Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Thousands more eligible for financial help with court fees [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 16 October 2023.

The most vulnerable in society will be better supported to access justice following an expansion of a scheme to help people with court and tribunal fees.
- income threshold for ‘Help with Fees’ scheme increased
- intervention will support even more families through rising cost of living
- £80 million in support through ‘Help with Fees’ scheme in last year alone
The ‘Help with Fees’ scheme protects universal access to justice by providing those on low income and little to no savings with financial help towards the cost of these fees.

The scheme offers essential support to vulnerable individuals and comes at a crucial time following recent, but now reducing, inflation.

The income and capital eligibility thresholds are being raised significantly, potentially supporting thousands more people and ensuring justice is never unaffordable.

The scheme is also being simplified making it easier for people to use, including allowing their legal representatives to complete applications.

In the last year alone, the scheme has provided over £80 million to thousands of people in a wide range of cases such as family disputes, housing issues and compensation claims for personal injuries.

Justice Minister Mike Freer said:

No matter what someone’s finances, it is vital they can get the justice they deserve which is why we are making it easier for more people to get help with court fees.

The Help with Fees scheme has already helped tens of thousands of people pay court fees since we created it in 2013 and our reforms will make it more generous for those who need it most.

The changes to income thresholds will vary depending on different families and their circumstances, including the age of any children. For example:
- For a couple with 2 children under 14, the monthly income threshold would increase from £1,875 per month to £2,980
- For a single person with no children the threshold would increase from £1,170 per month to £1,420
Additional financial support will be provided for parents with a child aged 14 or over, considering the greater cost associated with looking after older children.

The Government will also change how the scheme is targeted to make sure the most financially vulnerable are better supported by:
- Providing more flexibility for individuals with money in savings and investments by increasing the minimum capital threshold for the scheme. This will allow applicants to have more capital before they become ineligible for the scheme.
- Making it easier for the self-employed and those who work variable shift patterns to qualify by better recognising that income can fluctuate month- on-month.
- Ensuring those on higher incomes pay more of their court and tribunal fees, by revising partial fee discounts so the more an individual earns, the more they pay towards their fees.
- Raising the scheme’s age cap from 61 to the state pension age of 66.
The reforms follow a public consultation earlier this year which found the majority of respondents were very supportive of the Government’s plans to expand and improve the scheme. The reformed scheme will come into force later this year.

The changes come alongside wider Government measures to ensure people can access justice no matter their personal finances. Earlier this year more than 6 million more people were made eligible for legal aid advice and representation under a major investment to support those who need it most.

Notes to Editors:
- Some people on a higher income may still be supported by the scheme. Individuals can check their eligibility and apply for the scheme online
- To qualify for the scheme an individual needs to be on a low income or be on benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit or Pension Credit
- Help with Fees is the single fee remission scheme applicable in all courts and tribunals in England and Wales. It also applies to fees charged by tribunals with UK-wide jurisdiction, and the UK Supreme Court.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ten years on, Syria remains in breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention – ministerial statement [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

UK Minister for the Middle East Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon stated that, 10 years since its accession, Syria must comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Statement from Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK Minister for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations:

In August, we commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Syrian regime’s horrific chemical weapons attack on Ghouta, Damascus, which killed 1,400 innocent civilians – including hundreds of women and children. Under international pressure following that attack, Syria acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and committed to stop its chemical weapons programme and destroy all its stockpiles. This is a commitment all states enter into on joining the CWC.

In the 10 years that have passed, the Syrian regime has ignored these obligations. It has carried out at least nine further chemical weapons attacks using sarin or chlorine. The hundreds of victims deserve justice.

Syria’s continued use of chemical weapons confirm beyond all doubt that, despite repeated Syrian regime assurances, it has not declared and destroyed all of its stockpile. It has continued to obstruct the efforts of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to verify its destruction and frustrated UN and OPCW work to investigate chemical weapons attacks.

