Blog

PRESS RELEASE : Address by the Chair of the Council of Europe [January 2023]

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

Ambassador Neil Bush thanks Minister Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir for outlining Iceland’s priorities at the Council of Europe and collaboration with the OSCE.

Thank you, Mr Chair. On behalf of the UK, I warmly welcome you, Minister Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir to the Permanent Council. Thank you for outlining Iceland’s priorities at the Council of Europe and collaboration with the OSCE. The Council of Europe has been, and will continue to be, important to the UK’s human rights and foreign policy agenda and we were pleased to host the Council of Europe’s Secretary General last week.

The longstanding relationship between the OSCE and the Council of Europe is rooted firmly in the promotion of human rights, rule of law, and democracy across the continent and beyond. Respect for these common principles defines our shared endeavours in Vienna and in Strasbourg. We meet today at a particularly challenging time for European Security and while President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war in Ukraine continues. We are reminded that those common principles and commitments are being transgressed on a daily basis and re-commitment to these principles is needed more than ever. The launch of the Ukraine Action Plan 2023-26 underscores the united support for Ukraine.

The Council of Europe and the OSCE share much common ground – joint work on serious organised crime, counter-terrorism, human trafficking and gender, alongside work on specific country contexts stands out. As both the OSCE and the Council of Europe face up to a series of common challenges this year, it is important that we continue to recognise each organisation’s individual merits and distinctiveness. We need to work in a coordinated way to employ the unique set of instruments and tools which each organisation offers to its participating and member States.

We look forward to Iceland hosting the Council of Europe’s fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government in May this year and to concrete outcomes resulting from the Summit. It provides a welcome opportunity to re-affirm and promote commitments to democracy, human rights and the Rule of Law and to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.

Minister Gylfadóttir – the UK is, and will remain, a steadfast supporter of the work of both the Council of Europe and the OSCE. We offer you, and your team, our best wishes for your work in the year ahead.

Thank you Mr Chair.

19/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Dean of Gloucester [January 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 January 2023.

The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Andrew Zihni, Canon Precentor of Southwark Cathedral for election as Dean of Gloucester, in succession to The Right Reverend Stephen Lake following his appointment as Bishop of Salisbury.

Background

Andrew was educated at Merton College, Oxford, and trained for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. He served his title in the Parishes of Goldthorpe and Hickleton in the Diocese of Sheffield and was ordained priest in 2003.

In 2006 Andrew was appointed Minor Canon and School Chaplain, St George’s Chapel Windsor. In 2014 he was appointed Assistant Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Southwark and Honorary Minor Canon of Southwark Cathedral and additionally served as Priest Vicar, Westminster Abbey from 2018.

Andrew took up his current role as Canon Precentor of Southwark Cathedral and Chapter Safeguarding Lead in January 2021.

19/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Levelling Up projects in Wales awarded £208 million by UK Government [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales on 19 January 2023.
- A total of 11 projects receive grants from round two of flagship Levelling Up Fund
- Projects include Cardiff Crossrail, engineering campus in Blaenau Gwent, restoration of Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl, and new cycle routes through Conwy Valley
- Investment in historically overlooked areas will create jobs and grow the economy
Cardiff Crossrail, a new engineering campus in Blaenau Gwent, and new cycle routes through Conwy Valley are just some of the transformational local projects across Wales awarded a share of £2.1 billion from the UK Government’s landmark Levelling Up Fund.

Major UK Government investment will benefit people across Wales by spreading opportunity and breathing new life into historically overlooked areas.

A total of 11 projects in Wales have been allocated more than £208 million from round two of the Levelling Up Fund. The projects will create jobs, drive economic growth, help restore people’s pride in the places where they live and spread opportunity more equally..

This will drive forward the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by levelling up and provide the foundations for building a better future in communities across the UK. By working together the UK is better able to collectively tackle the individual challenges faced by every region and nation across the country.

Grants include £50 million for Cardiff Crossrail, the joint highest amount awarded to a UK project. There is also £9 million for a new engineering campus for 600 students in Blaenau Gwent and £18.6 million for a new cycle route between Llandudno Junction and Betws y Coed via the Conwy Valley.

Nearly £18 million will help renovate the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl, one of the most recognisable buildings in South Wales, which has deteriorated after years of piecemeal refurbishments.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs and spread opportunity everywhere.

That’s why we are backing a number of projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities in Wales.

By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives and the places they call home.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

We are firing the starting gun on more than a hundred transformational projects in every corner of the UK that will revitalise communities that have historically been overlooked but are bursting with potential.

This new funding will create jobs, drive economic growth, and help to restore local pride. We are delivering on the people’s priorities, levelling up across the UK to ensure that no matter where you are from, you can go as far as your talents will take you.

