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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Further measures to better connect Scotland and the UK announced [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Further measures to better connect Scotland and the UK announced [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 7 December 2023.

    The transport secretary has announced new measures to better connect Scotland including plans for improvements to the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer.

    Improvements to A75 among of measures announced to better connect Scotland and the UK.

    • Scotland will see a range of initiatives to support transport projects which will boost the economy and spread opportunity across Scotland and the UK
    • Includes £8 million to develop plans for improvements to the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer
    • Strengthening transport connections will enhance business, leisure and tourism – making it easier to trade, create jobs, and ensure shared economic growth across the UK

    Work on road improvements and rail upgrades will boost business and improve connectivity across the UK, Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced today (7 December) in his response to Lord Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Review.

    The UK Government has committed funding to deliver targeted improvements to the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer, starting with providing £8m to the Scottish Government to support their business case development.

    The Government’s response also includes actions to protect vital domestic air routes, alongside ways to boost overall connectivity between Wales, Scotland and England.

    These projects will explore options to improve transport links which strengthen connections between communities and across the UK, helping to drive tourism and grow the economy.

    Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said:

    “We are committed to delivering growth opportunities across all corners of our United Kingdom, including looking at ways to improve the A75.

    “Today we are announcing more investment into projects that will boost connectivity and enhance transport connections across Scotland. These projects will identify schemes that can bring economic benefits to people across the UK.

    “I’d like to thank the Scottish Government for working collaboratively with us on these projects and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them on improving UK transport connectivity.”

    Improved connectivity across the UK will promote economic growth by increasing access to a wider pool of skills and opportunities.

    Projects dedicated to enhancing connectivity across Scotland include:

    • Providing £8m to the Scottish Government to develop options to improve the A75 and committing funding to deliver targeted improvements, such as alleviating pinch points, following the Scottish Government’s identification of a preferred option – bypassing the villages of Springholm and Crocketford.
    • Committing funding for dualling the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham, helping to improve an important route between England and Scotland, as was previously announced in Network North.
    • Funding Network Rail to study options for enhancements to improve capacity and journey times on services between England and Scotland.
    • Reforming domestic aviation policy by updating Public Service Obligation (PSO) policy to include routes that operate to and from different regions of the UK, rather than just into London as is currently the case. This means routes throughout the UK will be protected by the UK Government’s PSO policy to ensure minimum levels of air services that are socially and economically vital for the region.

    Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

    “The UK Government is spreading opportunity and prosperity to all corners of our country and I’m pleased to see plans for delivering improved transport connectivity taking huge strides forwards.
    “Hauliers, commuters, leisure travellers and communities will be delighted to see UK Government funding to kick-start work by Transport Scotland to identify improvements on the A75, the main artery linking Northern Ireland to the north of England through south-west Scotland.

    “The UK Government is also committing funding to explore ways to boost rail connectivity between Scotland and England. And we’re investing in upgrades to the A1 and protecting vital air routes throughout the UK.
    “We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government on this ambitious package of proposals to link up the UK much more effectively – boosting our economy, creating jobs and levelling up opportunities around the country.”

    The response to the Union Connectivity Review marks an important step in increasing UK connectivity and delivering the strong, reliable transport connections people depend on every day. The review was conducted by Lord Peter Hendy as he called for improved transport connectivity across the UK. The review was the first UK-wide multi-modal strategic transport assessment in a generation.

    Lord Hendy has welcomed the Government’s response and said:

    “I welcome the Government’s response to my review and the announcements in it. My recommendations outlined the next steps that the government should take to identify investments that will improve connectivity and support economic growth, job creation, house building, social cohesion and sustainability. The government’s response shows that they are taking the necessary actions to move this work forward and demonstrates their commitment to improving UK connectivity.

    “I am also pleased to see that partnerships between the UK government, and each of the Scottish government, Welsh government, and Northern Ireland Executive have underpinned this work and I look forward to seeing them continue in the future.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : While Russia is isolated the international community is united – UK statement to the OSCE [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : While Russia is isolated the international community is united – UK statement to the OSCE [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 December 2023.

