UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : World-leading surgical mannequin used to train military surgeons on immersive exercise for first time [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : World-leading surgical mannequin used to train military surgeons on immersive exercise for first time [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 November 2023.

    A cutting-edge trauma casualty simulation mannequin, invented and developed by a UK clinician and funded by the Ministry of Defence, has been used for the first time in a full-scale field hospital training exercise.

    Invented and developed by civilian orthopaedic major trauma surgeon Professor Ian Pallister, the Surgical Advanced Mannequin (SAM model) is a world-leading training simulation model which can be inserted with different injury patterns such as blast wounds and gunshots. It can also ‘breathe’ and be pumped with ‘blood’ to simulate bleeding.

    The innovative mannequin, refined over a ten-year development period, has enabled Armed Forces medical teams to participate in a highly realistic level of training on a clinical exercise run by the Army Medical Services Training Centre (AMSTC).

    Earlier versions of the SAM model have also been used to train Ukrainian military surgeons.

    Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison, who is a doctor in the Reserves, said:

    These world-class training models are an excellent demonstration of the type of innovative equipment produced by UK defence and our industry partners. They play a vital part in delivering cutting-edge training to both our Ukrainian allies and our exemplary military medical and surgical teams in the UK, helping to ensure they continue to be the very best at what they do.

    Professor Pallister developed the SAM model using CT scans and 3D-printed masters of specific wounds such as a gunshot or pelvic injury. His latest version of the model can be intubated, have dead ‘tissue’ removed, and be used for exploratory surgery.

    Professor Ian Pallister said:

    SAM models, which have been taken on board Royal Navy ships and deployed in land environments, are the product of years of constant redesign and redevelopment and these evolving innovations would not have been possible without the close cooperation of Defence Medical Service colleagues and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

    Clinical Adviser for Deployed Hospital Care, Army Medical Services Training, Colonel Jonny Round said:

    Traditionally at AMSTC, we’ve used a live casualty actor with some make-up to deliver a list of symptoms and injuries. Professor Pallister’s model simulates, very realistically, combat wounds requiring surgical intervention.

    The surgeons get to operate, and the entire team train, in a field hospital that replicates the one they will find themselves deployed to. We are immensely proud that through this training we can deliver world-class medical teams to operations.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is among the main drivers of current food insecurity – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is among the main drivers of current food insecurity – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

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

    Justin Addison (UK Delegation to the OSCE) tells the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Committee that Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and systematic attacks on grain infrastructure has worsened food insecurity.

    Mr Chair,

    The effects on global food supply of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, along with climate change, conflict, and the long-term impacts of Covid-19, are the main drivers of current food insecurity.

    Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative has reduced global grain supply at a critical time for vulnerable people around the world, and contributed to further market volatility. Russia has also systematically attacked Ukrainian civilian grain and port infrastructure, clearly intending to degrade Ukraine’s ability to export food to the world.

    Russia’s actions will take time to remedy, causing long-standing damage to the Ukrainian agricultural sector, which has played such a pivotal part in global food supply.

    To provide a reset moment on the global food security crisis, on the 20th of November the UK will host a global food security summit, gathering governments, international organisations, scientists, NGOs and the private sector.

    The summit will focus on new approaches to tackling preventable deaths of children; building a climate-resilient and sustainable food system; supporting early action to prevent and reduce the impact of humanitarian crises; and using science and technology to boost food security.

    Mr Chair,  while Russia seeks to destroy the trade links that provide the world with food, the development of the Middle Corridor offers a promising route for future trade and transport. The diversification and expansion of trade routes in Central Asian countries in particular not only brings economic growth to the wider OSCE region, but also has potential to improve global supply chains and energy security. Investment in infrastructure could promote the creation of industrial clusters and service centres, leading to new avenues for revenue and employment.

    The UK welcomes the strong political support from the Azerbaijani and Georgian governments, as well as coordination with Türkiye and countries in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Further expansion and operation of the Corridor could create opportunities in the fields of port operations, logistics, rule standardisation and insurance. We also see how international cooperation on projects such as this can have a direct security benefit, and we join the calls of others to make the coordination groups as inclusive as possible.

    The UK stands by to offer political support, encourage investment, and explore ways for British exporters to use the Corridor, wherever we can. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of homes to be kept warm by waste heat from computer data centres in UK first [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of homes to be kept warm by waste heat from computer data centres in UK first [November 2023]

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

    More homes and businesses to benefit from cleaner, low-cost heating – thanks to almost £65 million in government support for 5 green energy projects.

