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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Treasured pets to be safer as microchipping deadline approaches [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Treasured pets to be safer as microchipping deadline approaches [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 May 2024.

    Mandatory microchipping of cats will help reunite thousands of lost or stray pets every year.

    Cat owners are today being urged to have their pets microchipped ahead of new legislation coming into force on 10 June to keep treasured pets safe.

    The legal deadline was previously confirmed in legislation laid in March 2023, following a Government call for evidence and consultation on the issue in December 2020, in which 99% of respondents expressed support for the measure.

    With the number of pet cats in England now more than 9 million, the introduction of mandatory microchipping will make it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely. Microchipping is proven to be the most effective method for identifying lost pets, with microchipped dogs more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owner.

    Microchips are safe and easy to implant with an average cost of around £25 for microchipping and registration. Often, charities and reputable cat rescue organisations may be able to microchip your cat for a reduced rate.

    The process of microchipping involves the insertion of a chip, generally around the size of a grain of rice, under the skin of a pet. The microchip has a unique serial number that the keeper needs to register on a database. When an animal is found, the microchip can be read with a scanner and the registered keeper identified on a database so the pet can quickly be reunited with them.

    The introduction of mandatory microchipping follows a public consultation where there was overwhelming support for the measure. Owned cats must be microchipped before reaching 20 weeks of age, with their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database.

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

    Microchipping is by far the most effective and quickest way of identifying lost pets. As we’ve seen with dog microchipping, those who are microchipped are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owner.

    I urge all owners to ensure their cat is microchipped before the legal deadline so they can increase the likelihood that they will be reunited with their beloved pet in the event of it going missing.

    British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson said:

    Microchipping is a safe, simple technology that can have a big impact; enabling vets to reunite hundreds of lost, stray and stolen cats with their families each year, and allowing injured cats to be quickly identified and treated. With the deadline for compulsory microchipping fast approaching we urge owners with unchipped cats to make an appointment with their practice today. If you have any concerns or are unsure if your cat needs to be chipped, please speak to your vet.

    Battersea’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Michael Webb, said:

    Last year more than two thirds of the cats brought to our centres were sadly not microchipped, making it incredibly difficult for us to trace an owner or help the cat return home.

    Now that owners will be required to get their pet cats microchipped and keep their details up to date, rescues like Battersea can reunite more missing cats, and owners can avoid the devastation of losing their pet. We would urge anyone who hasn’t yet got their cat microchipped to do so as soon as possible ahead of the change in law next month. It’s a simple and painless procedure and an up-to-date microchip is the easiest way for missing pets to be reunited with their worried owners.

    Alice Potter, Cat Welfare Expert at the RSPCA said:

    We all want the best for our cats and microchipping them is a responsible and kind part of pet ownership as it means should your pet become lost, stolen, or injured, they can more easily be reunited with you.

    In one month, cat microchipping becomes mandatory for all cat owners, so – as we strive to create a better world for every kind – we’d urge owners who haven’t got their cat microchipped yet to contact their vet to book an appointment.

    Being on the frontline of animal rescue, we have seen cats coming into our care who are sadly not microchipped and may never be reunited with their owners. We’ve also rescued cats who have been microchipped, but the details haven’t been kept up-to-date which is arguably even more frustrating as it means cats spend a long time in our care whilst we fruitlessly try to contact the owner with out of date information. But we’ve also seen countless stories of cats who have been missing days, weeks, months, years and even decades, being reunited with their owners thanks to a tiny microchip – showing what this change of legislation will achieve for animal welfare.

    Madison Rogers, Head of Advocacy, Campaigns and Government Relations for Cats Protection said:

    With just one month to go, it’s vitally important that all pet cats are microchipped with the details kept up to date. It isn’t a question of just doing it because it’s the law. Microchipping a pet cat vastly improves the chances of a happy reunion should they go missing as it’s a safe and permanent means of identification that remains with a cat for their lifetime.

    No matter how far from home they are found, or how long they have been missing, if a cat has a microchip there is a good chance they can be swiftly returned home.

    This legislation forms part of wider work to reform microchipping and clamp down on pet theft by taking forward key recommendations from the Pet Theft Task Force. We recently announced reforms to the pet microchipping system including making microchip records easier to access, improving the accuracy of microchip information, and standardising database operator processes. We have also confirmed Government support for the Pet Abduction Bill.

