Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : The UK condemns attacks on displaced civilians in Sudan: UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 February 2025.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the 1591 Committee Panel of Experts.

We voted in favour of this resolution renewing the 1591 Panel of Experts and we thank the US for leading the negotiations.

I’ll make two points.

First, I want to highlight the catastrophic situation currently faced by thousands of displaced people at Zamzam Camp in Darfur.

We’ve seen reports that the Rapid Support Forces have launched a further assault contrary to this council’s demands in Resolution 2736.

There are harrowing accounts of shelling and targeting of civilians.

It’s reported that at least 40 civilians have been killed and shelters have been razed to the ground.

These are people who were already facing devastating levels of humanitarian need, including famine.

So we condemn these attacks.

We underscore the need for the protection of civilians in line with international law and the commitments made by the warring parties in the 2023 Jeddah Declaration.

The situation underscores the continued importance of the Panel’s reporting to support the Council’s work on Sudan.

And once again, we call on all Member States to refrain from external interference, which foments conflict and instability, and instead to support mediation efforts for a durable peace.

Second, we note that while the UK welcomes the renewal of the Panel’s mandate for a further 12 months, we would have preferred to maintain previous language which, among other things, called for the parties to the conflict to cease violations of international humanitarian law and abuses and violations of international human rights law, and strongly condemned attacks against civilians, including sexual and gender based violence.

President, it is vital that this Council remain focused on protecting civilians in Sudan given the violence being committed against so many.

The UK will continue to press for a much more urgent and more effective international response to the crisis, including a reinvigorated mediation process.

March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government to Invest £2.6 Million in V&A Dundee [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Scotland Office on 17 February 2025.

Scottish Secretary confirms £2.6 million for V&A Dundee – investment on top of £20 million for Dundee regeneration projects.

V&A Dundee is to receive £2.6 million in UK Government capital funding. The investment, to remodel and extend the Scottish Design Galleries, was announced today [17 February 2025] by the Scottish Secretary on a visit to Scotland’s design museum.

Speaking after his visit, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

It’s fantastic news that the UK Government is investing £2.6 million in V&A Dundee. It is a great attraction, right at the heart of Dundee’s waterfront, bringing great benefits to the city. This funding will help the museum celebrate the very best of Scottish design and make the experience for visitors even better.

We have taken the necessary steps to mend our public finances in order to provide this funding and a record settlement for the Scottish Government, and I am very pleased that we are delivering this investment in this important national institution.

At the Autumn Budget the Chancellor also confirmed £20 million for regeneration and growth projects in Dundee. In all, the UK Government is investing £1.4 billion in dozens of important local growth projects across Scotland over the next 10 years. This is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, growing our economy and improving living standards in all parts of the UK.

Director of V&A Dundee, Leonie Bell, said

We are delighted the UK Government has confirmed £2.6 million of funding for V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum, to undertake a bold transformation of the Scottish Design Galleries that will bring design to life for visitors, enabling even more people to engage with Scotland’s innovative design history and its continuing influence around the world.

V&A Dundee is an incredible resource for people living in Dundee and Scotland, drawing visitors to the region, championing design and designers and helping to change the face of the city and contributing to economic, cultural and social growth.

This new funding means we can expand the story of design from Scotland and celebrate the worldwide influence of Scottish design and designers, further enhancing the visitor experience at V&A Dundee.

The Scottish Design Galleries are the heart of V&A Dundee. They feature more than 300 objects spanning around 500 years, telling the story of Scottish design’s enduring influence around the world. This additional investment, ahead of the museum’s 10-year anniversary in 2028, will help V&A Dundee boost its contribution to local economic growth, supporting jobs and driving visitors to Tayside.

In 2023 Dundee welcomed 1.35 million visits, an increase of more 50 per cent since before V&A Dundee opened. V&A Dundee is engaging with every school in the city and welcomed its two millionth visitor in 2024. The museum has created very significant economic impacts for the city.

March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the first anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 February 2025.

The UK and partners pay tribute to Alexei Navalny.

