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  • NEWS STORY : DWP Appoints New Interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator

    NEWS STORY : DWP Appoints New Interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator

    STORY

    The Department for Work and Pensions has appointed Kirstin Baker as the interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator, taking up the role from 1 August 2025. She will serve for up to nine months while the government completes the recruitment process for a permanent chair. Baker has been a senior independent board member at the regulator since 2016 and previously chaired its Audit and Risk Committee. Her appointment follows the departure of Sarah Smart, who has stepped down after serving as Chair since 2021.

    The role comes with a remuneration of £73,840 a year, based on a commitment of at least 104 working days. The Department said Baker’s appointment would ensure stability and continuity in the organisation’s leadership during a period of ongoing change in the pensions sector. Pensions Minister Torsten Bell welcomed the decision, saying he looked forward to working with Baker and valued the experience she brings from both her existing role at the regulator and her previous work in the civil service.

    Baker said she was delighted to be taking on the interim role and thanked her predecessor for her work. She noted her commitment to continuing the regulator’s priorities and helping to guide it through its next phase. Before her work in pensions, Baker had a distinguished career in the civil service, most recently as Finance and Commercial Director at HM Treasury. She was involved in managing the government’s financial response to the 2008 banking crisis, for which she was appointed a CBE.

  • PRESS RELEASE : DWP appoints new interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : DWP appoints new interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 23 June 2025.

    The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the appointment of Kirstin Baker as the new Interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator (TPR), effective from 1 August 2025.

    Kirstin Baker will succeed Sarah Smart, who has held the post of TPR Chair.

    About the TPR:

    The Pensions Regulator (TPR) is the UK’s statutory body responsible for ensuring the integrity of workplace pensions by making schemes and employers comply with their duties, providing strategic oversight of the pensions market and support innovation to enhance outcomes for savers.

    Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell said:

    I am pleased to welcome Kirstin Baker as the Interim Chair of The Pensions Regulator (TPR). I look forward to working with her as she brings to bear the wealth of experience from her role as TPR senior independent board member.

    Kirstin Baker said:

    I am delighted to take on this interim chair role while a competition is undertaken for the next full-term chair of The Pensions Regulator.  I would like to thank Sarah Smart for all the work she has done as TPR chair and look forward to building on this.

    Kirstin Baker is currently the Senior Independent member of the TPR Board. She was appointed a Panel Inquiry Chair and Panel Member Non-Executive Director of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Board on 1 September 2018 and is also a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. She stepped down from the board in March 2024 but remains a Panel InquiryChair.

    Kirstin had a long career in the civil service and was most recently HM Treasury’s Finance and Commercial Director. Earlier in her career she was part of the senior team leading the Treasury’s response to the banking crisis and was awarded a CBE for this work.

    The TPR Interim Chair

    Kirstin Baker appointment starting from 1 August 2025 for a period of up to 9 months.

    In her capacity as Interim Chair, Kirstin Baker is entitled to an annual remuneration of £73,840, based on a minimum time commitment of 104 days per annum.

  • PRESS RELEASE : First RAF flight for British nationals leaves Israel [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : First RAF flight for British nationals leaves Israel [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2025.

    As announced by the Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons, A RAF flight to take vulnerable British nationals and their dependents out of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) has departed this afternoon.

    • The RAF flight to transport vulnerable British nationals and their dependents out of Israel and the OPTs left today
    • Further flights will be based on demand and the latest security situation
    • British nationals should continue to register their presence in Israel and the OPTs to be contacted with further guidance on potential further flights

    Addressing the House of Commons today, the Foreign Secretary announced the first RAF flight to help vulnerable British nationals wanting to leave Israel and the OPTs has taken off this afternoon (23 Jun) from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

    The flight is for vulnerable British nationals plus their immediate family members who are eligible to travel. All passengers must hold a valid travel document and non-British immediate family members require valid visas/permission to enter or remain that was granted for more than six months.

    The government has worked with partners in recent weeks to enable this flight to operate, with further flights to be considered depending on demand and the latest security situation on the ground. British nationals in Israel and the OPTs urged to continue to register their presence to be contacted with further guidance on any future flights.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Throughout the crisis, the safety of British Nationals in the region has been our top priority. That is why the UK Government is working with the Israeli authorities to arrange RAF and charter flights to help those wanting to leave.

    Today’s flight will bring British nationals and their dependents safely back to the UK. While the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, we are working around the clock to secure more flights and bring more people home.

