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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens maritime commitment to Pacific region with Indo-Pacific Minister visit to Australia [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens maritime commitment to Pacific region with Indo-Pacific Minister visit to Australia [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 November 2023.

    Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan arrives in Sydney for a two-visit today (6 Nov), before travelling onto New Zealand and Pacific Island Countries including the Cook Islands, Fiji and Tonga.

    • Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, will reinforce the UK’s maritime commitment to the Pacific region in her visit to Australia
    • Attending the International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, the Minister will highlight UK-Australia collaboration, including through AUKUS
    • The visit will fortify UK-Australia bilateral ties and strengthen existing partnerships in the region, highlighting the shared goal of supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific

    To underline the UK’s steadfast commitment to Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island Countries, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, will arrive in Sydney today (6 November) for a two-day programme focused on government engagement, maritime security, and the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific.

    Attending the Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition, Minister Trevelyan will showcase the UK’s dedication to fostering trade opportunities and reinforcing our commitment to the AUKUS partnership at meetings with UK and international businesses developing key infrastructure for the naval industry.

    The Minister will visit HMS Tamar, currently docked in Sydney. HMS Tamar and HMS Spey are UK Naval vessels positioned in the region to increase the UK’s long-term presence in the Indo-Pacific and help tackle regional security challenges. Working alongside partners and allies, the ships are conducting defence engagement and training with partner nations to enhance regional security.

    AUKUS is integral to UK efforts to support a free, peaceful and stable region. The UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, recently accompanied Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, on a visit to Rolls-Royce’s nuclear reactor manufacturing site in Derby to meet the first group of Australians training alongside UK experts to understand how the next generation of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines will be developed.

    UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

    Our close collaboration with Australia is testament to our shared vision for stability, growth and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

    AUKUS will allow us to deliver on our defence and security commitments, including in the maritime domain, to benefit our nations and the wider region.

    Engaging with countries in the Indo-Pacific is a key UK government priority. On 7 November the Foreign Secretary will be in Japan for the G7 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Tokyo. With around 60% of global shipping passing through the Indo-Pacific, ensuring maritime security is critical to the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the UK’s economy. Increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific is now a permanent pillar of the UK’s international policy.

    Today’s visit underscores the depth of the UK partnership with Australia, building on the Minister’s work to boost regional trade earlier this year in Perth and Darwin. In September, she met government officials, business leaders and defence experts to discuss the UK’s increased engagement in the region.

    Following her engagements in Australia, the Minister will travel to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Tonga, where she will meet counterparts to discuss shared challenges facing the region. The Minister will represent the UK as a Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, taking place in the Cook Islands from 6-10 November.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Funding for non NHS-organisations for one-off payments [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Funding for non NHS-organisations for one-off payments [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 6 November 2023.

    Eligible non-NHS organisations including charities and social enterprises can apply for funding to deliver one-off payments to staff, worth at least £1,655.

    • Payments were agreed as part of NHS pay award between government and unions which also gave over one million staff a 5% pay rise in 2023 to 2024
    • Government has stepped in to help independent organisations deliver the payments, on this occasion

    Eligible healthcare staff at non-NHS organisations such as charities, local authorities or social enterprises will benefit from government funding to cover the cost of their one-off payments as part of the NHS pay award, worth at least £1,655.

    It comes after the NHS pay deal, agreed between government and unions in May, saw over one million staff including nurses, paramedics and 999 call handlers receive a 5% pay rise for 2023 to 2024, backdated to April, alongside two one-off payments worth between £1,655 and £3,789 for full-time staff.

    The government has agreed to provide additional funding for organisations with contracts to deliver NHS services, who employ their staff on dynamically linked Agenda for Change contracts. Whilst these staff are contractually eligible for the payments, the independent organisations are responsible for making them.

    The department has however listened to concerns around providing the payments in the current economic circumstances and so will make funding available to help deliver them, on this occasion.

    Health Minister Will Quince said:

    Given the difficult economic context we have made the decision to provide additional funding on this occasion to help deliver the one-off payments to eligible staff employed by non-NHS organisations. This will ensure hardworking healthcare staff and the organisations they work for are not financially disadvantaged as a result of the NHS pay deal, and means they will receive their backlog bonus for their efforts during the pandemic.

    Organisations will be able to apply for the funding and will need to show they have been negatively financially impacted by the pay deal, and that their staff are employed on dynamically linked Agenda for Change contracts.

    Many organisations have already delivered the one-off payments to staff but can apply to be reimbursed to ensure there is no impact on vital frontline services.

    The scheme, which will be funded from existing departmental budgets, will open in the coming weeks, and is expected to be completed by the end of the 2023 to 2024 financial year.