    • Five innovative projects receive share of nearly £65 million to deliver cleaner, low-cost heating to thousands of homes and businesses
    • low carbon housing estate of the future will use waste heat from data centres to provide heating and hot water to more than 10,000 homes
    • new heat networks will create thousands of skilled jobs across England

    Thousands of homes will be kept warm by waste heat from nearby data centres for the first time in the UK – thanks to a share of nearly £65 million of government funding for 5 green heating projects across the country.

    The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation in the London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Brent and Ealing will be the first of its kind to recycle waste heat from large computer systems storing internet data to supply heating for the local community.

    The heat network, backed by £36 million in government support, will connect 10,000 new homes and 250,000m2 of commercial space to a low-carbon energy source that will help keep bills low and contribute to the UK’s drive to reach net zero by 2050.

    It is one of 5 innovative green heating projects in London, Watford, Suffolk and Lancaster allocated grants from the Green Heat Network Fund. Together they are expected to create thousands of skilled jobs, helping deliver the government’s promise to grow the economy.

    One of these successful projects will see Lancaster University fully decarbonise its campus, by receiving over £21 million in support for a new low-carbon heat network. The heat network will supply heat to the university campus using a large heat pump, powered by a new solar farm and existing wind turbine.

    Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

    Innovative projects, like these announced today, are another example of why the UK is a world leader in cutting carbon emissions.

    We are investing in the technologies of the future so that families across the country will now be able to warm their homes with low-carbon, recycled heat – while creating thousands of new skilled jobs.

    Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

    Keeping homes warm with waste heat from technology is a glimpse into the future – and demonstrates just how innovative this country can be when it comes to reducing our carbon emissions.

    The £65 million we’ve awarded today will help spread this success across the country, by rolling out innovative low-carbon heating to help to drive down energy bills and deliver our net zero goal.

    Heat networks supply heating and hot water to homes and businesses via heat pumps or sources from underground, manufacturing, and waste management. They help cut carbon emissions by supplying heat to multiple buildings from a central source, avoiding the need for households and workplaces to rely on individual, energy-intensive heating solutions, such as gas boilers.

    The transition to heat networks forms a major part of the UK’s carbon reduction commitment, with heating in buildings making up 30% of all UK emissions.

    Today’s round of funding comes on top of £122 million already awarded to support 11 new heat network projects across the country, under the government’s Green Heat Network Fund.

    The full list of projects to receive support today are:

    • Old Oak Park Royal Development Corporation will receive £36 million to construct a heat network using waste heat from data centres to provide heating to over 10,000 homes and 250,000m2 of commercial space
    • a new heat pump housing estate in Chilton Woods, Suffolk will see nearly 1,000 homes and a primary school provided with low carbon heating. The project, which has received £745,000, will also include a thermal store, meaning any excess energy generated from the system will be fed into the wider National Grid
    • the London Borough of Brent will receive nearly £5.2 million for the South Kilburn District Heat Network, supplying heat using air source heat pumps combined with back up gas boilers to 34 sites via a 2.79km pipe network, connecting 2,900 customers.
    • Watford Community Housing (WCH), a not-for-profit housing association with approximately 5,700 homes, will receive £1.8 million of funding to replace an old gas district heating system with ground source and air source heat pumps. This will provide heat to 252 apartments across 6 blocks
    • Lancaster University will receive more than £21 million to fully decarbonise its campus with a low carbon energy centre. The centre will use air source heat pumps, thermal storage and electrical infrastructure works

    Matthew Basnett, the Association for Decentralised Energy’s (ADE) Heat Network Policy Lead, said:

    Heat decarbonisation in buildings is a huge challenge, and one that is often fundamentally misunderstood – heat networks are the only internationally proven route for decarbonising heat at scale, yet most people don’t know what they are.

    We are excited to see that another round of the Green Heat Network Fund has been successful, and celebrate the news that a first-in-the-UK development will use waste heat from data centres to keep more than 10,000 homes warm, comfortable and affordable in the long term. We now look forward to seeing the government work with industry to raise the profile of heat networks as a versatile solution for heat decarbonisation.

    David Lunts, Chief Executive of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), said:

    Recycling the huge amounts of wasted heat from our local data centres into heat and energy for local residents, a major hospital and other users is an exciting and innovative example of OPDC’s support for the mayor’s net zero ambitions.

    We are excited to be leading the way in developing low carbon infrastructure, supporting current and future generations of Londoners in Old Oak and Park Royal to live more sustainably.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Walrus ivory carving of Deposition from the Cross at risk of leaving the UK [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Walrus ivory carving of Deposition from the Cross at risk of leaving the UK [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 3 November 2023.