    Ambassador Neil Holland says that the UK and partners will stand alongside Ukraine to protect its future, as well as protecting the OSCE.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Since Russia’s illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 the UK has pledged to use this forum to support our Ukrainian friends and colleagues and to hold Russia to account for its actions. Indeed, at last week’s Ministerial Council, my Foreign Secretary said, that this organisation plays a key role in doing both of these. So, each week, we call out Russia’s complete disregard for the OSCE’s founding principles, as shown through its assault on Ukrainian territorial integrity and Ukrainian life.

    Russia claims to defend the consensus principle. And yet it is all but isolated in this forum (and others) on a regular and sustained basis. We have seen decision after decision subjected to attack through the need to find consensus. This is the abuse of a tool that was designed for use by participating States that shared a common wish to find solutions. That is clearly not the case now.  So, we have to conclude that this insistence on consensus – against the overwhelming weight of opinion on many different subjects is not actually a defence of the principle but actually a defence of obstructionism.

    Last week at the Ministerial Council we saw the latest example of this dynamic. In Skopje, there was a broad consensus across the community in condemning Russia’s actions and underlining unwavering support to Ukraine. This was not a terrible conspiracy by the so-called ‘collective west’.  It was a simple and widely expressed disapproval of what Russia has done by invading its neighbour and upending its commitments to the Helsinki principles.

    The encouraging news is that the international community remains united behind Ukraine. On 23 February 2023, 141 UN members voted to demand that Russia withdraw its troops. 29 countries have now signed a Joint Declaration pledging to negotiate long-term security commitments with Ukraine, to help to sustain its ability to defend itself.

    The UK is rolling out sanctions against Russia in lockstep with our partners. Alongside substantial packages of bilateral support for Ukraine, the international community has come together to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine through the international system response, coordinated by the UN, Red Cross movement and NGOs. This again underlines the unified response in support for Ukraine and brings Russia’s isolation into relief.

    The UK and the international community stand against Russia’s aggression. The UK will continue to join the vast majority of states here in continuing to support Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty. We will not be deterred or lose interest. Now is not the time to falter. Ukraine can and must win this war.

    Mr Chair, the UK will stand alongside Ukraine to protect its future. The UK will also continue to protect the OSCE, standing alongside participating States and colleagues to ensure that the consensus principle is not abused. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Patients and pharmacies to benefit from changes to supervision [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Patients and pharmacies to benefit from changes to supervision [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 7 December 2023.

    Plans to make better use of pharmacies, improve access to primary care and maximise the contribution of pharmacy professionals set out in new consultation.

    • Skilled pharmacy technicians to play greater role supporting customers and patients with the safe dispensing of medicines as part of the Primary Care Recovery Plan
    • Rule change designed to free up pharmacists to provide more clinical care
    • Consultation is latest step in improving access to care for patients and releasing capacity in the wider NHS

    Plans to make better use of pharmacies, improve access to primary care and maximise the contribution of pharmacy professionals across healthcare have been set out in a government consultation, launched today.

    As part of its Primary Care Recovery Plan the government is considering changes to medicine supervision requirements in pharmacies.

    Currently, the preparation, assembly, dispensing, sale and supply of pharmacy and prescription only medicines can only be carried out by, or under the supervision of, a pharmacist. However, as registered and regulated health professionals, pharmacy technicians are qualified to work without direct supervision.

    These proposals would allow pharmacists to safely delegate more allowing them to spend more time delivering patient-facing clinical services – in turn freeing up more appointments in general practice.

    Health Minister Andrea Leadsom said:

    This is about making the most of the talents of our excellent and highly trained pharmacy staff, to benefit them and their patients, and improve service delivery more generally.

    By giving pharmacy technicians the chance to use their skills in a safe way and take on more responsibility for dispensing, pharmacists will have more time to carry out the clinical assessments they are trained to do.

    These include providing advice on oral contraception, common conditions and blood pressure tests rather than patients having to book an appointment at a general practice.

    Following the 12-week consultation and subsequent work by regulators and professional bodies, a pharmacist would be able to authorise pharmacy technicians to run a dispensary with reference to a pharmacist only where necessary.

