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PRESS RELEASE : Helping Parkinson’s patients and optimising AI – the UK chip start-ups changing the future [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 October 2023.

ChipStart is a two-year pilot programme backed by the government providing start-ups with the technical and commercial help they need to help bring new products to market.
Twelve semiconductor design start-ups have joined government-backed incubator – ChipStart – launched through the National Semiconductor Strategy

two-year programme will give companies support to get innovative semiconductors to the global market

the cohort are working to design chips that are better for brain implants, can improve online user security through transformative quantum computing, and that will reduce the computing resource and energy needed to train AI models

British start-ups solving complex global issues through the design of semiconductor chips have today (Thursday 12 October) been named as members of a new government-backed incubator that will provide support as they grow into future global chip leaders.

Nearly every piece of technology in the world depends on semiconductor chips. Companies chosen for the pilot are already innovating in a range of exciting areas, including developing chips for brain implants that will address debilitating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, groundbreaking chips that could boost the capability and efficiency of AI and new ways of reducing vast energy use in data centres across the world, helping to tackle climate change.

ChipStart is a two-year pilot programme backed by the government that will provide early-stage companies involved in the design of semiconductors with the technical and commercial help they need to help bring new products to market – and ultimately improve lives and livelihoods in the long-term.

The £1.3 million programme will be delivered by SiliconCatalyst.UK, the world’s most experienced start-up accelerator, which has engaged with hundreds of chip companies on scaling up and growing. It will give companies access to bespoke chip design tools, commercial expertise, specialised mentorship, and networking opportunities with prospective investors and partners.

Minister for Technology Paul Scully said:

Semiconductors are the bedrock of our modern economy and an increasingly integral part of our lives. These firms are building on Britain’s research leadership to open doors to innovation and growth, while designing chips that could truly change the way we live our lives.

Whether they’re innovating how we support patients with Parkinson’s or are on the cusp of supercharging how AI is used, these firms are the brightest sparks in the UK’s thriving semiconductor industry. This incubator will make sure they have the skills they need to revolutionise the lives of people not only in the UK, but across the world.

Among the companies that have been announced as joining the pilot today are MintNeuro, which is pioneering the use of semiconductor technology to support patients with neurological conditions by developing physical neural implants that can reduce the need for surgery.

Mignon and Vaire Computing have also joined the pilot, both design hardware that is built to run large-scale AI models using more efficient chips – allowing AI models to use less energy and computer resource, leading to more efficient training and research.

Silicon Catalyst.UK CEO Sean Redmond said:

This is one of the most exciting times to start and grow a globally successful semiconductor company from the UK. The first group of 12 UK semiconductor startups to enter ChipStart UK incubator have been selected from 27 applications following two rounds of intensive panel interviews made up of semiconductor startup experts from the UK and Silicon Valley. Over the next 9 months we will shape and mould these outstanding new innovative companies into the next generation of semiconductor leaders.

The UK’s established, world-leading capability in semiconductor design is at the heart of the programme, with five of the firms initially founded as ‘spinouts’ from the UK’s leading universities, and two more originating from research carried out at Oxford and Cambridge universities.

The launch of the pilot delivers on a key commitment made in the National Semiconductor Strategy, detailing how the government will drive forward the UK’s strengths and skills in design, R&D and compound semiconductors, while helping to grow domestic chip firms across the UK.

On completion, the pilot will provide the UK’s semiconductor industry with a pipeline of new startups that have an innovative product, route to market and are a foundation for their forward growth, including routes to future seed funding.

The pilot is a clear example of the government’s commitment to working in partnership with the semiconductor industry to support the competitiveness of UK businesses, and to achieve the wider goals of the National Semiconductor Strategy by growing the UK sector through building on our strengths.

