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Tag: 2023

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Qatar – Neerav Patel [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Qatar – Neerav Patel [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2023.

    Neerav Patel has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Qatar.

    Mr Neerav Patel has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, in succession to Mr Jonathan Wilks CMG, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Mr Patel will take up his appointment during February 2024.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Neerav Patel

    Spouse: Siobhan Patel

    Children: 2

    Date Role
    2021 to 2023 Cabinet Office, Director, Joint Intelligence Organisation
    Spring 2021 Tel Aviv, Chargé d’Affaires
    2017 to 2021 Cairo, Deputy Head of Mission
    2015 to 2017 Cabinet Office, Deputy Chief of the Assessment Staff, Joint Intelligence Organisation
    2012 to 2015 Tel Aviv, First Secretary (Head, Political Section)
    2011 to 2012 Kabul, First Secretary (Head, Internal Politics)
    2009 to 2011 Cabinet Office, Senior Policy Adviser, National Security Secretariat
    2007 to 2009 No 10 Downing St, Policy Adviser, Prime Minister’s Policy Unit
    2007 Department for Communities, Research and International Manager, Prevent Unit
    2005 to 2007 Home Office, Economist
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government announces up to £650 million for UK alternatives to Euratom R&T [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government announces up to £650 million for UK alternatives to Euratom R&T [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 7 September 2023.

    Following the decision to not associate to Euratom R&T, the government announces plans for an ambitious and cutting-edge suite of new fusion R&D in the UK.

    The government announces today (Thursday 7 September) that it plans to put in place an ambitious and cutting-edge suite of new, alternative R&D programmes to support the UK’s flourishing fusion sector and strengthen international collaboration, in support of the UK Fusion Strategy. This is following the decision to not associate to the Euratom Research and Training programme (Euratom R&T) and by extension, the Fusion for Energy Programme.

    To deliver this package the government plans to invest up to £650 million until 2027, subject to business case approvals. This is in addition to the £126 million announced in November 2022 to support UK fusion R&D programmes. Further details on the alternative programmes will be set out later in the Autumn.

    We remain very open to collaboration with the EU and other international partners, and this will form a key part of this new programme of work.

    The new alternative fusion R&D package will include:

    • new facilities, specifically to grow new fusion fuel cycle capabilities and support innovation
    • a new fusion skills package, to ensure that we develop the skills and capability needed to deliver on our fusion strategy
    • further support to strengthen international collaborative projects
    • other measures to accelerate the commercialisation of fusion including boosting our world leading Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production programme

    Given delays to association and the direction of travel of these EU programmes, an alternative approach gives the UK the best opportunity to deliver our fusion strategy by driving job creation, investment and growth in our world-leading fusion sector.

    This ambitious domestic programme fully aligns with the core principle of international collaboration in the UK fusion strategy, and we remain open to such collaboration including with the EU and ITER (the large international fusion experiment being built in France). However, we believe the UK can be of most use to the global fusion mission outside the Euratom R&T framework.

    Planning on the new package is well advanced and we will announce further details in due course.

    Minister for Nuclear and Networks Andrew Bowie said:

    Today’s investment is a game-changer for the UK.  It gives us the best opportunity to create jobs, investment and, ultimately, economic growth.  And it gives our talented science community the opportunity to work with experts all around the world.

    It will also secure the country’s position as a world-leader in fusion, meaning we could become the first to commercialise this exciting new technology as a clean and secure source of energy.

    Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), welcomed the announcement.

    UKAEA welcomes the clarity about our future relationship with the Euratom R&T programme which provides the certainty needed by the sector. The government’s commitment to an ambitious alternative R&D programme will be hugely important in sustaining the UK’s position as a leader in fusion R&D as well as developing an industrial capability to deliver future fusion powerplants. We welcome the ambition to retain, and even enhance, our international collaborative relationships through this substantial package of alternative R&D.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Overwhelming support for UK’s Horizon Deal [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Overwhelming support for UK’s Horizon Deal [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 7 September 2023.

    Director of Universities UK, Vivienne Stern said:

    “Huge news! An absolutely excellent day. UK joins Horizon Europe under a new bespoke deal. I want to thank and congratulate Rishi Sunak, Michelle Donelan and George Freeman MP for securing this deal. It is great for the UK research system but also for the whole of the UK.”

    President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Professor Sir Jim McDonald FREng FRSE said:

    “We are delighted with this excellent news. The strong preference of the Academy and the wider global research and innovation community has always been for the UK to associate with Horizon Europe, and we congratulate all those whose careful negotiations have confirmed the agreement and whose commitment to investment in innovation makes it possible.

    “The whole engineering community – including business, industry and academia – will celebrate the announcement of continued partnership between the UK and EU. Engineering plays a vital role in addressing our critical global challenges, and this welcome development will enable essential international collaboration for the common good.”

    CEO of the British Academy, Hetan Shah said:

    “And here it is. Excellent news – the confirmation that we are to associate to the Horizon Europe programme. Great news for all UK research especially humanities and social sciences which have always done very well.”

    President of the British Academy, Professor Julia Black PBA said:

    “This is fantastic news. We are delighted to see that association has now been finalised; it is the announcement the whole higher education and research community has been waiting for.

    “Associating to Horizon Europe provides both UK researchers and our international partners with the certainty and stability they have been seeking, enabling them to participate in the largest international collaborative research fund in the world.

    “All of us in the research and innovation community must now drive forward UK participation in Horizon Europe, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, working with counterparts elsewhere in Europe and globally to forge the exciting and fruitful collaborations and partnerships that Horizon Europe enables us to deliver over the long term.”

    President of the Royal Society, Sir Adrian Smith said:

    “Our association to Horizon Europe is fantastic news, not just for the UK but for scientists across the EU and for all the people of Europe.

    “Science has so much to offer in terms of tackling global challenges and improving lives. Today the Government and the EU have given that a big boost.

    “Science is all about international collaboration and association is a big win. It allows us to continue to build on decades of collaborative research with our European partners and step up our global collaborations too to keep us as a nation at the forefront of science and innovation.”

    Executive Director at the Academy of Medical Sciences, Simon Denegri said:

    “Delighted that the Prime Minister has today announced we are associating to Horizon Europe. Congratulations and thank you to our community on its Herculean collective effort in making the case and never giving up.”

    Sir Paul Nurse, Director of the Francis Crick Institute said:

    “I am thrilled to finally see that partnerships with EU scientists can continue. This is an essential step in re-building and strengthening our global scientific standing. Thank you to the huge number of researchers in the UK and across Europe who, over many years, didn’t give up on stressing the importance of international collaboration for science.”