We commend the OPCW’s perseverance over the last 10 years. Responsibility for compliance rests solely with Syria: it must declare and destroy its chemical weapons; it must cooperate with the OPCW to assure the world that it has renounced chemical weapons and that the destruction of its chemical weapons stocks is verified and complete.

Syria has chemical weapons and must not be able to use them again. With international partners, the UK has in place sanctions and trade restrictions applied to Syria on goods and technology relating to chemical weapons.

Victims deserve accountability for violations of international law. The UK supports international mechanisms in pursuit of this, including the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria. Those responsible for chemical weapons in Syria must be held to account for their crimes against the Syrian people.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of new training places created as part of £650 million fusion package [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 16 October 2023.

Measures announced by Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie at IAEA Fusion Energy Conference.
- Plans to transform UK fusion include training for over 2,000 people, a new fuel cycle testing facility and dedicated funding to support fusion companies
- £650 million package will help cement UK as world leader in development of innovative technology
- Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie outlined details of the Fusion Futures Programme at key international conference
Thousands of people across the UK will have the chance to train for careers in innovative fusion technology, under government plans unveiled today (Monday 16 October).

Speaking at the IAEA Fusion Energy Conference, Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie set out details of the new £650 million Fusion Futures Programme – part of the UK’s updated Fusion Strategy.

Measures include the creation of more than 2,200 training places across the country, a new fuel cycle testing facility to focus on commercialising the technology and funding to develop infrastructure for private fusion companies.

This includes growing and improving the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) dedicated campus in Culham, Oxfordshire, recently visited by Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho, which will help drive further investment.

Fusion could generate a near unlimited supply of clean electricity in the long-term, and its development in the UK will help to create jobs, grow the economy, and strengthen the country’s energy security – delivering a cleaner energy system that will benefit future generations.

The UK is already a world leader in fusion technology and is well placed to share its knowledge and expertise around the globe. This government support will further cement that position, with the £650 million spending outlined today taking the total government investment in fusion to over £1.4 billion since 2021.

Speaking at the IAEA Fusion Energy Conference 2023, Minister for Nuclear and Networks, Andrew Bowie, said:

With world-leading scientific talent and expertise based here in the UK, we have a golden opportunity to be at the cutting-edge of fusion and lead the way in its commercialisation as the ultimate clean energy source.

The Fusion Futures Programme, backed by £650 million, will be at the core of delivering this, training thousands of people across the country and ensuring we have the best possible facilities to develop this exciting new technology.

CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Professor Sir Ian Chapman, said:

Delivering fusion power will require ideas to solve science and engineering challenges, involvement of industry partners, development of thousands of skilled people and strong international partnerships.

Fusion Futures will invest in all of these aspects – a truly concerted programme that will support economic growth and high-quality jobs as well as advancing fusion as part of a future sustainable energy mix.

The £650 million funding for the Fusion Futures Programme will include:
- up to £200 million for a Fuel Cycle Testing Facility, to develop technology in breeding fuel for fusion power plants, which will provide opportunities for the UK to become a world leader and exporter in tritium intellectual property
- up to £200 million for vital R&D ensuring industry can develop and design components for future fusion powerplants
- up to £50 million for growing and improving the Culham campus in Oxfordshire, building new premises to create vibrant concentrations of fusion companies, and helping drive inward investment into the UK
- up to £55 million for a Fusion Skills Programme, to train over 2,200 people over the next 5 years by working with business and universities to expand fusion training programmes
- up to £35 million additional funding for the Fusion Industry Programme (FIP), a challenge fund supporting UK companies to develop new technologies
- up to £25 million to enhance international collaborations on fusion R&D, to export UK expertise and make best use of global knowledge to accelerate fusion energy
- up to £18 million for a Technology Transfer Hub, strengthening connections between the UK’s leading research organisations and other programmes worldwide, with a focus on commercialising fusion research
- up to £11 million to further support the STEP programme and upskill UK industry to help deliver it
Today’s announcement follows confirmation from the government in September of its plans to put in place an ambitious suite of new research and development programmes to support the UK’s fusion sector and strengthen international collaboration.

