Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Meeting with President Widodo of Indonesia [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2023.

The Prime Minister met President Joko Widodo of Indonesia at the G7 Summit in Japan this morning.

The leaders discussed the significant opportunities to grow trade and investment between the UK and Indonesia, particularly in renewable energy and new solar and hydrogen projects.

The Prime Minister welcomed Indonesia’s recent progress in addressing deforestation and their active participation the Forest & Climate Leaders Partnership launched at COP27 in Glasgow.

The leaders also discussed increasing UK engagement in the Indo-Pacific, including coordination with ASEAN, and wider regional security issues.

The Prime Minister welcomed President Jakowi’s assured leadership of the G20 last year and looked forward to their continued collaboration on issues like Ukraine, as they look ahead to the next G20 Summit in India.

May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2023.

The Prime Minister met Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy this evening at the G7 Summit in Japan.

The Prime Minister welcomed President Zelenskyy’s visit to the G7 as an historic moment and a demonstration of the international community’s steadfast support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Following their discussion at Chequers earlier this week, the Prime Minister reiterated that the UK would continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance needed to win the war and secure a just peace.

The Prime Minister updated President Zelenskyy on the very positive progress at the G7 so far, including new sanctions against Russia and the provision of fighter jets.

The leaders looked forward to progressing talks with G7 countries and other partners on support for Ukraine and action against Russia’s destabilising and illegal behaviour.

May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Macron of France [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2023.

The Prime Minister met French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima today.

The leaders welcomed the strong unity of purpose at the G7 on issues including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and our collective approach to the economic threat posed by China.

They discussed how the UK and France can continue to support Ukraine’s defence, including providing military aid and longer-term security assistance, and agreed to remain in close contact ahead of the NATO Summit.

The Prime Minister and President Macron highlighted progress on joint work to tackle illegal migration in the Channel, building on the successful UK-France Summit earlier this year. They committed to delivering all elements of the ambitious package agreed in March to help stop the boats and tackle people smugglers preying on the vulnerable.

Following discussions earlier in the day at the G7 on economic security, the leaders also discussed online safety and emerging technologies.

May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK to mobilise $40 billion for global infrastructure investment [May 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2023.

Prime Minister Sunak has redoubled the UK’s commitment to mobilising billions in finance to help get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track.
- British Investment Partnerships to mobilise $40 billion by the end of 2027 for global infrastructure and economic development
- UK development finance institution confirms first investment in the Indo-Pacific
- PM will reaffirm UK commitment to reinvigorating the Sustainable Development Goals at the G7
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had redoubled the UK’s commitment to mobilising billions in public and private finance to help get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track at the G7 in Japan.

The UK’s development finance institution, British International Investment, is announcing its first investment in the Indo-Pacific today. The $15 million [£12m] investment in the SUSI Asia Energy Transition Fund will support renewable energy, energy storage and microgrid projects across the continent.

The G7 launched the global infrastructure investment initiative under the UK’s presidency in Carbis Bay in 2021, to provide transparent and reliable sources of finance to build vital and long-neglected infrastructure in low and middle income countries, from bridges and roads to renewable energy grids.

The Prime Minister will confirm today, ahead of a side event on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment at the G7, that the UK will aim to mobilise $40 billion in financing for sustainable infrastructure investment and economic development by the end of 2027.

UK public and private financing has already helped to kickstart a huge range of projects, from wind and solar projects in India to sustainable energy supplies for hospitals in Africa.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“We know the transformative power of reliable, responsible private investment. It’s the spark that is helping us to build ports in Senegal and Somaliland, hydropower projects in Rwanda and offshore wind in India.

“The UK is committed to ensuring the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment delivers the financing the world needs to lift communities out of poverty.”

The UK is also working with G7 partners to reform the international tax architecture and make the international financial system more responsive to developing countries’ needs, for example by including Climate Resilient Debt Clauses (CRDCs) in new lending.

