Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Afghanistan [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2023.

Statement for Item 2: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on human rights situation in Afghanistan. Delivered by Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

Thank you, Mr President.

Let me start by thanking the Special Rapporteur for his longstanding and determined efforts to continue to shed light on the human rights situation in Afghanistan.

We have all watched in horror and sadness as the Taliban have continued their campaign of repression and violence against Afghan women and girls. The ongoing restrictions to the rights of women and girls across every sphere of their lives – in education, in health, in employment, and in freedom of movement – is deplorable. The impact on their wellbeing and livelihood is truly unimaginable. One recent outrage was the closure of beauty salons, severely impacting thousands of women, a number of whom were then punished for bravely protesting the decision.

This coincides with tens of millions of Afghans who are also now in need of humanitarian aid, including many women and children. The UK stands with the international community in helping the Afghan people.

Special Rapporteur,

The Taliban must respond to the needs of the Afghan people. Their call for “work, bread, justice” must be heard.

How can we best communicate our concerns to the Taliban in a way they will understand? How can we better support those who are standing up for human rights in Afghanistan?

Thank you.

September 13, 2023
Chris Heaton-Harris – 2023 Speech at the PEACE PLUS Launch

The speech made by Chris Heaton-Harris, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, at the Newforge Sports Centre in Belfast on 11 September 2023.

Good morning everyone, and thank you to Eimear for her very warm introduction, and to Gina and her team for setting up a fantastic launch event.

It is wonderful to be here today, at the New Forge Community Development Trust, and to be joined by colleagues from the Irish Government, European Commission and the Northern Ireland Civil Service. I think we can all see, from this fantastic complex, just some of the positive outcomes that have stemmed from a series of long-running peace funding packages that have operated since 1995.

Let me start by saying thank you to everyone here that continues to work on securing the peace that the people on this island enjoy in their everyday lives today and helping to move towards a more reconciled society.

Thank you too to the Irish Government and the European Commission for your work getting the financing agreement over the line, ensuring funding can flow to those who need it most and delivering those essential projects that promote stability, foster cohesion and build prosperity.

As we are all aware, over the course of this year, communities across Northern Ireland have marked the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. This landmark agreement continues to be an extraordinary achievement for Northern Ireland, helping to lay the foundation of the more peaceful, free and prosperous society that we see today. We can be proud to see the huge strides of progress made over the past 25 years.

Although we have a positive story to tell in-terms of delivering on the promise of the Agreement over the past 25 years, we also acknowledge that there is more to be done to realise other aspects of the Agreement’s ambition for a society that is reconciled with the past and able to look to the future.

In view of our unyielding commitment to upholding the Agreement, we will continue to work tirelessly to secure an even brighter, more reconciled future for Northern Ireland, thereby enabling it to look forward.

That is why we continue to support the work of the SEUPB, following the UK’s exit from the European Union. We are providing more than £730 million to the programme (almost 75% of the budget), which includes match funding contributions from the Northern Ireland Executive. Together with contributions from the European Commission and Ireland of over £250 million, this brings the total up to almost £1 billion, a huge investment from across the international stage towards peace and prosperity as we mark the anniversary of the Agreement and look forward to the next 25 years.

Since being appointed as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I have had the opportunity to visit many of the brilliant people, businesses, social enterprises and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland who are determined to improve the lives of their families and communities, and just this morning, I have been speaking to some of you about how you’ve been working towards achieving these objectives.

I can see the great value and impact that you all have in communities across Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland, and I am proud that this funding is available to support the vital ongoing work to promote peace and reconciliation and contribute to cross-border economic and territorial development.

This week also signifies an important moment for Northern Ireland. Tomorrow leading investors and international businesses will arrive in Belfast for the Northern Ireland Investment Summit, as we bring together one of the largest groups of investors Northern Ireland has ever seen.

This in itself is a testimony to the huge progress made over the last 25 years and I am proud that we are able to promote the unique economic strengths and opportunities in Northern Ireland on a global stage. I have no doubt that the partnerships formed in Belfast this week will lead Northern Ireland to a more prosperous future.

