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PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Wolverhampton [August 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 August 2024.

The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Dr Timothy Wambunya, Vicar of St Paul’s, Slough, in the Diocese of Oxford, to the Suffragan See of Wolverhampton in the Diocese of Lichfield, in succession to Bishop Clive Gregory, following his retirement.

Background

Tim’s initial career was in Marine Engineering. He trained for ministry at Oakhill Theological College, London, serving his title at St John, Southhall Green, in the Diocese of London, and was ordained Priest in 1998. Tim was appointed Vicar at Emmanuel Holloway Church, Stepney, in 2000 and, in 2007, was appointed Principal at Carlile College (The Church Army Africa College) in Nairobi, Kenya. During these two roles, he studied for a PhD in Paremiology at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (University of Wales). In 2013, he was consecrated and became Bishop of the Diocese of Butere, Anglican Church of Kenya, before taking up his current role in 2020 as Vicar at St Pauls, Slough, in the Diocese of Oxford. He has additionally served as an Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Oxford.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister of Bahrain [August 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 August 2024.

The Prime Minister welcomed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, to Downing Street today.

His Royal Highness noted the significance of the Prime Minister’s speech today, and both agreed that growth was essential to ensure prosperity.

The Prime Minister set out his personal commitment to the UK-Bahraini bilateral relationship, and the leaders looked forward to strengthening areas of shared cooperation, including trade, investment and security and defence.

Turning to the situation in Middle East, the Prime Minister thanked His Royal Highness for Bahrain’s efforts to protecting shipping in the Red Sea and his commitment to wider regional security.

The Prime Minister underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians.

Both leaders agreed that regional security was paramount, and the Prime Minister reiterated the necessity for restraint from all parties to prevent further escalation.

They looked forward to working closely and agreed to stay in touch.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new climate funding for Pacific as minister visits New Zealand and Tonga [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 August 2024.

Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West will announce £12.9 million in new climate funding on her first overseas visit.
- UK supporting Pacific-led climate solutions with £12.9 million in new funding
- announcement comes as Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West joins Pacific leaders for regional ministerial meeting in Tonga
The UK is providing targeted funding and expertise to support Pacific-led climate action, Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West will tell a meeting of regional leaders in Tonga later this week.

Minister West’s first overseas travel saw her arrive in New Zealand Sunday (25 August) for discussions focused on climate, defence and trade before travelling to Nuku’alofa on Tuesday 27 August to attend a meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Ahead of the meeting, Minister West said:

The government is seeking to reconnect the UK with partners around the world and to return to the forefront of international climate action.

The climate crisis needs global, long-term action – but we must also take rapid steps to support countries on the frontline, like our partners in the Pacific.

That is why the UK is supporting Pacific-led action to equip vulnerable communities facing the impacts of climate change with £12.9 million in new funding.

The programmes being announced are:
- technical support worth £1.3 million to establish a new Pacific Resilience Facility, a regionally-governed investment fund through which countries will be able to access long-term, reliable climate finance
- £5 million further funding for the UK’s Transforming Energy Access (TEA) Pacific programme, which supports early testing and scaling of new technology to provide communities with clean, affordable energy. Among the projects already being supported by the TEA fund are a solar and hydrogen powered ‘mini grid’ system providing clean water and oxygen to a remote hospital in Papua New Guinea, serving 15,000 people
- technical assistance and training worth £2 million to develop evidence-based financial and climate finance policy, provided through the International Monetary Fund
- £3 million for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the foremost Pacific-led organisation for environment and nature conservation
- £1.6 million for the new Digital Earth Pacific programme, a regional initiative which monitors how environments are changing over time through satellite data, enabling governments and communities to better understand and respond to the impacts of climate change
In addition to climate action, the minister will discuss UK work to strengthen defence and economic links with PIF members including through police training and the UK’s Trade Partnerships Programme. While in Tonga the minister will also celebrate the role of sport in tackling gender inequality, with the delivery of UK-funded rugby kit for local women and girls’ teams.

In Wellington, talks focused on joint action to protect regional and global security including support for Ukraine and New Zealand’s ongoing contribution to Operation Interflex, which has so far trained over 30,000 Ukrainian troops in the UK.