The programme will run two consecutive cohorts and end in March 2025. Start-ups that have been chosen will be provided with:

access to, and support for, commercial design capability. This includes the full Silicon Catalyst ecosystem, access to design tools, IP, and prototyping capability

commercial expertise and bespoke mentorship. Startups will be mentored by experienced semiconductor industry executives and connected into Silicon Catalyst’s global network

exposure to private capital. Participant companies will also have access to the 270+ Silicon Catalyst advisors, Strategic Partners, and an extensive network of investment groups

Notes to editors

The full list of incubator members is:

Blueshift Memory

Fincheto

HIDRA Vision

HyperCIM

Mignon

MintNeuro

Quinas

RED Semiconductors

SECQAI

Singular Photonics

Vaire

Wave Photonics
19/10/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President el-Sisi of Egypt [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 October 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi this morning, following the terrorist atrocity carried out by Hamas in Israel.

He expressed his condolences for the Egyptians who have lost their lives, along with so many others. The Prime Minister said that terrorism is an evil which must be confronted, wherever we find it. It was also important that the conflict did not spread further. He noted the importance of Egypt’s historic role in the region, including in seeking de-escalation.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenging security situation at the Rafah border crossing. He offered the UK’s support to try to manage this situation and keep the route open for humanitarian and consular reasons, including for British nationals.

The leaders agreed to remain in contact as the situation develops.

19/10/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Marrakech for IMF Annual Meetings [October 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 12 October 2023.

The Chancellor will attend key multilateral meetings, as well as hold talks with economic partners from around the world.
- Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, is in Marrakech, Morocco, for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings
- Chancellor will attend key multilateral meetings, as well as hold talks with economic partners from around the world
- Chancellor to reaffirm UK’s commitment to fiscal responsibility ahead of Autumn Statement next month
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt is in Marrakech, Morocco, today and tomorrow (Thursday 12 and Friday 13 October) for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings. He will discuss global economic issues and how to ensure international financial institutions are delivering for all member states, including the most vulnerable, as well as showcase the UK’s leadership on international development.

The Chancellor will also discuss the UK’s economic strategy, highlighting the need to fight inflation and make fiscally responsible decisions. He will reiterate Britain’s backing of international humanitarian causes such as Morocco’s earthquake relief effort, in addition to support for Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion and for Israel in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

“I’m in Marrakech to discuss the global fight against inflation, and how we are putting Britain back on the path to growth.

“It is because of our solid economic foundation at home that we can support our friends around the world. I am full of admiration for the Moroccan people’s resilience following the terrible earthquake in September, and want to reiterate Britain’s backing to support the victims.”

Also in attendance at this year’s IMF Annual Meetings are Andrew Mitchell, Minister for Development and Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England.

The UK remains committed to supporting Morocco following the devastating earthquake in September, and has allocated a funding package worth up to £10m in response to this and the floods in Libya. A British search and rescue team, as well as a medical assessment team, were also deployed in the days immediately after the natural disaster to support the Moroccan authorities in the affected areas.

The meetings are one of the IMF’s twice-yearly centre pieces for international economic policy. This year’s are the first set to be held outside of Washington D.C. since 2018, when they took place in Bali, Indonesia. They are also the first IMF Annuals held in Africa since 1973, which were in Nairobi, Kenya.
19/10/2023
PRESS RELEASE : British Ambassador visits Chernihiv to see recovery after Russian occupation [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris visited Chernihiv region in Northern Ukraine to witness how local communities return to peaceful life and rebuild after being occupied by Russian forces.

The Ambassador started his visit in a village of Yahidne. During the occupation, Russians kept almost all villagers – 360 people, including a 6 week old child – in the basement of a former elementary school. The building has since been converted into a museum, which the Ambassador visited. Martin Harris spoke to the survivors and the head of the hromada (territorial community) about the experiences of living under occupation.

In Ivanivka, hromada’s administrative centre, Martin Harris had a tour around the reconstructed sites once destroyed by shelling, including the administrative building, public services centre, and a local school. These reconstructions have been completed with the support of Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, where the UK is one of the leading donors.

In Chernihiv region, PFRU selected 52 sites for early recovery based on the extent of damage and the priorities identified by the local government and communities. To date, 30 sites have been completed, including: eleven schools, four village governance institutions, two medical facilities, two shelters, four cultural development centres, five water and energy sites, a university, and a delivery of a CCTV system to aid in the preparedness for rapid evacuation in the case of incursions.

