Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Update on Growth Plan implementation [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Treasury on 26 September 2022.

On Friday 23 September, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, set out how the government would fulfil its commitment to cut taxes for people and businesses and announced wider supply side policies to grow the economy.

Building on this, as the Growth Plan set out on Friday, Cabinet Ministers will announce further supply side growth measures in October and early November, including changes to the planning system, business regulations, childcare, immigration, agricultural productivity, and digital infrastructure.

Next month, the Chancellor will, as part of that programme, outline regulatory reforms to ensure the UK’s financial services sector remains globally competitive.

He will then set out his Medium-Term Fiscal Plan on 23 November.

The Fiscal Plan will set out further details on the government’s fiscal rules, including ensuring that debt falls as a share of GDP in the medium term.

In the Growth Plan on Friday, the Chancellor set out that there would be an Office for Budget Responsibility forecast this calendar year. He has requested that the OBR sets out a full forecast alongside the Fiscal Plan, on 23 November.

As the Chief Secretary to the Treasury set out this weekend, the government is sticking to spending settlements for this spending review period.

The Chancellor also confirmed that there will be a Budget in the Spring, with a further OBR forecast.

September 26, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference – UK opening statement [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2022.

Thank you, Mr Chair, and thank you to Poland and OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) for your warm welcome and hosting.

We gather today, against the bleak backdrop of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In the history of the OSCE never have the Helsinki Final Act’s ten foundational principles been so disregarded. The territorial integrity of States is paramount. Yet Russia chooses to consistently ignore this principle. No matter the cost. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed and injured. Vibrant, historic cities of Ukraine lie in rubble, sham referenda are being organised. Multiple international humanitarian law and human rights abuses have been committed. Detailed in all their horror in two Moscow Mechanism reports. Lives have been put on hold. Many changed irreparably. Russia’s shadow looms large over its neighbours in the OSCE region. The impact of Putin’s illegal invasion seeping across the globe.

As we stand united with Ukraine, we must also reflect on the state of human rights within the Russian Federation and Belarus. Internal repression and external aggression represent two sides of the same coin – when a state places a stranglehold on the freedoms of its own people – it sets the conditions for, and enables, aggression abroad. We have witnessed this again over the last few days. Russian police arrested around 2,000 people for peacefully protesting mobilisation. Mr Chair – we cannot, and will not, sit idly by.

The institutions of the OSCE – ODHIR and the Representative on Freedom of the Media – act as an early warning to internal human rights abuses. We must heed their calls and react decisively. The human dimension underpins European security and is absolutely critical to the functioning of the OSCE. We must robustly defend the independence, mandates, and budgets of the OSCE’s institutions and structures. Our peace, stability and security may depend on it.

I’ll end by paying tribute to civil society representatives; the activists, lawyers, and the journalists who have travelled to Warsaw this year, some at real personal risk, to defend human rights. The UK delegation looks forward to a lively discussion with you.

Thank you Mr Chair.

September 26, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions collaborators of Russia’s illegal sham referendums [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2022.
- The UK has announced a package of sanctions in response to the Russian regime’s illegal sham referendums in Ukraine
- Sanctions target top Russian officials enforcing the illegal votes in four regions of Ukraine, as well as ‘Putin’s favourite PR agency’
- Sanctions also hit oligarchs with a global net worth totalling £6.3 billion and board executives from major state-owned banks
The Foreign Secretary has today (26 September) announced 92 sanctions in response to the Russian regime imposing sham referendums in four regions of Ukraine – a clear violation of international law, including the UN charter.

The Russian regime has organised these sham referendums in a desperate attempt to grab land and justify their illegal war. The process reflects their approach in Crimea in 2014, combining disinformation, intimidation, and fake results. These referendums do not represent the demonstrated will of the Ukrainian people and are a severe violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and political independence.

The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Sham referendums held at the barrel of a gun cannot be free or fair and we will never recognise their results. They follow a clear pattern of violence, intimidation, torture, and forced deportations in the areas of Ukraine Russia has seized.