    A temporary export bar has been placed on a walrus ivory carving of the Deposition from the Cross so a domestic buyer can be found.

    • A temporary export bar has been placed on a walrus ivory carving of the Deposition from the Cross
    • The Romanesque carving is valued at over £2 million
    • Export bar will allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the carving for the nation

    A 12th-century English walrus ivory carving depicting the Deposition from the Cross is at risk of leaving the UK unless a domestic buyer can be found.

    The Romanesque carving, which is valued at £2,006,595 (plus VAT of £40,131.90), is made of walrus ivory and depicts the moment in the story of the Passion of Christ known as the Deposition from the Cross, in which Jesus’s body is lifted down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea. It would once have been part of a larger scene and would have included a cross which is still partly visible and other figures.

    The work is particularly relevant for our understanding of early mediaeval ivories. It is already well-known to the national and international research communities into Romanesque sculpture, and into mediaeval art more widely.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

    As well as being an object of great reverence and accomplishment, this exquisite 12th-century carving is significant to our understanding of ivories in the early mediaeval period.

    I hope that a UK buyer will come forward so that this work can be saved for the nation and studied and admired by generations to come.

    The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

    The Committee made its recommendation on the basis that the carving met the first, second and third Waverley criteria for its outstanding connection with our history and national life; its outstanding aesthetic importance; and its outstanding significance for the study of early mediaeval ivories. It was noted that the work was one of the most culturally and aesthetically significant objects they have considered, and that it could provide vital insight into several aspects of a time from which few objects have survived.

    Committee Member Tim Pestell said:

    This mediaeval ivory depiction of the Deposition of Christ is a truly remarkable object, both for its early date and its sublimely skilful carving. Delicately observed and showing dignified restraint in its depiction of the dead Christ, it represents one of the finest surviving examples of English Romanesque ivory carving. This rarity means we have much to learn from it, ranging from examining its artistic design and the workshop that produced it, to scientific investigation of the walrus ivory it is made of that might tell us about mediaeval exploitation of the environment, and trade and exchange networks.

    I earnestly hope that a UK museum can now be found to acquire this stunning and nationally-significant carving where it can be placed on public display, be suitably contextualised and made available for the detailed research it so richly deserves.

    The decision on the export licence application for the carving will be deferred for a period ending on 2 February 2024 (inclusive). At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the carving at the recommended price of £2,006,595 (plus VAT of £40,131.90 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution).  The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for four months.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Special representatives and envoys for Afghanistan – joint statement [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Special representatives and envoys for Afghanistan – joint statement [November 2023]

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

    Statement from special representatives and envoys for Afghanistan from Canada, the EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, UK and USA after their 18 October 2023 meeting.

    The special representatives and envoys for Afghanistan agreed to continue their regular consultations to develop consistent joint policies on Afghanistan and promote coherent approaches to the outstanding challenges facing Afghanistan.

    Special observers at the meeting included representatives from Türkiye, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the OIC, UNAMA and UNODC. In addition, Afghan civil society figures participated in a preparatory virtual session, held in advance of the proceedings. Participants issued the below joint statement:

    1. Acknowledged the dire humanitarian and economic situation that the Afghan population faces, with more than 29 million Afghans in need of urgent assistance; focused on the need to address Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis and reiterated their call on the Taliban to ensure unhindered access for all humanitarian aid workers, both men and women, to perform their jobs effectively in all areas of the country, with an emphasis on the need to serve vulnerable populations who cannot be reached without the employment of women.
    2. Highlighted the substantial humanitarian assistance provided for Afghanistan from their respective governments and organizations, which, according to UNOCHA, totals roughly US$6.3 billion since August 2021, representing about 74% of all humanitarian aid contributions made to Afghanistan since that time; noted, however, that humanitarian aid levels are dropping while needs are not; and emphasized the need for monitoring of aid for robust donor support to continue.
    3. Expressed their support to the population recently hit by devastating earthquakes in Western Afghanistan; and affirmed commitments by group members to provide assistance to the affected communities and coordinate their efforts for an effective response to the most urgent needs. An additional amount of US$33 million aid in support of earthquake-hit areas has already been decided by their respective governments and organisations, more assistance is in the planning stages.
    4. Acknowledged that support for humanitarian aid, while essential, does not address the underlying causes of Afghanistan’s deteriorating macro-economic situation; recalled the Taliban’s responsibility for the deterioration of the economic and humanitarian situation, as well as their responsibility for the recovery of the country and the improvement of the economic situation; called for expanding donors support to basic needs assistance, private sector growth initiatives, women’s empowerment efforts and livelihoods generation; and noted the importance of multilateral development banks playing a leading role in this effort, including through drawing on own-bank financing to complement continuing bilateral contributions. The amount of resources already provided by their respective governments and organisations since August 2021 in support of basic human needs and livelihood totals approximately US$2.1 billion.
    5. Expressed grave concern for the human rights situation in Afghanistan; and reiterated their firm belief that the Taliban’s policies excluding women and girls from social, economic, political and cultural life in Afghanistan, including restrictions on education and employment, violate the rights of Afghans and international obligations, deeply undermine the economy and affect the prospect of the country’s development and long-term stability. Welcomed the reports by UNAMA and by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and noted the willingness of the Taliban to allow access to the country to the Special Rapporteur and to engage with both.
    6. Called on the Taliban to reverse their restrictive educational policies immediately; and affirmed that education is a human right and that equal access to quality education, based on curricula that meet international standards and that cover various areas of knowledge should be ensured for all.
    7. Noted with regret that the Taliban has taken no serious steps to initiate an inclusive political process with fellow Afghans regarding the future order of the country; and affirmed that legitimacy is derived, first and foremost, from the Afghan people. Emphasized that a new constitution for the country should only be adopted following a transparent, inclusive, and meaningful national consultative dialogue and urged the Taliban and other Afghans to seek advice from the UN and OIC in this regard.
    8. Welcomed the implementation of the Taliban’s ban on opium cultivation in Afghanistan and the roughly 80% drop in the opium harvest across the country this year; called for this ban to continue and for additional steps to be taken to address synthetic drug production and drug trafficking; welcomed the establishment by UNAMA of a Technical Working Group on counternarcotics and other initiatives that could allow for engagement with the Taliban on these issues, including alternative livelihoods and the challenges of substance abuse in the country.
    9. Urged greater attention to Afghanistan’s vulnerability to climate change; and called for creative, sustainable solutions to the grave environmental challenges facing the country.
    10. Acknowledged Taliban actions to tackle terrorist threats from ISIS-K but expressed concern that some terrorist groups still reside safely inside Afghanistan and are able to plan and carry out cross-border terrorist strikes.
    11. Urged all states, including Afghanistan’s neighbours, to uphold their applicable obligations with respect to the protection of refugees and to promote the right to seek asylum, and to ensure individuals, particularly those from at risk groups, who would face persecution or torture if returned, are protected from being forcibly returned, and call on these states to put in place measures to develop a system of registration for undocumented Afghans, while ensuring protection for vulnerable Afghans in need of international protection.
    12. Stressed the importance of international unity on Afghanistan, including on not normalizing relations with the Taliban and on support for respecting the rights of every citizen of Afghanistan, particularly the right of women and girls to education, employment, and public participation; welcomed the important work of UNAMA under the leadership of SRSG Roza Otunbayeva; looked forward to the UN Special Coordinator’s report on 17 November; and welcomed the UN Secretary General’s offer to host a second meeting of special representatives and envoys soon.
    13. Expressed appreciation to Italy for hosting this meeting on Afghanistan.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Grant Shapps and Richard Marles visit key nuclear site [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Grant Shapps and Richard Marles visit key nuclear site [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 November 2023.

    Australian defence industry specialists have been embedded in UK industry to collaborate on next-generation attack submarines – SSN-AUKUS.

    • Australian and UK representatives visit Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor manufacturing site.
    • Australian industry experts embedded with UK defence companies to progress attack submarine collaboration.
    • Significant step in the AUKUS programme that is key to upholding security in the Indo-Pacific.

    UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, visited Rolls-Royce’s nuclear reactor manufacturing site in Derby today to meet the first group of Australian nationals training within UK industry to understand how the next generation of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines are being constructed. Rolls-Royce will be the supplier of all the nuclear propulsion plants for the UK and Australian submarines.

    The Ministers saw the first nuclear propulsion plant components being fabricated for the UK’s SSN-AUKUS programme, representing one of the first stages of building the submarines which will help protect our collective and economic security.

    This follows an injection of £4 billion of UK funding to British businesses, including Rolls-Royce, for the development of the UK’s SSN-AUKUS submarines announced earlier this year.

    The work will support Rolls-Royce in doubling the size of the Derby site and creating thousands of jobs in the UK in the coming years, backing the UK’s current and future submarine programmes.

    Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

    A project like this can only succeed with the great work that’s being done across British Industry.

