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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : Man who sexually abused teenagers has sentence increased [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Man who sexually abused teenagers has sentence increased [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 14 July 2025.

    A man who sexually abused two teenagers has had his sentence increased following an intervention by the Solicitor General.

    Jacob Corrie [31] from Carlisle has had his sentence increased by four years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    The court heard that Corrie met his first victim over social media when he was 19. Corrie sexually abused the vulnerable boy, who Corrie knew was 14 years old, over two years between 2013 and 2015. Corrie also sent sexual messages via social media.

    Corrie sexually abused the second teenager in 2013, before threatening her not to tell anyone. After the incident, Corrie sent a series of sexual messages to the victim claiming he had compromising images of them.

    The court also heard Corrie had a previous conviction from 2020 after he sent messages to the second victim threatening to send compromising photos to her friends and family unless she sent more pictures.

    In a victim personal statement, one of the teenagers said they do not feel safe in their daily life and suffer from constant fear, anxiety and depression.

    Corrie initially denied the offences before pleading guilty and accepting that he was aware the victims were both aged under 16.

    He admitted to nine counts of sexual activity with a child, eight counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual communication with a child.

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    Jacob Corrie’s crimes were appalling. I commend Cumbria police for their comprehensive investigation, and I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence.

    On 16 April 2025, Corrie was sentenced to six years and four months’ imprisonment Carlisle Crown Court.

    On 11 July, his sentence was revised to 10 years and four months after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Largest fund of its kind to support vulnerable children & families [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Largest fund of its kind to support vulnerable children & families [July 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 July 2025.

    The world’s largest fund of its kind will support vulnerable children and families across the country.

    • Chancellor launches new £500m Fund to break down barriers to opportunity for up to 200,000 vulnerable children and young people and deliver Plan for Change.
    • World’s largest fund of its kind will boost pupil achievement and could fund programmes to reduce reoffending or provide specialist workers for children struggling with exclusion, mental health or crime.
    • Better Futures Fund will run for ten years, with plans to raise another £500 million from local government, social investors, and philanthropists on top of government’s funding
    • The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.

    Struggling and vulnerable families and children are to be given a better start in life after a new government fund was announced today (Monday 14 July), which will provide them with the support and funding needed to access a better education, a safe home, and the caring supportive environment they need to flourish.

    The Better Futures Fund will support up to 200,000 children and their families over the next ten years by bringing together government, local communities, charities, social enterprises, investors, and philanthropists to work together to give children a brighter future.

    It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance, behaviour and overall achievement of pupils, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.

    The fund, which is the largest of its kind in the world, will be launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at a visit to a school today in Wigan, hosted by the charity AllChild. It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance and behaviour, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.

    By investing in early support to tackle challenges like school absence, addiction and re-offending, the fund will help give children the stability and opportunity they need to thrive – delivering on a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life.

    It comes ahead of the government hosting the first Civil Society Summit this week, where the government will set out a comprehensive plan on how this government will partner with experts from outside the traditional corridors of power to create solutions that work for real people – all through the principles of fairness, collaboration and trust.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    I got into politics to help children facing the toughest challenges. This fund will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families a better chance. For too long, these children have been overlooked. Our Plan for Change will break down barriers to opportunity and give them the best start in life.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    This groundbreaking Better Futures Fund represents a major step in partnering with the impact economy, which has long played an important role in strengthening communities and driving inclusive growth.

    As part of the Plan for Change, we’re bringing together government, local authorities, charities, social enterprises and philanthropists to create a powerful alliance that will transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

    We owe them the best start in life. Together we will break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring those who need support most aren’t left behind and have the chance to reach their potential.

    Social Outcomes Partnerships have already been used with success across the UK, with over 180 commissioners using the model across the country. The Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership (GMBOP), for example, works with young adults in the Greater Manchester area who are at risk of homelessness.

    AllChild’s projects have already halved persistent school absences, and 80% of children have improved emotional wellbeing. Other programmes like the Skill Mill offer paid work experience and qualifications, reducing reconviction rates from 63% typically to 8% and three quarters of those in the programme progress to further employment, education or training.

    This fund is a big step in the government’s work with the impact economy – unlocking extra resources from philanthropy, social investors and businesses to tackle urgent social challenges. Today’s announcement comes as the government’s Child Poverty Strategy is to be published in autumn to ensure it delivers fully funded measures that tackle the structural and root causes of child poverty across the UK.

    The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.

    Today’s announcement is informed by consultation with the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group and other representatives from civil society, purpose-driven business, and local government. Over the coming months Government will build on this and develop a strategic approach to working with the impact economy, who have long played an important role across the UK economy in unlocking innovation, driving inclusive growth and strengthening community resilience.

    Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said:

    Partnering with impact capital to tackle child poverty was a personal priority for me coming into government – which is why I set up the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group to advise on the development of this brilliant fund, which we’ve been delighted to support as a government. I’d like to thank Dame Elizabeth Corley for chairing the group and all the members for their hard work.

