Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : UK condemns Russian sham trial of Ukrainian prisoner of war [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 August 2023.

Maksym Butkevych, a Ukrainian prisoner of war, had his appeal rejected after he was sentenced to 13 years in prison by the so-called Luhansk people’s republic.

An FCDO Spokesperson said:

We are concerned by the treatment of Ukrainian prisoner of war Maksym Butkevych who was sentenced to 13 years in prison by the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic and has had an appeal against this sentence denied by a Moscow court.

This sham trial lacks legitimacy and we call on the Russian Federation to abide by international humanitarian law and treat Mr Butkevych appropriately as a prisoner of war according to the Geneva Convention.

August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Office of Rail and Road Chair Declan Collier reappointed for a second term [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 23 August 2023.

Declan Collier will continue to play a central role in tackling the challenges facing the rail and road sectors.
- the Transport Secretary has reappointed Declan Collier for a further 5-year term
- he has led the Office of Rail and Road through significant changes in the road and rail sectors over his first term
- Declan will continue to focus ORR on delivering for customers and taxpayers
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has today (23 August 2023) announced the reappointment of Declan Collier as the Chair of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for a further 5-year term.

In his second term as Chair, Declan Collier will continue to drive forward the important work of the ORR, holding Network Rail and National Highways to account ensuring they deliver significant investments to improve our national infrastructure.

Over the course of his first term, Declan has provided the ORR Board with a strong sense of direction during a time of significant change and complexity for the transport sector, particularly during the pandemic by providing extensive expertise, support and challenge.

In his next term, which will commence on 1 January 2024, until 31 December 2028, Declan will continue to play a central role in tackling the challenges facing the rail and road sectors including ongoing reform across the rail network.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Declan has demonstrated himself to be an excellent Chair of ORR by challenging the industry to improve its focus on consumers, which is why I’m reappointing him for a second term.

He will continue to be a trusted source of advice to the Department for Transport on vital areas including how we’re reforming our railways, and playing an essential role in ensuring ORR continues to deliver on improving our roads and railways for all who use them.

Declan has previously held roles such as CEO of London City Airport and CEO of Dublin Airports Authority, as well as being appointed to the expert advisory panel of Active Travel England, which has given him the extensive transport and business experience to exceed in his role as Chair of ORR.

Declan Collier, ORR Chair:

I am proud to be reappointed Chair of the Office of Rail and Road. My first term has seen seismic challenges for the rail and road sectors, with ORR playing a key part in overseeing the recovery from the pandemic. I look forward to continuing this important role at such a time of change for the rail and road sectors.

Declan Collier was first appointed in 2018 following an open competition conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing held by the Transport Select Committee.
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : More support for children with special educational needs [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 23 August 2023.

Over a thousand new special school places confirmed, as additional seven special free schools to be built.

Over a thousand more children and young people with SEND are set to benefit from access to high-quality specialised learning, with seven new special free schools in Cambridgeshire, Kent, Merton and Norfolk selected to be built alongside the existing 83 already committed to opening, located across England from Devon to Darlington.

Once complete, this investment will more than double the number of special free school places available across the country – from around 8,500 to 19,000 – ensuring all children receive a quality education, tailored to their needs.

Today, local authorities across the country have been selected to deliver a ground-breaking new programme to test and refine the reforms to services for young people and families.

Backed by £70 million, the local authorities will help inform the development of new national standards to improve the consistency of provision across the country.

Each area will also bring together education and health services, as well as parents and families to develop an inclusion plan that sets out how they will deliver local services in a co-ordinated way – for example making sure a child with special educational needs who is behind in reading is quickly assessed and given the right support. This addresses feedback from families that the current system is often fragmented with agencies not working together.

This follows recent confirmation that high needs funding is increasing by a further £440 million for 24/25, bringing total funding to £10.5 billion – an increase of over 60% since 2019-20.

Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho said:

Making sure children with special educational needs and disabilities get a superb education is a priority.