    The work at Rolls-Royce in Derby is a great example of what we can achieve when we collaborate and work alongside our allies. It is inspiring to see our personnel on the ground working side by side with the Australians to deliver the most advanced submarines for our navies.

    The partnership will not only help uphold stability in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, but also demonstrate the world-class trademark that embodies British Industry.

    As part of the collaboration programme, over the next seven weeks 13 Australian nationals will embark on training and familiarisation activity across the UK. The cohort will open the door for a generation of Australians to work alongside British industry, and help deliver the next generation of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

    The Australian personnel will visit some of the UK’s most distinguished submarine building and sustainment experts from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and Babcock. They will have the opportunity to observe how the UK develops and maintains some of the most advanced submarine technology in the world to help build their expertise and accelerate the training required to operate a nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

    There will be significant new opportunities for small, medium and large enterprise across all AUKUS partners. The cooperation will result in benefits to industrial capability across all three nations with enhanced resilience of trilateral supply chains.

    Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles said:

    Australia is working closely with the UK and the US to progressively develop the skills, knowledge and expertise to build, operate, and maintain conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

    These Australian industry placements provide us with an invaluable opportunity to learn from our experienced partners in the UK, and to better understand the functions and scope of the work.

    The AUKUS submarines will be the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy and will help continue global stability for decades to come.

    AUKUS cooperation will result in benefits to industrial capability across all three nations with enhanced resilience of trilateral supply chains. It will foster a deeper integration of security and defence-related science.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian [November 2023]

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

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

    The Foreign Secretary spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian today.

    The Foreign Secretary made clear that Iran must use its influence with groups in the region to prevent escalation. He said that Iran bore responsibility for the actions of groups they had supported over many years.

    The Foreign Secretary also reiterated that Iranian-backed threats against people in the UK were unacceptable and must stop.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister launches new AI Safety Institute [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister launches new AI Safety Institute [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 November 2023.

    World’s first AI Safety Institute launched in UK, tasked with testing the safety of emerging types of AI.

    • Government’s plan for the AI Safety Institute unveiled to cement the UK’s position as a world leader in AI safety
    • new hub will help spur international collaboration on AI’s safe development, with leading AI companies and nations including the US, Singapore and Google DeepMind agreeing to partner with the institute
    • the AI Safety Institute puts the UK’s leading Frontier AI Taskforce on a permanent footing, following two days of praise for its work on AI safety

    A new global hub based in the UK and tasked with testing the safety of emerging types of AI has been backed by leading AI companies and nations, as the world’s first AI Safety Institute launches today (2 November).

    After four months of building the first team inside a G7 Government that can evaluate the risks of frontier AI models, it has been confirmed today that the Frontier AI Taskforce will now evolve to become the AI Safety Institute, with Ian Hogarth continuing as its Chair. The External Advisory Board for the Taskforce, made up of industry heavyweights from national security to computer science, will now advise the new global hub.

    The Institute will carefully test new types of frontier AI before and after they are released to address the potentially harmful capabilities of AI models, including exploring all the risks, from social harms like bias and misinformation, to the most unlikely but extreme risk, such as humanity losing control of AI completely. In undertaking this research, the AI Safety Institute will look to work closely with the Alan Turing Institute, as the national institute for data science and AI.

    In launching the AI Safety Institute, the UK is continuing to cement its position as a world leader in AI safety, working to develop the most advanced AI protections of any country in the world and giving the British people peace of mind that the countless benefits of AI can be safely captured for future generations to come.

    World leaders and major AI companies have today expressed their support for the Institute as the world’s first AI Safety Summit concludes. From Japan and Canada to OpenAI and DeepMind, the collective backing of key players will strengthen international collaboration on the safe development of frontier AI – putting the UK in prime position to become the home of AI safety and lead the world in seizing its enormous benefits.

    Leading researchers at the Alan Turing Institute and Imperial College London have also welcomed the Institute’s launch, alongside representatives of the tech sector in TechUK and the Startup Coalition.

    Already, the UK has agreed two partnerships: with the US AI Safety Institute, and with the Government of Singapore to collaborate on AI safety testing – two of the world’s biggest AI powers.

    Deepening the UK’s stake and influence in this transformative technology, it will also advance the world’s knowledge of AI safety – with the Prime Minister committing to invest in its safe development for the rest of the decade, as part of the Government’s record investment into R&D.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    Our AI Safety Institute will act as a global hub on AI safety, leading on vital research into the capabilities and risks of this fast-moving technology.

    It is fantastic to see such support from global partners and the AI companies themselves to work together so we can ensure AI develops safely for the benefit of all our people. This is the right approach for the long-term interests of the UK.

