Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : Smarter maintenance for Navy Fleet under £1.85 billion contract [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 February 2024.

UK security will be boosted through a vast new contract – worth nearly £2 billion – that will ensure the long-term availability and resilience of critical naval assets.
- £1.85 billion contract to sustain world-class leading sonar and sensors for Royal Navy ships and submarines
- Defence Secretary announces 450 UK jobs to be created or sustained across the UK
- AI and data management to analyse availability and reduce repair times and increase ship availability
UK security will be boosted through a vast new contract – worth nearly £2 billion – that will ensure the long-term availability and resilience of critical assets used by Royal Navy ships and submarines over the next 15 years.

Announced by Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, on his first visit to His Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport, the Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team (MSET) contract with Thales UK will aim to provide full availability of the equipment that is the eyes and ears of the Royal Navy.

Utilising data technology, including AI and virtual reality to be more proactive and predictive maintenance systems, the contract will see the Royal Navy maximise the days they are ready to deploy.

The contract will support sonar – our ability to hear underneath the water – masts, periscopes and also electronic warfare equipment that enable the Royal Navy to detect and target potential threats. Crucially, by increasing the longevity of our sensor and sonar capability, it will significantly increase equipment availability which is critical for the Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) and wider ship and submarine capabilities.

Touring the naval base and speaking with Royal Navy sailors and civilian staff, Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, thanked the workforce for the incredibly important role they play in maintaining UK security, particularly at a time of heightened global tensions.

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

In a time of global instability, it is imperative we minimise the time our ships and submarines are out for maintenance.

This is another partnership with Thales UK and our outstanding UK defence sector that not only boosts national security but provides a boost to local communities and helps fuel economic growth.

Devonport Naval Base is an incredibly impressive facility with staff who play a role of such magnitude it cannot be underestimated.

Around 300 UK jobs from a previous Thales UK support contract will be sustained and a further 150 STEM jobs, including highly skilled engineering roles and apprenticeships, will be created across Devonport, Faslane, Glasgow, Portsmouth, Cheadle, Crawley and Bristol. This contract also safeguards jobs from across an extensive UK supply chain.

The contract, awarded by Defence Equipment & Support – the MOD’s procurement arm – will improve the facilities at HMNB Devonport, Faslane, Portsmouth and Bahrain and deliver advanced test and repair capabilities. This enhanced waterfront presence will allow equipment to be triaged at source, thereby enabling rapid improvements in fault diagnosis, thereby reducing repair times.

The Defence Secretary’s visit to HMNB Devonport follows a £750 million funding boost to the naval base, announced in November 2023, that will significantly improve the infrastructure. Creating around 1,000 construction roles, the work will also support maintenance of existing and future submarines, and enhance the dockyard’s ability to deliver major defence projects.

The Southwest recently became the country’s Marine and Maritime Launchpad, recognising its leadership in the sector. The area will receive an additional £7.5 million in funding to support outstanding innovation projects within maritime. The shipbuilding enterprise directly supports over 43,000 jobs across the country, with over 19,000 employed in the Southwest alone.

Alex Cresswell, Chairman and CEO of Thales in the UK, said:

Thales is delighted to strengthen our century long partnership with the Royal Navy, and support its vital role in defending the UK and keeping the world’s critical sea lanes open.

This £1.8 billion contract with Thales will help keep more Royal Navy ships at sea for longer, by harnessing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, data analysis and improved dockland facilities.

Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell said:

The warships and submarines of the Royal Navy rely on the latest cutting-edge sensors and sonars to give us a key warfighting edge.

The new contract is a significant commitment from the MoD and Thales-UK to improving the availability of our equipment, maximising its effectiveness and enabling the Royal Navy to operate with confidence.

This significant investment in our ship and submarine sensors will ensure our equipment is at the cutting edge of technology.

Vice Admiral Paul Marshall, Director General Ships, DE&S said:

I am delighted that we have been able to secure a 15-year contract with Thales UK that will ensure the long-term support for major sonar, mast, periscope and electronic warfare equipment that are critical for Ship and Submarine capabilities.

