Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s military and its defence industry are failing in Ukraine – UK statement to the OSCE [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 March 2023.

UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says Russian military leaders have sacrificed military units and squandered strategic resources for small tactical gains.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Over the past week, we have seen intensive combat as Russia continues its grinding offensive in the Donbas. Russia is suffering extremely heavy casualty rates. Since May last year, between 20 – 30,000 Wagner and regular Russian forces have been killed and wounded in the area around Bakhmut alone – a huge loss of human life for a total territorial advance of approximately just 25km. That is over 800 Russian personnel killed or wounded for each kilometre gained, the vast majority of them Wagner fighters.

In the face of these losses, Wagner Group owner Yevgeny Prigozhin is finding it increasingly difficult to resupply what he has termed the “meat grinder” in eastern Ukraine. Earlier this month, Wagner set up outreach teams based in sports centres in at least 40 locations across Russia. In recent days, masked Wagner recruiters have even given career talks in Moscow high schools, distributing questionnaires entitled “application of a young warrior” to collect the contact details of interested pupils. One wonders if these schoolchildren know that about half of the prisoners Wagner has already deployed in Ukraine have likely become casualties. These new initiatives are unlikely to make up for the losses they are experiencing, nor respond to the challenges of maintaining the scale or intensity of Wagner operations in Ukraine.

Mr Chair, on 09 March, Russia conducted another barbaric wave of long-range strikes against Ukrainian critical infrastructure. The attack involved at least 80 projectiles, including cruise missiles, air defence missiles in a surface-surface mode, Iranian one-way attack UAVs, and an unusually large number of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. This was the first major wave of long-range strikes since 16 February and was one of the largest since December last year. The longer interval between these waves of strikes is probably because Russia now needs to stockpile a critical mass of newly produced missiles directly from industry before it can resource a strike big enough to credibly overwhelm Ukrainian air defences. It appears that Russia’s stockpiles and supplies for these cruel acts of vengeance against Ukraine’s people are running low.

Mr Chair, the Russian military supply issues are just as acute at the front line. Russia has suffered huge heavy armoured vehicle losses forcing it to deploy 60-year-old T-62 main battle tanks onto the frontline. Since summer 2022, approximately 800 antiquated T-62s have been taken out from storage. More recently, Russian BTR-50 armoured personnel carriers have also been deployed in Ukraine, vintage vehicles which were first fielded into the Russian military in 1954.

This all poses the obvious question, why is Russia’s much vaunted new generation of military hardware absent from the battlefield? The truth is, Russia’s over hyped new generation T14 Armata Main Battle Tank is proving a white elephant, barely capable of taking part in a parade let alone performing on the battlefields of Ukraine. And, the Russian air force has so little confidence in the Su57 5th generation multi-role aircraft that they dare not operate it over Ukraine.

Mr Chair, what we have detailed today demonstrates a spectacular lack of Russian military competence that has had a devastating impact on Russia’s own people, Russia’s military prestige and Russia’s reputation – one which will last for generations. Russia’s military leaders have: sacrificed military units, equipment and soldiers; squandered strategic resources for small tactical gains; and doubled-down on flawed strategy and tactics in desperate attempts to save face. Everyone can see the truth. Russia’s military and its defence industry are failing in Ukraine.

Mr Chair, Ukraine has turned the tide in this war, regaining territory and liberating thousands of Ukrainian people. Ukraine has done this thanks to the awe-inspiring bravery of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and overwhelming international support. The UK has been unwavering in its support for the people of Ukraine as they resist Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion. Last year the UK provided £2.3bn in military aid to Ukraine. Together, with our Allies and partners, we are ensuring that Ukraine will win. Ukraine can rely on continued steadfast support from the UK and other partners. We will keep the promises we have made to the Ukrainian people and will give them all the help they need, for as long as it takes, until Ukraine prevails. Giving Ukraine the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory is the swiftest and only path to a just and lasting peace. Thank you.

March 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Suffragan Bishop of Bolton [March 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 15 March 2023.

The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Dr. Matthew Porter, Vicar of St Michael le Belfrey, in the Diocese of York to the Suffragan See of Bolton, in the Diocese of Manchester, in succession to The Right Reverend Mark Ashcroft following his retirement.