The programme aligns with the core principle of international collaboration in the UK’s updated Fusion Strategy, also published today. The UK remains open to collaboration with the EU and other international partners, and this will form a key part of this new programme of work.

The fusion process involves heating a mix of 2 forms of hydrogen to extreme temperatures, 10 times hotter than the core of the Sun, causing them to fuse together to create helium and release huge amounts of energy.

The energy created can be used to generate electricity in the same way as existing power stations. Fusion is many million times more efficient, per kilogram, than burning coal, oil or gas.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary to build on progress in tackling illegal migration as he meets Western Balkans leaders in Albania [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

UK to highlight the growing UK-Albania partnership which has helped to decrease small boats crossings by Albanian nationals by 90% on last year.
- UK to highlight the growing UK-Albania partnership which has helped to drive down small boats crossings by Albanian nationals by 90% on last year
- trip will also underline the UK’s commitment to protecting stability in the Western Balkans during Summit of regional leaders
- Foreign Secretary to set out UK’s unique offer to the region as a key partner in upholding its prosperity and security
The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, will attend a Summit of Western Balkan and European leaders today in Albania (16 October) to urge them to preserve peace and stability amidst a growing number of tensions across the region.

Cleverly will look to build on the success of the UK’s partnership with Albania and seek increased cooperation across the Western Balkans region to tackle the drivers of illegal migration.

Close collaboration between the 2 countries has seen Channel crossings by Albanian nationals fall by 90% since the signing of the Joint Communiqué in December and a significant increase in the return of illegal migrants to Albania.

His attendance at the annual Berlin Process Summit in Tirana follows the deployment of 600 UK troops in Kosovo to bolster NATO’s peacekeeping mission in response to a build-up of military along the Serbia-Kosovo border and violent attacks against Kosovan police.

Ahead of his visit, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK is committed to working with the Western Balkans to tackle gangs who exploit lives for profit, as well as addressing the wider security challenges across the region.

Our partnership with Albania is doing just that. Through increased law enforcement cooperation, we have driven down small boats arrivals by Albanians by 90% on last year, and are returning those who have no legal right to remain in the UK.

The UK will always be a reliable partner standing side-by-side with the region to promote a prosperous and stable future.

The Foreign Secretary will highlight the UK’s unique role in supporting the region’s prosperity and security, from bolstering resilience against malign activity, interference and cyberattacks, to economic development and working alongside partners to tackle corruption and serious organised crime.

The Foreign Secretary will also use the Summit – attended by senior government representatives from across the Western Balkans and wider Europe – to galvanise international partners to remain steadfast in their solidarity with Israel and its fundamental right to defend itself against Hamas.

While in Tirana, James Cleverly will boost the UK’s ties with Albania. He will build on the Joint Communiqué agreed between Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Edi Rama in December 2022. The Communiqué set out new areas of collaboration on law enforcement and returns of those arriving illegally in the UK, as well as strengthening economic development.

At Tirana International Airport, the Foreign Secretary, alongside the Albanian Interior Minister, will formally open the Police Command Centre, which houses the UK-Albania Joint Migration Taskforce responsible for coordinating operational measures and actions to tackle people smugglers and traffickers facilitating illegal migrants from Albania to the UK.

To enhance trading ties between the UK and Albania, the Foreign Secretary will launch the British Chamber of Commerce in the country. The Chamber, which will help grow the economies of both countries, will be launched at an event at the Western Balkans University, a higher education institution that is developing partnerships with British Universities and providing scholarships for those under pressure to migrate from northern Albania.

Background
- the Berlin Process was set-up in 2014 to as a platform to promote high-level cooperation between countries in the Western Balkans
- since the signing of the Joint Communiqué in December 2022, arrivals of Albanian nationals to the UK on small boats has dropped from over 12,000 to under 1,000
- over 3,500 people who had no right to remain in the UK have been returned to Albania in the same period
Media enquiries
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 15 October 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan to Downing Street this afternoon, to discuss the conflict between Israel and Hamas and implications for regional security.

