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Tag: 2024

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Regulator of Social Housing on 4 September 2024.

    Statement from Fiona MacGregor, Chief Executive of RSH.

    “The Grenfell Tower fire was a profound tragedy and our thoughts remain with the victims  and survivors, their families, and the local community.

    “We welcome the Inquiry’s final report, and it is vital that all social housing landlords read and learn from the findings that apply to them.

    “The lessons from the tragedy remain as important today as they were seven years ago. Landlords must ensure tenants are safe in their homes. They must listen to tenants, take their complaints seriously, and treat them with fairness and respect.

    “The Social Housing Regulation Act, introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower fire, gives RSH new powers to inspect landlords to make sure they are delivering the outcomes of our revised consumer standards. We will continue with our programme of planned inspections and responsive work and publish gradings for landlords based on our findings.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary backs Britain’s nuclear deterrent for generations to come as he joins returning submarine patrol [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary backs Britain’s nuclear deterrent for generations to come as he joins returning submarine patrol [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 September 2024.

    New Government pledges the ‘triple lock’ on the nuclear deterrent will safeguard Britain and NATO for “generations to come”, as Defence Secretary John Healey joined Royal Navy submariners on the UK’s nuclear deterrent returning home from at-sea patrol.

    In his first visit to Scotland since being appointed, the Defence Secretary boarded the Vanguard-Class submarine for the final leg of its return journey to HM Naval Base Clyde after completing the UK’s latest patrol.

    The mission, known as Operation Relentless, or the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), ensures that at least one nuclear-powered and armed ballistic missile submarine is at sea at all times to deter potential adversaries and protect the nation and NATO allies. The next vessel in the deterrent cycle is already at sea and patrolling.

    During his visit to the 15,000-tonne vessel, the Defence Secretary thanked the crew of 140 Royal Navy submariners for their dedicated service and wished them well as they prepared to reunite with their families. He was also given an operational briefing and toured the submarine, which is armed with the UK’s Trident nuclear missiles.

    John Healey also used the visit to reinforce the new Government’s commitment to its ‘triple-lock’ on the deterrent, which includes: building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed.

    The government’s commitment to security is clear, with a Strategic Defence Review already underway that will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the twenty-first century.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

    Royal Navy submariners make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us all safe and it was an honour to thank the crew on behalf of the British people. As they return home, we salute their courage, dedication, and professionalism.

    Our new Government is unwavering in our commitment to our nuclear deterrent, maintained on behalf of the UK and our NATO allies. Our ‘triple-lock’ will safeguard Britain for generations to come.

    As the home of our nuclear submarines and major shipbuilding yards, Scotland is central to UK defence. I am determined to make defence a foundation for jobs, growth and prosperity across Scotland.

    The Government is committed to the nuclear deterrent triple Lock:

    • Building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, supporting high-quality, high-status apprenticeships and jobs, with the supply chain benefits being felt right across the country.
    • Britain maintaining its continuous at-sea deterrent, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – securing protection for both the UK and NATO allies.
    • The delivery of all future upgrades needed for those submarines to patrol the waters and keep our country safe.

    Joining the Defence Secretary in thanking the returning submariners was First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key; Director Submarines, Rear Admiral Andy Perks; Commodore of the Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Paul Dunn; and Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin.

    The name of the vessel, length of patrol, and its location at sea are all closely guarded secrets. On board, only a select few are authorised to know where in the ocean depths they are operating, with the rest of the crew dutifully carrying out their roles unaware of their location.

    It is this secrecy that makes the nuclear deterrent so effective. A potential enemy can never predict where a Vanguard Class is operating, making the cost of attacking the UK or NATO allies far outweigh the benefits.

    Thousands of Royal Navy submariners and their families, MOD civilians, and industry partners continue to contribute to maintaining the nuclear deterrent.