Background

Matthew holds degrees from the universities of Nottingham, Oxford, Sheffield and Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, USA and trained for ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He served his title at Christ Church, Dore, in the Diocese of Sheffield, and was ordained priest in 1997. Matthew was appointed Vicar at St Chad’s, Woodseats in 2000 and additionally served as Director of Curate Training for the Diocese of Sheffield from 2005.

In 2009 Matthew was appointed Associate Minister at St Michael le Belfrey, in the Diocese of York, and has served as Vicar there since 2010. Additionally, Matthew has served on the boards of Cranmer Hall, Durham and St Hild College, Leeds, is an author, and was appointed as Honorary Chaplain to the Queen and then King in 2022.

March 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Multi-million investment to turbocharge growth of technology in legal services [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 15 March 2023.

CodeBase and Legal Geek will receive £3 million of government funding to turbocharge the development and use of technology in the legal sector.
- £3 million funding to new providers of innovative UK lawtech programme
- agreement with technology start-up incubator CodeBase, and legal tech community Legal Geek
- boost for economic growth by building on UK’s £25 billion legal services industry
The news is another boost to the UK’s thriving legal services market which is the second largest in the world, employing more than 300,000 people and worth around £25 billion to the economy.

The government-backed LawtechUK programme plays an important part in this innovation and the new providers announced today (15 March) will continue to set the country apart as a leader in emerging technologies.

CodeBase is one of the country’s largest incubators which has helped hundreds of start-ups grow and scale up. They will work with Legal Geek which runs events and programmes to connect legal businesses and the technology sector.

Together they will showcase the UK as a leading place for lawtech innovation, raising the quality of start-ups and generating industry-level views to shape the country’s lawtech agenda.

They will also build on LawtechUK’s success and further support the work of the UK Jurisdiction Taskforce, an industry-led body which promotes the use of English law alongside digital legal innovations worldwide.

Justice Minister Mike Freer said:

The UK is a world leader in delivering legal services and expertise, and our ongoing investment in new technologies will make sure we are continuing to lead the way in advances and new ways of working

CodeBase and Legal Geek bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of LawtechUK that will nurture new, cutting-edge innovation in the UK.

Stephen Coleman, OBE, CEO of CodeBase, said:

Together with our delivery partners Legal Geek, who are renowned for delivering top-tier legal events, we are eager to push the boundaries of innovation and transformation in the legal industry.

We truly believe that LawtechUK will have a significant impact on the future of the legal sector, and we feel privileged to be leading the charge in this endeavour.

Beth Fellner, Legal Geek Director, said:

We will be working in partnership with CodeBase to deliver a transformational programme of activity that will engage, inspire and educate.

Legal Geek will ensure LawtechUK develops the legal sector nationwide, equipping organisations of all sizes with the culture, expertise and confidence to innovate.

LawtechUK is a government-backed initiative, launched in 2019 when Tech Nation, a leading scale-up network and growth platform for tech companies, was tasked with incubating LawtechUK and driving its objectives forward with an initial £2 million investment. It provides resources, programmes and courses to promote new ways of delivering and accessing legal services.

LawtechUK success stories include the Lawtech Sandbox – a programme helping UK founders and legal businesses develop new products including the development of software to help businesses detect risks of potential legal disputes with stakeholders.

CodeBase and Legal Geek were awarded funding following a competition process, and will take over from Tech Nation, the firm which has delivered LawtechUK for the past 3 years. They will take over LawtechUK from 1 April 2023.

The LawtechUK programme will continue to be supported by the expert LawtechUK Panel.
March 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : NI Secretary visits D.C. ahead of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 15 March 2023.

Secretary of State for NI, Chris Heaton-Harris MP is in Washington D.C. to mark St. Patrick’s Day and engage with key partners in the US on NI issues.

While there, Secretary of State Heaton-Harris will conduct routine meetings with a number of US figures in Washington D.C. including political representatives and business organisations.

With less than a month to the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, he will use this time in the US to reiterate the UK Government’s steadfast commitment to protecting and upholding the Agreement in all its dimensions, and discuss plans to mark this milestone anniversary.