The leaders welcomed the historic and enduring cooperation between the United Kingdom and Jordan, which is particularly important during times of crisis.

The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself following last week’s terrorist attack and said Hamas’ abhorrent actions should not undermine the just cause of the Palestinian people.

They discussed diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the wider Middle East, working with regional leaders as well as the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. The leaders also agreed on the importance of taking measures to protect civilians in Gaza, including British and Jordanian citizens caught up in the violence, as well as ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

The Prime Minister thanked King Abdullah for Jordan’s support for British nationals wishing to leave the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days and weeks.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak words one week on from the start of Hamas terrorist attacks [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 October 2023.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issues a statement, one week on from the start of Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel.

No words can begin to describe the horror and barbarism unleashed in Israel a week ago. Daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, grandparents taken from people in the cruellest and most horrific way possible. Hundreds of people have been killed, many wounded or missing and others living through the unimaginable agony of having a loved one kidnapped and held hostage.

British citizens were among the victims. And as we continue to learn more, I know there are families here and in Israel in deep pain and torment. My thoughts and my heart go out to everyone suffering in the wake of these attacks.

I know that the days and weeks ahead will continue to be very difficult. To the people of Israel, I say Britain is with you. What took place was an act of pure evil and Israel has every right to defend itself. We will do everything we can to support Israel in restoring the security it deserves.

To our Jewish community in the UK: I know you are hurting and reeling from these vile terrorist acts. At moments like this, when Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel less safe. We’ve seen intimidating behaviour and shameful antisemitism online and on our streets with attempts to stir up tensions. I say: not here. Not in Britain. Not in our country. Not in this century. We will do everything we possibly can to protect Jewish people in our country. And if anything is standing in the way of keeping the Jewish community safe, we will fix it.

I am unequivocal. We stand with Israel, not just today, not just tomorrow, but always. And I stand with you, the British Jewish community, not just today, not just tomorrow, but always. Am Yisrael Chai.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s decision to source arms from North Korea – FCDO statement [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 October 2023.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson statement on Russia’s decision to source arms from North Korea for its illegal war in Ukraine.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

The UK strongly condemns Russia’s decision to source arms from North Korea for its illegal war. We urge North Korea to cease its arms supply to Russia and abide by its public commitments to not sell arms to Russia.

Russia’s sourcing of weapons from North Korea violates UN Security Council resolutions – including resolutions Russia itself voted for, and highlights Putin’s desperation and isolation on the global stage.

The transfer of money, military equipment or technology bolstering North Korea’s own illegal weapons programmes would significantly undermine the UN’s long standing commitment to security, and further destabilise the region. A better armed North Korea is not in the interests of its neighbours, the region and the world.

North Korea is subject to a robust sanctions regime, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that North Korea pays a high price for supporting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : AI projects supporting small businesses in fashion, farming and fire-fighting to get funding boost ahead of UK AI Safety Summit [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 14 October 2023.

AI projects in areas as diverse as fashion, farming and fire-fighting to be backed with a further £37 million funding, ahead of next month’s AI Safety Summit.
- Research teams and businesses of all sizes encouraged to bid for share of £32 million to put productivity-boosting AI tools to work
- further £5 million committed to feasibility studies into 100 small firms’ pioneering AI ideas
- latest funding boost unveiled less than three weeks before UK AI Safety Summit
Artificial intelligence projects in areas as diverse as fashion, farming and fire-fighting are being backed with a further £37 million, as the Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan highlights how AI can be a force for good ahead of next month’s AI Safety Summit.

Research teams and businesses of all sizes in high-growth industries – from transport to agriculture and construction to creative industries – are encouraged to apply for a share of £32 million, which is now open for bids. The funding will help grow their AI initiatives in a safe and responsible way and boost the wider sector, support their workforces and help the UK towards the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

A further £5 million has been awarded to feasibility studies for 100 projects involving small businesses across the UK, helping to sow the seeds of an idea that could flourish into game-changing technology, part of a push from government to grasp the positive effects of AI to boost productivity and growth. This funding will support AI tools being used right across the economy, from managing the power supplies to EV chargepoints and reducing delays on the railways, to using AI to reduce the waste produced by the construction industry, and monitoring the health of dairy cattle.