Today’s sanctions will target those behind these sham votes, as well as the individuals that continue to prop up the Russian regime’s war of aggression. We stand with the Ukrainian people and our support will continue as long as it takes to restore their sovereignty.

In order to implement these fake referendums, the Russian regime has deployed officials and collaborators to each of the these temporarily controlled regions – 33 of these individuals are being sanctioned today. These include:
- Sergei Yeliseyev – the Head of Government in Kherson, recently installed by the Russian government and Vice Admiral in the Russian Navy. Since defecting from the Ukrainian navy in 2014, Yeliseyev has continued to undermine the independence of Ukraine
- Ivan Kusov – the Minister of Education and Science of the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic and tasked with “helping our educational institutions to seamlessly blend in the educational system of Russia” by Pasechnik – leader of the LPR
- Yevhen Balytskyi – the Russian installed head of the so-called Government in Zaporizhzhia, who has been supporting the Russian invasion since March through public statements of support. In August, Balytskyi reportedly signed a decree to allow a referendum on Zaporizhzhia joining the Russian Federation
- Evgeniy Solntsev – the Deputy Chairman of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic
IMA Consulting, branded ‘Putin’s favourite PR agency’ has also been sanctioned. IMA has reportedly been awarded to manage the public campaigns for these sham referendums – both to support their implementation within the four temporarily controlled territories and spin their false legitimacy back in Russia.

Goznak, a security documents company known for its monopoly on the production of ‘tens of millions’ of state documents including expedited passports in the temporarily controlled territories, has also been sanctioned.

Putin continues to rely on his cabal of oligarchs and selected elites in order to fund his war. Today a further four oligarchs, with a combined global net worth estimated at £6.3 billion, have also been sanctioned for supporting or obtaining benefit from the Government of Russia and operating in sectors of strategic significance. These include:
- God Nisanov and Zarakh Iliev – known as the ‘Kings of Russian real estate’, and with a joint global net worth of £2 billion, the pair own and control the Kievskaya Ploshchad Group, a major construction company operating across Russia
- Iskander Makhmudov – President and founder of Ural Mining and Metallurgic Company. A major metals magnate, Makhmudov has an estimated global net worth of £2.7 billion
- Igor Makarov – President and owner of ARETI International Group, a major investor in the oil and gas sector, and founder of Itera, Russia’s first independent gas company before being bought by state-owned Rosneft. Makarov is worth an estimated £1.6 billion
Today’s package also includes 55 board members from state-linked organisations that continue to bankroll the Russian war machine – serving as a stark reminder of the cost of supporting Putin’s operation. Amongst those sanctioned are:
- 23 individuals from the Gazprombank Board of Directors and Management Board
- 16 members of the Sberbank Supervisory Board, Executive Board, and other Directors
- 10 individuals from Sovcombank, including the Deputy Chairman and members of the Supervisory Board and Management Board
The UK will never recognise the results of any sham referendums or attempts to annex Ukraine’s sovereign territory. Ukraine voted overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and their continued brave resistance against Russian aggression clearly demonstrates their wish to remain an independent sovereign state.

We stand united alongside our international partners in condemning the Russian government’s egregious actions. Alongside partners we will continue to pursue targeted sanctions and are committed to sustained economic and political pressure on Russia.

As of today, the UK has sanctioned over 1,200 individuals and over 120 entities, including over 120 oligarchs with an estimated combined global net worth of over £130 billion.
September 26, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – UK statement for the Item 4 General Debate [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2022.

The UK Permanent Representative to the UK in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered a statement on the possible crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, China, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, protests in Iran, the truce in Ethiopia and COP27 in Egypt.

Thank you, Mr President,

The former High Commissioner’s report found that possible crimes against humanity have taken place in Xinjiang, China. It found evidence that Muslim women are being forcibly sterilised. That Uyghurs are not allowed to practice their religion or speak their own language. That people are being detained and tortured– merely because they belong to a minority group. We cannot ignore such severe and systematic breaches of human rights. This Council must not, cannot, stay silent.

