Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Minister fuels energy exports in trade mission to Chile [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 December 2023.

Exports Minister will lead renewable energy companies to meet Chilean government and business officials.
- British expertise and services can boost Chile’s ambitions to develop its renewable energy capability
- Chile is one of the UK’s most important trading partners in Latin America and a fellow member of CPTPP
Exports Minister Lord Offord has today [12/12/2023] landed in Santiago, Chile where he is leading a trade mission of British hydrogen and renewable energy companies to match them with business opportunities in the country.

The businesses will be introduced to key Chilean developers and prospective customers at a showcase event hosted in Santiago. The Minister will also be meeting with Chilean developers to better understand their needs and promote how British companies can meet these.

Lord Offord will meet with Chilean Minister for Energy Diego Pardow, and Minister for Economy Nicolás Grau, to discuss how Chile and the UK can work together to boost trade and support the transition to renewable energy sources.

Minister for Exports Malcolm Offord said:

With Chile’s ambition to boost its renewable energy infrastructure, and the UK’s expertise and capabilities in this field, there is a clear opportunity for both our countries to benefit and prosper.

Chile is one of our most important trading partners in Latin America and with our upcoming accession to CPTPP I want to see trade between us boosted even further.

The trade agreement with Chile was particularly important to the UK, being the first one signed in 2019. With the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) of which Chile is a member, this trading relationship will continue to grow with businesses in both countries being able to choose the most beneficial agreement to trade under.

Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Chile in the last year grew by over 13%, reaching £1.9bn. The UK government aims to continue to grow this trading partnership, particularly by supporting Chile to harness its potential in renewables, including low carbon hydrogen, with the world leading expertise from UK companies.

CPTPP will cut tariffs for goods exporters and provide new opportunities and improved access for services industries, enhancing the bilateral relationship in key sectors such as energy and infrastructure services.

Chile is a key player in the global race to decarbonise, holding huge reserves of copper and lithium, as well as leading the region in renewable energy development. That’s why so many UK companies are eager to do business in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Patricio Maguire, Director of Turner and Townsend Chile said:

Chile and UK share a long history of cooperation. Green hydrogen and carbon capture industries are another examples of new areas of integration. While Chile has a vast stock of clean energy resources and a mature industrial environment, UK is a leading actor in the decarbonisation industry and, in particular, offers top notch technologies in electrolysis for H2 production.

As the local branch of a global UK-based consultancy firm, we, at Turner & Townsend are proud to be part of the energy transition industry and look forward to continue to provide our expertise and global footprint at the service of their actors.

Tom Wills, Development Director at Voar Energy said:

We are delighted to be participating in this UK trade mission at such an important moment in Chile’s energy transition.

Chile is set to be a world leader in green hydrogen and at Voar we’re keen to develop relationships with others active in that area, with a particular focus on Power-to-X projects in remote locations and green bunkering / fuel systems for ships.

Agustin Lopez Munell, CEO of Desitec who are moving their HQ from Argentina to the UK said:

We are honoured to join the Renewable Energy Trade Mission to Chile. This mission perfectly aligns with our goals to expand our innovative sensor technology into new markets as we transition our headquarters from Argentina to UK, specifically London or Edinburgh. Our goal is to continue educating ourselves about hydrogen and to seek partners with whom we can collaborate on our developments.
December 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of three members to the Board of Tourism Northern Ireland [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 12 December 2023.

The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of new Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) Board Members.

The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of Ms Karly Greene, Mr Michael Counahan and Mr John Hood as new Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) Board Members. In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, these appointments were made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022.

The new members took up post with effect from 27 November 2023.

These new Members will bring a wealth of private and public sector experience to the Board of Tourism NI to the benefit of the local tourism sector. The successful candidates have extensive backgrounds in such areas as corporate governance; financial management; strategic thinking; business improvement and the hotel and hospitality industry, and their significant knowledge and skills will play a key role in ensuring that this important sector goes from strength to strength in what promises to be an exciting time for tourism in Northern Ireland.