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

    The AI Safety Institute will be an international standard bearer. With the backing of leading AI nations, it will help policymakers across the globe in gripping the risks posed by the most advanced AI capabilities, so that we can maximise the enormous benefits.

    We have spoken at length about the Summit at Bletchley Park being a starting point, and as we reach the final day of discussions, I am enormously encouraged by the progress we have made and the lasting processes we have set in motion.

    The launch of the AI Safety Institute marks the UK’s contribution to the collaboration on AI safety testing agreed by world leaders and the companies developing frontier AI at a session in Bletchley Park this afternoon.

    New details revealed today, as governments from across the globe gathered for a second day of talks, set out the body’s mission to prevent surprise to the UK and humanity from rapid and unexpected advances in AI. Ahead of new powerful models expected to be released next year whose capabilities may not be fully understood, its first task will be to quickly put in place the processes and systems to test them before they launch – including open-source models.

    From its research informing UK and international policymaking, to providing technical tools for governance and regulation – such as the ability to analyse data being used to train these systems for bias – it will see the government take action to make sure AI developers are not marking their own homework when it comes to safety.

    AI Safety Institute Chair Ian Hogarth, said:

    The support of international governments and companies is an important validation of the work we’ll be carrying out to advance AI safety and ensure its responsible development.

    Through the AI Safety Institute, we will play an important role in rallying the global community to address the challenges of this fast-moving technology.

    Researchers are already in place to head up the work of the Institute who will be provided with access to the compute needed to support their work. This includes making use of the new AI Research Resource, an expanding £300 million network that will include some of Europe’s largest super computers, increasing the UK’s AI super compute capacity by a factor of thirty.

    It follows the UK Government’s announcement yesterday of additional investment in Bristol’s “Isambard-AI” and a new computer called “Dawn” in Cambridge, that researchers will be able to access at the same time to boost their research and make AI safe. The AI Safety Institute will have priority access to this cutting-edge supercomputer to help develop its programme of research into the safety of frontier AI models and supporting government with this analysis.

    It comes as government representatives were joined by CEOs of leading AI companies and a number of civil society leaders earlier today to discuss the year ahead and consider what immediate steps are needed – by countries, companies, and other stakeholders – to ensure the safety of frontier AI.

    As the final day of talks come to a close at Bletchley Park, the AI Safety Summit has already laid the foundations for talks on frontier AI safety to be an enduring discussion with South Korea set to host next year.

    Further information:

    Notes for editors:

    U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said:

    I welcome the United Kingdom’s announcement to establish an AI Safety Institute, which will work together in lockstep with the U.S. AI Safety Institute to ensure the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of advanced AI. AI is the defining technology of our generation, carrying both enormous potential and profound risk. Our coordinated efforts through these institutes is only the beginning of actions to facilitate the development of safety standards, build testing capabilities for advanced AI models, and to expand information-sharing, research collaboration, interoperability, and policy alignment across the globe on AI safety.

    Singapore Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo said:

    The rapid acceleration of AI investment, deployment and capabilities will bring enormous opportunities for productivity and public good. We believe that governments have an obligation to ensure that AI is deployed safely. We agree with the principle that governments should develop capabilities to test the safety of frontier AI systems. Following the MoUs on Emerging Technologies and Data Cooperation signed by Singapore and the UK earlier this year, we have agreed to collaborate directly with the UK to build capabilities and tools for evaluating frontier AI models. This will involve a partnership between Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority and the UK’s new AI Safety Institute. The objective is to build a shared understanding of the risks posed by frontier AI. We look forward to working together with the UK to build shared technical and research expertise to meet this goal.

    Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne said:

    Canada welcomes the launch of the UK’s AI Safety Institute. Our government looks forward to working with the UK and leveraging the exceptional Canadian AI knowledge and expertise, including the knowledge developed by our AI institutes to support the safe and responsible development of AI.

    The Government of Japan said:

    The Japanese Government appreciate the UK’s leadership in holding the AI Safety Summit and welcomes the UK initiative to establish the UK AI Safety Institute. We look forward to working with the UK and other partners on AI safety issues toward achieving safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.

    The German Government said:

    Germany is interestedly taking notice of the foundation of the AI Safety Institute and is looking forward to exploring possibilities of cooperation.

    CEO of Amazon Web Services Adam Selipsky said:

    We commend the launch of the UK AI Safety Institute. As one of the world’s leading developers and deployers of AI tools and services, Amazon is committed to collaborating with government and industry in the UK and around the world to support the safe, secure, and responsible development of AI technology. We are dedicated to driving innovation on behalf of our customers and consumers, while also establishing and implementing the necessary safeguards to protect them.