    Extensive engagement with the sector and profession has informed these proposals which have the support of the four Chief Pharmaceutical Officers of the UK.

    In a joint statement, the four Chief Pharmaceutical Officers, said:

    These proposals will improve future patient care across the four UK nations by making appropriate, safe and productive use of pharmacy technicians’ knowledge and skills while at the same time enabling pharmacists to deliver a wider range of clinical services to support patients in hospitals and community pharmacies.

    Recognising and more effectively using the skills of pharmacy technicians will enable pharmacists to spend a greater proportion of their time delivering patient-facing clinical services – using their training and expertise, including prescribing, to improve healthcare outcomes for patients and local communities.

    This will improve career progression for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and ensure they are using their training and skills to contribute to the best of their professional ability as part of the NHS team.

    The government’s Primary Care Recovery Plan, announced in May 2023, is designed to stop the 8am GP appointment rush, make it easier to get an appointment at a general practice and develop Pharmacy First to make the most of trained pharmacist staff. This consultation is delivering on the government’s commitment to provide greater flexibility to community pharmacies about how they deploy staff and release pharmacists’ time for more patient-facing services.

    The proposals aim to:

    • Enable pharmacists to authorise registered pharmacy technicians to perform tasks that would otherwise need to be performed by or under the supervision of pharmacists;
    • Let registered pharmacy technicians take primary responsibility for the preparation and assembly of medicinal products in highly specialised sterile manufacturing units in hospitals;
    • Allow checked and bagged prescribed medicines to be handed out in a retail pharmacy in the absence of a pharmacist – where authorised by a pharmacist. This aims to bring an end to situations where a patient cannot pick up their prescription when the pharmacist is at lunch or otherwise unavailable.

    There are over 67,000 pharmacists registered in the UK who will be empowered to have greater say in how staff are deployed and how medicines are dispensed. This would represent a significant shift in how medicines dispensing is supervised and help make pharmacy services more efficient and fit for the future.

    This follows the recent consultation launched to enable pharmacy technicians to supply and administer medicines under a patient group direction – a written instruction that permits listed healthcare professionals to supply or administer medicines to make it easier for patients to get the medicines they need when they need them. Responses to that consultation are being considered.

    Pharmacy First plans – backed by up to £645 million – mean that from 1 December 2023 thousands of women are able to get their contraceptive pill from their local pharmacy with up to 25% of all women on oral contraception able to benefit from this new service.

    Pharmacists are also increasing the number of life-saving blood pressure checks given to at-risk patients over the next year with a commitment to deliver 2.5 million a year by Spring 2025 – up from 900,000 carried out last year.  It is estimated this could prevent more than 1,350 heart attacks and strokes in the first year.

    In addition, from early next year patients will be able to get treatment for seven common conditions directly from a pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. The new service will cover sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

    At the same time the government has reached its commitment of 50 million more GP appointments, as well as recruiting over 34,000 additional direct patient care staff working in general practice and committed to a 50% increase in the number of GP trainees.

    Recognising the importance of strengthening the depth of talent in pharmacy teams, the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, backed by over £2.4 billion funding, sets out the ambition to increase training places for pharmacists by nearly 50% to around 5,000 by 2031/32, and to grow the number of pharmacy technicians. There is further potential to continue to expand training via an apprenticeship route for pharmacy technicians.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Over 200,000 businesses set to get free advice settling energy supplier disputes [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over 200,000 businesses set to get free advice settling energy supplier disputes [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 7 December 2023.

    More businesses will be able to get support from the Energy Ombudsman, under new proposals.

    • New proposals to expand support from Energy Ombudsman to cover small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
    • move would boost protection, offer an alternative to costly court fees, and resolve disputes quicker
    • follows survey finding 94% of total respondents supported the move

    More than 200,000 businesses could for the first time get access to specialist support for disputes with their energy supplier, under plans announced today (Thursday 7 December).

    Under new proposals, companies with up to 50 employees would qualify for support from the Energy Ombudsman – with issues ranging from disputes over bills and energy supply, to how an energy product or service has been sold, or wider customer service issues.

    Currently, this support is only available to businesses of up to 10 employees, and households.