    Due to ongoing restrictions in Israeli airspace and the security situation on the ground, the government used an RAF A-400M aircraft for the flight from Tel Aviv to Cyprus – with passengers due to transfer on to a civilian charter aircraft for the onwards journey to the UK this afternoon.

    Those eligible for the flights will be expected to pay for their seat – and payment will be taken on registration via the flight booking form. This fee will be refunded to those who are not allocated a seat – in line with the government’s approach to previous charter flights from the region.

    UK Government officials have been working around the clock to keep British nationals safe, with consular officers deployed to the border in Jordan and extra consular support based near the border in Egypt. These officials are on hand to provide advice on onward travel to British nationals crossing and support to vulnerable British nationals.  FCDO Rapid Deployment Teams are working across the region to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

    British nationals should continue to register via the Register Your Presence portal that will be used to confirm any further details in due course.

    Commercial flights are continuing to operate from Egypt and Jordan, and international land border crossings to these countries remain open.

    The situation remains volatile and the government’s ability to run flights out of Israel and the OPTs could change at short notice.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Industrial Strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Industrial Strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Wales Office on 23 June 2025.

    Modern Industrial Strategy will make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business and support tens of thousands of new jobs in Wales.

    • Electricity costs for thousands of businesses to be slashed by up to 25%
    • UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University
    • Welsh businesses to benefit from innovation funding, access to finance, faster grid connections and better-equipped sites for expansion.

    Wales is set for increased economic growth, billions in investment and tens of thousands of new jobs supported over the next decade as a result of the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which is published today (Monday 23 June).

    The Strategy contains measures to forge a new relationship between business and government, making Wales and the UK the best place to start and scale up a business.

    It will unlock growth across Wales, targeting areas of strength from the country’s strengths in aerospace in North Wales to the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales.

    More than 7,000 UK businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25%. British manufacturers currently pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world— in some cases, double the European average, while businesses looking to expand or modernise have faced delays when it comes to connecting to the grid.

    For too long these challenges have held back growth and made it harder for firms to compete globally. Today’s announcement marks a decisive shift — with government stepping in to support industry and unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals.

    These firms, which support over 300,000 skilled jobs across the UK will be exempt from paying levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market — helping level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive. Eligibility and further details on the exemptions will be determined following consultation, which will be launched shortly.

    The UK Government is also increasing support for the most energy-intensive firms — like steel, chemicals, and glass — by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British Industry Supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. This means their electricity bills will go down, helping them stay competitive, protect jobs, and invest in the future.

    These reforms complement the government’s long-term mission for clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.

    Wales is already punching above its weight in many of the growth driving sectors set out in the Industrial Strategy.

    The key measures for Wales are:

    • More than £4bn for the advanced manufacturing sector in the UK over the next 5 years. Wales has a leading advanced manufacturing sector with companies such as Airbus based in Broughton in north Wales.
    • UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University, building on the world-leading cluster based in south Wales.
    • A Defence Growth Deal cluster to build on Wales’s major strengths. The top five Ministry of Defence suppliers all have a footprint in Wales.
    • A new British Business Bank champion for the Cardiff Capital Region to connect investors with businesses and kickstart growth.
    • £30m for a Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in Wales to work with the Welsh Government and Innovate UK to grow innovation.
    • The National Wealth Fund working with the Development Bank of Wales to identify and secure financing for investment projects in Wales.
    • Support for the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more.
    • Strengthened support from the Office for Investment to help identify, shape and deliver strategic investment opportunities across the UK.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    Wales has huge potential and our government’s Industrial Strategy will harness the strengths of our businesses and workforce to drive growth and create jobs.

    The strategy will support key sectors like aerospace and compound semiconductors while developing industries of the future like floating offshore wind where Wales is well-placed to be a world leader.

    Our modern Industrial Strategy is built to last and make Wales one of the best places to invest and do business. Working alongside Welsh Government we will boost growth, raise wages and create wealth across our country.”

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’ve said from day one Britain is back in business under this government, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military.

    Not only does this Strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial energy prices globally competitive.

    Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they’ve faced – this government has listened, and now we’re taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better of is what this Government promised and what we will deliver.”

    Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of Fintech Wales, said:

    We are delighted to see financial services recognised as a key sector in this Industrial Strategy. We look forward to working closely with the Government to help unlock the sector’s full potential.

    The emphasis on AI and the compute power required to support its development is particularly welcome, as we begin to see generative AI driving innovation across financial services—empowering both providers and customers through the next generation of digital banking platforms.

