Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Global cyber leaders meet in Estonia [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 June 2023.

Events in Tallinn looked at how the cyber and electromagnetic domain plays a vital role in peacetime and crisis, including its impact on the war in Ukraine.

Cyber and electromagnetic domain experts and leaders came together in Tallinn at the Cyber Commanders’ Forum and CyCon 2023.

Collaboration with our allies and partners from across the world is vital – cyberspace has no borders – and the events provided the valuable opportunity for partners to tackle shared challenges.

General Jim Hockenhull, Commander of Strategic Command, attended on behalf of UK Defence and to represent the thousands of personnel whose diligent efforts help ensure the safety and security of the UK.

With over 30 nations represented, the Cyber Commanders’ Forum (CCF), hosted by the Estonian Defence Forces Cyber Command, covered topics including cyber education, training, and emerging and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Cyber Conference (CyCon) 2023 saw over 600 cyber experts from nearly 50 countries come together to address current cyber security challenges through presentations, focus sessions, and breakout groups.

This year’s CyCon had a theme of Meeting Reality which included discussions on new technologies, both the benefits and opportunities they provide also the new threats they pose.

Speaking about the events, General Jim said:

Strategic Command leads cyber for UK Defence. It is a vital domain where global events are shaped – including the conflict resulting from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

There could be no more appropriate hosts for this year’s Cyber Commanders’ Forum and Cyber Conference than Estonia and Poland. UK Defence is proud of our close relationships with these vital allies, forged through our deployed contribution to NATO’s enhanced forward presence both here in Estonia and in Poland under Operation CABRIT.

It is essential that Allies, our partners in industry, and academia make a collective effort to operate together effectively in this domain to protect our nations, defeat and deter our adversaries. These events play a significant role in this integration and I am delighted to represent UK Defence at both.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial Appointments [June 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 June 2023.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
- Dr Kay Swinburne and Mr Darren Mott OBE as Lords Whips (Baroness in Waiting and Lord in Waiting respectively).
His Majesty has been pleased to confer peerages of the United Kingdom for Life on Dr Swinburne and Mr Mott.

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist, previously a Lords Whip (Baroness in Waiting), has resigned from Government.
June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The US, UK and Qatar launch initiative to continue lifesaving assistance to Somalia [June 2023]

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

The United States of America, United Kingdom and Qatar launch a $10.5 million initiative to continue lifesaving drought and resilience response in Somalia.

Today (25 May 2023) the United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the British Embassy in Mogadishu, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) announced the launch of a $10.5 million drought assistance and resilience program through the Building Resilient Communities in Somalia (BRCiS) consortium.

The trilateral partnership builds upon famine prevention and resilience investments made by USAID, UKAID, and QFFD in 2021 to 2022. It will enable BRCiS to sustain lifesaving service delivery while accelerating recovery efforts over the next 6 months.

Severe drought, compounded by conflict, in Somalia has left 6.6 million people severely food insecure. Since January 2022, more than 3 million people have been displaced and mortality rates have surpassed those in 2017. An estimated 43,000 deaths have already occurred – half of which were among children under the age of 5. Without continued support, more than half a million children under the age of 5 are at risk of severe malnourishment and death this year.

Mike Nithavrianakis, British Ambassador to Somalia said:

The situation in Somalia remains critical. We applaud our partners’ sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance which helped to avert nationwide famine this year. This is significant, but humanitarian aid alone cannot address the crisis. That is why the UK is reinforcing BRCiS’ response through continued collaboration with the US and Qatar.

The tripartite collaboration will for the first time combine investments from the UK, US, and Qatar under one program, BRCiS. This will ensure the continued delivery of emergency cash assistance to purchase food and multi-sector humanitarian assistance, alongside resilience activities to ensure communities are protected and empowered.

Perrine Piton, BRCiS Chief of Party said:

These contributions will save lives. The funds will enable us to reinforce market-based systems that drive supply and demand initiatives while ensuring 41,000 people receive emergency food assistance (multi-purpose cash); 330,000 individuals have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene materials; and 175,000 people are provided with lifesaving health and nutrition services.

US Ambassador Larry André said:

BRCiS will continue to support the Somali people in their communities. Partnership – iskashi – is at the heart of the work of the United States with Somalia. This extension expands that partnership with the UK and Qatar to build on past success.