    Making this move will enable these companies to settle disputes with their energy supplier without facing costly court fees – ultimately saving them money.

    It follows a survey conducted by regulator Ofgem, which found that 94% of the total respondents, which included businesses organisations, consumer groups, and suppliers, said they would welcome this move.

    Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said:

    This government has always stood by businesses, and we want to ensure they are getting proper support and service in dealing with energy suppliers.

    That’s why we’re proposing expanding the reach of the Energy Ombudsman to cover an extra 200,000 businesses, allowing them to access free, impartial advice and resolve issues with their supplier without the need for an expensive trip to court.

    See the consultation on a New threshold for businesses accessing the Energy Ombudsman which is open until Wednesday 31 January 2024.

  • PRESS RELEASE : BBC licence fee review launched as action taken to ease rises [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : BBC licence fee review launched as action taken to ease rises [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 7 December 2023.

    BBC licence fee review launched as action taken to ease future price rises.

    • Review launched into the future of the licence fee and alternative funding options, supported by a panel of leading industry experts
    • Comes as government intervenes to minimise increases to the cost of the TV licence fee for households
    • Next year’s licence fee will be £20 cheaper than it would have been had the government not acted

    A review into how the BBC should be funded in the future has been launched by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, as new action is taken to reduce the impact of price rises on licence fee payers.

    The review, supported by a panel of independent experts soon to be announced from across the broadcasting sector and wider business world, will assess a range of options for funding the BBC. It will look at how alternative models could help secure the broadcaster’s long-term sustainability amid an evolving media landscape, increased competition and changing audience behaviour, while reducing the burden on licence fee payers.

    As set out in the terms of reference published today, the review will explore the sustainability of the BBC’s current licence fee model, and build an evidence based understanding of alternative models for funding the BBC. The review will be supported by analysis which will include externally commissioned research.

    The licence fee will also rise by less than previously expected next year following changes brought in by the government to minimise the cost to households. In 2022, the government froze the licence fee for two years to protect families from the sharp rise in the cost of living. It was agreed that the current annual fee of £159 would remain unchanged until April 2024, before rising by inflation for the following four years.

    However, in recognition of the ongoing cost of living pressures faced by families, the government has today decided to change how the inflation-linked uplifts to the licence fee are calculated for 2024.

    This means the annual cost of a TV licence will be £169.50 from April 2024 – the equivalent of an additional 88p per month.

    The previous methodology for calculating inflation was the averaged annualised October to September CPI figure of 9 per cent. The new methodology for 2024 uses the annual rate of CPI in September 2023 of 6.7 per cent, and is the approach used to calculate uplifts to benefits.

    As a result of today’s announcement and the two-year freeze, from April next year the annual licence fee will be more than £20 cheaper than it would have been had the government not acted. By the end of 2024, licence fee payers will have saved £37 since 2022 due to the measures.

    The decision will ensure the additional cost to licence fee payers is kept as low as possible while giving the BBC over £3.8 billion in annual licence fee funding to spend on world leading content and deliver on its mission as set out in the Charter: to serve all audiences with impartial, high-quality and distinctive output and services which inform, educate and entertain. It will also ensure S4C can maintain its unique role promoting the Welsh language and supporting our wider public service broadcasting landscape.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    This is a fair deal that provides value for money for the licence fee payer while also ensuring that the BBC can continue to produce world leading content.

    We know family budgets are stretched, which is why we have stepped in again – following two years of licence fee freezes – to reduce this year’s increase to less than a £1 a month.

    But this settlement has highlighted other challenges faced by the BBC with the changing media landscape making the battle for audiences more competitive and the number of people paying the licence fee decreasing. This raises fundamental questions as to sustainability of the current licence fee system.

    So we are also launching a funding review of the BBC that will take a forensic look at the licence fee, and whether a reformed funding model could better support our national broadcaster to remain sustainable and affordable for audiences while driving growth in our creative industries. I want a thriving BBC, supported to inform, educate and entertain and this funding review will help us make sure we can deliver this for decades to come.