    Louisa Mitchell MBE, Chief Executive Officer, AllChild said:

    I warmly welcome the government’s Better Futures Fund as a pivotal step toward transforming how we support children and families across the country. It’s vital that children engage with the right support and opportunities, at the right time, in the right way. Holistic support that is rooted in each child’s local community, builds on their strengths, and places trust and relationships at the heart of delivery.

    I hope this fund will be a catalyst for a new way of working – one which prioritises prevention, shared accountability for locally identified outcomes, and genuine cross-sector partnerships. This is how we can ensure every child no matter where they live has the support and opportunities they need to flourish.

    Richard Rigby, Head of UK Government Affairs, The King’s Trust said:

    At The King’s Trust, we know that timely support can change the course of a young person’s life. Potential is everywhere but opportunity is not. The Better Futures Fund is an investment in the potential of young people who are too often left behind. We welcome this commitment to early intervention and collaboration with organisations like ours to tackle inequalities and help young people build brighter, more secure futures. By getting behind young people, we can all help to make the UK a healthier, wealthier, more positive and cohesive place.”

    Further details on the fund will be set out in due course. It will be delivered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Future of the Post Office to be shaped by postmasters and customers [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Future of the Post Office to be shaped by postmasters and customers [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 July 2025.

    Government launches the Post Office Green Paper, the first comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years.

    • First comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years, with customers and postmasters shaping its future.
    • Post Office Green Paper will seek to transform the organisation’s culture in the wake of the Horizon scandal and changing customer demands.
    • Better services at the heart of new £118 million subsidy to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further network investment, moving the organisation closer to delivering growth in line with the Plan for Change.

    Postmasters and the public will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Post Office for the first time in 15 years, as the Government sets out its vision for the next decade for the organisation.

    The Post Office Green Paper, published today, will move further and faster to deliver a decade of renewal for customers and postmasters, building on the cultural reset being led by Post Office Chair Nigel Railton that will be so crucial to its success.

    Working hand in hand with postmasters and the public the Government will ensure the network is put on a path to a strong and sustainable future with Post Office branches remaining at the heart of communities across the UK.

    This includes on the Post Office’s ownership model, with concepts including mutualisation on the table for consideration following the publication of the final Horizon Inquiry report later this year.

    The report is expected to provide recommendations on improving the structure of the Post Office so that this miscarriage of justice is never allowed to occur again, protecting postmasters whilst also providing reassurance for customers.

    This follows an unprecedented period in which the Post Office has faced a series of major challenges, from the Horizon IT scandal to significant changes in consumer behaviour, such as a rise in online shopping and falling demand for traditional post.

    Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    Post Offices continue to be a central part of our high streets and communities across the country. However, after fifteen years without a proper review, and in the aftermath of the Horizon scandal, it’s clear we need a fresh vision for its future.

    This Green Paper marks the start of an honest conversation about what people want and need from their Post Office in the years ahead.

    I look forward to hearing the views of customers, business owners and postmasters so we can build a Post Office capable of serving the public for generations to come.

    The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 6th October 2025. It will examine key areas including:

    • How Post Office services should evolve to meet changing consumer needs
    • Ways to strengthen the relationship between the Post Office and its postmasters
    • Options for modernising the network while ensuring services remain within local reach
    • Ensure the Post Office is well-equipped to adapt to consumer trends
    • How the Post Office can improve and develop the banking services it provides

    Research published alongside the Green Paper today also highlights the important role the Post Office still plays in the daily lives of people and businesses, adding social value of around £5.2 billion per year to households and £1.3 billion annually to small and medium sized businesses.

    As part of the Government’s commitment to securing the future of this vital national institution, Ministers have also announced plans to award a new subsidy package of up to £118 million to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further investment to improve the network.

    This funding will protect key services, including access to cash deposits and withdrawals as well as key government services, such as passport applications and the DVLA, alongside helping the Post Office deliver cost-saving measures in its Transformation Plan, part of the New Deal for Postmasters.

    Notes to editors:

    • The £118 million in funding is subject to the completion of subsidy control processes and compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.
    • The Post Office operates over 11,500 branches across the UK.
    • Last month, the Government achieved the milestone of £1 billion in compensation payments to over 7,300 postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal.
    • Research published alongside the Green Paper can be found under Annex A: The Value of the Post Office Network
  • PRESS RELEASE : 5,000 jobs secured as construction starts on Port Talbot green steel project [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 5,000 jobs secured as construction starts on Port Talbot green steel project [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 July 2025.

    5,000 steel jobs have been secured following the start of construction on Tata Steel’s Port Talbot electric arc furnace project today.

    • Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens join Tata Group Chairman to break ground on construction of electric arc furnace that will secure thousands of jobs.
    • Latest good news shows how UK’s modern Industrial Strategy is backing Welsh industry, following landmark energy support package slashing energy costs for Tata Steel and other UK steel firms.
    • Industry Minister Sarah Jones to chair meeting of Steel Council together with industry leaders at 7Steel this morning to work towards finalising UK’s Steel Strategy.

    5,000 jobs have been secured following the start of construction on Tata Steel’s electric arc furnace (EAF) at Port Talbot steelworks today (14 July).

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will join Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, Wales Secretary Jo Stevens and other government and company representatives to break ground on the project and start construction later today.