On the anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, which followed years of persecution by the Kremlin, we again extend our condolences to his family. We reiterate that the ultimate responsibility for his death lies with the Russian authorities. One year on, Russia’s dire human rights record continues to deteriorate. The Kremlin crushes peaceful dissent, maintains a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. All to serve its own interests. As we reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy, we continue to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia in the face of immense personal risk.

There are over 800 political prisoners in Russia, including many imprisoned for speaking out against the Kremlin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the brutality shown towards the Ukrainian people. The UN Special Rapporteur’s reports illustrate how many political prisoners are tortured, denied adequate medical treatment and placed in forced psychiatric detention. We are clear: the Russian authorities must uphold their international obligations and release all political prisoners.

Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Madagascar’s WTO Trade Policy Review – UK Statement [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 February 2025.

UK Statement at Madagascar’s World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review. Delivered on 12 February 2025.
1. Let me begin by offering a warm welcome to the delegation from Madagascar led by Her Excellency Priscilla Andrianarivo. I thank Madagascar for the significant preparations and work which I know go into a Trade Policy Review and we express our gratitude to colleagues from the WTO Secretariat for their respective reports, and as ever, to our Discussant, Her Excellency Ms Clara Delgado Jesus, for their insightful comments.
2. Chair, we are grateful for the Reports provided by this Trade Policy Review, which have given us important insights into Madagascar’s own economic efforts, and reforms, over the review period.
3. As we have heard this morning regarding Madagascar’s aspirations on trade, the Reports highlights the growth in trade Madagascar has seen over the period of review, initially accounting for just under half of GDP to now over two thirds.
4. We welcome continued efforts to integrate into global supply chains and note that this is key to addressing the severe levels of poverty that are present. The Reports note the importance of Madagascar realising its growth potential through improving the economy and tackling corruption; we look forward to supporting Madagascar to go further and faster on this.
5. We hope to also see further growth in Foreign Direct Investment; Madagascar’s location and array of resources make it an attractive destination for this and we hope to see the recent reforms to the Mining Code and the introduction of the new Investment Law create even more opportunities here. In this context it would be remiss of me not to mention the opportunities that the International Foodservices Distribution Association (IFDA) could afford here and we encourage Madagascar to consider their participation.
6. Chair, the UK and Madagascar have a positive and longstanding relationship. As well as being the first official diplomatic partner Madagascar ever had, the UK and the English language has been a consistently trusted and regular feature in Madagascar. We are particularly pleased to see this relationship marked last November by Lord Collins, FCDO Minister for Africa, meeting with General Ravalomanana.
7. This was a valuable conversation and we were particularly pleased to hear of the focus on deforestation and the importance of raising awareness on its impact. One of the first things most people picture when thinking of Madagascar is your beautiful landscapes. These initiatives are crucial in preserving Madagascar’s natural environment, ensuring its beauty and biodiversity remain intact for future generations, as well as visitors.
8. In this conversation we also encouraged Madagascar to interrogate the decline in per capita income since independence in 1960 and promoted the need for national industrialisation to tackle extreme poverty. We discussed economic diversification and the value of new partnerships. We look forward to seeing increased efforts to deliver regulatory reforms and the types of government-backed initiatives that make Madagascar a more accessible and easier-to-navigate option for foreign investors.
9. Our relationship recently reached another significant milestone with Madagascar entering into our regional Economic Partnership Agreement. This will offer better access to the UK market, stimulate growth through foreign investment and increase development cooperation, which can support infrastructure, natural resources, and environmental projects in Madagascar. We hope this year we can propel our technical engagement in order to see trade between our countries flourish.
10. There are also some exciting engagements to look forward to. Next week, the International Trade Centre and the UK Trade Partnerships Programme bring together operators in the textile industry to prepare Malagasy enterprises on the new sustainability regulations for UK market and the EU.
11. I also welcome Madagascar’s efforts to support women in trade and gender equality, in particular its work to meet AfCFTA protocols [the African Continental Free Trade Area]. The UK encourages Madagascar’s engagement in the important work happening here in Geneva too, to which they can make valuable contribution, not least the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, of which my Ambassador co-chairs, along with our esteemed discussant today.
12. As a member of several negotiation groups at the WTO, such as the G90, the African Group, ACP, the LDC group and the G33, we hope Madagascar continues to make the most of support available to LDC Members. For example, the Enhanced Integrated Framework, providing in-country technical assistance and the Advisory Centre on WTO Law which provides legal support on WTO issues, both of which the UK is very pleased to support.
13. As we consider participation in activities here in Geneva, and the opportunities, I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage Madagascar to ratify the ‘Fish 1’ agreement, as well as to consider their participation in the e-commerce JI, and on domestic regulation, in addition to the aforementioned IFDA.
14. Chair, Trade Policy Reviews are an important time of reflection. It is a time to both take stock of successes and to set goals. In this regard, it is positive to hear that the government has expressed willingness to liberalise the market and to attract more investors, notably with the promotion of the Special Economic Zone and the new Investment Law.
15. We encourage Madagascar to address barriers around monopolies and dominance in certain markets. We look forward to proactive steps to encourage competition, particularly in the telecommunications, vanilla, lychee, and renewables industries.
16. I’d also like to take this chance to underline the valuable potential for expansion in renewable energy in Madagascar and say that the UK is committed to accelerating the global clean power transition and to work with countries who share our ambitions on this.
17. Finally, Chair, I wanted to end with a few words of Malagasy wisdom, from the epic poem Ibonia: “So long as this tree is green and healthy, I will be all right”. Cultivating an economy aligned with the international rules-based order of which the WTO is part of will mean not just Madagascar, or the WTO blossoms: we all do.
18. Again, I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat, the discussant and Madagascar for the huge amount of work that goes into a Trade Policy Review, and for the informative answers to our questions. We hope this will be a valuable exercise in transparency.
March 6, 2025
Keir Starmer – 2025 Article in the Telegraph on Ukraine

