Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : Teachers to get more trustworthy AI tech, helping them mark homework and save time [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 28 August 2024.

The UK government announced a new project today that will enhance the ability of AI generative tools to learn from a new bank of lesson plans and curriculums.
- Teaching standards, guidelines and lesson plans will form a new optimised content store which will train generative AI; making it more reliable for teachers in England.
- New project will bring teachers and tech companies together to develop and use trustworthy AI tools that can help mark homework and save teachers time.
- New research shows parents want teachers to use AI to reduce out of hours work and boost time spent teaching children.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will be better at helping teachers mark work and plan lessons under a new project announced by the UK government today.

The project, backed by £4 million of government investment, will pool government documents including curriculum guidance, lesson plans and anonymised pupil assessments which will then be used by AI companies to train their tools to generate accurate, high-quality content. The content, such as tailored, creative lesson plans and workbooks, can then be reliably used in schools.

The content store is targeted at technology companies specialising in education to build tools that will help teachers:
- mark work
- create teaching materials for use in the classroom
- assist with routine school admin
It comes as new research shows parents want teachers to use generative AI to have more time helping children in the classroom with face-to-face teaching – supporting the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity. However, teachers and AI developers are clear that better data is needed to make these technologies work properly, which this project looks to help with.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle said:

We know teachers work tirelessly to go above and beyond for their students.

By making AI work for them, this project aims to ease admin burdens and help them deliver creative and inspiring lessons every day, while reducing time pressures they face.

This is the first of many projects that will transform how we see and use public sector data. We will put the information we hold to work, using it in a safe and responsible way to reduce waiting lists, cut backlogs and improve outcomes for citizens across the country.

Minister for Early Education Stephen Morgan said:

We are determined to break down the barriers to opportunity to ensure every child can get the best possible education – and that includes access to the best tech innovations for all. Artificial intelligence, when made safe and reliable, represents an exciting opportunity to give our schools leaders and teachers a helping hand with classroom life.

Today’s world-leading announcement marks a huge step forward for AI in the classroom. This investment will allow us to safely harness the power of tech to make it work for our hard-working teachers, easing the pressures and workload burdens we know are facing the profession and freeing up time, allowing them to focus on face-to-face teaching.

The content store, backed by £3 million, is a first-of-its kind approach to processing government data for AI, as the UK government forges ahead with using technology to transform public services and improve people’s lives across the country.

It includes a partnership with the Open University, who will share learning resources as part of the project.

This follows Department for Education tests, published today, which show that providing generative AI models with this kind of data can increase accuracy to 92% – up from 67% when no targeted data was provided to a large language model.

Minister Morgan announced the project today during a speech to international education ministers at the Global Education Innovation Summit (GEIS) in Seoul, Republic of Korea.  The three-day event, on the theme of ‘classroom revolution led by teachers with AI’ will see the launch of the Global Education and Innovation Alliance, of which the UK will be one of the founding members.

He told the delegation the world-leading initiative will mark the first government-approved store of high-quality education material optimised for AI product development and will stimulate the production of safe, legally compliant, evidence-based tools, relevant to our teachers’ needs.

To encourage AI companies to make use of the datastore, a share of an additional £1 million will be awarded to companies who bring forward the best ideas to put the data into practice, reducing teacher workload. Each winner will build an AI tool to specifically help teachers with feedback and marking by March 2025. Applications open on 9  September.

Almost half of teachers are already using AI to help with their work, according to a survey from TeacherTapp, but current AI tools are not specifically trained on the documents that set out how teaching should work in England.

Chris Goodall, a teacher and head of digital education in the Bourne Education Trust, first started using AI when he was teaching business in November 2022. In this role, Chris experimented with using ChatGPT to develop a range of lesson activities, such as personalised case studies, to complement his lessons.

Chris now supports teachers in the Trust, across over 26 primary, secondary and specialist schools, to use AI to enhance their lessons and cut down the time they spend on admin. With his support, teachers have used generative AI to evaluate their curriculum materials and develop case studies and activities to create engaging lessons. For example, teachers at Auriol Junior School illustrated a teacher-written guide encouraging students to read more books with AI-generated text, cartoon creatures and music. This guide encouraged students to become a ‘literacy monster’ and made the programme more engaging.