The Secretary of State’s programme will also see him participate in official events celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, as the UK Government’s representative.

As part of his continued engagement with US officials on Northern Ireland issues, the Secretary of State will emphasise the UK’s commitment to making Northern Ireland an even better place to live and our approach to restoring devolved Government in Northern Ireland.

Before departing for the US, Heaton-Harris said:

“I’m delighted to be returning to the United States as people around the world begin celebrations to mark St. Patrick’s Day. This year heralds the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, an extraordinary achievement in the history of the United Kingdom and Ireland which has broken down boundaries, brought people together and opened up opportunities. It is an opportune moment to celebrate our special relationship with the US and take stock of the progress we have seen over the past quarter century.

“I look forward to continuing the Government’s constructive dialogue with US representatives, and providing an update on our work to further progress Northern Ireland’s prosperity.”

March 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Energy bills support extended for an extra three months [March 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 15 March 2023.

Millions of households will get more support with high energy bills to help ease the cost of living, the Chancellor has announced today ahead of the Spring Budget.
The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will be kept at £2,500 for an additional three months from April to June, saving a typical household £160.

Energy prices are 50% lower than forecast in October, but remain high, with this support helping bridge the gap to lower prices forecast from the end of June.

Comes as Chancellor set to confirm new cost of living support at Spring Budget, including ending the prepayment meter premium and help with childcare costs.

The Energy Price Guarantee, which is protecting households by capping typical energy bills at £2,500, will be maintained at the same level for a further three months over April, May, and June, worth £160 in total for a typical household.

The Chancellor is announcing the extension today (15 March) as part of his Spring Budget, which focuses on easing the impact of rising prices, delivering on our promise to halve inflation, and growing the economy by supporting more people into work.

Government support has already cut the typical family energy bill by over £1,300 since October, stopping the average household energy bill hitting £4,279 a year this winter.

The Chancellor’s three-month extension of the Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 means households won’t feel the full force of Ofgem’s Price Cap between April and June – which stands at £3,280 – helping to bridge consumers into the summer.

Lower wholesale gas prices are expected to feed through to lower household energy bills from July, where Cornwall Insight data suggests the Ofgem Price Cap will reach an estimated £2,100 a year for a typical household.

From April, more support is coming online with 8 million low income and vulnerable households set to receive at least £900 in cash payments over the next year, benefits and pensions set to rise by over 10 per cent, and the National Living Wage increasing to a record £10.42 an hour, so that it always pays to work.

The Spring Budget will go even further, providing hundreds of pounds more in help with childcare costs for parents on Universal Credit and ending the energy premium paid by households who use prepayment meters, which will save 4 million families £45 a year from July.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

We know people are worried about their bills rising in April, so to give people some peace of mind, we’re keeping the Energy Price Guarantee at its current level until the summer when gas prices are expected to fall.

Continuing to hold down energy bills is part of our plan to help hardworking families with the cost of living and halve inflation this year.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said:

High energy bills are one of the biggest worries for families, which is why we’re maintaining the Energy Price Guarantee at its current level. With energy bills set to fall from July onwards, this temporary change will bridge the gap and ease the pressure on families, while also helping to lower inflation too.

Energy Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

Putin’s illegal war has cost British families, which is why we’ve stepped in to pay around half of the typical household energy bill.

With wholesale prices falling families will start to benefit, but in the meantime we’re stepping back in with the Energy Price Guarantee to prevent the typical electricity and gas bill exceeding £2,500. It’s just part of our plan to help families this winter.

At Autumn Statement the Chancellor announced that the EPG was due to rise to £3,000 on April 1, with the Government then expecting to borrow £12 billion to fund this support. Since then, energy prices have fallen by 50%, cutting the borrowing needed to fund energy support by two- thirds to £4 billion.

The change announced today also follows the latest Ofgem Price cap of £3,280 from April to June which, in large part, sets the cost for this three-month extension. Households would pay the full Ofgem price cap rate if there was no Energy Price Guarantee.

Holding down energy bills is also part of the government’s plan to halve inflation this year, and in November the Office for Budget Responsibility said that the EPG would lower the peak rate of inflation.

