Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Legally qualified member appointed to the Civil Procedure Rule Committee [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Legally qualified member appointed to the Civil Procedure Rule Committee [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 18 November 2024.

    The Lord Chancellor has appointed Kelly Stricklin-Coutinho as a legally qualified member to the Civil Procedure Rule Committee (CPRC) from 12 July 2025 until 11 July 2028.

    The CPRC is a non-departmental public body. It was established under the Civil Procedure Act 1997 (CPA 1997) to make rules of court, setting out the practice and procedure, for the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the County Court.

    Legally qualified members of the CPRC are appointed by the Lord Chancellor under section 2(1B) of the CPA 1997. The appointment of legally qualified members complies with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Biography

    Called to the Bar of England and Wales, in 2006, and – in 2020 – called to the Bar of the Republic of Ireland. Kelly qualified as a solicitor of England and Wales in 2008. She has practised at 39 Essex Chambers since 2014.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Biggest overhaul in a generation to children’s social care [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Biggest overhaul in a generation to children’s social care [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 18 November 2024.

    New powers handed to Ofsted to crack down on exploitative children’s care providers and transparency to be increased around their finances.

    The government will today embark on major reform to end years of neglect of the children’s social care support system – breaking the cycle of late intervention and helping keep families together wherever possible so every child has the opportunity to thrive.

    A wide range of new reform measures will be set out in Parliament to deliver better outcomes and a more secure life for children across the country. The government will empower social workers, and all those that work with children, to take action against children’s placements providers that deliver subpar standards of care at sky-high costs to councils and focus the system on early intervention.

    It comes as local government spending on looked after children has ballooned from £3.1 billion in 2009/10 to £7 billion in 2022/23, with social workers all too often burdened by heavy caseloads, struggling to deliver the help that children and families need before problems escalate.

    Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, said:

    Our care system has suffered from years of drift and neglect. It’s bankrupting councils, letting families down, and above all, leaving too many children feeling forgotten, powerless and invisible.

    We want to break down the barriers to opportunity and end the cycle of crisis through ambitious reforms to give vulnerable children the best life chances – because none of us thrive until all of us do.

    We will crack down on care providers making excessive profit, tackle unregistered and unsafe provision and ensure earlier intervention to keep families together and help children to thrive.

    One of the most entrenched challenges facing children and social workers is some private providers, that are siphoning off money that should be going towards vulnerable children, making excessive profits or running unregistered homes that don’t meet the right standards of care.

    According to analysis by the Local Government Association, there are now over 1,500 children in placements each costing the equivalent of over £0.5 million every year, while the largest 15 private providers make an average of 23 per cent profit.

    New rules will require key placements providers – those that provide homes for the most children – to share their finances with the government, allowing profiteering to be challenged. Increasing financial transparency will ensure the providers that have the biggest impact on the market don’t unexpectedly go under and leave children without a home.

    There will also be a “backstop” law to put a limit on the profit providers can make, that the government will introduce if providers do not voluntarily put an end to profiteering.

    Not-for-profit providers and those backed by social investment are being called on to come forward to set up homes to strengthen the system.

    To protect quality and safety in children’s homes, Ofsted will also be given new powers to issue civil fines to providers, working more quickly to deter unscrupulous behaviour than with existing criminal powers.

    More widely, the government is beginning the process of rebalancing the whole children’s social care system in favour of early intervention, giving every family the legal right to be involved in decisions made about children entering the care system.

    Further plans for funding for children’s social care including investment in preventative services, are set to be laid out in the coming weeks in the upcoming Local Government Finance Settlement.

    Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:

    It is positive to see the Government building on recent progress following the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, and pursuing an approach rooted in what we know works for children and their families.

    We are particularly pleased to see an ongoing focus on early help and family networks, and a strong commitment to tackling profiteering and other problems in the market for children’s social care placements.

    Moving forward, progress will be limited by the significant funding and workforce challenges within children’s social care, councils and amongst partners more widely.

    It is vital that the Government uses the forthcoming Spending Review to ensure that all those working to keep children safe and to help them thrive have the resources they need to do that well.

    Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said:

    Every child deserves to grow up safe, happy, healthy and engaged in their communities and in their education. With this Bill we have an opportunity to repair how we treat childhood in this country.