Chris Goodall, a teacher and head of digital education in the Bourne Education Trust, said:

AI has been a hugely powerful tool for me and my colleagues at the Bourne Education Trust. It allows us to create engaging, personalised learning experiences for our students while also significantly reducing the time taken to create them. Personally, I’ve used AI to quickly generate scaffolded activities, adapt materials for students with special educational needs, and create more engaging lessons that are accessible to all. The time saved allows school staff to focus on what matters most, interacting with students and providing individualised feedback and support.

The content store will take this to the next level by offering easy access to high quality evidence based and legally compliant education materials. Developed with input from educators it supports effective teaching practices and fosters collaboration and innovation.

This initiative demonstrates how AI, when implemented responsibly and ethically, can support and empower teachers to create more dynamic, personalised learning experiences for students.

Ian Cunningham, the chief technical officer of TeachMateAI, a company that makes AI tools to help teachers, said:

TeachMateAI already saves teachers over 10+ house of time each week through our AI tools, but we are ambitious about what more we can do to support teachers and schools. The AI education store has the potential to enable us and other developers to produce highly accurate tools for the sector in a much more efficient way, reducing cost, compute and the time it takes us to bring new products to market.

The Department for Education is also today committing to publishing a safety framework on AI products for education, due later this year. Minister Morgan will meet education technology companies before setting out clear expectations for the safety of AI products for education.

Professor Ian Pickup, Pro Vice Chancellor, Students, at The Open University, said:

We’re excited to be a founding strategic partner in this initiative alongside DfE. Since our founding in 1969, we have remained at the forefront of innovation in education. As part of this mission, we have provided free, open-access materials via OpenLearn since 2006, and see the deployment of AI as a means through which even more learners can benefit from the transformative power of education.

By making content accessible to new educational technology tools, we foresee a future where learning materials can be best matched to personal needs, where learning tasks can be pitched at the right level for student success, and where students can progress at a pace that is right for them.
September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK High Commissioner opens 6th Africa security conference [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2024.

The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Neil Wigan, on Tuesday 27 officially opened the 6th Annual Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) conference at KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi. Also present at the event was Kenya Army Lieutenant, General David Kimaiyo, Director International Peace and Security Training Centre, Brigadier Joyce Sitienei and British Peace Support Training – Africa (BPST-A), Commander Col. Andy Pitt.

The three-day conference brings together security experts in the region with the aim of discussing current Counter-IED trends and threats, and highlight lessons learnt from Peace Support Operations (PSO) across the continent. Furthermore, the conference seeks to provide a platform from which the African Union (AU) can deliver direction and updates on the African Counter – Explosive Ordinance strategy.

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) continue to proliferate both in number and complexity. IEDs have been used to target peacekeeping personnel, national security forces, aid workers and civilians.

Speaking during the opening of the conference, the British High Commissioner, Neil Wigan said:

Improvised Explosive Devices continue to be a critical threat across the continent, including on the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Kenyan borderlands. The severity of their impact and the speed of development by our adversaries demands that we leverage our respective expertise and work together. The UK remains committed to tackle shared threats, and support efforts to address the underlying drivers of fragility and conflict.

We congratulate Kenya for hosting this conference and we will continue working closely with the AU and the UN to provide the much-needed training and operational direction to deter the influence of IEDs, al-Shabab and other violent extreme organisations alike.

The UK’s support through the British Peace Support Team (Africa) BPST(A) is strengthening the C-IED capability of ATMIS and partner nations personnel. Since 2016, BPST(A) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have trained more than 1,700 military and police from 22 countries in detecting and disarming IEDs.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UNIFIL is vital for calming the situation on the Blue Line – UK explanation of vote at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2024.

UK explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the Security Council vote to renew the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

With the situation on the Blue Line the most precarious it has been for years, we cannot overstate the importance of UNIFIL for calming the situation on the border.

That’s why we voted in favour today.

We commend the UN troops and staff of the Mission who are working in such difficult circumstances – risking their lives – to fulfil the mandate.

Near daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line have killed and injured civilians. UN peacekeepers have been wounded too. This is deeply concerning and we welcome the mandate’s call for all parties to protect civilians in accordance with international law and to take all measures to respect the safety and security of UN Peacekeepers.

Over the weekend, my Foreign Minister spoke with Lebanon’s PM Mikati and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer to reassure them of our support for security on both sides of the Blue Line.

But while the UK is supporting Lebanon’s security and stability through its government and Armed Forces, Iran is sowing further conflict and chaos by supplying advanced weaponry to Hizballah. We urge Iran to stand down their proxy and we call on Hizballah to deescalate immediately.

