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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Plans announced to redevelop Cawdor Barracks for landmark radar initiative [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Plans announced to redevelop Cawdor Barracks for landmark radar initiative [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 August 2024.

    Plans to redevelop Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales to host a landmark radar initiative have been announced by the Ministry of Defence.

    Known as the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), the initiative will secure long-term jobs and help protect essential satellite communication and navigation networks.

    DARC will see a network of ground-based radars in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States provide global space monitoring, increasing AUKUS nations’ ability to detect, track and identify objects in deep space, up to around 36,000km away from earth.

    This capability will benefit these nations’ land, air, and maritime forces, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and benefitting domestic construction and space industries. DARC will play a crucial role in AUKUS nations’ ability to support safety and security in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the world.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

    The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks secures jobs at home and defence capabilities for the future.

    Space plays a crucial role in our daily lives – used by everything from our mobile phones to banking services. It is also used by UK Defence to conduct vital tasks such as supporting military operations, navigating forces and gathering intelligence.

    This new radar programme will not only enhance our awareness of deep space, but also help protect our space assets alongside our closest partners.

    Cawdor Barracks has a long history of supporting the UK’s military. The site has been both a Royal Air Force flying station and a Royal Navy base. Currently home to 14 Signal Regiment, the Ministry of Defence announced in 2016 that the barracks would close no earlier than 2028. The redevelopment of the site for DARC would keep the site open, with a permanent presence of up to 100 personnel to operate and maintain the radar capability.

    Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:

    The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks will help secure jobs in the area as well as protecting our national security.

    This is an important project for Pembrokeshire and this government is committed to working with the local community to ensure it is a success.

    The Ministry of Defence is committed to undertaking all necessary planning and environmental processes required to gain consent for the proposed redevelopment of the site and its safe operation. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, including a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, is underway in support of a planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council. The Council’s granting of planning permission is conditional on DARC meeting all the required safety standards.

    In particular, the safety processes will ensure that DARC meets international environmental and health standards as set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organisation, and this is standard practice for all MOD installations.

    Engagement will also take place with the local community in developing proposals for DARC and there will be two local public information events prior to the statutory consultation period that is required by Pembrokeshire County Council. Members of the MOD DARC programme team will attend these events to discuss the proposals, answer any questions and hear local community views.

    Public information events are being hosted over the period 13-14 September 2024.

    Friday, 13 September 2024

    4pm-7pm

    Solva Memorial Hall, 39 High St, Solva, Haverfordwest SA62 6TE

    Saturday, 14 September 2024

    10am-2pm

    St David’s City Hall, High St, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6SD

    The information boards will also be uploaded to a dedicated engagement website on Monday, 16 September 2024.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK response to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK response to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has responded to the dissolution of the main opposition party in Thailand.

    In response to the Thai Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party, an FCDO spokesperson said:

    Pluralism and freedom of speech are central principles of democracy. The dissolution of another major political party in Thailand is therefore a setback for these principles. We encourage all parties to uphold democratic rights and representation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor Reeves – Pension funds can fire up the UK economy [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor Reeves – Pension funds can fire up the UK economy [August 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 7 August 2024.

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves calls on UK pension schemes to invest more in the UK economy and deliver better returns for savers.

    • Chancellor Rachel Reeves wants UK to learn lessons from ‘Canadian model’ ahead of meeting with major Canadian retirement funds
    • Reeves confirms first Mansion House address will focus on financial service sector’s role in delivering more investment and financing growth as work continues to fix foundations of the economy, rebuild Britain and make every part of the country better off

    The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has called on pension funds to “learn lessons from the Canadian model and fire up the UK economy”. The Chancellor will host a roundtable with the so-called ‘Maple 8’ group of Canadian retirement funds in Toronto on Wednesday 7 August, who have invested billions of pounds in the UK economy in recent years.

    She will urge the funds to continue backing Britain and take home lessons about how consolidation of pension schemes into larger funds can help drive investment in productive assets such as vital infrastructure and high-growth businesses.

    The meeting is part of intensive industry engagement for the landmark review of pension fund investment announced last month to boost investment in the UK and deliver higher returns for people’s pension pots.

    Also on the Chancellor’s agenda to deliver more investment and finance growth is the financial services sector, with Rachel Reeves confirming her first Mansion House address will set out how she will work in partnership with industry and regulators to deliver growth. This will include delivering the stability the sector needs to grow, the support it needs to invest across the UK and reforms it needs to remain at the cutting-edge of new innovations and technologies.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The size of Canadian pension schemes means they can invest far more in productive assets like vital infrastructure than ours do.

