Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Climate Finance Kicks off Thematic Days Agenda at COP27 [November 2022]
The press release issued by COP27 on 9 November 2022.
- Opening Session addresses “Climate Finance in a Polycrisis Era”
- Program of 26 events spotlights implementation, and just and equitable transition in Africa
- Finance Ministers reflect on commitment to climate action and financing for loss and damage
- Launch of COP27 Presidency Reducing the Cost of Sustainable Borrowing initiative
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 9 November 2022 – The pressing issue of climate finance kicked off COP27’s Thematic Days Agenda by reiterating it as a cornerstone for implementing climate action to save lives and livelihoods around the world.

In the first of 11 themed days at COP27, Finance Day addressed several aspects of the climate finance ecosystem, including innovative and blended finance and financial instruments, tools and policies that have the potential to enhance access, scale up finance and contribute to the transition envisaged and needed, including those related to debt for environment swaps.

“Financing underpins the development of an energy transition pathway for Africa, but the unsustainable levels of public debt countries are managing acts as a block on advancing necessary climate initiatives,” said COP27 President H.E. Sameh Shoukry.

Finance Day featured a robust program of 26 events including a Ministerial roundtable and saw the launch of the Reducing the Cost of Sustainable Borrowing initiative.

It is estimated that the world will require between $4 trillion and $7 trillion per year, to shift towards sustainable development and meet agreed Paris Agreement targets, and today’s events enabled further cooperation to help close that gap. The sessions aimed to bring together all stakeholders involved in the climate agenda – from the public and private sectors to philanthropic entities, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and the UN bodies, with the view to crafting an inclusive and just financing roadmap that supports the global South in implementing their adaptation and mitigation plans and renewing the commitment of developed nations to provide the necessary funding to “Leave No One Behind”.

At the opening ceremony, Egyptian Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, spoke to the significance of Finance Day, featuring an intensive program that included the discussion of topics that encourage the finance sector to assist the transformation to a sustainable economy and expressed hope that the conversations would be translated into serious commitments for finance adaptation. During the panel discussion, Climate Finance in a Polycrisis Era, key themes including innovative finance, financing just transition, sovereign debt for sustainability and climate change, and the role of the private sector in mobilizing resources were addressed. Private finance was highlighted as essential to deliver trillions of dollars needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees and ambition, action and accountability identified as critical to unlocking finance.

Access to low-cost finance was further addressed, with pragmatic solutions, deals, commitments, and pledges to reduce the cost of green loans. Discussions also involved adaptation plans and increasing the bankability and attractiveness to investors of adaptability projects.

During the day, several panels took place including:
- Mobilizing Finance for Climate Action, wherein the key takeaway was a call for the doubling of finance compared to 2019 levels in 2025 by making the commitment for developed countries to step up financing so that developing countries to be reassured that no one will be left behind.
Reducing Cost of Green Borrowing, which showcased solutions and pledges needed to reduce the cost of green loans.
- High-Level Dialogue CIF Force of Nature: Closing the Finance Gap for Nature-Based Solutions that discussed sustainable agriculture and forest management, including measures such as agroforestry that could deliver over $2 trillion annually in economic benefits, generate millions of jobs in developing countries and improve food security.
- Special Role of MDBs/Commercial Banks/Philanthropies in Climate Finance, which reaffirmed that multi-lateral development banks, in spite of institutional challenges, are by far the most effective intermediaries in mobilizing and allocating resources that will benefit the poorest countries.
The sessions provided a chance for Finance Ministers from the parties to reassert their commitments to climate action, along with a call to acknowledge and commit finance for loss and damage. The day concluded with COP27 facilitating a meeting of the heads of the African sovereign wealth funds, helping to mobilise investments and public private partnerships for increasing climate action.
11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : “I Depend On Your Voices” COP27 President Urges Youth To Push Government’s To Action [November 2022]
The press release issued by COP27 on 9 November 2022.
- COP President H.E. Sameh Shoukry spoke to global youth at a tour of the Children and Youth Pavillion
- The Children and Youth Pavillion is the first of its kind at a COP providing space for talks and events to enable young people to come together to push for climate action
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 9 November 2022 – COP27 President H.E. Sameh Shoukry today addressed crowds at the Child & Youth Pavilion at COP27 following a tour of the Pavilion.