Only a political solution can deliver the peace we so desperately need.

As my Foreign Minister said earlier this month: a widening of this conflict is in nobody’s interest – the consequences could be catastrophic. One miscalculation is all it takes. All parties need to engage immediately with diplomatic efforts based on the principles set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The Assad regime must end its subjugation of the Syrian people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

First, this month we have seen yet another series of attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups against Coalition forces in Syria. Malign actors continue to seek to capitalise on the instability to secure their influence and in turn destabilise the region.

Violence by regime forces, backed by Iran, against the Syrian Democratic Forces along the Euphrates River risks further destabilising a country already marred by conflict. This instability will continue to play out across the borders in Lebanon and in Iraq.

Second, a number of anniversaries this month have been a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the conflict on the lives of Syrians. It is 11 years since the Assad regime used chemical weapons to kill over 1,400 people in Ghouta.

A decade has passed since Daesh began committing genocide against the Yazidis. I want to highlight the plight of missing Yazidi women and of the families that have been torn apart by these horrendous acts.

As we mark the International Day of the Disappeared, we recall that forcibly disappeared persons account for around five percent of the total Syrian population. All parties must engage in good faith as the Independent Institution on Missing Persons is established to clarify the fate of the missing.

Third, President, despite the deep trauma of these horrific crimes, the Syrian people have continued to demonstrate bravery and resolve in demanding freedom and democratic rights. There has now been a year of protests in Sweida standing up to and demanding change from the Assad regime.

The demonstrations serve as a dramatic testimony to the unresolved issues that first drove people to the streets in 2011. We continue to call on the Assad regime to realise the protestors’ demands for political, civil, and human rights. And to end the systematic subjugation of Syrians fairly seeking freedom, democracy and change.

President, ultimately it is within the Assad regime’s gift to implement UNSCR 2254. This offers a pathway out of conflict that would protect the rights of all Syrians. The United Kingdom honours the perseverance of those bravely seeking truth, justice, freedom and stability.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to drive UK growth on European visits as he launches major German partnership [August 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 August 2024.

The Prime Minister will drive forward UK economic growth in Berlin and Paris this week, as he puts delivering for the British people at the top of his international agenda.

Keir Starmer will meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to launch negotiations on a new bilateral treaty, which is expected to boost business and trade, deepen defence and security cooperation, and increase joint action on illegal migration.

The Prime Minister is expected to tell Chancellor Scholz that he is focused on ensuring the UK moves beyond Brexit to rebuild relationships with key partners and improve the lives of hardworking people in both countries. He is also expected to meet German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

He will say that driving growth will be key to doing that. Germany is Europe’s largest economy and the UK’s second largest trading partner, accounting for 8.5% of all UK trade.

As part of the trip to Berlin, the Prime Minister is also expected to meet Dr. Christian Bruch, chief executive of Siemens Energy. Through its technology, Siemens supports one-sixth of global energy generation.

The company also employs nearly 100,000 people, including more than 6,000 in the UK. The stop is part of a string of visits planned by the Prime Minister to drive up investment in the UK and create more highly skilled jobs in every corner of the country.

German companies already support more than 330, 000 jobs in the UK, in places such as Derby, Manchester, Goole and Oxford while UK exports to Germany supported a further 500,000 jobs.

He will also meet Armin Theodor Papperger, the chief executive of Germany’s largest defence and security company, Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall is also vital to the modernisation of the British Army, supporting thousands of jobs at sites in the south west and Shropshire, and has recently made significant investments in its Telford Hub to deliver Boxer armoured fighting vehicles.

The two-day European visit comes after the Prime Minister hosted Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, at Downing Street on Tuesday, to progress inward investment from the Gulf.

The Prime Minister is expected to travel on to Paris for the Paralympics Opening Ceremony on Wednesday night, before meeting French business leaders, including major investors into the UK economy, for breakfast on Thursday morning including from Thales, Eutelsat, Mistral AI and Sanofi.

France is the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner, accounting for 6% of all UK trade. The Prime Minister will then go on to meet Paralympians as they prepare for competition, before meeting President Macron at the Elysée Palace.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will say:

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe and strive for genuine, ambitious partnerships that deliver for the British people.

“We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government. That work started at the European Political Community meeting last month, and I am determined to continue it, which is why I am visiting Germany and France this week.

“Strengthening our relationship with these countries is crucial, not only in tackling the global problem of illegal migration, but also in boosting economic growth across the continent and crucially in the UK – one of the key missions of my government.”