    For every minute of every day for more than 55-years a deterrent submarine has been on patrol, keeping the nation secure by deterring the most extreme threats to national security and the UK’s way of life – threats that cannot be deterred by other means.

    A new class of ballistic submarine – the Dreadnought Class – is currently under construction at Barrow-in-Furness and is expected to replace the Vanguard submarines from the early 2030s, securing the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. More than 40,000 UK jobs are supported through defence nuclear work, making it a key area that boosts economic growth.

    The UK Government is investing millions of pounds at HM Naval Base Clyde to prepare for the Dreadnought submarines, while at the same time, ensuring that the Vanguard Class can continue the mission until handing over to the next generation of vessels.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Boost for UK growth as start-up investment schemes extended [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Boost for UK growth as start-up investment schemes extended [September 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 4 September 2024.

    The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme have now been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.

    • Government extends two leading investment schemes 10 years from April 2025 to April 2035 as part of its relentless pursuit of growth.
    • Extensions will support start-ups and entrepreneurs to help them grow and rebuild Britain.
    • The change will build on over £41 billion of investment generated over 30 years.

    Thousands of entrepreneurs and start-ups are set to benefit from the extension of two leading government investment schemes to help them grow the economy and rebuild Britain.

    The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme were both set to end on 6 April 2025 and have now been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.

    The schemes are designed to encourage investment into new or young companies through tax-relief incentives, encouraging innovation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

    The government is fully focused on restoring economic stability, taking the tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy, rebuild Britain and make every part of our country better off.

    Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, said:

    “Startups and entrepreneurs are a driving force for greater investment, more jobs, and economic growth in the UK. By extending these schemes for 10 years, we are providing the stability and support they need to help us make every part of Britain better off.”

    The extension, announced via a Written Ministerial Statement today in the House of Commons, will provide the confidence to continue investment into high-risk, early-stage businesses in the UK, supporting long-term growth and the development of their trades.

    Industry leaders have praised the announcement.

    BVCA Chief Executive Michael Moore said:

    “It is excellent news that the government is moving so quickly. This means that investors can now focus on what they do best, investing, safe in the knowledge that these schemes now have the long-term security needed to drive investor confidence.

    “The BVCA has long advocated for this move as these schemes play a vital role in supporting early-stage companies that have the highest growth potential and crowding in further investment through the growth cycle.

    “As the third largest VC market in the world, the UK has proven the success of EIS and VCT, and with many jurisdictions now following our lead, it is vital that the UK retains its competitive edge in a competitive world and this move is a very positive step in that direction.”

    Richard Stone, Chief Executive of the Association of Investment Companies, said:

    “VCTs invest in the UK’s most exciting early-stage companies. They help entrepreneurs transform their businesses. Extending the VCT scheme until 2035 will allow the sector to raise further capital and invest with confidence. This will ensure VCTs can help the government secure its ambitions to grow the economy, support innovation and create jobs.”

    Both schemes offer incentives to investors of up to 30% upfront income tax relief and an exemption from capital gains tax on any profits made after the sale of shares.

    The EIS, introduced in 1994, offers tax relief to individuals that invest in new shares in qualifying companies with investors able to invest up to £1 million, or £2 million if the shares are in knowledge-intensive companies, which focus on research and development.

    The government recognises the risk that investment in early-stage companies carries, so investors are offered loss relief through the EIS as long as shares are held for at least two years.

    First introduced in 1995, VCTs are companies listed on the UK’s stock exchange that invest in early-stage trading companies on behalf of people, enabling individuals to invest up to £200,000 per year in new VCT shares. Dividends received from VCT’s are also tax-free.

    Both schemes have already seen significant success with over £41 billion raised through the schemes since the EIS was launched in 1994. The schemes continue to generate vast amounts of investment, with £2.9 billion of funds raised across the schemes in 2022-23 and 1,280 companies using the EIS for the first time over this period.