His Excellency Dr Abdullah bin Salim Al-Naimi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Somalia, said:

The drought crisis has cast a shadow on the already worsening humanitarian situation in Somalia due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This affected millions and has increased the threat of famine, displacement, food insecurity, and severe malnutrition among children, which imposes on everyone without exception.

Providing humanitarian and relief support would alleviate millions affected by humanitarian conditions, helping them to withstand these complex situations further, and working to save lives, which is primarily a human duty.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement completes tour of Northern Ireland [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 2 June 2023.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement has concluded its 800 mile tour across Northern Ireland from London to mark the 25th anniversary of its signing, the first time the original UK copy of the Agreement has returned to the region since its signing on 10 April 1998.

Provided on loan from The National Archives in London to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland to mark the anniversary of the peace deal, the document made its first public appearance in Northern Ireland in a quarter of a century in April.

The Agreement’s tour was facilitated by the Northern Ireland Office.

Since April, the document has gone on display at Queen’s University Belfast, Hillsborough Castle, Strule Arts Centre in Omagh, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Omagh Library, Belfast Central Library, Linenhall Library, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, Derry Central Library, Craigavon Civic Centre and Bangor City Hall.

The document will go on display at Hillsborough Castle from June until September.

The original UK Government’s signed copy of the Agreement features the signatures of the then Prime Minister Tony Blair, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the late Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam and Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs David Andrews.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, said:

It is fantastic that the original Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement has returned to Northern Ireland for the first time since its historic signing 25 years ago, and that the public has had the opportunity to see the document across various locations in Northern Ireland.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement was an incredible achievement, helping to lay the foundation of a more prosperous Northern Ireland that we see today. It’s important that current and future generations are aware of its significance in helping to create a more peaceful society in Northern Ireland.

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) Acting Director, David Huddleston, said:

We have been pleased to host the display of the original Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement at PRONI at venues across Northern Ireland, as part of our ongoing commitment to provide community access to public records.

The opportunity to view the document up close and reflect on its historic significance has been taken up by many people, of different ages and backgrounds. The roadshow forms part of PRONI’s centenary programme of activities bringing archives to local audiences.

Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives, Jeff James, said:

The National Archives is an essential resource for our democracy, a public good and an asset for future generations. Our conviction is that archives are for everyone, including all communities who call Northern Ireland home. We were therefore delighted to work with the Northern Ireland Office and PRONI to facilitate the tour of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Projects such as these demonstrate the power of archives in changing lives for the better, as they promote reconciliation, understanding and enhanced dialogue between individuals. The tour ensured this important document was seen by the communities where it has had the greatest impact – helping young people understand the past, and those affected heal from its wounds.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Independent advisers appointed by government to help stabilise future of professional rugby union [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 2 June 2023.

Government has appointed Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling as independent advisers to work on the future stability of rugby union.
- RFL’s former CEO Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling of UK Sport appointed to work with the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby Limited on their plans for the future of professional rugby union.
- Independent advisers will support solutions on the financial, sporting and regulatory challenges facing rugby following the failures of Worcester, Wasps and uncertainty at London Irish.
Former RFL CEO Ralph Rimmer, and UK Sport Board Member Chris Pilling have been appointed by the government as independent advisers to support the RFU and PRL in their work on the future sustainability of rugby union.

Following the recent failures of several clubs and the wider challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, rugby union has a unique opportunity to reshape its future strategic financial and sporting direction.

The government supports the RFU and PRL’s work to stabilise professional rugby union including attracting new capital investment. It shares the concerns of fans about where the game goes next, and has appointed two independent advisers to work with the RFU and PRL on their plans to restructure the Professional Game Agreement.

The issues at Worcester, Wasps and London Irish have laid bare the challenges facing the sport of rugby union. The inability of rugby clubs to raise capital investment and the financial challenges at various levels within the game have contributed to the need for urgent work to help secure rugby union’s immediate future and advise on its future direction.

The appointment of Rimmer and Pilling as independent advisers will add to the work being undertaken by the RFU and PRL, and has been made with their full agreement. They will provide further independent support and scrutiny on their vision to lead the game to a sustainable future.