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:

This is a hugely significant investment in truly significant projects across Wales. I’m delighted to see so many successful bids from around the country for schemes which will have an impact for generations to come.

This funding will regenerate town centres and historic buildings, create new cycle and walking paths through some of our most beautiful countryside, improve facilities for visitors, deliver transport solutions for Cardiff and contribute to the health and future job opportunities for people in the areas involved.

I am very much looking forward to following the progress of these projects as they help us achieve our ambitions of levelling up the UK and growing the Welsh economy.

Projects in Wales awarded Levelling Up Fund grants today:
- £50 million for Crossrail Cardiff. This will help deliver a new line between Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Central Station, improving travel for thousands of people who travel daily between the stations.
- A safe and direct cycle route will be created between Llandudno Junction and Betws y Coed via the Conwy Valley with an £18.6 million grant. The scheme will also include measures to mitigate against flooding.
- £17.8 million will restore the historic estate in the Vale of Neath and build new walkways and cycle paths.
- There is £17 million for building new walkways and cycle paths to bring people closer together in Holyhead and enable visitors and local people to explore the stunning sites of St Cybi’s Church and the Roman Fort.
- £18 million to transform the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl, one of the most recognisable buildings in South Wales, which has deteriorated after years of piecemeal refurbishments.
- In Blaenau Gwent, a new engineering campus for 600 young people will be built using £9 million funding. It will offer the next generation of engineers an extensive programme of apprenticeships and industry placements in the area.
- £20 million will restore and regenerate three industry heritage sites in the Lower Swansea Valley. This includes the Morfa Copperworks and will create new shops, restaurants and market places, and a major upgrade to Swansea Museum.
- The £7.6 million Pontypool Cultural Hub project in Torfaen will transform derelict buildings into a thriving cultural centre with a new restaurant to boost the night-time economy.
- Building a state of the art leisure centre in Caerphilly with £20 million, including a new gym and swimming pool.
- In Gwynedd, £18.8 million will upgrade walking and cycling routes for the National Slate Museum and the Neuadd Ogwen arts centre.
- Denbighshire will receive £11 million to restore the historic monuments in Ruthin, including St Peter’s Church and the town square.
The major investment announced today follows the allocation of £1.7 billion to 105 projects from round one of the Levelling Up Fund in 2021– taking the total allocated so far from the fund to £3.8 billion.

The Government has also confirmed there will be a further round of the Levelling Up Fund, providing more opportunity to level up places across the UK.
19/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government charges ahead in car fleet transition to electric vehicles [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 19 January 2023.

Target reached to switch over a quarter of all government cars to ultra-low emission vehicles.

The government is powering forward towards decarbonising its central car fleet, as it has been confirmed today (19 January 2023) that it hit its target in switching over a quarter of all its cars (25.5%) to ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV).

Having a higher rate of ULEV vehicles in its fleet means the government is on track to meet its 2027 target for the entire fleet be fully zero emission.

As set out in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Greening government commitments in 2021 to 2025, the government was required to transition a minimum of a quarter of its car fleet to ultra-low emission vehicles by the end of 2022. As of the latest data from September, 25.5% of all central government cars were ultra-low emission vehicles, reaching the target 3 months ahead of schedule.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said:

As the UK moves towards a cleaner transport network, the government is doing its part, with over 25% of its central car fleet being battery-powered 3 months earlier than planned.

It’s critical that progress in decarbonising fleets is matched elsewhere. We will continue to forge ahead, to complete the switch by 2027 and help make the UK a world leader in decarbonisation.

With the electric vehicle (EV) sector showing year-on-year growth, today’s announcement demonstrates the government’s commitment to decarbonising its own vehicle fleet. The target is just a first milestone as government looks to decarbonise the entirety of its central car and van fleet to zero emission vehicles by 2027 – faster than the wider phase-out date, which sees the sales of new petrol and diesel cars banned by 2030.

Across the wider market, the UK continues to lead the way in transitioning to battery-powered cars, as 1 in 5 cars sold in 2022 had a plug. According to the latest industry statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, sales of EVs overtook those of diesel in 2022 for the first time.

With a burgeoning EV sector, the government has also made great strides in boosting the charging network. The £10 million Local electric vehicle infrastructure (LEVI) pilot, part of the wider LEVI fund, is expected to deliver 1,000 local chargepoints across England, with 9 local authorities receiving funding. Winning projects are supported by an additional £9 million in private funding. This will improve access to EV chargers, particularly for residents without off-street parking, supporting the nation’s uptake of zero emission vehicles.

The government is committed to ending the sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 as we work towards a carbon-free transport network.