The Windsor Framework agreed with the EU earlier this year also marks a new era of partnership for the UK and EU and a stable framework for the future. The Framework delivers stability for the people of Northern Ireland, protects Northern Ireland’s place in the Union, and preserves the balance in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Too often, in politics, we focus on the issues that divide us. PEACE PLUS is there to counter this tendency; to promote peace and reconciliation. I know you will all agree that PEACE PLUS comes at a critical time and, as in previous programmes, will significantly contribute to and support those initiatives aimed at fostering cohesion across all communities.

I am determined that the PEACE PLUS projects and activities will promote stability while also contributing to the economy; building prosperity and supporting the levelling up of Northern Ireland’s economy with the rest of the UK. A commitment I know is shared across the sponsors of this programme.

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New intelligence shows Russia’s targeting of a cargo ship [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2023.

New intelligence shows the intended target of a Russian missile attack in the Black Sea was a cargo ship.
- intended target of a Russian missile attack in the Black Sea was a civilian cargo ship
- attacks thwarted by Ukrainian forces who shot down multiple missiles heading towards Odesa port
- since Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russian attacks have destroyed enough grain to feed more than one million people for a year
Intelligence shows that the Russian military targeted a cargo ship in the Black Sea with multiple missiles on 24 August.

The missiles, which included 2 Kalibr missiles fired from a Black Sea Fleet missile carrier, were successfully shot down by Ukraine’s forces on 24 August.

Intelligence shows that an intended target was a Liberian-flagged cargo ship berthed in the port.

This attack followed US government warnings that the Russian military may launch attacks against civilian shipping in the Black Sea.

Thanks to Ukraine’s air defence, the attack on the civilian ship failed. Not one of the Kalibr missiles reached its intended target.

Despite its failure, this is a clear demonstration of Russia’s continuing attempts to choke Ukraine’s economy, and President Putin’s disregard for the lives of civilians and the interests of countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Putin is trying to win a war he will not win, and these attacks show just how desperate he is.

In targeting cargo ships and Ukrainian infrastructure, Russia is hurting the rest of the world.

This is part of a pattern of Russian aggression in the Black Sea. In July, the Foreign Secretary said the UK believed Russia may target civilian ships in the Black Sea. The US has observed Russia laying more sea mines around Ukrainian ports, and footage showing the detonation of a sea mine in July.

Since July, Russia has systematically targeted Ukrainian port and civilian infrastructure. The attacks have so far destroyed 280,000 tonnes of grain – enough to feed over 1 million people for a year, and more than the total Russia promised to donate to African countries.

Russia has stopped even attempting to justify that these attacks are against legitimate military targets and is cynically targeting civilian infrastructure. President Putin’s intentions are clear for all to see. This is a brutal attempt to choke the Ukrainian economy.

While the UK and our partners continue to do all we can to ensure Ukraine’s exports reach those who need it most, this pattern of deliberately targeted attacks in the Black Sea by Russia demonstrates President Putin’s willingness to weaponise food and innocent trade at the expense of the rest of the world as they block food from reaching world markets.

Since its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia has:
- damaged 26 port infrastructure facilities in Odesa, Chornomorsk and Reni
- destroyed 280,000 tonnes of grain – more than the total amount Russia promised to donate to African states, and enough to feed over 1 million people for a year
- because of Russia’s decision to withdraw, up to 24 million tonnes of foodstuffs from Ukraine may now not reach global markets over the coming year
- before Russia’s invasion, Ukraine was feeding 400 million people worldwide and accounted for 8 to 10% of global wheat exports and 10 to 12% of corn and barley exports.
- Ukraine provided over 50% of the wheat for the World Food Programme in 2022 – without the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) the World Food Programme (WFP) will have to replace this with more expensive or lower quality wheat
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Big steps forward in capital markets cooperation with India [September 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 11 September 2023.