Ralph Rimmer delivered substantial financial and regulatory reforms during his time with the Rugby Football League, while Chris Pilling will bring extensive sports management and financial sector expertise to the role.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:

This is a challenging time for rugby union and Ralph and Chris have agreed to utilise their experience to help the game develop a clear path for the future.

We have seen several high profile clubs and their fans left devastated in recent times and this additional independent advice will be of huge benefit to the RFU and PRL as they look to implement a new strategic direction for rugby.

Ralph Rimmer said:

I absolutely recognise the importance of this sporting pyramid to communities across the country.

I also understand from my own experiences in Rugby League the challenges and pressures which the sport currently faces and I’m confident that I can help all parties in creating not just a sustainable future but also an exciting one.

Chris Pilling said:

I am delighted to have been asked by the government to support the work of the RFU and the PRL to seek the best solutions to help secure a better, more sustainable long-term future for rugby union.

The independent advisers will begin work immediately to help provide solutions to the financial, sporting and regulatory challenges facing the game as it charts a more sustainable path for the future.

Bill Sweeney, CEO, Rugby Football Union said:

The RFU and PRL have been working collaboratively for some time on a joint strategy to stabilise and transform Rugby Union following the exceptional challenges created by COVID.

Government choosing to work with us on this process is an important and much appreciated development and we are delighted to welcome Ralph and Chris to support the work we are doing to re-shape the future of the professional game.

The restructuring of the Professional Game Agreement into a strategic partnership provides a great opportunity for all stakeholders to set aside self-interest and collaborate to reset and secure the future long-term sustainable growth of the professional game including developing the strongest possible second tier.

Simon Massie-Taylor, CEO, PRL said:

We welcome the Government acknowledging the role that they play in helping stabilise the future of the Premiership.

And we are looking forward to working with Ralph and Chris as we finalise our plans for the future of the professional game with our partners at The RFU, RPA and other key rugby stakeholders.

In the coming days we will also announce our newly-formed Sporting Commission. And former government adviser Sir Nigel Boardman has also commenced work on formulating new financial regulations, as part of our Financial Monitoring Panel, with the first elements planned to be in place for the start of the new season.

During the pandemic, the government stepped in to provide a financial lifeline to keep elite and grassroots rugby afloat, and as key stakeholder in the future of professional rugby union is taking action to further protect its investment on behalf of taxpayers.

Rimmer and Pilling will work closely with the RFU, PRL and private equity partners CVC over the coming months in an independent capacity, and report directly to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Steps forward made on pay following constructive discussions with unions [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 2 June 2023.

Civil Service staff are in line to receive a one-off payment of £1,500 this year, following constructive discussions between the Cabinet Office and unions today.

The one-off payment recognises the hard work of staff and is part of the highest pay increase for the Civil Service in 20 years.

In April this year, the Civil Service pay remit guidance allowed departments to award a 4.5% pay increase for staff, with the potential for an extra 0.5% increase for lower paid staff.

The positive development in pay follows a constructive meeting with unions, who met the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Jeremy Quin, today.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Jeremy Quin said:

We are determined that civil servants are rewarded fairly for the vital work they do across the country, in delivering the Government’s agenda and providing services to the general public.

I am pleased with the constructive engagement we have had with Civil Service trade unions, and to be announcing that departments will be allowed to make a £1,500 payment to every member of staff at Grade 6 and below.

This is both fair to the taxpayer and a recognition of the financial pressures civil servants have faced over the last year.

Employers making such payments will take the usual steps necessary to do so, including in relation to discussions with their relevant trade unions, with the aim of finalising any decisions as soon as possible.

The non-consolidated payment takes into consideration fairness to the taxpayer and the requirement to support the promise to halve inflation this year.

The payment will apply to the current financial year’s pay.

The one-off payment will apply to staff working in non-Senior Civil Service grades. Senior staff pay is set separately as part of the Senior Salaries Review Body process.

As part of the positive engagement between the government and unions, the government has also agreed today to continue the ongoing consultation on the Civil Service Compensation Scheme, but not take any action or make any changes to it before 2025. The government remains committed to reform and recognises the importance of getting any reforms right and managing their introduction.

You can read more here.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Outer Hebrides missile defence exercise brings NATO together [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 June 2023.