Achieving this notable milestone is testament to the tremendous effort from all involved, both DE&S and Thales, where there has been determined focus on establishing long-term efficiencies and improvements that are vital to improving overall equipment availability.

Senior Responsible Owner for Naval Support Integrated Global Network Program, Graeme Little, said:

The signing of the contract is a significant milestone for the Support of Sonars and Sensors across the Royal Navy, I am delighted that we have put in place a contract focussed on a Value for Money solution that will drive availability and resilience into these critical capabilities and improve the Lived Experience of Royal Navy Engineers.
February 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of members to the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 2 February 2024.

The Secretary of State, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the appointment members to CCEA.

The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the appointment of Ms Jackie Bartley, Dr Michael Johnston MBE, Ms Sheila McClelland, Professor Susan Morison and Ms Maire Thompson as new members of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. 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 on 2 February 2024 and will join Mrs Paula Leitch who was re-appointed for a further term of four years on 26 October 2023.

These new members will bring a wealth of private and public sector experience to the CCEA Council. The successful candidates have extensive backgrounds in such areas as governance, strategic decision making, professional knowledge, analytical thinking and working with others. Their significant knowledge and skills will play a key role in underpinning the work of the Council.

Biography

Ms Jackie Bartley is currently Principal of St Genevieve’s High School, Belfast. She was a teacher for the past 33 years and a school leader for 13 years and has been a member of several Department of Education Practitioner Groups. She has been the post primary Chairperson of the National Executive of the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) and has recently taken up the role of President. Ms Bartley has a thorough knowledge of the curriculum and qualifications, was formerly a co-opted Principal CCEA Council member and has worked closely with the CCEA Director of Education and her Team. She does not hold any other public appointments.

Dr Michael Johnston MBE is a former Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland. He is a former visiting Professor to the Ulster University Business School and Chairman of CAFRE’s College Advisory Group, a former Board member of the European Milk Forum and former Chairman of the International Dairy Federation’s Standing Committee on Marketing. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Dr Johnston is a Board member of Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health. He does not hold any other public appointments.

Ms Sheila McClelland is currently Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and is a Board member of Cooperation Ireland and a member of the Governing Body of Maynooth University. She was previously Director of Corporate Services at CCEA and was Chairperson of the Board of the Consumer Council (CCNI), a Board member of NI Co-operation Overseas (NICO) and was a NI committee member on the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Ms McClelland holds one other public appointment as a Board member of the Communities Relations Council for which she receives no remuneration.

Professor Susan Morison is Professor Emeritus and Honorary Professor of Healthcare Education at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). Formerly she was Director of Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Education, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Deputy Director of the QUB Dental School and Director of the DEL-funded, Centre for Excellence in Interprofessional Education (IPE). As Honorary Professor she undertakes unremunerated activities for QUB including PhD supervision, admissions interviews and contributes to healthcare education research projects. She has also been an Education Associate of the General Dental Council and served on a number of education-related committees. Professor Morison does not hold any other public appointments.

Ms Máire Thompson is currently principal of Hazelwood Integrated College. Newtownabbey, and formerly principal of Malone College, Belfast. She is an Associate Assessor with the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) and an Associate of the Association of Education Advisers (AoEA). She is a member of various educational stakeholder groups, including the CCEA Curriculum and Assessment Principals’ Group, the Excluded Lives Advisory Group and the A Fair Start Stakeholders’ Reference Group. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for services to Education by Ulster University in 2022, the same year that Hazelwood College won TES UK School of the Year. She was awarded the Pearson UK Principal of the Year in 2017. Ms Thompson does not hold any other public appointments.

Mrs Paula Leitch is a former Assistant Principal of the Belfast Model School for Girls and former member of the Belfast Education and Library Board. She is currently a Director of the Controlled Schools’ Support Council and a member of Stranmillis College Board.