Earlier this year our Improvement Plan set out systemic reforms to make sure every child and young person gets consistently high-quality support, no matter where in the country they live.

Today we’re making sure that those reforms are informed by the experiences of real families, up and down the country, and creating the thousands of new places at specialist schools and in staff training courses that are needed to make sure our plan is a success.

The government is also confirming today an expansion in training for early years staff, adding an extra 2,000 training places for early years special educational needs co-ordinators on top of the 5,000 already announced.

Measures confirmed in the Improvement Plan included:
- A new leadership level National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs), ensuring SENCOs have the training they need to provide the right support to children.
- A new approach to AP will focus on preparing children to return to mainstream or prepare for adulthood. AP will act as an intervention within mainstream education, as well as high-quality standalone provision, in an approach that meets children’s needs earlier and helps prevent escalation.
- An extension until March 2025 to the AP Specialist Taskforces, which work directly with young people in AP to offer intensive support from teams made up of experts, including mental health professionals, family workers, and speech and language therapists, backed by an additional £7 million investment.
- A doubling of the number of supported internship places by 2025, from around 2,500 to around 5,000, backed with £18 million of funding to help young people make the transition into adulthood.
- £30 million to go towards developing innovative approaches for short breaks for children, young people and their families, providing crucial respite for families of children with complex needs – the programme funds local areas to test new services including play, sports, arts and independent living activities, allowing parents time to themselves, while their child enjoys learning new skills. 13 local authorities are taking part in the second year of the programme.
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Around 1 in 8 new students unprotected against meningitis [August 2023]
The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 23 August 2023.

Approximately 13% of new students missed their free MenACWY vaccine in school and remain unprotected against 4 deadly types of meningitis.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and leading meningitis charities are urging students to make sure they have been vaccinated against meningitis and other diseases before the start of the academic year.

The NHS MenACWY immunisation programme for schools is offered to all pupils in year 9 and 10. UKHSA vaccine coverage data shows around 1 in 8 new students going to college and university this year remain unprotected against these 4 strains of meningococcal bacteria, each of which can cause long term disability, serious health complications and can be life threatening.

The latest 2021 to 2022 MenACWY coverage data shows the vaccination rate has fallen to 79.6%, which means that the figure will rise to around 1 in 5 pupils being unprotected when they start college or university in a few years’ time if they don’t catch up with their vaccinations.

All first-year students starting college or university this September and returning students who are not up to date with all their childhood and adolescent vaccines are at increased risk of serious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia and measles as they mix with large numbers of other students from around the country and overseas.

We are urging all students to make sure they are up to date with all free routine NHS vaccines, and to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as it could help save a life.

The 3 vaccines students should be up to date with before starting university or college include:
- MenACWY – protecting against 4 common strains causing meningitis and septicaemia
- MMR – protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella
- HPV – protecting against human papilloma virus related cancers such as cervical cancer and other cancers of the head, neck and genital areas, and genital warts
Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

Every year we see new and returning students get seriously ill, with some tragically dying, from what are preventable diseases.

With large numbers of students coming together from around the country and overseas for the first time, and closely mixing, infection can spread easily.

Ensuring you are protected against these deadly bugs is vital. If you’ve missed out on your meningitis (MenACWY), HPV or MMR jabs then contacting your GP for the vaccine should be top of your list of urgent things to do before starting college or university.

Lauren Sandell tragically passed away in her first year at university after contracting MenW disease. Sharon Sandell, Lauren’s mother said:

Lauren was feeling unwell one Thursday evening during her first year in university. She thought it was due to stress from settling into university. She returned home on Saturday evening saying that her legs hurt, and that she wasn’t feeling 100% alright. Then on Sunday morning she got sick and was visibly shaking.

We totally thought it was a panic attack and not at any point did I think her life was in danger. I will always be thankful that she was at home with me when she died but the experience of witnessing it will stay with me forever.