    I want British schemes to learn lessons from the Canadian model and fire up the UK economy, which would deliver better returns for savers and unlock billions of pounds of investment.

    We’re already beginning to see schemes announce plans to invest. That’s a vote of confidence in our work to fix the foundations of the economy, rebuild Britain and make every part of our country better off.

    Industry strongly welcomed the announcement of the pension fund investment review, with supportive comments made by groups such as Legal & General, the BVCA, Aviva, Barclays and Phoenix.

    New investment vehicles have since been announced to channel pension fund money into infrastructure and the UK’s fastest growing companies. Last week Phoenix and Schroders launched their Future Growth Capital co-investment fund, which will invest up to £20 billion in the UK over the next decade.

    Channelling more pension fund money will release investment demand and comes alongside measures to unlock supply through fixing the broken planning system, setting up a National Wealth Fund and the biggest overhaul of listings rules for the UK stock exchange.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Britain is open for business – Chancellor visits North America in investment drive [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Britain is open for business – Chancellor visits North America in investment drive [August 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 7 August 2024.

    Rachel Reeves to bang the drum for Britain in visit to New York City and Toronto this week.

    • Chancellor to share her vision for growth and champion UK sectoral strengths across financial services, clean energy and infrastructure to investors and CEOs.
    • Trip to build momentum for the International Investment Summit on 14 October.

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 5 August set off on a visit to New York and Toronto with the message that Britain is open for business.

    She will meet with CEOs and senior representatives from major players across the US and Canada’s foremost industries, highlighting that early steps taken by the government to fix the foundations and restore economic stability makes the UK an attractive destination for investment.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves:

    I’ve wasted no time in my first month in office in taking the difficult decisions necessary to fix the foundations of our economy, so we can rebuild Britain and make every part of the country better off. That means restoring economic stability so we can attract the investment needed to create good jobs, boost wages, and improve opportunity across Britain.

    There is no credible plan for growth without private sector investment. That’s why I’m breaking down barriers at home and banging the drum for Britain abroad as we gear up to host the International Investment Summit.

    While in New York, the UK’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer will meet with Wall Street leaders and host a reception to celebrate women in finance. The US is the UK’s biggest financial services trading partner, with UK exports to the US valued at £23.4bn annually. The sector is at the heart of the government’s core mission to deliver sustainable economic growth as a jewel in the crown of the UK economy and one of its success stories, contributing almost 10% of UK GVA and employing 1.2 million people.

    In Toronto, the Chancellor will meet with names in the world of clean energy and infrastructure. The government’s mission to make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower will bring opportunities for economic growth whilst helping the UK meet its target of clean power by 2030. That mission has started in earnest with the creation of Great British Energy to partner with the private sector and secure the investment needed to accelerate the transition, the sweeping away of barriers to onshore wind farms, and a record £1.5 billion budget for this year’s renewable energy auction to get Britain building green.

    During her time in the US and Canada, Reeves will point out that the government has moved quickly to create a stable environment where businesses have the confidence to invest in the UK. This has included reform of a planning system that has long frustrated investment, ending the ban on on-shore wind and the establishment of a National Wealth Fund, backed by £7.3 billion to catalyse further private investment in our world-leading green and growth industries of the future.

    The UK is already Europe’s leading hub for investment, with UK markets raising more capital than the next two highest European exchanges combined in 2023. But the Chancellor heads to North America with a renewed purpose to build upon this, with it being announced yesterday that Britain is to play host to the International Investment Summit on 14 October.

    In doing so, Reeves will be looking to deepen the strong economic relationship between Britain and the two North American countries. The United States is the largest source of foreign investment in the UK and the UK is the third largest investment destination for Canadian companies, whom invested more than $73 billion of FDI stock in 2021.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK bolsters support to British nationals in Lebanon as Foreign Secretary says “leave now” [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK bolsters support to British nationals in Lebanon as Foreign Secretary says “leave now” [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.

    • ministers call for British nationals in Lebanon to leave now “as situation could deteriorate rapidly”
    • government strengthens its support for British nationals as regional tensions in the Middle East increase
    • Border Force, consular officials and military personnel deployed to the region to support embassy staff following Ministers visiting the Middle East this week

    The government has called for British nationals in Lebanon to leave now as it bolsters its support for British nationals still in the Middle East.