Details of body

CCEA is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Education and is responsible for keeping under review all aspects of the curriculum, examinations and assessment for schools including developing, conducting and moderating qualifications and assessments, and developing resources to support the implementation of the curriculum. Further information about the work of the organisation can be found at www.ccea.org.uk.

Terms Of Appointment

The five new appointments will be from the date of appointment until 25 October 2027. The time commitment is approximately 2 days per month. Members are not remunerated but are eligible to claim travel and other expenses necessarily incurred while carrying out their CCEA duties. They are non-pensionable.

The one re-appointment commenced on 26 October 2023 until 25 October 2027.

Regulation

In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, these appointments have been 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

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. Ms Bartley, Dr Johnston MBE, Ms McClelland, Ms Maire Thompson and Ms Paula Leitch have not declared any political activity in the last five years. Professor Susan Morison has declared that during the last five years she has undertaken political activity as Woman’s Officer for the Labour Party in Northern Ireland (LPNI) from April 2023 to January 2024.

Notes to Editors
1. The Council’s membership comprises a Chairperson and 13 members all of whom are appointed by the Department of Education.
2. The recruitment competition was widely advertised including in the Public Appointments section of NI Direct. The competition was sought to fill vacancies on the Council.
3. Media queries should be directed to the Department of Education press office via email at press.office@education-ni.gov.uk
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
February 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The first UK-EU Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 February 2024.

The inaugural UK-EU Counter-Terrorism Dialogue took place in Brussels on 2 February 2024, to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism.

On 2 February 2024, the inaugural UK-EU Counter-Terrorism (CT) Dialogue, as established by the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), took place in Brussels. This Dialogue was a welcome opportunity for the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) to discuss a wide range of counter-terrorism issues, including assessments on the terrorist threat, and strategic approaches for prevention and response in order to protect our citizens.

The UK and EU shared best practice and expertise on counter-terrorism, including responses to terrorist content online and financing of terrorism. They also spoke about cooperation, including with other third countries and in multilateral fora and agreed to continue these important exchanges.

The UK delegation was chaired by Jonathan Emmett, Director of Counter-Terrorism & Homeland Security Strategy in the Home Office, who was accompanied by officials from the Home Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and a police representative from the UK’s Liaison Bureau at Europol. On the EU side, which included an observer from the Belgian Presidency on behalf of EU Member States, the Dialogue was chaired by Nadia Costantini, Special Envoy for Counter-Terrorism, of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Representatives from the European Commission, including Deputy Director-General from the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs, Olivier Onidi, and the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator’s office also joined.

The UK welcomed the rich and constructive discussion with its EU counterparts. The next CT Dialogue will be held in London.

February 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government backs Bill to clamp down on livestock worrying [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 2 February 2024.

New measures aim to reduce dog attacks on livestock.

Tougher powers to tackle livestock worrying have taken a significant step forward today (2 February) with the announcement of government backing for new legislation.

Livestock worrying – when dogs chase, attack, or cause distress to livestock – can result in significant injury and suffering and in the worst cases, the death of the animals involved. These incidents are also distressing for livestock keepers and can have significant financial costs.

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill – a Private Members’ Bill sponsored by Dr Thérèse Coffey MP – the police will be given greater powers to respond to livestock worrying incidents more effectively – making it easier for them to collect evidence and, in the most serious cases, seize and detain dogs to reduce the risk of further attacks.

Since the original 1953 Act was brought in, the number of livestock in England and Wales has doubled with more people visiting the countryside.

By supporting the Bill, the Government is delivering on pledges made in its Action Plan for Animal Welfare and recognising the financial and emotional impacts farmers face as a result of dog attacks on livestock.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

“Livestock worrying has a devastating impact, causing distress to farmers and their animals, as well as the financial implications.

“This Bill will crack down on this issue, widening the scope to protect more farm animals covered by law and giving police more powers to act. We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament.”

Dr Thérèse Coffey MP said:

“We have heard from the police that they need more up to date powers to help them identify the dogs that are attacking and worrying livestock, and subsequently their owners. It is great to get out and enjoy nature, but dog owners should be careful and ideally put their dogs on a lead when on or near a working farm to avoid such attacks.”