    As a result of the pay award, a newly qualified nurse has seen their salary go up by more than £2,750 over two years from 2021 to 2022 and 2023 to 2024, alongside over £1,890 in one-off payments this year.

    Non-NHS organisations commissioned by the NHS have, where eligible, already been funded for the consolidated 5% uplift under the terms of existing contracts.

    Background information

    Dynamically linked contracts are kept in line with the national Agenda for Change contract, so they automatically reflect any changes/uplifts.

    The NHS pay deal, agreed by NHS Staff Council in May, included two non-consolidated pay awards for 2022 to 2023. These non-consolidated payments covered staff directly employed by NHS organisations (for example, permanent and fixed term contracts) as set out in Annex 1 of the handbook on Agenda for Change terms on 31 March 2023. However, some staff in non-Annex 1 organisations are contractually entitled to the payments, and therefore their employers were responsible for making these payments.

    The Department cannot confirm the costs of this scheme until all applications have been received and assessed in line with the criteria and guidance set out by NHS England.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New opportunities for North Sea oil and gas [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New opportunities for North Sea oil and gas [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 November 2023.

    The Government is taking further steps to support the UK’s transition to net zero by confirming new licensing opportunities.

    • Government to mandate annual oil and gas licensing to bolster UK’s energy security and reduce dependence on imports from overseas
    • Certainty on future licensing will help secure 200,000 jobs and billions in tax receipts
    • Licensing rounds will support lower carbon emissions and be contingent on specific tests to transition to net zero

    The Government is taking further steps to support the UK’s transition to net zero in a pragmatic, proportionate and realistic way, confirming new licensing opportunities that will protect British jobs and bolster energy security, reducing the UK’s reliance on imports from hostile foreign regimes such as Russia.

    Legislation to be set out later this week in the King’s Speech will require the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) to invite applications for new production license on an annual basis, providing certainty and confidence to investors and industry.

    The UK still relies on oil and gas for most of its energy needs, and data published by the Climate Change Committee shows that the UK will continue to rely on oil and gas to help meet its energy needs even when the UK reaches net zero in 2050.

    Encouraging domestic gas production, rather than importing higher-carbon emitting liquified natural gas from other countries, means lower carbon fuels for the UK and also benefits families and businesses. The combined oil and gas industry supports more than 200,000 jobs and adds about £16 billion to the UK economy annually.

    We are reducing our vulnerability to imports from hostile states, leaving us less exposed to unpredictable international forces. This will ensure we have a more secure and diverse energy system and as we make progress on renewables and new nuclear, our more robust energy mix will help to lower household bills in the long-term.

    Each annual licensing round will only take place if key tests are met that support the transition to net zero. The first test is that the UK must be projected to import more oil and gas from other countries than it produces at home.

    The second is that the carbon emissions associated with the production of UK gas are lower than the equivalent emissions from imported liquefied natural gas.

    If both these tests are met, the NSTA will be required to invite applications for new licences annually.

    The legislation is part of a King Speech that will prioritise the long-term decisions that will safeguard the prosperity of our country.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    “I am proud that the UK is a world leader in reducing emissions, and of our new plan to transition to net zero without adding undue burdens on households and securing the country’s long-term interest.

    “Domestic energy will play a crucial role in the transition to net zero, supporting jobs and economic growth, while also protecting us from the volatility of international markets and diversifying our energy sources. The clarity and certainty that our new legislation will provide will help get the country on the right path for the future.”

    The UK’s oil and gas industry has an important role to play in the UK’s energy transition.

    Production from new gas and oil fields in the North Sea can be much cleaner than producing hydrocarbons from older existing fields, reducing the emissions impact of future production.

    Domestic production will help unlock green investment, drawing on the key role our oil and gas industry plays, and driving forward investment in clean technologies that we need to realise our net zero target.

    Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho, said:

    “The UK has cut its emissions faster than any of its peers. But as the independent Climate Change Committee acknowledges, we will need oil and gas even as we reach net zero in 2050.

    “As energy markets become more unstable it’s just common sense to make the most of our own homegrown advantages and use the oil, gas, wind and hydrogen on our doorstep in the North Sea. Rather than importing dirtier fuels from abroad, we want to give industry the certainty to invest in jobs here and unlock billions of pounds for our own transition to clean energy.”

    Offshore Energies UK CEO David Whitehouse, said:

    “The UK needs the churn of new licences to manage production decline in line with our maturing basin. A predictable licencing process with transparent checks will support the highly skilled people working in the sector, while ensuring the granting of new licences is compatible with energy security and net zero.”

    “We all recognise that our energy system must change, and the offshore energy sector is committed to delivering on the climate goals of the UK. While we continue to use oil and gas, we should prioritise our homegrown production to support our energy security, our economy, our jobs, and our world class supply chain that will be the foundation of our low carbon future.”

    Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas, said:

    “Gas is the backbone of our nation’s energy system – and it is vital we make the most of the abundant resources we have to keep the lights on, homes warm and businesses running.

    “That’s why National Gas are delighted to see the government give their firm backing to the UK’s gas sector today – maintaining the security of our energy supply and ensuring we can continue to power the country as we transition towards net zero.

    “By backing gas today and embracing hydrogen for the future – we can create jobs, secure energy independence, deliver net zero, and keep costs down for households and businesses.”

    The UK is committed to delivering on its climate goals and achieving net zero by 2050. The Government’s record reflects this – we achieved the fastest rate of greenhouse gas emissions reductions of all G7 countries between 1990 and 2021 – and we are scaling up our renewable energy supplies, including wind, solar and nuclear. Renewables already generated a record 48.1 per cent of our electricity in the first quarter of this year.

    The UK’s current dependence on fossil fuels (75 per cent) is similar to other advanced economies. Japan gets 85 per cent of its energy from fossil fuels, the United States 81 per cent and Germany 76 per cent.

  • PRESS RELEASE : King’s Speech to deliver a brighter future for the country [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : King’s Speech to deliver a brighter future for the country [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 November 2023.

    New laws to set the country on the right path for the long-term will be revealed in next week’s King’s Speech.

    The Speech will focus on putting in the right laws, where we need them, to safeguard the future prosperity of the United Kingdom, seize economic opportunities and deliver a brighter future.

    Ahead of the Autumn Statement later this month, the measures in the King’s Speech will build on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, safeguard our energy independence, ensure the UK is fully securing the benefits of Brexit and build the most competitive and supportive environment for businesses to capitalise on new technologies.

    Together they will help ensure our country is more prosperous, more innovative, more secure, and ready to seize the bright future that the British people deserve.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    This will be the first King’s Speech in seventy years and the legislation we will bring forward is part of our plan to build a better future for the next seventy.

    Just as I have done with energy security, net zero, illegal migration and HS2, the King’s Speech will take the long-term decisions to address the challenges this country faces, not the easy way out with short-term gimmicks.

    As we take the necessary steps to halve inflation and reduce debt, we will legislate to grow the economy, by supporting innovative businesses and protecting consumers.

    To make the real change this country needs, we will bring forward bills that strengthen our society, help people feel safer in their own communities and give a sense of pride in the place they call home.

    As part of this Government’s commitment to create a better and brighter future for people, the King’s Speech will also include a package of measures focused on strengthening our society and helping people to feel safe in their communities.

    The speech will build on progress to date delivering record numbers of police officers and ensuring perpetrators of anti-social behaviour face swift and more visible justice.

    This is on top of the existing support to the NHS – meaning those who fall sick will get the care they need. With record funding and backing its long-term workforce plan, we will train more doctors, more nurses, more dentists and more GPs than ever before.

    In addition to setting out the legislative programme, the King’s Speech will reconfirm our commitment to promoting and protecting our national interests. Last week’s AI Safety Summit showed how the UK is leading the world to ensure the development of safe AI, and the AUKUS submarine alliance with our partners – Australia and the United States – continues to strengthen global security and will create jobs for people in the UK.

    The State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday follows the delivery of 39 Government bills in the last Parliamentary session, including new laws to stop the boats, grow the economy, support families and deliver on the priorities that matter most to the country.

    Seven bills will be carried over to complete their passage in the next session. This includes the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill and the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill which will modernise regulation so firms can grow and boost competition in the UK.

    Legislation will also deliver a fairer and higher quality private rented sector for both tenants and landlords with the Renters (Reform) Bill helping ensure people live in decent, safe and secure homes.

    The Holocaust Memorial Bill and the Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill will make sure the Holocaust and its victims are never forgotten and prevent public bodies from implementing their own politically motivated boycotts of foreign countries.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Nearly 200 leisure centres supported by Swimming Pool Support Fund [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Nearly 200 leisure centres supported by Swimming Pool Support Fund [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 4 November 2023.

    Swimming pools and leisure centres across England have today received a share of £20 million central Government funding to keep them afloat in response to increased operating costs.

    • Over 100 local authorities awarded a share of £20 million to keep their swimming pools and leisure centres open
    • £60 million in total to be distributed over the next few months, to assist with increased operating costs and to improve sustainability
    • Supports Government ambition to get 3.5 million more people active by 2030

    Swimming pools and leisure centres across England have today received a share of £20 million central Government funding to keep them afloat in response to increased operating costs.

    Swimming is a valuable life skill for people of all ages, important for safety and both physical and mental health. Swim England’s latest Value of Swimming report showed how swimming helps generate social benefits, such as improved communities, skills and education worth £2.4 billion a year.