These clauses allow debt repayments to be suspended when climate shocks, such as hurricanes, hit. This in turn frees up resources to quickly respond to crises.

UK Export Finance was the first Export Credit Agency to offer CRDCs and the first deals using this new approach are set to be announced over the next few months.

This is part of the UK’s broader work with partners to build a bigger, better and fairer international financial system.
May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 23 sport sites in Scotland to benefit from £2m UK Government funding [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 May 2023.

23 projects receive a share of £2 million as part of the UK Government’s ongoing investment in multi-sport facilities in collaboration with the Scottish Football Association
- UK Government reaffirms commitment to improving access to high quality facilities and increasing participation in grassroots sports in Scotland
- Ongoing UK-wide £300 million capital investment continues to build capacity in underserved areas and provide for underrepresented groups
Grassroots sports facilities in Scotland will directly benefit from the latest £2 million investment in high quality multi-sport facilities from the UK Government, in partnership with the Scottish Football Association.

As part of the Government’s 2022/23 commitment, 23 sites in Scotland will see their facilities improved, significantly increasing the availability and access to high quality facilities for football and other grassroots sports.

A key priority for the Government is to level up access to community sports facilities in all parts of the UK, to help as many people as possible to get involved in sport and to deliver all of the mental and physical health benefits associated with active and healthy lifestyles.

The latest investment is part of the Government’s ongoing £300 million multi-year investment into grassroots multi-sport pitches across the UK by 2025 – over £20m of this will be invested in Scotland.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

“We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.

“Today we are delivering 23 new and improved grassroots sports facilities across Scotland to continue to support, sustain and grow community and grassroots sport – so that physical activity is accessible to all, no matter a person’s background or location.

“We will continue to work with the Scottish Football Association to nurture the talent of the future whilst making sure local communities have the sporting facilities that they need.”

A central aim of the programme is to level up access to community sports facilities and invest in some of the most deprived areas in the UK, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport. In order to achieve this, and to deliver access that every community needs, at least 50% of investment will be spent in underprivileged areas.

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said:

“We have seen some fantastic results in recent years from Scotland’s men’s and women’s football teams and we know much of this is a result of the hardwork and dedication put in by those working in grassroots football. I am pleased the UK Government is working closely with the SFA and providing funding for high quality facilities in Scotland.

“With much of the funding aimed at multi-sport facilities, deprived areas and underrepresented groups this investment will benefit many people across the country.”

Some of the facilities to benefit from the 2022/23 round of investment in Scotland include:
- Forfar Community Football Trust in Angus has received £126,000 to convert their floodlights to LED
- Dundee East Community Sports Club in Dundee has received over £58,000 to install floodlights and solar panels
- Inverness Caledonian Thistle Community Development in Inverness has received over £157,000 for a grass pitch upgrade
- Motherwell FC Community Trust in Lanarkshire has received over £180,000 for a replacement 3G pitch
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in Lewis and Harris has received nearly £200,000 for a replacement 3G pitch
- Nethercraigs Sports Complex & Denis Donnelly Park in Glasgow has received nearly £60,000 for new floodlights
A full list of the facilities to benefit from 2022/23 investment in Scotland can be found here.

40% per cent of the funding will be used to support multi-sport facilities, ensuring a wide range of sports are supported and helping to deliver benefits beyond football. The programme has a particular focus on increasing participation among underrepresented groups such as women and girls, and those with a disability.

Scottish FA Vice President Mike Mulraney, said:

“The Scottish FA’s grassroots strategy, Football for All, aims to increase participation at all levels by removing barriers and improving accessibility to the game.

“Helping clubs to improve their infrastructure and facilities is central to this strategy and we are grateful to the UK Government for their support.

“Clubs are the beating hearts of communities across Scotland and through partnerships like these, we will help reinforce the power of football locally and in doing so develop our national game.”

The UK Government, in partnership with the Scottish Football Association, continues to build on its £2 million for 2021/22, with a further £2 million confirmed today, and 40 sites in Scotland having benefitted to date.