The Bill would modernise existing legislation to ensure it remains fit for purpose, including extending the livestock definition to include alpacas and llamas and widening locations where enforcement can be taken to roads and paths.

The Bill will also address current enforcement challenges and give the police more powers to seize dogs after serious incidents and greater powers of entry, as well as the power to take evidence samples from livestock and dogs help investigate these crimes.

Support for this Bill builds on the Government’s efforts to enhance our world-leading standards of animal welfare. The UK was the first country in the world to introduce animal cruelty offences and is the highest ranked G7 nation according to World Animal Protection’s Index.  Our flagship Action Plan for Animal Welfare committed us to going even further to protect animals.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill – which is only possible now we have left the European Union – will put an end to the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain, stopping animals enduring unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury on long journeys.

The recently introduced Pet Abduction Bill – which has government support – will create a new specific offence to tackle dog and cat abduction.

Since publishing the Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021, we have also brought in new laws to recognise animal sentience, introduced tougher penalties for animal cruelty offences; extended the ivory ban to cover other ivory bearing species; introduced legislation to ban the keeping of primates as pets and supported legislation to ban glue traps, the import of detached shark fins and measures to ban the advertising and offering for sale of low welfare activities abroad.

February 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK Commandos train in Arctic ahead of largest NATO exercise since Cold War [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 February 2024.

Hundreds of Royal Marines and Army Commandos are conducting extreme cold weather training alongside allies in Norway ahead of Exercise Nordic Response.
- Royal Marines and Army Commandos are conducting cold weather training alongside allies in Norway.
- The Commando Force is based at Camp Viking – established last year as the UK’s main operations hub for the High North.
- Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, met the commandos this week during a visit for bilateral talks on defence cooperation with the Norwegian Defence Minister.
Hundreds of Royal Marines and Army Commandos are conducting extreme cold weather training alongside allies in Norway, operating where temperatures can plummet below –50C, ahead of Exercise Nordic Response.

This year, they are based out of Camp Viking in Øverbygd, established last year as the UK’s main operations hub in the Arctic for the next decade. Around a thousand commandos are stationed at the camp, practicing cold weather and mountain warfare techniques and testing new equipment and tactics.

The Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, visited the camp this week to observe the training programme.

He was in Norway for bilateral meetings on Tuesday with Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram, State Secretary Anne Marie Aanerud, and Chief of Defence General Eirik Kristoffersen. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the situation in Ukraine, and Norway’s approach to maintaining security in the Barents Sea.

Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, said:

The UK and Norway’s close alliance was forged through adversity in the darkest days of the Second World War, when British commandos were key to challenging the occupation of Norway by Nazi forces.

Today our enduring relationship is more important than ever, and our joint activity in the High North both increases our collective readiness and sends a powerful message of deterrence to Putin’s forces.

Every year, members of the UK Commando Force travel to Norway, in partnership with personnel from other militaries, to rehearse cold weather fighting techniques in a range of training scenarios, from high-intensity warfare to terror threats and mass demonstrations.

Camp Viking is the focal point for delivery of Mountain and Cold Weather Warfare training and is strategically placed to support NATO operations.

The skills and lessons learned in the mountains and fjords of Norway can be applied to any environment in which UK commandos may operate in the future – the idea being that if you can operate in the Arctic Circle, you can operate anywhere.

Exercise Nordic Response, a biannual training exercise in which the UK participates alongside Norway, Sweden, and Finland, will this year form part of the major multi-domain NATO exercise Steadfast Defender, which is the alliance’s largest exercise since the Cold War.

20,000 personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force will be contributing to Steadfast Defender 24 alongside 31 NATO allies and Sweden – with the UK forming 40 per cent of the exercise’s land forces.

Enhancing the coalition between the UK and her NATO allies, Steadfast Defender 24 will bring NATO nations together to test and refine defence plans approved at the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius.
February 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Meloni of Italy [February 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 February 2024.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier today.