Further information

The typical family will save £1,500 from the EPG and the Energy Bills Support Scheme, when factoring in the extension.

The total cost of the EPG from April to June is £4 billion. Within this, the additional cost of maintaining the EPG at £2,500 rather than £3,000 is £3 billion.

While the EPG will remain at £2500 on 1 April, there may be small tariff changes as suppliers re-balance between standing charges and unit rates. Implementation of any tariff changes will be determined by the energy suppliers.

The Cornwall Insight data referenced above can be found here.

At Autumn Statement the government announced further support on the cost of living for 2023-24, targeted at those most in need:

UK households on means-tested benefits will receive a further £900 Cost of Living Payment

Pensioner households across the UK will receive an additional £300 Cost of Living payment

People across the UK on non-means-tested disability benefits will receive a further £150 Disability Cost of Living payment, to help with the additional costs they face

From July, households will pay the lower of the Ofgem Price Cap or the Energy Price Guarantee, which will revert to £3,000 from July 2023 until the end of March 2024.
March 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New Peterborough hub officially opened as part of £120 million investment [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 14 March 2023.

A new government hub in Peterborough has been officially opened by Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart today.
Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart to officially cut the ribbon on new Hub, calling it an “important day for Peterborough”

Fletton Quays site to house over 1,000 staff from several departments and government bodies including Home Office and DEFRA

New Hub forms part of £120 million Peterborough regeneration project

A new government hub in Peterborough has been officially opened by Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart today.

The Hub is in Fletton Quays, an area undergoing a £120 million regeneration, and will house more than 1,000 government staff from a number of departments and agencies. Staff from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Home Office’s Passport Office will be based there permanently, with room for more roles which may relocate to the city from London.

Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart said:

It’s fantastic to be in Peterborough to open our brand new Government Hub. This is a very important day for the city.

As today shows, this Government is investing in Peterborough and the East of England to create jobs and opportunities for the long-term.

The project is part of the government hubs programme, which has also seen the announcement of new hubs across the country including Glasgow, Belfast, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Cardiff, Birmingham and Bristol.

These hubs will support the government’s drive to move 22,000 government roles out of London by 2030, moving them into communities across the United Kingdom.

Lord Murray, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Home Office, said:

Being part of this new Government hub continues to reinforce HM Passport Office’s long-term commitment to the city of Peterborough.

Quay House offers brand new, purpose built, facilities that will help us to deliver increasingly high standards of service for our customers in the East and Midlands for many years to come.

To date, more than 900 roles have been relocated out of the capital and into the East Midlands and East of England, with departments including the Ministry of Justice expanding their presence there.

The government will also launch a civil service recruitment campaign in the region in April as part of the drive to offer roles previously located in Whitehall to people in the East of England and East Midlands, ensuring the government is maximising use of the area’s vast talent pool.

The new Hub is part of a £120m regeneration of the Fletton Quays site led by the Peterborough Investment Partnership and the site’s developer, Bride Hall, which is expected to generate over £340 million of private sector revenue for the area.

Clive Anderson, Director of Capital Projects at the Government Property Agency, said:

Quay House in Peterborough is the Government Property Agency’s first new build Hub. It will provide inclusive, flexible, digitally-connected workspaces to support greater productivity, create cost efficiencies and enhance carbon reduction. This has been achieved by consolidating four remote sites into one new city centre building, with 1,000 civil servants now supporting local businesses.

We are all extremely proud to deliver this new Hub in Peterborough, and to be delivering the Government Hubs Programme in support of key government initiatives such as Levelling Up, Civil Service Reform and Net Zero. I welcome our clients and customers to their new place of work.
March 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New framework to ensure road and rail development projects protect the environment [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 March 2023.

Announcing a consultation on an updated national networks national policy statement (NNNPS) for developers of new road, rail and rail freight schemes.
- consultation launched on an updated framework for new major road, rail, and rail freight schemes, which incorporates latest environmental standards
- changes will help meet the country’s environmental commitments and net zero ambitions, while strengthening connectivity and growing the economy
- government is also launching a review of the planning framework for major developments at ports around England
An updated framework with measures to protect the environment in new major road, rail, and rail freight schemes has been unveiled by the government today (14 March 2023).

