Tag: Downing Street

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 April 2023.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 April 2023.

The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Anna Eltringham, KHC, Team Rector of Oxted Team Ministry, in the Diocese of Southwark, to the Suffragan See of Ripon, in the Diocese of Leeds, in succession to The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley following her appointment as Bishop of Newcastle.

Background

Anna was educated at St John’s College, Durham and trained for ministry at the South East Institute of Theological Education. She served her title at Holy Innocents, South Norwood, in the Diocese of Southwark, and was ordained priest in 2009.

Anna was appointed Team Vicar, Oxted Team Ministry, also in the Diocese of

Southwark, in 2014 and was appointed to her current role as Team Rector in 2019.

Additionally, Anna has served as Dean of Women’s Ministry since 2017 and has been an Honorary Chaplain to the Monarch and Honorary Canon at Southwark Cathedral since 2020.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 April 2023.

Prime Minister and Technology Secretary announce £100 million in funding for Foundation Model Taskforce.

£100 million to kickstart the delivery of the government’s major ambitions for the UK’s capability in safe and reliable foundation models has been announced by the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary.

The Taskforce, modelled on the success of the COVID-19 Vaccines Taskforce, will develop the safe and reliable use of this pivotal artificial intelligence (AI) across the economy and ensure the UK is globally competitive in this strategic technology.

Foundation models – including large language models like ChatGPT and Google Bard – are a category of artificial intelligence systems trained on huge volumes of data such as text, images, video or audio to gain broad and sophisticated capabilities across many tasks.

​​With AI set to contribute billions of pounds to UK GDP, the work of the Taskforce will help deliver on the Prime Minister’s priorities to grow our economy, whilst generating better outcomes for people across the country through better public services. Research suggests that the broad adoption of such systems could triple national productivity growth rates.

In areas like healthcare, this type of AI has enormous potential to speed up diagnoses, drug discovery and development. In education it could transform teachers’ day-to-day work, freeing up their time to focus on delivering excellent teaching.

This technology is also predicted to raise global GDP by 7 percent over a decade, making its adoption a vital opportunity to grow the UK economy. To support businesses and public trust in these systems and drive their adoption, the Taskforce will work with the sector towards developing the safety and reliability of foundation models, both at a scientific and commercial level.

The investment will build the UK’s ‘sovereign’ national capabilities so our public services can benefit from the transformational impact of this type of AI. The Taskforce will focus on opportunities to establish the UK as a world leader in foundation models and their applications across the economy, and acting as a global standard bearer for AI safety.

The funding will be invested by the Foundation Model Taskforce in foundation model infrastructure and public service procurement, to create opportunities for domestic innovation. The first pilots targeting public services are expected to launch in the next six months.

The Taskforce, announced as part of the Integrated Review Refresh last month, will bring together government and industry experts and report directly to the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary.

This follows last week’s Cabinet meeting where Ministers agreed on the transformative potential of AI, the vital importance of retaining public confidence in its use, and the need for regulation that keeps people safe without preventing innovation.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Harnessing the potential of AI provides enormous opportunities to grow our economy, create better-paid jobs, and build a better future through advances in healthcare and security.

By investing in emerging technologies through our new expert taskforce, we can continue to lead the way in developing safe and trustworthy AI as part of shaping a more innovative UK economy.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

Developed responsibly, cutting-edge AI can have a transformative impact in nearly every industry. It can revolutionise the way we develop new medical treatments, tackle climate change and improve our public services, all while growing and future-proofing our economy.

We need to act now to seize the opportunities AI can offer us in the future. We’re backing our expert taskforce with the funding to make our ambitions for an AI-enabled country a reality and keep the UK at the front of the pack in this emerging technology.

To ensure such leadership, the greatest capability we can develop is in the safety and reliability of such systems. This will ensure that the public and business have the trust they need to confidently adopt this technology and fully realise its benefits. That is exactly what this taskforce will prioritise.

The taskforce will be led by an expert Chair, who will be announced later in the summer. Matt Clifford, Chair of the Advanced Research and Innovation Agency, will advise the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary on the development of the taskforce while the appointment is ongoing.