Biography

Karly Greene has been the Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland since November 2020. She is responsible for developing the Arts Council’s strategic, corporate and business plans and for research, policy and advocacy. Karly also has responsibility for ensuring the Arts Council meets its statutory requirements in relation to equality and inter-agency co-operation with other public bodies.

Karly has over thirteen years of experience across the public, private and voluntary sectors in using research and data to inform strategy, policy and executive decision making, having previously worked as Head of Research & Equality Services in the NI Housing Executive and Research Director with Quadrangle.

Karly is passionate about using research insights to implement change and demonstrate impact with a focus on equality, social justice and involving customers and underrepresented people in the strategy design process. She is also a trustee on the board of Housing Rights and former chairperson of Nexus NI.

Michael Counahan is managing director of CHL Consulting Co. and has more than 38 years’ professional experience in tourism, cultural heritage and the arts. During this time, he has worked on tourism development projects throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Middle East and South-East Asia. His consultancy work includes strategic planning for public and private sector organisations, economic planning, project analysis and management, and business planning. Particular areas of activity in recent years include tourism destination planning, visitor attraction development and operations, and land/building asset utilisation.

He has worked on many tourism development projects in Northern Ireland including acting as project leader on the development of Titanic Belfast. He co-founded AVEA, the Association of Visitor Experiences & Attractions, which now has a membership of 103 leading attractions, and Michael is company secretary. He is also a director of Pipeworks Music, formerly the Dublin International Organ & Choral Festival.

John Hood has over 23 years’ in-depth experience in investment, marketing and economic development. For the last 10 years he was the Director of the Food; Drink & Tourism Division at Invest NI where he delivered a number of key tourism accommodation and development projects in Northern Ireland, as well as delivering significant growth across the food and drink sector. In October 2023 he was appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of the Livestock & Meat Commission for Northern Ireland which is remunerated at £6,485 per annum.

Details of body

Tourism NI has responsibility for the development of tourism products and experience across Northern Ireland and is also responsible for the marketing of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination to visitors within Northern Ireland and from the Republic of Ireland.

Tourism NI’s primary responsibility remains the marketing of Northern Ireland on the Island of Ireland and working with partners to attract visitors from across the globe. However, it also continues to play a vital role in supporting recovery of the tourism and hospitality industries from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and setting them on the path back to sustainable growth. Going forward the organisation will make an important contribution to the Department for the Economy’s 10x economic vision and aims to ensure that tourism contributes to the creation of a dynamic, competitive economy.

Further information on the work of Tourism NI can be found at: Tourism NI

Terms Of Appointment

The appointments will be for 3 years commencing on 27 November 2023. Members are expected to attend Board meetings, sub-committee meetings and other events, amounting to at least 1 day per month. In addition, Members will be expected to attend occasional evening engagements. Remuneration is £5,471 per annum. The roles are non pensionable.

Regulation

In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, these appointments were made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022, and in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice.

Political Activity

None of the appointees have declared any political activity in the last five years.

December 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of Chair and two Members to the Board of the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority (NIFHA) [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 12 December 2023.

The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon. Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the appointment of Mr Stephen Welch as the new Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority and Mr Maynard Mawhinney and Siobhan McCauley as Board Members. In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, this appointment was made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022.

The new Chairperson and two Members will take up their positions on 18 December 2023.

Stephen Welch has extensive experience in the public, private and third sectors at strategic and Board level. He has worked in a number of senior roles across the Defence, Government administration, Higher Education and Health Sectors, specialising in Capital Development, Estate and Facilities Management, Procurement, Contract Management, and Risk Management. Stephen is currently a Non-Executive Member of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and chair of its Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

Maynard Mawhinney has held a number of senior roles in the agri-food industry, as a Director and Business Consultant and Coach, with expertise in marketing and growth. He is an experienced Board Member and currently holds a Non-Executive Director position on the South-Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and is the current Chair of the College Advisory Group (CAG) at the College of Agriculture, Farming and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). He has also recently been appointed to Chair the review of roles and responsibilities of Councillors in NI.