Minister West will set out the UK’s ambition to reach zero carbon electricity by 2030 with a visit to Octopus Energy, a UK clean energy provider. Clean energy cooperation is among the sectors boosted by the implementation of the UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force in May 2023 and is expected to increase total 2-way trade by 60% by 2035.

Since taking office in July 2024 Foreign Secretary David Lammy has pledged to reconnect the UK with global partners to ensure security and prosperity at home and around the world. This includes pushing for global coordinated action to address the climate and nature emergency, in partnership with countries facing its worst impacts.

Background

New funding for the Transforming Energy Access Pacific programme includes:
- £4 million contribution to the World Bank’s Accelerating Sustainable Energy Transition (ASET) programme, which will increase renewable energy generation capacity and enhance the financial and environmental sustainability of the power sector in the Pacific (including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga)
- £1 million to support the Pacific Community’s Framework for Energy Security and Resilience in the Pacific (FESRIP) including development and implementation of robust national energy policies and regulations, capacity development and improve gender balance in the energy sector
September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Medical drone delivery trials revolutionising the skies in Scotland [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 27 August 2024.

Successful trials demonstrate what the next era of aviation can look like.
- next era of aviation soaring ahead with medical drone delivery trials led by Aberdeen International Airport
- Aviation Minister visits Aberdeen to celebrate airport’s 90th anniversary
- regional connectivity visit comes as UK cements its mission to boost economic growth across all parts of the country
A pioneering project using drones to deliver medical supplies across Scotland has been heralded as a “technological revolution” by the Minister for Aviation and Maritime Mike Kane in his first official visit to the region (27 August 2024).

Meeting with Andy Cliffe, CEO of AGS Airports – which operates Aberdeen International Airport – to celebrate the airport’s 90th anniversary, the Minister is expected to see a series of measures in place to support regional connectivity across the UK, including a project trialling the use of drones to deliver medical supplies to remote locations across Scotland.

Spearheaded by the airport, Project CAELUS is backed by over £7 million in UK government funding, helping to revolutionise aviation and accelerate the development of drones across multiple industries.

In a ground-breaking first for Scotland, laboratory samples have been flown from Edinburgh to Melrose by drones, thanks to the project. A journey that usually takes up to 5 hours by road transport could now take as little as 35 minutes.

Seeing one of the project’s drones first hand, the Minister will set out his vision to continue to support the advancement and rollout of the technologies across the UK to boost prosperity and economic growth across the country.

He is also expected to reiterate the Department for Transport’s continued support to work with industry on developing sustainable solutions for regional connectivity through new technologies and greater dependency on sustainable aviation fuels.

With Aberdeen Airport playing a key role in driving the wider economic and social prosperity of the north east, this visit marks a significant step in the UK Government’s efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure and bolster economic growth in the region.

Minister for Aviation and Maritime Mike Kane said:

Aberdeen has demonstrated what the next era of aviation can look like with its successful medical drone delivery trials.

I want to help all players in the industry across the country to embrace these innovative solutions that enhance regional connectivity and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Andy Cliffe, CEO of AGS Airports, said:

It is well established that a region with strong connectivity will enjoy increased levels of trade and tourism. Since the first flight took to the skies in 1934, the airport has been integral to the success of the region and the Minister’s support for further enhancing the north east’s links is extremely welcome.

We also recognise the airport has a much wider role to play beyond supporting economic growth; it can mobilise and drive change for the better.

Fostering innovation is one of the ways we can achieve this and through Project CAELUS we have a real opportunity to revolutionise the way in which healthcare services are delivered across Scotland.

Whilst in Aberdeen, the Minister will also be visiting Port of Aberdeen to host a roundtable with key Scottish representatives about the ambitions, challenges and insights for the future of maritime.

In his opening remarks, Kane will outline his own vision – emphasising the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration between government and industry to ensure the UK remains a global leader.

With an ambition to be the UK’s first net zero port by 2040, Port of Aberdeen has already undergone several transformations to become a leader in clean maritime.

Thanks to £3 million from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, the port has officially started construction of Scotland’s largest commercial shore power system.

Set to deliver its first power in March 2025, the system will supply clean electricity to vessels and reduce their carbon emissions at berth by more than 80% – keeping Aberdeen at the forefront of renewable and sustainable energy initiatives.

