave in a better state than when they entered it. These measures to tackle gang violence and improve education will make sure we can rehabilitate these children and reduce their risk of reoffending.

    The government introduced the Urgent Notification process in 2017 to ensure immediate, urgent action was taken when necessary to address serious concerns identified by inspectors.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Bolivia – Richard Porter [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Bolivia – Richard Porter [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2023.

    Mr Richard Porter has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Plurinational State of Bolivia in succession to Mr Jeff Glekin.

    Mr Richard Porter has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Plurinational State of Bolivia in succession to Mr Jeff Glekin who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Porter will take up his appointment during September 2023.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Richard Porter

    Place of birth: Coulsdon

    Spouse: Mr Sidnei Dos Santos

    Children: One

    Dates Role
    2022 Full Time Language Training (Spanish)
    2017 to 2021 Bangkok, Commercial Counsellor
    2012 to 2016 São Paulo, First Secretary, Healthcare and Life Sciences
    2008 to 2012 Management Consultant, PA Consulting Group
    1998 to 2008 London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Paramedic, Duty Manager and Operations Manager
  • PRESS RELEASE : Coffey – We’re listening and making ELMs work for upland farmers [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Coffey – We’re listening and making ELMs work for upland farmers [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 May 2023.

    Upland farmers will benefit from improved access to the government’s farming schemes.

    Upland farmers from Exmoor to the Lake District will benefit from improved access to the government’s farming schemes, with increased payment rates and improved options under Countryside Stewardship.

    Upland farmers play a vital role in keeping the nation fed while protecting the environment, and government is committed to making sure that their interests are protected and represented in the new faming schemes being delivered now that Britain has left the EU and is free from the bureaucratic Common Agricultural Policy.

    The changes announced today by the Secretary of State for Food and Farming follow direct feedback from the sector, and will help to support them as sustainable food producers and custodians of England’s most-loved landscapes for years to come.

    Following feedback from uplands farmers and industry representatives, the government is:

    • Making payment rates in environmental land management schemes equal for both upland and lowland farms where they are carrying out the same actions. This means increased rates for upland farmers in four Countryside Stewardship options.
    • Reviewing and amending a further seven Countryside Stewardship options make them more accessible to upland farmers.
    • Improving engagement with upland farmers with focused advice and support to help them access schemes.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    I want to pay tribute to our upland farmers who not only deliver some of our finest produce, but also act as the guardians of some of our country’s most iconic landscapes.

    As we work to deliver a fairer, more sustainable farming system outside the EU, we are determined to make sure their interests are at the heart of these efforts. That’s why we’ve set out a range of new support to ensure that they feel the benefits of our new schemes for years to come.

    Secretary of State for Food and Farming Thérèse Coffey said:

    The uplands are a hugely important part of our English landscape and heritage and upland farmers are crucial for our rural economy.

    We’ve worked closely with upland farmers from day one, and they’ve told me personally what further support they need, so today we’re further responding to their feedback with increased payments, an improved offer and more engagement to ensure they are at the centre of our schemes.

    These changes will support the delivery of the government’s pledge to ensure there is something for every type of farmer in their new schemes, as direct land-based payments are phased out.

    Rewarding farmers for low inputs on grasslands in upland areas, which previously earned farmers £98 per hectare, will increase to £151 – the same payment farmers elsewhere receive. At the upper end of the scale, creation of upland wood pasture will increase from £333 per hectare to £544 to align payments for upland and lowland farmers.

    Following feedback from farmers, there will also be improvements made to existing offers within Countryside Stewardship, with details to follow as part of the full 2024 offer in the summer.

    Today’s announcement follows significant work to make sure that upland farmers are at the centre of England’s farming policies.

    Upland farmers can:

    • Get paid for over 130 relevant actions under the Countryside Stewardship and the Sustainable Farming Incentive from 2024. This will include new moorland and upland peat action, with considerably higher payments for moorlands in good environmental condition
    • Extend their Higher Level Stewardship agreements for five years running alongside Countryside Stewardship or SFI agreements, allowing them to get paid for more actions and take advantage of price increases
    • Apply for the second round of the Landscape Recovery scheme, which is open to individual or groups of land managers
    • Apply for upland Wildlife Offers for a range of management options that focus on providing habitats for farm wildlife
    • Apply for the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme if they are in an AONB, National Park or the Broads.
    • Express an interesting in a free vet visit to reduce costs and improve productivity.