    The construction milestone, made possible by a £500 million UK Government grant provided as part of the improved deal for Port Talbot’s transition which the Government agreed after only 10 weeks in office, is a major win for Welsh steelmaking in the run-up to the launch of government’s Steel Strategy this year.

    This morning, Industry Minister Sarah Jones will chair a meeting of the Steel Council at 7Steel in Cardiff to work towards finalising the upcoming Steel Strategy – backed by up to £2.5 billion of investment – and reflect on a series of recent wins for the industry with senior leaders from across the sector, including British Steel and UK Steel.

    This includes slashing energy costs for steel producers via new measures announced in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, strengthening the UK’s steel safeguard measures to protect the industry from spikes of foreign steel imports and bolstering the UK’s procurement rules to ensure UK-made steel is considered wherever possible for use on public construction projects.

    The Government is also backing the steel sector by working closely with the US to secure the removal of 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium, while the UK remains the only country in the world not to pay a 50 percent tariff rate.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This is our Industrial Strategy in action and is great news for Welsh steelmaking backing this crucial Welsh industry, which will give certainty to local communities and thousands of local jobs for years to come.

    This government is committed to a bright future for our steel industry, which is why we provided £500 million of funding to make this project possible. Our modern Industrial Strategy has set out how we’ll back the sector even further, including by slashing energy costs for firms like Tata Steel to level the playing field, as part of our Plan for Change.

    The start of construction on Tata Steel’s EAF marks a significant step forward in Port Talbot’s transition to greener steel production, and is expected to reduce the site’s carbon emissions by around 90 percent.

    The success of the project – and Tata Group’s continued investment in British industry – is testament to the UK’s strong and valued relationship with India, following the trade deal the Government agreed with India in May which will add billions to the UK economy going forward.

    During the groundbreaking event to mark the start of construction, the Business Secretary will tour the site of the new EAF, meet with senior management at Tata Steel and take part in a demonstration with a virtual reality headset to see how the new EAF will look when operational.

    Tata Group Chairman Mr Chandrasekaran said:

    This is a proud day for Tata Group, Tata Steel and for the UK. Today’s groundbreaking marks not just the beginning of a new Electric Arc Furnace, but a new era for sustainable manufacturing in Britain. At Port Talbot, we are building the foundations of a cleaner, greener future, supporting jobs, driving innovation, and demonstrating our commitment to responsible industry leadership.

    This project is also part of Tata Group’s wider investment in the UK, across steel, automotive, and technology among others, which reflects our deep and enduring partnership with this country.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    The UK Government acted decisively to ensure that steelmaking in Port Talbot will continue for generations to come, backing Tata Steel with £500 million to secure its future in the town, along with £80 million to support workers and the wider community. Our Steel Strategy will also deliver up to £2.5 billion of investment to rebuild the UK industry, maintain jobs and drive growth.

    The construction of Tata’ s new furnace realises the promise we made to the community, while the development of floating offshore wind, plans for a Celtic Freeport and millions more for local regeneration all mean that Port Talbot has a bright future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Update on Enhanced UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement negotiations [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Update on Enhanced UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement negotiations [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 July 2025.

    An update following the first round of negotiations on an Enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Turkey.

    The first round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey took place in Ankara between 23 June and 2 July 2025.

    The UK and Turkey have a strong economic relationship, with trade between the two totalling around £28 billion in 2024, making Turkey the UK’s 16th largest trading partner. Trade with Turkey’s growing market of 86 million people directly supported around 57,100 jobs across the UK in 2020.

    Economic growth is our first mission in government and FTAs have an important role to play in achieving this. The UK is the second largest services exporter in the world, but in 2024 only 34% of UK exports to Turkey were services. A stronger trade relationship with this fast-growing economy will unlock new opportunities for UK businesses and contribute to jobs and prosperity in the UK.

    Negotiations during round one were constructive, with both countries working towards agreeing ambitious outcomes in key areas. Discussions covered sustainability and collaboration, including Women’s Economic Empowerment and Labour rights, as well as the regulatory environments of both countries. Productive discussions were also held on Trade in Services, including Digital, Financial and Professional Business Services.

    The UK’s existing FTA with Turkey replicates the effect of the EU-Turkey Customs Union. Industrial products are already fully liberalised and agricultural goods are partially liberalised. During the first round of negotiations both sides worked to establish baselines and respective ambitions across trade in goods.

    The government will only ever sign a trade agreement which aligns with the UK’s national interests, upholding our high standards across a range of sectors, alongside protections for the National Health Service.

    The second round of negotiations is expected to take place in the Autumn of 2025.

    Any organisations or individuals interested in speaking to the Department for Business and Trade about negotiations with Turkey should do so by emailing tur.fta.engagement@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 14 July 2025.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of Habib Motani as a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board for four years from 18 April 2026.

    Mr Motani qualified as a solicitor in 1980. He is a Consultant to Clifford Chance LLP having spent over 30 years as a partner in the firm’s banking and finance practice. He is a Visiting Professor at the School of Law at the University of Edinburgh and a Trustee at: The British Institute of International and Comparative Law, the Institute of Ismaili Studies and The Aga Khan University (International) in the United Kingdom. He is also a member of the Steering Group of the Canary Wharf Multi-faith Chaplaincy.