Through the lifecycle of the grassroots multi-sport facilities investment programme which will run to 2025, Scotland will receive £20 million to help nurture the talent of the future.
May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New football pitch named for star Lioness Ella Toone as government launches thousands of new grassroots sports facilities to get more people active [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 May 2023.

The Government is working alongside its Football Foundation partners the Premier League and The FA to invest £64 million in thousands of grassroots sports facilities to get more people playing sport on quality pitches.
- More than 1,600 new and improved multi-sports grassroot facilities across England are benefiting from Government support
- The ‘Ella Toone Pitch’ at William Fosters Hub in Wigan is latest site to mark Lionesses class of EURO 2022
- Ongoing UK-wide £300 million capital investment in grassroots facilities continues to improve access for thousands and nurture tomorrow’s sports talent
EUROs-winning Lioness Ella Toone has unveiled a football pitch named in her honour, as the Government and its Football Foundation partners the Premier League and The FA confirm investment in thousands of grassroots sports facilities to get more people playing sport on quality pitches.

Toone, a goal scorer for the victorious England team at the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022, unveiled a 3G pitch as part of a £6.3 million redevelopment of the William Fosters Hub facility in Wigan that will open to the public later this summer.

Across England, the Government is investing £64 million, working alongside its Football Foundation partners the Premier League and The FA, to build and upgrade 1,600 grassroots sports sites this year to level up access to high quality sports facilities.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.

Today we are delivering more than 1,600 new and improved grassroots sports facilities across the country to continue to support, sustain and grow community and grassroots sport – so that physical activity is accessible to all, no matter a person’s background or location.

We are continuing to celebrate the success of the Lionesses – with the ‘Ella Toone Pitch’ enabling the generation of women and girls inspired by them to get active and involved.

The funding will deliver upgrades, improvements and new pitches – making more high quality facilities available for people to play football, hockey and other grassroots sports. Projects support a range of facility types – from the creation or upgrade of changing rooms, grass pitches and 3G football turf pitches and pavilions, to floodlights, fencing and improved disabled access.

Facilities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will benefit from £3.8 million being invested by the Government in partnership with the FAs in each home nation.

The Ella Toone Pitch is the second of 23 Football Foundation-funded pitches that will be named after each of the Lionesses to honour their UEFA Women’s EUROs victory last summer and inspire the next generation of women and girls to get involved in the beautiful game.

Ella Toone, Lioness forward, said:

It feels just like yesterday that I was a kid kicking a ball around just a few miles from here but already so much has changed in the women’s game. It’s so exciting to see more and more women and girls wanting to play football and the amazing new facilities here will allow them to do just that.

As a Lioness I feel a responsibility to be a role model for the next generation and it’s such an honour to do that with a pitch named after me in my hometown. I’m so grateful to the Football Foundation for the opportunity to inspire local girls to fall in love with the game just like I did.

A central aim of the programme is to level up access to community sports facilities and invest in some of the most deprived areas in the UK to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport. To achieve this, and to deliver the access to facilities that every community deserves, at least 50% per cent of investment will be spent in underprivileged areas.

This site is one of over 2,200 across the UK to have benefited so far from the Government’s four-year £300 million capital investment into grassroots multi-sports facilities. Between 2021 and 2025, £261 million of Government funding will be delivered in England, alongside funding from Football Foundation partners the Premier League and The FA.

Some of the facilities to benefit from this year’s round of investment in England include:
- Bottesford Town FC in Lincolnshire has received over £950,000 for new 3G pitches;
- AFC North Kilworth in Harborough has received almost £100,000 for a new pavilion;
- Manchester Maccabi Community & Sports Club in Bury has received almost £125,000 for a new grass pitch;
- St Peters Playing Field in North Tyneside has received more than £1.8 million for new 3G pitches, changing rooms and a county football association headquarters;
- Roach Dynamos FC in Rochdale has received more than £530,000 for a new pavillion;
- The Groundwork South Trust Limited in Cornwall has received more than £125,000 for a new grass pitch and floodlights;
- South Park Sport Association in Reigate has received almost £450,000 for a new 3G pitch;
- Mersham Sports Club in Ashford has received almost £470,000 for new grass pitches.
See the list of facilities to benefit in England.