The article in the Daily Telegraph written by Keir Starmer and released by 10 Downing Street as a press release on 17 February 2025.

We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent. This is not only a question about the future of Ukraine – it is existential for Europe as a whole.

Securing a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards its sovereignty for the long term is essential if we are to deter Putin from further aggression in the future.

To achieve it, Europe and the United States must continue to work closely together – and I believe the UK can play a unique role in helping to make this happen, just as we did this past week in stepping in to convene and chair the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

First, Europe must step up further to meet the demands of its own security. So I am heading to Paris with a very clear message for our European friends. We have got to show we are truly serious about our own defence and bearing our own burden. We have talked about it for too long – and president Trump is right to demand that we get on with it.

As European nations, we must increase our defence spending and take on a greater role in Nato. Non-US Nato nations have already increased defence spending by 20 per cent in the past year, but we must go further.

Russia is still waging war and Ukraine is still fighting for its freedom, which is why we must not relent in our efforts to get the kit Ukrainians need for their fighters on the front line. While the fighting continues, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position ahead of any talks.

The UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes further support for Ukraine’s military, where the UK has already committed £3 billion a year until at least 2030. But it also means being ready and willing to contribute to security guarantees to Ukraine by putting our own troops on the ground if necessary.

I do not say that lightly. I feel very deeply the responsibility that comes with potentially putting British servicemen and women in harm’s way. But any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine’s security is helping to guarantee the security of our continent, and the security of this country.

The end of this war, when it comes, cannot merely become a temporary pause before Putin attacks again.

But second, while European nations must step up in this moment – and we will – US support will remain critical and a US security guarantee is essential for a lasting peace, because only the US can deter Putin from attacking again. So I will be meeting president Trump in the coming days and working with him and all our G7 partners to help secure the strong deal we need.

We must be clear that peace cannot come at any cost. Ukraine must be at the table in these negotiations, because anything less would accept Putin’s position that Ukraine is not a real nation.

President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have shown the most extraordinary resilience and made such great sacrifices in the defence of their nation. We cannot have another situation like Afghanistan, where the US negotiated directly with the Taliban and cut out the Afghan government. I feel sure that president Trump will want to avoid this too.

While Nato membership may take time, we should continue to support Ukraine’s irreversible path to joining the alliance.