We have oft spoken in this Chamber of Putin’s flouting of international law through his military aggression against Ukraine.

The sham referendums currently being held in Ukraine can have neither legal effect nor legitimacy. Russia can’t change the borders of another sovereign state. It’s a clear breach of the UN Charter.

We have also repeatedly heard the harrowing reports of Russia’s violations of human rights in Ukraine, including of those subjected to Russia’s so-called filtration operations. Aggression overseas is accompanied by repression at home as those brave Russians who dare to speak out against Putin’s war are detained in their thousands.

Mr President,

The death of Mahsa Amini in Iran, following her arrest, has shocked the world. We call on Iran to carry out independent, transparent investigations into her death and the excessive violence used against subsequent protests.

In Ethiopia it is crucial that the truce is reinstated and that peace talks begin to avoid a repeat of the atrocities including extrajudicial killings and sexual violence seen earlier in this conflict.

Finally, ahead of COP 27 – we urge Egypt to ensure that independent civil society, human rights defenders, and the media can operate freely. The success of the conference – as we saw in Glasgow – depends on vibrant civil society participation.

Thank you.

September 26, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor’s Growth Plan means tax cuts for a million in Wales [September 2022]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 September 2022.
Chancellor unveils bold new growth plan, backing business and improving living standards for everyone in the UK.

Corporation tax rise cancelled, keeping it at 19% as government sets sights on 2.5% trend rate of growth.

Basic rate of income tax cut to 19% in April 2023 – one year earlier than planned – with 31 million people getting on average £170 more per year and 1.2 million people in Wales to get National Insurance cut worth £235.

Welsh Government receives around £70 million as a result of tax cuts elsewhere in the UK.

On Friday 23rd September the Chancellor unveiled his Growth Plan to release the huge potential in the UK economy, tackling inflation and delivering higher productivity and wages.

Kwasi Kwarteng set out a bold plan backing business and putting them on a path of economic growth. The basic rate of income tax in Wales will be cut to 19% from April 2023, worth an average of £170 and 1.2 million workers in Wales will see a cut in their National Insurance worth an average of £235 a year.

Cuts to Stamp Duty in England and Northern Ireland will also see the Welsh Government receive around £70 million over the three-year 2021 Spending Review period.

Boosting economic growth will enable stable funding for public services, higher wages and greater opportunities for the whole UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, said:

Economic growth isn’t some academic term with no connection to the real world. It means more jobs, higher pay and more money to fund public services. This will not happen overnight but the tax cuts and reforms I’ve announced today – the biggest package in generations – send a clear signal that growth is our priority.

We want businesses across Wales to keep more of their own money to invest, innovate, and grow. Our income tax and national insurance cuts will mean hundreds of pounds a year more in the pockets of over a million workers in Wales.

And our Energy Bill Relief Scheme is protecting thousands of businesses across Wales from rising energy costs with discounts of wholesale gas and electricity prices.

Our Growth Plan sets the whole United Kingdom on the path for growth, building on the fiscal strength of our Union and releasing the enormous potential of this country.

Secretary of State for Wales, Robert Buckland said:

Today’s bold measures put economic growth at the heart of our plans for Wales and the UK.

The UK Government has already committed to protect Welsh households and businesses from rising prices through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. But a healthy, growing economy is the best long-term solution to the enormous financial pressures facing the entire country.

By driving investment, cutting taxes, and backing business, the UK Government will get more people into well-paid jobs, allow workers to keep more of their hard earned money and get the Welsh economy growing again.

Setting out the first steps towards growth today, Kwasi Kwarteng revealed major tax reforms to allow businesses to keep more of their own money, encouraging investment, boosting productivity and creating jobs. New measures include cancelling the planned rise in corporation tax, keeping it the lowest in the G20 at 19%, and reversing the 1.25% rise in National Insurance contributions, a change which will save 920,000 UK businesses almost £10,000 on average next year and 1.2 million people in Wales an average of £235 a year.