40% per cent of the funding will be used to support multi-sport facilities, ensuring a wide range of sports are supported and helping to deliver benefits beyond football. The programme has a particular focus on increasing participation among underrepresented groups such as women and girls, and those with a disability.

Robert Sullivan, CEO, Football Foundation said:

Ella and the Lionesses are a great showcase of how important quality grassroots facilities are for the women’s game. Many of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 squad, including Ella, started their pathway to stardom on facilities funded by the Football Foundation. It’s vital the next generation has access to great places to play.

Thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is directing more money than ever into supporting the grassroots game. Every one of the facilities we fund will provide equal access for women and girls. That means providing safe, accessible and inclusive environments for women and girls from their journey to the site right up to their first step onto the pitch.
May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak to rally G7 on protecting economy from state threats [May 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 May 2023.

The Prime Minister will set out the UK’s plan to tackle global threats to security and prosperity as he opens a session at the G7 today.
- G7 set to launch new Coordination Platform on Economic Coercion
- PM will warn of growing threats to our economic security from hostile state actors
- G7 leaders are expected to discuss supply chain resilience and tools to prevent vital technology falling into the wrong hands
The Prime Minister will set out the UK’s plan to expand the tools we can deploy to tackle global threats to security and prosperity and counter growing economic coercion, as he opens a session at the G7 today [Saturday 20th May] on economic security.

Speaking to G7 leaders, Rishi Sunak will highlight the huge potential costs to the global economy of hostile activity – noting for example the impact of Russia’s stranglehold on European gas supplies last year – and urge bold and pragmatic collective action.

He will urge the G7 and other international partners to coordinate our responses to unfair and coercive trading practices to avoid a costly zero sum game, which could hamper collective prospects for growth and technological innovation.

It comes as leaders are expected to agree to create a new G7 Coordination Platform on Economic Coercion. The Platform will address the growing and pernicious use of coercive economic measures to interfere in the sovereign affairs of other states. China, for example, has recently used its economic power to coerce countries including Australia and Lithuania over political disputes.

The new G7 Coordination Platform will provide a forum to identify vulnerabilities and coordinate on protective measures, drawing on insights from policymakers, businesses and academics. It will also act as the main forum for the G7 to coordinate on rapid responses to economic coercion when it occurs, ensuring we are giving each other early warning of possible crises and taking joint action where necessary.

The Prime Minister will set out the vital importance of precise, targeted and – as far as possible coordinated – approaches to protecting exploitation of our cutting-edge technologies for authoritarian ends, whilst preserving all the benefits of efficient, innovative free markets and open trade.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

We should be clear-eyed about the growing challenge we face. China is engaged in a concerted and strategic economic contest. And when Russia weaponised Europe’s energy supplies, it was a sign of what can happen when we rely too much on states who don’t share our values.

Our collective economic security matters now more than ever. By working together and avoiding competition between friends, we can lift our prosperity, innovate faster and out-compete autocratic states.

The UK has already taken a number of steps to further bolster our domestic economic security, including launching the new National Protective Security Authority within MI5 earlier this year to provide expert advice to businesses, academics and others. These complement existing export controls and investment screening powers under the National Security and Investment Act.

As the Government set out in the Integrated Review Refresh, we are stronger when we act with allies and partners to defend global rules, build our economic resilience and protect against the exploitation of our economic and technological advantage.

G7 leaders are also expected to step up joint efforts to strengthen the resilience of supply chains for vital goods like semiconductors and critical minerals.

It comes after the UK agreed a new semiconductor partnership with Japan on Thursday [18th] and published the UK’s National Semiconductor Strategy yesterday [19th], which sets out how up to £1 billion of government investment will boost the UK’s strengths and skills in design, R&D and compound semiconductors, while helping to grow domestic chip firms across the UK.
May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visits Chile [May 2023]

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

The Foreign Secretary visits Chile as the UK and Chile celebrate 200 years of bilateral consular relations.