    The UK continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon and advises British nationals still in the country to leave now while commercial options remain available. British nationals in Lebanon are also advised to sign up to Register your presence to receive the latest information and important updates directly from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

    Officials have been sent to the region – including Lebanon – to provide additional support to embassy staff as part of government’s preparatory planning for a range of possible conflict scenarios, and with regional tensions rising.

    Consular experts will assist with strategic planning and responding to enquiries from British nationals to make sure they get the help and advice they need, and Border Force has deployed officers who stand ready to aid consular operations.

    With the potential for exit routes out of Lebanon – including roads – being affected, limited, or closed, due to events escalating with little warning, teams will continue to urge British nationals to leave while commercial options remain available.

    Military personnel are also in the process of deploying to the region to provide Embassies with operational support to help British nationals. This is alongside Landing ship RFA Cardigan Bay and HMS Duncan already being in the eastern Mediterranean to support allies with humanitarian requirements, with the Royal Air Force also putting transport helicopters on standby.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear – leave now.

    A widening of this conflict is in nobody’s interest – the consequences could be catastrophic. That’s why we continue to call for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution.

    The deployment of additional staff to the region follows the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visiting the Middle East, including Lebanon this week, where the pair stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and pushed calls for peace and stability.

    Defence Secretary John Healey said:

    Our Armed Forces will always step up to support British citizens around the world and reinforce regional stability with their professionalism and bravery.

    As I told leaders in the Middle East this week, de-escalation must be the primary focus in the region, and we are urging all to dial down tensions. There must be an end to the fighting, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a diplomatic path to peace and security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Women’s contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Women’s contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.

    Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

    President, as our briefers today have made clear, the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda recognises the critical role women play in building sustainable peace. Women’s contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping missions, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals.

    I will set out three priorities today: perspective, participation and prevention.
    First, perspective. We must integrate a gender perspective into all components of peacekeeping missions, including preventing and responding to Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). Gender-responsive conflict analysis and technical gender expertise are critical to mission effectiveness, including in transition planning.

    I am pleased that we have secured strong gender commitments in recent mandate renewals, including on gender-based violence in Haiti and on women’s participation in Colombia.

    We call on Member States, UN entities and NGOs to prioritise WPS considerations in all disengagement planning, including the planned withdrawal of MONUSCO.

    Second, participation. Women peacekeepers engage with populations and in places less accessible to men, bringing unique insights. This improves awareness of security risks, including CRSV, and builds trust with local communities.

    The UK is creating an enabling environment for women peacekeepers. We contributed £1 million to the Elsie Initiative Fund last year, and the British Peace Support Team is training women in driving and weapons handling, improving women’s pass rates in assessments.
    Participation of women’s rights organisations is also key. MINUSMA was a strong example of this; their engagement with civil society allowed them to change attitudes towards CRSV and better advocate for survivors.

    Lastly, prevention. Transitions and drawdowns expose local communities to heightened risks of CRSV due to security gaps, weakened institutions and increased political tensions. It is therefore vital to ensure prevention remains an ongoing priority through the development of mission-wide, coordinated and survivor-centred approaches for addressing CRSV. This particularly in the context of in live transitions and withdrawal.
    Prevention also includes tackling sexual exploitation and abuse. This is why, last year, through the British Peace Support Team, the UK trained 2,208 troops and police on sexual exploitation and abuse.

    President, to be truly effective, peace and security mechanisms must understand and address the security needs of all people, including women and girls. Let us commit to ensuring that the WPS agenda plays a central role in all peacekeeping plans, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals.

  • PRESS RELEASE : AI to reduce train delays, speed up NHS prescriptions and train construction workers gets £32 million boost [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : AI to reduce train delays, speed up NHS prescriptions and train construction workers gets £32 million boost [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 7 August 2024.

    Government unveils AI projects to improve productivity and public services supported by a share of £32 million.

    • Government forges ahead with plans to improve the lives of working people with cutting-edge technology, supporting 98 AI projects with a share of £32 million.
    • New technology innovations set to improve efficiency of prescription deliveries, reduce train delays and help ensure the UK has a skilled construction workforce.
    • Winning projects span the UK, and funding will benefit over 200 businesses and research organisations.