    CEO & co-founder of Anthropic Dario Amodei said:

    While AI promises significant societal benefits, it also poses a range of potential harms. Critical to managing these risks is government capacity to measure and monitor the capability and safety characteristics of AI models. The AI Safety Institute is poised to play an important role in promoting independent evaluations across the spectrum of risks and advancing fundamental safety research. We welcome its establishment and look forward to partnering closely to advance safe and responsible AI.

    CEO & co-founder of Google DeepMind Demis Hassabis said:

    AI can help solve some of the most critical challenges of our time, from curing disease to addressing the climate crisis. But it will also present new challenges for the world and we must ensure the technology is built and deployed safely. Getting this right will take a collective effort from governments, industry and civil society to inform and develop robust safety tests and evaluations. I’m excited to see the UK launch the AI Safety Institute to accelerate progress on this vital work.

    CEO & co-founder of Inflection Mustafa Suleyman said:

    We welcome the Prime Minister’s leadership in establishing the UK AI Safety Institute and look forward to collaborating to ensure the world reaps the benefit of safe AI.

    President of Global Affairs at Meta Sir Nick Clegg said:

    Everyone has a responsibility to ensure AI is built and deployed responsibly to create social and economic opportunities for all. We look forward to working with the new Institute to deepen understanding of the technology, and help develop effective and workable benchmarks to evaluate models. It’s vital that we establish ways to assess and address the current challenges AI presents, as well as the potential risks from technology that does not yet exist.

    Vice Chair and President of Microsoft Brad Smith said:

    We applaud the UK Government’s creation of an AI Safety Institute with its own testing capacity for safety and security. Microsoft is committed to supporting the new Institute and to advancing the close collaboration that will be needed among governments, with industry, and with academic researchers and across civil society. These new steps will be vital to ensuring that innovation and safety move forward together.

    CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman said:

    The UK AI Safety Institute is poised to make important contributions in progressing the science of the measurement and evaluation of frontier system risks. Such work is integral to our mission – ensuring that artificial general intelligence is safe and benefits all of humanity – and we look forward to working with the Institute in this effort.

    Dr Jean Innes, CEO of The Alan Turing Institute, said:

    AI has immense potential to do good, but in order to realise the benefits our societies must be confident that risks are being addressed. We welcome the AI Safety Institute which will generate further momentum in this global endeavour, and we look forward to collaborating in the weeks and months ahead, helping to leverage the Turing’s expertise alongside the science and innovation capabilities of the UK’s universities, research community and wider AI ecosystem, building on the country’s strong track record of delivering work on AI safety, ethics and standards.

    Executive Director of Startup Coalition Dom Hallas said:

    We’re proud to see the UK take this critical step in its work on AI safety because a well-rounded approach to the issues at hand is vital to the AI ecosystem. When partnered with the UK’s other initiatives – and hopefully future ones that tackle talent, compute, and investment – that all focus on safe scaling and AI adoption, the UK is well on its way to creating a state capacity unlike any of our international competitors. Nailing the fundamentals of AI safety and building the regulatory capacity to keep up with the rate of innovation are large steps. When coupled with a well-rounded approach that tackles the needs of our AI startups and scaleups, the AI Safety Institute will help ensure the UK and its businesses’ places as global AI leaders.

    Julian David, CEO of techUK, said:

    techUK welcomes the establishment of the AI Safety Institute which will carry forward the UK’s pioneering work on Frontier AI. We are pleased that the Institute will have three clear objectives: to develop and conduct evaluations on advanced AI systems; to drive foundational AI safety research; and to facilitate information exchange. These are important but complex tasks and it is vital that the Institute has access to the compute capacity and skills that it will need.The diplomatic effort invested in the AI Safety Summit should help to ensure that the Institute is well placed to build further international collaboration on frontier AI. We look forward to working with the AI Safety Institute to facilitate industry collaboration in this important area.

    Professor Mary Ryan, Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise), Imperial College London said:

    The new UK AI Safety Institute is an important step in our understanding of AI risks. Universities will play a critical role with the new Institute in the UK AI ecosystem – accelerating innovation from foundational to applied AI. Only by combining deep technical and academic expertise together with that of industry and policymakers, can we effectively develop frameworks that will ensure the safe, productive and accelerated deployment of AI.