    Janet Valentine, ABPI Executive Director, Innovation and Research Policy said:

    “Joining the Horizon Europe programme is a huge win for the scientific research community, who have been pushing for resolution over the past few years. UK innovation and research depends on international collaborations which are crucial for driving advancements in all areas of science, including the discovery and early development of new medicines and vaccines.
    “The UK accession to Horizon enables the two sides to reinvigorate their longstanding partnership in R&D, and directly contributes to UK growth and competitiveness in the life sciences sector by making the UK an attractive destination for talented researchers.”

    CEO of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Helen Pain said:

    “We wholeheartedly welcome the news that GOVUK and the EU Commission have reached an agreement on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe and Copernicus. After years of pushing for this outcome, it’s fantastic it has been reached. Our community has benefitted extensively from previous programmes and so we expect association to Horizon Europe to be extremely welcome and beneficial for our chemical sciences community. It will enable productive chemical sciences collaborations to help us tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from improving health to tackling climate change. To make the most of this opportunity, we urge researchers and innovators apply to the upcoming grant calls – we will be working with others across the sector to encourage applications. Over the coming months, we will continue to engage with DSIT and work with colleagues across the sector to ensure the transition to association is a smooth as possible.”

    The Royal Society of Biology said:

    “The RSB has been pressing the government to associate with Horizon Europe and is delighted with this outcome. This decision will benefit UK science, society and economic growth. Bioscience holds potential solutions for many critical challenges from biodiversity loss through climate change to disease control and food security. UK & EU biologists will once again have access to the enormous benefits of collaboration that the Horizon programme brings.”

    Chief Executive of the Institute of Physics, Tom Grinyer said:

    “The agreement to join Horizon is incredibly welcome and ends a period of real and damaging uncertainty for the UK science community.

    “As the Institute of Physics has long highlighted Horizon association brings unparalleled opportunities backed by funding for collaboration – it is best for science, best for business and innovation, and best for the UK.

    “Now we need to look at the details and get on with the hard work of making up for lost time in joint projects, collaboration and innovating with our European partners.”

    Dr Nick Walkden, UK Director of the Fusion Industry Association said:

    “The Fusion Industry Association welcomes the U.K. Government’s ambitious new £650m programme for fusion development and commercialisation as an alternative to Euratom association.  The Government’s proposed alternative programme will be ambitious, exciting, and commercially focussed, representing a unique opportunity and an effective use of public funds at a critical time in the effort to develop and deploy fusion energy. We therefore welcome today’s announcement and look forward to a rapid adoption of the UK Government programme of alternative interventions as soon as possible.”

    Chair of the UK Space Trade Association, John Hanley said:

    “We welcome this Horizon Europe news. We have a strong track record within Copernicus, with UK industry securing valuable contracts that have delivered jobs and growth across the country whilst unlocking a better understanding of our planet.”

    Director of Research & Head of Education & Science at the Policy Exchange, Iain Mansfield said:

    “Superb news that the UK will be rejoining Horizon Europe. Science has always known no borders. This renewed partnership is good for Britain, good for Europe and good for the world. A triumph for Michelle Donelan to secure this on such positive terms.”

    Professor Tara Spires-Jones, President of the British Neuroscience Association said:

    “There is a huge amount of relief in the neuroscience community today at the news that the UK will join Horizon Europe as an associate member. The delays have undoubtedly had impacts on the UK’s ability to lead international collaborations in neuroscience, which we will have to work hard to repair. An open and inclusive European Research Area is essential for neuroscience collaboration, and we
    look forward to UK neuroscientists seizing the opportunities ahead.”

    Tech UK said:

    “This is fantastic news, paving the way for new opportunities for the UK’s science sector and tech innovation.”

    Executive Director of Start-up Coalition, Dom Hallas said:

    “This is very positive news.”

    Co-founder of the Founders Forum, and founder of two unicorns, Brent Hoberman said:

    “UK rejoins EU horizon research programme. Good news to highlight!”

    Professor, Sarah Main, Executive Director of the Campaign for Science & Engineering, CaSE said:

    “What wonderful news! This news will bring a burst of joy to UK science and will provide the foundation for long-lasting economic, health and technological value to the UK.

    “The many organisations that lead with science and research in the UK, including big business, start-ups, universities and health charities, will be delighted with this news.

    “With this renewed certainty, scientists and engineers across the UK and Europe can now accelerate their ideas and collaborations, which drive the economy and improves the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere.

    “Congratulations to all who have worked so hard to secure this deal over the last few years.”

    VC Professor, Irene Tracey at the University of Oxford said:

    “It is terrific to see UK researchers back at the heart of the world’s largest collaborative research programme. Everyone stands to gain from the new Horizon deal, which will facilitate increased opportunities for international collaboration on setting the scientific agenda, powering fresh discoveries and breakthroughs on issues affecting us all, including disease, climate change and AI.”

    UCL President & Provost, Dr Michael Spence, said:

    “Today’s announcement on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe and Copernicus is a cause for celebration on both sides of the channel.

    “Association to Horizon Europe will enable research which makes a positive difference to people’s lives, supporting vital research networks and strengthening the UK’s position as an attractive destination for talent.

    “We are grateful to the UK Government and to the European Commission for their efforts to secure a deal, and to the many members of our community who have advocated for this outcome.

    “As one of Europe’s most internationally collaborative universities, the UCL community is well-placed to take full advantage of the opportunities association offers by continuing to lead collaborative, innovative research projects which tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.”

    Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), said:

    “The announcement of Horizon Europe accession is wonderful news for researchers across the UK and throughout Europe, allowing them the opportunity to work together to help solve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. At UCL our researchers have continued to win European grants over the last two years thanks to the Government’s Horizon Europe Guarantee, but this excellent news will now give our researchers even more opportunity to lead, collaborate and partner with the best researchers and universities in Europe to deliver outcomes that transform the lives of UK citizens.”

    The Vice-Provost of research & enterprise at Imperial, Mary Ryan said:

    “Excellent news that the UK rejoins our partners in European research Collaboration is more important than ever to secure a safe, sustainable and healthy future.”

    The Queen Mary University of London said:

    “Queen Mary welcomes the confirmation that the UK is rejoining Horizon. Great news for our world-leading research community.”

    President of UUK, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone said:

    “The entire research community, within our universities and beyond, will be delighted at the news that an agreement has been reached. Overcoming the obstacles to association was no small feat and we are grateful to the government and the commission for their perseverance to secure this successful outcome.

    “Horizon Europe has been the basis of scientific collaboration for over 30 years. From early detection of ovarian cancer to developing clean energy networks involving dozens of universities and many industrial partners, Horizon lets us do things that would not be possible without that scale of collaboration.