    Frank Holmes, Founding Partner of Gambit Corporate Finance and Chair of the Cardiff Capital Region Investment Board, said:

    Today’s announcements mark a timely and important shift towards a connected, strategic approach to economic growth. The renewed focus on industrial strategy and SME finance speaks directly to the opportunities we are unlocking in the Cardiff Capital Region. We have backed innovative and scalable businesses like Whisper TV, showcasing how tailored regional finance can drive job creation, innovation and global reach.

    The UK’s commitment to extending SME access to finance aligns perfectly with the ecosystem we are building  in CCR as a proven delivery partner and a model for regional economic development.”

    Louise Harris, CEO of Tramshed Tech in Cardiff, said:

    The launch of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy is a pivotal moment for our tech and innovation ecosystem. By aligning local strengths with national ambition, this strategy provides a powerful platform for Welsh businesses to grow, attract investment and lead in emerging sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.

    This strategy recognises that innovation isn’t just about technology in isolation – it’s about creating sustainable, high-quality jobs while tackling real-world challenges. This approach will create the perfect environment for startups and scale-ups to thrive, knowing they have both the infrastructure, skills and strategic support to take their innovations from Wales to the world.”

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.

    Investment from private companies is essential to creating new jobs, growing the economy and securing public services. That is why the Strategy will also introduce measures to make it quicker, easier and more profitable for businesses to invest in the UK, with the aim of significantly increasing businesses investment and in key growth sectors by 2035 and helping to create 1.1 million well paid jobs across all corners of the UK.

    It will realise Wales’ economic potential and raise wages and living standards to a level that the people of Wales deserve.

    The UK Government’s plans address the main barriers to growth, making it easier and quicker to do business and invest in Wales.

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes:

    • Slashing electricity costs by 20-25% to level the playing field for energy-hungry industries like chemicals and key growth sectors like automotive.
    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital.
    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators.
    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.
    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migrations reforms and a new the Global Talent Taskforce.
    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.

    Five sector plans have also been published today:

    • Advanced Manufacturing – Backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.
    • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion.
    • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.
    • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as cyber security in Northern Ireland, semiconductors in Wales and quantum technologies in Scotland.
    • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Clean energy future to be ‘built in Britain’ [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Clean energy future to be ‘built in Britain’ [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 23 June 2025.

    Government publishes its Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan to ensure the clean energy revolution is built in Britain.

    • Government publishes landmark plan to capture the immense jobs and growth opportunities of the clean energy economy
    • Plan will double down on Britain’s strengths as a coastal nation and scientific superpower, bringing jobs to industrial heartlands and coastal communities through Plan for Change
    • Further £700 million for Great British Energy to invest in clean energy supply chains and ensure the clean energy revolution is built in Britain

    Communities across Britain will benefit from good jobs and investment in the clean energy economy, as the government today (Monday 23 June) publishes its Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan to ‘build it in Britain’.

    Clean energy is the economic opportunity of the twenty-first century, and thanks to the government’s clean energy mission, investment is booming in the UK, with over £40 billion of private investment in clean energy announced since July.

    This landmark plan, developed with industry, trade unions, and workers across all regions of the country, sets the UK on a path to unleash the tidal wave of jobs and investment that clean energy can bring, with the government targeting at least a doubling of current investment levels across our frontier Clean Energy Industries to over £30 billion per year by 2035.

    It comes after the Spending Review confirmed the biggest programme of investment in homegrown energy in UK history – from launching a golden age of nuclear with funding to build Sizewell C nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast and small modular reactors, to £9.4 billion for carbon capture industries.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    This government is doubling down on Britain’s clean power strengths as we build this new era of clean energy abundance, helping deliver good jobs, energy security and lower household bills.

    The UK’s pitch is clear – build it in Britain. Power the world.

    Great British Energy Chief Executive Dan McGrail said:

    Great British Energy will help the UK win the global race for clean energy jobs and growth by investing in homegrown supply chains and ensuring key infrastructure parts are made here in Britain.

    We are working closely with businesses across the clean energy sector to invest in areas of strategic need and will get funding out as fast as possible to get new projects off the ground.

    As part of this plan, Great British Energy will have an additional £700 million to help build manufacturing facilities here at home for key components for the clean power revolution like floating offshore platforms, electric cables, and cutting-edge hydrogen infrastructure. This builds on Great British Energy’s initial £300 million for offshore wind supply chains, which the Energy Secretary confirmed last week has already catalysed a further £700 million from industry and The Crown Estate. With today’s additional funding, this brings total public and private funding in clean energy supply chains to £1.7 billion. This investment will unlock thousands of jobs, kickstarting growth in coastal communities and industrial towns, and secure a cleaner, more independent energy future for Britain.