19/01/2023
COUNCILLOR DATABASE : Will Noble from Plymouth City Council

COUNCILLOR DATABASE

Will Noble is the councillor for the ward of Moor View on Plymouth City Council, representing the Labour Party.

He was elected as a councillor at a by-election on 13 January 2023 and his next election will be on 2 May 2024.

2023 By-Election News Story

This database is a growing resource where we hope to interview councillors, link to news stories relating to them and add any speeches or interviews they make. Please do contact us with any updates to the information provided above or for any councillors to offer us interviews about their work.

19/01/2023
COUNCILLOR DATABASE : Lauren McLay from Plymouth City Council

COUNCILLOR DATABASE

Lauren McLay is the councillor for the ward of Plympton Chaddlewood on Plymouth City Council, representing the Green Party.

She was elected as a councillor at a by-election on 13 January 2023 and their next election will be on 2 May 2024.

2023 By-Election News Story

This database is a growing resource where we hope to interview councillors, link to news stories relating to them and add any speeches or interviews they make. Please do contact us with any updates to the information provided above or for any councillors to offer us interviews about their work.

19/01/2023
Nia Griffith – 2023 Parliamentary Question on UK Government Funding for Wales

The parliamentary question asked by Dame Nia Griffith, the Labour MP for Llanelli, in the House of Commons on 18 January 2023.

Dame Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab)

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of UK Government funding for Wales.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dr James Davies)

Over the spending review period the UK Government are providing the Welsh Government with 20% more funding per person than equivalent UK Government spending in other parts of the UK. As a result of the autumn statement, Welsh Government funding is increasing by around £1.2 billion over the next two years, on top of the additional £2.5 billion-a-year average over the three-year spending review.

Dame Nia Griffith

The UK Government shared prosperity fund short-changes Wales by £1 billion over three years, even though the Secretary of State and his predecessors repeatedly promised that Wales would receive not a penny less when replacing EU funds. Those funds were used by the Welsh Government to deliver 5,000 apprenticeship year. Why is the Minister letting down young people in Wales in this way?

Dr Davies

The hon. Lady will know that the shared prosperity fund is extremely generous to Wales and replaces all the money that came from the European Union. There have been fantastic announcements in recent weeks about how the fund will progress. She will also know about an array of other funding schemes through UK Government, including the growth deal. I hope to be in her constituency in early February for the groundbreaking, milestone event for Pentre Awel, I hope she will join me at that.

Sarah Atherton (Wrexham) (Con)

Despite the Welsh Government receiving the largest devolution funding settlement, it has the worst performing Labour-run NHS. Instead of spending on what matters, they plan to spend £32 million on a 20 mile-an-hour blanket speed policy. Such a policy will cost the economy £4.5 billion. Does my hon. Friend agree with me and 94% of my surveyed constituents that that is another example of a Labour waste of money?

Dr Davies

My hon. Friend is quite right that the policy is not a good way to spend money, and is not deliverable either. As an NHS GP working in north-east Wales, I can tell her that the delivery of NHS services is shocking in many senses. We need the Welsh Government to improve their performance.

Mr Speaker

I call the shadow Minister.

Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney) (Lab)

As my hon. Friend the Member for Llanelli (Dame Nia Griffith) has just reminded the House, the Secretary of State, the Minister and their predecessors repeatedly promised that Wales would receive “not a penny less” to replace EU structural funds to Wales. Not only have they failed to deliver on that promise, but the record inflation that their Government have presided over has resulted in a double whammy to the Welsh Government’s budget. Is the Minister aware that higher education has been shut out of his Government’s flagship levelling-up process and that hundreds of jobs are now at risk, possibly as many as 600? Why are his Government continually letting down people, including young people, across Wales?

Dr Davies

I joined the Secretary of State on a visit to Bangor University last week and it is important that we ensure there are funding mechanisms for higher education. There is an array of schemes through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and it is important that the hon. Gentleman and the Government work on ensuring that the university sector is supported in Wales.

19/01/2023
Chris Bryant – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Investment Zones in Wales

The parliamentary question asked by Sir Chris Bryant, the Labour MP for Rhondda, in the House of Commons on 18 January 2023.

Sir Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)

What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the proposed refocusing of investment zone policy.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dr James Davies)

Let me first congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his knighthood in the new year’s honours list.

We remain committed to working with the Welsh Government on the delivery of investment zones for Wales. That is alongside the freeports programme, which will facilitate growth and innovation through benefits such as tax relief for businesses.