Indian firms could soon list in London, it has been announced as part of a package of plans unveiled today by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt alongside Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as they met in Delhi for face-to-face talks.
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, today unveiled a series of shared economic and financial commitments with India, following talks with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi

the Chancellor welcomed India’s confirmation to explore London as a permitted jurisdiction for overseas direct listings of securities

agreements also include the launch of a partnership to boost cross-market investment by the insurance and pension sectors and an initiative to share expertise in structuring and financing major infrastructure projects

The news that India will explore potential London listings follows recent changes to Indian regulation to allow domestic companies to access global markets and underlines the UK capital’s strength as a hub for international capital raising.

In addition, a new UK-India Pensions and Insurance Partnership will support the growth of the sector in both countries. The partnership will focus on knowledge sharing, growing bilateral investment and diversifying risk, including through pension fund trade missions to encourage increased bilateral investment.

The launch of a UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge was also announced today. Co-led by Indian public policy think tank NITI Aayog and the City of London Corporation, the initiative will focus on sharing expertise in structuring and financing major infrastructure projects.

The announcements are part of a series of commitments unveiled following high-level meetings as part of the 12th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD).

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

“I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made through the UK-India EFD this time. It’s a big step forward to hear India confirming that they’ll explore the London Stock Exchange as an international destination for the direct listing of Indian companies.

“I see India as Asia’s Silicon Valley and the UK as Europe’s Silicon Valley, so there’s a lot we can work on together.”

Total trade between the UK and India was worth £36.6 billion in the last financial year, up over 34% year on year, with an £82 million increase in UK-Indian financial services trade over last year. EFDs are a regular way of deepening ties to grow the economies of both countries.

Investment between the UK and India so far already supports over half a million jobs across both economies, and UK businesses sold goods and services worth around £15 billion to India in 2022.

Today’s EFD was the first face to face meeting of its kind between a UK chancellor and Indian counterpart since 2017, with the most recent taking place virtually in 2021. India-UK trade has more than doubled since the first EFD in 2007.

Other major announcements as part of the EFD, include:

The signing of the UK guarantee to the World Bank to unlock an additional $1 billion of green financing in India. This will promote clean energy investment and support green growth targets, accelerating India’s climate transition and ability to meet COP26 commitments. It is hoped that it will encourage other international partners to support India and shape the world’s climate transition.

Agreement to explore new investment opportunities in areas of shared priority, including leveraging institutional capital to invest in climate adaptation and green businesses in India. This builds on the success of the Green Growth Equity Fund, India’s first dedicated climate change fund backed by British International Investment.

The EFD follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s visit to Delhi for the G20 leaders’ summit, where he announced that the UK will provide $2 billion to the Green Climate Fund – the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change, which will make a significant contribution towards the UK’s pledge to spend £11.6 billion on international climate finance, cementing our global climate leadership.

It also comes after the recently announced ‘Alive with Opportunity’ campaign from the UK government, designed to showcase the deep bond between Britain and India and build on the continuous exchange of people, ideas and culture. The campaign is part of the UK’s ambitions to double trade with India by 2030.

Bill Winters, CBE, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered and UK Chair of the India-UK Financial Partnership (IUKFP), said:

“I was delighted to lead a delegation of UK business leaders to accompany the Chancellor of the Exchequer to New Delhi and participate in the EFD. The IUKFP is a crucial platform for UK-India cooperation on issues of critical importance to our respective financial and related professional services industries.

“This innovative public-private partnership has delivered real benefits for both our nations. We look forward to working with both governments to advance our shared goals, including deepening our bilateral trade and investment relationship, greening our financial systems, enhancing collaboration on financial innovation, and enabling cross-border data flows. India and the UK are natural partners, and there are valuable opportunities for us to learn from our respective successes and benefits to be gained by harnessing our full potential.”

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, said:

“I am delighted that the City of London Corporation is able to play a part in the Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) through the India-UK Financial Partnership and our co-sponsorship of the UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) with the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog). This new infrastructure initiative is aimed at leveraging the City of London’s expertise in structuring and phasing major projects to meet India’s infrastructure needs – smoothing the path for long-term sustainable investment into India.