    Companies developing artificial intelligence (AI) to improve safety on construction sites, reduce time spent repairing the railways and cut emissions across supply chains are amongst a number of projects set to receive a share of £32 million in UK Government funding.

    Announced today (7 August), almost 100 ground-breaking projects have been awarded financial backing as the government continues its mission to boost productivity and kickstart growth across the economy through AI so everyone is better off.

    A total of 98 projects from Southampton to Birmingham and Northern Ireland will receive funding, involving more than 200 businesses and research organisations spanning a range of sectors including public services, driving efficiencies and reducing administrative tasks.

    Minister for Digital Government and AI Feryal Clark said:

    AI will deliver real change for working people across the UK – not only growing our economy but improving our public services.

    That’s why our support for initiatives like this will be so crucial – backing a range of projects which could reduce train delays, give us new ways of maintaining our vital infrastructure, and improve experiences for patients by making it easier to get their prescriptions to them.

    We want technology to boost growth and deliver change right across the board, and I’m confident projects like these will help us realise that ambition.

    Among the projects is V-Lab Ltd, which has received £165,006 to further develop software powered by AI to help people train in the construction sector. Their system offers immersive, scenario-based virtual simulations of real construction sites to efficiently train workers on risk assessments and safety protocols – helping to ensure the UK has a skilled workforce to deliver the infrastructure the country needs.

    As part of the government’s mission to build an NHS which is fit for the future, pharmacies that deliver prescriptions across the country are also set to benefit from this new financial support. A project led by Nottingham-based Anteam will see them working alongside retailers and the NHS to improve the efficiency of their deliveries using AI algorithms. This technology will match the delivery needs of retailers and hospitals to existing delivery journeys, unlocking under-utilised capacity, cutting carbon emissions and delivering a better experience for patients.

    In a transformational change to how our railway network is maintained and inspected, Hack Partners will also lead on the development of an entirely autonomous system which can monitor, manage, and identify defects on rail infrastructure across the country. This represents a significant step forward for the British public, boosting the efficiency and safety of our railway network to deliver a better service for rail users.

    The funding announced today will specifically support solutions in ‘high growth’ industries, ensuring AI is at the heart of driving forward greater productivity and efficiency across key areas of the economy. Cambridge-based Monumo are part of a team awarded £750,152 to develop improved designs for motors in electric vehicles – their 3D Generative-AI Tool is set to improve sustainability across sectors spanning commercial transportation, flight and power generation.

    Work on bringing these new innovations to life is already underway as the winning teams begin to develop their solutions to deliver the cost-cutting, efficiency boosting benefits across the UK.

    In the field of logistics, Robok Limited are setting to work on their SeeGul AI tool, which uses AI to monitor efficiency, improve resourcing, and identify bottlenecks which hamper productivity for businesses operating warehouses and storage facilities. Meanwhile, Kelp Technologies are collaborating with fashion retailers Depop and Selfridges to develop real-time pricing and market trend analysis to address the complexity of pricing second hand apparel. The results of the project will save time and money for retailers and play an important role in growing the second-hand clothing market, reducing waste and greenhouse emissions.

    Dr Kedar Pandya, UKRI Technology Missions Fund Senior Responsible Owner and Executive Director of Cross-Council Programmes at UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council said:

    These projects will drive AI innovation and economic growth in a diverse range of high-growth industry sectors in all nations of the UK.

    They complement other investments made through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, which are already helping to boost growth and productivity across the UK by harnessing the power of AI and other transformative technologies.

    The support announced today places UK AI innovation at the heart of the government’s plans to spark economic growth through a productivity revolution. The winning projects are funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund to secure the UK’s global leadership in emerging and future AI technologies. The projects are delivered through the Innovate UK BridgeAI  programme, whose additional support also includes access to training and scientific expertise, expert AI advice and guidance, and greater collaboration between businesses and developers.

    It follows the King’s Speech where the government committed to ‘take the brakes off Britain’ through a raft of new Bills, including generating sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Development Minister calls for peace and security in Middle East, announcing new aid for Gaza on first trip to region [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Development Minister calls for peace and security in Middle East, announcing new aid for Gaza on first trip to region [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.

    International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds will pledge new UK aid and meet key Jordanian Ministers in her first official visit to the Middle East.