Sir Chris Bryant

That is all very well, but the Government have basically completely binned their investment zone policy. I have had a letter from a Government Minister saying that it is all being refocused and is not about housing and planning any more but about productivity, improving growth and job creation. But no details are available, and all the bids have been binned. Is that not further evidence that we do not have a Government in this country anymore, just a bunch of rapscallions squatting in ministerial offices?

Dr Davies

I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman. As he will know, many elements of the policy are devolved in Wales. Therefore, discussions continue with the Welsh Government on those aspects. I would highlight that there are 5,400 similar zones in other parts of the world. We must deliver growth for Britain in a similar fashion.

Mr Speaker

I call the Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee.

Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) (Con)

I echo the congratulations to the hon. Member for Rhondda (Sir Chris Bryant) on his knighthood. One of the lessons of industrial policy over the last 30 years in Wales, certainly given the number of failed food parks, science parks and technology parks, is that taxpayers’ money alone does not create economic activity out of thin air. Does the Minister agree that whatever interventions we or the Welsh Government make must work with the grain of the private sector? To that end, does he recognise that the overriding strength of the Celtic freeport bid is that it works with real projects and real industry to deliver floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea?

Dr Davies

My right hon. Friend is a strong campaigner for the offshore wind possibilities in south-west Wales. He will know that decisions on awarding freeports are ongoing, with at least one due in Wales and an announcement to be made shortly.

19/01/2023
Hywel Williams – 2023 Parliamentary Question on Research Funding for Welsh Universities

The parliamentary question asked by Hywel Williams, the Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon, in the House of Commons on 18 January 2023.

Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC)

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on research funding for Welsh universities.

The Secretary of State for Wales (David T. C. Davies)

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on research funding for universities in Wales. We are committed to making the UK a science superpower, backed by nearly £39.8 billion, the largest ever research and development budget. Last week I was pleased to visit Bangor University—at the suggestion of the hon. Member—and to observe the cutting-edge research being done there. I remain committed to Welsh universities capitalising on the funding opportunities that are available.

Hywel Williams

The Secretary of State has seen for himself that Welsh universities can and do deliver world-class research, but I think he will accept that their research funding is perhaps less than would be expected. I accept that this is not a simple matter—it is not a matter of counting heads—but what practical help can the Secretary of State give to increase research support in Wales, particularly for new and innovative projects such as those he saw in Bangor?

David T. C. Davies

In terms of practical support, I want to visit every single university in Wales over the next few months. I have already met representatives of UK Research and Innovation to make clear my concern about the relatively low percentage of grant funding that is going to Welsh universities for research projects. I want to bring UKRI and those Welsh universities together at an event at Tŷ Gwydr later in the year, and given the hon. Gentleman’s own commitment to this particular issue, I will try to ensure that he is invited and is able to attend.

Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con)

Does my right hon. Friend agree that Britain, including Wales, has a proud history of international collaboration? Will he continue to keep up the pressure on the European Commission to allow us to associate ourselves with the Horizon programme, which would make such a difference to the future of British science?

David T. C. Davies

I absolutely agree with my right hon. and learned Friend. I would support the Horizon programme, but if that is not possible for any reason, such as intransigence in the European Union, I will be making the case to UKRI that Welsh universities can produce some of the best research in this country and should be receiving a higher percentage of the money that is currently available.

19/01/2023

NEWS STORY : Will Noble and Lauren McLay Win By-Elections in Plymouth

STORY

Two new councillors have been elected at by-elections onto Plymouth City Council following the resignations of Shannon Burden and Dan Collins in November 2022. The wards up for election were Moor View where there was a 26% turnout and Plympton Chaddlewood where there was a 24% turnout, with Labour’s Will Noble winning in Moor View and the Green Party’s Lauren McLay winning in Plympton Chaddlewood.

Moor View results

Candidate	Party	Votes	Elected
Frank Hartkopf	Green	87
Andrea Irene Johnson	Conservative and Unionist	877
Colin Alexander Mackenzie	Liberal Democrats	77
Gavin John Marshall	Independent	184
Will Noble	Labour	1,415	Yes
Andrew James White	Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition	18

Plympton Chaddlewood results

Candidate	Party	Votes	Elected
Benjamin John Davy	Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition	15
Mike Gillbard	Liberal Democrat	33
Lindsay Gilmour	Labour	147
Andrew Michael Hill	Independent	182
Lauren Elizabeth McLay	Green	653	Yes
Ashley John Ward	Conservative	425

RESOURCES

Councillor Database for Shannon Burden

Councillor Database for Dan Collins

Councillor Database for Will Noble

Councillor Database for Lauren McLay

Will Noble’s Twitter Account

Lauren McLay’s Twitter Account

EXTERNAL NEWS LINKS

Plymouth City Council Press Release and Election Results

19/01/2023

Blog

Background