    This forms part of a wider Government effort to build on our existing world-leading animal welfare standards. Since publishing the Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021, we have brought in new laws to recognise animal sentience and introduced tougher penalties for animal cruelty offences.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    • Microchipping is not compulsory for free living cats that live with little or no human interaction or dependency, such as farm, feral or community cats.
    • Owners failing to comply by June 10, 2024, could face a fine of up to £500.
    • The new microchipping rules follow a Government call for evidence and consultation on the issue in which 99% of respondents expressed support for the measure. The introduction of compulsory cat microchipping was a manifesto commitment and an Action Plan for Animal Welfare pledge.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Announcement of reappointments – Defra’s Science Advisory Council [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Announcement of reappointments – Defra’s Science Advisory Council [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 May 2024.

    The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the reappointment of four members to the Science Advisory Council.

    The Secretary of State has confirmed the reappointment of 4 members to the Science Advisory Council for a second term of 3 years. These members are:

    • Professor Lisa Collins
    • Professor Nicholas Hanley
    • Professor Susan Owens
    • Professor Richard Bardgett

    Members are reappointed for a further 3-year term taking effect on 6 July 2024 and expiring on 5 July 2027.

    The reappointments have been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

    There is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if significant) to be declared. All candidates declared that they have not taken part in any significant political activity in the past 5 years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Leading tech firms invest over £2 billion in the UK in one week [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Leading tech firms invest over £2 billion in the UK in one week [May 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 10 May 2024.

    Major investments have been made in the past week alone.

    • Over £2 billion invested by world leading tech companies in the UK this week
    • AI firm CoreWeave are investing £1 billion in the UK
    • Comes as the Chancellor visits the Siemens Healthineers site, marked for a new factory supporting more than 1,300 skilled jobs

    The Chancellor has welcomed the “safe bet” world leading tech and AI companies are making in Britain, as over £2 billion of investment in the UK has been secured in a single week.

    Supporting more than 1,300 skilled jobs, Siemens Healthineers have today announced that they are investing £250 million to design and manufacture superconducting magnets for MRI scanners at a new Siemens Healthineers facility in North Oxfordshire.

    This comes as world leading AI firm CoreWeave are also investing £1 billion in the UK, as well as confirming their new European Headquarters will be based in the capital.

    These two UK data centres will be opened in 2024, with a further expansion planned in 2025, helping secure the necessary processing power for machine learning and AI, graphics and rendering, life sciences and real-time streaming.

    This £2 billion investment also follows Scale AI, the data infrastructure company for AI, selecting London as the location for its first European headquarters.

    Earlier this week, Wayve announced they had secured over $1.05 billion to develop the next generation of AI-powered self-driving vehicles in the UK.  Founded in the UK in 2017, Wayve is a home-grown British success story and a testament to the UK’s global leadership in creating the economic and regulatory conditions for start-ups in the AI and self-driving vehicle industries to grow and thrive.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

    Businesses are making a safe bet in Britain. We have attracted the third highest amount of greenfield foreign direct investment since 2010 and the UK accounts for around half of all AI private capital investment in Europe. We really are turning a corner, and the businesses of the future agree.

    The UK accounts for around half of all AI private capital investment in Europe and hundreds more AI companies are starting up in the UK every year, growing our economy and creating highly-skilled, well-paid jobs. The AI sector employs more than 50,000 people in the UK and contributes more than £3.7 billion to our economy every year. By 2035, our AI market is forecast to grow to over $1 trillion.

    Taken together, these investments cement the UK’s position as a world leader in the AI and tech industry and builds on our strong record of attracting the best and biggest investments from world leading AI companies.

    Bernd Montag, Chief Executive of Siemens Healthineers said:

    MRI technology plays a vital role in diagnosing disease, helping patients to get healthy and stay healthy. As a world leader in medical imaging, we are very proud to open the next chapter of our history here in Oxford.

    This factory will be the global centre for our innovative low-helium magnet technology, meaning we consume far less of a scarce natural resource and enable access to MRIs for many more patients.