    Children are paying the price of a broken social care system that allows profits over protection. They are enduring things no child should ever have to: living in isolation in illegal children’s homes, often at enormous cost, deprived of their liberty without due process, often surrounded by security guards instead of receiving love and care.

    Children in the social care system today are living week to week in limbo. They need action without delay, not plans or strategies, so I welcome the urgency with which this government is setting out plans to tackle some of the most entrenched challenges. There must be no limits on our ambition for these children and I will look forward to working closely with ministers to push for radical reform.

    Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector said:

    These new powers will allow Ofsted to do more to make sure all children’s homes are safe and nurturing places, and to combat illegal and poor-quality homes quickly and effectively. We welcome these reforms and stand ready to deliver the Government’s new asks as soon as possible.

    Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, said:

    We are pleased to see the government taking this next step towards reforming the children’s social care market, in line with our recommendations. Our market study found multiple concerns – including a shortage of appropriate places – which need to be tackled to ensure vulnerable children and young people are getting the homes they need. We will continue to work with the government to make sure the plan delivers longstanding improvements.

    Other key measures set to be announced today include:

    New powers for Ofsted to investigate multiple homes being run by the same company, acting on the recommendations made in response to the vile abuse uncovered at the Hesley group of children’s homes.

    Delivery of the manifesto commitment to introduce a consistent child identifier, making sure information can be shared between professionals so they can intervene before issues escalate.

    The requirement for every council to have ‘multi-agency’ child safeguarding teams, involving children’s schools and teachers, stopping children from falling through the cracks.

    The requirement for all local authorities to offer the Staying Close programme – a package of support which enables care leavers to find and keep accommodation, alongside access to practical and emotional help, up to the age of 21, ending the cliff-edge of support many experience at 18.
    A new duty on parents where if their child is subject to a child protection enquiry, or on a child protection plan, they will need local authority consent to home educate that child.
    The government will continue to work closely with the sector and local authorities as these changes are introduced to ensure the best possible outcomes for all children and young people, and their families.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and US join forces to speed up advanced nuclear technologies [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and US join forces to speed up advanced nuclear technologies [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 18 November 2024.

    New agreement for civil nuclear collaboration signed by UK and US at COP29 in Baku, helping strengthen energy security.

    • New agreement for civil nuclear collaboration signed by UK and US at COP29 in Baku, helping strengthen energy security
    • alliance aims to pool billions in R&D to help speed up deployment of advanced nuclear technologies
    • forum will exclude Russia from future nuclear R&D collaborations

    The United Kingdom and United States have joined forces at COP29 to speed up the deployment of cutting-edge nuclear technology to help decarbonise industry and boost energy security.

    The UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and US Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk have today (Monday 18 November) signed a new agreement while in Baku for climate talks that will help pool together billions of pounds worth of nuclear research and development – including the world’s leading academic institutions and nuclear innovators.

    The UK will take a leading role in the forum, which aims to support information-sharing on advanced nuclear technologies and make them available for use in industry by 2030.

    New technologies such as advanced modular reactors can help decarbonise heavy industry such as aviation fuel, hydrogen or advanced steel production, by providing low-carbon heat and power. They are also smaller and can be made in factories, making them quicker and cheaper to build.

    This will support the commitment made last year at COP28 to triple nuclear energy capacity globally by 2050, with 31 countries signed up including the US and UK.

    The UK is reversing a legacy of no nuclear being delivered and moving forward with its advanced nuclear reactor programme and Great British Nuclear’s small modular reactor competition, as well as continuing development of the Sizewell C project. New nuclear will help to secure thousands of good, skilled jobs and support energy independence beyond 2030.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    Nuclear will play a vital role in our clean energy future.

    That is why we are working closely with our allies to unleash the potential of cutting-edge nuclear technology.

    Advanced nuclear technology will help decarbonise industry by providing low-carbon heat and power, supporting new jobs and investment here in the UK.

    As part of this new agreement, the Generation IV International Forum will no longer include Russia – ensuring future collaborations remain among mutually willing parties who respect nuclear safety norms.

    The new agreement will come into force from 1 March 2025.

  • PRESS RELEASE : International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law: UK Statement to the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law: UK Statement to the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 November 2024.