The Technology Secretary unveiled the latest support to drive forward safe, responsible AI solutions in a visit to Kapdaa, a sustainable fashion brand in Kingston Upon Thames, which has received backing for its AI4Fibres project, using AI for textile and fibres recycling.

Kapdaa, among the winners of the £5 million fund announced today, is developing AI-powered cloth recycling to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental footprint and cut back on the estimated 921,000 tonnes of used textiles disposed of in household waste in the UK each year – the equivalent of more than 70,000 London buses.

Its technology can effectively sort and process textile waste by material, while removing zips and buttons to increase recycling and reduce landfills. Current manual methods, reliant on accurate labelling or use of handheld machines to scan the garments individually can make the process labour intensive and expensive.

Other funded projects include TradeWork’s AI-assisted project management systems to enable more efficient work scheduling, resourcing, budgeting and completion that in turn drives faster and cheaper housebuilding and DeepPlanet, which is working to detect and predict diseases in wine grape plants through satellite imagery to prevent waste.

Meanwhile DigiLab in Exeter is helping farmers to identify and verify carbon capture and Better Environment and Transport is exploring AI solutions that will help UK Fire and Rescue services to move their fleets towards net-zero, saving on fuel bills and cutting pollution.

Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

When it is deployed safely and responsibly, AI can and will transform what is possible in the world of work, unlocking gains in productivity and efficiency that could never have been imagined before.

That is why we are backing 100 small teams with the seed of an idea – from using AI to boost clothing recycling to driving housebuilding – to drive them forward. At the same time our £32 million competition will support teams of all sizes to kick their ideas on to the next level, further helping us shape how this vital technology of the future can work for us and grow our economy.

It is also why we are bringing world leaders and tech experts together in just a few weeks’ time for the AI Safety Summit, to build cooperation around the risks and opportunities of this incredibly promising technology and how we manage it safely.

Co-founder of Kapdaa, Nishant Parekh, said:

Our aim is to make the UK self-sufficient for its own textile waste. We are creating a one of a kind AI system completely conceptualised and built in the UK, providing a unique way to reduce landfill.

Eventually, it will create an entirely new sector and inspire young generations to support sustainability.

The £32 million competition is open now and closes on 8 November, days after the UK hosts leading AI nations, technology companies, researchers, and civil society groups at the world’s first major summit on AI Safety, driving national and international action for the safe and responsible development of frontier AI around the world.

Funding, through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund and delivered by the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, will be granted to at least one micro business, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), one large enterprise and one academic institution or research and technology organisation (RTO).

Dr Kedar Pandya, Executive Director, Cross-Council Programmes at UKRI, said:

The feasibility projects UKRI is funding will demonstrate how AI can aid and be incorporated into many of the UK’s industries and sectors.

Similarly, the new competition will develop consortia that involve small, medium and large business partnering with academic and research bodies. This will mean drawing on both the knowledge and practical experiences of partners.

The latest funding boost comes weeks after the Technology Secretary committed £2 million towards four projects exploring AI solutions to some of the hardest-to-treat cancers and followed £13 million, pledged through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, for research that will deliver pioneering AI innovation in healthcare, with 22 winning university and NHS trust projects stretching from Edinburgh to Surrey receiving a share.

In June, the government also announced £31 million to create a UK and international research and innovation ecosystem for responsible and trustworthy AI.

Notes to editors

Kapdaa is a multi-award-winning London based sustainable fashion brand. They collaborate with fashion and interior designers, textile manufacturers, fabric weavers, mills and brands to convert their fabric offcuts (pieces leftover after a garment is created) into limited edition, eco-friendly, affordable accessories and stationery. The business says it has so far saved over 10,000 metres from going to landfill – more than two laps of Hyde Park in London.