A multinational exercise at the MOD Hebrides Range in Scotland last month saw 4,000 service personnel from 13 nations hone their skills and connect with allies.

Exercise FORMIDABLE SHIELD, designed to test the ballistic missile defence capabilities of NATO and its partner nations, highlighted how integration between platforms and nations can be a significant advantage in the battlespace.

Taking place between 8-26 May 2023 and featuring platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning 2, the exercise saw the air, land, and maritime domains mastered by NATO.

Major General Robin Anderton-Brown, Director of Capability at Strategic Command, said:

The importance of our responsibility for integration across Defence and with our allies was evident on Exercise FORMIDABLE SHIELD. The exercise was a clear demonstration of the coherence of the alliance, and the importance of the need to share and fuse data and information between nations to defeat high speed missile threats.

As Defence’s integrator, Strategic Command will continue to support this important NATO exercise and exploit key lessons to enhance Defence’s digital capabilities.

A total of more than 20 ships, 35 aircraft, and eight ground units, including radar platforms and the US M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), took part in the biennial exercise.

By working together with our allies and partners, as well as ensuring that the single services within UK Defence are integrated, we can deter and defeat threats to our collective security and stability.

Graham Ball, Deputy Director of Integration at Strategic Command, said:

FORMIDABLE SHIELD demonstrates the value and necessity of working with our allies to drive integration – meaning that we, and our partners, can act in way that is greater than the sum of our collective parts.

The deterrent effect of the fused and capable defensive systems, as tested on FORMIDABLE SHIELD, have applicability across the spectrum of conflict – supporting campaigning and helping to protect our shared interests.

The exercise places an emphasis on not only working together, but also adapting and developing rather than repeating the same drills each iteration.

As a prominent example of integration, HMS Defender linked up with an RAF Typhoon and HMS Kent, via satellite, to intercept an incoming missile using an air defence system that was first developed in a joint programme with France and Italy, and is now being upgraded at industrial sites across the UK.

Rear Admiral James Morley, Deputy Commander of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), said:

FORMIDABLE SHIELD is the premier Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) and live fire rehearsal in the European theatre, and highlights our proficiency in seamlessly integrating allied and partner maritime and air forces into combined operations.

As Defence’s integrator, Strategic Command is working to ensure that a culture of integration is fostered throughout the military and beyond.

Driving integration, along with leading the cyber and electromagnetic domain, are important concepts that Strategic Command will incorporate into its exhibition stand at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) on 12-15 Sep 2023 at ExCeL, London.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens appointed as Acting Chair of the BBC [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 2 June 2023.

The Secretary of State has appointed Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens as Acting Chair of the BBC Board from 27 June for twelve months, or until a new permanent Chair has been appointed, whichever is sooner.

Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens is an experienced chair and non-executive director who has spent a career in broadcasting, the creative industries and academia. Dame Elan has been a member of the BBC’s governing body since 2010, first serving as Member for Wales on the BBC Trust, until its dissolution in 2017, and then as the Welsh member of the BBC Board. As a BBC Board member she has been the Chair of the Wales Committee and also served as Chair of the BBC’s commercial subsidiary from 2019 – 2022. She served for two terms as Chair of the Welsh-language broadcaster, S4C between 1998 – 2006 and subsequently served an additional term as non-executive director on S4C, representing the BBC Trust.

Dame Elan is currently the Pro Chancellor and Professor Emerita in Communications and Creative Industries at Aberystwyth University. She is the Electoral Commissioner for Wales and Member of the UK Electoral Commission Board. She is the Chair of the Wales Public Leaders’ Forum and Chair of the UNESCO International Prize for contribution to the creative economy. She has served on many cultural bodies including the British Film Institute (BFI) and the British Council. She still serves the BFI as a Non-Executive Director of the IMAX Cinema in Waterloo. She has been a member of the Wales Permanent Secretary’s Board where she was Chair of Corporate Governance. She has served as Vice Chairman of the Welsh Language Board and is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.

Dame Elan has been a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Professor of the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University, where she is now the Pro-Chancellor. She was educated at Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, a comprehensive school in the quarry valleys of North Wales and won an open scholarship to Somerville College, Oxford.