Speaking at the Children & Youth Pavilion COP27 President H.E. Sameh Shoukry urged youth to speak out:

“I depend on your voices. It is your future that we are supposed to be here to guarantee. And it is only through your voices, your advocacy and your inspiration that you will have be able to enjoy your right to take full advantage of the earth, the forests and the air and to live a long and prosperous future on our beautiful planet once government’s undertake their responsibilities. You are the future and it is your voice that will help deliver it.”

Following his address the COP27 President received a petition from young people campaigning for loss and damage funding which following negotiations at the outset of the COP.

The first of its kind Children & Youth Pavilion provides a place for young people to engage, debate and collaborate to make their voice heard at the COP. Activity includes: initiative launches, talks and events for the under 35’s. Free meeting rooms and coffee also help young people to get together for implementation at COP27.

The Egypt COP Presidency has taken a number of steps to ensure that the youth constituency is playing a key role in COP27. Steps include: the first ever Youth Climate Pavilion and Youth-led Climate Forum, the creation of a full Young and Future Generations Day co-created and implemented with YOUNGO, and the establishment of a COP27 Presidency Youth Envoy, Dr. Omnia El Omrani.

As part of another youth initiative the Youth-led Climate Forum will be presenting key findings of a policy paper that will be introduced via two roundtables on the Young Future Generations Day on November 10 at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh. For the first time ever, this youth statement will find its way to the COP Presidency’s Action Agenda where youth representatives, Ministers and negotiators will discuss the expectations and the demands agreed by the youth activists.
11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK Defence cyber skills to be boosted through industry partnership [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 November 2022.
Defence personnel to be upskilled in tackling cyber threats

Industry collaboration to increase UK’s cyber resilience

Work follows National Audit Office praise for the department’s approach to conflict digitisation

The Ministry of Defence will collaborate with Immersive Labs, an industry leader in cyber resilience, to support the department’s new Digital Skills for Defence programme to build stronger digital skills, and follows a successful trial by the British Army.

Tested against industry benchmarks, the collaboration will see personnel from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Strategic Command and Civil Service engaged, with access to 1,600 realistic simulations and hands-on cybersecurity labs to evaluate individual and teams in decision-making against the latest threats.

As the recent National Audit Office (NAO) report on the MOD’s Digital Strategy noted, the Department is showing good practice when it comes to the challenge of modern conflict rapidly digitising, affecting Defence work and how the Armed Forces operate in the battlefield.

Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk said:

The NAO has rightly highlighted our focus on remaining at the forefront of digital capability, which is crucial as the shape of the modern battlefield continues to change at unprecedented speed.

Utilising the best technology and brightest minds in industry will only serve to bolster the rank of cyber experts focused on protecting the UK.

Exploiting digital capabilities and data is fundamental to our success in modern military operations and to the effective running of Defence. Building on the feedback from the NAO report, the department is striving to build a workforce with the digital skills it needs to deliver the digital transformation of defence.

The report acknowledged positive progress being made by the department on bringing together and aligning such digital practitioners across Defence. However, with a shortfall of homegrown talent and a very competitive market across the public and private sectors, the collaboration with Immersive Labs will also help identify cybersecurity talent to fill open roles and bolster the ranks of UK cyber experts.

Director of Functional Integration, Claire Fry said:

The Digital Skills for Defence programme is crucial in our drive to provide the right digital skills and capabilities across Defence to take advantage of the opportunity brought about by the ever-increasing pace of technological change.

Immersive Labs is one of a number of organisations we are working with to deliver training that will upskill our workforce. This will enable us to champion our One Defence Mindset and create an environment where our digital skills can flourish in a unified, connected and digitally integrated way.

MOD established the Digital Skills for Defence programme to deliver critical digital skills for Defence Leaders, Digital Professionals, and the whole Military and Civilian workforce. The programme is fundamental in building and retaining operational and business advantage. MOD’s ambition goes beyond education, seeking to transform to a learning culture where teams work collaboratively across the organisation.
11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Human rights in Belarus – Joint statement to the OSCE [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 November 2022.