    The Legal Services Board (LSB) is the independent body overseeing the regulation of lawyers in England and Wales. Its goal is to reform and modernise the legal services marketplace by putting the interests of consumers at the heart of the system. It is independent of government and the legal profession and oversees the approved regulators, which themselves regulate lawyers.

    The LSB also oversees the Office for Legal Complaints and its administration of the Legal Ombudsman scheme that resolves complaints about lawyers.

    Appointments and reappointments are made, by the Lord Chancellor, under the Legal Services Act 2007 and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This reappointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Czechia to lead global race on small modular reactors [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Czechia to lead global race on small modular reactors [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 14 July 2025.

    British workers will further benefit from a new generation of nuclear power.

    • Golden age of nuclear receives a major new boost, as the Prime Minister and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala sign first of a kind partnership at Downing Street today
    • both countries will now work closer together on small modular reactors to seize export opportunities, support highly-skilled jobs, boost economic growth and deliver clean, homegrown energy as part of the Plan for Change
    • follows government backing for new nuclear at the Spending Review, including selection of Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first small modular reactors and £14.2 billion investment to build Sizewell C

    British workers will further benefit from a new generation of nuclear power, as the government signs a landmark agreement with Czechia to kickstart the next chapter in the UK’s golden age of nuclear and secure high-skilled jobs.

    Today’s agreement, set to be signed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala at Downing Street, will unlock new opportunities for industrial collaboration and the potential for the UK and Czechia to export small modular reactors to other countries in Europe.

    It will also support the delivery of up to six new reactors in Czechia by Rolls-Royce SMR, potentially worth billions of pounds.

    It comes after Rolls Royce SMR and the Czechia’s largest public company, ČEZ, agreed last year to partner on SMR, with ČEZ acquiring a 20% stake.

    The leaders will also host a business roundtable as part of the visit to drive closer trade and investment links between the UK and Czechia to support working people.

    Building more nuclear will help drive the UK’s energy security, as part of the government’s mission to protect family finances by replacing the UK’s dependency on fossil fuel markets controlled by dictators with clean power that we control.

    Small modular reactors are also smaller and quicker to build than traditional nuclear plants, with costs likely to come down as units are rolled out, helping to delivering clean, homegrown energy for British billpayers.

    The government’s clean energy mission is the only route to energy security, lower bills and good jobs for the country. Investment is already booming, with over £40 billion of private investment in clean energy announced since last July.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This agreement is about delivering for Britain – cleaner energy, better jobs, and greater security.

    By working with our Czech partners on small modular reactors, we’re backing British engineering, strengthening our industrial base, and putting the UK in a leading position to export the technologies of the future.

    This is our Plan for Change in action, taking practical steps to rebuild our economy, bring down bills, and give working people a stake in our clean energy transition.

    Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of Czechia, said:

    Nuclear energy holds significant potential for the coming years, as the sector is undergoing a true renaissance. That is why I am especially pleased that ČEZ and Rolls-Royce will cooperate on the development and production of small modular reactors. This collaboration will bring tangible benefits to both Czech and British economies, including job creation.

    The Czech Republic and the United Kingdom share a common approach to energy policy, and we have a very similar vision of what the future of energy should look like. We see the ideal energy mix as a combination of large nuclear power plants, small modular reactors and renewable energy sources.

    I am confident that this partnership with the United Kingdom will help us ensure energy security and affordable energy for future generations — a key priority of our government.

    UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    This government is driving to make the UK a clean energy superpower, replacing our dependence on fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates with clean homegrown power we control.

    Nuclear power is an essential part of that, which is why this government is ending years of a no-nuclear status quo to seize the benefits of a nuclear golden age for Britain.

    This agreement will put the UK back where it belongs – at the very forefront of the global race on nuclear, working in lockstep with our Czech partners to deliver economic growth, clean energy and highly-skilled jobs for both nations.

    According to the International Energy Agency, the global SMR market is projected to reach up to nearly £500 billion by 2050, with today’s announcement giving the UK and Czechia the competitive advantage as frontrunners in the global race to build and export new nuclear technology.

    This follows Rolls-Royce SMR being selected as the preferred bidder to partner with Great British Energy – Nuclear to develop small modular reactors, subject to final government approvals and contract signature – unlocking a new golden age of nuclear in the UK.

    As part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy to revive Britain’s industrial heartlands, the government has pledged over £2.5 billion for the overall small modular reactor programme – with this project potentially supporting up to 3,000 new skilled jobs and powering the equivalent of around 3 million homes with clean, secure homegrown energy.

    Great British Energy – Nuclear is aiming to allocate a site later this year and connect projects to the grid in the mid-2030s. Once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with the new station at Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more nuclear to the grid than over the previous half century.

    Last week, during the President Macron’s State Visit to the UK, French energy giant EDF confirmed it will take a 12.5% stake in Sizewell C, taking the project one step closer to being given the green light. At peak construction, Sizewell C will support 10,000 jobs, and thousands more in the nationwide supply chain, and create 1,500 apprenticeships.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Trade win unlocks £250 million for British firms in Vietnam [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Trade win unlocks £250 million for British firms in Vietnam [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 July 2025.