    Hazel Cameron, Head of the FCDO Human Rights Department, expresses the UK’s commitment to international law and its ironclad support for Ukraine.

    Thank you very much Chairman. My name is Hazel Cameron, I am Head of the Human Rights Department in the Foreign Office in London. I am very pleased to be here.

    We are deeply alarmed by the ongoing breaches in International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law being committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. As we are all aware in this room, there are reports from numerous credible international and local organisations documenting the scale of the atrocities, including indiscriminate attacks across Ukraine, the destruction of critical national infrastructure, including energy supply with the onset of winter, forced deportation of children and refusal to return those children, and a failure to protect basic human rights standards in Russian-occupied areas.

    In the face of this, it’s easy to feel despondent, and I would like now to quote our Prime Minister Keir Starmer when he spoke at the UN General Assembly last week, when he said, ‘people talk about an age of polarisation, impunity and instability, and I fear a sense of fatalism has taken hold.’ However, ‘our task is to say: no. We won’t accept this slide into greater and greater conflict, instability and injustice’. Instead, we will do all we can to change it and to recommit to internationalism and to the rule of law. He then went on to evoke a number of situations, including the need to prevent regional war in the Middle East, the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, he evoked the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, and above all he spoke of the need for the international community to stand together and to stand firm in condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine, and in upholding accountability.

    Our support in the United Kingdom for Ukraine is ironclad. We will provide at least 100 million pounds in humanitarian aid in this financial year, bringing our total humanitarian contribution to 457 million pounds since the start of the invasion. We will continue to support the work of this organisation and the rest of the international architecture, including the International Criminal Court, the Council of Europe, United Nations and its specialist bodies, as well as brave human rights defenders, journalists and activists in Ukraine.

    We will work with our community of lawyers in the UK, who bring expertise through the UK-US-EU cooperation in the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group, helping the Ukrainian Prosecutor General to ensure that justice is not only done, but is seen to be done. We remain resolute in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, protecting civilians and seeking justice for those affected by Russia’s ongoing violations.

    Through our collective action and solidarity, we hope to achieve a just and lasting peace and uphold the principles of international law. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions Iran for aiding Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, as Foreign Secretary chairs UN Security Council [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions Iran for aiding Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, as Foreign Secretary chairs UN Security Council [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 November 2024.

    The UK has announced further measures against Iran in response to its transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia, aiding its war in Ukraine. This follows the initial UK response and commitments outlined by the E3 (UK, France and Germany).

    Iran’s national airline, Iran Air, is today subject to an asset freeze which will further restrict its direct, scheduled commercial air services to and from the UK, following financial sanctions imposed by the UK government.

    As a state-owned airline, Iran Air, is sanctioned in response to the Government of Iran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia, following commitments outlined by the E3 in September.

    The UK is also announcing sanctions against the state-owned national shipping carrier of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), and the Russian cargo ship, PORT OLYA-3 (IMO 9481910). These measures include an asset freeze and shipping sanctions respectively, taken against both entities for their role in supporting the Iranian defence sector or transporting weapons to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.

    Today’s announcement comes as the Prime Minister prepares to mark 1,000 days since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine at the G20 tomorrow, and as the Foreign Secretary visits New York to chair the UN Security Council (UNSC).

    The Foreign Secretary will address the UNSC and reiterate the UK’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine, and to securing a lasting peace in the Middle East.

    In his meeting at the UN Security Council, Foreign Secretary David Lammy will say:

    Iran’s attempts to undermine global security are dangerous and unacceptable.

    Alongside our international partners, we were clear that any transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia would face a significant response.

    That’s why today we are sanctioning Iran Air and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, in response to Iran’s deliveries of ballistic missiles to Russia.

    We reiterate our call on Iran to cease its support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine which continues to bring devastation to the Ukrainian people. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    These measures follow initial steps taken by the UK government on 10 September in response to Iran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia, which included the cancellation of the UK’s bilateral air services arrangements with Iran.

    The UK also amended the Iran sanctions regime to strengthen trade sanctions on Iran, targeting items that are used in the production of ballistic missiles, UAVs and other weaponry.

    Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:

    This government stands firmly with the people of Ukraine and we have been clear that any support for Russia’s illegal war will not be tolerated.