Foundation models rely on significant compute power, and this investment comes on top of around £900 million for a new ‘exascale’ supercomputer and a dedicated AI Research Resource to equip the UK with the processing power it needs to support the next generation of AI innovation. The Taskforce will play a crucial role in ensuring the major, multi-year funding announced at the Budget for compute is strategically invested to prioritise and strengthen the UK’s capability in foundation models.

The Taskforce will ensure the UK’s capability in this rapidly developing area is built with safety and reliability at its core, in line with the approach set out in the AI Regulation White Paper published last month.

Doug Gurr, Chair,  The Alan Turing Institute, said:

We congratulate the government on this exciting investment which will keep the UK at the cutting edge of this transformative technology and look forward to continuing to work with all the relevant partners to help develop breakthrough AI applications in a safe, reliable, trustworthy and ethical way.

Marc Warner, CEO of Faculty, said:

Artificial intelligence is an epoch-defining technology, which – if deployed safely and responsibly – will revolutionise how we live and work. To reap the rewards and manage the risks, the UK urgently needs the public and private sector to work effectively together to seize the vast opportunities from foundational models. It is welcome to see initial funding towards this goal, which will help ensure safe deployment and protect national security, whilst harnessing AI’s power to transform public services.

The funding follows Business Connect, an event bringing government and industry together to focus on making Britain the most innovative economy in the world. DSIT Minister of State George Freeman led a panel on the government’s work in digital technology and life sciences and, together with the Chancellor, spoke about how these high-priority sectors could help accelerate economic growth across the UK.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 April 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak launches Business Connect – a new conference that champions the dynamism of UK businesses to unlock innovation and grow the economy.

Business Connect, launching today, creates a new platform for businesses to engage with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s pro-growth, pro-enterprise Government, as part of efforts to deliver on the people’s priorities to grow the economy.

Over 200 of the UK’s highest profile CEOs and c-suite business leaders will gather in London for the event, representing key growth sectors including tech, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Speaking directly to delegates at the event, the Prime Minister will underline his commitment to optimise the conditions for businesses to thrive and in turn, drive growth – recognising that Government cannot achieve its economic priorities alone.

As a result of increasing business confidence in the UK, latest figures show 1800 jobs a month have been created since October.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“I am working every day on our five priorities – to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.

“Business Connect provides the next fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how we are growing the economy. We are bringing together some of the UK’s biggest companies and investors for meaningful dialogue – and I’m a Prime Minister passionate about working with business to unlock opportunity and progress.

“Since taking office, I’ve spoken to over 1000 business people – because they are the innovators and change-makers at the heart of our economy, supporting jobs, attracting investment and driving growth.

“The UK can be proud of its business credentials. Through the creation of 162 tech unicorns, smarter regulation and world-leading universities – we’ve got the right ingredients to double down on growing the economy.”

In his first ever LinkedIn Live event on Monday morning, a range of entrepreneurs, SMEs, innovators and young people, who are key to growing the economy, will also have the opportunity to ask the Prime Minister any business question – whether that’s looking at the future of British fintech or how we can reach net zero.

Building on his long-term plans to create a more innovative economy, the Prime Minister will unveil a new ‘innovation’ category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards this evening, hosted by the Chancellor at Downing Street. The new award will recognise bright, innovative ideas that deliver new products and services and can drive our economy forward.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said:

“We want the UK to be the best place in the world to start, grow and invest in a business. At Spring Budget we took steps to reduce business taxation, boost access to talent, and get smarter with our regulation – and that was just the beginning.

“It’s absolutely vital that we’re listening to – and working with – industry leaders, innovators and disruptors as we deliver on our priority to grow the economy.”

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

“The UK succeeds when our businesses succeed. Our door is always open at the Department for Business and Trade, we’re here to help companies bring in valuable investment, create jobs and grow the economy.

“By securing high-quality trade deals, scrapping market access barriers around the world and cutting needless red tape that holds businesses back, I will ensure the UK remains one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business.”

Debra Crew, CEO-designate, Diageo, said:

“Such high level engagement by the Prime Minister and other members of the Government is really welcome for Diageo. We see Business Connect as a great opportunity to promote international trade in Scotch and spirits, an export powerhouse that is bringing jobs and investment to Scotland and across the UK.”