The Prime Minister spoke to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this morning.

They discussed ongoing UK – Italy collaboration to tackle criminal people smuggling gangs and deal with illegal migration.

The Prime Minister noted the passage of the Italy-Albania agreement, and leaders agreed to continue working closely together to develop innovative partnerships across Europe and with countries along the migration route.

The Prime Minister welcomed the agreement of a new European Union funding package for Ukraine, following the UK’s commitment of £2.5 billion in military assistance last month, stressing the importance of maintaining international support for Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression.

They also discussed wider UK-Italy defence and security cooperation, including the successful Global Combat Air Programme to develop next-generation fighter jets.

February 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government to progress with plans to renew local TV licences [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 2 February 2024.

Government confirms broadcasting licences for 34 local TV stations can be extended for the next decade.
Stations can broadcast beyond 2025 subject to Ofcom approving plans to serve local audiences

From London Live to Notts TV, local programming continues to be a source of regional news and provides training for journalists

The UK’s 34 local TV stations can stay on air beyond 2025, subject to media regulator Ofcom’s approval of the stations’ long-term plans, the government has decided following a public consultation.

Launched in 2013, local TV services are required to show a certain number of hours of local programming daily, serving different regions across the country. Many of the services also support local journalism through training programmes provided in production, news reporting and technical roles, which enable students to gain hands-on experience.

The licences for the 34 local TV services, often found on channel 7 and 8 on Freeview, are due to expire in November 2025. In the broadcasting white paper, which set out the government’s vision for the sector, it committed to consult on renewing or relicensing the individual stations.

The consultation found that industry participants and members of the public support the government’s plan to renew the individual local TV licences until 2034, on the condition that stations show Ofcom that they can maintain current levels of service and continue meeting the needs of local audiences for the decade ahead.

Under the new approach, Ofcom will review each station’s long-term plan for how it seeks to meet its daily programming quota and produce distinct shows that are relevant to their area. The local TV stations who receive Ofcom’s approval to renew their licence will continue to benefit from a prominent position in regulated electronic TV guides, including Freeview. Should current providers decide not to reapply or if Ofcom does not approve a renewal, a competitive relicensing process will be launched.

Plans to renew the local TV multiplex licence – which compresses and bundles a number of TV services into one frequency and transmits it digitally – will also be taken forward, ensuring local stations remain available to viewers free-to-air.

Media Minister Julia Lopez said:

Despite changing technology and shifting viewing habits, people across the country tune into their local TV providers for trusted local news and distinct programming.

We are helping the sector to continue delivering for audiences, supporting local journalism and fostering community pride, in the years to come.

The consultation considered whether the current objectives for local TV should be updated. These include the need to produce content that caters to the interests and needs of a local area, increasing the availability and production of local programming and delivering social and economic benefits to the community. It concludes that the objectives remain fit for purpose and provide local TV services with a clear framework to deliver distinct content that meets the needs of viewers.

The government will move forward with secondary legislation to implement these changes when parliamentary time allows, with the aim of the Ofcom-led renewal process being completed by the end of the year.

Notes to editors

The local TV multiplex is currently operated by Comux Ltd.

There are currently local TV services in 34 areas of the UK: Aberdeen, Ayr, Basingstoke, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Grimsby, Guildford, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Maidstone, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Mold, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Preston, Reading, Salisbury, Scarborough, Sheffield, Southampton, Swansea and York.

The government intends to make an Order under section 244 of the Communications Act 2003 to implement the renewal of the local TV multiplex licence and 34 individual local TV service licences.
February 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Tyne to shine – Tyne Bridge gets makeover with £35 million government funding [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 2 February 2024.

Bridge maintenance will reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, helping to boost the economy across the region.
- £35 million in government funding to restore Tyne Bridge and protect it for generations to come
- vital upgrades will reduce congestion across the region, improve journey times and help grow the economy
- part of the government’s Network North plan which will improve local transport across the North East
One of the North East’s most famous icons will shine again as the government delivers a £35 million boost to restore the bridge and secure its future.