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen said:

We are delighted to welcome Minister Kane to Port of Aberdeen on his first visit to Scotland to see first hand how we are catalysing sustainable economic growth and driving energy transition.

The ZEVI shore power demonstrator project is an important milestone on our road to net zero by 2040, and one of three ongoing projects to install shore power at nine berth berths.

Developing green infrastructure at scale will require significant investment, public and private sector partnership, and legislation at a UK and international level.
September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : David Wallace steps up as Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 August 2024.

David Wallace started in the role following departure of Ailsa Terry who has returned to London to be the Prime Minister’s Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Malaysia is not new to Wallace as he has been serving as the Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia since July 2022. He is now the Charge d’Affaires until a new High Commissioner arrives in Malaysia in 2025.

On his new role, Wallace said:

The UK and Malaysia share strong historical ties and deep people-to-people links. I want to build on this and develop a modern partnership based around many shared interests.

The UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will be a milestone in our bilateral relationship. By the time CPTPP enters into force in December this year, both our countries are set to benefit from the first ever free trade agreement, giving bilateral trade and economic growth a major boost.

Wallace added that the UK also looks forward to working with Malaysia on issues affecting regional security, stability and prosperity especially during the Malaysian chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

In his 22-year diplomatic career, Wallace has covered a range of political, economic and security roles, focused in central Europe and East Asia. Prior to Kuala Lumpur, Wallace was previously posted to Berlin, Warsaw, Seoul and Baghdad. In the Foreign Office Head Office he has worked on sanctions, counter proliferation, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wallace, who hails from Edinburgh Scotland, has a BA (Hons) in Philosophy and an MA in International Economics. He speaks English, German and Polish. During his free time, Wallace enjoys reading, diving and baking. The Scotsman, who loves curry puffs in Malaysia, has travelled to almost all states around Malaysia including scaling Mount Kinabalu and diving off Pulau Tioman, Kapas and Gaya.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government pledges new support to prepare for EU border checks [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 27 August 2024.

£10.5 million to prepare the Port of Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel for the upcoming EU digital border system.
- new £10.5 million funding to help prepare for new EU checks at the border in autumn
- money will support the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone and Eurostar at St Pancras to help avoid queues
- comes as government continues to work closely with Kent partners to ensure smooth introduction of border controls
Ahead of upcoming changes at the border being implemented by the EU, the government has today (27 August 2024) announced £10.5 million to support preparations at the Port of Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel.

This autumn, the EU will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES) – a new digital border system. Travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries will have to register at the border by having their fingerprints and photograph taken.

In order to reduce the risk of queuing and disruption, the government is taking action with this funding to help ports to install the necessary EES technology and complete work to get their sites ready for the checks coming into force.

Each port will receive a £3.5 million funding boost.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood said:

Nobody wants to see excessive queues at our ports, which is why we’re providing this funding to ensure our borders are as prepared as possible for the upcoming change – despite EES being an EU initiative.

Since coming into government, we have been reviewing plans and closely supporting ports to make sure they have the right processes in place so that EES registration can be smooth and queue times kept to a minimum.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra will visit the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel today to see the ongoing EES preparations.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra said:

While EES checks will be a significant change to the EU border, we are working hard with the European Commission, member states and ports to ensure we are well prepared, and minimise any disruption for Brits travelling into Europe.

This additional funding for ports will ensure they have the right technology and processes in place, so that EES registration can take place as smoothly as possible.

At the Port of Dover, this funding will be used to expedite work on the Granville Dock Project, where the existing marina at the Western Docks will be infilled and used as a site for EES processing.

At Eurotunnel and Eurostar, this funding will be used to install kiosks, in addition to those already installed, undertake rigorous testing to reduce the risk of disruption, and support recruitment and training of staff to contribute to smoother EES implementation.

The 3 ports have been making significant progress in their EES planning and are now on track for a smooth transition ahead of implementation later this year.

Today’s announcement forms part of the new government’s plan to prepare for EES, after the Home Office enabled French border officials to operate within an expanded border control zone at the Port of Dover, allowing more space to process passengers.