The Chancellor also set out plans to tackle to the biggest drag on growth – the high cost of energy driven by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine which has driven up inflation. To tackle this the government’s Energy Price Guarantee will save the typical household £1,000 a year on their energy bill and halve the cost of business energy bills, reducing peak inflation by about 5 percentage points.

It was also confirmed that the UK Government will look to work with the Welsh Government and local authorities to set up Investment Zones in specific sites across the UK. Each Investment Zone will offer generous, targeted and time limited tax cuts for businesses and liberalised planning rules to release more land for housing and commercial development. These will be hubs for growth, encouraging investment in new shopping centres, restaurants, apartments and offices, and creating thriving new communities.

Revealing further tax reforms, Kwasi Kwarteng outlined sector specific support for pubs and hospitality, freezing alcohol duty for another year. Reforms to modernise alcohol duties will also be taken forward. The new measures backing business come on top of the government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businesses to cap costs per unit, which will protect them from soaring energy costs this winter by providing a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices.

The Chancellor also reiterated the important principle of people keeping more of what they earn, incentivising work and enterprise. He announced a 1p cut to the basic rate of income tax one year earlier than planned. From April 2023, the basic rate of income tax will be cut to 19% and will mean over 31 million people will be better off by an average of £170 per year. Alongside cutting the basic rate of income tax, the Chancellor also abolished the additional rate of tax, taking effect from April 2023. In its place will be a single higher rate of income tax of 40%. The move is designed to attract the best and the brightest to the UK workforce, helping businesses innovate and grow.

The Chancellor also announced more relief for businesses by making the Annual Investment Allowance £1 million permanent, rather than letting it return to £200,000 in March 2023. This will mean businesses can deduct 100% of the cost of qualifying plant and machinery in the first year.

New measures were also announced to help people on low incomes secure more and better paid work. Universal Credit claimants who are earn less than the equivalent of 15 hours a week at National Living Wage will be required to meet regularly with their Work Coach and take active steps to increase their earnings or face having their benefits reduced. This change is expected to bring in an additional 120,000 people into the more intensive work search regime.

Jobseekers over the age of 50 will also be given extra time with job centre work coaches, to help them return to the jobs market. Rising economic inactivity in the over 50s is contributing to shortages in the jobs market, driving up inflation and limiting growth. Returning to pre-pandemic activity rates in the over 50s could boost the level of GDP by 0.5-1 percentage points.

Over the three-year Spending Review 2021 period, the Welsh Government is expected to receive around £70 million of additional funding as a result of the changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax.
September 26, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan border conflict – UK statement to the OSCE [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2022.

UK Deputy Ambassador Brown welcomes ceasefire between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and urges both sides to pursue a diplomatic solution.

The United Kingdom expresses its deepest condolences to the victims and their families following the border clashes that took place between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, beginning on 14 September.

We welcome the ceasefire reached between the two countries and urge both sides to pursue a diplomatic solution to this conflict, which is in both parties’ interests.

The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the OSCE in its efforts to help facilitate a peaceful and lasting resolution.

September 26, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – UK statement during Interactive Dialogue on Venezuela [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2022.

UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French, delivered a statement following the results of the International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela.

Thank you, Mr President.

The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission has done a remarkable job in revealing the extent of human rights violations, including gender based violence, committed in Venezuela.

We are gravely concerned by the role of Venezuela’s intelligence agencies outlined in the report. Threats and crimes against human rights defenders, activists, educators and union leaders in Venezuela must stop.

The UK is deeply concerned by the reports of violence in mining areas, including the Arco Minero de Orinoco. We condemn the killing of Virgilio Trujillo, an indigenous leader and environmental activist, and call on Venezuela to hold perpetrators to account and to protect the population.

Have there been any reports of reprisals against those who have contributed to your reports, and was the evidence gathering process more or less challenging than for the previous report?