    The Swimming Pool Support Fund was announced at the March Budget to support facilities with swimming pools. This first £20 million of funding is going to the swimming pools and leisure centres most at risk of closure or significant service reduction, and will be used to help with the recent rise in energy costs, such as paying towards immediate maintenance costs, heating and pool chemicals.

    Today’s announcement means that 196 leisure centres and swimming pools in 103 local authorities will benefit from this funding supporting over 23 million swims a year collectively, meaning millions of people across the country will have the chance to stay fit and healthy a, contributing to the Government’s aim to cut obesity rates and get millions more people active.

    Operating costs including but not limited to heating, alongside general inflationary pressure has increased considerably over recent months, with local authorities facing greater challenges to make ends meet as a result.

    Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:

    Leisure centres and pools are  vital for millions of people to stay fit and healthy, and we know that many public swimming pools are experiencing greater pressure due to increased operating costs.

    We have heard their concerns and have stepped in to help them make ends meet with £20 million immediate relief, and a further £40 million to help improve sustainability of public swimming pools over the long term.

    This is part of our support for grassroots sports facilities with more than £400 million in order to achieve our ambitious target of getting 3.5 million more people active by 2030.

    Five-time Olympic Swimmer Mark Foster said:

    Swimming pools are at the heart of communities, and there are so many reasons why this funding to keep almost 200 open in England is so important.

    From babies and children learning to swim, to older adults using their local pool to get active and socialise, swimming has a huge range of benefits and I am a passionate advocate for investment in the grassroots.

    Executive Director for Place, Sport England, Lisa Dodd-Mayne said:

    We know just how vital swimming pools and leisure centres are to our nation’s activity levels, which is why Sport England is proud to have played a central role in the delivery of this fund.

    Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as operators battle the challenge of increased energy and maintenance costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.

    Today’s announcement is an important moment in time, but is by no means the end of the work facing us or the support available as we continue to work with our partners to ensure the long-term viability of these vital community resources.

    Over the coming months the recipients of a further £40 million will be announced. This part of the fund will be made available for investment in making the pools and leisure centres more energy efficient, including funding new heating systems and energy saving interventions. This is intended to help the long term energy and financial resilience of the sector.

    The Government recently published its new sport strategy to get 2.5 million more adults and one million more young people meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s guidance of 150 minutes per week for adults, and 60 minutes per day for young people by 2030.

    To help reach this target, this support for swimming pools is part of record investment of almost £400 million in grassroots facilities, including in multi-sport facilities and park tennis courts.

    This also follows the £100 million National Leisure Centre Recovery Fund which has secured the survival and reopening of more than 1,100 swimming pools since 2019, with over 100 new facilities also being opened.

    The John Warner Sports Centre in Broxbourne, which offers swimming lessons and sessions for people of all ages, has received almost £190,000 of funding to keep it open for the community,

    Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council, Councillor Lewis Cocking said:  > > There is currently particularly high demand for the Council run swim schools which serve a wide range, and diverse group of people including babies, families, students through to older residents and users with disabilities. > > In recent years, the rising cost of utilities have presented many challenges, specifically for the day-to-day running of our swimming pools. At the John Warner Sports Centre alone, since 2019/20 costs have increased by 375% for gas and 221% for electricity, putting at risk the financial viability of this service. > > I am therefore thrilled that the Council has been awarded this funding which will help ease the current pressures associated with rising energy costs for what is a highly valued centre that plays a vital role in supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of many of our residents.

    These 196 facilities were chosen based on their risk of closure, the proximity to other swimming pools providing public swimming, and the level of demand for the facility.

    The St Ives Leisure Centre in Cornwall for example, has received over £100,000 to support operating costs to allow it to continue to offer family and fitness swimming sessions. The Barnsley Metrodome Leisure Complex in South Yorkshire received £400,000, which will go towards keeping the venue and its Accessible Swim sessions running.

    Others across the country include The Wave in Coventry, which received over £108,000 to keep its indoor waterpark running, and the Neptune Centre in Middlesbrough, which received £110,700 to go towards keeping its many classes open.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Modi of India [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Modi of India [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 November 2023.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, this afternoon.

    The leaders discussed the deeply distressing situation in the Middle East and condemned Hamas’s attacks on Israel. They reiterated that Hamas did not represent the Palestinian people and reflected on the need to deescalate tensions in the wider region.

    The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of protecting innocent civilians in Gaza and ensuring aid was able to flow into the country.

    Turning to the friendship between the UK and India, the leaders discussed recent progress on Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

    They agreed on the importance of securing an ambitious deal that benefitted both sides.

    Finally, the leaders discussed the ongoing Cricket World Cup being held in India. The Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the strong performance of the India team and said he hoped England would have more luck during their test series in India in January.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Formal warning to council over four-day working week [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Formal warning to council over four-day working week [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 3 November 2023.