Siobhan McCauley brings significant experience from senior roles across the public and private sectors. With a background in tourism, economic and business development, she has considerable experience in financial management, corporate governance and strategic planning, most recently from her long-standing role as the Director of Regional Services at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and before this, Director of Product Development at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board of the Signature Projects which included the Titanic and Causeway Visitor Attraction.

Details of body

The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority is an Executive non-departmental public body (Executive NDPB) sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). It was established in 1973 under the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 and the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority Order (Northern Ireland) 1973 and has responsibility for the fishery harbours and harbour estates of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie.

Terms Of Appointment
- The Chair role requires approximately 30-32 days per annum.
- The Member role requires approximately 16-18 days per annum.
- The Chair and Member appointments to the NIFHA are for a four-year term.
- The Chairperson post is remunerated at £10,776 per annum and the Member positions are remunerated at £5,099 per annum.
Regulation

The procedure for these appointments is designed to adhere to the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland. This means that the process will be based on merit after a fair, open and transparent process that involves independent scrutiny. A copy of the code can be found at:

https://www.publicappointmentsni.org/

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published. None of the appointees have declared any political activity in the last 5 years.
December 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Plan to move government roles out of Westminster brought forward and new headquarters unveiled [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 12 December 2023.

Government brings forward target to relocate 22,000 roles out of London from 2030 to 2027. Aberdeen, Darlington and Greater Manchester are to host second headquarters for major departments.
- Government brings forward target to relocate 22,000 roles out of London from 2030 to 2027 – demonstrating the success of the Places for Growth programme and bringing positive change for communities more quickly.
- New commitments for the north of England, Scotland and Wales, building on the commitment to Levelling Up and spreading opportunity across the country.
- Second headquarters locations for three government departments announced in Aberdeen, Darlington and Greater Manchester and over 300 hundred government roles will be located in Wrexham.
The Government is bringing forward its target to relocate 22,000 roles out of London from 2030 to 2027.

It comes as new figures today show that 16,061 roles have already been moved out of London, exceeding our commitment to relocate 15,000 roles by 2025 and underlining the success of the Places for Growth programme.

Under new plans, it’s also being unveiled that Aberdeen, Darlington and Greater Manchester are to host second headquarters for major departments – building on the Prime Minister’s leadership in establishing Darlington as the Treasury’s second headquarters as he takes the long-term decisions to change this country for the better.

The move, announced today, also comes as it is confirmed that Wrexham will benefit from 300 extra roles, which underlines the Government’s commitment to Levelling up and spreading opportunity across the country.

The Government’s Places for Growth programme is helping grow the economy across the whole UK, with estimates showing that £30 million in economic benefits are generated per 1,000 roles relocated, due to increased footfall and spending from staff.

Minister for the Cabinet Office John Glen said:

We are taking the long term decisions to move government roles out of London so more people from our great towns and cities can play a direct role in changing this country for the better.

We have already gone above and beyond our targets, bringing the best talent from every corner of the UK into government roles, to make our civil service more efficient and representative of the wider public.

The announcements today include new second headquarters for the Department of Business and Trade in Darlington, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in Greater Manchester.

To further strengthen the Union and place key decision making roles in every corner of the UK, Aberdeen has been chosen as the location of a second headquarters of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, in addition to Salford.

Previously, under the Government’s Aberdeen City Regional Deal, it was agreed that £90 million of funding would be directed toward the city’s Net Zero Technology Centre, which is working to help decarbonise the oil and gas industry.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

It’s great news that the UK Government’s Department for Energy and Net Zero is opening a second headquarters in Aberdeen.

It demonstrates clearly the UK Government’s commitment to the North East of Scotland and to our oil and gas and renewables sectors. They both have a vital role in ensuring our energy security and assisting with our transition to net zero. The UK Government will continue to support these industries.

Wrexham is also set to benefit from a fresh drive in Civil Service growth from today.

The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to recruitment to fill 270 new roles which will be based in Wrexham, as well the Ministry of Justice who have committed to place 50 roles in Wrexham rather than London.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

More than 300 jobs moving to Wrexham is fantastic news for the economy of north east Wales. It shows once again the UK Government’s commitment to improving how services are delivered to the public while bringing greater opportunity and jobs to areas across the country.