    This announcement follows an additional £20 million the government awarded to the BBC World Service earlier this year as part of the refresh of the Integrated Review. The money, which is on top of £94 million provided annually, was to protect all 42 World Service language services over the next two years, support English-language broadcasting, and counter disinformation.

    The findings of the Funding Model Review will feed into the review of the BBC’s Royal Charter ahead of its expiry at the end of 2027. Any public consultation and final decision on the BBC’s funding model will be reserved for Charter Review itself.

    Notes to editors

    • An announcement of the membership of the expert panel for the Licence Fee Review will follow in due course. The panel will incorporate a broad range of views from experts in the broadcasting sector.
    • The black and white TV licence fee will increase from £53.50 to £57.
  • PRESS RELEASE : MOD signs infrastructure contracts at RAF Waddington – the new home of the Red Arrows [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : MOD signs infrastructure contracts at RAF Waddington – the new home of the Red Arrows [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 7 December 2023.

    The MOD have signed contracts to provide new and refurbished infrastructure for the Red Arrows at their new home of RAF Waddington.

    These contracts, signed with construction company Galliford Try, also include work to build or refurbish facilities at three other RAF stations. The Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team (RAFAT), better known as the Red Arrows, moved to RAF Waddington in October last year. New facilities are now required for the team and their distinctive red Hawk fast jets.

    The project is part of the MOD’s wider Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, which is investing £5.1bn in the infrastructure needed by our service people through construction activity, unit and personnel moves, and the release of sites that are no longer suited to the needs of our modern military.

    Air Officer Airbases, Air Commodore Portlock welcomed senior leaders from DEO, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and representatives from Galliford Try to RAF Waddington. They signed four contracts to deliver a project which spans RAF Leeming, RAF Saxton Wold, both RAF Boulmer sites and RAF Waddington.

    Speaking at the signing, Air Commodore Portlock said:

    This significant milestone marks an exciting transition into the much-awaited design and build phase of the project. Providing this essential infrastructure will enable the RAF to make best use of its estate, whilst also delivering our capabilities which are critical to defence.

    Earlier this year, multiple contractors from the construction industry were awarded packages of work across the DEO Portfolio in a landmark move to speed up project delivery. The move will also provide a more collaborative way of working, and a consistent approach to sustainable building practices.

    Director of Major Projects and Programmes for DIO, Charles Hoskins said:

    Our first DEO project for Air Command under the new contracting mechanism is embarking on a journey to turn vision into reality. Today we sign the design and build contracts and look forward to collaborating with Galiford Try to deliver all capabilities within this project.

    These contracts, which have enabled the disposal of RAF Scampton, will now see Galliford Try design and deliver the required infrastructure for Battlespace Management (BM) Force’s Deployable Air Surveillance and Control System (DASCAS), the Mobile Meteorological Unit (MMU) and the Red Arrows.

    Jon Marston, Managing Director of Galliford Try Building East Midlands, said:

    We are delighted to be signing these contracts and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the MOD to successfully deliver these projects for the RAF and defence.

    The project team are set to deliver a combination of refurbishments, new build facilities and single living accommodation across the sites.

    DEO Air Programme Manager, Frank Green said:

    Today’s signing ceremony is the result of an exhaustive process that required hard work and a collaborative attitude from all. Moving forward, I am excited to be part of a truly collegiate venture, bringing key improvements to the supported RAF units.

    RAFAT will benefit from refurbishment and the modernisation of existing infrastructure, including space for aircraft parking and runway access, as well as maintenance capabilities, a refurbished aircraft hangar and office space.

    Plans also include new, modern Single Living Accommodation (SLA) to replace the existing life-expired accommodation as part of a wider scheme to replace SLA. The increase in facilities will see about 150 additional personnel operating from the site once complete.

  • PRESS RELEASE : More lawyers sought to stop domestic abusers interrogating victims [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : More lawyers sought to stop domestic abusers interrogating victims [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 7 December 2023.

    More legal professionals are being encouraged to help prevent domestic abusers cross-examining their victims in court with a new expenses policy launched today ( 7 December 2023).