During his time in Santiago, the Foreign Secretary will chair the UK-Chile High-Level Political Dialogue alongside Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren. As Chile commemorates 50 years since the military coup of 1973, the Foreign Secretary will visit Santiago’s Museum of Memory and Human Rights alongside Foreign Minister Van Klaveren, reaffirming the UK and Chile’s shared values and commitment to democracy and human rights. 200 years since the appointment of Great Britain’s first Consul General, the Foreign Secretary will launch a campaign celebrating the bicentennial of bilateral consular relations. The Foreign Secretary will also deliver a speech to young Chilean changemakers, meet Chile’s next generation of female leaders and visit Latin America’s first green hydrogen plant and fuel station.

The Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, will visit Chile on 22 May as part of a regional tour of Latin America and the Caribbean underscoring the UK’s partnership with the region. At the UK-Chile High-Level Political Dialogue, the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Van Klaveren will set the direction for the UK and Chile’s diplomatic, economic, trade and defence links. The ministers will review the UK and Chile’s bilateral trade relationship after Chile’s accession to CPTPP and the UK’s conclusion of negotiations to join the agreement; the UK and Chile’s partnership on climate and sustainability, including the green energy transition; and co-operation on multilateral issues as two likeminded partners committed to working together to solve global challenges.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

This is a milestone year in the history of UK relations with countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, including in Chile.

While I look forward to celebrating our longstanding and historic relationship, I am also in Chile to renew and enhance our ties for the years ahead.

It is a partnership that will be marked and strengthened by our shared values of freedom, democracy and concern for the state of our planet.

The Foreign Secretary will also address an audience of young Chilean changemakers at the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre, where he will give a speech on the UK’s relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, the values shared by the UK and the region, and how to work together to tackle the critical global issues of the 21st century. The Foreign Secretary will also visit Anglo American’s green hydrogen plant to witness how renewable energy technologies pioneered by British business are leading the way on the green energy transition and a more sustainable approach to mining. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will also announce a post-graduate scholarship programme focusing on lithium technologies and environmental governance.

At an event marking the 200-year anniversary of the UK and Chile’s bilateral consular relations, the Foreign Secretary will celebrate the UK and Chile’s historic and thriving people-to-people links. The Foreign Secretary will join representatives from business, government, academia, the arts, civil society and sport to celebrate this historic moment with people who are at the heart of the UK-Chile relationship, working together on issues that are important to both the UK and Chile.

May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New £1 billion strategy for UK’s semiconductor sector [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 May 2023.

A new 20-year plan to secure the world-leading strengths of the UK’s semiconductor industry has today (Friday 19 May) been unveiled by the government.
- National Semiconductor Strategy reveals plan to double down on design, research and advanced chip leadership – securing the UK’s position as a global science and technology superpower
- chip plan sets out how UK will build on industry strengths, safeguard supply chains from disruption and protect tech against national security risks – supporting the delivery of the government’s priority to grow our economy
- government will invest up to £1 billion in the next decade to improve access to infrastructure, power more research and development and facilitate greater international cooperation, with up to £200 million over the years 2023-2025
- follows UK and Japan commitment to establish ambitious collaboration in the semiconductor sector, covering R&D cooperation, skills exchanges, and improving the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain
The National Semiconductor Strategy sets out how up to £1 billion of government investment will boost the UK’s strengths and skills in design, R&D and compound semiconductors, while helping to grow domestic chip firms across the UK.

Working in tandem with industry, investment made by the government will drive research, innovation and commercialisation through the sector – helping to deliver products from lab to market.

It comes as the Prime Minister is at the G7 leaders’ Summit in Japan for discussions on strengthening our tech collaboration with like-minded economies and strengthening supply chains for critical technology like semiconductors.