    Trade win unlocks £250 million in exports for British pharmaceutical firms in Vietnam.

    • Major pharmaceutical trade barrier with Vietnam removed as bilateral trade increased by £1.2 billion in current prices to £8.1 billion in 2024 in boost to UK economy
    • Pharmaceutical sectors given boost making it faster and cheaper to sell UK medicines to Vietnam
    • Trade Strategy in action as UK continues to eye fast deals across the globe for key industries to create jobs and boost innovation as part of our Plan for Change

    British pharmaceutical companies are set to gain up to £250 million over the next five years as part of a Vietnamese law change that makes it easier to sell UK-made medicines to the country.

    The announcement comes ahead of the latest Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) today [14 July] co-chaired by Trade Minister Douglas Alexander and Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long.

    The meeting aims to deepen trade ties – which have risen to more than £8 billion – and remove barriers for UK businesses in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and clean energy – which will boost growth to deliver for working people as part of the Plan for Change.

    It follows the launch of the UK’s landmark Trade Strategy which aims to secure more nimble deals while promoting sectors like financial services and renewable energy which drive the most economic growth.

    Thanks to UK government efforts, Vietnam has changed its laws to streamline the registration of new medicines and vaccines, now recognising approvals from trusted international regulators such as the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

    It opens to the door to more commercial opportunities for UK companies who can avoid time-consuming paperwork and expensive legal processes if their products have been approved in the last five years by the MHRA, making it cheaper, quicker and easier to sell products to Vietnam.

    The JETCO will reflect the UK’s goal of deepening ties with fast-growing economies in Asia while supporting key sectors like life sciences, education, and green energy – core pillars of the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

    Renewable energy will be on today’s agenda as both countries pledge to work together to support the development of Vietnam’s renewable energy sector, particularly around offshore wind, with the industry in the UK forecast to support 100,000 jobs by 2030.

    Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said:

    Vietnam is today a dynamic, fast-growing economy.

    The removal of pharmaceutical barriers with one of our closest trading partners in Asia is a boost for the UK pharmaceutical industry and proof our Industrial and Trade Strategies are already delivering.

    The UK is committed to strengthening its relationship with Vietnam, which is witnessing rapid economic growth and fast becoming a major global manufacturing base for electronics, textiles, and renewable energy.

    Discussions will also celebrate the good news for our world-leading financial services sector as the government commits support for Vietnam to design its first International Finance Centre in Ho Chi Minh City which is expected to streamline regulations and encourage international investments, making it simpler for British firms to trade with Vietnam.

    The swift removal of pharmaceutical barriers and progress on financial and energy collaborations with Vietnam demonstrates the government is securing quick wins through nimble, targeted interventions and delivering on the key ambitions of the newly launched Trade Strategy.

    Miles Celic OBE, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK, said:

    There is great potential for British firms and other international investors in Vietnam; it is a rapidly growing market with increasing demand for sophisticated financial products. There are also mutual benefits to be gained through sharing expertise in areas such as green finance, innovation, and digital transformation.

    We’ve been working closely with the UK Government and British Embassy in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to help lay the groundwork for the development of an international financial and business centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang and are very supportive of the government’s commitment to support its creation and its contribution to Vietnam’s economic growth and net-zero agenda.

    Dr. Stephen Wyatt, Director – Strategy and Emerging Technology, ORE Catapult said:

    Viet Nam’s ambitious Net Zero targets include up to 100GW of offshore wind by 2050, positioning it as one of the most exciting new markets for offshore wind globally.  We are pleased to be able to support the Vietnamese offshore wind sector by sharing knowledge and experience gained through over 20 years of offshore wind development in the UK.

    We look forward to continuing our involvement in Viet Nam over the coming year, building strategic relationships with key supply chain and local development partners to open mutually beneficial opportunities for UK and Vietnamese companies to work together in the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Backing British Industry – Government launches £2.5bn DRIVE35 programme to power UK auto investment and jobs [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Backing British Industry – Government launches £2.5bn DRIVE35 programme to power UK auto investment and jobs [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 13 July 2025.

    UK auto firms will benefit from a £2.5 billion commitment over the next decade that will support thousands of jobs and help ensure the UK remains at the forefront of zero-emission vehicle development.

    • UK auto sector boosted by £2.5 billion under DRIVE35, as government launches new and improved funding competitions, supporting projects which help the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing.
    • Package forms part of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, which takes bold ambition to significantly increase business investment in the advanced manufacturing sector by 2035.
    • Government also announces over £300 million of investment for specific auto projects, supporting the UK’s thousands of high-value manufacturing jobs and delivering on the Plan for Change.

    UK auto firms will benefit from a £2.5 billion commitment over the next decade that will support thousands of jobs and help ensure the UK remains at the forefront of zero-emission vehicle development.

    Government is today announcing the launch of DRIVE35, comprising new and improved funding competitions that will support UK businesses. The programme will fund a wide spectrum of projects which help the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing – targeting established high-volume manufacturing and multi-billion-pound gigafactories, all the way to start-ups, prototypes and cutting-edge automotive innovation.