We should also show greater strength in applying economic pressure. Putin’s economy is feeling the strain – he is worried about his energy revenues and his financial sector.

Working together, the US, Europe and all our G7 allies should seek to go further on the oil price cap, the Shadow Fleet, the sanctioning of oil giants, and going after those banks that are enabling the evasion of sanctions.

These crucial days ahead will determine the future security of our continent. As I will say in Paris, peace comes through strength. But the reverse is also true. Weakness leads to war.

This is the moment for us all to step up, and the UK will do so because it is the right thing to do for the values and freedoms we hold dear, and because it is fundamental to our own national security.

March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Thames river rage drama ends with huge fine [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 17 February 2025.

Boat-owner that caused Kingston Regatta incident charged more than £4,000. Video evidence shows disgraceful behaviour on the water.

An appalling incident of river rage on the River Thames at Kingston-upon-Thames in July 2024 has ended with £4,334.54 in fines, compensation and costs at Staines magistrates’ court on 28 January 2025.

Navigated boat dangerously

The perpetrator had navigated his boat dangerously and used abusive language at other river users. He was also found guilty of obstructing a boat race and interfering with the safety of persons gathered, failing to comply with a harbour master’s notice, and failing to register his boat for use on the Thames.

Scott Keen, of Morden, Surrey, steered his boat, Barney McGrew, along the Thames into a closed area of the river being used for Kingston Amateur Regatta, an event established in 1852, narrowly avoiding colliding with and swamping rowers.

Foul-mouth tirade

The court heard how Keen was advised by an umpire that the river ahead was closed and he should return to a navigation channel. He ignored the request and continued past the umpire, cutting across the racing line and narrowly missing one of the boats, which had to take last-minute evasive action to avoid a collision. His cruiser than caught the anchor rope of a race stake boat, before he stopped and launched a foul-mouthed tirade against participants, yelling that ‘they did not own the (expletive) water.’

His actions and the way he navigated his vessel endangered the safety of those present at the Regatta, included young scullers in rowing boats. An eyewitness captured the full extent of the drama on a mobile phone.

Environment Agency officers carried out a detailed investigation into the incident and discovered that Barney McGrew was also an unregistered vessel. Keen was invited to a voluntary interview but failed to attend. A summons was subsequently issued for his appearance at Staines magistrates’ court on 28 January 2025. Again, he failed to attend.

Incident ‘was a disgrace’

Maria Herlihy, operations manager at the Environment Agency and harbour master of the Thames, said:

“This incident was a disgrace. Keen showed no regard for the safety of other river users and could easily have caused a tragedy. Quite frankly, it was no surprise to discover that his boat was unregistered, and we are happy with the court result.

“We hope that this serves as a clear warning to all – anti-social and dangerous behaviour on our rivers will not be tolerated, and we will take robust action to deal with those who disregard the rules and regulations for boating on the River Thames.”

The magistrates fined Keen the maximum penalty of £1,000 for interfering with the boat race and navigating his boat without due care and attention. The court explained that it used its discretion to go outside the sentencing guidelines to deal with the matter robustly.

The court heard the incident was shocking in its totality, with clear criminality that endangered the safety of other people, including the young people involved in the regatta.

The court also complimented the Environment Agency’s investigation, and the evidence submitted.

Also charged in court, on the same day, for separate and unrelated incidents was Paul Campbell of West Molesey, who was found guilty in his absence of having not registered his boat, Enigma, for 2024 and failing to comply with directions to move his vessel from its location at West Molesey riverbank. He received a total of £2024.24 in fines, compensation and costs to be paid within 28 days.

Ms Herlihy added:

“As these prosecutions show, we have no hesitation in bringing offenders to court who avoid their obligations and responsibilities to lawful river users. Just one day in court has resulted in more than £6,000 of fines and compensation, which should serve as a major deterrent.”

Last year’s crackdown on unregistered vessels in the Thames resulted in 40 boaters having to pay a combined total of over £55,000 for their offences.