This £37 million is funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund announced in the Science and Technology Framework, and delivered by the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, to support AI innovation in high-growth industries.

Find out more about how to apply to the current £32 million competition – AI Solutions to improve productivity in key sectors.

The £32 million competition will help to fund around 80 businesses and 20 consortia. As the consortia are required to involve three organisations at a minimum, this will be involve around 60.

The £5 million feasibility fund supports UK registered micro, small or medium-sized businesses in collaboration with academic institutions where appropriate. 100 projects are being awarded and with each project receiving up to £50,000 and lasting between four and six months.

About UKRI Technology Missions Fund

The UKRI Technology Missions funding is designed to exploit the UK’s global leadership in transformative technologies to help solve specific problems, whilst also helping cement that leading position. Overall, UKRI is investing £250 million in Technology Missions to enable new and existing capabilities and capacity in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and engineering biology in the years 2023-2025 and beyond. With a further £70 million announced to support future telecommunications.

About Innovate UK BridgeAI

Innovate UK BridgeAI empowers UK businesses in high-growth sectors, driving productivity and economic growth through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence. We bridge the gap between developers and end-users, fostering user-driven AI technologies. With a focus on ethics, transparency, and data privacy, we aim to build trust and confidence in the development of AI solutions. Strengthening AI leadership, supporting workforces, and promoting responsible innovation, BridgeAI shapes a collaborative and AI-enabled future. BridgeAI is an Innovate UK funded programme, delivered by a consortium including Innovate UK, Digital Catapult, The Alan Turing Institute, STFC Hartree Centre and BSI.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Consultation launched to ban wet wipes containing plastic [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 October 2023.

A consultation on banning wet wipes containing plastic across the UK has been launched today under plans to tackle plastic pollution and clean up waterways.
UK-wide consultation launched to ban wet wipes containing plastic

Proposed ban will tackle plastic pollution in marine environment and reduce microplastics entering wastewater treatment plants

Proposal delivers on the UK Government’s Plan for Water, delivering more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement across the water system

A consultation on banning wet wipes containing plastic across the UK has been launched today under plans to tackle plastic pollution and clean up our waterways (14 October 2023).

A key measure in the UK Government’s Plan for Water, the ban forms part of the government’s ongoing work to ensure there is more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement across the water system, helping tackle plastic and microplastic pollution and improve water quality.

Wet wipes containing plastic break down into microplastics over time, which can be harmful to the environment and human health. Banning wet wipes containing plastic would help alleviate this issue, as well as reducing the volume of microplastics entering wastewater treatment plants when wrongly flushed.

Alternatives to wet wipes containing plastic are already available, with a number of major brands removing plastic from wet wipes. Boots, Tesco and Aldi are amongst major retailers who have stopped selling wet wipes containing plastic. The ban would build on this action from retailers to make only plastic-free wet wipes available to consumers.

The plans have been set out in a joint consultation with the devolved administrations which has been launched today to seek views on banning the manufacture, supply and sale of plastic-containing wet wipes across the UK.

It recognises public calls for action to tackle plastic pollution in waterways, and widespread public support for the proposed ban. A 2021 Call for Evidence in England found that 96% of respondents supported a ban on wet wipes containing plastic.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

Wet wipes containing plastic are unnecessary and are polluting our environment.

Today’s plan shows we will continue to tackle plastic pollution in our waterways, building on banning microbeads in personal care products to taking billions of plastic bags out of circulation.

The consultation delivers on Defra’s commitments set out in the Plan for Water this year to launch a public consultation on the ban and work with industry to ensure plastic-free alternatives are widely available, with some retailers already taking action.

It also forms part of the Government’s wider world-leading action to tackle the scourge of plastic pollution and eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042.

David Henderson, Water UK Chief Executive, said:

We welcome the Government’s plan to ban plastics from wet wipes. When flushed, these wipes cause fatbergs and other blockages that trigger overflow spills into rivers or flood homes and businesses.

As our Bin the Wipe campaign makes clear, these products should never be flushed. We can all do our bit by putting wet wipes in the bin, rather than flushing them.