    • abusers banned from cross-examining victims under Domestic Abuse Act
    • hundreds of independent lawyers already signed up to take on this role instead
    • new expenses policy to help more sign up and attend courts across the country

    Hundreds of lawyers signed up to be Qualified Legal Representatives after the landmark Domestic Abuse Act banned abusers from interrogating their victims in family and civil courts.

    Cross-examination is, instead, carried out by these court-appointed legal professionals, to ensure that justice is done fairly for both sides and reduce the risk of victims being retraumatised.

    To encourage more lawyers to join, they will now be able to claim for travel to hearings up and down the country. Previously no expenses were available but lawyers will now be able to claim up to £180 for their travel and up to £161 per day for other expenses, including hotel stays and food.

    Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, Laura Farris, said:

    It takes unimaginable strength to bring your abuser to court which is why our Domestic Abuse Act provides vital protections, preventing vile ex-partners from cross-examining those they have tormented.

    Today’s changes will incentivise more legal professionals to take up these important roles ensuring no victim feels unsafe in the pursuit of justice.

    Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, said:

    In my Family Court report I called for greater funding for the Qualified Legal Representative scheme, and I am delighted that government have committed to this today.

    I hope to see an uptake following this announcement, and look forward to continuing my work with government to improve the Family Court’s response to domestic abuse.

    The measures in the Act followed concerns that domestic abuse perpetrators were using the process as a means of extending their abuse and victims were being retraumatised by their experiences in family and civil court.

    Full details of the expenses policy will be set out in guidance when the policy comes into force on 2 January 2024.

    To make it as easy as possible for domestic abuse victims to bring their attackers to court, the government has pledged an additional £25 million per year to expand legal aid so victims on universal credit seeking a protective order for themselves or their children against their attackers can access legal aid funding without facing a means test.

    This followed recommendations made by the ‘Harm Panel’ to better safeguard vulnerable people against domestic abuse in family courts. Other changes the government has introduced in response to the report include:

    • pioneering pilot at family courts in North Wales and Dorset to improve information sharing between agencies such as the police, local authorities and the courts and give a greater voice to children at every stage of the process.
    • automatic special measures for victims such as protective screens and giving evidence via video link
    • clarifying the law on ‘barring orders’, to prevent perpetrators from bringing their ex-partners back to court, which can be used as a form of continuing domestic abuse.

    Notes to editors

  • PRESS RELEASE : Recreational fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna set to start in English waters next year [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Recreational fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna set to start in English waters next year [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 December 2023.

    New permitting regimes for a recreational catch and release fisheries in UK waters expected to be in place by summer.

    Recreational anglers will have broader access to a catch-and-release Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery in English waters, the government has announced today (Thursday 7 December).

    Responding to overwhelming support for proposals in a consultation, Defra has confirmed that it will introduce legislation in the spring to establish permitting regimes for the recreational targeting of bluefin tuna.

    This will mean that the English fishery should open from summer 2024, supporting skippers and helping to bring more tourists to coastal communities.

    The opening of the fishery has been made possible following the UK’s exit from the EU, with the establishment of UK-specific quota for bluefin tuna opening opportunities to manage the species sustainably outside the EU.

    Data from the fishery will be used to improve monitoring of bluefin tuna populations and ensure that the species is managed in English waters in a sustainable manner.

    Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

    “This announcement has been made possible following the UK’s exit from the EU and follows overwhelming support for our proposal across the fishing industry and environmental groups.

    “It will bring social and economic benefits to the fishing industry and coastal communities, whilst ensuring the ongoing sustainable management of Atlantic bluefin tuna.”

    The announcement also follows the success of the catch-and-release (CHART) tagging programmes, delivered by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Swansea University and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, which have allowed some recreational anglers to target bluefin tuna for the last three years.

    Following the success of CHART, a formal consultation was held between July and September 2023 to gather views on the design for a permitting regime to enable the opening of catch-and-release recreational fisheries for bluefin tuna in UK waters. Stakeholders were asked for views on the key principles for the design of permitting regimes, the level of interest and the social and economic benefits the fishery could bring.

    Stakeholders gave overwhelming support for the proposals in the consultation, which included an outline of the design of new permitting regimes for the recreational targeting of bluefin tuna in the UK and an outline of Defra’s operational approach to implementing the English fishery.