    Serious concerns raised by the Government over how council is offering value for money.

    A formal notice has been issued to South Cambridgeshire District Council to ensure taxpayers’ money is well spent after concerns were raised over its four-day working week trial.

    A Best Value Notice, issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, formally sets out government concerns around the council and whether the trial offers value for money, including the removal of up to a fifth of the authority’s capacity.

    It requests evidence on the trial to consider whether the council is meeting its Best Value Duty, including on: staffing; costs; service delivery; resident feedback; overall performance since the start of the trial; should a four-day working week continue.

    The Notice follows repeated requests from the Local Government Minister, Lee Rowley to end the trial, as well as the publication of guidance to the sector setting out why this practice should not be adopted.

    Local Government Minister Lee Rowley said:

    “We are extremely concerned South Cambridgeshire District Council continues to experiment with taxpayers’ money by offering full time pay for part time work.

    “We have been clear that the Government does not support the so-called four-day working week and, despite issuing clear guidance, this council has chosen to ignore it. The Government is making clear this needs to end and, although we hope not to have to, we will take further action should that prove to be necessary.”

    The Best Value Notice is a formal notification of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s compliance with its Best Value Duty under the Local Government Act 1999, and will remain in place for six months to cover the remainder of the trial and allow for further analysis.

    The Department will review the Notice and determine whether further action is needed. It may be ended early or escalated at any point based on the available evidence. This could include the use of additional powers that the Secretary of State has to request information, or to inspect or intervene in the council.

    Guidance issued to the sector last week set out the Government’s position that removing 20% of a local authority’s potential capacity does not offer value for money for residents. It makes clear that value for money for taxpayers is paramount and no further focus should be given by councils on this issue.

    The Government continues to support an individual’s right to request flexible working, which allows individual employees to apply for changes to the hours, timing, or location of work, which is clearly different to a blanket four-day working week on a full salary, across the whole organisation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New technologies on show at Quantum Showcase as Science Minister drives forward UK’s £2.5 billion Quantum Strategy [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New technologies on show at Quantum Showcase as Science Minister drives forward UK’s £2.5 billion Quantum Strategy [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 2 November 2023.

    The Science Minister George Freeman outlines the recipients of over £14 million in funding, aimed at benefiting the UK’s thriving quantum sector.

    • Science Minister sets out how the government is continuing with its vision to become a quantum-enabled economy by 2023 with over £14 million in funding
    • the latest in ground-breaking applications of quantum technology will be showcased at one of the largest quantum events in the UK
    • UK has signed new science and innovation agreement with Australia and the Netherlands to deepen collaboration on quantum

    The Science Minister George Freeman will today (Thursday 2 November) outline the recipients of over £14 million in funding, aimed at benefiting the UK’s thriving quantum sector.

    At the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase, taking place in London today, Minister Freeman will set out how the government is continuing with its vision to become a quantum-enabled economy by 2023.

    The showcase will present the latest in ground-breaking applications of the technology which will potentially revolutionise many aspects of life in the UK. Quantum technologies could bring enormous benefits to the economy, such as making it possible to solve complex problems impossible to solve with even the most powerful high-performance classical computers, and opening entirely new frontiers in sensing, timing, imaging, and communications.

    The event, which last year welcomed over 1,000 delegates, with 67 exhibitors from 34 different countries, is organised by National Quantum Technologies Programme, which was established in 2014 and backed by £1 billion of government funding.

    The National Quantum Strategy, published in March 2023, commits a further £2.5 billion to developing quantum technologies in the UK over the 10 years from 2024 which will aim to generate at least an additional £1 billion of private investment into the programme.

    The announcements made today will include:

    • the launch of a UK Quantum Standards Network Pilot that will help to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of establishing global standards for quantum
    • over £10 million in funding for 6 projects to accelerate the development of components and systems for quantum network technologies to transform the way in which we distribute, secure, and process our information to meet the challenges of our increasingly complex data economy
    • over £4 million to strengthen collaborative research and development through Canada-UK partnerships to develop real-world quantum technologies for commercial use
    • the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) closing its £30 million competition to provide quantum computing testbeds, alongside a partnership with IBM to provide users cloud access to IBM’s full fleet quantum machines
    • two new science and innovation agreements with Australia and the Netherlands to deepen collaboration on quantum which will see closer cooperation covering research and development, commercialisation, investment, and skills

    George Freeman MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said:

    We have identified Quantum as one of the 5 transformational technologies in which the UK is a global leader, which is why we have set out a £2.5 billion 10 year industrial strategy to support the quantum sector here in the UK. Quantum is set to transform computing, imaging and sensing, cyber security and position, navigation and timing with major industrial applications from drug discovery to defence, fintech, and much more. That is why I am here today at the Quantum Showcase to announce this package of UK funding and programmes.