Natalie Gourlay, Head of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) at Boots UK said:

Boots removed all wet wipes containing plastic from sale in stores and online earlier this year as part of our long-standing commitment to sustainability and working with suppliers and customers to reduce the use of plastic.

We are pleased to see the Government now taking action in this area as collectively we all have a responsibility to protect the environment and enable a healthy planet.

The UK Government and devolved administrations have already banned microbeads in rinse-off personal care products. Additionally, the UK Government introduced the Plastic Packaging Tax in April 2022, a tax of more than £200 per tonne on plastic packaging manufactured in or imported to the UK that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.

Elsewhere, the Government’s hugely successful single-use carrier bag charge has cut sales in the main supermarkets by more than 98% since its introduction in 2015, taking billions of bags out of circulation.

Today’s announcement follows action by the Environment Secretary, who wrote to producers and retailers of wet wipes earlier in the year regarding the labelling of wet wipes as ‘flushable’.

Wet wipes contribute to 94% of sewer blockages, which can lead to damage to properties and can result in sewage-related litter entering the environment. The Environment Secretary has told producers that labels saying ‘flushable’ or ‘fine to flush’ may encourage consumers to dispose of wipes down the toilet, rather than disposing of them responsibly in the bin.

The government continues to support Water UK’s ‘Bin the Wipe’ campaign to address the environmental and drainage impacts of flushing wet wipes, in line with commitments in the Plan for Water.

The consultation will run for 6 weeks, until the 25th November 2023.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK research into mine detecting drones could change land warfare [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 October 2023.

Drones equipped with cutting-edge sensors to detect ground mines and explosives are being researched by UK scientists and could alter the face of land warfare.
New drone technology could significantly reduce the threat and effectiveness of ground mines.

Potential to greatly increase protection for Armed Forces personnel on the battlefield.

Trials took place in conjunction with NATO allies.

Scientists and engineers at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) are conducting crucial research into the new drone technology, which would see mined areas cleared faster and more safely, ramping up protection for Armed Forces personnel.

Maintaining freedom of movement and mobility at pace for the Armed Forces is vital for safety and mission effectiveness and this is significantly reduced by surface laid mines, explosives or buried munitions.

The Dstl team with industry partners participated in trials with NATO allies in Spain and at the Suffield Research Centre in Canada. Advances in uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low size, weight and power (SWaP) sensing have led to the development of innovative concepts for explosive threat detection by combining these technologies and systems.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge MP said:

“We’ve all seen the threat to safety and military advancement that mines can still pose.

“The UK and our NATO allies are spearheading research into this technology, which has the potential to not only enhance protection for our Service Personnel, but also speed up battlefield progress.”

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Chief Delivery Officer, Matt Chinn said:

“Converging the latest drone and sensing technologies could give us the ability to detect and destroy deadly mines and explosives without putting lives at risk.

“It could also give us the ability to clear mined areas better, quicker and cheaper – allowing military operations or humanitarian missions to proceed.”

Researching technologies such as mine-detecting drones has the potential to change the approach to land warfare, by significantly reducing the threat and effectiveness of ground mines.

Technologies that can be used to detect these threats in advance can be vital in determining the next course of action on the battlefield.

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Chief Executive, Dr Paul Hollinshead said:

“This is Dstl working with UK industry and international partners at its best. Highly innovative, developing new concepts, sharing expertise, and harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to save lives.”

The two-week NATO trials aimed to give international and academic organisations the opportunity to showcase their UAV-mounted sensor concepts and to share ideas, knowledge, and solutions. The resulting experiments demonstrated a range of modified, novel and bespoke sensing technologies.

The UK system performed well under the trials, and the intention is to use the results of the assessments to prioritise the next stages of research and development. As part of an overarching research project commissioned by MOD’s Chief Scientific Advisor, it will be developed over the next decade into the front-line command funded equipment programmes, such as the Ground Area Reconnaissance and Assurance (GARA) project.
October 20, 2023