    The Treasury has made regulations to bring this into effect which have come into force.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Kuwait agree new partnership to provide vital aid in Gaza and Yemen [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Kuwait agree new partnership to provide vital aid in Gaza and Yemen [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 September 2024.

    Joint funding announced between the UK and Kuwait to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen.

    • the UK and Kuwait announce new joint funding of £4.5 million to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen
    • the agreement was secured in the margins of the 21st UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group in London
    • the UK’s Minister for the Middle East and Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed key pillars of bilateral cooperation, and took part in Kuwait Culture Week in London

    The UK and Kuwait have today (Wednesday 4 September) announced new joint funding plans to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen.

    The funding will go towards UNICEF’s efforts to restore water supply and sanitation systems in Gaza, and to sustain primary healthcare services in Yemen, and has been set out in two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by both parties.

    The UK and Kuwait will provide £4.5 million of joint support ($6 million in total – $3 million to each project), to UNICEF, whose work is expected to benefit approximately 1,000,000 in Gaza and 1,450,000 people in Yemen.

    Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said:

    Conflict has aggravated the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Yemen and the UK is committed to pushing for more lifesaving aid to reach those in desperate need.

    The UK and Kuwait’s joint funding towards UNICEF’s lifesaving work in Gaza and Yemen demonstrates our shared commitment to tackle some of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

    I am proud of the UK and Kuwait’s close ties, which have now endured for more than 125 years and continue to go from strength to strength.

    Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said:

    This year marks an important milestone for both the State of Kuwait and the UK as we jointly commemorate 125 years of partnership. Kuwait is proud of its deep-rooted and historic ties with the UK and is committed to deepening this partnership in all its aspects. This week in London, we were happy to witness the commencement of the Kuwait cultural week in the UK and the successful convening of the 21st session of the JSG. The Action Plan signed during the JSG paves the way for further collaboration in a number of fields.

    We are pleased to cooperate with the UK to support the essential work of UNICEF in both Palestine and Yemen. As pioneers in the field of international development, both our countries will continue to explore avenues of cooperation to provide development and humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

    UNICEF’s Representative to the Gulf Area Eltayeb Adam said:

    UNICEF deeply appreciates the generous contributions from both the UK and Kuwait, which will have a transformative impact on the lives of children and families in Gaza and Yemen.

    This funding is not just a financial commitment; it is a beacon of hope for communities struggling with the devastating consequences of conflict. Together, we can ensure that essential services such as water, sanitation, and healthcare reach those who need them most, restoring dignity and a sense of normalcy to countless lives.

    The 21st UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group (JSG) was co-chaired in London today by the UK Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, and Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

    In the margins of the JSG, Minister Falconer and the Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development Waleed Al-Bahar signed the two MoUs.

    In addition, Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah also reached an agreement for planned UK support to Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission on the delivery of training programmes to Kuwaiti Government employees, and signed an action plan detailing how their respective Governments will drive forward cooperation on a range of key issues such as defence and security and international development and humanitarian partnerships, over the coming months.

    The UK and Kuwait are celebrating 125 years of official diplomatic relations throughout 2024. Yesterday (Tuesday 3 September), Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah attended the headline performance of a special “Kuwait Culture Week” organised by Kuwait’s Embassy in London, titled “Rhythms of Kuwait”.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Remembrance in Poland – UK & Commonwealth Services [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Remembrance in Poland – UK & Commonwealth Services [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

    In these Commonwealth Services we remember all those of the Commonwealth of Nations who gave their lives at sea, on land and in the air in two world wars. We also remember the brave people of the Polish Armed Forces who fought and died here on their soil and abroad alongside their comrades from the Commonwealth.