Emma Ward, Chief Operations Officer, Port of Dover, said:

The funding is a welcome step towards the significant investments we are making to support government plans to prepare for the introduction of the EU’s EES scheme.

We are doing all that we can to be ready with the facilities that will be used by French border officials operating the new system whilst we continue to work with the UK government to deliver more seamless travel between the UK and EU.

Simon Lejeune, Eurostar Chief Safety and Stations Officer, said:

To ensure our customers continue to enjoy a seamless Eurostar experience as we prepare for the implementation of EES, we have made substantial investments in our station infrastructure.

With support from the government, we have enhanced our facilities and upgraded our technology to meet the new requirements. Eurostar will be fully prepared and compliant by November, ensuring a smooth transition for all our passengers.

Yann Leriche, CEO, Getlink (Eurotunnel) said:

Getlink started working 2 years ago on the adaptation of its terminal for the new EES regulation – the focus has always been on customer satisfaction, delivering the most competitive crossing time and experience at the border for non-EU travellers.

This funding will be used to test and add new technology on the UK terminal, that will be deployed during peak periods, providing more kiosks, if needed, in addition to the 106 already installed in the UK, plus the recruitment and training of staff whose focus will be to assist EES passengers.

The Group has invested more than £70 million since the beginning of the process, designing and building a new dedicated EES Zone on each terminal, making sure that when the new regulation is introduced people will travel through the Channel Tunnel just as easily as they do today.
September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New wild bird sampling project to improve understanding of bird flu infections [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 27 August 2024.

Animal and Plant Health Agency leading £2.3 million project to fill knowledge gaps on avian influenza disease status, transmission and risks to mammals.

Work to understand how avian influenza behaves in wild bird and mammal populations will be accelerated with the launch of a new £2.3 million research consortium it has been announced today (27 August).

Scientists from the UK’s world leading Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA), alongside the British Trust for Ornithology, RSPB, NatureScot, and various academic institutions will collect and analyse samples from a range of bird and mammal populations to better understand how the virus behaves and fill current gaps in understanding about its transmission within wild birds, as well as the wider risks to mammals.

The most recent outbreaks of the current H5N1 strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, were the largest ever in the UK and devastated wild bird populations including seabirds such as gannets and black-headed gulls. This strain has also infected numerous species of wild mammals around the world, including otters and foxes in Great Britain.

To improve the existing data on wild birds, teams from across the consortia are sampling different bird species under license to assess the presence of active infection or antibodies from previous exposure to avian influenza viruses. This will help understand the extent to which native bird populations have developed an immune response to the virus and how the circulation of different avian influenza virus subtypes might impact upon the emergence of new notifiable avian influenza viruses.

During the recent HPAI outbreak in GB, the genetic make-up of the H5N1 virus changed on multiple occasions following the exchange of genetic material between notifiable and non-notifiable viruses. This led to the emergence of the H5N1 virus in a broader range of species, which was a critical factor in the devastation of populations of great skua, gannets and various gull species. Evaluating the spectrum of notifiable and non-notifiable viruses that are circulating in different wild bird species will fill a huge knowledge gap in our understanding of the origin and risk of virus emergence.

The research team will also consider the impact of avian influenza on wild mammals. In GB, mammals have been affected where they have likely scavenged on birds that have died from the disease. The project will assess the susceptibility of different species and the potential mechanisms by which the virus spreads between bird species and mammals and what role mammals might play in disease spread during an outbreak – such as via the feet and fur. The team will test mammals including rats, foxes and otters in high-risk environments – where there have been mass mortality events recorded in birds in the past two years – to understand whether exposure from infected wild birds and the carcasses of animals that have succumbed to infection has led to an antibody response.

Professor Ashley Banyard, Influenza and Avian Virology workgroup leader at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said:

Having access to a wider range of samples will mean we can study avian influenza viruses in much greater detail to learn more about how they behave and interact and how this might affect future disease outbreaks.

This vital research project brings together some of the leading ornithological organisations to help gather the samples, and ultimately, following diagnostic testing, increase our understanding of avian influenza viruses across bird populations within Great Britain.

This will help APHA inform the development of future strategies to protect our wildlife and minimise the impacts of this awful disease on both animals and humans.

Defra Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser Justine Betja said:

This collaboration brings together a wealth of expertise to enhance our understanding of one of our most serious animal health challenges.