    Each UK fisheries administration will determine if and when to introduce a bluefin tuna catch-and-release recreational fishery in its waters. Defra intends to open a catch-and-release fishery for bluefin tuna in English waters in 2024.

    Defra is currently trialling a separate commercial fishery for bluefin tuna. This trial will run until 31 December 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial appointments [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial appointments [December 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 December 2023.

    The King was pleased to approve the following government appointments.

    • Michael Tomlinson KC MP to be a Minister of State (Minister for Illegal Migration) in the Home Office;
    • Tom Pursglove MP to be a Minister of State (Minister for Legal Migration and Delivery) in the Home Office;
    • Robert Courts MP to be Solicitor General.

    Michael Tomlinson will attend Cabinet.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Artificial intelligence companies showcase defence capabilities at inaugural ‘DAIC Connect’ event [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Artificial intelligence companies showcase defence capabilities at inaugural ‘DAIC Connect’ event [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 7 December 2023.

    More than 70 AI companies shared how their innovations can enhance defence’s current and future capabilities at the inaugural DAIC Connect industry event on Monday 27 November.

    The event was organised by the Defence AI Centre (DAIC) in partnership with business community Chief Disruptor and brought together representatives from industry and academia alongside defence teams including the single services. The aim was to develop a pan-defence understanding of the current AI market and to foster new connections between industry and Ministry of Defence (MOD) teams. This collaborative approach helps to accelerate innovation and strengthen the UK’s AI ecosystem, giving defence a strategic edge.

    Most of the industry attendees were from small and medium sized enterprises, some of whom had not worked with the MOD before. Throughout the day, they engaged with senior staff and representatives from teams across defence, while 11 companies were given the chance to deliver a ten-minute pitch about how their AI projects could enhance defence’s current and future capabilities. The presentations were followed by Q&A sessions in which the audience explored the products’ capabilities and offered observations and advice.

    In the networking area, the six companies who had sponsored the event ran exhibition stands, alongside DAIC, Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and Defence Equipment & Support Digital (DE&S Digital) from the MOD. This provided a further forum to discuss innovations and challenges encountered when developing and adopting AI.

    Charlie Forte, MOD Chief Information Officer, who delivered the opening address, said:

    It is essential that defence develops a more dynamic and integrated relationship with a wide and more diverse group of industry partners because it is through these partnerships that truly transformative solutions can be developed and placed into the hands of users. I am therefore delighted to be opening the inaugural DAIC Connect and to see such a breadth of representation from so many different companies and MOD teams.

    Cdre Rachel Singleton RN, Head DAIC, said:

    It’s fantastic to see so much enthusiasm in the room as people form new connections. Events like DAIC Connect are about bringing together people from across the AI ecosystem so we can continue to explore how we can exploit AI in support of defence challenges.

    Dina Kakaras, Head of Commercial X, explained her team’s work to drive end-to-end, fast-paced acquisition of innovative military capability and to break down barriers for SMEs and wider industry looking to work with the MOD. She emphasised the need to start small and embrace risk, while highlighting the importance of SMEs in driving innovation in the field.

    The day closed with speeches and a joint Q&A by Director of Defence Innovation John Ridge and Director of Strategy and Military Digitalisation, Defence Digital, Air Vice-Marshal David Arthurton. John Ridge called for a collaborative approach across defence and industry in encouraging innovation in defence, and building on efforts by many teams over the past few years in achieving what he described as “Innovation 2.0.” Air Vice-Marshal David Arthurton emphasised that trust will be a critical element in bringing all stakeholders on board for the journey.

    Paul Jones, VP UK Business Development at CrateDB, said:

    CrateDB was proud to be a part of the inaugural DAIC Connect, a unique event where the MOD’s leading AI teams demonstrated the latest challenges and opportunities to the industry. The event was a great success, generating a lot of enthusiasm and interest among the participants.

    About the DAIC

    The Defence AI Centre was established in 2022 as an outcome of the 2021 Integrated Review. It has the mandate to accelerate defence’s ability to harness AI, in line with our principles and values. Its mission is to champion, enable and innovate the safe and responsible adoption of AI in defence.