    “Allowing our scientists to work together, irrespective of borders, is in all of our interests. Our universities will now do everything possible to ensure the UK rapidly bounces back towards previous levels of participation and is able to secure genuine value, delivering the wealth of research opportunities available.”

    The Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society have issued a joint statement on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe said:

    “This is a great day for researchers in the UK and across Europe. The Horizon programme is a beacon of international collaboration and UK-based academic and industrial researchers will now be back at the heart of that.

    “Research is vital to tackling the key problems we face, from global challenges such as climate change to driving productivity growth and creating new jobs locally. Our involvement in Horizon Europe will make the UK stronger and is a big win for global research and innovation.”

    Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said:

    “Horizon Europe association is overwhelmingly in the best interests of cancer patients and scientists, and it is great news for cancer research that agreement has finally been reached between the UK and EU.

    “There will be relief throughout the research community that the uncertainty of the last two and a half years has come to an end. Nearly three quarters of respondents to our survey of cancer researchers cited funding from the EU as important for their work, showing how crucial Horizon Europe association is for the future of cancer research.

    “We hope that this deal paves the way for the UK’s ongoing participation in future European research programmes. It is essential that the European Commission, the UK Government and UK research funders work with urgency to rebuild the strong position the UK occupied in the Horizon programme, and get funds and global collaboration flowing again into our research institutions.”

    Dame Professor Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser said:

    “This is great news for UK science and technology. International collaboration is a vital part of a thriving science ecosystem and association with the Horizon programme bolsters our plans to secure our status as a science and technology superpower.”

    Chief Executive of the Russell Group, Dr Tim Bradshaw said:

    “Association to Horizon Europe is tremendous news for UK science, research and innovation. We are delighted that a good deal has been struck, so all credit to the negotiating teams who have been working hard behind the scenes to get this over the line.

    “This deal is a true win-win for everyone. The scale of research supported by Horizon Europe will help deliver medical breakthroughs, new technologies, and advances in areas such as AI to improve all our lives and help tackle the shared environmental, economic, and social challenges we face.

    “The research community on both sides of the Channel are raring to go and will spare no effort in making our association a success. Universities have plans in place to get researchers to apply and our partner universities and businesses across the EU – and in other associated countries – are eager to work with our institutions. We will be ready to work with Government and the Commission to make the most of Horizon’s opportunities from day one and beyond into its successor.”

    John Hanley, Chair of the UKspace trade body, said:

    “UKspace welcomes the news that the UK is reassociating with the EU Copernicus and Horizon Programmes. We have a strong track record within Copernicus with UK industry securing valuable contracts that have delivered jobs and growth across the country whilst unlocking a better understanding of our planet. We look forward to working with the Government to capitalise quickly on this agreement and identify the actions needed to build upon the UK’s national Earth Observation initiatives to ensure that industry can once more take a leading role in the largest multi-lateral EO Programme in the world.”

    Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer for Rolls-Royce, said:

    “Horizon Europe has had a significant impact on Aerospace technologies and in helping Rolls-Royce remain at the forefront of technological advancement. We greatly welcome the UK’s return to the Horizon Europe programme, and look forward to going further and doing more, leveraging public-private partnership to continue driving world-leading innovation and competitiveness.”

    Dr Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer, London Higher said:

    “The confirmation that the UK will rejoin Horizon Europe is welcome news for universities across London, the UK’s top ranked innovation cluster. The wait to associate to Horizon may have been lengthy but worthwhile, as today’s announcement shores up the future of research, innovation and higher education across the United Kingdom.

    “With the assurance of association, London’s higher education and research community now has a renewed sense of purpose and optimism that London can reach its true potential as a research powerhouse. Association is both a recognition of the value we bring to the international scientific community and the acknowledgment that we are still very much a part of a global network of knowledge-sharing and innovation.

    “Our universities now have the certainty and stability needed to continue powering the engine of UK innovation and to build connectivity across the regions as we seek to level up across the country and make the UK a global science superpower. We are committed to working collaboratively with our European partners, leveraging our collective expertise to drive innovation, support research excellence, and build a brighter future for all.”

    Professor Paul Stewart FMedSci, Academy of Medical Sciences Vice President, Clinical, said:

    “Today marks a pivotal moment for UK science. After a hiatus, the scientific community is celebrating the tremendous news that we are once more part of the EU’s flagship funding programme.

    “By associating to Horizon Europe, we now have the commitment and momentum to drive forward the Government’s vision for an innovative, high growth future and are well placed to support the diverse and highly skilled research talent that underpins our life sciences sector.

    “Health research is an international endeavour, it relies on supporting the best ideas, but also on creating cross-border networks which is good news for the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Association sends a very strong message that the UK is open for business and remains a prime destination to work on health research and innovation to improve lives.”

    UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said:

    “Today’s agreement on UK association to Horizon Europe is brilliant news.

    “The UK has a long track record of mutually beneficial participation in previous EU schemes and this decision enables us to build on those highly successful collaborations to maximise the opportunities membership of Horizon Europe provides.

    “UKRI is looking forward to working with our communities and partners to capture the many benefits of Horizon Europe for researchers and businesses.”

    John Harrison, Chairman of Airbus UK:

    “It is great news that the U.K. will be rejoining Horizon Europe, which is a key funding programme for research and innovation, as well as the Copernicus programme. Having provided many of Copernicus’ critical technologies from the U.K., as well as designing and building the Sentinel 5P satellite in Stevenage, we look forward to contributing to future Copernicus Earth observation missions which play such a key role in understanding and tackling the planet’s changing climate.”

    Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

    “The UK has a long history of expertise and innovation in Earth observation, so it is excellent news that we are going to continue our association in the EU part of Copernicus programme. This is a great outcome for our world-leading Earth observation sector, who we have worked closely with to support.

    “Participating in Copernicus will enable the UK space sector to continue to play a significant role in the development of critical missions that will enable us to monitor our planet more effectively and lead a global effort through the use of satellite data to find new solutions to the urgent challenge of climate change.”

    Ilan Gur, CEO of Advanced Research + Invention Agency said:

    “A strong, interconnected scientific ecosystem is the foundation of breakthrough discovery and invention. This is wonderful news — a boost to science innovation not just for the UK but for the world!”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sir Nicholas Coleridge appointed as the new Chair of Historic Royal Palaces [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sir Nicholas Coleridge appointed as the new Chair of Historic Royal Palaces [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 7 September 2023.

    His Majesty the King has appointed Sir Nicholas Coleridge as the new Chair of Historic Royal Palaces from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2026.