The results from this co-ordinated scientific effort will be a vital contribution to our preparations for future disease outbreaks to help us protect the health of animals, humans and the environment.

Between 2021-2023 the emergence of the current H5N1 strain of avian influenza saw the UK experience its largest ever outbreak of bird flu. The outbreak led to the death of 97 million birds globally (3.8 million in the UK), with significant consequences for agriculture and the environment. Thousands of wild birds tested positive for the virus across the country, with more than 90% of recorded bird flu detections in UK poultry happening during this period.

HPAI was previously only seen as a seasonal risk with incursions into Great Britain being linked directly to wild bird migration. However, the shift in infection dynamics seen with H5N1 has meant that the virus has ‘over-summered’ in different avian species and has also extended beyond avian populations.

By evaluating a broad range of species APHA will be able to define the likely impact of infection with different avian influenza viruses on different populations, not just where infection has caused clinical disease, but also where these viruses circulate in the absence of clinical disease.

This new, multidisciplinary project, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will enhance our understanding of the factors behind the spread and evolution of avian influenza viruses, including the apparent decline in cases since January 2024 and the potential drivers behind this.

The work, which will run until next year, will inform future risk assessments and strategies for disease control in both animal and human populations. It takes a One Health approach, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing the risks posed by emerging infectious diseases.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s efforts to erase Ukrainian identity and culture will fail: UK statement to the OSCE [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 August 2024.

Ambassador Holland marks Ukraine’s Independence Day and condemns Russia’s efforts to eradicate Ukrainian identity through its illegal war of aggression.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Last Saturday we marked two milestones: 30 months since Russia launched its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine and 33 years since the Ukrainian people chose independence. The contrast between these two events could not be greater.

President Putin’s illegal war is a story of desperation and attempted subjugation, the latest chapter of which has been the massive barrage launched on Ukraine’s cities and energy infrastructure last night. Ukraine’s independence story, however, is one of values; of hope and freedom. Ukraine’s Act of Declaration of Independence received overwhelming support across the country. It received broad international recognition, including from President Yeltsin. In contrast, Russia’s war has resulted in sham referenda that received almost no international recognition. And because the Ukrainian people, and the majority of the world, stand united behind Ukraine’s sovereignty, its independence will endure, while this illegal war will ultimately fail.

Madam Chair, following Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, which is a violation of the UN Charter and OSCE principles, Ukrainians are fighting for their land and their centuries-old identity. Russia has tried to erase Ukrainian identity and culture through a systematic effort of repression.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russian attacks have damaged as many as 400 cultural sites, including religious sites, museums, and other cultural property. Russian forces are believed to have stolen more than 28,000 artworks and artefacts from the Kherson Regional Museum. In May, a Russian missile destroyed one of the largest printing houses in Europe, Factor Druk in Kharkiv, destroying 50,000 books.

These attacks on Ukraine’s past and its present are abhorrent, but we are seeing evidence that Russia is also targeting Ukraine’s future. Thousands of Ukrainian children have been taken from their families, forcibly deported from their homes and subjected to targeted re-education in an attempt to sever their link with their homeland. The independent OSCE Moscow Mechanism report on this issue concluded that Russia’s actions constitute violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and, in some cases, war crimes.

Madam Chair, Ukraine’s culture is important in its own right but also significant for what it represents. Now more so than ever, it stands as a symbol of resilience and resistance. Ukrainian national identity burns brightly despite Russia’s efforts to steal artefacts, re-educate children and eliminate national traditions. And Ukraine’s identity – forged in the face of adversity and hardship – will endure. For this reason, I look forward to 2025, when we will again celebrate Ukraine’s independence, resilience and national identity, and I hope we can do so without needing to remark on another milestone in this senseless and illegal war.

Madam chair, before I conclude, we are deeply saddened by the news that a British national media worker has died following a Russian strike on a hotel in Kramatorsk. Our thoughts are with his family, and we join all those who are mourning their loved ones as a result of this war. Thank you.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Signal boost for bank holiday ramblers as UK government’s 4G rollout picks up pace in Great British countryside [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 26 August 2024.