    Mike Intrator, Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer, CoreWeave said:

    We are seeing unprecedented demand for AI infrastructure and London is an important AI hub that we are investing in. Expanding our physical footprint in the UK is an important milestone in the next phase of CoreWeave’s growth.

    CoreWeave’s infrastructure will fill a void in the cloud market by providing AI enterprises with localized high-performance compute solutions that will help build and deploy the next generation of AI applications.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Michelle Donelan said:

    I have always said that the proof will be in the pudding when it comes to cementing the UK’s place as a technology superpower – and there is no better proof than the fact that our tech sector has received £2billion of private investment in a single week! Time and again, world leading tech companies are choosing the UK to invest in – bringing new jobs and opportunities for people to gain valuable skills.

    Siemens, Wayve, CoreWeave, ScaleAI – these are major players that countries all across Europe and the world are keen to attract. Yet it is our unique, agile and highly-ambitious tech ecosystem that I have proudly helped to build that is winning the race for the UK.

    Some of the world’s biggest AI companies including Open AI and Anthropic have also chosen London as the base for their first international offices in a huge vote of confidence in our approach to AI. Microsoft recently announced a new AI hub in London, and one of the leaders in the field, Google DeepMind was also founded here over a decade ago and remains in the UK to this day.

    We also have a world-leading AI and tech industry in the UK which is continuing to grow. The UK is only the 3rd country (behind the US and China) in the world to have a tech sector valued at over $1 trillion in total. The UK is also home to 3rd highest number of AI companies and private capital investment in AI in the world.

    The single biggest way we’re backing businesses is by creating the economic conditions for them to thrive, which is why we have worked with the Bank of England to reduce inflation from over 11.5 to 3.2%, this means that wages have been rising faster than inflation for nine months in a row.

    Because the economy has turned a corner we can cuts taxes, including our cuts to National Insurance worth £900 for the average worker, and full expensing which effectively cuts corporation tax by more than £50 billion to help firms invest for less – the biggest business tax cut in modern British history.

    Further information

    • CoreWeave is a specialized GPU cloud provider, designed to power the most complex workloads with customized solutions at scale. The company’s portfolio of cutting-edge technology delivers a broad range of capabilities for machine learning and AI, graphics and rendering, life sciences, real-time streaming, and more. Its world-class teams, talent, and engineering prowess bring unmatched speed-to-market for advanced compute. CoreWeave operates a growing footprint of data centres covering every region of the US. It was founded in 2017 and is based in New Jersey.
    • Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 71,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €21.7 billion.
    • Further information on the Wayve investment.
    • Further information on the Scale AI European headquarters.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Sweden: Ms Samantha Job [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Sweden: Ms Samantha Job [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 May 2024.

    Ms Samantha Job CMG MVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden in succession to Ms Judith Gough CMG.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Samantha Louise Job

    Date Role
    2023 to present Full time language training
    2019 to 2022 FCDO, Director, Defence and International Security
    2016 to 2019  Washington, Counsellor, Foreign and Security Policy
    2013 to 2015  FCO, Joint Head, North Africa Department (Job Share)
    2010 to 2012  FCO, Deputy Head, Digital Diplomacy Department
    2004 to 2008  UK Mission to the United Nations, First Secretary (New Threats, Counter Terrorism and Counter-Proliferation)
    2003 to 2004 FCO, Head, European Security and Defence Policy, Security Policy Department
    2001 to 2003 FCO, Head, Weapons of Mass Destruction Export Controls, Non-Proliferation Department
    1999 to 2001 FCO, Head, War Crimes Section and International Criminal Court Bill, United Nations Department
    1994 to 1999 Bangkok, Full Time Language Training (Thai), then Second Secretary (Political)
    1992 to 1994 FCO, Desk Officer, Libya/Tunisia then Middle East Peace Process, Near East and North Africa Department
  • PRESS RELEASE : New bomb disposal robots for the British Army [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New bomb disposal robots for the British Army [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 May 2024.

    New high-tech bomb disposal robots will provide greater protection for soldiers and the public in a new deal for the British Army announced today (10 May).

    • High-tech robots will protect soldiers and the public from variety of threats including explosives and hazardous materials.
    • Can operate in narrow spaces, tough terrain, and climb stairs.
    • £21m investment will see 50 robots delivered by end of the year.