    Dates of the services:

    *Lidzbark Warmiński – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Tuesday 5 November 2024, 10:40am

    *Malbork – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Wednesday 6 November 2024, 10:40am

    *Kraków – Commonwealth War Cemetery (Rakowicki Cemetery); Friday, 8 November 2024, 10:40am

    *Warsaw – RAF Liberator Memorial Stone in Skaryszewski Park; Sunday, 10 November 2024, 10:40am

  • PRESS RELEASE : Presidential discussion on new technologies, AI and the digital divide [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Presidential discussion on new technologies, AI and the digital divide [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

    High-Level Informal Presidential Discussion on new technologies, Artificial Intelligence and the digital divide. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Mr President,

    Thank you for convening today’s session, thank you to our panellists for their insights but also their challenges.

    As we’ve heard, new and emerging technologies, such as AI, don’t just have the potential to transform our societies. They are already doing so. Whilst they can facilitate the promotion and protection of Human Rights, they also pose risks.

    We are at a critical juncture as we grapple to regulate effectively a technology that develops exponentially. We are proud to have played our role in enabling that discussion, not least through the inaugural AI Safety Summit last year and passed our mantle onto Korea and now France. We are committed to the development of safe, ethical AI in which to use Doreen Bogdan-Martin’s excellent phrase, human rights are the bedrock of our digital future.

    We must avoid deepening the digital divide as this technology develops. By working together, we can achieve a digital transformation that is inclusive, sustainable, protects human rights and harnesses tech to get the SDGs back on track.

    Finally, Mr President, we look forward to the conclusion of the Global Digital Compact in which human rights are central to the development and use of tech and enhances OHCHR’s capacity to provide an advisory service on Human Rights for governments and partners alike.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministers tell business leaders they will be involved “every step of the way” in Make Work Pay plans [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministers tell business leaders they will be involved “every step of the way” in Make Work Pay plans [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 3 September 2024.

    The Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary have met with business leaders to discuss the upcoming Employment Bill.

    In the latest series of meetings on the Make Work Pay plan, the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will today [Tuesday 3 September] host a Business Breakfast to discuss the upcoming legislation.

    It follows a meeting last month with business representative organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, CBI and Make UK as well as trade unions to discuss the Bill.

    Today’s meeting comes as part of a government commitment to develop the plan in partnership with business leaders and industry groups, as well as trade unions.

    This meeting will be an opportunity for Ministers to set out the ambition for the Employment Rights Bill and wider Make Work Pay programme, which will modernise the world of work by ending exploitative zero-hour contracts, extending day one employment protections on unfair dismissal and delivering a genuine living wage.

    Ministers will update businesses on the progress made so far and what to expect over the coming weeks and months, and ministers are also expected to reassure business leaders that they will be involved every step of the way.

    The Business Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister will continue to have engagements with businesses, industry representatives and trade unions in the coming weeks ahead of the legislation being introduced, and throughout its passage in parliament.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    This government is pro-worker and pro-business, and we are committed to working with our brilliant businesses across the country to create a stronger, growing economy and to raise living standards as a result.

    We will work with all partners as we shape our plan to Make Work Pay, so we get the win-win of greater productivity and a fairer working environment for staff.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Our plan to make work pay will always be unashamedly pro-worker and pro-business and I’m determined to work in partnership with businesses and trade unions and ensure their voices are heard every step of the way.

    The central driving force behind our plan to Make Work Pay is to deliver growth. Our Bill will modernise the world of work to create a better supported workforce, which will boost productivity and in turn create the right conditions for businesses to grow.

    The UK currently has one of the least protected labour markets compared to our international partners. It’s time to work together to deliver meaningful reforms that will transform the world of work for the benefit of businesses and workers.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 93 Pakistanis heading to UK on fully funded Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 93 Pakistanis heading to UK on fully funded Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

    Pakistani students from every corner of the country have been given British High Commissioner Jane Marriott’s top tips for living in the UK, ahead of a year studying at British universities.

    This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme, and 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships have been awarded to Pakistanis. These long-standing programmes have developed a network of over 1,500 Commonwealth and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan, who regularly meet to discuss live issues.