Mr President,

Given the concerning lack of official data, the reports presented to this Council are essential records of the human rights situation in Venezuela. The work of the Fact Finding Mission and the Office of the High Commissioner in Venezuela is critical for Venezuelans. We urge the renewal of the Fact Finding Mission’s mandate to ensure the continued monitoring of the human rights situation in Venezuela.

September 26, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Pre-recorded evidence for rape victims available nationwide [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 26 September 2022.
- Measure aims to reduce trauma for victims and witnesses to help them give their best evidence
- Government delivers on pledge to ensure this vital measure is available across the country
The Government has today (26 September) delivered on its pledge to ensure this vital measure is available nationwide to boost rape convictions and ensure better support for victims.

The tool allows victims and witnesses of crimes such as rape and modern slavery to have their cross-examination video-recorded and played later during trial. This is subject to a successful application to the court.

The recording takes place as close to the time of the offence as possible, while memories remain fresh, and helps victims avoid the stress of giving evidence under full glare of a live trial setting, which many find traumatic.

From today, the measure will be available at a final 20 Crown Courts in Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, East Anglia, Essex, London and the South East, and marks the completion of national rollout.

The move follows the successful implementation for vulnerable victims, such as children or those who have limited mental and physical capacity, across the country – with more than 3,000 witnesses having already benefitted from the technology since August 2020.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis said:

We’re overhauling the entire response to rape – boosting support for victims so that more cases come to court and more rapists are put behind bars.

Today we have delivered on our pledge to roll out pre-recorded evidence to every Crown Court in England and Wales, sparing victims of this awful crime the additional trauma of testifying under the full glare of a courtroom.

The successful rollout of pre-recorded evidence meets a key pledge within the Government’s Rape Review Action Plan which sets out clear actions for the police, prosecutors and courts. These include a new approach to investigations in order to reduce the number of victims withdrawing from the process and increase the number of cases reaching court.

The measure is designed to maintain a defendant’s right to a fair trial and any decision to pre-record evidence is made by a judge on a case-by-case basis. Following today’s completion of national rollout to Crown Courts, the Government has announced that it will be piloted for children and vulnerable adult witnesses for all offences at Leeds Youth Court, considering how it could be used more widely in trials of under 18s.

Jayne Butler, CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales said:

We very much welcome the fact that pre-recorded evidence for intimidated witnesses and victims will now be available in all Crown Courts in England and Wales. Pre-recorded cross-examination prior to trial, offers choice to victims and survivors, and can make seeking justice far more accessible for rape victims and survivors who often feel re-traumatised by having to go into court. For many, attending court can be intimidating, and this measure is an important step forward in improving the experiences of survivors in the criminal justice system.

For this special measure to be a success, it is crucial that everyone working in and engaging with crown courts is aware of it, offers it as an option for survivors, and approves its use where appropriate. If implemented correctly, this measure will go some way to ensure that intimidated witnesses and victims – constituting the large majority of rape and sexual abuse survivors – have better experiences of court.

In June, the Government published the latest Rape Review Progress report and committed to piloting specialist rape support in three courtrooms as recommended by the Joint Inspectorates of the CPS and Police. These courts offer support such as Independent Sexual Violence Advisors within the court itself as well as trauma training to court staff and are being set up at Snaresbrook, Leeds and Newcastle Crown Courts.

Notes to Editors
- This final phase will include:
  - Amersham, Aylesbury, Basildon, Cambridge, Canterbury, Chelmsford, Guildford, Hove Trial Centre, King’s Lynn, Lewes, Norwich Combined Court Centre, Peterborough Combined Court Centre, Reading and Southend in the South East;
  - Croydon, Snaresbrook, Southwark, the Central Criminal Court, the Inner London Sessions House and Woolwich.
September 26, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Sapper Connor Morrison [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 September 2022.

Connor Morrison of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment died during a non-operational incident in Ipswich on 23rd July 2022.

Commanding Officer 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Crossley said:

Sapper Connor Morrison joined the British Army on the 3rd of January 2021 aged 19. He completed his basic training at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright before moving to 3 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment to commence his specialist Combat Engineer training.