There are already more than 30,000 UK Government civil servants working in Wales and we will continue to relocate government roles outside London as part of our commitment to level up the UK.

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

Greater Manchester is steeped in a legacy of technological progress, rooted in the Industrial Revolution and long home to scientific pioneers like Alan Turing and Ernest Rutherford.

By establishing our second headquarters here, we not only tap into a pool of exceptional talent but also ensure that policymakers responsible for the growth of science and technology live and work alongside a dynamic community of sci-tech leaders.

It is important that the people we serve are placed at the heart of government and that policymakers represent the diversity of our communities. That is why the Places for Growth commitment is so vital in helping to ensure that we can grow our economy and deliver on the Prime Minister’s priorities.

Energy Minister Andrew Bowie said:

The announcement of a second headquarters for our Department in Aberdeen underlines the importance of North East Scotland in our Net Zero transition.

An Aberdeen base puts those working in the department closer to those working in the crucial oil gas and renewables industries – both the companies and the tens of thousands of their workers who play a vital role in our energy supply – and I am delighted to see this happen.
December 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £80m to regenerate brownfield land and build thousands of homes [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 12 December 2023.

Third round of £180m Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 is now open to councils to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs.

Thousands of new homes will be delivered on council-owned brownfield sites through up to £80 million to transform neglected land into beautiful and thriving communities.

From today, councils across England will be able to bid for a share of the final round of the Brownfield Land Release Fund 2.

The latest round will release land for over 8,000 new homes by March 2028 – creating thousands of construction jobs and transforming underused sites into places where people want to live and work, while protecting cherished green spaces.

Minister for Housing Lee Rowley said:

“We want to build the new homes people need and brownfield land is crucial to delivering the Long-Term Plan for Housing, as part our of mission to level up the country.

“This fund will transform unloved and unused brownfield sites into thriving new communities, helping more young families on to the property ladder and creating thousands of jobs.

“This is a game changer for councils and I strongly encourage them to apply and reap the benefits in their local areas.”

The fund is part of the government’s long-term plan for housing which prioritises brownfield land for new homes and has us on track to deliver our manifesto commitment of 1 million homes over this Parliament.

This is part of the £10 billion we have announced over this Parliament to invest in projects that will boost housing supply.

Cabinet Officer Minister Alex Burghart said:

“This funding will help unlock much-needed redevelopment of unloved, previously derelict brownfield sites: stimulating growth, investment, and job opportunities.

“It’s fantastic news for business, and even better news for local people who will now see new family homes in their communities.”

Chair of the Local Government Association Shaun Davies said:

“Following the success of the first two rounds of BLRF2 funding, I am pleased the LGA continues its partnership with DLUHC and Cabinet Office helping councils to access the latest round of this fund, which provides much needed capital grants to bring surplus council-owned sites forward for housing.

“The One Public Estate programme has helped to shape this latest funding offer to ensure it can help as many councils as possible bring forward viable housing schemes on their land. I would urge councils to consider how this third round of BLRF2 can help them address local housing needs, and support placemaking and regeneration ambitions.”

The £180m Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 was launched in July 2022 and is designed to help to bring neglected urban areas back into use, support regeneration projects and boost local economies.

The previous round of funding has supported projects in areas including Bognor Regis, Rochdale and Somerset, helping to unlock new homes, as well as supported accommodation for homeless people.

The full brownfield fund is due to deliver over 17,600 new homes and 56,000 skilled new jobs over the next four years, helping to level up communities across the country.

There have been two rounds of funding allocations already announced in November 2022 and October 2023 and to date, the fund is supporting 89 local authorities, over 160 projects, and has provided over £100 million to support councils to release land for almost 8,600 homes.

A brownfield-first approach is at the heart of the government’s planning reforms through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, which is now law.