    Sir Nicholas Coleridge

    Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE has been Chair of the Victoria and Albert Museum since 2015, and a Trustee since 2012. He was for thirty years successively Editorial Director, Managing Director and President of the Conde Nast media group. He has been Chair of the Professional Publishers Association, Chair of the British Fashion Council, Chair of the Prince of Wales’ Campaign for Wool, and was Co-Chair of the late Queen Elizabeth 2nd’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant. He is the author of fifteen books, both fiction and non-fiction.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The Chair of Historic Royal Palaces Board is not remunerated. This reappointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Sir Nicholas Coleridge has not declared any significant political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two Commissioners reappointed to Historic England [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two Commissioners reappointed to Historic England [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 7 September 2023.

    The Secretary of State has reappointed Ben Derbyshire and Professor Helena Hamerow as Commissioners of Historic England for second terms of four years.

    Ben Derbyshire

    Reappointed for a second term of four years from 01 September 2023.

    Ben is non-executive Chair of HTA Design LLP, a leading multidisciplinary design practice specialising in housing and placemaking.  He has a long association with the practice, having first joined as a student in 1973, becoming a partner in 1986.  He led a management buyout in 2013 since when the practice has grown five-fold, now employing 250 people in four studios across the UK.

    As a Commissioner of Historic England, Ben serves on the London Advisory Committee, High Streets Heritage Action Zone Board and is chair of the Historic Places Panel.

    Ben is President of the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies and is a current member of the NHBC Council.

    He was President of RIBA from 2017 – 2019 where he oversaw fundamental change in the financing and governance of the institute and the instigation of policies in relation to climate action, professional competence and codes of conduct.

    Ben has published widely in research on housing for example relating to the performance rating of homes and in relation to Supurbia, a strategy for suburban intensification through collective action of neighbours. He has summarised his long career as a housing designer, in a book, Home Truths, published by Hatch Editions and available from RIBA Books in January 2023, effectively a primer for anyone with an interest in the planning and design of sustainable places.

    Professor Helena Hamerow

    Reappointed for a second term of four years from 01 September 2023.

    Helena Hamerow is Professor of Early Medieval Archaeology at the University of Oxford. Her research interests include the economy, settlements and farming practices of early medieval Europe. She is a Fellow of St Cross College, where she was Vice-Master from 2005-2008, and an Honorary Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford.

    Helena has previously served on the Board of Visitors of the Ashmolean Museum and the Board of Curators of the Bodleian Libraries and was an elected member of the Council of the University of Oxford from 2016 to 2020. She is a former President of the Society for Medieval Archaeology and Vice-President of the Royal Archaeological Institute.  Helena is a Fellow of the British Academy and a member of the Board of Directors of Oxford Archaeology and of the Board of Visitors of the Pitt Rivers Museum. She currently Chairs the Historic England Advisory Committee.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Commissioners of Historic England are remunerated £4,113 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.

    Ben Derbyshire and Helena Hamerow have declared no political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government outlines preferred structure of new independent football regulator [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government outlines preferred structure of new independent football regulator [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 7 September 2023.

    A new independent regulator for men’s elite football will be set up as a standalone body to make sure it is operationally independent from the game and can adequately protect clubs’ and fans’ interests.

    • Government reaffirms commitment to independent regulator to protect the future of English football for fans and communities
    • New regulator will be standalone body, sitting outside existing football authorities and government
    • More detail on how it will fit with existing football structures announced

    The new independent regulator for men’s elite football will be set up as a standalone body to make sure it is operationally independent from the game and can adequately protect clubs’ and fans’ interests.

    Following a consultation process with clubs and the football authorities, the Government is today confirming it is ‘minded’ to set up the new regulator independent of any existing body, but that all options remain under review. It will continue to work with and engage industry and fan groups as these proposals develop.

    Despite the global success of English football, there have been more than 60 instances of clubs being put into administration since 1992, and the Government is stepping in to protect football clubs as vital community assets.

    The Government will make sure the regulator has a tightly defined scope focused on four major areas: financial resources, suitable owners, fan interests and approved competitions.

    To minimise the risk of regulatory overlap and burden, and reflecting the vital existing roles of the FA and the leagues in the growth of English football, the regulator will adopt a cooperative approach, collaborating and sharing information with existing football bodies.

    This will include identifying areas of responsibility, coordinating rules and processes with industry bodies to minimise gaps, duplication or conflicts, and to avoid confusion and burden for clubs.

    The Government’s preferred option on financial redistribution between the leagues continues to be a football-led solution. The financial health of clubs and their role as community assets is of paramount importance and the government urges the football authorities to come to a swift agreement in the interests of clubs and fans.

    The majority of respondents to the consultation support the introduction of new backstop powers for the regulator, to be used if a solution is not found in future financial redistribution agreements. Work is ongoing on a backstop system that involves targeted powers to intervene and facilitate an agreement on financial redistribution as and when necessary.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    Our football clubs are the lifeblood of communities and the envy of leagues around the world. We want to see them protected for fans now and in the future.

    Today we outline our plans to make sure the new regulator for football is independent, and remains true to its central mission to safeguard these community assets and help the beautiful game continue to grow in England.

    Following the publication of its football governance white paper in February, the Government has carried out a series of detailed consultations with the football industry, gathering further views from fans, clubs and the football authorities on how the measures in the white paper should be implemented.

    The Government’s consultation response has now been published. Legislation to support the introduction of an independent regulator of football governance will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.

    Today’s publication follows a letter from the Government encouraging The FA, Premier League, EFL and PFA to formalise a Technical Consultation Group, which would see them meet before the summer transfer window, on a formal basis, every year to agree immigration criteria for clubs’ access to players across the globe.

    The proposed group would help ensure English clubs have access to the very best talent from a wider pool of international players. It would also protect the prospects of homegrown players by ensuring a significant number of playing minutes are given to English players.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £15 million competition to accelerate use of quantum in Government [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £15 million competition to accelerate use of quantum in Government [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology on 7 September 2023.

    £15 million Quantum Catalyst Fund will accelerate the adoption of quantum solutions by the public sector.

    • £15 million Quantum Catalyst Fund will accelerate the adoption of quantum solutions by the public sector
    • Quantum technology could revolutionise work across government, including transport, space, health and net zero – from boosting computing power for new drug discovery, to enabling previously-impossible ways of scanning and sensing
    • 30 projects have been chosen to take part in phase 1 of the competition

    The first winners of a £15 million competition to explore the benefits of using quantum technologies in the government’s work across areas like health, transport and net zero have been announced today (7 September).

    The Quantum Catalyst Fund aims to accelerate the adoption of quantum solutions by the public sector and will ensure the UK government is well-placed to fully harness the benefits of using these technologies across a range of policy areas.