Sapper Morrison was a professional soldier with much promise. Keen and enthusiastic, he worked hard to achieve his goals at every stage of his training and impressed his instructors with his knowledge and skills. More importantly, he was a loyal friend and a genuine team player. In typical Army fashion, those closest to Sapper Morrison knew him as “Tesco” or “Sainsburys” in cheeky reference to Morrisons the supermarket chain.

Sapper Morrison was quietly confident and sociable. He enjoyed chatting with friends whether it be whilst playing PlayStation or pool, on trips to Wetherspoons, or at the infamous Jackson Club Cafe in Gibraltar Barracks – so much so that he would invite his course mates to congregate in his room which was directly opposite the entrance to the cafe, so that they could all be first in the queue at opening time.

Sapper Morrison was an avid supporter of Scottish football with a great sense of humour. He would cheerfully join his friends in the pub to watch England games, but when they got overexcited about their teams’ prospects, he enjoyed reminding them that England drew with Scotland in Euro 2020, and therefore that “England, can’t even beat Scotland”.

A selfless team player, Sapper Morrison put others above himself and generously volunteered to cover weekend duties when he was not returning home to Scotland, to enable others to travel home themselves. Similarly, when a colleague woke up late for parade and realised that their boots were soaking wet and muddy from the day before, Sapper Morrison generously gave them a pair of his boots for the day. This was much to the amusement of his troop as his friend wore a size 8 and Sapper Morrison was a size 12!

Sapper Morrison qualified as a Class 2 Combat Engineer on 4th of February 2022, earning his Corps of Royal Engineers stable belt. After gaining his driving licence, he began his specialist trade training at the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration in Worthy Down, where he went on to qualify as a Class 2 Logistical Specialist.

Following this, having volunteered for service with Airborne Forces, Sapper Morrison reported for duty at 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, and donned the coveted maroon beret. He arrived at the Regiment alongside friends from his course and was re-united with others from training.

Sapper Morrison was clearly happy to be part of the Regiment after spending a long time on training courses. He was popular and well respected amongst his peers and had a positive influence on all those he worked with. Utterly committed, Sapper Morrison put himself forward for every task. His positive attitude kept himself and others going through good times and bad. Everyone enjoyed spending time with Connor whether working together, chatting about the day or just having a laugh.

Sapper Morrison was a truly selfless and kind-hearted professional soldier who made friends wherever he went. He proved himself to be a proud and loyal member of the Corps of Royal Engineers and will always be part of the Sapper family. Sapper Morrison will be sorely missed by the Regiment and all those he served alongside. We will remember him.

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said:

It is with deep sadness that I heard of the death of Sapper Connor Liam Morrison of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment. It’s clear from his colleagues that he had a passion for the British Army, made an instant positive impact on all those he served with, and always put the needs of his fellow soldiers above his own; a role model to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this terrible time.

September 26, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Chris Skidmore launches net zero review [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 26 September 2022.
- Independent review of net zero delivery by 2050 aims to ensure delivery of legally-binding climate goals are pro-growth and pro-business
- review will scrutinise green transition to make sure investment continues to boost economic growth and create jobs as well as increase energy security
- former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore promises thorough appraisal so that world-leading climate commitment is met in an economically-efficient way
The government’s independent review into the delivery of net zero climate commitments is launched today (Monday 26 September), with a focus on ensuring the UK’s fight against climate change maximises economic growth, while increasing energy security and affordability for consumers and businesses.

The UK’s target to reach net zero by 2050 remains in place. Former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore MP will lead the rapid review of the government’s approach to delivering its net zero target, after being commissioned by the Business and Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg.

It comes a year after the government published its Net Zero Strategy, setting out an overarching approach to carbon neutrality. Since then, there have been major changes to the economic and political landscape: Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, historically high global energy prices and high inflation. These changes have placed huge pressures on British households and businesses and make it vital that the UK reaches Net Zero in a way that avoids exporting industry and emissions overseas.