    New high-tech bomb disposal robots will provide greater protection for soldiers and the public in a new deal for the British Army announced today (10 May).

    50 of the T4 bomb disposal robots will be able to be used in situations of bomb and hazardous material disposal, helping the explosives team who attend thousands of call outs every year, all over the country. This will greatly reduce the risk to service personnel and the public when neutralising bomb and chemical threats.

    A £21 million contract with L3 Harris Technologies – based in Tewkesbury – will deliver with the first T4 units before the end of 2024.

    Adept at navigating narrow urban spaces, with its tough all terrain treads and adjustable manipulation arm, the T4 can operate in narrow aisles of planes, trains and buses and can even climb stairs.

    Advanced controls, high-definition cameras and lightning-fast datalinks will enable the operator of the T4 to perform complex tasks like unzipping bags and opening glove boxes from a safe distance.

    We are ensuring that our Armed Forces have the best kit available, and we have recently announced plans to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030 – meaning an additional £75 billion spent over the next six years

    Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said:

    Procuring this high tech robot means that we can provide our forces with the tools they need to safely handle a range explosive threats.

    Rapidly delivering uncrewed systems, like the T4, that ensure our armed forces can safely face future threats is a key part of our Drone Defence Strategy.

    Weighing in at just over 100kg, the T4s are significantly smaller and nimbler than their bigger brother – the 300kg T7 UGV –­­ and will be used as the rapid response system for emergency situations as its compact size means it can be transported in a standard 4×4 vehicle.

    However, both models use ‘advanced haptic feedback’ which allow operators to ‘feel’ their way through the intricate process of disarming devices from a safe distance, reducing the risk to life of the explosive ordnance operators.

    The systems, which underwent rigorous testing, have been contracted by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK MOD and include an initial three years of in-service maintenance and repair support.

    Major General Lizzie Faithfull-Davies, Director Land Equipment at DE&S, said:

    I’m incredibly proud of the project team at DE&S, who have worked with their industry partner to harness available cutting-edge technology and have identified a critical capability that can respond to hostile explosive threats and help in keeping the wider general public safe.

    The T4’s will enter service with the 29 EOD & Search Group and the Diving Threat and Exploitation Group, Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) and Cyprus Operational Support Unit (COSU).

    Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris, said:

    The T4 EOD robots are the world’s most capable robot for operations in crowded and difficult environments like subways, airports and even hospitals.

    These highly advanced, durable robots provide best-in-class mobility and uncompromised performance to protect human lives.

    We’re honoured to continue working with the U.K. Ministry of Defence as they provide this technology to the British Army.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Levelling Up Partnerships rolled out in Scotland for first time [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Levelling Up Partnerships rolled out in Scotland for first time [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 10 May 2024.

    Dundee announced as first place in Scotland to benefit from tailored Levelling Up Partnerships .

    Dundee has been chosen as the first area in Scotland to benefit from a major tailored regeneration programme designed to support communities across the UK.

    The city will receive a £20 million Levelling Up Partnership from the UK Government designed to root out inequalities by attracting investment and increasing opportunities for local people, including by building a new Dundee and Angus College campus to boost skills.

    The investment will help tackle barriers to growth and turbo-charge regeneration, and the UK Government will be working hand-in-hand with local leaders to ensure this makes a major difference to people’s lives. This investment follows the £2.6 million for the V&A Dundee announced at Spring Budget.

    Levelling Up Partnerships, first announced in the 2023 Spring Budget, are bespoke regeneration programmes targeted in areas that have too often been ignored. The government uses them to level up skills and opportunities, improve people’s quality of life, and address deep-rooted local challenges, giving these areas the best possible chance to thrive. The partnership for Dundee follows similar announcements for places in England including Hull and Mansfield.

    In Scotland, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Scottish Government have collaborated to identify a methodology for which areas most need investment, and how best to address inequalities. The other areas in Scotland that have been selected for LUPs are the Scottish Borders, Argyll and Bute, and Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles). Scottish areas receiving LUPs have been chosen based on a number of metrics, with emphasis on the tough challenges posed by rural geography.

    UK Government Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young, who visited Dundee on Thursday, said:

    “It’s fantastic to announce our tailored regeneration programme has been rolled out in Scotland for the first time, beginning by transforming the lives of people right across Dundee.