    Quantum technologies – one of the government’s five critical technologies – are devices and systems using quantum mechanics to provide capabilities that ‘classical’ machines like binary computers cannot.

    They already offer possible solutions to some of our greatest challenges in society and provide future capabilities that are yet to be explored. These technologies hold the potential to tackle intricate problems that currently surpass the capacities of even the most advanced classical computers and will allow us to reach new frontiers in sensing, timing, imaging, and communications. Over the next ten years, quantum technologies are expected to revolutionise many aspects of life in the UK and bring enormous benefits such as helping to grow our economy and create well-paid jobs across the country – one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities.

    Examples include:

    • An exponential increase in computing power from quantum computers could revolutionise our healthcare system – from dramatically improved drug discovery techniques to providing personalised treatment to an individual based on genetic and environmental factors.
    • Quantum sensing and imaging can provide unprecedented insight about what lies beneath the ground – saving billions in environmental monitoring and on large-scale construction projects.
    • Quantum clocks and communication could help us develop new navigation and timing capabilities without the need for a satellite link, providing even greater resilience for railways, telecommunications and emergency services.

    The first round of feasibility studies under the new fund will explore how this technology can provide new capabilities in public services, such as quantum-enabled brain imaging in healthcare to tackle epilepsy, concussion, and dementia, or quantum computing that can solve optimisation problems in energy grids, helping us to reach net zero.

    Some of the areas of interest that the government has identified include:

    • Transport – how could quantum technologies improve our ability to survey underground to improve infrastructure project delivery or provide more precise positioning and timing of trains in real time
    • Space – how might quantum technologies be integrated into space-based platforms to provide insights into the Earth’s climate and its environment or be utilised for space-based applications
    • Health – how can quantum technologies provide new or enhanced capabilities in healthcare
    • Crime – could we use quantum technologies to enhance our ability to detect anomalies in cargo and parcels, such as contraband or people smuggling
    • Defence – how can quantum computing solve data analytics challenges in defence
    • Net Zero – how can quantum technologies help to reach net zero

    UK Minister of State for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman MP, said:

    The Quantum revolution is set to be as transformational as the rise of classical computing, and is now starting to open up whole new fields from superfast computing to navigation, allowing us to do things that were previously impossible. We can use our scientific leadership in quantum to build exciting new career paths, businesses and even whole sectors here in the UK, boosting economic growth.

    We are determined to continue to invest and lead from the front in quantum infrastructure, regulation, standards and skills to fully exploit it’s potential to drive new economic opportunities. Our Quantum Catalyst Fund will help to push the boundaries of this technology’s development, and use public sector procurement to help nurture new companies and deliver benefits for citizens in public services to benefit us all.

    The competition is being delivered by Innovate UK in conjunction with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It is part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme which has been running since 2014 to put the UK at the forefront of quantum technologies globally.

    Quantum was identified as one of the five technologies that are most critical to the UK alongside artificial intelligence, engineering biology, future telecommunications and semiconductors. Quantum technologies will revolutionise many aspects of life in the UK and bring enormous benefits to the UK economy, society, and the way we can protect our planet. The UK has a world-leading position in quantum expertise, and this technology is one of the top priorities for the government, as set out in the UK Science and Technology Framework.

    30 projects have been awarded funding in phase 1 of the competition which will run for 3 months and explore the feasibility of applying quantum technologies to help solve challenges for government. At the end of phase 1, the most promising concepts will be awarded a contract to phase 2 to develop a prototype and demonstration of the solution.

    The Quantum Catalyst Fund is part of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) which is funded by DSIT and Innovate UK. SBRI offers organisations the opportunity to work directly with the public sector to develop new technologies and processes, helping to meet efficiency targets and improving public services. It supports the research and development of solutions to solve public sector challenges.

    The National Quantum Strategy, published in March 2023, commits £2.5 billion to developing quantum technologies in the UK over the ten years from 2024 – more than doubling current public investment, which will aim to generate an additional £1 billion of private investment into the programme.

    The strategy sets out a bold and ambitious approach to supporting quantum technologies in the UK across the broad spectrum of quantum computing, sensing, timing, imaging and communications. It sets out how the UK will develop its strengths across different hardware platforms, software and components, and reinforce our capabilities throughout the supply chains.

    Notes to editors

    A full list of those receiving funding can be found below:

    Project title Lead company Location
    Quantum-Accelerated Recombinant Protein Drug Embedding Frameworks (QARPDEF) VORSUS LTD Rugby, Warwickshire
    Utilising Quantum Machine Learning and quantum computing for genomic research and development QUANTUM BASE ALPHA LTD Brighton
    CPT Thermal clock development – TACIT ALTER TECHNOLOGY TUV NORD UK LIMITED Livingston, West Lothian
    Quantum computing solutions for optimisation problems in Energy Grids PHASECRAFT LIMITED London
    Quantum-Assisted Flood Modelling: Pioneering Large-Scale Analysis for Enhanced Risk Assessment MULTIVERSE COMPUTING LTD London
    Quantum Enabled Detector – QED MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY CALDICOT LIMITED Bristol
    Quantum-Enabled Brain Imaging: A Pathway to Clinical Utility CERCA MAGNETICS LIMITED Staplehurst, Kent
    Quantum-Enhanced Sustainable Transportation (QuEST) CGA SIMULATION LIMITED Liverpool
    Quantum computing for clean energy innovation PHASECRAFT LIMITED London
    Quantum geo-magnetometers – a UK sovereign commercial OPM for enhanced GNSS-denied navigation University of Strathclyde Glasgow
    Q-view University of Southampton Southampton
    GCC – Gravity Cartography Catalyst DELTA G LIMITED Birmingham
    AtomTRAIN: Atom-based Transportation Resilience with Atom Interferometer Navigation M-SQUARED LASERS LIMITED Glasgow
    QUESTS – QUantum Enhanced Scanning Technology for community healthcare Settings METLASE LIMITED Oxford
    Q-ACES: Advances in Chemical Energy Storage with Quantum Computing CAPGEMINI UK PLC Woking, Surrey
    Quantum Simulations: A New Era for Actinide Chemistry CAMBRIDGE QUANTUM COMPUTING LIMITED London
    Quantum photonic neural networks to predict instabilities in tokamaks DUALITY QUANTUM PHOTONICS LTD Bristol
    Q-CALC (Quantum Contextual Artificial intelligence for Long-range Correlations) COLDQUANTA UK LIMITED Warwick, Warwickshire
    Quantum optimised Electric Vehicle charger locations Q-CTRL UK LIMITED London
    CQINS: Continuous Quantum Inertial Navigation Systems COLDQUANTA UK LIMITED Warwick, Warwickshire
    Q-GEO – Quantum Gravimetry for Earth Observation COLDQUANTA UK LIMITED Oxford
    QS-Precision Inertial Navigation (QS-PIN) ALTARANGE LTD Edinburgh
    Railway Quantum Inertial Navigation System for Condition Based Monitoring MONIRAIL LTD Halesowen, West Midlands
    Design of battery electrolytes using quantum computing MULTIVERSE COMPUTING LTD London
    Hydrodynamic simulation using Quantum Tensor Networks on a quantum computer SEEQC UK LIMITED London
    Project Octopus – Quantum fingerprinting for securing generative models ORCA COMPUTING LTD London
    Q-SAT-GEN – Hybrid generative modelling for satellite image denoising and infilling ORCA COMPUTING LTD London
    Qurrode: Quantum corrosion monitoring FRAUNHOFER UK RESEARCH LIMITED Glasgow
    Silicon-based Quantum Optimisation in the Parity Architecture QUANTUM MOTION TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED London
    Assessing future resource requirements for fault tolerant quantum computers (Qiron) Riverlane LTD Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
  • PRESS RELEASE : £381m boost for EV charging as Chancellor opens West Midlands hub [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £381m boost for EV charging as Chancellor opens West Midlands hub [September 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 7 September 2023.