This new review aims to identify new ways to deliver the legally binding target by 2050 in a way that is pro-business and pro-growth. The review will examine:
- what the most pro-business, pro-growth and economically efficient path to reaching net zero is
- how to maximise the economic opportunities that the target presents as well as increase innovation, investment, exports and jobs
- what the economic costs and benefits are associated with new and emerging policies and technologies
To do this, Mr Skidmore’s review will consider a range of evidence, consulting widely with consumers, investors, industrial leaders and experts in various fields including energy, land use and transport. He will report to the government with a set of recommendations by the end of this year to help turbocharge our transition to net zero by identifying key economic opportunities.

He will also be holding a series of roundtables across the country, seeking as many views as possible to ensure that people not only reap the environmental benefits of tackling climate change, but the economic benefits too.

Chair of the Net Zero Review Chris Skidmore said:

The UK continues to lead the world on tackling climate change, having been the first G7 country to commit in law to net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

This review seeks to ‘double down’ on how we can ensure that our energy transition happens at the same time as maximising the economic opportunity for businesses and households across the country, providing huge opportunities for innovation, investment, exports and jobs. I want to ensure that net zero isn’t just viewed as the right thing to do for our environment- but becomes an essential driver of economic growth.

I’m kicking off a 3-month review today to find the best ways of making this happen – speaking to as many people in as many sectors and regions as possible, to ensure the review generates fresh policy ideas that can ensure we deliver a ‘big bang’ moment for net zero.

Secretary of State for Business and Energy, Jacob Rees Mogg, said:

The government remains committed to reaching our net zero emissions targets, but with Russia weaponising energy across Europe we must make sure we do so in a way that increases energy security and does not place undue burdens on businesses or consumers.

Chris Skidmore’s rapid review will help us identify how best to make that happen, while also ensuring all parts of the UK reap the economic benefits of tackling climate change that I have no doubt will be on offer.

The UK has already managed to grow its economy by 76%, while cutting its emissions by over 44% since 1990 – decarbonising faster than any other G7 country.  Official statistics also show there are already around 400,000 jobs in low-carbon businesses and their supply chains across the UK, with turnover estimated at £41.2 billion in 2020. Both the British Energy Security Strategy and Net Zero Strategy aim to leverage an additional and unprecedented £100 billion of private investment, while supporting an additional 480,000 British jobs by 2030.

Over the past year, a range of companies have sought to invest in the UK’s green infrastructure, creating jobs across the country, including:
- JDR Cable Systems in Hartlepool, who are on track with construction of a £130 million subsea cable facility in Blyth, creating 171 high quality local jobs on completion
- Siemens Gamesa, who are investing £186 million into expanding its offshore wind blade factory in Hull
- Rolls Royce, who have secured £490 million for its small modular reactors programme
- ScottishPower, who are investing £150 million into a 100MW green hydrogen plant in Felixstowe to power trains, trucks and ships
All this comes as there is clear support for climate action in the UK, but in a way that benefits the economy as well as the environment.

Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said:

We welcome the government’s commitment to working closely with business to make its world-leading net zero by 2050 target a reality.

The UK business community recognises the importance of building a sustainable economy and the transition to net zero is more important than ever, given the imperative of reducing business dependence on expensive fossil fuels. Business needs an evidence-based, long-term vision from government so that they can build net zero into their planning and maximise its economic potential.

We look forward to working with the government independent review in the coming months to ensure that the UK can deliver net zero in a way that maximises the opportunities for UK businesses.

Dan McGrail, Chief Executive at RenewableUK, said:

This review gives us the chance to ensure that the UK makes the most of cheap renewable power to deliver net zero at lowest cost and boost competitiveness across the economy.

Cheap, clean energy is fundamental to growing new high-value technologies, decarbonising the UK’s industrial base and boosting exports.

Whether it’s building up the supply chain for the £175 billion of planned investment in wind energy or developing a globally competitive green hydrogen sector, there are huge opportunities to further grow the UK’s economy as we cut our dependence on fossil fuels.
September 26, 2022