Renewal invitation letters for 2025 registrations on the River Thames were sent in November last year to everyone that registered their boat in 2024, and owners were encouraged to register early to ensure their boats were compliant by 1 January when the new season began.

The Environment Agency’s approach to non-registration on the Thames has changed – boat owners are given ample opportunity to register their boat. However, once a summons has been issued, it won’t stop court proceedings, even if the boat owner subsequently pays their registration fee.

Similar to excise duty for road vehicles, boat registration fees allow the Environment Agency to manage and maintain more than 600 miles of inland waterways across England, keeping them open and safe for thousands of boaters to enjoy.

Boats can be registered by calling 03708 506 506 or going to River Thames: boat registration and application forms – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Ends
- Owners of powered or non-powered boats, including paddleboards, must register their boats annually with the Environment Agency for use on the non-tidal River Thames.
- Boat registration on the Thames starts on 1 January every year. Any boats found on the water after that date, without having registered, may be liable to a fine.
- In mid-September 2024, during a river-wide census, Environment Agency officers recorded the locations of 10,890 boats on the river.
- Scott Keen, on Barney McGrew, was charged with:
1. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen failed to comply with a harbour master’s notice, contrary to section 84 of the Thames Conservancy Act 1932 – found guilty in absence and fined £50.
2. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen navigated his vessel in a manner as would risk obstructing impeding or interfering with such boat race regatta or function or endangering the safety of persons assembling on the river or preventing or interfering with the maintenance of order thereon, contrary to byelaw 52 and 86(a) of the Thames Navigation Licensing & General Byelaws 1993 – found guilty in absence and fined £1,000.
3. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen used abusive, threatening and language towards officials and volunteers involved in the regatta and conducted himself in a threatening or offensive manner contrary to 63(a) and 86(a) of the Thames Navigation Licensing & General Byelaws 1993 – found guilty in absence and fined £440.
4. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen failed to navigate with care and caution and at such a speed and in such a manner as not to endanger the lives of others of cause injury to person or endanger the safety of or cause damage to other vessels or any moorings or to the banks of the Thames or other property, contrary to section 97 of the Thames Conservancy Act 1932 – found guilty in absence and fined £1,000.
5. On 17 July 2024, at Riverside Walk, near Kingston-upon-Thames, being the owner or master of a vessel named Barney McGrew, Keen failed to register the vessel with the Environment Agency in accordance with article 4(1)(a) of the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010, contrary to article 18(1)(a) of the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010 – found guilty in absence and fined £220.
A total of £2,710 in fines, £275 costs, £265.54 compensation and a £1,084 victim surcharge. A grand total £4,334.53.
- Paul David Campbell on Enigma, was found guilty in absence of the following charges
- Not registering his vessel Enigma, contrary to article 4(1) and article 18(1) of the Inland Waterway Order 2010.
- Failure to adhere to an officer’s directions to move, byelaw 58, Thames Navigation and General Byelaws 1993.
- He received £440 in fines – £220 for each charge – £275 costs, £1,593.40 compensation and £176 victim surcharge. Total: £2,024.24
March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New funding to help create the next generation of aviators and boost the economy [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 February 2025.

Latest round of Reach for the Sky programme awarded £810,000 to 16 organisations across the UK.
- £810,000 of new government funding to help young people start a career in aviation by breaking down barriers to opportunity
- with the air transport and aerospace sector contributing £20 billion to the UK economy, investment in the next generation of professionals will secure long-term economic growth and deliver on the government’s Plan for Change
- Reach for the Sky scheme has now provided £2.3 million to 37 organisations, reaching 100,000 people across the country, from Cornwall to Carlisle
The Aviation Minister has today (17 February 2025) launched the latest round of funding to encourage more young people into a career in aviation, helping to secure long term economic growth and ensuring the sector has the workforce needed for the future.

Now in its third round, the government’s Reach for the Sky programme will see £810,000 awarded to 16 organisations across the UK, from Cornwall to Newcastle.

The successful scheme, which totals £2.3 million, has now delivered funding to 37 outreach organisations and reached 100,000 people across the country.