    We will continue to use every lever at our disposal to put pressure on Iran to end the transfer of ballistic missiles and bring an end to this needless destruction.

    Today’s sanctions follow action taken previously, alongside international partners, whereby the UK sanctioned key Iranian and Russian individuals and organisations for their role in facilitating Iran’s military support to Russia, including Russian cargo ships that transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia.

    To date, the UK has sanctioned more than 450 Iranian individuals and entities, including those that seek to use malign influence regionally and internationally. The UK has also sanctioned 2,100 individuals and entities under the Russia sanctions regime, with over 1,900 designated since the start of Putin’s full-scale invasion.

    The UK is clear that Iran must stop supporting Putin’s unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state, and that we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to strengthen partnership with global family to tackle shared challenges [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to strengthen partnership with global family to tackle shared challenges [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 November 2024.

    Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty will welcome elected leaders and ministers from across the 14 Overseas Territories to the Joint Ministerial Council.

    • Growth, climate, security, governance, and transparency top of the agenda as the new UK government strengthens partnership with the UK Overseas Territories at annual Joint Ministerial Council meeting
    • New UK government reaffirms commitment to defending Overseas Territories’ sovereignty, security, and right to self-determination
    • Leaders will discuss ways to transform how the UK and Overseas Territories work together on shared challenges, within a respectful and sustainable constitutional partnership

    The new UK government has committed to working more closely with the Overseas Territories to boost growth, tackle climate change, crack down on crime, boost good governance and improve financial transparency, as the leaders of the Overseas Territories meet with UK Ministers at the Joint Ministerial Council in London this week.

    The event marks a key point in the new UK government’s relationship with the Overseas Territories, as the new government seeks a fresh approach based on closer working and mutual respect, to further strengthen bonds with the British family of Overseas Territories.

    Minister for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty will welcome elected leaders, ministers, and representatives from the 14 Overseas Territories to listen to their ideas on how to transform the UK-Overseas Territories’ relationship to deliver greater security and prosperity, deliver high standards of governance and transparency, and address the dual climate and nature crises.

    The UK’s enduring partnership with the Overseas Territories is highly valued by this government. Alongside our deep people to people ties and shared history, the Overseas Territories make strong economic contributions, oversee 94% of Britain’s unique species and key marine and land ecosystems, and extend Britain’s global presence in a range of strategically important regions. Many too are on the frontline of the impacts of climate change.

    This week, Minister Doughty will also underline the UK’s unwavering commitment to defend the Overseas Territories and their sovereignty and rights, including to self-determination.

    Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty said:

    The Overseas Territories are an invaluable part of the British family, and we are focussed on delivering on the issues that matter to them, including prosperity, climate change, infrastructure, and security – as well as working in partnership with them to ensure sustainable societies, good governance and transparency that deliver positive outcomes for all of us.

    This new government is committed to further building our relationship with the Overseas Territories on the basis of mutual respect and inclusion, and I’m looking forward to continued working with leaders to transform how we deliver for all our people and bring our family closer together.

    Delegates will attend meetings at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London over the next four days, where the Minister will lead conversations with leaders and representatives on collective action to be taken on a range of key issues, including security, irregular migration, financial transparency, climate change, infrastructure and economic resilience.

    Overseas Territories present at the meeting will include Anguilla, Ascension, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New British Ambassador presents credentials to the President of Guatemala [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New British Ambassador presents credentials to the President of Guatemala [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 November 2024.

    The new British Ambassador to Guatemala, Juliana Correa, presented her credentials to President Bernardo Arevalo on 18 November 2024.

    President Arevalo welcomed Ambassador Correa to Guatemala and expressed appreciation for the UK’s continued support and cooperation.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Ramiro Martinez, was present in the event.

    Ambassador Correa reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Guatemala. She highlighted the shared goals of promoting sustainable development, fostering economic growth, and enhancing environmental protection and governance. She pledged continued investment in Central America biodiversity and climate resilience through the UK’s Biodiverse Landscapes Fund.

    The UK has been a key partner for Guatemala in working to tackle climate change while promoting human rights and rural development.  Ambassador Correa looks forward to continuing strengthening those ties.