    Scholars come from diverse backgrounds, representing the rich cultural tapestry of Pakistan. This year’s cohort come from Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women. The British High Commission strongly encourages people from all backgrounds and across Pakistan to apply.

    British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

    “The Chevening programme helps develop a new generation of Pakistani leaders and changemakers. Many of our alumni have gone one to achieve extraordinary things back home. Not only do they get the benefit of studying at some of the best universities in the world, they also get to experience the best of living in the UK. From climate studies to football coaching, I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve, and encourage all those interested to apply early.”

    Fareeha Gull Hashmi, Assistant Manager of Oral History Project Citizens Archive of Pakistan and upcoming Chevening scholar, said:

    “I am thrilled to be joining the University of Essex for my MA in Heritage and Museum Studies. This programme is exactly what I was looking for to help me on my journey to improve heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan. I can’t wait for my journey to begin.”

    The cohort includes those on a scholarship in Football Science, with the support of Swindon Town Football Club. For the first time, this year’s cohort also saw an additional scholarship for Heritage and Museum Studies with the support of Essex University. This scholarship will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. This, and a University of Essex Scholarship for Climate Studies, are again available in this year’s application cycle, as are additional scholarships from the University of Birmingham.

    This month, the British High Commission launched Chevening Connect in Karachi, a new debate series bringing together industry experts and Chevening alumni. The first debate, on tackling climate, looked at the technical, economic and political leadership needed to support Pakistan with adaptation and resilience.

    Notes to editors

    • Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK from 2025-26 will close on 5 November. Applications for the South Asia Journalism Programme, a two-month journalism fellowship with the University of Westminster, are open and will close on 10 October. Applications for the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship, a five-month fellowship, are open and will close on 5 November 2024. To find out more about eligibility and to apply, visit Chevening
    • Applications for the Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025-26 will open later this year. For more information, visit the CSC website at Homepage – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (fcdo.gov.uk)
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government secures record pipeline of clean cheap energy projects [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government secures record pipeline of clean cheap energy projects [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 3 September 2024.

    Sixth renewables auction delivers record smashing 131 clean energy projects powering equivalent of 11 million homes.

    • After disappointing results in 2023, new results move Britain forward with mission to become clean energy superpower
    • new wind and solar farms to support mission to bring bills down and boost economic growth
    • offshore wind revitalised in the UK, righting the wrongs of previous auction round

    Millions of homes and businesses across Britain will be powered by a new supply of clean, cheap, homegrown energy as a record number of projects receive funding through the government’s most successful renewables auction to date.

    In a key milestone towards delivering clean power by 2030, the latest auction round delivered 131 new green infrastructure projects. This makes it the biggest round ever with significant numbers for onshore wind, solar and tidal energy, which will power the equivalent of 11 million British homes.

    The results are a marked improvement on the previous auction round in 2023, which saw zero offshore wind projects agreed.

    These successful results come after the government last month moved quickly to increase the budget by 50% – a record funding uplift and 7 times bigger than the previous round’s pot.

    As a result, offshore wind is back for business in UK waters – the backbone of the clean energy mission – with 9 contracts awarded including securing both what will be Europe’s largest and second largest windfarm projects, Hornsea 3 and Hornsea 4 off the Yorkshire coast.

    A new rollout of low-carbon electricity is a key step for UK energy independence and energy security, helping protect families and businesses from spiking global fossil fuel prices.

    Projects have been agreed at well below the upper limit on the price set for the auction – meaning the government has bought a record amount of clean power at much lower cost to consumers than the maximum price – providing value for money and cheap power.

    Funding awarded today will also help support new green jobs across the country, increasing prosperity in industrial heartlands and rural communities, and unlocking green economic growth from the Scottish Highlands to the Suffolk coast.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    We inherited a broken energy policy, including last year’s disastrous auction round which gave us no successful offshore wind projects.