Today (2 February 2024), Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, is in Newcastle to confirm that the Tyne Bridge will undergo an extensive renovation programme, alongside major improvements on the Central Motorway East (CME) A167 to tackle congestion and improve journey times in and out of Newcastle.

This is part of the government’s Network North plan which will improve local transport across the North East, with today’s announcement following our record £544 million in funding for a long-term plan to resurface local roads across the North East.

Every penny of the £19.8 billion committed to the Northern leg of High Speed 2 (HS2) will be reinvested in transport across the North.

With the centenary of the bridge’s opening approaching in 2028, the investment will safeguard the iconic structure for future generations and help grow the economy in Newcastle and the North East.

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said:

Today is a historic day for Newcastle and the North East. Our £35 million boost will restore the Tyne Bridge in all its glory so that it can shine proudly as one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.

This is part of the government’s Network North plan which will improve local transport across the North East, with today’s announcement following our record £544 million in funding for a long-term plan to resurface local roads across the North East.

A Grade II-listed structure, the Tyne Bridge is a defining landmark of the North East. Designed by the same team as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it was the world’s longest-span bridge at the time of its construction in 1928, and over 70,000 drivers now use the bridge every day to get in and out of Newcastle.

It was officially opened by King George V in October 1928, who became the first to cross it in a horse-drawn carriage – watched by 20,000 local school children who were given the day off to mark the occasion.

The bridge has survived lightning strikes and has been used to mark occasions such as the 2012 Olympics and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The last major maintenance work to the bridge was carried out in 2001 while the A167 has not received significant maintenance since it opened in 1975. This announcement shows that the government is determined to change that.

After receiving the final supporting information from the local councils in late 2023, the Department for Transport was then able to start to fully assess and progress the business case – as is the usual process, working quickly to approve the funding for the maintenance works to start as soon as possible.

The essential improvements announced today will help improve the appearance of the bridge and improve access for vehicles, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow, which in turn will improve local air quality.

With tourism worth more than £17 billion to the North East economy, restoring the Tyne Bridge will also help attract more visitors both from the UK and overseas, and will generate over £90 million in expected economic benefits in a welcome boost for local businesses and jobs.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland CEO, Patricia Yates, said:

Our history and heritage are top motivators for visitors and it is fantastic to see this iconic and much-loved landmark being restored, keeping its star shining brightly as a major draw for both domestic and international visitors for generations to come.

The crucial works follow over £544 million to improve local roads in the North East, as part of the largest-ever funding boost of £8.3 billion, enough to resurface more than 5,000 miles of local roads in England. This funding has only been made possible thanks to reallocated investment from the second phase of HS2, as the government continues to invest in local transport projects that will benefit more people in more places, more quickly.

Boosting the structural integrity of the Tyne Bridge will also mean heavier vans and lorries will no longer need to be rerouted through residential areas, protecting air quality for many Newcastle residents.

The project will see the government provide £35.2 million towards the total scheme cost of £41.4 million. The remainder of the funding will be provided by Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council.
February 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland – An Integral Part of Our Union [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 2 February 2024.

In an opinion piece, published in the News Letter, The Lord Caine discusses the significant role of Northern Ireland within the Union.

As I said in my maiden speech in the House of Lords in 2019, I am an unashamed and unapologetic unionist. I believe fervently that the best future for Northern Ireland will always be as an integral part of a strong and prosperous United Kingdom.

Those are sentiments that have motivated me throughout my 35 years of involvement in the affairs of Northern Ireland, both as an adviser to six Secretaries of State and now as one of His Majesty’s Ministers. They are as rock firm today as they have ever been. My conviction that the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom are stronger and better together remains unshakeable.

The United Kingdom is, of course, the most successful political and economic union in the world. My unionism, however, is not simply about some misty eyed nostalgia for the past. Rather it is based on the belief that our best days lay ahead and what we can build together, united in common purpose and shared destiny.