Such a tragic unnecessary end to a life of a beautiful girl who had so much life to live. If she had the vaccine, she would still be here today celebrating her 25th year of life. Up to 10% of young people in her age group have the bacteria naturally at the back of their throat. Please don’t think it can’t be you. Get the MenACWY jab today.

Claire Wright, Head of Insights and Policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said:

Meningitis can kill healthy people within hours and in the early stages is difficult to distinguish from a bad hangover or more common milder illnesses. By taking up the free MenACWY vaccine, students are not only protecting themselves but also protecting others by stopping the bacteria from being passed on.

For young people who have already been vaccinated it remains important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis because the free vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the most common cause of life-threatening meningitis amongst this age group.

The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered to those in school years 9 and 10 but anyone who has missed out can still get a free jab with their GP until their 25th birthday.

The vaccine provides high protection against 4 common strains that cause meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY – but does not protect against all strains, like MenB, which is often common among students. So it’s important to know the signs and symptoms as it could help save your own or a friend’s life.

Meningitis and septicaemia can develop suddenly. Symptoms include a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck. The MenW strain can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea in teenagers and young adults.

Urgent antibiotic treatment and hospitalisation is critical. If you have concerns for yourself or a friend don’t hesitate to seek urgent medical help.

Meningitis Now Chief Executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said:

We know vaccination is the best way to protect against the devastation that meningitis can cause. Over many years the NHS’s vaccination programme has resulted in a steady drop in the number of cases of the disease, with countless lives saved as a result.

But more needs to be done. We estimate that up to half a million young people currently aged between 18 to 24 years old may have missed their MenACWY vaccine at school. In addition, we are growing increasingly concerned about the recent rise in meningitis cases across the UK. While the number of cases is still below those recorded pre-pandemic, any increase in the disease is worrying.

As part of the ‘Tackle Meningitis’ campaign we’re calling on everyone to take advantage of the MenACWY vaccination when it is offered, and please do check your vaccine status with your GP.

And with no vaccine available to protect against all types of meningitis, we’re also urging everyone to learn the signs and symptoms and to seek urgent medical attention if meningitis is suspected.

Michelle Bresnahan, who founded meningitis awareness charity A Life for a Cure following the sudden death of her son Ryan to MenB, said:

It’s important to make sure that getting up to date with your vaccinations is on your to-do list as you begin your preparations for university. Checking with your GP that you have these free vaccines is a quick and easy way to keep yourself safe.

Remember though, not all types of meningococcal disease are covered by the vaccine, including MenB. So, it’s vital you get to know the signs and symptoms, including a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck. Doing so could save your life or that of a friend.

MMR vaccine

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can also have serious consequences. It can be more severe in teenagers and young adults, often leading to hospitalisation. Measles starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes, followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are routinely offered to young children, but it’s never too late to get the jab if you’ve missed out. Check your red book or contact your GP surgery if unsure. Anyone can get the MMR vaccine from their GP at any age.

HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine is proven to significantly lower rates of cervical cancer in women vaccinated at a younger age. The evidence clearly shows it helps protect against other cancers of the genital areas and anus, as well as some cancers of the head and neck. The vaccine works and will save lives.

The HPV vaccine is available routinely for girls and boys in year 8. If you’re eligible and missed out, it’s available for free at your GP surgery until your 25th birthday for:
- girls born after 1 September 1991
- boys born after 1 September 2006
If you missed the vaccine at school, contact your school nurse, school immunisation team or GP surgery to arrange a catch-up.
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK backs nuclear fuel supply for Ukraine as Shapps visits Kyiv [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 23 August 2023.

The UK supports the supply of vital fuel for Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, as the Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps visits Kyiv.
- Energy Security Secretary on the ground in Ukraine meeting senior government ministers and energy company leaders
- government action backs supply of vital fuel for Ukraine’s nuclear power plants with planned £192 million loan guarantee to help power Ukraine over the winter and end its reliance on Russian supplies – further isolating Putin
- Grant Shapps visits power plant being repaired following Russian bombing
Grant Shapps has visited Kyiv as the UK took action to support the supply of vital fuel for Ukraine’s plants to help power the country through the winter.