Further information:
- The final round of Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 funding is being made available to local authorities across England who will be able to bid for a share of up to £80 million. The application window will be open until 14th February 2024 with successful projects expected to be announced in Summer 2024.
- The funding awarded to local authorities is used for land remediation and small-scale infrastructure work to make surplus local authority owned brownfield sites ready for housing that would otherwise remain derelict and a blight on local communities.
- The Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 continues to be delivered by One Public Estate – a partnership between the Office for Government Property and the Local Government Association – on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
- Find out more about BLRF2 and how to apply here.
Case studies of recipients of BLRF2 funding:
- Bognor Regis (Arun District Council) – £628,000 will unlock an £8 million scheme to rejuvenate a listed town centre building, delivering 35 new homes and improved retail space to support local regeneration.
- Rochdale – c.£271,000 funding will unlock delivery of 14 purpose-built homeless and support accommodation units on a former car park and garage site.
- Somerset - c.£213,000 to demolish existing rundown garages and deliver 11 low-carbon one, two and three bedroom affordable homes subject to securing planning permission.
December 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announces further maritime support to the Ukrainian Navy [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 December 2023.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirming the transfer of two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy.

What’s in a name?

It’s a real pleasure to welcome here my colleague Minister Gram to Admiralty House and also our Ukrainian friend Admiral Neizhpapa along with his translator, to one of our nation’s truly historic buildings.

It’s actually 60 years since this building was the official residence of the First Lord of the Admiralty, and it’s a real reminder that in the Royal Navy, names really have power behind them.

Built in the 1700s, in the following century this was the actual location for the body of Admiral Horatio Nelson who himself lay in state here.

And in the 20th century again, right here the First Lord of the Admiralty during two World Wars was one Winston Churchill.

So, when we think about Admiralty House, we don’t just think about another anonymous monolith on Whitehall.

We think of the living embodiment of some three centuries worth of British naval history.

Ukraine: The story of the Cherkassy

The resonance of a name is not confined to the Royal Navy.

If you consider Ukraine, for example, next year marks 10 years since Russia invaded Crimea.

And back then all that remained between the invader and conquest was 60 crew members of a mine warfare vessel.

That lone ship sailing strong against the might of the Russian navy.

It took a remarkable three weeks before the Ukrainian ensign was finally taken down and the proud crew members were removed from that ship.

By then, the name of that little ship, The Cherkasy, had become a legend. And that legend endures to this day.

Ukraine Navy more than just a name

Eight years after the Cherkasy gave the proverbial finger to the Russians the brave forces on Snake Island, threatened once more by the Moskva, memorably told the Russians where to go in unforgettable words that I won’t repeat this morning.

That is really no surprise because it turned out the soldier who uttered those words also happened to come from the Cherkasy region.

And, as Ukraine marked its Armed Forces Day last week, its navy could reflect on defiance of Cherkasy-like proportions.

If you consider, despite having lost about two-thirds of its fleet after Crimea they have managed to strike the Kremlin’s Naval headquarters at Sevastopol.

They smashed Russian naval vessels through pioneering work of sea drones. They’ve wrestled control over the western Black Sea and sinking one of Russia’s biggest names, the Moskva itself.

Helping Ukraine seize the advantage

Ukrainians have proven more than once that their Navy, is more than just a navy in name only.

And we must help them do even more.

Ukraine must triumph on the water as well as the battlefield itself.

And that’s the only way to ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

The only way to ensure Ukrainian vessels operate free from Russian bullying, to allow the unimpeded transport of their vital grain and steel to the four corners of the world.

Which is why we’re doing three things to restore the great name of the Ukrainian navy.

First, we’re training Ukrainian sailors.

In the remote waters of Scotland, the Navy have been passing on their knowledge and skills.

But it’s not enough to have the sailors. Ukraine must have the ships.
So, second – we’re taking on the leadership mantle of the Maritime Capability Coalition with our Norwegian friends.

My friend Bjorn and I have been working to understand the Ukrainian requirements.

And now before us is a clear roadmaps, or perhaps more appropriately a sea chart.

To make sure we succeed, we want partners and we’ve reached out to those already involved in supporting Ukraine’s Navy to become framework nations for this coalition. We’ll be able to say more about that by this evening.

And third, we’re helping them to rebuild their capability.

Today, I can announce the UK is gifting 23 on and offshore raiding craft and 20 rapidly deployable Viking amphibious vehicles.