Dame Elan is a native Welsh speaker and lives in Aberystwyth. She has two children.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

I am pleased that Dame Elan will take up the position of Acting Chair of the BBC and has the unanimous support of the Board. When she takes over, Dame Elan will provide stability in the leadership of the BBC while a process to appoint a new permanent Chair is run.

Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens said:

It’s a huge honour to be appointed by the Secretary of State as Acting Chair and I am grateful to my fellow board members for putting their trust in me. As a board, we will champion the licence fee payer across all of the UK; ensure the BBC is a vital partner for the UK creative industries; maintain trust and drive change to make the BBC fit for a fast changing media landscape. There is much work to be done.

NOTES

Dame Elan will take over as Acting Chair of the BBC Board on 27 June, at which point the current Chair will step down. The appointment is being confirmed now to ensure that the transition can take place in an orderly fashion. This appointment process was run in accordance with the BBC Royal Charter and the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This role is remunerated at £160,000 per annum. The 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. Dame Elan has not declared any activity.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [June 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 June 2023.

The Prime Minister met President Zelenskyy at the European Political Community Summit in Moldova to discuss the latest battlefield situation in Ukraine.

The leaders reflected on their meeting at the G7 in Hiroshima, and the bravery and courage demonstrated by Ukrainian forces in recent days and weeks.

The President updated on the situation on the ground in Ukraine and both discussed how best Ukraine’s counter-offensive could be supported by the international community. The Prime Minister updated on plans for the UK to begin Ukrainian pilot training in the coming weeks. They agreed to work with international partners to do even more to protect Ukrainian cities and civilians from Russia’s barbaric missile and drone attacks.

Looking ahead to the NATO leaders’ summit in Vilnius next month, the Prime Minister reiterated that Ukraine’ rightful place was in the Alliance and said the UK would support their aspirations for membership in the coming years.

Discussing the importance of ensuring a strong economic recovery for Ukraine, the Prime Minister updated on preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London later this month. He added that he hoped the summit would bring together leading businesses and entrepreneurs to discuss how best to support a prosperous future for Ukraine.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Technology Secretary holds roundtable with leading AI innovators [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 2 June 2023.

Chloe Smith meets with a number of leading senior AI leaders at Downing Street for roundtable.

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Chloe Smith has hosted senior (AI) leaders at Downing Street for a roundtable on the opportunities and risks faced by the UK’s rapidly-evolving AI industry.

The Secretary of State began by thanking attendees for their work in the sector and support on the development of the recently published AI Regulation White Paper, and invited their views on how the UK can lead in tackling AI risks while promoting innovation and growth.

Discussion centred around three key themes:
1. the risks and opportunities presented by AI technologies, and the guardrails required to ensure safe and responsible AI
2. the aspects of AI where the UK should play a greater role, including global leadership in AI governance and regulation
3. the non-regulatory measures which could help to support growth and innovation by AI companies in the UK
Discussion points included greater access to open datasets, growing regional centres of excellence to connect SMEs with researchers, and helping SMEs to scale through greater access to capital and resources. The group also discussed the need to regulate in a proportionate way and protect innovation and with the challenges of the future in mind as the technology evolves at rapid speed.

The Secretary of State noted that, although the window of opportunity to act is narrow, the UK must strike a careful balance between setting regulation that effectively manages AI risks and encouraging innovation and growth. The Secretary of State also made clear the UK’s desire to take a leading role globally in the regulation of AI, and to collaborate closely with the sector in doing so.

Attendees:
- Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chloe Smith MP
- Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, Viscount Camrose
- Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Dame Angela Mclean
- Baroness Joanna Shields, BenevolentAI
- Matt Clifford, ARIA
- Alex White, SambaNova
- Dr Nikolay Baldin, Synthesized
- Nicola Mrkšić, PolyAI
- Alex Kendall, Wayve
- Simon Proffitt, Faculty
- Louis Mosley, Palantir
- Mohammad Emad Mostaque, Stability AI
- Irene Solaiman, Hugging Face
- Nigel Toon, Graphcore
- Emma Wilkinson, Adarga
- Tim Gordon, Best Practice AI
- Vishal Marria, Quantexa
- Ryan Donnelly, Enzai
- Karim Beguir, InstaDeep
- Brian Mullins, Mind Foundry
June 12, 2023