The Energy Security Secretary travelled to the capital to meet senior government ministers and leading energy industry figures to discuss Ukraine’s recovery and ongoing UK support following the illegal full-scale invasion by Putin’s Russia.

His visit comes just 2 months after the UK hosted the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, where international commitments for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction topped $60 billion. The UK government also agreed a Memorandum of Understanding committing support to Ukraine’s energy sector and green energy future.

During the visit on Tuesday, Grant Shapps visited a power station, a critical part of Ukraine’s national infrastructure, that has been badly damaged by Russian bombing and is now undergoing repairs.

The Energy Security Secretary was later shown around a kindergarten attended by Nikita, the young son of the family he took in under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which was also damaged by Russian shelling. The children performed a song before Mr Shapps played them a recorded message from Nikita.

The visit came as the UK announced its intention to provide a £192 million loan guarantee through UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the UK’s export credit agency – enabling UK-headquartered Urenco to supply Ukraine’s national nuclear company, Energoatom, with uranium enrichment services, a vital part of nuclear fuel, which will help power Ukraine.

Once provided, the support will bring the total of the UK’s non-military assistance to Ukraine to nearly £5 billion.

Nuclear power generates over half of Ukraine’s electricity and the UKEF support announced today is a move towards continuing to supply much-needed power as Ukraine defends itself and recovers from Russian aggression. The support will strengthen Ukraine’s energy security and further isolate Putin by helping the country maintain its independence from Russian nuclear fuel.

Urenco, renowned for nuclear enrichment services, has been a supplier to Energoatom and Ukraine since 2009. The support announced today will enable the further supply of services, with a significant portion of the deliveries coming from the UK – supporting specialist manufacturing jobs in the North West and Wales and the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

Our support for Ukraine is unwavering in the face of Putin’s barbaric invasion – the UK continues to stand with Ukraine as they repel Russian attacks and rebuild their country.

Being here on the ground, it’s truly remarkable witnessing first-hand the sheer courage, resolve and gritty determination of the Ukrainian people.

Putin has used energy as a weapon of war: the action today to support nuclear fuel deliveries will help Ukraine end their reliance on Russian supplies and bolster their energy security.

Urenco CEO Boris Schucht said:

We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing developments in Ukraine and our thoughts are with the people suffering as a result of the conflict.

Since the start of the invasion, we have provided support to our customer, Energoatom, and its employees, and increased our supply of nuclear enrichment services to help provide energy independence and security of supply in Ukraine.

We are actively discussing longer term supply with Energoatom and are ready to play our part in supporting their future.  We have the capacity to meet current demand for uranium enrichment services and options to increase this to provide an enhanced offering globally.

Collaboration from governments, such as in the UK with this agreement, is critical to facilitate this, as well as with customers and the wider nuclear industry, and we will continue to do all we can to play a valuable role.

During the visit, the Energy Security Secretary met Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov and Minister for Energy German Galushchenko to discuss the UK’s support for Ukraine recovery.

Mr Shapps’s visit also comes just days before Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day, celebrating its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

In Kyiv, Grant Shapps met Energoatom’s President Petro Kotin to discuss Urenco’s vital role in supplying nuclear fuel to Ukraine. The Energy Security Secretary also met other Ukrainian energy company leaders to discuss their critical efforts in keeping the lights on for the Ukrainian people and in the recovery.

Today’s news follows the G7 Energy Ministers’ meeting in Sapporo Japan, at which the UK, US, Canada, Japan and France agreed a new nuclear fuel alliance to leverage their respective resources and capabilities of each country’s civil nuclear power sectors to undermine Russia’s grip on supply chains and displace Putin from the international nuclear energy market.