I can also announce we’re supporting Ukraine to procure two mine counter vessels from the UK.

In fact, back in the summer, a flag raising ceremony was held to commission the vessels into service.

This is something that was planned before Ukraine was attacked. And the ships formerly known as HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham were renamed Chernihiv M310 and Cherkasy M311.

Yes, the Cherkasy name has been resurrected once again.

And it sends a critical message to President Putin.

If the Kremlin despot believes we are distracted by events in the Middle East he is mistaken. This moment is a wake-up call to the West. A moment once more to renew our complete and utter resolve and prove Putin wrong.

Because rewarding illegality with victory would send a terrible signal.

Not just to our allies in the East but also to the likes of China and Iran.

Suggesting we’re not willing to stand up for international rules.

Suggesting weakness, suggesting vulnerability.

So, securing the seas is the only way to defeat a tyrant like Putin and guarantee long term independence and prosperity for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe.

Back in 1939, when Winston Churchill returned to Admiralty House a signal was sent out to our fleet saying simply: “Winston is back”.

Today the Cherkasy is back, which a decade ago stood defiant, and it’s returned too.

It no longer stands alone.

And it is sending a message of its own to aggressors.

Ukraine will rule the waves.

Ukraine is back.

Slava Ukraini.

December 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : General Sir Roly Walker appointed new Chief of the General Staff [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 December 2023.

General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO is to be appointed as Chief of the General Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty in the rank of General.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the new appointment of the Chief of the General Staff.

General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO is to be appointed as Chief of the General Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty in the rank of General in succession to General Sir Patrick Sanders KBE CBE DSO in June 2024.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

I am delighted to congratulate General Sir Roly Walker on his deserved promotion and appointment in June as Chief of the General Staff, the future of the British Army is in excellent hands.

Roly’s wealth of operational experience and previous appointments make him very well suited to lead the British Army as we continue to modernise our Armed Forces to meet the threats and challenges in a more contested and dangerous world. I take this opportunity to recognise General Sir Patrick Sanders’ service to the nation during his distinguished career. Patrick has been integral to driving Defence’s modernisation agenda and I wish him all the best in the future.

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

“I congratulate Lieutenant General Roly Walker on his appointment as Chief of the General Staff, and I congratulate General Sanders for all he has achieved in his five years at the top of Defence.

“As the beneficiary of a £40 billion equipment recapitalisation programme, the 2020s are full of opportunity for the British Army. A proven operational commander and a forward-thinking Whitehall leader, General Roly is just the man to seize the moment. I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

General Sir Roly Walker said:

I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed as the next Chief of the General Staff. It has always been a tremendous honour to lead our nation’s soldiers, so the chance to serve them once again, and in this role, is the highest of privileges. It also carries great responsibility, which I promise to discharge to the best of my abilities. Our soldiers, and those who support them, deserve nothing less.

My task will be to build on the successes of my predecessor and friend, Patrick, and lead the British Army forward on an ambitious modernisation journey that means we are fitter, faster for the challenges of the future. There is plenty to be excited about. The Defence Command Paper has set the priorities for the Army and backed them with investment. We have brilliant people at every rank who will turn this into real and potent fighting power. And we have many strong and reliable allies around the world with whom we can work for the common good.

The scene is set. We know our part in Defence’s plan. I’m looking forward to starting.

A biography of General Sir Roly Walker can be found on gov.uk

December 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Manchester momentum – Science and tech department officially launches new second home in Salford [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 December 2023.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology announces that it will establish its second headquarters in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Hundreds of new roles will be coming to Manchester after the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced today (12 December) that it will establish its second headquarters in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester is renowned for its industrial legacy and pioneering spirit, with a storied history intertwined with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

The decision to open a second headquarters will position DSIT at the heart of a community that has played a pivotal role in shaping scientific and technological advancements in the UK, including one of the most significant breakthroughs in nuclear physics with the first artificial splitting of the atomic nucleus, and the discovery of isolated graphene which sparked numerous innovations in materials science and technology.

DSIT and Building Digital UK currently has nearly 200 staff based in Greater Manchester – a number we are committed to doubling over the coming years.