    “This Levelling Up Partnership will allow us to tackle the historical issues faced by this city head-on, ensuring overlooked communities get what they need to fully reach their potential.”

    The funding for Dundee will help unlock a key development on the Waterfront to provide Grade A office space and lever in more investment, refurbish vacant and underused buildings in the city, build a legal education centre to boost opportunities, and provide support for people struggling with addiction.

    UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

    “Our Levelling Up Partnership with Dundee – backed by £20 million UK Government investment – is a real game changer for driving regeneration in the city and boosting opportunities.

    “Collaborative working between the UK and Scottish Governments and local leaders means the lives of people living in, working in and visiting Dundee will be transformed with exciting initiatives such as new educational centres specialising in digital, green skills, health, social care and life sciences; improved access to housing; better transport connectivity; improved city streets; tackling anti-social behaviour and substance abuse and attracting business to the area.

    “I look forward to seeing Dundee and the three other areas in Scotland that have each been allocated £20 million for Levelling Up Partnerships – the Scottish Borders, Argyll and Bute, and Na h-Eileanan Siar –  benefiting from the fruits of this funding.”

    Dundee’s £20m Levelling Up Partnership includes:

    • £5m backing for Dundee and Angus College, including £4.5m to build a new campus providing training opportunities in the digital, green skills, energy transition and construction sectors, and £500,000 for a new health and social care training facility
    • £3m towards the creation of new Grade A office development on the Waterfront
    • £2.5m for grassroots projects focused on enhancing opportunities for young people, improving safety and benefitting the community
    • More than £2m to improve access to housing and boost regeneration in the city centre, including by refurbishing vacant properties, and reviewing the condition of the local private rented sector
    • £2m to develop a specialist centre for protein science in the Life Sciences Innovation District
    • £1.2m to develop a bespoke permanent home for the Dundee Museum of Transport
    • £1.1m to establish a legal tech education centre and workspace
    • £500,000 to complete a 26-mile active travel route around the city, connecting neighbourhoods on the outskirts with each other and the centre

    Dundee City Council leader Cllr John Alexander said:

    “As a city, we’ve been working extensively in the background to attract and deliver investment, public and private, and to create jobs and economic growth.

    “With Dundee already featuring in positive ratings, such as a top 20 UK destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), a top city break destination and attracting world-renowned opportunities such as the Eden project, the future is bright.

    “We welcome the £20 million of investment through the Levelling Up Partnership, which will strengthen the efforts by all local partners to transform Dundee and the lives of people across our city.

    “Although Dundee’s challenges are well known, I believe that the opportunities that exist for the future significantly exceed these.

    “Organisations in Dundee are working together to create the conditions that will enable growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

    “There is a realisation that we cannot do this alone, and that is why we have been in discussions with both the UK and Scottish Governments for strategic investment to drive Dundee’s economy forward.”

    The LUP also includes £1m to help transform the Eastern Quarter by improving its streets, tackling anti-social behaviour and attracting new business; £1m to refurbish the fabric of historic buildings and bring vacant spaces in the city centre back into use; £500,000 to help tackle substance abuse; £200,000 to develop the next phase of the City Centre Strategic Plan, attracting investment to the city; and £120,000 for commercial training and networking to support high-potential businesses.

    This funding builds on almost £23m of wider UK Government levelling up investment in Dundee, which has received more than £14m from Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund for a new green transport hub in the city centre featuring electric vehicle charging points, and £5.6m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for projects including improvements to the district centre of Perth Road and digital skills training opportunities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Uruguay – Mr Malcolm Green [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Uruguay – Mr Malcolm Green [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 May 2024.

    Mr Malcolm Green has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in succession to Ms Faye O’Connor OBE.  Mr Green will take up his appointment during August 2024.