    Today we have now achieved a record-setting round for enough renewable power for 11 million homes, essential to give energy security to families across the country. It is another significant step forward in our mission for clean power by 2030 – bringing Britain energy independence and lower bills for good.

    These results show that together, this government and the energy industry are securing investment into our country. This auction has produced a record number of solar projects bolstering our mission for a solar revolution, we have powered forward with onshore wind, secured the largest commercial floating offshore wind project in the world and got the offshore industry back on its feet.

    As we accelerate our plan for clean power by 2030 the government will work with the industry on how we can build on this success to ensure we can go even further and faster to deliver the power we need.

    On the back of this successful auction, the Energy Secretary is working with the industry to accelerate ways that the Contracts for Difference system and other energy policies can be expanded, so that more renewable energy, including offshore wind, can be connected to the grid, and quicker.

    The 131 projects this year is the biggest auction to date – exceeding the 92 projects delivered in the last auction round.
    This includes:

    • the largest offshore windfarm project in Europe – the Hornsea 3 project off the Yorkshire coast
    • the largest floating offshore wind project in the world to reach market, Green Volt, which is double the size of Europe’s total installed floating offshore wind capacity
    • 6 new tidal projects, building on the UK’s world leading position, with just under half of the world’s operational tidal stream capacity being situated in UK waters
    • a combined 115 solar and onshore wind projects, which is more than the total number of projects delivered in the last auction round

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

    Securing new wind turbines, solar panels and cutting-edge technologies such as tidal will boost growth, catalyse investment and support good jobs across Great Britain.

    We’ve done this while ensuring value for money for billpayers, delivering the biggest auction round to date at competitive prices, helping turbocharge our mission for energy independence and clean power by 2030.

    CEO of Low Carbon Contracts Company, Neil McDermott, said:

    We are delighted with the outcome of Allocation Round 6 (AR6) which has awarded contracts to the largest number of projects ever.

    The results of AR6 increase our total renewable electricity CfD portfolio to 39GW and 372 contracts. CfDs support technologies including offshore and onshore wind, solar, as well as emerging technologies of floating wind, tidal and geothermal.

    The success of this allocation round not only boosts our ability to decarbonise the economy and enhance energy security, but also unlocks exciting new opportunities for innovation and growth. We look forward to working closely with our new generators to deliver these projects, accelerating the delivery of net zero and a sustainable, low-carbon future.

    Today’s announcement is the latest step the government has taken to accelerate the mission for clean, secure power by 2030. In just 3 months the government has:

    • lifted the ban on onshore wind in England
    • launched Great British Energy in partnership with the Crown Estate, backed by £8.3 billion of new money, which is estimated to create up to 20-30GW of new offshore wind developments reaching seabed lease stage by 2030
    • approved 3 major solar farms powering the equivalent of around 400,000 new homes
    • launched its Clean Energy Mission Control centre, led by former Climate Change Committee Chief Executive Chris Stark, to accelerate the deployment of clean power

    All these measures combined will support the mission to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030 and hit net zero in 2050, helping transform the country into a clean energy superpower.

    Notes to editors

    Funding is awarded through the government’s Contracts for Difference scheme which provides developers with subsidies for clean electricity projects across Britain with a built-in design to keep costs low for billpayers.

    When wholesale electricity prices are high, generators pay back into the scheme with money passed back to consumers.  In recent years the cost of renewable energy has fallen below the market price for electricity, meaning that the scheme has paid money back to consumers, helping reduce energy bills.

    This was seen over Winter 2022/2023, when Contracts for Difference payments reduced the amount needed to fund government energy support schemes by around £18 per typical household.

    The homes powered estimate reflects the equivalent number of homes that could be powered based on an estimate of the annual generation from the capacity procured in AR6. It is not possible to continuously power a home through intermittent renewables – this capacity will work alongside the rest of the electricity system to power homes and businesses. The estimate is calculated using household consumption estimates sourced from the published Subnational Electricity and Gas Consumption Report and technology specific load factors published in the CfD Allocation Round 6 Standard Terms Notice. The actual generation will vary based on site specific factors.