In Chernihiv, Martin Harris met with governor of the region Vyacheslav Chaus and his team, civil society and local entrepreneurs to discuss their engagement in recovery. He also visited city hospital No 3 that PFRU helped to rebuild and equip after the siege of Chernihiv in March 2022.

He also went to a local musical and drama theatre that was severely damaged by a Russian missile on 19 August, injuring 156 people and killing seven, including a six-year-old girl. He spoke to the theatre company and director and witnessed the outcomes of the damage and commemorated the victims of the strike.

Martin Harris said:

For me, Chernihiv’s theatre is a metaphor of resilience of the whole region. Despite substantial damage from a horrific Russian rocket attack in August, they have opened the autumn season just last Friday and performed to the public. I admire their spirit and determination to keep promoting Ukraine’s culture and inspiring the city’s residents.

The UK is actively engaged in helping Ukraine rebuild, providing necessary aid with our partners via the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine to cover urgent needs of local communities. We will continue supporting Ukraine to be victorious and fully recover from Russia’s war.

Note to the editors.

Bordering Russia and Belarus, Chernihiv region was one of the key axes of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Parts of it were occupied between 24 February and 3 April 2022.

The occupation of Yahidne started in early March 2022. Almost the entire population of Yahidne – more than 360 villagers – were ordered into the school basement. They received no adequate food, water, or air supply. They spent 27 days there, with 16 people dying as a result. Now this site is turned into a museum.

Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) is jointly funded by the UK, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. The project aims to coordinate and align stabilisation efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience against Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.

19/10/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Sir Martyn Oliver confirmed as the next Ofsted chief inspector [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 12 October 2023.

The privy council has confirmed today that they have approved Sir Martyn Oliver as the next HMCI for Ofsted.

The education secretary today (12 October) announced the appointment of Sir Martyn Oliver as the next His Majesty’s chief inspector (HMCI) of education, children’s services and skills.

The privy council has confirmed his appointment through an order in council, after a thorough recruitment process conducted in line with the requirements set by the commissioner for public appointments.

Sir Martyn was recommended as the government’s preferred candidate by the education secretary earlier this year and was also endorsed by the education select committee following a pre-appointment hearing last month.

He is an accomplished school and trust leader with a track record of driving up standards in areas with high levels of disadvantage. Sir Martyn is currently the chief executive of Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), a large multi-academy trust which has grown under Sir Martyn’s leadership from 17 academies to 41 primary, junior, secondary and alternative provision academies in the north of England. He was honoured for his services to education in the recent queen’s birthday honours list in 2022.

Secretary of state for education Gillian Keegan said:

Sir Martyn Oliver is an accomplished school and trust leader with a tremendous record of driving up standards and I’m delighted to announce that he has been confirmed as Ofsted’s next chief inspector.

I want to thank Amanda Spielman for her work over the past seven years. She successfully led Ofsted through a series of significant reforms in education and children’s services, alongside championing a broad and balanced curriculum.

We look forward to building on this vital work with Sir Martyn Oliver to ensure Ofsted continues to evolve.

Sir Martyn Oliver, chief executive officer of Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said:

I was deeply honoured and hugely privileged to be recommended for this role by the secretary of state, and am delighted that the privy council has today approved my appointment.

I am looking forward to engaging with all parts of the sector that Ofsted regulates and inspects through a Big Listen, so that Ofsted is very much of the system and by the system for the benefit of children and parents.

I promise to be empathetic, compassionate and understanding of the challenges that those of us working in education, children’s services and skills face, especially in terms of the recovery post-covid, and will ensure that we always take a holistic view for the good of all children, especially the most vulnerable and those who are disadvantaged.

Sir Martyn will start his five-year term on January 1st 2024 after Amanda Spielman’s term ends on December 31st 2023 following seven years of service.

19/10/2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK government to arrange flights to get British nationals out of Israel [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announces that the UK will facilitate flights to help British citizens wanting to leave Israel.
- Foreign Secretary announces that the UK is set to facilitate flights to help British citizens wanting to leave Israel
- the first flight is expected to leave Tel Aviv today (Thursday). Further flights are planned in the coming days, subject to the security situation on the ground
- the UK has also sent a Rapid Deployment Team to Israel to assist British citizens on the ground
The UK government will facilitate commercial flights to the UK to help British nationals wanting to leave Israel following the Hamas attack, the Foreign Secretary has announced.