    Ms Juliana Correa was appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala in April 2024 and arrived in the region in October this year. You can read her full biography here.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK minister reiterates commitment to deepen partnership with India [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK minister reiterates commitment to deepen partnership with India [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 November 2024.

    Catherine West, the UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific visits India to reiterate the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

    Climate, tech, health, education and development on the agenda as Catherine West, the UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific, visits India to reiterate the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

    During her 2-day visit she will hold meetings with senior Indian ministers and officials and learn more about the unique living bridge both countries share.

    Building upon the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out by the Foreign Secretary in his visit in July, Minister West will continue to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership and drive forward greater growth for both countries.

    Her visit will include a meeting at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi, where she will reinforce the UK’s commitment to a stronger partnership and the importance of the enduring links between our people.

    She will also reiterate that the UK remains committed to negotiating a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty.

    Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West said:

    I am delighted to be visiting India for the first time as Minister for the Indo-Pacific. As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is a vital partner.

    My visit reaffirms the UK’s commitment to fostering deeper cooperation with India and to driving forward greater growth and prosperity for both our nations.

    During an education roundtable at the British Council, the Minister will learn more about the unique “living bridge” between the UK and India, representing the 1.7 million people in the UK with Indian heritage and connecting our two countries across our culture, education, food, sport and more.

    Further deepening this cultural understanding, the Minister will visit the Jama Masjid in Delhi, where she will learn about its history and architecture.

    Her visit follows a 2-day visit to Bangladesh, where she reaffirmed UK support for the Interim Government’s work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New measures unveiled to crack down on subscription traps [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New measures unveiled to crack down on subscription traps [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 November 2024.

    Government publishes consultation on new measures to tackle unfair and costly subscription traps, which cost consumers £1.6 billion annually.

    • Consultation launched on measures to crack down on “subscription traps” and better protect shoppers
    • Proposed measures will stop complicated websites and restrictive call centres preventing refunds and cancellations.
    • Unwanted subscriptions cost families £14 per month per subscription and £1.6 billion a year in total

    New proposals to crack down on subscription traps have been unveiled today as the government launches a consultation on measures to make it easier for consumers to get a refund or cancel unwanted subscriptions.

    “Subscription traps” are instances where consumers are frequently misled into signing up for a subscription through a “free trial” or reduced price offer. In some cases if the consumer doesn’t cancel the trial within a set amount of time, they are often automatically transferred to a costly subscription payment plan.

    It comes as new figures reveal consumers are spending billions of pounds each year on unwanted subscriptions due to unclear terms and conditions and complicated cancellation routes. Nearly 10 million of 155 million active subscriptions in the UK are unwanted, costing consumers £1.6 billion a year.

    Subscriptions can be for anything from magazines to beauty boxes, with many subscriptions having complicated or inconvenient cancellation processes such as phone lines with long waits and restrictive opening hours that can leave consumers feeling trapped.

    The consultation sets out proposals to make the refunds and cancellation processes simpler, with a requirement on retailers for greater transparency on their subscription programmes in a way that is proportionate to balance consumer rights without placing unnecessary burdens on businesses.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Our mission is to put more money back into people’s pockets and improve living standards across this country, tackling subscription traps that rip people’s earnings away is an important part of that.

    Everyone hates seeing money leave their account for a subscription they thought they’d cancelled, or a trial that unexpectedly gets extended.

    We’re looking to hear from as many businesses, consumer groups, and other interested groups as possible to allow us to set fair regulations that stop this corporate abuse of power whilst retaining the benefits of subscriptions for consumers and businesses.

    The government is committed to working with business and consumers alike to deliver competitive markets that see lower prices, more choice and a fairer deal for all.

    This is why the government is inviting their views on developing proposals on how refunds should work when a consumer wants to exit a contract, how they should be notified about renewals or the ending of a free trial, and the arrangements businesses need to put in place to help customers conveniently cancel a contract. This includes clear websites that signpost them directly to the cancellation process.

    By putting an end to these exhaustive processes and helping consumers take back control of their money, individuals could save on average £14 per month for each unwanted subscription they are able to leave earlier.

    The consultation will seek views from a variety of groups who have an interest in the subscriptions market including businesses who offer subscriptions, consumer groups, and enforcement agencies.