Urenco is the only uranium enrichment company in the UK and is a key part of the government’s plans to rapidly expand nuclear power to provide up to a quarter of all the country’s electricity by 2050, through supporting a resilient nuclear fuel supply chain for the UK and its key international partners.

UKEF support will be provided through a back-stop / guarantee with funds released by partner banks once financial terms are agreed.
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Andrew Patrick presents credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 August 2023.

On Wednesday 23 August, the new British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, presented his credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The British High Commissioner said:

I am both honoured and delighted to be accredited as the British High Commissioner to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The last 75 years of our relationship has shown how much our countries can achieve together, and the significant contribution of the Sri Lankan community in the UK.

I look forward to building upon those 75 years through strengthening cooperation to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for both our countries.

From 2013 to 2018, Andrew Patrick served as British Ambassador to Myanmar. Previous appointments have included Afghanistan and South Africa.

The High Commissioner is accompanied by his wife, Khin Sandar Win, who comes from Myanmar and is a businesswoman.

August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Libya’s leaders must engage with the UN to give the political process a chance of success – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 August 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

Thank you, President.

I thank SRSG Bathily and Ms Al Jerbi for their briefings today. I welcome the participation of the Representative of Libya in our meeting. Let me make three points.

First, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the violence last week in Tripoli, in particular its impact on civilians. We have already seen the cost of violence and instability in Libya’s neighbourhood this year, from Sudan to Niger.

Libyan actors must heed this warning and fulfil their responsibilities to uphold peace and security across the country. Individuals and entities who threaten the peace and security or obstruct the political process in Libya may be designated under the Libya sanctions regime.

Second, these clashes underscore the importance of making urgent progress in Libya’s political process. I welcome SRSG Bathily’s ongoing efforts to facilitate a negotiation between Libyan actors to reach a political agreement for elections.

Libya’s leaders must urgently engage with SRSG Bathily to give this process a chance of success. I call on Libya’s leaders to work constructively with the SRSG – including by attending any meetings he convenes, to be open to making concessions, and to move the country towards elections.

Third, Ms Al Jerbi’s briefing highlights the impact of the crackdown on civil society for ordinary Libyans. Competition over control of civic space by Libya’s institutions and recent reports of arbitrary arrests and clampdowns on civil society activity indicate an alarming trend.

Civic space should be protected to allow Libyans to hold their leaders accountable and to empower everyone to play a role in developing an open, democratic society that allows for freedom of association, operation and assembly.

President, let me close by calling on Libya’s leaders to consider the impact that the political impasse has on the Libyan people. Libya continues to suffer from the lack of political progress and is unable to make long-term investments in stability, security and prosperity.

Libya’s leaders should fulfil their responsibilities and make the compromises needed to deliver elections and unlock longer-term political progress.

Thank you.

August 28, 2023
Andrew Mitchell – 2023 Statement on Atrocities in Sudan

The statement made by Andrew Mitchell, the UK Minister for Africa, on 22 August 2023.

The UK is extremely concerned by the growing body of evidence of serious atrocities against civilians being committed in Sudan.

The continued widespread violence across the country and significant civilian death toll are horrific. Reports of deliberate targeting and mass displacement of the Masalit community in Darfur are particularly shocking and abhorrent.

Intentional directing of attacks at the civilian population is a war crime.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have dragged Sudan into a wholly unjustified war, with utter disregard for the Sudanese people, and they will be held accountable.

The UK is working hard to end the fighting in Sudan, including bolstering our capacity to monitor the atrocities that are taking place. This evidence will be shared with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Criminal Court to ensure the evidence is preserved and used to hold people to account.

In July the UK announced a package of sanctions freezing the assets of commercial entities linked to both SAF and RSF, and stand ready to take additional measures. We call on international partners to join us in taking action to target the warring parties’ access to funding and arms.