Supporting young people to pursue careers such as pilots, navigators and controllers also aligns with the government’s ambition to go further and faster to kickstart growth. As part of the drive to build up aviation capacity at Heathrow and across the sector – from increased travel options to more UK homegrown aviation jobs – expansion in the sector plays a crucial part in unlocking economic prosperity.

Reach for the Sky aims to break down barriers to opportunity and form the next generation of aviators, particularly by supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have considered a career in the sector before.

Funding will help organisations deliver events, interactive workshops, taster days, mentorship schemes and educational initiatives with schools, universities and career professionals.

Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:

As part of our Plan for Change, we are breaking down barriers to opportunity so that every young person has the chance to pursue their dreams.

Programmes like Reach for the Sky turn ambition into reality, helping to inspire young people and introducing them to the benefits of a career in the skies.

I look forward to seeing the achievements of the next generation of aviators.

With Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showing that young people from disadvantaged households are more likely to feel they do not have as much of a chance in life, programmes like Reach for the Sky help break down barriers to opportunity and expand horizons for underserved, hard-to-reach groups.

This year’s recipients of the DfT-funded scheme include SaxonAir, The King’s Trust and Employers and Educators, amongst others.

SaxonAir, who have been successful in previous rounds, offer a range of scholarships, volunteering programmes and events for people of all backgrounds.

One of their main initiatives is the INSPIRE programme, delivered in partnership with Business In The Community (BITC) at West Earlham Infant School. It aims to make the aviation industry inclusive for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

The initiative is already making a tangible difference, with teachers at West Earlham Infant School in Norwich reporting a surge in enthusiasm for aviation among pupils following a recent visit.

Hannah Colledge, HR and Wellbeing Coordinator at SaxonAir, said:

Our INSPIRE Outreach Programme is designed to spark a passion for aviation from as young as 5 years old offering tailored activities that align with different age groups and connect appropriately to the curriculum.

With support from the Reach for the Sky funding, we can extend our reach, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have the chance to experience aviation firsthand.

By breaking down barriers and bringing aviation opportunities to underrepresented communities, we are reinforcing our commitment to a more diverse and inclusive aviation sector.

Graham, the father of a student at Aylsham High School, Norwich, said:

[My son] really enjoyed the INSPIRE event and loved the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes in the aviation industry. His ambition is to be a pilot, but this event opened his eyes into other possibilities of work with and around aircraft. Thank you for providing him with this rare opportunity.

Education and Employers Charity helps young people discover their future by bringing inspiration from the world of work into school. Reach for the Sky funding helps them connect aviation professionals with young people to deliver careers events and provide training across the UK.

Speaking about one of these events, a pupil at Ealing Fields High School, Josh from London said:

I’ve wanted to be a pilot for a long time and the opportunity to listen to a pilot tell his story and career path was really impactful. At the end I was lucky enough to speak to him 1:1 and this really helped me with my questions. Since meeting with him I’ve made the most of opportunities and even visited a flight simulator. The talk was so impactful.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for delivering the Reach for the Sky programme on behalf of DfT.

Sophie Jones, Head of Organisational Capability and STEM Sponsor at the CAA, said:

The aerospace sector provides many jobs and opportunities for development, and with the innovation and growth currently taking place, it is all the more vital for young people to join the industry.

The Reach for the Sky Challenge fund provides support for outreach programmes that inspire the next generation, from all backgrounds, to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace, ensuring that the UK continues to be at the forefront of innovation and development.

As the UK’s aviation regulator, we are proud to inspire the next generation’s journey into this fantastic industry through our STEM programme, funded by the Department for Transport.
March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Støre of Norway [17 February 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 February 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre this morning.

The Prime Minister began by setting out his aims for the informal meeting of European leaders taking place later today in Paris to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

Ensuring Ukraine is in the strongest possible position is paramount, and they both agreed that all international leaders must come together to ensure Euro-Atlantic security.

The Prime Minister reiterated that this is a once in a generation moment for our national security and there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

The leaders agreed to stay in touch.

March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Devolution Priority Programme consultations launch [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 17 February 2025.

Government seeks views of people in six areas on proposals to establish mayoral combined (county) authorities.