The framework has been updated to reflect legislation set out in the Environment Act, which requires developers to recognise new environmental targets and sets out further details on biodiversity net gains. The new framework also recognises the proposed environmental outcome reports, allowing the government to set clear and tangible environmental outcomes against which transport schemes are assessed.

A consultation has been launched on an updated national networks national policy statement (NNNPS) with measures to require developers of new road, rail and rail freight schemes to show how they meet environmental targets, consider biodiversity net gains and the impact of their proposals on carbon emissions.

Roads and rail are a critical part of the transport network in facilitating connectivity and boosting economic links. The government is committed to continuing to develop these networks, while protecting the environment, strengthening connectivity and growing the economy.

The consultation is seeking views on an updated framework used by developers and the government when developing major road, rail and freight schemes.

Transport Minister Richard Holden said:

Transport has a vital role to play in levelling up our country, connecting people with good jobs and education opportunities across our cities, town and villages and in growing the economy.

This new framework is part of our mission to build a more sustainable transport system which protects our wonderful English countryside and wildlife while delivering opportunity by levelling up our transport network across the country.

The updated framework supports plans recently set out by the government to ensure the planning system can speed up the delivery of major infrastructure by making the system greener, faster and more resilient.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks until 6 June 2023.

The government has also announced that the framework used to assess major port development proposals is being reviewed to ensure that it reflects the issues facing ports today.

The national policy statement for ports (NPSP) was designated in 2012, and will now be reviewed by the Transport Secretary in light of more recent trends in port freight traffic, and a range of institutional changes and evolution of wider policy, notably in the environmental sphere.
March 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – Statement on torture and other inhuman treatment [March 2023]

The press release issued on 14 March 2023.

During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council the UK delivered a statement on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.

The UK considers torture to be an abhorrent violation of human rights and human dignity. The UK continues to stand in solidarity with torture victims around the world. We owe it to survivors to hold perpetrators of torture to account.

We must take a survivor-centred approach in investigating and prosecuting this serious crime. We must also work together to ensure real accountability when torture is used, including instances of rape and sexual and gender-based violence.

The UK is a long-standing, vocal supporter of the Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, and other international mechanisms focussed on ending torture. We are committed to upholding our obligations under international law and call upon all states to do the same.

The UK welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report and recommendations. We note her grave concern about the lack of investigations into torture and other ill treatment. What steps would she advise to ensure more states uphold their duty to investigate crimes of torture in national law and practice?

Thank you.

March 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Developer remediation contract – Developers Who Have Signed and Not Signed Document [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 14 March 2023.
Details

The government wrote to housebuilders and mixed-use developers on 30 January 2023 saying that it expected them to sign the newly published developer remediation contract by 13 March 2023.

Once signed, the contract requires developers to:

Take responsibility for all necessary work to address life-critical fire-safety defects arising from design and construction of buildings 11 metres and over in height that they developed or refurbished over the last 30 years in England.

Keep residents in those buildings informed on progress towards meeting this commitment.

Reimburse taxpayers for funding spent on remediating their buildings.

These requirements reflect a public pledge signed by 49 developers last year. Once signed, the contract makes the pledge commitments legally binding.

As of 14 March 2023, 39 developers had signed the contract.

Four developers who signed the pledge were subsequently found not to have developed buildings within the scope of the contract. Those developers have therefore not been required to sign the contract at this stage. They may be asked to sign the contract in future if information emerges indicating that they did in fact develop buildings which are in scope.

The government has made clear that eligible developers who refuse to sign the contract or fail to comply with its terms face significant consequences.