Canadian Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear stresses that the Belarusian authorities have intensified the brutal and unprecedented repression of the Belarusian people.

Mr. Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the United States, and my own country Canada.

Two years ago, on 5 November 2020, Professor Wolfgang Benedek presented the independent report on the human rights situation in Belarus under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism to the Permanent Council. The conclusions were clear: The 9 August presidential election was neither free nor fair, and “massive and systematic” violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms had been committed by the Belarusian security forces.

One year ago, on 4 November 2021, as a response to the deteriorating human rights situation and the Belarusian authorities’ failure to respond satisfactorily to the recommendations addressed to them in the Moscow Mechanism report, a group of 35 OSCE participating States invoked the Vienna (Human Dimension) Mechanism requesting information on a number of serious concerns. Unfortunately, one year later, we today note with regret that the recommendations for Belarusian authorities in the Moscow Mechanism report remain unaddressed, and our concerns for the human rights situation in Belarus are more dire than ever.

Over the past two years, the authorities in Belarus have continued their brutal and unprecedented crackdown on defenders of democracy in Belarus, including civil society and independent voices. The exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, is severely repressed, and those attempting to act on those rights and freedoms are systematically detained, abused, and subjected to other forms of intimidation and only harassment. According to credible reports, the number of political prisoners is now more than 1,350. This includes many ordinary Belarusians who simply protested in 2020; journalists, media actors, opposition figures, and human rights defenders, sentenced in some cases to well over a decade simply for exercising their fundamental rights. As a consequence, tens of thousands of Belarusians have been, and continue to be, forced to flee the country, to leave their homes and in some cases loved ones behind due to the untenable situation.

In addition, several credible, international reports have documented the continued pervasive use of torture and other ill-treatment. The Belarusian authorities have further increased harassment and intimidation efforts by widening of the scope of the death penalty to vaguely defined “attempted terrorist activities”. This is an alarming step, the real objective of which is to further increase repression against defenders of democracy. Mr. Chair, In the initial letter invoking the Vienna Mechanism on 4 November 2021, we asked for information from the Belarusian authorities on a number of concerns, including on the credible reports on continuing unjust arrests and detentions, as well as the targeting of opposition figures. The Belarusian Delegation’s reply did not acknowledge our legitimate concerns on any of these issues; for example, the Belarusian Delegation simply took exception to the term ‘political prisoner’.

The inadequate responses we have continued to receive from the Belarusian authorities, combined with the deteriorating developments we have witnessed over the past year, clearly demonstrate there is no change in approach by the Belarusian authorities.

On the contrary, in recent months, the Belarusian authorities have intensified the brutal and unprecedented repression of the Belarusian people, and has on top of that been facilitating Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in violation of international law.

Mr. Chair,

Even as the human rights situation in Belarus has continued to deteriorate, the Belarusian Delegation has often claimed to seek dialogue on these issues here in the Permanent Council. The Vienna Mechanism is a tool for such dialogue, but it requires the Belarusian authorities to engage substantially, realistically and honestly on the subject. It requires the Belarusian authorities to recognise our legitimate continuing concerns, which mirrors those of civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders.

Against this backdrop, we repeat our questions raised under the OSCE Vienna Mechanism in the Permanent Council. We encourage the Belarusian authorities to consider these questions carefully and to provide genuine answers to this Council, including a detailed explanation of their reactions to the recommendations contained in the 5 November 2020 report under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism.

Finally, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus. We urge the Belarusian authorities to fully implement their international obligations and OSCE commitments, and to make use of the OSCE’s tools and mechanisms to help resolve the continuing human rights crisis.

Thank you.

11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Global agreement in green tech will open doors for UK PLC [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 11 November 2022.

The UK is today leading a global agreement to make green technologies cheaper and more accessible around the world, while also creating green jobs for generations both at home and abroad, Grant Shapps said today (11 November).

Speaking at the COP27 negotiations in Egypt, the Business Secretary announced over £65 million investment to help speed up the development of new green technologies – backed by the talent and expertise of British business.