The first flight is due to depart from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv today (Thursday 12 October).

Vulnerable British nationals will be prioritised for these flights. At this stage we will contact those who are eligible for the flights directly and British nationals should not make their way to the airport unless they are called.

Since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, UK government officials have been working around the clock in London, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to support British citizens in the country. A Rapid Deployment Team has also been sent to Israel to bolster the efforts of British consular officials.

The safety of all British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be our utmost priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our travel advice. Those in Israel and the OPTs, including Gaza, are advised to register their presence with the Foreign Office. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to advise against all but essential travel to all other parts.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited Israel yesterday (Wednesday) to reiterate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the Israeli people following Hamas’ terrorist attacks. He met senior Israeli leaders to outline UK support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

Background
- British nationals, including dual nationals, and dependants if travelling with a British national normally resident in the UK, will be invited to take up seats on the flights.
- these are paid commercial flights – our standard procedure. Each ticket will cost £300. This reflects the costs of operating the flight only
- the children and other dependants of British diplomats will also be given seats, as we have a duty of care to our staff
- while it is our intention to run these flights, security considerations will always be paramount
- in addition to our travel advice for Israel and the OPTs, we also advise against all travel to parts of Lebanon
19/10/2023
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 19 October 1923

19 OCTOBER 1923

The Ruhr policy of Raymond Poincaré, the President of France, was disclosed in an interview with the German Charge D’Affaires, noting that it was thought to be unbearable and impossible.

Speaking at the Colchester Oyster Feast, Sir Laming Worthington-Evans said that there were no grounds to the rumours that the Government was considering debasing the currency.

The situation in Saxony became critical. The Bavarian Government recalled its Minister in Dresden owing to the Communist representation in the Saxon Government.

19/10/2023
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 18 October 1923

18 OCTOBER 1923

In a speech delivered in Simla, Lord Reading issued a solemn warning to any who might enter the Legislative Assembly for the purpose of wrecking the constitution. As to withdrawal from the Empire Exhibition, India only, he said, would be the sufferer. The boycott of British goods, moreover, would absolutely fail in its intended effect and not advance India’s cause.

Sir Halford Mackinder addressed the Imperial Economic Conference with regard to the work of the Imperial Shipping Committee. He referred to the air, sea and land project for shortening the Australian passage by about one week.

Speaking in Colchester, the Secretary of State for Air gave a speech regarding the proposed expansion of the Air Force.

Howard Carter and his assistants arrived at Luxor in order to begin preparations for the resumption of work on Tutankhamen’s tomb.

19/10/2023
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 17 October 1923

17 OCTOBER 1923

Anderson Montague-Barlow, the Minister of Labour, gave detail in a speech in London of the Government’s proposals for the relief of unemployment. He said that schemes costing not less than £50,000,000 would be delivered.

The Northern Ireland House of Commons reassembled for the autumn session. Sir James Craig, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, announced improved conditions in Ulster and a grant of an additional £1,000,000 to the Special Constabulary.

There was rioting in Berlin involving a large number of unemployed men.

19/10/2023
NEWS STORY : Government Adviser Sir John Armitt Warns Against HS2 Asset Firesale

STORY

Sir John Armitt, the Government’s Big Projects adviser, has warned that Rishi Sunak’s plan to sell off HS2 assets to prevent a future Government restarting the project would be a “mistake”. Sunak, who scrapped the major rail infra-structure project to pursue a more pro-road strategy in the overall transport plan, had intended for land acquired for the second phase of HS2 to be sold off immediately.

Sir John said:

“I think it’s a mistake. I think that the land should be kept for at least two or three years to give the opportunity for people to revisit that and look at what can be done within that space and find a more cost-effective solution, not write it off today I am disappointed because I think it’s what we often describe as a sort of knee-jerk, snap reaction.”

He added:

“We had an integrated plan a few weeks ago, we’ve now lost that. There are a number of projects, some of which already existed, some new ones. Let’s get those properly turned into a well-thought-through, integrated plan for the future”.

19/10/2023