“The EFD marks the strength of the partnership between UK and India and lays an excellent foundation for future ventures between our financial and professional services sectors.”
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Sri Lanka [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2023.

Statement on report of OHCHR on promoting reconciliation, accountability & human rights in Sri Lanka. Delivered by UK Ambassador to the WTO & UN Simon Manley.

Thank you Madam Vice President,

Deputy-High Commissioner, let me thank you for your report and update.

The UK welcomes Sri Lanka’s initial commitments to implement devolution in line with the constitution, to address land issues, and to advance governance legislation. It is important that these commitments are matched by tangible progress on the ground.

We also note longstanding commitments to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and urge the Government to ensure terrorism legislation is consistent with Sri Lanka’s international obligations. We encourage too the further release of long-term detainees.

We call on Sri Lanka to safeguard the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and to freedom of expression. The right to freedom of religion or belief must be respected, and communities must be allowed to remember their loved ones.

The discovery of another mass grave [in Mullaitivu] highlights the urgent need for an adequately resourced, independent, and transparent approach to dealing with the past.

Justice, accountability, and reconciliation are at the heart of our approach and we hope in Sri Lankans. We acknowledge commitments to make progress in transitional justice and urge Sri Lanka to ensure any process carries the support of victim communities, builds upon past recommendations, and meets international standards.

Thank you.

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – Joint Statement on Sri Lanka [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2023.

Statement by Sri Lanka Core Group comprising Canada, N Macedonia, Malawi, Montenegro, United Kingdom and United States. Delivered by UK Ambassador, Rita French.

High Commissioner,

We welcome your report on Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has made important recent commitments on land issues and devolution of political authority. We encourage Sri Lanka to turn these commitments into meaningful action and deliver long-awaited results. Sri Lanka still has a long way to go to fulfil commitments to justice, accountability, and reconciliation.

We note preparations for a truth and reconciliation commission, and emphasise the importance of an inclusive participatory process in the establishment of any mechanisms to advance transitional justice, to gain the confidence of all affected communities, in line with international best practices.

We are concerned by continued incidents of intimidation and harassment of civil society and journalists, and by the arbitrary use of laws to suppress dissent.

As Sri Lanka takes forward its economic recovery, we stress the importance of effective governance reforms and note the recent anti-corruption legislation. This must be accompanied by safeguarding established independent institutions, and democratic processes.

We call on Sri Lanka to work with the High Commissioner and his office [and remain ready to support Sri Lanka in addressing HRC resolution 51/1.]

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Jonathan Bewes appointed as Non-Executive Director to the Court of the Bank of England [September 2023]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 11 September 2023.

In this role Jonathan will also become the Chair of the Court’s Audit and Risk Committee and will take up the role later this Autumn.

The Chancellor has announced that Jonathan Bewes has been appointed as a new Non-Executive Director of the Court of the Bank of England, and will become the Chair of the Court’s Audit and Risk Committee. His Majesty The King has approved the appointment.

Jonathan will take up his role in Autumn 2023 for a term lasting four years.

The Bank’s Court acts as the governing body responsible for setting the organisation’s strategy, budget and taking key decisions on resourcing and appointments. The Audit and Risk Committee assists Court in meeting its responsibilities for an effective system of risk management, internal control and financial reporting, among other duties.

David Roberts, the Chair of the Bank’s Court, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Jonathan Bewes to the Bank of England’s Court of Directors. Jonathan will Chair the Bank’s Audit and Risk Committee, a sub-Committee of Court. Jonathan’s extensive experience, expertise and skills will provide both Committees and the Bank with key insights and challenge.”

About the appointments

The Bank of England is the central bank of the UK. It is governed by the board of directors known as the Court of Directors. Further information can be found at the Bank of England website.

All members of Court are appointed by His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process. In accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any is declared) to be made public. Jonathan has confirmed he has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years

This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, who provides independent assurance that appointments are made in accordance with the Government’s Principles of Public Appointments and Governance Code.