    Lucy Yu, CEO and founder of the Centre for Net Zero, has also been announced as the government’s Clean Energy AI Champion – helping to drive the adoption of AI across the UK’s clean energy sector and accelerate the net zero transition.

    The Clean Industry Bonus – the financial reward scheme for offshore wind developers to invest in homegrown, cleaner supply chains – could also be expanded to more sectors, such as hydrogen and onshore wind. This will ensure clean energy investment is directed to regions that need it most, including traditional oil and gas communities, ex-industrial areas and coastal communities.

    The Industrial Strategy sets out how Britain’s strengths make it the natural home for clean power industries: as a coastal nation, a scientific and innovation superpower, with strengths in high-value manufacturing and a skilled energy workforce to match.

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    Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive designate at SSE plc, said:

    The government’s industrial strategy is a welcome signal of long-term thinking and ambition – doubling down on homegrown energy is the right thing for security, resilience and affordability, making the most of the UK’s competitive geographical and technical advantages in renewables in particular.

    It’s exactly the kind of commitment that gives industry the confidence to deliver at pace and scale, and with important decisions on energy policy expected in the weeks ahead, we hope to see a continued focus on unlocking investment that drives growth.

    As the UK’s clean energy champion, SSE is investing £17.5 billion over 5 years to 2027 – building the infrastructure, creating high-quality jobs, supporting the supply chain and driving the innovation needed to deliver a net zero economy.

    Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas, said:

    The Industrial Strategy makes clear the scale of economic opportunity within the clean energy sector. As an essential enabler for all growth sectors, we warmly welcome the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan which will position Britain as a world leader in technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture.

    As Britain’s national gas network, we believe technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture will attract major investment, creating highly-skilled jobs across the country, as well as decarbonising our existing industries and bolstering energy security.

    We welcome the recent commitments and recognition shown by the government on the role of green gases and Britain’s national gas network and look forward to working in partnership to deliver the clean energy economy of the future.

    Steve Foxley, Chief Executive of the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, said:

    Wind energy is not only a critical enabler of Net Zero as the foundation of our future clean energy system but also a once-in-a-generation industrial growth opportunity. Through clear pathways from research and development to commercialisation and deployment, the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy will capitalise on our long history of innovation to not only attract critical manufacturing investment, creating thousands of highly skilled jobs the length and breadth of the country, but also ensure our energy security in an otherwise increasingly uncertain world.

    Chris Norbury, Chief Executive of E.ON UK

    We welcome the government’s bold ambition to put clean energy at the centre of the UK’s industrial strategy. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the economy, strengthen energy security and create skilled, secure jobs across the country.

    Our £2 billion UK investment plan is already driving forward decarbonisation, digitalisation and green skills, including through our Net Zero Academy and over 1,300 apprenticeships since 2018.

    This strategy is a chance to accelerate that progress with the right clarity, long-term investment signals and genuine partnership between government, cities and industry. If we get this right, Britain can lead the world in clean energy and deliver real meaningful benefits to every household and business.

    Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) said:

    We welcome the government’s Clean Energy Sector Plan and its clear commitment to creating high-quality, secure jobs – not just any jobs.

    The explicit pledge to a new generation of good industrial jobs will strike a chord with workers from Teesside to Merseyside, many of whom felt left abandoned by the last government’s failure to act.

    We strongly support the launch of the UK’s first-ever Clean Energy Workforce Strategy – a vital recognition that workers are central to both our economy and the clean energy transition.

    By prioritising sectors like nuclear fusion, nuclear fission, and offshore wind, the government is showing a serious commitment to a balanced, resilient energy mix.

    The TUC backs the ambition to ‘Build it in Britain. Power the World’ and stands ready to help make it a reality.

    Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, National Officer at GMB:

    This strategy is a welcome shift, recognising that Britain’s clean energy future must be built here, by skilled workers in secure, union jobs. For too long, energy policy has meant offshoring opportunity and hollowing out industry.

    If delivered properly, this plan could help turn that tide. GMB will work to make sure these promises translate into real investment, real jobs, and a just transition that puts working people at the heart of our industrial future.

    Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary at Prospect union said:

    Boosting clean energy is not only an important mission in its own right, it is central to the success of every other sector. It is welcome to see the government doubling down on this mission, focusing investment on key technologies like renewables and nuclear energy, and recognising the key role that trade unions play as partners in this strategy.

    Securing the investment is important, but perhaps the biggest challenge in this area is around the workforce. The energy workforce is undergoing an unprecedented transition, which creates opportunities for many but also serious challenges that need to be addressed.

    Delivering on this strategy in a way which creates prosperity and supports jobs will require the government’s forthcoming energy workforce plan to be as ambitious as possible and fully backed by all parts of government.

    David Hall, VP, Power Systems, Schneider Electric, said:

    The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan will help to provide much needed certainty for businesses and investors. We welcome the recognition of electricity networks as a ‘foundational sector’ and look forward to working with the Government to develop an electricity networks growth plan.

    We also welcome the commitment to phasing out SF6 gas – a potent greenhouse gas – from switchgear. Regulatory certainty on this issue is key for manufacturers like Schneider Electric who are committed to invest in our domestic capabilities and support the decarbonisation of the grid.

    Schneider Electric is a key supplier of the electrical infrastructure powering the UK’s electricity networks. Over the past two years we have invested almost £50 million to further boost the UK’s domestic supply chain, including investing £42 million to build a brand new factory in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

    Vattenfall’s UK Country Manager, Claus Wattendrup, said:

    The government is right to back clean energy as a growth engine for UK jobs and skills. Offshore wind already supports over 50,000 UK jobs and is scaling up fast through initiatives like the Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan, and we now await the government’s Onshore Wind strategy to help unlock even more investment, jobs, and energy security.

    We must avoid own-goals along the way, however: the benefits of district heating must not be overlooked, whereas zonal pricing in Great Britain risks future investments without cutting bills.

    Dhara Vyas, CEO of Energy UK, said:

    Energy UK welcomes the government’s new Industrial Strategy and Clean Energy Industries sector plan, which rightly recognise the pivotal role energy will play across the whole economy, powering growth through digitalisation and electrification, boosting regional prosperity and delivering economic security and resilience.

    Stable, affordable energy prices will help ensure that the UK remains a competitive place to do business, and in an increasingly uncertain global operating environment, clean power will deliver energy security. Focussing on priority technologies where the UK has global expertise will deliver a strong competitive advantage for our businesses and economy.

    We know the investment necessary to decarbonise the economy will mostly be funded by the private sector. Clarity on government policy, removal of the barriers to investment and targeted support are all essential to meet this ambition.

    Jane Cooper, Deputy CEO of RenewableUK, said:

    Today’s industrial strategy identifies clean energy as one of the sectors with the highest growth opportunity, and we are going to see tens of billions of pounds of new investment in wind energy, grid and hydrogen in the coming years. With that new infrastructure comes a golden opportunity to secure new jobs, manufacturing, innovation and exports, in the growing industrial clusters across the UK, in areas like the Humber, Scotland, South Wales, the South West and Teesside.

    There are already nearly 2,000 companies in the UK who have benefitted from contracts to deliver work in the wind energy sector. Collectively, wind energy currently employs 55,000 people, a figure which has risen by a quarter from two years ago. By keeping a laser focus, as this Industrial Strategy does, on unlocking investment, remaining competitive, and supporting UK companies to innovate and grow, the offshore wind supply chain alone could boost the UK economy by £25 billion over the next decade.

    The opportunity and vision is there, now government needs to ensure they deliver on the critical aspects of this industrial strategy. Most notably for renewables, that means ensuring the next two contract for difference allocation round are as successful as possible, clearing large volumes of projects in a stable market framework to reduce costs. This is essential if we want to attract investment in the UK’s supply chain, skills and capabilities.

    Claire Mack OBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

    Placing clean energy at the heart of the new industrial strategy is a vote of confidence in the enormous economic growth potential of Scotland’s renewable energy industry and supply chain. The scale of opportunity is clear with sectors like offshore wind expected to generate £35 billion for the economy, helping to deliver good jobs and energy security.

    Scottish Renewables has been urging the UK government to be bold in removing barriers to investment and we’re pleased to see the ambition outlined in this strategy, including measures to build a grid fit for the future, drive competitive supply chains and grow exports.

    In the years ahead, success will be seen in the delivery of new clean energy infrastructure, thriving supply chains and skilled jobs across Scotland. Our industry stands ready to continue meeting that challenge head on.

    Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), said:

    We are delighted to see the Government’s continued commitment to Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS), including Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGRs), as a frontier industry. This rightly positions CCUS and GGRs as a core pillar in delivering on three vital national objectives: reaching net zero, driving regional growth, and strengthening economic security.

    The UK’s CCUS industry stands ready to deliver and is pleased to see government’s prioritisation of cross-border CO₂ transport and storage networks in the North Sea, recognising the significant economic benefits for both UK and EU CCUS projects. This builds on the positive momentum from the recent UK-EU Summit – alongside the support confirmed in the Spending Review.

    Following these government commitments, a clear timetable for deployment is essential to secure investment, as well as investment in scaling up supply chains and growing the workforce needed to deliver at pace. With continued partnership between government and industry, CCUS can anchor a new era of sustainable industrial growth – one that revitalises communities, boosts energy resilience and ensures the UK leads in tackling climate change.

    Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association said:

    It is great to see heat pumps, and by association heating systems, being listed as a frontier industry within the plan and identified as one of six areas with the highest growth potential.

    With a new Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition confirmed, £13.2 billion recently announced for the Warm Homes Plan alongside a clear timeline for the introduction of the Future Homes Standard and a pledge to expand heat networks, it is clear the government are committed to enhancing the UK’s energy security by decarbonising heat from buildings.

    Whilst we await the detail within the Warm Homes Plan, this strategy sets clear intentions for the sector, and the HPA will continue to work closely with government to support their missions to break down barriers to investment and deliver nationwide growth.

    Clare Jackson, CEO at Hydrogen UK, said

    The UK can, and should, lead the world in hydrogen, creating jobs and skills, driving economic growth, and lowering emissions. With hydrogen as a key pillar, the Industrial Strategy and Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan are welcome, positive steps forward to achieving that goal, with strong policy signals and funding to match.

    The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan in particular acknowledges hydrogen’s economic and export potential, and we look forward to working with the government as it puts these strategies into practice.

    Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) said:

    We welcome the publication of the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan and the clear recognition of hydrogen as a central pillar in the UK’s clean industrial future.

    The commitment to a dedicated hydrogen sector plan – 1 of 8 outlined across key growth industries – provides the clarity and direction that hydrogen investors, innovators and infrastructure providers urgently need.

    The extension of the Clean Industry Bonus to hydrogen is a particularly positive step, signalling that government recognises the role hydrogen can play in decarbonising heavy industry and strengthening energy resilience.

    The wider Industrial Strategy’s focus on reducing energy costs, accelerating grid connections and supporting frontier technologies reflects many of the priorities the hydrogen industry has long been calling for.

    We now look forward to working closely with government and industry to ensure this strategy delivers tangible outcomes – unlocking investment, creating skilled green jobs, and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

    Yselkla Farmer, CEO at BEAMA said:

    BEAMA’s members are pleased that our calls for improvements to industrial conditions have been recognised. This long term strategy distinguishes electricity networks and electric heat – uniquely, both represented by BEAMA – as critical sectors for the UK’s economic prosperity. They have the potential to deliver significant benefits to consumers and those seeking excellent employment opportunities in our domestic supply chains.

    We are well aligned with the government’s overall vision and objectives for our sector. We are looking forward to keeping the momentum up over the ten years of this strategy, working with government to bring tangible change and hugely increase investment in our members’ markets, with specific benefit to British manufacturing. In addition to some further measures from upcoming policy announcements, this strategy has the potential to build on our existing strengths for an exciting future.

    We are especially pleased to see the level of financial support being targeted for BEAMA sectors through GB Energy, the National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank and our hope is this can help bring forward investment in UK manufacturing to supply the UK’s electrification needs across the grid and in homes. The decision to reduce electricity costs for the IS-8 manufacturing sectors is an incredibly welcome step as we strive to ensure we can compete for investment globally.

    Stuart Dossett, Senior Policy Adviser at Green Alliance, said:

    As international events threaten to drive up the price of oil and send bills soaring once again, it is vital the government look at how to make the UK energy secure. If we’re successful in doubling the amount of investment in clean energy over the next ten years, as the government proposes today, this will provide the cheap, secure power we need for the rest of the economy to grow. The government is also right to focus on making sure more homegrown renewable energy results in cheaper electricity costs for businesses.

    Darren Davidson, Head of UK, Siemens Energy said:

    Today’s Industrial Strategy announcement, a 10-year UK government plan focused on partnership with business, is welcome news. As one of the world’s leading energy technology companies Siemens Energy has invested significantly in the UK, and we already employ over 6,500 people working on energy projects across the regions.