    • Anneliese Dodds calls for peace and security in the Middle East amid escalating tensions, on her first visit to the region in her role
    • the International Development Minister also pledges new UK package of food, water, health, education and wellbeing support for Gazans on visit to Jordan
    • she will meet key Jordanian Ministers to discuss how their 2 countries can work even more closely together in future

    As tensions rise between Israel and Lebanon, the minister will call for calm in the wider Middle East, and continue diplomatic efforts made by the Foreign and Defence Secretaries in Qatar, Lebanon and Israel last week to lead a renewed push for peace.

    She will also repeat calls for British nationals to leave Lebanon now, due to rising risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hizballah and other non-state actors in Lebanon.

    Amid the threat of growing instability in the wider region, Gazans continue to face a devastating humanitarian crisis.

    During her visit to Jordan, the minister will announce £6 million in funding for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable families in Gaza.

    The £6 million package will help tens of thousands of Gazans access food and water, as well as health, education and wellbeing services.

    She will also visit a World Food Programme depot, which plays a key role in the delivery of aid to Gaza.

    Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said:

    Now is the time for calm, if we are to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. It is in no-one’s interests for tensions to escalate and spread across the wider region.

    We are seeing the humanitarian impact of conflict on Gazans. This new UK support will provide a lifeline for vulnerable families, giving them access to basic food and water during a desperate time. I am grateful to the Jordanian Government for supporting UK efforts to get aid to those in such desperate need.

    But this appalling situation cannot continue. We must see an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and unfettered access to lifesaving aid for those in Gaza.

    UK funding will support the vaccination and immunisation of over 20,000 children, provide over 8,000 school-aged children with recreational activities to boost their wellbeing and help over 55,000 people in Gaza access clean water and sanitation.

    During her visit, the minister will also meet key charity partners, including the World Food Programme to hear about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Jordan.

    Separately, the UK is also announcing today it is allocating £14 million to support refugees in Jordan. The funding will be delivered in September this year, with £7 million going to UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – and the same amount to the World Food Programme. Jordan is currently home to over 3 million refugees, many of them from neighbouring Syria.

    During her visit the minister will meet Jordanian Minister of Finance, Mohamad Al Ississ, and the foreign ministry’s Secretary General, Majid Al-Qatarneh to discuss Jordan’s successful economic performance in a challenging geopolitical environment. The ministers will agree steps for the UK and Jordan to accelerate efforts to boost their economic prosperity, as well as find ways of building resilience to the climate crisis.

    Background

    British nationals should not travel to Lebanon and those who are already there should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available

  • PRESS RELEASE : First investors confirm for the International Investment Summit [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : First investors confirm for the International Investment Summit [August 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 7 August 2024.

    Investors have already confirmed attendance at the government’s first International Investment Summit on 14 October, announced this weekend.

    Rachel Reeves meeting with tech and financial services CEOs as part of 3-day trip across US and Canada, making the case that Britain is open for business.
    Chancellor sets new ambition for data centres throughout the country to power growth, generate jobs and secure investment.
    Rachel Reeves is meeting with the CEOs of BNY Mellon, Blackstone and CyrusOne in New York, with all companies confirming their attendance at the summit later this year as she carries the message that Britain is open for business.

    Having taken early difficult decisions to address an inherited £22 billion black hole in the public finances, the Chancellor made the case she has wasted no time in prioritising economic stability and instigating growth-led reforms of the UK economy, once again making it an investment destination for global businesses.

    Reeves championed the UK’s strengths during her meetings, including its globally recognised higher education system with four of the world’s top ten universities, its fourth place ranking for innovation in the Global Innovation Index, and its $1 trillion tech sector – the largest in Europe.

    As part of her 3-day trip to the US and Canada, Rachel Reeves is also meeting with CoreWeave where she will set out for the first time a new government commitment to encouraging the building of data centres throughout the UK, to boost growth and create jobs.

    The Deputy Prime Minister is already reviewing two appealed planning applications for data centres in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire as part of the government’s commitment to make the economic benefit of development a central consideration when intervening in the planning system – changes made by the Chancellor in her first speech just four weeks ago.

    Data centres are central to the digital economy, housing the data that modern life is built on, and will continue to play a vital role in supporting the increasing use of cloud-based applications and storage by businesses and consumers, and the rollout of 5G.

    It is estimated the sector employs around 17,000 people, with data centre operators generating an estimated £4.6 billion of annual revenue a year.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The message is clear: Britain is open for business. And as more investors sign up for our International Investment Summit, it shows they believe it too.