About Jonathan Bewes

Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG, Jonathan has spent over 30 years in the Banking Industry. The majority of this time was spent with Robert Fleming, UBS and Bank of America Merrill Lynch acting as an Investment Banking adviser to the Boards of large, predominantly U.K. public companies on a wide range of financial, strategic and governance issues. From 2017 until earlier this year, he served as Vice Chairman, Corporate and Institutional Banking at Standard Chartered Bank. Jonathan also sits on the Board of Next plc, where he is the Senior Independent Director and chairs the Audit Committee and on the Board of Sage Group plc, where he chairs the Audit and Risk Committee

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Business and Trade Secretary signs landmark first partnership with EU nation to boost British exports [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 11 September 2023.
- Kemi Badenoch signs UK-Italy export and investment partnership on visit to Rome – the first such partnership between the UK and any EU country.
- Partnership will strengthen our post-Brexit export and investment links with Italy and intends to boost a trade relationship worth more than £43 billion.
- Business and Trade Secretary will also co-chair the first UK and Italy CEO Forum, bringing together businesspeople from the two countries to bang the drum for the UK as a top investment destination.
The UK and Italy have today (Wednesday 8 February) agreed a momentous trade partnership to boost UK exports, help create jobs, increase wages and grow the economy.

On her first overseas visit as the Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch MP and Italy’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani met in Rome today to sign the UK-Italy Export and Investment Promotion Dialogue – the first agreed between the UK and any EU country.

The partnership aims to strengthen exports in high-performing and growth sectors of the future, such as Life Sciences and Digital and Tech, as well as promoting inward investment, including low-carbon industries such as Offshore Wind and Carbon Capture Storage.

The agreement reinforces the UK’s position as a vital trade partner within Europe and the G7. It demonstrates how we can use our position as an independent trading nation to agree comprehensive trade deals with new markets, while also strengthening partnerships with EU members.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch MP said:

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in the UK’s trading relationship with Europe and shows how an independent UK can benefit from striking ambitious trade deals with the world, while also reinforcing our already strong and prosperous trading relationship with EU members such as Italy.

“This partnership will boost trade and investment between British and Italian businesses, ease the path for valuable investment, and will crucially grow UK exports as we aim for our target of selling £1 trillion of goods and services a year to the world by the end of the decade.”

Both the UK and Italy are in the top 10 global economies. Trade between the UK and Italy is worth more than £43 billion, making it the UK’s 11th largest trading partner.

The most popular UK exports to Italy include cars, worth £932.5 million and equivalent to 10.1% of all UK goods exported to Italy, and £507.7 million worth of mechanical power generators.

In 2020-21, Italy was also the 6th largest source of UK Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects globally.

During her visit, the Business and Trade Secretary will co-chair the first UK and Italy CEO Forum, alongside the Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso. The meeting is the first of its kind and she will discuss her top trade priorities which include breaking down trade barriers, making the UK the undisputed top investment destination in Europe and attracting new investment helping to level-up the country.

She will also meet with the heads of major Italian investors in the UK including innovative wind turbine business ACT Blade, and Eni, world leading energy company.

Badenoch will also make the opening remarks at the 30th anniversary of the Pontignano Forum where she will discuss the importance of economic security and trade in turbulent times.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Myanmar [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2023.

Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar. As delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

Thank you, Mr President.

The UK is grateful for the Mechanism’s continued work to facilitate justice and accountability in Myanmar. Its latest report brings to light the scale of the Myanmar military’s brutal tactics. The reporting of the military’s brutal actions against the people of Myanmar, including indiscriminate targeting and killing of civilians through airstrikes and the large-scale burning of homes, is truly alarming.

Accountability is the only way to end the culture of impunity in Myanmar.

And the UK is committed to supporting this goal – providing £500,000 to the IIMM (Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar), establishing the Myanmar Witness programme, and leading efforts to secure the first ever UN Security Council Resolution on the situation in Myanmar, urging all parties to respect human rights and end violence.