    Our partnership between the National Quantum Computing Centre and IBM will provide cloud quantum computing access for companies, agencies, national labs and other organisations to help boost UK quantum computing infrastructure. Our £30 million quantum testbed programme will build the world’s first quantum computing testbed to assess and benchmark machines. Our funding for collaborative programmes with the Netherlands and Canada is a sign of our commitment to develop global quantum standards and networks.

    This is an exciting day for the UK quantum sector.

    Quantum technologies – one of the government’s 5 critical technologies – are devices and systems using quantum mechanics to provide capabilities that ‘classical’ machines like binary computers cannot.

    The technology already offers possible solutions to some of our greatest challenges in society and provide future capabilities that are yet to be explored. These technologies hold the potential to tackle intricate problems that currently surpass the capacities of even the most advanced classical computers and will allow us to reach new frontiers in sensing, timing, imaging, and communications. Over the next 10 years, quantum technologies are expected to revolutionise many aspects of life in the UK and bring enormous benefits such as helping to grow our economy and create well-paid jobs across the country – one of the Prime Minister’s 5 priorities.

    The National Quantum Strategy sets out a bold and ambitious approach to supporting quantum technologies in the UK across the broad spectrum of quantum computing, sensing, timing, imaging and communications. It shows how the UK will develop its strengths across different hardware platforms, software and components, and reinforce our capabilities throughout the supply chains.

    Just last month, Secretary of State Michelle Donelan opened PsiQuantum’s new state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facility at Sci-Tech Daresbury, which is supported with £9 million from the government. In June, Minister Freeman announced £45 million in funding to support universities and businesses working in the UK’s quantum technologies sector.

    Details of the announcements

    Small Business Research Initiative competition – Quantum Networks, Enabling Components & Systems

    As part of the Innovate UK led Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition, 6 projects have been awarded £10.6 million to accelerate the development of components and systems for quantum network technologies.

    These technologies will transform the way in which we distribute, secure, and process our information to meet the challenges of a communication network that is growing in capacity and complexity as our economy becomes increasingly underpinned by data. The funding will assist in the delivery of deployable prototypes into the hands of customers, building the UK’s leadership in this emerging global market.

    The projects chosen to receive funding include delivering modular systems for connecting quantum processors into networks at scale and developing high-bandwidth quantum-secure communications between satellite and ground networks, they are set to conclude in 2025.

    Quantum Standards Network Pilot

    The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), in collaboration with government and industry partners, will launch a UK Quantum Standards Network Pilot. This pilot network builds on the commitments made in the National Quantum Strategy which recognises the importance of technical standards to support the global commercialisation of quantum technology. The pilot network will ensure the UK is at the forefront of establishing global standards for quantum. It will provide a focal point on standards for UK industry and develop initial plans for industry outreach, standard development road mapping and international engagement, helping overcome barriers to the realisation of the potential of quantum technologies.

    The aim of the pilot network is to evolve into a centre that coordinates the UK’s engagement with global standards, ensuring that the UK continues to be at the forefront of the quantum revolution. NPL will collaborate with the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), UKQuantum, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) on the pilot network.

    New quantum agreements with Australia and the Netherlands to deepen collaboration on quantum

    The UK has signed two new quantum agreements with Australia and the Netherlands to help harness the constant creation of new knowledge, understanding and insights from our innovation ecosystems. International partnerships will play a crucial role in delivering the UK’s ambitions for quantum technologies as set out within the National Quantum Strategy. The UK has already signed agreements with the US and Canada which set out areas for closer cooperation covering research and development, commercialisation, investment and skills.

    Australia is a key partner and agreeing to closer working on quantum will also build on opportunities presented through the Free Trade Agreement and existing science and technology links, such as the Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership.

    The Netherlands have a strong history and culture of technology and the agreement will see a deepening of the collaboration on science and innovation between the 2 countries. It will also support efforts in both countries to develop ethical and governance principles for the responsible use of quantum technology, for the benefit of society as a whole.

    Canada – UK Commercialising Quantum Technology Programme

    Collaboration between key international partners will be essential to build mutual capabilities and to grow industrial opportunities within quantum technologies. Alongside the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), Innovate UK is investing £4.2 million in 11 projects to strengthen collaborative research and development through Canada-UK partnerships.

    This funding will help to develop real-world quantum technologies for commercial use in networking, sensing, and scalable solutions to quantum computing, alongside developing the supply chain.

    The National Quantum Computing Centre signs up service provider to offer assured quantum computing access for UK users for research

    The NQCC will provide assured quantum computing access to UK-based organisations to drive the research and development work that may benefit from the technology. This reflects the NQCC’s vision to enable the UK to solve some of the most complex and challenging problems facing society by harnessing the potential of quantum computing. To deliver this, the NQCC will have multiple quantum service providers to enable the growth of the UK’s quantum computing user community, with access to a wide range of state-of-the-art quantum machines.