Consultations have been launched in six areas on proposals to establish mayoral combined authorities or mayoral combined county authorities as part of the government’s commitment to widen devolution.

The Devolution Priority Programme – one of the largest ever single packages of mayoral devolution in England – was launched earlier this month and will support the areas to move towards devolution at pace, becoming mayor-led strategic authorities by May next year if they proceed.

The government is now seeking views from interested parties, such as local residents, businesses, and public sector bodies.

Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Norfolk and Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex and Brighton, and Hampshire and the Solent joined the Devolution Priority Programme earlier this month.

The consultations will consider questions such as the proposed geographies and how the mayoral combined (county) authorities will operate.

Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP said:

We are committed to shifting power out of Whitehall and into our regions, ensuring local leaders have the tools they need to tackle local priorities and realise their areas’ potential as part of our Plan for Change.

Our Devolution Priority Programme will deliver that power at pace and I encourage local residents to be part of our ‘devolution revolution’ by contributing to these consultations.

The Devolution Priority Programme will bridge the gap between the English Devolution White Paper and the forthcoming English Devolution Bill. The government is working towards mayoral elections in May 2026 for the areas that have joined it.

The easiest way to respond and engage in one of the consultations is via the relevant link below:
March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Regional growth and regeneration to be sparked by cash boost for Wales’ critical culture projects [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 17 February 2025.

The funding is the latest step in the Plan for Change to deliver economic growth across the country
- Growth in jobs, tourism and regional regeneration to be ushered in by funding for major cultural projects in Wales
- Welsh projects part of several across UK set to receive millions in funding to help kickstart decade of national renewal
- Funding is the latest step in the Plan for Change to deliver economic growth across the country
Regional growth regeneration will get a much-needed boost as two major culture projects across Wales will receive £15 million funding to help boost growth and spark regional regeneration, the government confirmed today (17 February).

Funding will be ‘critical’ in showcasing the UK as a world-leader in culture and bring in visitors from across the globe.

Just as importantly this will help drive growth in all parts of the country – a key element of the government’s Plan for Change – by creating jobs and in some cases building new homes.

Projects in Wales receiving funding include:
- £10 million for Venue Cymru in Conwy, Wales, will upgrade the largest Welsh arts centre outside Cardiff and deliver a step-change in the use of the building, including the consideration of relocating the existing library and Tourist Information Centre to create a modern and innovative cultural hub.
- £5 million for Newport Transporter Bridge, Wales, that will fund vital repair and maintenance works to Newport Transporter Bridge, which plays a crucial role in the tourism economy as a visitor attraction in South Wales.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

Every corner of the UK has something unique to offer, and our rich creative capital must not be underestimated.

Our Plan for Change promises growth for every region and I’ve seen first-hand how these projects are igniting growth in their communities.

Through investing in these critical cultural projects we can empower both local leaders and people to really tap into their potential and celebrate everything their home town has to offer. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people’s pockets.”

Alex Norris, Minster for Local Growth said:

The benefits of these fantastic projects go far beyond community and county borders, they are key to unlocking a regional and nationwide celebration of UK culture and creativity as well as driving growth and regeneration.

This investment marks a huge step forward in our decade of national renewal as committed to in our Plan for Change – creating jobs and boosting tourism and regeneration in our regions is the type of long-term, sustainable growth the government is prioritising to ultimately put more money in people’s pockets.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

Venue Cymru and the Newport Transporter Bridge are iconic landmarks in their local communities, and I am delighted that this UK Government funding will be used to boost Wales’ already world-leading tourism and culture sectors.

Our investment in these two fantastic projects is an example of how our Plan for Change will lead to a decade of national renewal for people the length and breadth of Wales. This is a UK Government that is delivering regeneration and economic growth for every community.”

These projects will celebrate and raise awareness of the unique social value and cultural history of Wales while also supporting crucial economic growth through creating local jobs and attracting tourism on a national scale.

Projects that are most advanced and will see benefits spread beyond regional borders and attract investment have been prioritised to maximise public spending and deliver long-term growth.
March 6, 2025