In the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council, the UK continues to highlight and condemn human rights atrocities in Sudan, urging partners to do the same, particularly the heinous crimes being committed in Darfur.

We have announced £21.7 million in humanitarian funding for those in need in Sudan in addition to £5 million to help meet the urgent needs of refugees and returnees in South Sudan and Chad.

Both the SAF and RSF must enable humanitarian access in Sudan. It is disgraceful that at a time of unprecedented need, humanitarian actors face targeted attacks and increased barriers, such as restrictive visa and customs procedures. The widespread blocking of convoys that are attempting to deliver life-saving supplies is deplorable. The UK calls on warring parties to comply with their obligations to protect civilians under international humanitarian law.

The UK stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan in their demands for a peaceful and democratic future.

The world is watching the dreadful events taking place there and the UK will do all in its power to ensure there are credible investigations and accountability – however long it takes to do so.

August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Pupils in disadvantaged areas to benefit from new free schools [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 22 August 2023.

Fifteen new free schools to open in areas where education outcomes are poorest to drive up school standards.

Around 12,000 young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country will benefit from a wave of new free schools, another major step in this government’s work to raise school standards.

The government has announced today (22 August 2023) that 15 new free schools are set to be opened in parts of the country where education outcomes are weakest, providing more opportunities for local young people.

Free schools are funded by the government but are not run by the local authority, instead, they are run by other organisations – most commonly academy trusts – but also industry and universities. They have greater freedom to innovate and drive up standards, for example more autonomy over the teachers’ pay and their curriculum.

The new schools will include 3 schools run by the high performing Star Academies and Eton College, located in Dudley, Teesside and Oldham, spreading the highest standards of education across the North East, North West and West Midlands. These schools will help rapidly increase the progression of talented local pupils into top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

Free schools and academies have been central to this government’s work to raise school standards, with 88% of schools now rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, up from 68% in 2010. In classrooms, England’s children have shot up the international rankings for reading and our 9 and 10 year olds are now the best in the western world.

The free schools programme provides parents with more choice of good schools, helping to level up opportunity across the country. It enables strong trusts to open high-quality schools in new areas and attract fresh expertise to areas across the country that need it most.

Free schools outperformed other types of non-selective state schools in England in last week’s A level results. Around 35% of A levels taken by pupils in free schools achieved a grade A or A* compared to 22% studied by pupils in local authority schools.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

We want to make more good school places available to families, and these 15 new free schools will bring brand new opportunities to young people from Bradford to Bristol.

Free schools bring high standards, more choice for parents and strong links to industry – and all in the areas where those opportunities are needed most.

These new schools build on this government’s work to drive up school standards since 2010, with 88% of schools now rated good or outstanding – up from 68% – and high performing academies and free schools in all parts of the country.

Star Academies chief executive Sir Hamid Patel CBE said:

The free schools programme continues to inject innovation and creativity into the school system.

We’re delighted our 3 sixth form colleges – being delivered in partnership with Eton College – will be part of the programme and we look forward to working with our local stakeholders to provide more young people with the high-quality education and aspirational opportunities they deserve.

Eton College headmaster Simon Henderson said:

We are delighted by this decision. We believe these new colleges have the potential to be transformative both for the young people who attend and for the wider communities they will serve.

Collaborative partnership will be key to this project’s success and we are very grateful for the support we have had already from the respective councils, from the local communities and from our colleagues in other educational settings.

Each Eton Star sixth-form college will create 480 schools spaces and will be run through a strong partnership between Star Academies, a highly successful academy trust, and Eton College, who will provide financial and extra-curricular support.

Plans have also been approved for the BRIT School North in Bradford, 2 University Technical Colleges (UTCs), 1 new all-through school for pupils aged 4 to 16, a primary school, 2 secondary schools and a further 5 free schools for 16 to 19 year olds.

The 2 University Technical Colleges (UTCs) have been approved for Doncaster and Southampton to support young people build the skills they need for their future careers, including in health sciences and marine engineering.