To successfully collect evidence and continue to meet its mandate, the Mechanism relies on the cooperation of all UN and international partners. Without the cooperation of all UN entities, the Mechanism would not be able to undertake vital activities to hold the Myanmar military to account.

High Commissioner, Mr President,

What more can Member States do to facilitate the Mechanism’s collection of evidence and witness statements?

Thank you.

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Major BMW EV announcement to take UK auto investment to over £6bn [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 11 September 2023.

BMW are set to announce a multi-million-pound investment in their Oxford MINI plant, which will take investment in the UK automotive sector to over £6 billion.
BMW set to announce multi-million pound investment in the UK, in latest major vote of confidence in UK Government plans for the car industry.

Announcement brings total investment into the automotive sector to over £6bn in recent years, securing jobs and promoting economic growth.

Other major investments include over £4bn from Tata to build a new gigafactory in the UK, and £1bn from Nissan and AESC to create an EV manufacturing hub in Sunderland.

Ahead of a visit to the MINI plant in Oxford, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has today (11 September) hailed the success of the UK Government’s plan for automotive, as the sector looks ahead to a bright future thanks to over £6 billion of investment over the last two years.

This comes as BMW are set to announce a multi-million pound investment to transform their Oxford plant, securing 4,000 high-quality jobs and strengthening the electric vehicle supply chain. The news follows extensive government engagement and support.

The Government is securing investment from industry by providing support for new plants and upgrades to ensure that the UK automotive industry thrives long into the future.

Last week Stellantis, makers of Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat, announced the start of electric vehicle production after their £100m investment to make their site in Ellesmere Port their first globally dedicated solely to producing EVs.

Other recent major investments also include a landmark investment of over £4 billion from Tata to build a new gigafactory supplying batteries, £1 billion from Nissan and AESC to create an EV manufacturing hub in Sunderland, and £380 million from Ford to make Halewood their first EV components site in Europe.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

BMW’s investment is another shining example of how the UK is the best place to build cars of the future.

By backing our car manufacturing industry, we are securing thousands of jobs and growing our economy right across the country.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

Today’s announcement by BMW, coming a week after electric vehicle production started at Stellantis’s site at Ellesmere Port, clearly shows that the Government’s plan for the automotive sector is working.

Working in partnership with the car industry, we are securing high-quality jobs and investment and boosting economic growth.

The total investment in the UK automotive sector is set to reach over £6bn in just the last two years, ensuring our car industry can look ahead to a bright and successful future under this Government.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

The UK has a proud history of manufacturing and BMW’s investment is a huge vote of confidence in this country as a global leader in electric vehicles.

And following Stellantis beginning electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, just last week, to Tata’s gigafactory, this industry is motoring, creating thousands of jobs and powering our green transition.

There is a longstanding and comprehensive programme of support for the UK automotive sector, including the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the Automotive Transformation Fund, Faraday Battery Challenge and Driving the Electric Revolution.

Just last week, the Government announced that over £50 million of government funding has been awarded to 30 cutting-edge manufacturing projects including rapid-charging motorcycles and self-driving cars, cementing the UK as one of the best locations in the world to manufacture.

The Government is committed to the future of UK manufacturing, maintaining a competitive business environment and reducing the burden on business.

The manufacturing sector plays a vital role in the UK’s economy and the Chancellor has identified advanced manufacturing as one of five key growth sectors.

Background:

A press notice from BMW Group will follow at 11:00 Monday 11 September.

Companies continue to show confidence in the UK, announcing major investments across the country including over £4bn from Tata to build a new gigafactory in the UK; £1 billion from Nissan and AESC to create an EV manufacturing hub in Sunderland; £380m from Ford to make Halewood their first EV components site in Europe; £100m from Stellantis for their site in Ellesmere Port in the production of electric drive units, and £60m from Johnson Matthey in Hertfordshire to develop hydrogen technologies.

We have a longstanding and comprehensive programme of support for the UK automotive sector, including the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Faraday Battery Challenge and Driving the Electric Revolution.

We continue to work with investors through the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK.
September 13, 2023