    The charging hub is big enough to charge 180 cars simultaneously.

    • £381 million funding scheme to deliver thousands of public charge points across the country opens for applications
    • Chancellor opens UK’s largest electric vehicle charging site in Birmingham in major boost to Britain’s electric charging infrastructure
    • EV drivers in the West Midlands set to benefit from the 180 charge point hub, becoming the largest electric vehicle charging site in the UK

    A new electric vehicle charging hub – big enough to charge 180 cars simultaneously – has been opened by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Birmingham today (Thursday 7 September). It marks a significant boost for Britain’s electric car charging network, becoming the largest electric vehicle charging site in the UK.

    The  Gigahub™, located at the city’s NEC Campus, is the largest-ever private investment in a UK electric vehicle project to date. The project has been developed by a three-way collaboration between the NEC, EV Network and bp pulse, and is now operated by bp pulse. It is funded by a record £8 million from its investment partner, Zood Infrastructure Limited. The site will provide 30 super-fast, 300kw DC charging bays and a further 150 7KW a/c charging bays – one of the largest amounts of super-fast chargers in one location in the UK.

    The site is strategically positioned to become a major transport hub for the future – located in the heart of the UK motorway network, including the M42, M46 and A45 and the new HS2 interchange station.

    The site supports the government’s electric vehicle infrastructure strategy and commitment to decarbonising transport, backed with more than £2 billion to support the transition to zero emission vehicles including accelerating the rollout of chargepoint infrastructure.

    As part of that, government and industry have so far supported the installation of over 45,500 publicly available electric vehicle charging devices, including more than 8,600 rapid devices. The public charging network is growing quickly – public charging devices have more than tripled in four years from 10,300 devices in January 2019 to over 45,500 in August 2023.

    The number of public chargepoints rose by 38% over the last year, and as a recent report from the National Infrastructure Commission points out, if charge point deployment grows at around 30% per year the 300,000 expectation will be met.

    Today the Chancellor has also announced that several local authorities across England can apply for the first round of the Government’s £343 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund, with the West Midlands Combined Authority among the authorities eligible to apply this year.

    The LEVI fund will ensure the transition to electric vehicles takes place in every part of the country by supporting tens of thousands of local chargepoints, especially for those without access to off-street parking.

    Local authorities will receive LEVI funding in two groups, with the first able to apply for their allocated funding from today, to be distributed this financial year. The second group can apply for their funding next financial year.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said:

    “This is the biggest private investment in electric charging in the UK and is a huge vote of confidence in Britain’s role as a leader in green industries.

    “The ground-breaking site will be a major transport hub for the future and marks a significant step in our rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country.”

    Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said:

    “Electric vehicles will play a crucial role in helping the UK to decarbonise transport and reach net zero.

    “Today’s measures will deliver tens of thousands of chargepoints across the country, boosting the economy and creating skilled jobs.”

    Paul Thandi CBE, DL, Chairman of NEC Group, said:

    “We are proud to contribute to the UK Government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy. Working in collaboration with EVN and bp pulse, the opening of our EV charging hub provides NEC Campus customers, commuters, and those working for local regional or national businesses, a reliable and convenient way to recharge and support a lower carbon travel future.

    “This strategic collaboration and initiative strengthen our destination offer, demonstrate our commitment to reducing the impact our business practices and our Masterplan credentials have on the environment, and ultimately supports a reduction in carbon emissions.”

    Akira Kirton, vice president of bp pulse UK, said:

    “The transition to electric vehicles is evolving at pace which is why bp pulse is focussed on accelerating the development of the UK’s EV infrastructure, delivering the right charging speeds, in the right locations and investing up to £1 billion to do so.

    “This new, nationally significant bp pulse Gigahub™ at the heart of the UK’s road network, is another great example of our strategy in action. We plan to roll out hundreds of hubs this decade in places EV drivers needs them – urban areas, on trunk roads and motorways and at destinations such as restaurants, retail parks and hotels.”

    Alexander Walsh, senior managing director at Blackstone, said:

    “The opening of the UK’s largest EV charging hub at the NEC is a significant step forward as more drivers across the UK move to electric vehicles, with sites like this playing an important role in supporting the UK’s energy transition.

    “Blackstone has been invested in the NEC since 2018, and this development demonstrates the positive impact private investment can have in driving innovation and creating green jobs, and we’re proud to be backing the industries of the future in the West Midlands and beyond that are helping build a more sustainable future.”

    Reza Shaybani, CEO, and co-founder of the EV Network (EVN), said:

    “The launch of one of Europe’s largest ultra-fast Gigahub™ is a massive game changer for EVN and a huge step forward for UK electric vehicle fast charging. The EVN team responding to the public demand for more charging and we are responding with hundreds of millions of pounds of new investment and the very latest technology.

    “EVN has already built dozens of sites across the UK, but the successful completion of this new project launches us onto a much more ambitious growth path, as the leading business in our sector with a range of exciting new partners.

    “The NEC was a perfect location that is not only geographically key, but of national significance, to support the EV charging landscape. EVN secured 6.5MVA grid connection, to support the entire infrastructure. The strategic placement and impressive scale of this charging hub within the UK’s transport infrastructure offers reassuring support to drivers journeying between cities.

    “Our long-term relationship with both the NEC Group and bp pulse ensures this is not just an investment for the site’s visitors but a transformative step towards bolstering the entire EV charging infrastructure of the UK.