The announcement forms part of the government’s Places for Growth programme, a civil service wide commitment to grow the number of roles outside of London and the south-east to 22,000 by 2027.

Greater Manchester is one of DSIT’s active growth locations, along with Birmingham, Bristol (from Winter 2024), Cardiff, Darlington and Edinburgh, the department remains committed to grow and build communities across all of these locations over this period.

Over the years, Manchester has evolved into a modern innovation hub, housing cutting-edge research institutions, world-class universities, and thriving technology clusters. The region’s commitment to fostering STEM disciplines aligns with the government’s mission to cement the UK’s place as a science and technology superpower.

Manchester boasts a legacy of scientific pioneers, including Ernest Rutherford, who conducted groundbreaking work in nuclear physics, and Alan Turing, the father of modern computer science.

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

Greater Manchester is steeped in a legacy of technological progress, rooted in the Industrial Revolution and long home to scientific pioneers like Alan Turing and Ernest Rutherford.

By establishing our second headquarters here, we not only tap into a pool of exceptional talent but also ensure that policymakers responsible for the growth of science and technology live and work alongside a dynamic community of sci-tech leaders.

It is important that the people we serve are placed at the heart of government and that policymakers represent the diversity of our communities. That is why the Places for Growth commitment is so vital in helping to ensure that we can grow our economy and deliver on the Prime Minister’s priorities.

December 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We are proud to support Ukraine’s right to self-defence for as long as it takes – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

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

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr. President and thank you to Mr. Ebo and Ms. Wright for their briefings.

Colleagues, this is the seventh time this year Russia has called for a debate in the Security Council meeting on the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine. They have once again invited a Western briefer to support them.

It’s obvious what they’re trying to do.

These debates are clear evidence of a campaign to try to influence public opinion in the West, to undermine political support for Ukraine. A campaign driven by the Kremlin, to serve the Kremlin’s interest alone.

This campaign is intended to help Russia to subjugate Ukraine and annex its territory, without Ukraine having the means to defend itself.

But it is manifestly not in the interest of anyone else around this table, to allow Russia, through violence, to violate and undermine the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that underpin the international order and that provides stability to our world.

That is why we’re proud to support Ukraine’s right to self-defence, and that is why we will continue to supply Ukraine with the military assistance it needs for as long as it takes.

This is all the more important when Russia is itself sourcing weapons from Iran and DPRK in violation of Security Council resolutions and using them to target civilians and Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure.

Colleagues, the Russian Government is not only sending enormous volumes of weapons to Ukraine. It is also sacrificing the lives of more and more of its own citizens to prolong an invasion that is based on lies.

A conveyor belt of Russian mothers and fathers, sons and daughters being sent to their deaths.

Since Russia’s invasion began, over 300 thousand Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded, many times more than in the ten years of Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. President Putin now plans to conscript another 170 thousand, as cannon fodder for his government’s war.

It is hard to see how it is in the interests of the Russian people that the Russian Government prolongs its aggression. It is certainly not in the interests of this Council that Russia succeeds.

Let us not forget that for Russia, this is a war of choice. For Ukraine, it is a war of survival.

We must therefore continue to give Ukraine all the support it needs to defend its sovereign territory. We must demonstrate our resolve to protect and uphold the UN Charter. And we must ensure that Ukraine secures a just and lasting peace.

I thank you.

Published 11 December 2023

December 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : FCDO spokesperson statement on incidents in the South China Sea [December 2023]

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

UK statement in response to Chinese escalation against the Philippines in the South China Sea.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development spokesperson said:

The UK condemns the unsafe and escalatory tactics deployed by Chinese vessels against the Philippines on 9 and 10 December in the South China Sea. The UK opposes any action which raises tensions, including harassment, unsafe conduct and intimidation tactics which increase the risk of miscalculation and threaten regional peace and stability.

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea sets out the legal framework that governs all activities in the oceans and seas. We oppose any claims that are not founded in UNCLOS. Both China and the Philippines must adhere to the findings of the 2016 Arbitral Award proceedings, which are legally binding on both parties.

December 13, 2023