The BRIT School North will create opportunities for rising stars in the north of the country to break into the performing arts industry. It is based on the award-winning performing arts school in South London which helped to launch the careers of Adele, Amy Winehouse and Jessie J.

Free schools in this wave have been approved where there is the greatest need for good new places, prioritising Education Investment Areas (EIAs)identified in the Levelling Up White Paper and Priority Education Investment Areas (PEIAs) identified in the Schools White Paper.

These are parts of the country with the lowest education outcomes that the government is investing in to support young people to get the education and skills they need to get a good job and help the economy continue growing.

The full list of new free schools that have been approved and are expected to open in 3 or 4 years include:
- Eton Star, a 16-19 school in Dudley
- Eton Star, a 16-19 school in Teesside
- Eton Star, a 16-19 school in Oldham
- BRIT School North, a 16-19 school in Bradford
- Great Stall East Academy, an all through school from ages 4 to 16 in Swindon
- Lotmead Primary School in Swindon
- Dixons Victoria Academy, a secondary school in Manchester
- Dixons Wythenshawe Sixth Form, a 16-19 school in Manchester
- Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, a secondary school in Liverpool
- Bolsover Sixth Form, a 16-19 school in Derbyshire
- Cabot Sixth Form, a 16-19 school in Bristol
- New College Keighley, a 16-19 school in Bradford
- Thorpe Park College, a 16-19 school in Leeds
- UTC Southampton
- Doncaster UTC – Health Sciences and Green Technologies
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces to benefit from £89 million battlefield network [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 August 2023.

Military personnel deployed on the battlefield will benefit from enhanced connectivity, following the award of an £89 million contract.
UK Armed Forces to benefit from enhanced battlefield connectivity

Contract will boost connection with allies on operations

Supporting the Government’s priority to grow the economy by backing dozens of UK jobs

Military personnel deployed on the battlefield will benefit from enhanced connectivity, following the award of an £89 million contract.

The five-year contract has been awarded to BAE Systems to design and manufacture a deployable tactical Wide Area Network (WAN) known as ‘TRINITY’ – delivering a highly secure and state-of-the-art battlefield internet capability to UK forces.

This contract named Design and Systems Integration Delivery (DSID) will directly support the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by backing 60 UK jobs based in Dorset. It will also see further investment into UK skills from BAE Systems, their partners and across the supporting supply chain.

Working together with trusted partners, including L3 Harris, KBR and PA Consulting, BAE Systems will combine its defence communications systems expertise and experience to develop, deliver and deploy world-leading network capability to the UK Armed Forces.

Trinity’s resilience is based on its composition. It is made up of a series of nodes, each able to add, access and move data in a secure network. If a number of nodes are damaged in warfare, the rest automatically re-route to maintain optimum network speed and flow of information, making it highly effective.

Replacing the existing Falcon network, due to be retired in 2026, ‘TRINITY’ will ensure UK Armed Forces on land can interact faster with allies, whether operating as a single nation or as part of an international coalition, across different battlefield domains.

Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, said:

In this continually evolving, multi-domain environment it is vital that our personnel have access to world-leading communications capabilities while on operations.

We remain committed to working closely with the best of British industry as they support our endeavour to better connect with our allies and their assets in theatre.

The £89 million will be dedicated to the research and development phase of the programme, with ‘TRINITY’ due to be delivered from December 2025.

David Armstrong, Group Managing Director at BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business, said:

In an increasingly complex and fast-paced threat landscape, Trinity will empower the UK Armed Forces with a greater and more efficient view of what is happening, enabling them to make swift, informed decisions when and where it matters most.

By providing this advantage to front-line decision makers, Trinity reinforces our commitment to equipping the UK Armed Forces with the right tools to stay ahead in the ever-evolving battlespace.

‘TRINITY’ is one part of the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LE TacCIS) programme, which is working to provide the next generation of tactical military communications in the land environment.
August 24, 2023