    “At EVN we are excited to invest £100M in EV Infrastructure projects this year, and we aim to invest a further £300M equity by 2025.”

    Alongside this, UK Research and Innovation has announced that Innovate UK has awarded £5.8m of funding to 12 projects through the Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge Fund. Winning projects include work on best practice in automation and robotics to produce EV chargers, and the scale-up of the assembly manufacturing processes for a rare earth-free permanent magnet generator – allowing us to produce electric machines without using rare earth elements.

    Whilst he was in the region, the Chancellor also convened a roundtable with green industries SMEs based in and around the West-Midlands, including leading green electric vehicle, energy and manufacturing companies as part of his ongoing engagement with his five key growth sectors: life sciences, advanced manufacturing, green industries, digital and technology and creative industries.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK statement on birthday of Russian opposition politician [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK statement on birthday of Russian opposition politician [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2023.

    The UK has issued a statement on Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza’s 42nd birthday, his second spent in a Russian prison.

    Today (7 September) marks Russian opposition politician, journalist, and human rights activist Vladimir Kara-Murza’s 42nd birthday, the second he will spend in a Russian prison on politically-motivated charges.

    Mr Kara-Murza was convicted of spreading “knowingly false information” about the Russian armed forces; involvement with an “undesirable” organisation; and treason, and in April was sentenced to 25 years in prison in Russia.

    An FCDO spokesman said:

    Vladimir Kara-Murza should not be in prison at all – he is only there for having rightly called out Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a contravention of international law.

    We reiterate our call for Mr Kara-Murza’s immediate and unconditional release, and for Russia to adhere to its international human rights obligations. We commend the continued efforts of his wife, Evgenia Kara-Murza, to advocate for her husband and all those who have spoken out against Russia’s invasion.

    Vladimir Kara-Murza has received wide recognition for his work, including the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize.

    His persecution is part of a wider pattern of oppression of Russian citizens by the Kremlin. Since the invasion thousands of Russians have been arrested and prosecuted for even small gestures of opposition to the war. There have been over 600 prosecutions for similar ‘anti-war’ activity to the allegations against Mr Kara-Murza since February 2022.

    Background

    • British Embassy officials have attended Mr Kara-Murza’s court hearings in Moscow throughout the year. FCDO officials have consistently raised Mr Kara-Murza’s case with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian Embassy, and will continue to do so.
    • After he was sentenced, the UK government summoned the Russian Ambassador, and has also sanctioned nine individuals involved in his case.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK joins Horizon Europe under a new bespoke deal [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK joins Horizon Europe under a new bespoke deal [September 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 September 2023.

    UK to associate to Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes through a bespoke new agreement with the EU.

    • UK to associate to Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes through a bespoke new agreement with the EU.
    • Prime Minister secured improved financial terms of association that are right for the UK and protect the taxpayer.
    • British scientists encouraged to apply now for grants and projects with certainty.
    • UK confirms it will take forward its own fusion energy strategy instead of associating with the Euratom programme.

    UK scientists will have access to the world’s largest research collaboration programme, Horizon Europe, as the Prime Minister secures a bespoke deal with improved financial terms for the UK’s participation.

    From today (Thursday 7 September), UK researchers can apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under the Horizon programme, with certainty that the UK will be participating as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.

    Once adopted, the UK will also be able to join the governance of EU programmes – which the UK has been excluded from over the last three years – ensuring we can shape collaboration taking place next year. And UK researchers will be able to lead consortia in the next work programme of Horizon Europe projects.

    Horizon will give UK companies and research institutions unrivalled opportunities to lead global work to develop new technologies and research projects, in areas from health to AI. This will not only open up cooperation with the EU, but also Norway, New Zealand and Israel which are part of the programme – and countries like Korea and Canada which are looking to join too.

    This follows a call between the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on Wednesday (6 September). They are encouraging UK scientists to apply with confidence from today and they agreed that the UK and EU will work together to boost participation.

    As part of the new deal negotiated over the last six months, the Prime Minister has secured improved financial terms of association to Horizon Europe that are right for the UK – increasing the benefits to UK scientists, value for money for the UK taxpayer, and mitigating the impact that the EU’s delays to our association will have on participation rates of researchers.

    The UK will also associate to Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme. This will provide the UK’s earth observation sector with access to unique data – valuable to helping with early flood and fire warnings, for example – and with the ability to bid for contracts, which they haven’t been able to access for three years.

    In line with the preferences of the UK fusion sector, the UK has decided to pursue a domestic fusion energy strategy instead of associating to the EU’s Euratom programme. This will involve close international collaboration, including with European partners, and a new, cutting-edge alternative programme, backed by up to £650m to 2027. It will ensure UK taxpayer funding is spent in the UK’s best interests.

    Together, this deal is set to create and support thousands of new jobs as part of the next generation of research talent. It will help deliver the Prime Minister’s ambition to grow the economy and cement the UK as a science and technology superpower by 2030.

    UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    Innovation has long been the foundation for prosperity in the UK, from the breakthroughs improving healthcare to the technological advances growing our economy.

    With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme – Horizon Europe.

    We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers.

    New financial protections for the British taxpayer, especially in the first years of association when UK scientists’ participation will be recovering, ensures:

    • UK taxpayers will not pay for the time where UK researchers have been excluded from since 2021, with costs starting from January 2024 – delivering much better terms for 2023. This will also provide breathing space to boost the participation of UK researchers in open calls for grants before we start paying into the programme.
    • The UK will have a new automatic clawback that protects the UK as participation recovers from the effects of the last two and a half years. It means the UK will be compensated should UK scientists receive significantly less money than the UK puts into the programme. This wasn’t the case under the original terms of association.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said:

    Today is a fantastic day for UK science and our whole economy. We have listened to the sector, and through hard work and negotiation we have secured an excellent deal for researchers, taxpayers and businesses.

    The Horizon programme is unrivalled in its scope and opens up a world of opportunity for cooperation on science that delivers real-world benefits for the UK – creating jobs, boosting our economy and opening up collaboration for the sector with some of our closest partners, whether on tackling climate change or advancing cancer research.

    This deal is a crucial step forward on our mission to become a science and tech superpower by 2030.

    President of UUK, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone:

    The entire research community, within our universities and beyond, will be delighted at the news that an agreement has been reached. Overcoming the obstacles to association was no small feat and we are grateful to the government and the commission for their perseverance to secure this successful outcome.

    Horizon Europe has been the basis of scientific collaboration for over 30 years. From early detection of ovarian cancer to developing clean energy networks involving dozens of universities and many industrial partners, Horizon lets us do things that would not be possible without that scale of collaboration.