Ramblers, hill climbers, and wildlife watchers in dozens of UK tourist hotspots will enjoy faster, more reliable mobile coverage to explore the Great British countryside this bank holiday.

Four masts providing 4G coverage in some of Britain’s most visited national parks have now been switched on following UK Government funding, improving safety for tourists and local residents, and reducing the number of signal losses in these remote areas.

The key locations targeted by the programme include areas of outstanding natural beauty across England and Wales, such as Snowdonia, the Shropshire Hills, the Wye Valley, and the Brecon Beacons, which are benefitting from improved connectivity without new infrastructure being installed. It will mean residents and visitors who previously struggled to fulfil basic tasks on their mobiles, such as finding routes via online maps, uploading pictures on social media, and using messaging platforms to text and make calls, will no longer face frustrating mobile dropouts.

The boost comes as the UK Government seeks to fix the digital divide to ensure Britons up and down the country can have the same opportunities and are not held back by lack of connectivity.

Minister of State for Telecoms Chris Bryant said:

We want everyone to be able to enjoy the breath-taking views of our mountains, parks, and lakes and this connectivity boost without any impact on scenery will give visitors the peace of mind to be able to call a friend should they get lost, or find their way to enjoy a much-needed lunch break in a local pub.

The upgrade is also set to reduce the risks of tourists needing emergency assistance, easing pressures on the emergency services who normally receive higher number of calls during bank holidays.

Where people do find themselves at risk, the masts will give first responders immediate access to life-saving data, images and information – making it quicker and easier for them to rescue anyone in danger.

Mike Park, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Rescue England and Wales said:

Teams across the country are seeing a year-on-year increased demand for our unpaid, voluntary services. This announcement means that we are being given the best chance to be alerted when people require our life-saving services.

Thirty years ago, when mobile phones and network coverage were in their infancy, it was typical that simply getting off the mountain to a telephone to alert Mountain Rescue could add more than 2 hours before a rescue could be initiated. Because of the improvement in the mobile phone networks in these remote areas, mountain rescue teams are now able to be alerted so much quicker, which is a benefit to all of us – casualty and rescuer.

The boost is the latest milestone of the Shared Rural Network programme, a £1 billion funding project geared towards improving connectivity in rural areas of the country. This part of the programme upgrades existing masts so that the impact on the surrounding environment is kept to a minimum.

Beyond national parks, the upgrade will also benefit tourists visiting historic landmarks, such as the UNESCO world heritage site Blaenavon Industrial Landscape and the Norman-era Caldicot Castle and Country Park in South Wales.

The Shared Rural Network has already led to an additional 14,800 square kilometres – an area roughly the size of Northern Ireland or two million football pitches – receiving coverage from all four operators.

The UK government is investing in upgrades to the Home Office’s Emergency Service Network mobile masts to provide coverage from all four mobile operators – mostly in Scotland and Wales. To date, 16 Extended Area Service (EAS) mast upgrades have been switched on – including 13 in Wales, one in Scotland and two in England.

Mobile operators are also investing over £500 million to target partial ‘not spots’, where customers can only access 4G if they are signed up with a mobile network operator that is active in the area. This part of the programme has already delivered significant coverage improvements across the UK, including in the areas of Shetland, Yorkshire, Fermanagh and Devon.

Bryn Jones, Director of SRN at Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited which represents the four major mobile operators, said:

With 16 publicly funded mobile sites now live, residents, businesses and tourists across the UK are benefitting from the sharing of existing infrastructure. The Shared Rural Network will continue to deliver improved 4G coverage as more upgrades go live.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Establishing the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme in Regulations [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 23 August 2024.

Today, the Government has laid regulations to establish the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, as required by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. These regulations will give the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) the powers to pay compensation through the Core Route to infected persons, both living and deceased, as set out in the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Summary: August 2024. The Government expects the IBCA to begin making payments to infected persons by the end of 2024.

A second set of regulations will provide for the payment of compensation to affected persons, and for claims under the Supplementary Route. This will ensure that the IBCA can begin compensation payments to affected persons in 2025.

Sign up to the Infected Blood Compensation Authority mailing list for regular updates on this work as it progresses – https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Z55REY/.

The Regulations, the Explanatory Memorandum and the Equality Impact Assessment are available to view on the National Archives website.

September 5, 2024