The new UK-Germany treaty will be a key pillar of the UK’s wider reset with Europe and build on the defence agreement, which is currently being negotiated between the two countries, and expected to be finalised in the autumn.

The Prime Minister’s negotiating team will spend the next six months agreeing the new treaty, with both sides wanting to agree the new partnership in early 2025. The ambitious agreement is expected to cover vital areas for increased collaboration, such as market access, critical science, innovation and tech, clean energy, trade across the North Sea, supply chain resilience, energy security and green transition education, biodiversity, and the environment.

A treaty of such magnitude has never been agreed between the UK and Germany. Alongside the longstanding Lancaster House Treaties that underpin the UK’s relationship with France, this new agreement will bring all E3 members in line as our governments work in lockstep on key geo-political issues, such as the conflict in the Middle East and war in Ukraine.

Germany is a central part of the Government’s push to recalibrate relations with Europe, given the close cultural ties and defence collaboration.

The leaders are also expected to discuss joint action to tackle illegal migration, including further intelligence sharing to intercept and shut down organised immigration crime rings.

The Prime Minister will also reiterate his personal condolences to the German people following the attack in Solingen on Friday, where three people died.

The European visit is the fifth time the Prime Minister has met Chancellor Scholz and the fourth time meeting President Macron, following the NATO Summit in Washington, the European Political Community hosted at Blenheim Palace, the UEFA Euro 2024 final, and the Olympic opening ceremony hosted last month.

The European business drive comes ahead of the Prime Minister hosting a major International Investment Summit in October to advance opportunities for investment and growth across the country and deliver for the British people.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of rogue employers targeted in illegal working crackdown [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 27 August 2024.

Hundreds of rogue employers across the UK have been targeted by the Home Office during a nationwide weeklong intensive operation into illegal working.

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced last month that the government would crack down on unscrupulous employers who are hiring migrants illegally and exploiting vulnerable people, alongside extensive work to disrupt the criminal networks who bring the workers to the UK.

During an intensive week of action from Sunday 18 to Saturday 24 August, Immigration Enforcement teams carried out targeted visits to rogue businesses suspected of employing illegal workers, with a particular focus on car washes.

Over the course of the operation, more than 275 premises were targeted, with 135 receiving notices for employing illegal workers. In addition, 85 illegal workers have been detained.

In many cases, illegal workers live in squalid conditions on-site, earn far below the UK national minimum wage, work longer hours than legally allowed and may have entered the UK illegally, overstayed their visas or arrived under visitor conditions.

The fact they are paid so little also allows their employers to undercut honest competitors who follow the law, and these businesses often do not pay their fair share in taxes to contribute to the economy.

This operation is part of a larger, ongoing effort to tackle illegal employment and exploitation of vulnerable people in the UK. More operations of this kind will be conducted in the near future.

Unscrupulous employers are potentially liable to substantial financial penalties. The maximum civil penalty for employing illegal workers is £45,000 per worker for a first offence and £60,000 per worker for repeat violations.

Immigration Enforcement teams also play a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

It is completely wrong that dodgy employers can work hand-in-glove with the smuggling gangs who risk people’s lives to bring them here illegally and push them into off-the-books employment.

These workers are sold complete lies by the gangs before being made to live and work in appalling conditions for a pittance. We are determined to put a stop to this, which is exactly why we have launched crackdowns such as this.

While this operation marks an important step forward, our commitment to tackling this issue is ongoing. We will ensure those who break the rules face the full force of the law.

Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement, Eddy Montgomery said:

This week’s operation shows how dedicated the Home Office is to protecting vulnerable people and holding employers accountable.

We’re dedicated to stopping exploitation by criminal gangs, ensuring vulnerable people receive the correct support and make sure that those who break the law face serious consequences.

I’m incredibly proud of our teams across the country for their hard work and teamwork in preparing for and conducting this national operation.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, Embarks on 1st Visit to Africa [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 August 2024.

This visit underscores the UK’s dedication to fostering peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in collaboration with Angola.

Luanda, Angola – From August 14 to 16, Lord Collins of Highbury, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Africa, made his inaugural visit to Africa, marking a significant step in strengthening UK-Angola relations.