    The new programme was announced in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, part of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy. It will commit £2 billion in funding to 2030 alongside an additional £500m for research and development to 2035, signalling a ten-year commitment to UK automotive innovation.

    The cash will provide certainty to the sector, give innovators the confidence to invest in the UK and will support the latest in research and development, unlocking capital investment in zero emission vehicles, batteries and their supply chains.

    The automotive sector contributed £21.4 billion in GVA to the economy in 2024 and currently employs 132,000 people across all parts of the UK – including many highly-skilled, highly-paid roles, and apprenticeships. The transition to zero emissions is the biggest opportunity of the 21st century to attract investment, harness British innovation, and deliver growth for generations to come.

    The UK was also the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and the third in the world with over 382,000 EVs sold – up a fifth on the previous year. There are now more than 82,000 public chargepoints in the UK – with one added every half an hour – ensuring that motorists are always a short drive from a socket.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’re helping British carmakers get to the front of the pack by working hand in hand with investors to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK as we deliver our Plan for Change.

    We’re taking action to back the industry for the future with the biggest set of announcements for the sector in the last decade. This includes securing a landmark trade deal with the US to bring down tariffs for British car manufacturers, measures in our modern Industrial Strategy to lower electricity prices and updating the ZEV mandate, supporting UK manufacturers to safeguard jobs, and secure the future of the sector.

    Economic growth is our number one priority, and by funding our world leading auto sector we are creating the right conditions for increased investment, bringing growth, jobs, and opportunities to every part of the UK.

    The funding announced today forms part of government’s bold ambition to significantly increase business investment in the advanced manufacturing sector by 2035, giving British firms an edge in the frontier industries of the future and driving growth across the UK.

    DRIVE35 will build on previous successes with the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) and the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) R&D competitions, which between them leveraged over £6 billion of investment from the private sector, creating thousands of jobs across the UK economy.

    The Department for Business and Trade today also announces over £300 million for specific UK automotive manufacturing firms and projects. This includes over £100 million of capital investment for UK automotive manufacturing via the ATF, approximately £140 million in combined Government and industry R&D investment, and £18 million from the new £150m Connected & Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder programme.

    With Government support, Bolton is set to benefit from over £100 million in investment from Astemo Ltd., which will be vital to the production of electric vehicle (EV) components in the UK. This investment will produce new generations of electric inverters, supporting over 220 direct high-value jobs in the region and hundreds more in the wider UK supply chain.

    The West Midlands will also welcome a recent £15 million investment from Dana to produce parts that are crucial for EV manufacturing. Dana’s investment will ensure skilled jobs in the region, supporting over 100 direct jobs over the long term.

    Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said:

    The creation of this dedicated automotive programme is further evidence of the sector’s importance to economic growth. Delivered as part of the Industrial Strategy, DRIVE35 has the potential to unlock investment and innovation in the UK, supporting jobs and creating wealth across the country. The importance of a long term, cross-government strategy with specific measures for automotive cannot be understated given the challenges facing the sector amid geopolitical uncertainty and fierce global competition. DRIVE35, and the wider measures identified in the Industrial Strategy, must now be implemented at pace to ensure the UK is amongst the leaders in next generation automotive technologies.

    Ian Constance, CEO, Advanced Propulsion Centre UK and Zenzic said:

    This new investment underlines the commitment from Government to secure advanced manufacturing in the UK. I am pleased that the APC, Zenzic, and its delivery partners are here to facilitate a new wave of funding in the automotive industry, supporting innovation, driving scale-up, and enabling transformation.

    Today, we have announced projects receiving four types of grants that boost the UK’s leadership in automotive manufacturing. They will enable the rapid development of demonstrators featuring cutting-edge technology, accelerate ambitious SMEs, and support vital collaborative R&D innovation. This will encourage further investment in the UK’s growing zero-emission supply chain, safeguarding skilled jobs, building on the country’s reputation as a world-leader for technology.

    Thanks to the wide range of eligible technologies under the new competitions, DRIVE35 funding will benefit UK auto businesses of all sizes and maturities, from small-scale innovators to large-scale established global companies. Through targeted investment for successful project applicants, the programme will create tens of thousands of new jobs, stimulate billions in economic growth and investment, and cut millions of tonnes CO2 emissions.

    The programme will provide a more impactful offering for investors across three streamlined pillars: Transformation, Scale Up and Innovation. Tomorrow the government will open the following competitions across the DRIVE35 programme:

    • Automotive Transformation Fund: A new and improved capital funding offer under DRIVE35’s keystone Transformation pillar, supporting large-scale capital investments in the UK, and now with a widened technology scope.
    • Scale Up Feasibility Studies: R&D funding to support businesses with strategic thinking on opportunities to scale, creating a pipeline of exciting decision-ready auto projects for UK investment.
    • Innovation competitions: Through DRIVE35’s Collaborate and Demonstrate streams, we will build on over a decade of success to support both early-stage and late-stage R&D projects involving innovative technologies and processes.