    The objective is to drive new research horizons and serve the UK research community to enable proof-of-concept projects, feasibility studies and discovery-led science. As a part of the initiative, the NQCC will engage with IBM Corporation to provide UK-based quantum computing users priority access to the full fleet of IBM’s quantum machines. Aligned with the recently published National Quantum Strategy, and the commitment of £2.5 billion of investment, the NQCC remains committed to working with organisations across government, industry and the research community, to support the delivery of assured quantum computing capabilities for the UK and build the user community for quantum computing.

    The centre seeks to enable the UK to become a quantum-ready nation and take full advantage of the benefits that quantum computing can offer, by supporting the UK-based organisations.

    The NQCC’s first facility, the NQCC Innovation Hub, is now ready to start hosting the development and operation of quantum computing testbeds.

    The NQCC is investing £30 million in projects that will deliver a series of quantum computing testbeds, based on different hardware architectures by March 2025. The prototypes that come from the competition, which is being delivered by Innovate UK, will accelerate the development of scalable quantum computers by enabling detailed characterisation and benchmarking of early-stage machines.

    In establishing these quantum testbeds, the NQCC is aiming to fill a gap between lab-based experimentation in academia and the growing number of commercial quantum computers that have been built around proprietary technologies. The availability of testbeds will provide an experimental framework for ongoing efforts to develop methodologies for testing, and validating, the performance of quantum computers, which so far have largely relied on theoretical approaches. The initial response to the expression-of-interest call has shown that developers can see the value in opening up their platforms within the protected environment offered by the NQCC. The competition results will be announced in early 2024.

    Notes to editors

    Small Business Research Initiative competition – Quantum Networks, Enabling Components & Systems list of projects:

    • Quantum Link Assurance System – Aegiq
    • NEXUS-QP – Duality Quantum Photonics
    • delivering a system hardened, scalable, and interoperable QKD solution – KETS Quantum Security
    • LYRA: A Modular path towards Industrialised and Scalable Quantum Networking – Nu Quantum
    • NextQPU – Oxford Ionics
    • Space-to-Ground Integrated Quantum Networks – Toshiba Europe

    Canada – UK Commercialising Quantum Technology Programme list of projects:

    • quantum technology enabled blood diagnostics for safer and more patient centric cancer care and treatment management – Beyond Blood Diagnostics
    • Broadband Quantum Synthesizer (BQS) – Covesion
    • H3Lo-QP: High-voltage High-IO High-transmission Low-temperature Quantum Photonics – Duality Quantum Photonics, Qontrol
    • Cryogenic High Reliability Platform for Quantum Computing – ICEoxford
    • Scalable Qubit Array Detection for Rydberg Quantum Computers – Infleqtion, Riverlane
    • QUARREFOUR – Benchmarking Multi-core Quantum Computing Systems – Nu Quantum
    • Generation of entAngLement for quAntum seCure mulTIparty Computation – Quantopticon, Galaxy Innovation, Bay Photonics
    • 3LX – Developing low-cost, low-energy, low-detection limit X-Ray image sensors for critical industries using quantum dot technology – Quantum Advanced Solutions
    • Hybrid compilation framework to accelerate quantum application development (CATALYST) Riverlane, Rolls-Royce
    • QUAMINEX – a drone deployed integrated gravity magnetics measurement system for mineral exploration – Silicon Microgravity
    • Distributed Symmetric Key Exchange (DSKE) Network – Toshiba Europe
  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK urges all parties to allow for humanitarian pauses in Gaza – UK statement at the UN [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK urges all parties to allow for humanitarian pauses in Gaza – UK statement at the UN [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 November 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Tom Woodroffe at the OCHA Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    Thank you very much Lisa [Doughten] and of course to you Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths. I want to start by expressing our deep appreciation to you Martin for your tireless efforts in recent weeks and, of course, to the work of the UN and all humanitarian partners for their lifesaving efforts in such incredibly challenging circumstances. Like others, I want to share the UK’s condolences to the families and friends of all UNWRA colleagues who have lost their lives, and to all Palestinians and Israelis who have lost loved ones.

    In response to this acute humanitarian crisis, the UK has significantly stepped up our humanitarian efforts. Our Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and UN Minister Lord Ahmad, have all visited the region over the last two weeks focused on these efforts and on three key priorities.

    Firstly, we have been clear that all sides must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. That means that every possible precaution must be taken to protect civilians wherever they are. It also means that all hostages must be released immediately, safely and without conditions.