During his visit, Lord Collins met with President João Lourenço to discuss Angola’s pivotal role in mediating peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The UK acknowledges and supports Angola’s efforts in conflict resolution in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Lord Collins also engaged with key ministers, including Finance Minister Vera Daves and Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu, to highlight the UK’s commitment to trade, growth and addressing climate and sustainability challenges. His visit to the Province of Huambo included a meeting with Governor Pereira Alfredo, where he witnessed the impactful demining work of The HALO Trust, funded by the UK and Angola.

In the Province of Benguela, Lord Collins met with the Vice Governor for Technical Services and Infrastructure, Adilson Gonçalves to gain insights into the Lobito Corridor, further emphasizing the UK’s support for regional development initiatives.

Expressing optimism about the future of the UK-Angola partnership, Lord Collins stated:

This was my first visit to Angola and Africa since my appointment, and I am delighted to be here at such an exciting time for the UK-Angolan partnership. Meeting President Lourenço and other key leaders has reinforced our shared commitment to regional stability and development.”

I visited Huambo to understand more about the Lobito Corridor and how it will improve cross-border economic activity across the region. During my visit, I also saw how UK funding is having a positive impact on demining efforts in the country, thanks to the fantastic work of The HALO Trust, transforming land for growth.”

I look forward to seeing the UK and Angola partnership continue to thrive and improve outcomes that benefit all of us.”

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Egg labelling requirements amended to support industry through bird flu outbreaks [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 27 August 2024.

Egg producers and packers will no longer need to change how eggs are labelled during an outbreak of avian influenza under measures announced today by the Government (27 August).

Currently, when mandatory housing measures are introduced to protect birds from the spread of disease, eggs from free-range birds can only continue to be labelled as ‘free-range’ for 16 weeks after the housing order has come into effect – the existing ‘derogation’ period under the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations. After that period, these eggs must then be labelled as barn eggs.

In both 2021-22 and 2022-3, the 16-week derogation period was exceeded by six and seven weeks respectively, which led to significant costs for industry as egg packaging had to be changed to comply with legislation.

The amends to existing legislation, which will be introduced through a Statutory Instrument later this year, will mean that free-range eggs can continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures.

The move will cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence.

Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs said:

We understand the pressures facing the egg producing sector and the crippling impact that avian influenza outbreaks can have on their businesses. Removing the need to change labels on eggs and packaging will help them keep costs down and remain competitive.

This Government will restore stability and confidence in the sector introducing a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security alongside nature’s recovery.

The UK has self-declared freedom from HPAI for Great Britain with effect from 29 March 2024. There are currently no outbreaks of HPAI in poultry or other captive birds in the UK. However, HN51 continues to be found in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe and keepers should remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds.

The proposal to remove this derogation period for England and Scotland was supported by the majority of respondents to an eight-week consultation undertaken earlier this year.

More information can be found on our latest situation page.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Wolverhampton [August 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 August 2024.

The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Dr Timothy Wambunya, Vicar of St Paul’s, Slough, in the Diocese of Oxford, to the Suffragan See of Wolverhampton in the Diocese of Lichfield, in succession to Bishop Clive Gregory, following his retirement.

Background

Tim’s initial career was in Marine Engineering. He trained for ministry at Oakhill Theological College, London, serving his title at St John, Southhall Green, in the Diocese of London, and was ordained Priest in 1998. Tim was appointed Vicar at Emmanuel Holloway Church, Stepney, in 2000 and, in 2007, was appointed Principal at Carlile College (The Church Army Africa College) in Nairobi, Kenya. During these two roles, he studied for a PhD in Paremiology at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (University of Wales). In 2013, he was consecrated and became Bishop of the Diocese of Butere, Anglican Church of Kenya, before taking up his current role in 2020 as Vicar at St Pauls, Slough, in the Diocese of Oxford. He has additionally served as an Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Oxford.

September 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister of Bahrain [August 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 August 2024.

The Prime Minister welcomed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, to Downing Street today.

His Royal Highness noted the significance of the Prime Minister’s speech today, and both agreed that growth was essential to ensure prosperity.

The Prime Minister set out his personal commitment to the UK-Bahraini bilateral relationship, and the leaders looked forward to strengthening areas of shared cooperation, including trade, investment and security and defence.

Turning to the situation in Middle East, the Prime Minister thanked His Royal Highness for Bahrain’s efforts to protecting shipping in the Red Sea and his commitment to wider regional security.

The Prime Minister underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians.

Both leaders agreed that regional security was paramount, and the Prime Minister reiterated the necessity for restraint from all parties to prevent further escalation.

They looked forward to working closely and agreed to stay in touch.

September 5, 2024