    DRIVE35 will continue the successes of the UK’s world-leading achievements in R&D. As an example, this government has recently committed a combined £70 million of R&D grant funding for over 50 innovative automotive projects. The programme will be delivered by DBT in partnership with APC UK and Innovate UK.

    Combined with industry funding, this totals £140 million in new investment for UK R&D. These projects will support technologies including batteries, energy storage, lightweighting and power electronics. Successful applicants include Mercedes and JLR.

    Notes to editors:

    The winners of the R&D competitions are as follows:

    Mobilise: An SME accelerator programme for zero-emission vehicle-related technology, as well as innovations in connected and automated mobility (CAM), and automotive software.

    • Allye Energy – London
    • Antobot – South East, Chelmsford
    • Cellmine – Scotland, Livingstone
    • Drisq – West Midlands, Malvern
    • ELEVEN – West Midlands, Worcester
    • Evie Autonomous – West Midlands, Stoke-On-Trent
    • High Temperature Material Systems (HTMS) – South West, Bristol
    • Infiniti Recycling – South East, Cambridge
    • Kuasasemi – Wales, Cardiff
    • Lightning Tree Advanced Materials – London
    • Minimal – London
    • Muon Tech – West Midlands, Leamington Spa
    • Otaski Energy Solutions – North East, Gateshead
    • Saif Autonomy – South East, Cambridgeshire
    • Senergy Innovations – Northern Ireland, Carryduff
    • Super6 – London
    • Talos Technology – South East, Banbury

    Collaborate: Grants fund projects where companies, and academic institutions, form a consortium to take a product or process to commercial readiness. Please note, these are the lead partners only – there are several partners in each consortium.

    • Ionic Technologies International – Northern Ireland, Belfast
    • Mint Innovation – West Midlands, Coventry
    • Mercedes Amg High Performance Powertrains – East Midlands, Northamptonshire
    • Jaguar Land Rover – West Midlands, Coventry
    • Phinia Delphi UK – South West, Gloucestershire

    Demonstrate: Grants are for companies that are earlier in their product or process development or need a short, sharp sprint to get where they want to be. Please note that these are the lead partners.

    • Cummins UK – Yorkshire And The Humber, Huddersfield
    • Oxlid – East Midlands, Nottingham
    • Thermulon – London
    • Expert Tooling & Automation – West Midlands, Coventry
    • Cool Van Ltd – North West – Barnoldswick
    • Jaguar Land Rover – West Midlands, Warwick
    • Batri – Wales, Bridgend
    • Magnetic Systems Technology – Yorkshire and the Humber, Rotherham
    • Leyland Trucks – North West, Leyland
    • Project Four Design – West Midlands, Warwick
    • Fluorok – South East, Oxford
    • Hydrostar UK – South West, Exeter
    • Lorillion – West Midlands, Coventry
    • Talos Consulting Services – South East, Banbury
    • Ford Motor Company – South East, Essex
    • Advanced Electric Machines – North East, Washington
    • Maeving – West Midlands, Coventry
    • Fering Technologies – London
    • Green Lithium Refining – North East, Teesside
    • Mercedes Amg High Performance Powertrains – East Midlands, Northamptonshire
    • Watt Electric Vehicle Company – South West, Worcester
    • Electrified Automation – South West, Bridgwater
    • Ulemco – North West, Liverpool
    • Clean Air Power Gt – East Midlands, Melton Mowbray
    • Donut Lab Development UK – South West, Chippenham
    • Electric Aviation Group – South West, Bristol
    • Project Four Design – West Midlands, Warwick
    • Altilium Metals – South West, Plymouth
    • Inetic – Southampton
    • Morris Commercial – West Midlands, Evesham
    • Ilika Technologies – South East, Hampshire
    • Mcmurtry Automotive – South West, Wotton-Under-Edge
    • Yasa – South East, Oxford
    • Phoenix Carbon – East Of England, Stowmarket
  • PRESS RELEASE : New £63 million boost for Britain’s electric vehicle revolution [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New £63 million boost for Britain’s electric vehicle revolution [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 13 July 2025.

    Funding will help to build a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport.

    • major boost to charging investment to break down barriers to electric vehicle ownership and boost charging infrastructure across the UK, cutting costs for families, businesses and the public sector
    • £63 million package to support at-home charging for households without driveways, transition NHS fleets to save millions for the health service in England, create thousands of chargepoints at business depots across the UK
    • builds on £400 million invested in charging infrastructure and recent Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate updates to kickstart economic growth, create thousands of green jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change

    Drivers across England are set to benefit as the government today (13 July 2025) announces a £63 million investment package to supercharge Britain’s electric vehicle infrastructure, driving down charging costs and putting money back in the pockets of working people as part of the Plan for Change.

    A pioneering £25 million scheme for local authorities will expand access to cheaper at-home charging. This will provide access to cheaper household rates, allowing consumers to save up to £1,500 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car, transforming how thousands of households without driveways power up their electric cars.

    The innovative cross-pavement technology will allow cables to run safely beneath pavements, connecting homes directly to parked vehicles, enabling more families to tap into cheaper domestic electricity rates for as little as 2 pence per mile even if they don’t have a driveway.