    Second, the UK continues to call for immediate, unimpeded, and safe humanitarian access to Gaza, so that lifesaving aid, including water, fuel, medicine, and food, can reach the civilians who desperately need it. Piped water supplies and allowing fuel to enter Gaza are essential to allow hospitals and other critical infrastructure to operate. And we urge all parties to allow for humanitarian pauses, which would ensure safe aid delivery and critical repairs to key infrastructure including water and electricity.

    Whilst we welcome the re-opening of Rafah crossing, we are aware that this is not sufficient to meet the soaring needs. We urge the opening of other border crossings, such as Kerem Shalom, as well as increased access through existing commercial routes such as Port Said, to enable more humanitarian aid to reach civilians in need.

    Finally, we have increased our funding to the humanitarian response to support our partners and the people of Gaza. We have committed a further $37 million in humanitarian assistance since October 16, doubling the UK’s commitment to the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New UK and Germany partnership to boost renewable energy and bolster energy security [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New UK and Germany partnership to boost renewable energy and bolster energy security [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 3 November 2023.

    UK Energy Security Secretary and German Vice Chancellor boost cooperation between nations on path to net zero.

    • Agreement provides blueprint for cooperation on energy and climate, including clean technologies and security, between Europe’s 2 largest economies
    • partnership will bolster cooperation and remove regulatory barriers on renewables, especially offshore wind and North Sea electricity interconnection
    • UK and Germany will share knowledge on industrial and buildings decarbonisation

    A new partnership between the UK and German governments has been agreed today (Friday 3 November 2023) to help secure safe, affordable and clean energy for consumers in both nations for the long term and bolster energy security.

    Under the new partnership signed in London by Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho and Germany’s Vice Chancellor, Robert Habeck, the UK and Germany have reaffirmed their shared ambition and commitment to net zero and progressing the energy transition.

    Europe’s 2 largest economies have also doubled down on commitments made under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

    The energy and climate partnership sees both countries commit to:

    • enhance cooperation in renewables, notably offshore wind and electricity interconnection, to remove regulatory barriers and accelerate deployment of offshore hybrid projects
    • share industry knowledge and expertise to improve the exploration of carbon capture, utilisation and storage, including the cross-border transport of CO2
    • strengthen and promote regional and global energy security, including discussions on winter preparedness, security of infrastructure and supply chains
    • share best practices and lessons learned on industrial, buildings and heat decarbonisation, energy efficiency and net zero policies and strategies

    Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

    The UK and Germany agree on the importance of clean, affordable energy and we both recognise its crucial role in growing our economies and guaranteeing national and global energy security.

    We are already working together in the North Sea to deliver our world-leading offshore wind ambitions, as well as linking our countries with subsea electricity cables.

    Today’s agreement will see us extend and deepen our partnership to ensure we continue to lead Europe and the world in making the green transition.

    German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck said:

    Germany and the UK face similar challenges. We have made good progress regarding the transition towards climate neutrality, but there is still a long path ahead of us. Cooperation with reliable partners can help all partners to advance not only faster, but better.

    We can learn from each other’s experiences, share knowledge and work together to reach our common goals. The joint declaration signed today builds upon a long history of cooperation and provides a sound framework for successfully working together in future.

    The energy and climate partnership incorporates the UK-Germany hydrogen partnership signed by Lord Callanan in September. This aims to accelerate the role of low carbon hydrogen – in particular from renewable sources –  in both nations’ energy mix and commits to working together to develop the global hydrogen economy.

    Germany was the UK’s second largest trading partner in the 4 quarters to the end of Q1 2023, accounting for 8% of total UK trade. British and German companies are already collaborating on joint projects in the North Sea and both countries have committed to maximise its renewables potential, most recently at the Ostend North Sea Summit.

    In the field of offshore wind, around 75% of installed offshore wind capacity in the North Sea is in German and British waters. This is helping to drive the UK’s ambition for up to 50GW of offshore wind, including up to 5GW of floating offshore wind, by 2030. Germany is aiming at installing 30GW by 2030.

    The first phase of major construction of the £2.4 billion NeuConnect project, the first subsea electricity cable between the UK and Germany, was completed this week. The project, once operational in 2028, has the potential to power up to 1.5 million homes in the UK and Germany over its lifetime with reliable, affordable and clean energy. When completed, it will be the second longest UK electricity power line with approximately 725km of land and subsea cables, connecting Kent and Wilhelmshaven.

    Another interconnector project connecting the UK to Germany is currently in development and awaiting regulatory approval from Ofgem.

    Beverley Cornaby, Director, Policy and Systems Change Collaborations, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL):

    Clean power generation is front-and-centre of the UK’s strategy to reach net zero by 2050. This partnership will support these aims by providing a blueprint on energy and climate between Europe’s 2 largest economies – helping the UK and Germany to bolster cooperation, remove regulatory barriers on renewables and share knowledge on industrial decarbonisation.