    They recognise we have taken some difficult decisions to fix the foundations of our economy and set us on a path to sustained economic growth as government’s number one mission – it is only by doing so that we can capitalise on Britain’s immense investment potential.

    By rebuilding Britain we can make every part of the country better off. Aiming to have datacentres across the country is part of that. We are already reviewing two planning applications in the South East, but I’m determined to see new digital investments up and down the UK.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Investment is vital for creating jobs and bringing economic growth to every part of the country. Seeing global investors back the UK is a vote of confidence in our economy, and shows we are an investment destination of choice.

    This summit is an important opportunity to show Britain is back on the world stage and build long-term relationships that will boost investment across the UK in the months and years ahead.

    During her visit to Toronto on Wednesday, Reeves will meet with Mark Carney to discuss the development of the National Wealth Fund (NWF) ahead of the International Investment Summit.

    The Chancellor convened a meeting of the National Wealth Fund Taskforce – of which Mr Carney is a member – to launch the NWF just days after taking office, as an immediate commitment to the government’s new partnership with business and to support a new Industrial Strategy.

    Backed by £7.3 billion of public investment to focus on priority sectors, the NWF stands to catalyse billions in private investment into our world-leading green and growth industries, with its aligning of key institutions creating a more compelling and certain offer for investors. The Chancellor and Mr Carney are expected to discuss the importance of rapid progress on the NWF as a key tenet of Britain’s pitch at the International Investment Summit.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Our immediate action after Southport attacks [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Our immediate action after Southport attacks [August 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 August 2024.

    Government action taken following the attacks in Southport on 29 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister has taken immediate action following the far-right thuggery we have seen take place after the devastating events in Southport last week.

    He has promised that those taking part in this disorder – whether it be directly or online – will face the full force of the law.

    The police will continue to make arrests, individuals will be held on remand, and charges and convictions will follow.

    Ramp up criminal justice

    Police chiefs have made clear that public order reserves will be on standby in strategic locations throughout the week, with thousands of extra officers available for rapid deployment wherever and whenever disorder arises.

    There have already been hundreds of arrests, including for online offences.  Some have already appeared in court this morning. We will ensure those responsible will feel the full force of the law.

    We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities. The full force of the law will be visited on all those who are identified as having taken part in these activities.

    Mosques to be offered new emergency security

    Mosques are being offered greater protection with new emergency security that can be rapidly deployed.

    The new rapid response process means mosques at risk of violent disorder can be offered additional security personnel, providing communities with vital support and reassurance.

    This will boost the work already being done by local police forces to protect these important places of worship.

    Under the new process now in place, the police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed, protecting communities and allowing for a return to worship as quickly as possible.

    National Violent Disorder Programme

    The Prime Minister has announced the immediate creation of a programme to stop criminals intent on causing violence and unrest on our streets.

    The programme is bringing together the best policing capabilities from across the country to share intelligence on the activity of violent groups so the authorities can swiftly intervene to arrest them.

    Local insight and data will be used to gain a national understanding of where these criminals are operating, including the British Transport Police alerting where they see a spike in train ticket sales that could be linked to organised violent disorder.

    It will also consider how we can deploy facial recognition technology, which is already used by some forces, more widely across the country. This will mean criminals can be targeted, found and brought to justice quickly.

    How to show your support

    Charity regulators have said there are many ways to show support for those affected by the tragedy, and that making a donation to a registered, regulated charity offers donors assurance that their funds will be effectively overseen and accounted for.

    The Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside has launched an appeal to help relieve financial hardship for victims, survivors and their families.

    The Southport Strong Together Appeal will also help other charities and community organisations delivering projects and services in the Southport area to support emotional wellbeing, mental health and bereavement support as well as community cohesion and violence prevention initiatives.

    Package of support for Southport

    The Prime Minister set out a package of support for Southport last week, to make sure the right support is in place for victims.

    It will equip local leaders and agencies to make sure the needs of bereaved families are at the heart of the response, and to drive longer term efforts to bring the community together.

    This comes alongside extensive care delivered by the NHS including specialist psychological and bereavement support services, and access to 24/7 crisis support.

    To support the long-term recovery of the area, government will work with local partners on new ways to equip local leaders to help bolster community cohesion and build local resilience.

    This will include setting up a programme of local community events and activities to help bring people together and create long-lasting support networks drawing from local schools, businesses, faith groups, sports clubs and other key partners.