C.S. Venkatakrishnan, Group Chief Executive, Barclays, said:

“I am pleased to join the UK Government and business leaders in the discussion about the growth opportunities that lie ahead for the United Kingdom. The UK continues to be a prominent financial centre that sits at the heart of global capital markets and Barclays continues to support the UK Government’s ambitious plans to drive prosperity and economic growth for people and businesses here in the UK and beyond.”

Alex Baldock, Group Chief Executive, Currys PLC, said:

“It’s important that business can make its voice heard in government at events like today’s. Given the size of the retail sector in the UK, we’re well placed to help power the UK’s growth. I’m looking forward to discussing with ministers the skills, infrastructure, regulatory and tax environment we need in order to do so.”

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 April 2023.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 April 2023.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 April 2023.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 April 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Belfast today.

The leaders discussed their common goal of ensuring power sharing returns to Stormont as soon as possible.

They reflected on the huge achievements of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and the enduring spirit of cooperation that it had created. They agreed to maintain close dialogue on issues like dealing with the legacy of the past.

They both agreed on the huge economic potential of the people of Northern Ireland and the Prime Minister outlined the UK Government’s work to increase investment in Northern Ireland.

Reflecting on the strong ties between the UK and Ireland, the Prime Minister said that our countries share many interests and values. He expressed his hope that we will be able to deepen collaboration on shared challenges such as energy security, cyber security and sustainability.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 April 2023.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement left us an extraordinary and precious legacy, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will say today.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement left us an extraordinary and precious legacy, the Prime Minister will say today in Belfast (Wednesday 19 April).

He will return to Northern Ireland to address Queen’s University’s ‘Agreement 25’ conference and host a special Gala Dinner to commemorate the anniversary.

As part of the closing address to an audience of architects of the Agreement and global figures, the Prime Minister will say the best way to fulfil the promise of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement is to make good on our commitment to create jobs and opportunities for young people so they can fulfil their dreams and aspirations in the place they call home.

He will say:

Together we must fulfil the true promise of the 1998 Agreement…

That future enshrined in the very words of the text – of “sustained economic growth”, and where we tackle the problems of “a divided society”.

And I will give everything to help deliver that vision.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement promised prosperity and a more integrated society and we have work to do to deliver on that promise.

Praise will be given to the contribution of both peace makers and the security forces who played a leading role to secure the stability we have now.

He will highlight their courage despite daily threats to them and their families – as well as the imagination and perseverance of the leaders to conceive of a system for sharing power and deliver it against the odds.

In a tribute to those who built the Agreement, the PM will reflect on an extraordinary political achievement and say:

Courage, imagination, and perseverance.

Those qualities brought an imperfect but enduring peace to a place taught to believe no such peace was possible.

To all those who led us to that peace, including those here in this hall and those no longer with us – let us take this moment to say to you: thank you.

The Prime Minister will argue that we can also fulfil the Agreement’s true legacy of a better future for Northern Ireland – with a prosperous economy and a more united and contented society.

Northern Ireland has made significant economic progress in the last 25 years. In April 1998, Northern Ireland had the highest unemployment in the UK at 8.4%, and now it is the second lowest at 2.4%.

He will reaffirm his ambition for Northern Ireland to attract greater investment and highlight its thriving cyber and life sciences sector – as well as its financial services and creative industries. He will say:

I know that journey to prosperity won’t be easy – and we aren’t there yet.

But this is my commitment to you:

I will use the full force of the UK Government to help you make this one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business, create jobs, train and learn new skills, and attract investment.

The Prime Minister will meet with some of the leading architects at the Gala Dinner later that evening, along with Irish and US representatives, and welcome guests with opening remarks to the Gala Dinner. The dinner will also be attended by political leaders, international dignitaries and leading charities.

The Dinner will round off the recent period of Prime Minister-led events to mark the anniversary and strengthen efforts to support our vision for a prosperous 25 years ahead.

This follows President Biden’s visit to Belfast last week where the Prime Minister and the President celebrated the progress that Northern Ireland has made over the last quarter of a century and recommitted to building an even brighter future for Northern Ireland.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 April 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlines vision to ensure every young person has the maths skills they need to succeed.