    Comparisons of global offshore wind and floating offshore wind project sizes are based on analysis of RenewableUK EnergyPulse global projects data and include projects that have reached market (operational, under construction or secured financing).

    See the full list of Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 6 results.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Crackdown to halt rise in phone thefts [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Crackdown to halt rise in phone thefts [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 3 September 2024.

    The government has pledged to crack down on ‘snatch thefts’ after this criminality soared by more than 150 per cent in the last year.

    An estimated 78,000 people had phones or bags grabbed from them on the streets, with policing intelligence suggesting that this is being driven by increased demand for second hand smartphones, both in the UK and overseas.

    To tackle this challenge head on, tech companies and manufacturers will be called to attend a Home Office summit on the issue, looking at the new innovations that could take on the illegal market. This will build on anti-theft smartphone features that some tech firms have already rolled out to protect their customers.

    The government will also task police chiefs to tackle this scourge in neighbourhood theft. Operation Opal, the national police intelligence unit will launch an intelligence probe to gather urgent intel on the criminals who steal mobile phones, and where these devices end up. This will provide a stronger picture of the stolen mobile phone market, and identify what more needs to be done to tackle the problem.

    Local police will also continue to surge police patrols in areas most at risk of serious violence, including robberies at knifepoint, with the government working with forces across the country to ensure that there is visible police presence in these hotspot areas to deter criminals and protect our communities.

    New Home Office analysis commissioned by ministers concerned by growing reports of this issue has revealed the following:

    • Crime Survey data estimates for the latest 12 months indicates the equivalent of more than 200 snatch thefts every day on streets across England and Wales, the highest rate in more than a decade, and almost 60 per cent higher than the annual average since 2012 to 2013
    • the latest Crime Survey estimates showed overall theft from the person, which includes snatch and stealth thefts as well as attempts to steal from the person, increased by more than a third in the past year
    • latest published estimates from the Crime Survey for England and Wales show that over one third (36 per cent) of theft from the person offences involved theft of a mobile phone in the past year

    Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said:

    With new phones coming to market and young people going back to school and university, many of us will have a new phone in our hands at this time of year. These figures are troubling and the government is determined to do whatever’s necessary to protect people entitled to walk the streets without the threat of robbery.

    As part of our Safer Streets mission, this new government is determined to crack down on snatch theft, knife-enabled robbery, and other crimes that make people feel unsafe in our communities, and we are working to get thousands more uniformed officers into our communities to restore neighbourhood policing.

    Phone companies must ensure that any stolen phones can be quickly, easily and permanently disabled, rather than re-registered for sale on the second-hand market, and we will be meeting them soon to discuss what further action is required to make that happen.

    If we work together, government, tech companies and law enforcement can break the business model of the phone thieves and moped gangs who rely on this trade.

    National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Personal Robbery, Commander Richard Smith, said:

    Personal robbery can have a devastating impact on victims, leaving them with trauma which can be lasting. Criminals often target some of the most vulnerable in society, such as children, with threats that violence may be used, making robbery particularly traumatic. We continue to target those habitual criminals responsible for prolific offending, whilst working to prevent young people from being into this type of offending.

    During Operation Calibre, our national police week of action against personal robbery, police forces targeted their activity in over 1,250 known hotspot areas, increasing our visibility and operational activity and arresting those intent on committing crime. However, we know that we cannot arrest our way out of this problem. Manufacturers and the tech industry have an important role in reducing opportunities for criminals to benefit from the re-sale of stolen handsets.

    There are several tips you can do to reduce the chances of you becoming a victim, included below. I encourage everyone to follow these and share them with family and friends. If in the unfortunate circumstances you are a victim of robbery, report it to the police or contact Crimestoppers.