Northern Ireland benefits hugely from membership of the United Kingdom. For example, the strength and security of being part of the world’s sixth largest economy, sharing our great national institutions like the NHS, and, of course, the global reach of our country. Yet the United Kingdom as a whole is richer for the contribution that Northern Ireland makes to our national life, and without which we would collectively be much the poorer.

I recognise, however, that there are many people in Northern Ireland who do not share these views and who have different political aspirations. My unionism is one that deeply values and respects constitutional nationalism and the desire for a united Ireland pursued by peaceful and democratic means, while not sharing it. Moreover, I want nothing less than the strongest possible relationship with Ireland, recognising that there might occasionally be issues on which we differ.

Northern Ireland’s position in the United Kingdom is, of course, based on consent. The task for those of us who want to see the union prosper is to think of how we can broaden support for Northern Ireland’s constitutional position in a world that is very different to the one in which the Agreement was reached in 1998.

Central to that approach has to be to make Northern Ireland work and flourish and to do so for everyone, regardless of their community background or political aspirations. That requires fully functioning, devolved, power sharing institutions with locally elected politicians taking decisions over local matters accountable to a local Assembly.

I warmly welcome, therefore, the decision by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to take his party back into the devolved institutions at Stormont, backed by Westminster legislation that re-affirms and safeguards both now and in the long term Northern Ireland’s place within our Union and the UK internal market, by far the most important for Northern Ireland trade and business.

This is alongside the financial package of over £3 billion to help face pressing challenges for public services, giving public sector workers the pay rise they deserve, and maximising Northern Ireland’s economic opportunities. All of this underlines the enduring commitment of this Conservative and Unionist Government to Northern Ireland and governing for the whole community.

With Stormont back, we will have the opportunity, by working together, to raise up that stronger, more prosperous Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom – where politics works, the economy grows and society is more united. Building a Northern Ireland that works, where people from all parts of the community are content to live, work and raise a family, has to be the surest way of strengthening the Union in which I so passionately believe.

February 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Childcare recruitment campaign launched [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 2 February 2024.

Brand new recruitment campaign for early years workers launches today across TV, cinema, online, radio and out of home advertising.

A major new national recruitment campaign has been launched by the Department for Education today (2 February 2024) alongside a trial of £1,000 cash sign-on bonuses, to give nurseries and early years providers the workers they need and offer more childcare places for parents.

The recruitment drive comes as the latest data shows that 102,480 children have been registered on the system, reflecting the strength of demand across the country before the first phase of the largest ever expansion in free childcare kicks in from April.

The rollout is set to save working parents using the full 30-hour entitlements up to £6,500 a year, doubling down on this government’s commitment to deliver a brighter future for Britain and improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan said:

Parents shouldn’t have to choose between a career and a family and our expanded childcare offer is going to make sure of that.

From April, hundreds of thousands of parents of 2 year olds will get 15 funded hours. This is good for families and good for the wider economy – ultimately putting more money in parents’ pockets at the end of the month.

The fantastic nurseries, childminders and professionals across the childcare sector are central to the success of this rollout and our new recruitment campaign will support them in continuing to deliver the flexible and high-quality childcare parents need.

The “Do Something Big” recruitment campaign is to encourage people to start a career working with small children – one part of this government’s ongoing sector support to ensure providers are in the best position to deliver the places parents need from April and September this year and next.

The campaign will look to boost recruitment across the sector by highlighting the vast array of childcare career routes and progression opportunities offering on-the-job training, flexible hours, and, most importantly, the chance to shape and support young lives.

A £1,000 sign-on bonus for childcare workers is also being launched today to increase capacity, tackle unemployment, and offer more childcare places.

The trial – which will cover 20 local authorities across the UK – will give new-starters and returners a tax-free cash payment shortly after they take up post.