    CURRICULUM VITAE

    Full name:  Malcolm Christopher David Green

    Date Role
    2023 to present FCDO, Africa Directorate, Deputy Director (Sahel, Sudan and South Sudan)
    2018 to 2023 FCDO, UN and Multilateral Department, Head of the UN Peacekeeping Joint Unit
    2017 to 2018  Buenos Aires, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General
    2013 to 2017  Santiago, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General
    2009 to 2013  UK Mission to the United Nations, New York, First Secretary – Peacekeeping, Human Rights and Conflict
    2006 to 2009  FCO, Security Policy Department, Team leader – Military Operations and Exercises
    2003 to 2006 Buenos Aires, Second Secretary – Political Affairs
    2001 to 2003 FCO Policy Officer – Future of Europe, European Union Department
  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Call with Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Call with Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania [May 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 May 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Albanian’s Prime Minister Edi Rama this morning.

    They began by discussing the close relationship between the UK and Albania, noting significant bilateral cooperation including on trade and investment.

    The Prime Minister highlighted the strong progress made through the UK-Albania migration partnership. Both leaders acknowledged more work needed to be done to tackle the illegal migration challenge in Europe and looked forward to discussing this further at the European Political Community meeting in the UK in July.

    They underlined the importance of ensuring stability in the Western Balkans, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.

    Turning to the situation in the Middle East, the leaders discussed the importance of tackling rises in antisemitism across the globe and championing our shared values of tolerance and respect.

    Both leaders looked forward to speaking soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary Praises Scottish Contribution to Shipbuilding and Defence [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary Praises Scottish Contribution to Shipbuilding and Defence [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 May 2024.

    Defence Secretary has met with apprentices, engineers and key industry leaders during a visit to key shipyards. Scotland plays a crucial role in the Navy’s shipbuilding pipeline and the UK’s security.

    • Defence Secretary meets with apprentices, engineers and key industry leaders.
    • New warship production well underway in Scotland
    • More than 12,000 Scottish jobs are supported through defence spend with UK industry.
    • Paul Sheerin announced as Chair of the shipbuilding Skills Delivery Group.

    Scotland is playing a crucial role in the Navy’s shipbuilding pipeline and the UK’s security, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has said today on a visit to key shipyards.

    Visiting Govan, where BAE Systems are building Type 26 frigates, and HMNB Clyde, home of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet, the Defence Secretary met with key industry leaders, staff and apprentices, observing the significant progress on the major warship production programme.

    Scotland is the beating heart of military shipbuilding, with eight Type 26 ships being built in Glasgow and five Type 31 frigates being built by Babcock International in Rosyth. This supports and is supported by the local maritime infrastructure, supply chains, and extensive skills and training resources. On a tour at BAE Systems in Govan, the Defence Secretary saw the Type 26 frigates in build, and toured HMS Cardiff.

    More than 12,000 jobs in Scotland are directly supported by Defence, with more than £2 billion spent annually with UK industry in Scotland. Over 5,000 jobs will be created or sustained across the build of Type 26 and Type 31 programmes alone, and just under 1,000 apprentices will be trained to provide the skill required to build and maintain our Royal Navy fleet.

    Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, said:

    As the home of the nuclear deterrent – which keeps us all safe around the clock – nobody can question that Scotland is absolutely central to the UK’s security.

    As Shipbuilding Tsar, it is fantastic to see the positive impact that the Scottish shipbuilding industry plays. A sector once restricted by periods of ‘boom and bust’ is now witnessing a resurgence, with Scottish shipyards buzzing with activity and its workforce expanding.

    Brand new warships will operate around the world, looking after our nation’s interests, for decades to come, and they will have been built by highly skilled shipbuilders right here in Glasgow. We continue to back the UK defence industry in Scotland with billions of pounds every year, supporting thousands of jobs and apprenticeships.”

    At HMNB Clyde, the home of the UK’s nuclear deterrent submarines, the Defence Secretary visited an attack submarine. HMNB Clyde is currently one of the largest employers in Scotland and is in the process of increasing its on-site staff from 6,800 to over 8,000, whilst the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has committed to spending more than £3 billion on sites in Scotland, including £1.6 billion on the Clyde Infrastructure Programme, to establish it as the home of UK’s submarine fleet.

    The Defence Secretary, in his role as Shipbuilding Tsar, is responsible for overseeing all of the government’s interests in UK shipbuilding. The Government’s commitment to UK Shipbuilding through the Refreshed National Shipbuilding Strategy has allowed industry to invest for the future, with BAE Systems’ £12 million Applied Shipbuilding Skills Academy and the construction of a modern shipbuilding hall in Govan currently underway.