    The new plan is a significant step forward in helping to create a coherent, strategic policy framework – including funding support – to help strengthen the UK’s industrial base, encourage job creation and deliver the energy transition.

    Notes to editors

    CCUS Investment: £21.7 billion of CCUS funding announced in October 2024 will support thousands of jobs as the sector matures into the 2030s. Initial investment in the HyNet and East Coast Cluster is expected to support an average of 4,000 direct jobs annually.

    Clean Heat Jobs: Industry estimates that the number of heat pump installers will need to increase to around 70,000 FTE individuals by 2035 to keep up with future demand.

    Nuclear Jobs: Industry estimates the civil and defence nuclear sectors could need around 120,000 employees (direct and indirect) by the early 2030s.

    Offshore Wind Jobs: The offshore wind sector could support up to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in Great Britain by 2030.

    Onshore Wind Jobs: The onshore wind sector could support up to 45,000 direct and indirect jobs in Great Britain by 2030.

    Clean Heat Jobs: The Heat Pump Association estimate that the number of heat pump installers will need to increase to around 70,000 by 2035.

    Fusion Jobs: Fusion already supports thousands of jobs in the UK, with thousands more to follow as the technology advances.

    Hydrogen Investment: will support thousands of direct and indirect jobs by 2030, with further jobs likely in end use sectors and the wider supply chain. Projects from the first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1) alone will create over 700 direct jobs in construction and operation across the UK’s industrial heartlands.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Carney of Canada [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Carney of Canada [June 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 June 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney this evening.

    They discussed the grave situation in the Middle East and last night’s action by the United States to tackle the severe threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme.

    Both reiterated their support for a diplomatic solution and agreed that Iran must come back to the negotiating table with the United States as soon as possible.

    They looked forward to continuing their discussions at NATO this week.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Trump of the United States [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Trump of the United States [June 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 June 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump this evening.

    The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and reiterated the grave risk posed by Iran’s nuclear programme to international security. They discussed the actions taken by the United States last night to reduce the threat and agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

    They discussed the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and to make progress on a lasting settlement.

    They agreed to stay in close contact in the coming days.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Now is the time for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Now is the time for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 June 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the emergency UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

    This is a pivotal moment for the region.

    A further spiral of conflict poses serious risks to regional and international peace and stability. Our foremost priority must now be to support de-escalation.

    We have long made clear that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon and their nuclear programme represents a serious threat to international peace and security.

    The United States took action last night to alleviate that threat.

    The United Kingdom did not participate in US or Israeli strikes.

    But military action alone cannot bring a durable solution to concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.

    My Prime Minister has been clear. We urge Iran  now to show restraint, and we urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and find a diplomatic solution, which stops further escalation and brings this crisis to an end.

    It is in the interests of all parties to pursue such a deal.

    This was the joint call made by my Prime Minister, with his French and German counterparts earlier today. Together with our E3 partners, the UK has long pursued a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear escalation. On Friday, alongside E3 and EU colleagues, my Foreign Secretary met Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi in Geneva to press directly for a return to diplomacy. My Foreign Minister spoke to Foreign Minister Araghchi again today and stressed the urgency of this and we continue to engage partners across the region.

    President, the UK reiterates its full support for the IAEA and Director General Grossi for their critical work, professionalism and impartiality. The IAEA and the Non-Proliferation Treaty are key pillars of international security. Threats against IAEA staff and the DG are unacceptable. We urge Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA. Failure to do so will only further fuel escalation.

    President, now is the time for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. It is essential Iran chooses this path.

  • NEWS STORY : Trump Slammed as Sir John Major Urges UK to Rejoin EU Single Market

    NEWS STORY : Trump Slammed as Sir John Major Urges UK to Rejoin EU Single Market

    STORY

    In a powerful speech delivered at Salisbury Cathedral for the 2025 Edward Heath Lecture, former Prime Minister Sir John Major launched a stinging attack on Donald Trump’s foreign policy while urging Britain to face economic reality by rejoining the EU Single Market and Customs Union.

    Speaking with a frankness unshackled by party loyalty, Sir John condemned what he described as a dangerous shift in the United States’s global stance, criticising President Trump for turning away from long-held Western alliances and instead courting autocrats like Vladimir Putin. “It was as though America had her arms around Putin’s shoulders, and her hands at Zelensky’s throat,” he remarked, accusing Trump of undermining NATO and pursuing deals that aid aggressors at the expense of global stability. “This is not America as I have known her. This is not democracy as I understand it.”