Semiconductors are vitally important for the modern world we live in, being an essential component for the functioning of almost every electronic device we use. From phones and computers to ventilators and power stations, nearly every piece of technology in the world depends on them.

Over a trillion semiconductors are manufactured each year, with the global semiconductor market forecast to reach a total market size of $1 trillion by 2030. Semiconductors also underpin future technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum and 6G.

The strategy focuses on the UK’s particular areas of strategic advantage in the semiconductors sector – semiconductor design, cutting-edge compound semiconductors, and our world-leading R&D ecosystem – supported by UK universities from Cambridge to Cardiff and Manchester to Edinburgh demonstrating global leadership in this space.

Compound semiconductors do things silicon chips can’t, with use cases in evolving technologies such as autonomous driving and future telecoms. Their creation requires expertise in advanced materials, an area of UK science leadership.

To support the growth of the sector in the UK, the government will invest up to £200 million over the years 2023-2025 to improve industry access to infrastructure, power more research and development and facilitate greater international cooperation.

Taking a strategic approach to investment over the next decade, the government will invest up to £1 billion in a range of measures to secure the UK’s advantage in this globally important sector and meet 3 key objectives:
- growing the domestic sector
- mitigating the risk of supply chain disruptions
- protecting our national security
The strategy builds on the consistent support the government has provided for the semiconductor industry, having provided £539 million in grants for research and £214 million directly to SMEs in the sector across the last 10 years, as well as funding 450 PhD students since 2017.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Semiconductors underpin the devices we use every day and will be crucial to advancing the technologies of tomorrow.

Our new strategy focuses our efforts on where our strengths lie, in areas like research and design, so we can build our competitive edge on the global stage.

By increasing the capabilities and resilience of our world-leading semiconductor industry, we will grow our economy, create new jobs and stay at the forefront of new technological breakthroughs.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith said:

Semiconductors are the beating heart of all electronic devices, from powering our phones and cars to medical equipment and innovative new technologies like quantum and AI which will make a real difference to all of our lives.

Britain is already a world leader when it comes to researching and designing semiconductor technology – our new strategy will double down on these core strengths to create more skilled jobs, grow our economy, boost our national security and cement the UK’s status as a global science and technology superpower.

The UK’s Integrated Review placed securing strategic advantage in science and technology at the heart of the UK’s national security and foreign policy. In recognition of the fundamental importance of semiconductor technologies in these areas, the National Semiconductor Strategy demonstrates a clear vision for our position in the sector.

As part of the strategy, the UK will increase its cooperation with close partners, working together to manage national security threats and driving growth in the sector, while championing international cooperation to help develop a coordinated approach to supply chain resilience.

In Hiroshima this week, the UK and Japan committed to establishing an ambitious semiconductor partnership, led by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). It seeks to deliver new R&D cooperation, skills exchanges, and improving the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain for both countries.

UK Research and Innovation will work with the Japan Science and Technology Agency on a joint investment of up to £2 million in early stage semiconductor research next year. This will support UK and Japanese researchers to work together on fundamental semiconductor technologies.

The strategy has been developed in close consultation with the semiconductor industry and academia, and the government will build on this partnership by creating a new UK Semiconductor Advisory Panel. The Panel will bring together key figures from industry, government, and academia to work closely on shared solutions and implementation.

Growing the UK industry

The government will focus on growing the UK’s unique and already world-leading strengths in compound semiconductors, research and development, intellectual property and design by investing up to £200 million over the years 2023-2025, and up to £1 billion in the next decade. This funding will be used to improve the talent pipeline and will make it easier for British firms to access things like prototyping, tools and business support.

These efforts will include investment in a new National Semiconductor Infrastructure Initiative to unlock the potential of British chip firms in these key areas. It will look at whether better access to prototyping facilities for chip firms is needed to tackle barriers to innovation and grow the industry. It will also explore opportunities to make specialist software tools more available for start-ups. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology commissioned research that will look at the best way to establish the Infrastructure initiative. This will report its findings in the autumn.