This builds on the legacy of COP26 in Glasgow, where the UK founded a coalition of countries to scale and speed up the development and deployment of clean technologies and drive down costs this decade, known as the Breakthrough Agenda.

Mr Shapps said it will be the efforts of entrepreneurs, innovators and the international community that will help cut global emissions in the coming decade and achieve net zero by 2050 – something today’s investments will help achieve.

These measures will help expand a whole global market in clean energy technologies, making them accessible and affordable to developing countries – and enabling UK companies to share their talent and expertise in this vital and growing industry.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

Green means growth, and with our existing talents in clean technologies, UK businesses could be world leaders in an industry that will only expand, creating jobs for generations to come while also protecting our precious planet.

At COP27 we are leading international efforts to ensure these new innovations can be more accessible and affordable to heavy, energy-intensive industries in some of the world’s poorest countries.

These agreements are a key part of us achieving our net zero targets and our global efforts to cut emissions – but I am also proud that they will mean more countries will benefit from the knowledge and expertise we have nurtured here on UK shores.

The UK is already a world leader in the latest green technologies, ranging from the development of hydrogen as an alternative fuel, to the manufacture of electric vehicles.

Today’s announcements not only highlight the UK’s leading position on tackling climate change, they also show how this country is influencing international markets to go greener, in a way that gives the UK an advantage over other countries in delivering jobs, growth and investment in the UK.

The Business Secretary today announced:
- that the UK has built a coalition of governments, representing more than half of global GDP, who will take forward actions to speed up the development of new alternatives to fossil fuels for the carbon-intensive sectors, so that by 2030 they use the cheapest and most attractive options available to businesses in emerging and developing economies
- a UK pledge of £65 million towards the world’s first large scale Industry Transition Programme, by the Climate Investment Funds, to support energy-intensive industries in developing economies including India and Indonesia to go green
- UK government’s support, alongside Germany, for a new funding window for projects developing innovative and transformational clean technologies. Set to open in 2023, this funding from the Mitigation Action Facility will go to key priority sectors – energy, transport and industry – identified in the Breakthrough Agenda at COP27. This will support developing countries to achieve their goals for tackling climate change and reducing emissions
This comes on top of the Prime Minister’s announcement of a further £65.5 million for the Clean Energy Innovation Facility, which provides grants to researchers and scientists to accelerate the development of innovative clean energy technologies in developing countries. Since the UK-led fund was launched in 2019 it has so far supported 76 projects, including the creation of biomass-powered refrigeration in India, prototype lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria and clean hydrogen-based fuels for steel production in Morocco, among other innovations. Its beneficiaries have praised the programme for its ability to identify business and community needs as it unlocks innovation opportunities.

CEO of the Climate Investment Funds, Mafalda Duarte said:

Emissions from hard-to-abate industries are concentrated in developing countries and set to rise.

With support from the United Kingdom and Sweden, the first-of-its-kind CIF Industry Decarbonisation program will support developing countries, manage transition risks, and seize emerging economic opportunities.

This investment platform will bring to bear concessional finance, technical assistance, and partnerships to ignite transformation across industries like steel, cement, and aluminium.
11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Levelling up investment unlocks £300 million Blackpool regeneration [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, on 11 November 2022.

A significant regeneration project that will deliver new leisure facilities, create jobs, boost tourism, and help level up Blackpool has been announced by Michael Gove today in his first major intervention since being reappointed as Secretary of State for Levelling Up.

The ambitious Blackpool Central project had stalled because there was no funding to move the Magistrates and County Courts currently situated within the proposed site, and this risked scuppering the entire £300 million private sector-led regeneration scheme.

But the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has today committed £40 million to relocate the courts to a new state-of-the-art complex in the Blackpool town centre, with the specific location to be announced in due course.

This will enable the Blackpool Central regeneration scheme to go ahead as planned, creating an estimated 1,000 jobs. It will also attract 600,000 more visitors to the seaside town each year in a massive boost to the local economy.