    Sir John warned that Trump’s unpredictable style of leadership—while superficially effective—was eroding international norms and emboldening hostile regimes. Comparing modern geopolitics to Kipling’s “Law of the Jungle”, he said Trump’s rhetoric risked legitimising land grabs and coups by authoritarian powers. “If President Trump threatens to seize Canada, why should not Putin seize Ukraine?” he asked.

    Turning to Britain’s domestic challenges, Sir John painted a bleak picture of the UK’s economic performance post-Brexit. He lamented stagnant growth, weak productivity and rising debt, arguing that the only “freedom” delivered by Brexit was “the freedom to be poorer”. He warned that Britain had walked away from the largest free trade area in the world and was now suffering the consequences in reduced investment, lower trade growth and a diminished global influence.

    In his most explicit policy suggestion to date, Sir John called for the UK to rejoin the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union, describing it as a necessary step to halt economic decline and restore Britain’s international standing. “If we think small, we will be small,” he said, urging politicians to put pragmatism before ideology. While stopping short of advocating full EU membership, he argued that closer European ties were vital if Britain was to compete in a world dominated by American and Chinese superpower rivalry.

    His remarks echoed the spirit of Edward Heath, the Prime Minister who led the UK into the European Economic Community in 1973, and who Sir John said had prioritised country over party and policy over popularity. Drawing on that legacy, he concluded with a rallying cry for leadership rooted in honesty, reason and long-term vision: “Each one of us – from my generation down – needs to understand where the world is now… that is the reality. It is work in progress. And, for all our sakes, that endeavour must not fail.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : 100 days since Ukraine offered a full, unconditional ceasefire, Russia continues to choose war – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 100 days since Ukraine offered a full, unconditional ceasefire, Russia continues to choose war – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2025.

    Acting Ambassador, Deirdre Brown condemns Russia’s continued refusal to accept the full, unconditional ceasefire proposed by Ukraine 100 days ago. Innocent civilians continue to suffer from Russia’s choice to pursue a path of war.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to add our thanks to you and other Troika members for your recent statement.

    We currently find ourselves in a security situation that is more precarious, more unpredictable and more serious than any that we have experienced for decades.  We will be judged by future generations on the steps that we take to defuse tensions and restore stability to our continent and beyond.

    At the heart of the global challenges we face is Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and its assault on the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act.  The United Kingdom will continue to stand resolutely with Ukraine as it seeks a just and lasting peace.

    We remain convinced that an immediate and sustained ceasefire is the quickest route to stopping the killing and creating the space for negotiations on a framework for a lasting peace. As we have already heard, today marks 100 days since Ukraine offered a full, unconditional ceasefire on 11 March.  During this time, not only has Russia rejected Ukraine’s offer, it has killed over 550 civilians and injured around 3000 more.  It has launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war so far. And it has not just sustained its attacks, but increased them.

    The brutal attack on residential buildings in Kyiv earlier this week, which killed 28 civilians and left a further 134 wounded, are the actions of an aggressor who thinks that the world is not watching.  They are wrong.

    The Kremlin does this while trying to convince the international community that it is serious about peace.  All of us in this room know from bitter experience how much weight we should attach to Moscow’s words.  You only need to look at the days leading up to the invasion when we heard in this room that speculation of an invasion was “unsubstantiated conjectures”.  But let us analyse their words, nonetheless.

    On 2 June in Istanbul, Russia presented its memorandum with its conditions for ending its illegal war.  In contrast to Ukraine’s own proposals, which are serious, reasonable and constructive, Russia’s memorandum calls for a complete surrender of Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory and limits on Ukraine’s armed forces.  President Putin knows that Ukraine cannot accept this: he is claiming territory his army has not been able to take in over three years of his illegal war, and trying to weaken Ukraine so he can continue the war in future.  The Kremlin’s maximalist position is clearly inconsistent with international principles enshrined in the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act – including sovereign equality, the inviolability of frontiers, the territorial integrity of states and the non-intervention in internal affairs.  It is further evidence – in case any were needed – that President Putin is not yet serious about peace.

    Madam Chair, today also marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.  There is mounting evidence of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Russian forces against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, including from successive Moscow Mechanism reports.  We will have more to say on this in our Joint Statement under the relevant agenda item later today.

    Finally, Madam Chair, it has been 38 months since Russia detained our three OSCE colleagues, Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov.  The United Kingdom again calls for their immediate release. Thank you.