Developers who have signed the contract:

1. Allison Homes Group Limited
2. Barratt Developments PLC
3. Bellway PLC
4. The Berkeley Group Holdings PLC
5. Bewley Group Limited
6. Bloor Investments Limited
7. The British Land Company PLC
8. Cala Group (Holdings) Limited
9. Canary Wharf Group PLC
10. C.G. Fry and Son Limited
11. Churchill Retirement PLC
12. Crest Nicholson Holdings PLC
13. Croudace Homes Group Limited
14. Fairview Holdings Limited
15. Frasers Property (UK) Ltd
16. MJ Gleeson PLC
17. Grosvenor Group Limited
18. Hill Holdings Limited
19. Hopkins Home Group Limited
20. Jelson Holdings Limited
21. Keepmoat Limited
22. Land Securities Group PLC
23. Lifestory Holdings Limited (also covers Anthology Group)
24. McCarthy & Stone Limited
25. Miller Homes Limited
26. Morgan Sindall Group PLC (parent company for Lovell and Muse)
27. Morris Homes Group Limited
28. Persimmon Public Limited Company
29. Redrow PLC
30. Rowland Group Limited
31. Sorbon Group Limited (parent company for Shanly Homes)
32. St Modwen Group Holdings Company Limited
33. Story Homes Limited
34. Strata Homes Group Limited
35. Taylor Wimpey PLC
36. Tilia Homes Limited
37. Vistry Group PLC
38. Weston Group PLC
39. William Davis Homes

The list of signatories will be kept up to date.

Developers who signed the pledge but were subsequently found not to have developed buildings which are within its scope:

1. Davidsons
2. MacTaggart & Mickel
3. Robertson
4. Wain Homes

Developers who have yet to sign the contract:

1. Abbey Developments
2. Avant
3. Ballymore
4. Dandara
5. Emerson Group (Jones Homes)
6. Galliard Homes
7. Inland Homes
8. Lendlease
9. London Square
10. Rydon Homes
11. Telford Homes
March 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Developers sign Gove’s building safety contract [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 14 March 2023.

Thirty-nine of the country’s biggest developers have signed the contract providing relief for thousands of leaseholders and tenants.
Michael Gove has secured the signatures of the country’s biggest housebuilders on the developer remediation contract, a major step toward ending the building safety scandal.

Thirty-nine developers – including the top ten biggest housebuilders in the UK – all put pen to paper on the legally binding document before yesterday’s deadline and irreversibly committed themselves to fix unsafe buildings they developed or refurbished.

Signatories represent a substantial proportion of the housing market, and the signed agreements will raise at least £2 billion for remediation costs.

This will come as a welcome relief for the thousands of innocent leaseholders and tenants whose homes are covered by the contract. Developers will be legally bound to pay to fix their unsafe buildings and eligible developers who fail to sign will not be able to operate freely in the housing market.

Following the contract deadline passing, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, said:

I have been clear all along – those that are responsible for this crisis must pay. So, I am grateful to those developers who have done the right thing today by signing this legally binding contract. We will be monitoring their progress on remediation very closely, to ensure this work is completed urgently and safely. For those developers that have taken responsibility, today offers the chance for a reset, so we can get on and build more of the safe, decent and affordable homes we so desperately need.

To those developers that have failed to sign the contract without good reason, let me be very clear – we are coming after you. If you do not sign, you will not be able to operate freely in the housing market. Your investors will see that your business model is broken – only responsible developers are welcome here.

But today should not be about developers, or about government. Today is about innocent leaseholders. I want to put on record my apology to all leaseholders for the years of misery and hardship you have endured. You should never have been ignored, asked to pay and let down.

Today marks a turning point – and an important step towards resolving this crisis. There is so much more to do, but I will always act to protect leaseholders and end this injustice.

Signatories are required to fix all life-critical fire-safety defects in all English buildings over 11 metres they had a role in developing or refurbishing. It also requires them to reimburse the taxpayer where government funds have already paid for remediation, with that money being used to make other buildings safe faster.

For developers who have signed, their obligations start immediately. Leaseholders will benefit from a common framework of rights and responsibilities that will get their buildings fixed without them having to pay, and developers will be required to inform residents in affected buildings how they will be meeting these commitments.

The Government will publish further information next week on how developers will be prohibited from carrying out major development or from receiving building control approval unless they sign and adhere to the contract, using Building Safety Act 2022 powers.

Regulations will establish the Responsible Actors Scheme and set out the criteria for eligibility and the conditions of membership. Eligible developers who do not sign the contract will not be able to join the Scheme and will be subject to the prohibitions.

Further information:

A list of developers who signed and did not sign the contract is published here.
March 15, 2023