This is the latest intervention by government, which has been working with partners, including the local authority, to help turn the tide on deprivation in Blackpool and provide greater opportunities for people who live in the town. Previous work includes cracking down on rogue landlords, finding new opportunities for regeneration, and delivering new homes and jobs for the community.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

Blackpool is a town full of life, energy, and immense potential but for too long it has been overlooked and its communities undervalued. Our £40 million Levelling Up investment will revitalise this great town by delivering much-needed homes, more jobs and new opportunities for local people.

Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab, said:

The new Magistrates’ and County Court will be modern, efficient, and help deliver effective justice for local residents. It will be fitted with the latest courtroom technology to ensure that we can continue delivering justice in the North West and provide victims with a better experience.

This wider investment will provide a real boost to the town and its economy, kickstarting the regeneration that local people have long been waiting for.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:

We are delighted by the support to enable our exciting scheme to go ahead. This is a real example of joined-up Government at its very best with the objectives of the government, Ministry of Justice, Department for Levelling Up, Blackpool Council and the developer Nikal all being met as a result of this welcome action by the Secretary of State.

The funding will enable this huge development in the heart of Blackpool to bring jobs, investment and visitors to our town. When finished, the scheme will be an amazing future-proofed attraction for all to enjoy for many years to come.

Blackpool Central will be the largest single investment in Blackpool for over a century. It will see the area transformed into a year-round leisure destination, home to new entertainment centres, hotels, restaurants and a new public square and Heritage Quarter.

This announcement comes as the UK government is set to host the 38th British-Irish Council Summit in Blackpool today, inviting representatives from the Irish Government, devolved administrations and crown dependencies to discuss matters of shared importance.

11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Welcoming a holistic, integrated approach to tackling terrorism and protecting those at risk [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 November 2022.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council debate on counter-terrorism in Africa.

Thank you President, and thank you for convening us today, consistent with your personal leadership on security, including the creation of the Accra Initiative, and with ECOWAS’ robust defence of democratic values in the region.

Moreover Excellency, you’ve joined us this morning from COP27, a reminder that climate is a threat multiplier, and another challenge to peace and security in Africa and around the world. I join others in thanking the Deputy Secretary-General, and our briefers today, and I’d like to make three points to contribute to today’s discussion.

First, we welcome and endorse calls we’ve heard today for a holistic response to terrorism; an integrated approach to tackling the conditions that give rise to terrorism, while protecting those at most risk. We welcome the Accra Initiative’s work to address the security situation and to strengthen regional security and intelligence cooperation.

As the UK, we are working with the Ghanian government to consider how best to support the Accra Initiative.

We’re also working with journalists to promote moderate voices as well as limit the spread of violence, including terrorism. We’re also supporting communities to manage land more effectively and withstand the challenges of climate shocks in regions threatened by violent extremist groups.

And President, we cannot ignore the destabilising role the Wagner Group is playing in the region. They are a driver of conflict and exploit natural resources where they operate.

Whatever the question, Wagner is not the answer.

Second, in the fight against terrorism, it is counter-productive to violate human rights and international law.

This Council has consistently stressed that the fight against terrorism needs to conform with international human rights and humanitarian law.

In our experience, placing respect for human rights at the centre of counter-terrorism campaigns, and in close cooperation with civil society, will bolster their effectiveness, counter-radicalization, and build resilient communities. And this fight will be successful only with the meaningful participation of women who are in many cases disproportionately affected by terrorism.

Third, terrorism and violent extremism are transnational problems that require a coordinated international response.

We’ve heard a lot this morning about the important role of the Accra Initiative, ECOWAS, the AU, and many other regional organisations. I join others in emphasising too the importance of the UN system. Not just the Office of Counter-Terrorism, but also implementing the mandates that are agreed by this Council, including the provisions on UN human rights monitoring.

President, like others we look forward to the new agenda for peace as an important contribution to addressing the triple challenge terrorism poses to peace, security and development. And I thank you.

11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin [November 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 November 2022.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Taoiseach Micheál Martin to Blackpool as the host venue for the partners of the 38th British-Irish Council.

He expressed his commitment to working closely on matters of shared interest, and to deepen UK-Irish ties, particularly in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine and the associated energy crisis.