    Standing firmly on the side of British drivers, this latest investment is part of our major plan to support motorists, including a record £1.6 billion invested to tackle potholes and bring down and frozen fuel duty at 5p until Spring 2026, saving the average motorist £50 to £60 over the year.

    This investment underpins the government’s Plan for Change mission to kickstart economic growth and make life easier for working people, ensuring the transition to net zero delivers for working families whilst creating good jobs and driving economic growth across all regions of the UK.

    Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

    We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, so we are tackling that head on so that everyone – whether or not they have a driveway – can access the benefits of going electric.

    Our investment is about more than just charging points – it’s about charging up Britain’s economy. I’m proud that through this boost, we are helping deliver cheaper bills for families, massive savings for the NHS to reinvest in patient care, and thousands of new green jobs.

    This is what our Plan for Change mission to kickstart Britain’s economy looks like in practice. We’re not just boosting charging infrastructure, we’re building a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport, whilst creating thousands of good jobs across the country.

    In a pioneering move to help EV drivers plug into the rapidly expanding charging network, government is also modernising EV charging signage on major roads. EV charging hubs have more than doubled since the beginning of 2023 and immediate changes will allow larger EV charging hubs to be signposted from major A-roads for the first time. Government is committed to boosting charging for long journeys, with £400 million announced in the Spending Review to support charging infrastructure, including on the strategic road network.

    Alongside the boosts for electric car drivers, the government is also launching a major new grant scheme to help businesses install charging points at depots nationwide, supporting the nation’s heavy goods vehicles, vans and coach drivers in the transition to zero emissions.

    The action follows recent updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate to make it easier for the sector to switch to electric as part of government’s ongoing work to back British manufacturing. With over 1.2 million people employed in the freight and logistics sector in the UK alone, today’s announcement is the latest move to keep industry at the forefront of international competition in the face of global economic headwinds.

    Over 1,200 new charging sockets will deliver a more efficient, modern health system whilst generating millions in cost savings over the next two decades for the taxpayer on maintenance and fuel costs – valuable savings that can be prioritised for patient care and help rebuild the NHS.

    Owning and buying an EV is becoming increasingly cheaper, with 2 in 5 of used electric cars sold at under £20,000 and 34 brand new electric cars are available from under £30,000.

    The UK was also the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and the third in the world with over 382,000 EVs sold – up a fifth on the previous year. There are now more than 82,000 public chargepoints in the UK – with one added every 30 minutes – ensuring that motorists are always a short drive from a socket.

    Health Minister Karin Smyth said:

    This is a win-win: cheaper travel for the NHS and cleaner air for our communities.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we’re investing in green energy to build an NHS fit for the future — cutting pollution and saving millions in fuel costs.

    Edmund King, AA president, said:

    There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. Increasing signs for the public network is vital to help the EV transition as it will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future.

    It is great to see more support for those without off-street parking so that they can also benefit from the EV revolution.

    Delvin Lane, CEO, InstaVolt said:

    We are pleased that the government has taken the crucial step of delivering official EV charging signage on the strategic road network – a move we believe will improve consumer confidence and bolster EV adoption. This marks a major milestone for the EV industry and drivers across the UK.

    At InstaVolt, we have been relentless in our campaigning and have built a strong, collaborative relationship with the government to push this initiative forward. Our opinion research suggests that the rollout of clear, official signage will make a significant difference—helping EV drivers easily locate public charging points while on the move, and reassuring those considering making the switch to electric vehicles.

    For years, we have emphasized that the UK’s public EV infrastructure, so critical to mass adoption, is already largely in place, and now this signage will finally showcase it to drivers in a visible, accessible way.”

    As the UK’s largest ultra-rapid public charging network with over 2,000 chargers nationwide, InstaVolt is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation and excited to see how these signs will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

    Ian Johnston, CEO, Osprey:

    Signage impacts all the UK’s drivers because consumers need to see it to believe it. Osprey have tirelessly highlighted the benefit that clear EV road signage would bring to drivers looking to make the switch and to the charging businesses installing the critical infrastructure underpinning transport decarbonisation.

    This is a welcome first step and we look forward to continuing to work closely with ministers and officials to achieve clear signage for the hundreds of high-quality EV charging hubs being opened across the nation.

    NHS Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Gormley said:

    The NHS has already implemented hundreds of projects that reduce emissions and drive significant cost savings, all while improving patient care.

    This new £8 million investment, across 62 NHS Trusts and around 224 sites, supports the renewed commitment in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to deliver a more sustainable NHS while also helping hospitals to save millions on fuel and maintenance costs and reducing air pollution. These savings can be reinvested directly into frontline care, ensuring the NHS continues to deliver for our patients and communities.

    Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK said:

    With 82,000 public charge points already installed across the UK, this positive action on strategic road signage will help more drivers see the extensive charging network that’s rapidly being built across the country. This has been a priority for our industry and will boost consumer confidence in making the switch to electric vehicles.

    Our members are investing £6 billion to ensure the deployment of charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand. Today’s announcement shows government recognising the vital role charging plays in the transition, and we look forward to working together to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s leading EV market.