Furthermore, the government will announce plans by the autumn on support for investment in the semiconductor manufacturing sector, particularly where they are critical to the UK tech ecosystem or the UK’s national security.

Further announcements include:
- a new UK Semiconductor Advisory Panel that brings together key figures from industry, government, and academia to work together to deliver the strategy. The Advisory Panel will speak on behalf of the sector and provide advice and feedback
- a specialist incubator pilot will focus on removing obstacles which hold semiconductor startups back from growth. The scheme, launching today, will provide industry with better access to technical resources as well as coaching and networking
- support for industry-led learning will ensure people can gain the skills the semiconductor industry needs. Programmes will provide opportunities for learning focused on the advanced skills needed for the sector, such as electrical and electronic engineering and computer science
Safeguarding supply chains

The journey of a semiconductor chip from lab to market can involve thousands of production stages taking place across the world, with various locations that have particularly concentrated production capabilities.

The surge in demand for consumer electronics during the pandemic demonstrated how global industries can be impacted by semiconductor supply issues. This strategy highlights the importance of collaboration with international allies to develop secure supply chain resilience.

The government will take steps to help sectors mitigate the impact of supply shortages in the future. The UK government also wants to protect critical sectors (essential services, healthcare, critical national infrastructure and defence) from disruptions that could cause risks to life, or national security. To help ensure the UK is better protected against future disruption the government commits to:
- new guidance to be published to help businesses better understand risks and steps they can take to be more resilient against supply chain shocks
- continued collaboration through international initiatives – like the UK’s technology partnerships with the US, Japan, and the Republic of Korea – to explore shared approaches and solutions to improve global supply chain resilience
Protect UK against security risks

Semiconductors can create vulnerabilities in the electronic devices they are used in, and these risks are becoming more significant as the use of internet connected devices increases. The government is clear that a compromise to the cyber security of the hardware behind every device powering modern life is not acceptable. The acquisition of chip firms can also present national security issues. The strategy announces actions to protect the UK against these security risks including:
- additional information on the government’s approach to using the National Security and Investment Act, providing information to the industry on what areas of the sector the government has seen particular concerns potentially arising to ensure technology remains securely protected
- the government will continue to support world-leading programmes like Digital Security by Design, which aims to ensure semiconductors can be more resilient and secure in the face of growing cyber threats
May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Increased sentences for Kaylea Titford’s parents [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 19 May 2023.

The parents of a 16-year-old girl who died after she was neglected have been ordered to serve longer in prison following a review of their sentences.

Alun Titford, 44, and Sarah Lloyd Jones, 39, the parents of Kaylea Titford, were convicted of gross negligence manslaughter following the teenager’s death at her home in Newton, Powys in October 2020.

Kaylea was wheelchair dependant, with acute medical needs including assistance to use the toilet.

The court heard that the teenager had not seen a medical professional in the nine months leading up to her death. She had become morbidly obese with a weight of 146kg and was immobile.

Her bedroom was unfit for living in, surrounded by bottles of urine and faeces. Maggots were found on her body and her bedlinen was soiled.

Her parents, who were found to have failed to provide adequate care, will now serve longer prison terms after their case was reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

Alun Titford was originally sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment and Sarah Lloyd-Jones was sentenced to six years. Both were sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on 1 March 2023.

Following the review, Alun Titford will now serve ten years’ imprisonment and Sarah Lloyd-Jones will serve eight years.

Following the hearing on 19 May at the Court of Appeal, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP said:

This was a deeply distressing and upsetting case, and my thoughts today are with all of those who loved Kaylea.

Kaylea was subjected to horrific neglect by her parents and the court’s decision to extend Alun Titford and Sarah Lloyd Jones’ sentences sends a clear message that child abuse will never be tolerated.

Following multiple referrals of the sentence to the Attorney General’s Office as potentially unduly lenient, the Solicitor General agreed it should be referred to the Court of Appeal.

May 30, 2023