The Prime Minister set out the UK government’s decision to introduce legislation to provide a short extension to the period for Executive formation and reiterated his firm commitment to upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its dimensions.

On the Northern Ireland protocol, the Prime Minister stressed that the UK’s strong preference is for a negotiated solution with the EU. He reiterated that any deal must solve the full range of issues caused by the protocol but hoped for flexibility and pragmatism.

11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Support for veteran medal replacements [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

Scheme launched as Veterans Secretary visits Falkland Islands for Remembrance.

A new fund has been launched for veterans to reclaim the cost of replacing permanently destroyed or stolen service medals.

Veterans Secretary Keith Brown announced the new scheme during a Parliamentary debate on Remembrance and support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community.

Veterans’ resident in Scotland will now be able to claim for the cost of replacement medals where they can show that it has been stolen or destroyed through an event such as a fire or flood. Previously veterans have had to pay the cost for replacement medals themselves.

Mr Brown also told MSPs that he will be visiting the Falkland Islands from 10 – 15 November to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.

The Veterans Secretary said the visit will provide an opportunity to highlight the strong cultural link between Scotland and the Falkland Islands community and recognise the brave efforts that the Armed Forces made to liberate the Islands in 1982.

Mr Brown said:

“I am delighted to announce this support for veterans, whose medals have been lost or stolen through no fault of their own.

“Many of our veterans still bear the physical and mental scars from conflicts and their medals are an important symbol of their courageous service. This scheme is part of a wide range of support provided to show our appreciation and ongoing support for veterans and their families.

He added:

“I am honoured to have been invited by the Falkland Islands Government to visit this month and participate in a series of commemorative events on Remembrance marking the 40^th anniversary of the conflict.

“The visit will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the heroism of those in the Task Force dispatched to free the Islands and hear from veterans of the Falklands War as well as members of the Armed Forces currently serving there. I am very much looking forward to learning more about the modern day Islands and the opportunities to strengthen our links.

“The Remembrance period serves a vital purpose in allowing everyone in Scotland a moment to pause, reflect and be thankful to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”

10/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Government Planning for net zero [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

Developments which reduce carbon emissions to tackle climate change and restore nature would be promoted under finalised proposals for long term planning reform.

The revised draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) sets out sustainable policies against which planning applications would be assessed for the next decade.

It has been tabled in the Scottish Parliament against the backdrop of crucial intergovernmental climate talks at COP27 in Egypt and seeks to deliver a new and bold direction, with a shift in culture and approach to planning in Scotland.

Proposals in NPF4 include:
- enabling more renewable energy generation, outside National Parks and National Scenic Areas, to support the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels
- supporting emerging low-carbon and zero emissions technologies – including hydrogen and carbon capture – and developments on land that unlock the transformative potential of offshore renewable energy, such as expansion of the electricity grid. Waste incineration facilities would be highly unlikely to receive permission
- facilitating creation of cycling or walking routes, low carbon transport, more green spaces and opportunities for play, culture and tourism
- helping rural communities grow by enabling more local homes and encouraging a more diverse rural economy
- regenerating city and town centres to help them adapt to economic change while enabling people to access shops, schools and workplaces within a 20 minute walk or cycle
- adopting a planned and evidence-based approach to delivering good quality and affordable homes that benefit communities.
Planning Minister Tom Arthur said:

“The window of opportunity to act to reduce emissions and adapt to already locked in changes is narrowing. Our statutory and moral obligation to tackle climate change means change is necessary and urgent.

“This final version of the Framework makes clear that we won’t compromise on climate change. It also clarifies what is to be delivered, and how. And it is now clear through the weighting to be applied to different policies, that the climate and nature crises are the priority.

“It is timely that we have tabled final proposals during COP27, as we set out to do when Glasgow hosted COP26 last year. This shows that Scotland’s ambition and commitment to delivering on international calls for action is unwavering.

“There is now a clear expectation of the role that planning must play in delivering the expansion of renewable energy needed to realise the just transition from reliance on fossil fuels.

“This Framework creates the foundation upon which to build the fairer, greener Scotland we want to see for the benefit of future generations.”
10/11/2022