    Allowing our scientists to work together, irrespective of borders, is in all of our interests. Our universities will now do everything possible to ensure the UK rapidly bounces back towards previous levels of participation and is able to secure genuine value, delivering the wealth of research opportunities available.

    The Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society have issued a joint statement on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe:

    This is a great day for researchers in the UK and across Europe. The Horizon programme is a beacon of international collaboration and UK-based academic and industrial researchers will now be back at the heart of that.

    Research is vital to tackling the key problems we face, from global challenges such as climate change to driving productivity growth and creating new jobs locally. Our involvement in Horizon Europe will make the UK stronger and is a big win for global research and innovation.

    Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said:

    Horizon Europe association is overwhelmingly in the best interests of cancer patients and scientists, and it is great news for cancer research that agreement has finally been reached between the UK and EU.

    There will be relief throughout the research community that the uncertainty of the last two and a half years has come to an end. Nearly three quarters of respondents to our survey of cancer researchers cited funding from the EU as important for their work, showing how crucial Horizon Europe association is for the future of cancer research.

    We hope that this deal paves the way for the UK’s ongoing participation in future European research programmes. It is essential that the European Commission, the UK Government and UK research funders work with urgency to rebuild the strong position the UK occupied in the Horizon programme, and get funds and global collaboration flowing again into our research institutions.

    Dame Professor Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser said:

    This is great news for UK science and technology. International collaboration is a vital part of a thriving science ecosystem and association with the Horizon programme bolsters our plans to secure our status as a science and technology superpower.

    Chief Executive of the Russell Group, Dr Tim Bradshaw said:

    Association to Horizon Europe is tremendous news for UK science, research and innovation. We are delighted that a good deal has been struck, so all credit to the negotiating teams who have been working hard behind the scenes to get this over the line.

    This deal is a true win-win for everyone. The scale of research supported by Horizon Europe will help deliver medical breakthroughs, new technologies, and advances in areas such as AI to improve all our lives and help tackle the shared environmental, economic, and social challenges we face.

    The research community on both sides of the Channel are raring to go and will spare no effort in making our association a success. Universities have plans in place to get researchers to apply and our partner universities and businesses across the EU – and in other associated countries – are eager to work with our institutions. We will be ready to work with Government and the Commission to make the most of Horizon’s opportunities from day one and beyond into its successor.

    John Hanley, Chair of the UKspace trade body, said:

    UKspace welcomes the news that the UK is reassociating with the EU Copernicus and Horizon Programmes.  We have a strong track record within Copernicus with UK industry securing valuable contracts that have delivered jobs and growth across the country whilst unlocking a better understanding of our planet.  We look forward to working with the Government to capitalise quickly on this agreement and identify the actions needed to build upon the UK’s national Earth Observation initiatives to ensure that industry can once more take a leading role in the largest multi-lateral EO Programme in the world.

    Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer for Rolls-Royce, said:

    Horizon Europe has had a significant impact on Aerospace technologies and in helping Rolls-Royce remain at the forefront of technological advancement. We greatly welcome the UK’s return to the Horizon Europe programme, and look forward to going further and doing more, leveraging public-private partnership to continue driving world-leading innovation and competitiveness.

    Dr Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer, London Higher said:

    The confirmation that the UK will rejoin Horizon Europe is welcome news for universities across London, the UK’s top ranked innovation cluster. The wait to associate to Horizon may have been lengthy but worthwhile, as today’s announcement shores up the future of research, innovation and higher education across the United Kingdom.

    With the assurance of association, London’s higher education and research community now has a renewed sense of purpose and optimism that London can reach its true potential as a research powerhouse. Association is both a recognition of the value we bring to the international scientific community and the acknowledgment that we are still very much a part of a global network of knowledge-sharing and innovation.

    Our universities now have the certainty and stability needed to continue powering the engine of UK innovation and to build connectivity across the regions as we seek to level up across the country and make the UK a global science superpower. We are committed to working collaboratively with our European partners, leveraging our collective expertise to drive innovation, support research excellence, and build a brighter future for all.

    Professor Paul Stewart FMedSci, Academy of Medical Sciences Vice President, Clinical, said:

    Today marks a pivotal moment for UK science. After a hiatus, the scientific community is celebrating the tremendous news that we are once more part of the EU’s flagship funding programme.

    By associating to Horizon Europe, we now have the commitment and momentum to drive forward the Government’s vision for an innovative, high growth future and are well placed to support the diverse and highly skilled research talent that underpins our life sciences sector.

    Health research is an international endeavour, it relies on supporting the best ideas, but also on creating cross-border networks which is good news for the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Association sends a very strong message that the UK is open for business and remains a prime destination to work on health research and innovation to improve lives.

    UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said:

    Today’s agreement on UK association to Horizon Europe is brilliant news.

    The UK has a long track record of mutually beneficial participation in previous EU schemes and this decision enables us to build on those highly successful collaborations to maximise the opportunities membership of Horizon Europe provides.

    UKRI is looking forward to working with our communities and partners to capture the many benefits of Horizon Europe for researchers and businesses.

    John Harrison, Chairman of Airbus UK:

    It is great news that the U.K. will be rejoining Horizon Europe, which is a key funding programme for research and innovation, as well as the Copernicus programme. Having provided many of Copernicus’ critical technologies from the U.K., as well as designing and building the Sentinel 5P satellite in Stevenage, we look forward to contributing to future Copernicus Earth observation missions which play such a key role in understanding and tackling the planet’s changing climate.

    Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

    The UK has a long history of expertise and innovation in Earth observation, so it is excellent news that we are going to continue our association in the EU part of Copernicus programme. This is a great outcome for our world-leading Earth observation sector, who we have worked closely with to support.

    Participating in Copernicus will enable the UK space sector to continue to play a significant role in the development of critical missions that will enable us to monitor our planet more effectively and lead a global effort through the use of satellite data to find new solutions to the urgent challenge of climate change.

    Ilan Gur, CEO of Advanced Research + Invention Agency:

    A strong, interconnected scientific ecosystem is the foundation of breakthrough discovery and invention. This is wonderful news — a boost to science innovation not just for the UK but for the world!

    Dr Nick Walkden, UK Director, Fusion Industry Association.

    The Fusion Industry Association welcomes the U.K. Government’s ambitious new £650m programme for fusion development and commercialisation as an alternative to Euratom association.  The Government’s proposed alternative programme will be ambitious, exciting, and commercially focussed, representing a unique opportunity and an effective use of public funds at a critical time in the effort to develop and deploy fusion energy. We therefore welcome today’s announcement ,and look forward to a rapid adoption of the UK Government programme of alternative interventions as soon as possible.