    The consultation follows the Digital Market, Competition and Consumers Act coming into effect earlier this year.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    • The consultation has been published here: Consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime – GOV.UK
    • The government is consulting on the detail of how the regime may work, including:
    • How returns and refunds work if a consumer exercises their statutory 14-day cooling-off right to cancel after signing up or after a trial or long-term contract (12 months or more) auto-renews. This includes how the rules work depending on whether the subscription contract is for goods, services, or digital content.
    • How remedies work if a consumer exercises their statutory right to cancel their contract because a trader didn’t comply with certain duties, which are terms implied into a subscription contract.
    • How contract information and notices must be provided.
    • What arrangements traders must put in place to ensure exit processes are straightforward.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Cruise missile of the future completes firing [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cruise missile of the future completes firing [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 November 2024.

    Royal Navy and Royal Air Force pilots will benefit from a cutting-edge new cruise missile, following the first successful guided firing trial of the missile.

    • Cutting-edge missile successfully fires from Typhoon test platform.
    • Ability to hit a range of targets more than 100km away.
    • New missile backs hundreds of UK jobs.

    Royal Navy and Royal Air Force pilots will benefit from a cutting-edge new cruise missile, following the first successful guided firing trial of the SPEAR missile.

    SPEAR, which is a next generation turbojet-powered miniature cruise missile, successfully completed the trial after being fired from a BAE Systems-operated Typhoon jet at Vidsel range in Sweden. This most recent trial was the first time the weapons system had been fired against a target, signifying a major leap forward in the programmes development.

    Each missile can hit targets from 100km away and is designed to be used against a range of targets, including air defences, ships, tanks, defended structures and fast-moving vehicles. Once in service it will be fitted to Britain’s F-35B fighter jets and allow the military to strike targets both from land and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

    SPEAR autonomously navigated to the target via customisable routes before using its advanced all-weather radar seeker to map the target area, and using the radiofrequency imagery to successfully engage it.

    Developed in the UK by MBDA, work on SPEAR supports several hundred jobs among MBDA’s 5,500-strong UK workforce, with design work mainly in Stevenage and Bristol and manufacturing in Bolton.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard said:

    The successful trial of the pioneering SPEAR missile marks a significant leap forward in UK Armed Forces’ capabilities, ensuring our Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel are equipped with cutting-edge technology to protect our nation.

    This achievement not only strengthens national defence capabilities but also boosts the UK economy, by supporting high-skilled jobs and innovation.

    F-35B jets will be able to carry up to eight SPEAR missiles at a time, providing the next generation of long-range air-to-surface missiles. This guided firing trial marks a critical milestone in the development of the SPEAR programme, which provides the next generation of stand-off air-to-surface missiles for Suppression of Enemy Air Defences missions in challenging and complex operating environments.
    The trial, which used a telemetry unit instead of a live warhead, demonstrated the release, gather and long-range free-flight control of the missile following a high-altitude and high-speed release.

    Mike Mew, Tactical Strike Director of MBDA, said:

    SPEAR is a truly unique weapon system – the first to offer the range, flexibility, precision and load-out to defeat modern enemy air defences.

    The success of this trial is thanks to excellent joint working from teams across MOD, BAE Systems and MBDA.

    SPEAR is part of a wider portfolio which supports £6.5 billion of planned investment in the UK weapons industry by the MOD over the next decade – which includes other missile programmes such as Brimstone, CAMM, Sea Viper, Sea Venom and Storm Shadow, putting the UK at the forefront of future weapons development.

    Matthew Brown, SPEAR Team Leader at DE&S, said:

    This trial was a key step on the way to delivering SPEAR to the UK frontline, where it will provide a new capability to defeat the most complex air defence systems, enabling pilots to fly and fight wherever they’re needed in defence of the UK and its allies.

    The SPEAR programme is being managed by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the Ministry of Defence (MOD) procurement executive agency. A joint MOD and industry team conducted this first in a series of SPEAR guided flight trials.

    Chris Moon, BAE Systems’ UK Delivery Director for Typhoon Capability, said:

    This successful firing from Typhoon is as a result of the hard work and outstanding collaboration between MBDA, MoD and BAE Systems personnel over many months.

    We now look forward to the next phase of SPEAR 3 trials, as well as delivering the testing of many other world-leading capabilities in support of the RAF Typhoon Force.