Supporting with the cost of childcare and delivering a sustainable childcare sector is just one part of wider government efforts to grow the economy and reduce debt, with inflation falling from 11.1% to 4% and National Insurance by 2% in the last year alone.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said:

Due to the difficult decision this government has taken, and by sticking to our plan, inflation has fallen and the economy is beginning to turn a corner. But the cost of childcare remains a major barrier for parents who want to work.

That’s why we are delivering the biggest investment ever in childcare in England, which will save a working parent using 30 hours a week an average of £6,500. This recruitment campaign will ensure the sector is ready to deliver.

This comes as new research finds half (51%) of Brits would consider working with pre-school children, and 2 in 5 (39%) agreed they would be more likely to do so if given £1,000 cash after joining.

The survey highlighted just how influential early years professionals are in a child’s development, with 97% of parents agreeing an early years professional had an impact on their child’s development, and two thirds (66%) agreeing they are one of the most important people in their child’s life.

Rebecca Mabey, Development Lead at a non-profit in Essex, has received her code from the Childcare Service and will be taking up 30 government-funded hours a week for her 3-year-old boy from April:

I work 4 days a week, and the cost of nursery fees means my partner and I have only been able to afford a limited time there, often relying on immediate family for childcare support over the last few years.

The new hours will mean we can increase the time our little boy spends learning and socialising at nursery, give us more flexibility at work and take some of the pressure off our family who have helped so much already.

Our second child is due in June, so the next stage of rollout will be a huge help when baby number 2 comes along!

Liam Erens, who works at a nursery in London as part of the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), nearly let misconceptions about working in early years stop him pursuing a career he now loves. Liam joined LEYF 2 years ago as part of an all-male cohort of apprentices, and now works full-time as a qualified practitioner. He urges anyone considering a career in the sector to pursue it:

I’ve always had an interest in childcare but I was concerned about how people may judge me […] At first, my friends commented on how I was “just” looking after children but there is so much more to the role than that.

We are keeping children safe, nurturing them, scaffolding their learning and building the foundations for their life. An inclusive ethos is an important part of this.

The government has also today taken steps to provide greater funding certainty to nurseries and childcare providers. Each year, the government sets out funding rates in the autumn, to take effect in the following financial year. A window – likely to be 8 weeks – will be introduced, within which local authorities have to confirm rates, after the point the department announces local authority rates. We will work with the sector in the coming weeks to finalise the approach.

The government has also made clear to all local authorities that they should confirm local funding rates that come into force from 1 April no later than the end of February.

Clare Roberts, Kids Planet CEO said:

Many parents already recognise how amazing early years and childcare professionals are, but it’s time that everyone else does too, and that the sector is given the recognition and importance it deserves in the valuable job it does to shape future generations.

To deliver the government’s expansion of childcare and for it to be successful, we need to see significant growth across the sector, and what better way than to spotlight the incredible people already supporting and shaping our children.

I welcome the launch of this campaign and would urge anyone interested in pursuing a career in childcare to take that first step and start exploring the opportunities available.

Minister for Employment, Jo Churchill said:

Our Back to Work Plan is extending help for over a million people to find, stay and succeed in work. We know just how essential accessible childcare is for working parents, which is why we’ve increased the amount parents on Universal Credit are able to claim from £1,108 to £1,630 a month for 2 or more children.

The government’s expanded childcare offer also presents new opportunities in the sector, and we know how a career in childcare can be incredibly rewarding. Our Jobcentre teams stand ready to support those interested in early years work.

With the expansion of free childcare, parents across the country – including those on Universal Credit – can return to work, extend their hours or look for new opportunities confident that their children are well taken care of.

In October last year, the government allocated local authorities their share of £289 million to support the expansion of wraparound childcare, so that every parent of a primary school-aged child could access childcare from 8am to 6pm by September 2026.

Today, 4 areas have confirmed they will be rolling out expanded wraparound provision from April 2024 – 5 months ahead of the national programme launch in September. Central Bedfordshire, the bi-borough of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire will begin expanding provision – increasing access to flexible childcare for local working parents as part of a test and learn phase to strengthen the delivery of national rollout.

February 4, 2024