    The Government has today issued its response to the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce report. In response to recommendations within, the report the National Shipbuilding Office has launched the shipbuilding Skills Delivery Group. This group will drive the delivery of the Taskforce recommendations and will be a champion for skills within the UK Shipbuilding Enterprise. Grant Shapps also announced the Chair of the Group will be Paul Sheerin, and the two met at Govan shipyard.

    Paul Sheerin, Chair of Skills Delivery Group said:

    It is critical for the UK shipbuilding enterprise that the skills gap is addressed, and to ensure that this can happen there needs to be a unified approach across different skills systems, across different parts of the enterprise and across government and the devolved administrations.

    I am extremely excited to chair the SDG, working alongside a highly knowledgeable and experienced membership comprised of representatives from across the whole enterprise. With the continued support of the Shipbuilding Tsar and the NSO, I look forward to working with the Group to deliver a positive impact on skills within this vital sector to the UK.

    Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack said:

    Scottish-based critical defence assets play a crucial role in the security of the UK. As well as helping to keep us all safe, defence also delivers thousands of high-skilled jobs and billions of pounds investment in Scotland, driving prosperity and boosting the Scottish economy. I’m proud that Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make such an enormous contribution to the UK’s defence industry.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government wins landmark case against freeholder owned by multibillion pound railway pension fund [May 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government wins landmark case against freeholder owned by multibillion pound railway pension fund [May 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 9 May 2024.

    The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has won a landmark legal challenge against freeholder Grey GR.

    • Court rules in favour of government in legal case forcing freeholder Grey GR, owned by Railpen, to fix safety issues at Vista Tower
    • Judgment gives tower residents assurance through the Court that their homes will be made safe without further delay
    • The Vista Tower case was the first legal action brought by the Government under powers introduced through the Building Safety Act

    The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has won a landmark legal challenge against freeholder Grey GR forcing it to fix serious building safety issues in Vista Tower in Stevenage.

    Legal action was launched by the Government against Grey GR in October 2022 following unacceptable delays in fixing multiple serious fire safety issues, first identified in the building in 2019.

    Grey GR is ultimately owned by Railpen, a scheme that manages £34bn in assets.

    Following the trial in March, the Court has decided in favour of the Government and will issue a Remediation Order imposing a legally binding requirement on Grey GR to fix building safety issues within a mandated timeframe.

    Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

    Leaseholders have lived with uncertainty for far too long while Grey GR delayed essential works to make homes safe. This decision is a victory for leaseholders in Vista Tower and across the country.

    It is hugely disappointing that Railpen – the ultimate owner of Grey GR and who manage £34bn in ‘assets’ – has kept leaseholders in limbo in this way. Railway workers with their pensions invested in this fund, as well as innocent leaseholders, deserve better.

    This court case should serve as a warning to all building owners. If you fail to fix your unsafe buildings and ensure the safety of residents, we will see you in court. We will not stop until we secure justice for leaseholders.

    Sophie Bichener, leaseholder in Vista Tower said:

    I am very pleased to see this remediation order has been made. This gives leaseholders the reassurance we deserve and is the closest we have been to regaining our freedom after what has been an extremely difficult few years.

    We thank the Secretary of State for bringing this remediation order – it will have a huge impact on our lives and we hope our involvement in this case will bring hope to many others who are waiting for their freeholders to do the right thing and make their homes a safe place to live too.

    The Vista Tower case was the first legal action brought by the Government under robust new powers introduced through the Building Safety Act 2022.

    Following commencement of legal action, Grey started work on Vista Tower in January 2024. The Remediation Order will provide an exact date by which the work must be completed or Grey could face sanction by the Court.

    The Government is also seeking remediation orders on a further five Grey GR buildings that have or will be going to trial over the next year. This includes The Chocolate Box in Bournemouth where, as a result of government legal action, Grey has now started remediation works.

    The Government has also already secured four remediation orders against freeholder Wallace Estates, benefitting approximately 400 leaseholders that had faced delays to remediation.

    Councils, fire and rescue services and the Building Safety Regulator all have powers under the Building Safety Act to take enforcement action against building owners not complying with their obligations and discharging their responsibilities to leaseholders.