    Shahid Omer, Director of Policy at Universities UK said:

    We welcome today’s announcement that will help to cement the UK’s status as a world-leader in AI research and AI safety. Backed by the world-leading research and innovation of UK universities, this important new Institute can help the UK to further understand and take advantage of AI, in a safe and secure manner.

    UK universities are well placed to explore both the technological and societal impacts of AI. New funding announced earlier this week will also enable our universities to continue to carry out cutting-edge research into AI, boost the UK’s own AI skills base, as well as help attract talented AI researchers from overseas.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bosnia and Herzegovina is and will remain a single sovereign and multi-ethnic country – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bosnia and Herzegovina is and will remain a single sovereign and multi-ethnic country – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Thank you, President. Let me join others in congratulating China on assuming the Presidency for the month of November and wishing you the best. I also thank Brazil for its excellent stewardship during October. We welcome the unanimous adoption today of the resolution renewing the mandate of EUFOR Operation Althea, and I join others in thanking Switzerland for its efforts as penholder on the text. EUFOR’s presence remains crucial for peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly with rising political tensions across the region.

    I would also like to thank High Representative Schmidt for his latest report, which informs our discussion today.

    President, the High Representative’s latest report paints a very grave picture. It outlines the divisive rhetoric and actions of the Republika Srpska leadership and documents the unprecedented rise in attacks against the Dayton Peace Agreement, Rule of Law, and the High Representative himself. In recent months, we have seen attempts to undo the very fabric and structures of the state, including efforts to undermine state and judicial institutions and calls for the separation of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Faced with this threat, the Security Council must make clear its full support for the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and its structures. The UK takes its obligations under the Dayton seriously and we remain an active member of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board.

    There can be no room for doubt: Bosnia and Herzegovina is, and will remain a single sovereign and multi-ethnic country. And we support the High Representative’s use of his executive powers where the situation requires it.

    We also recognise the positive developments outlined in the latest report, including steps towards greater institutional functionality. We urge all parties to build on the positive momentum from the elections last year by working together and redoubling their efforts to deliver important reforms to enable progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic path. This will help to arrest the economic stagnation and democratic decline that threatens the country’s progress. We hope all parties will show the political will and courage to continue Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey towards a democratic, stable and prosperous future to the benefit of all its citizens

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia is crushing dissent and inciting fear amongst the Ukrainian people – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia is crushing dissent and inciting fear amongst the Ukrainian people – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Ambassador Neil Holland calls for the immediate release of those detained by Russia as part of its continued war of aggression against Ukraine.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. As part of Russia’s strategy to crush dissent and incite fear amongst the Ukrainian people, it has carried out enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary detentions, and judicial harassment. Russia began its campaign when it illegally annexed Crimea.  These practices first utilised on the Peninsula, are now widely used in the Ukrainian territories temporarily under Russian control.

    It is reported that since the start of Russia’s illegal war, Russia has detained over 20,000 Ukrainian civilians. Many are being held on politically motivated charges for peacefully exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Crimean Tatars and those who defend their rights have faced the brunt of Russian persecution.

    In Crimea, the human rights organization, Zmina, reports that Russia is holding 186 political prisoners, including 21 in need of urgent medical care. Furthermore, the Russian authorities are illegally transporting prisoners thousands of miles away from their families and legal representatives to remote areas of Russia.

    In 2021, Russia detained Nariman Dzhelyal, the first deputy of the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar People, and activist cousins Asan and Aziz Akhmetov. Despite international condemnation, the Russian authorities have maintained unfounded charges against these men, sentencing them to 17, 15 and 13 years in prison, respectively. Their ordeal has only intensified with Nariman and Aziz being sent to Minusinsk in Eastern Siberia, and Asan to the notorious Vladimir Central Prison.

    Another victim of Russia’s barbarity is Serhiy Tsihipa, a pro-Ukrainian activist and journalist from Nova Kakhovka who was detained in Kherson and transferred to Crimea in March 2022. Serhiy’s relatives lost all communication with him, left completely unaware of his condition and whereabouts until he appeared in a Russian propaganda video. Last month, Serhiy was unjustly sentenced to 13 years in prison. With no access to him, his relatives fear for his safety.

    The recent UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine found further evidence of the Russian Federation’s use of torture in detention facilities. Former detainees detailed harrowing experiences of “torture rooms” with pliers, knives, saws, and cutters. And we should not forget Dzhemil Gafarov and Kostiantyn Shiring who died earlier this year in Russian detention. Those responsible must be held to account.

    Mr Chair, against the backdrop of this awful record of human rights abuses it is worth noting that this week – on 30 October – Russia marked its Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions under the USSR. We must do all we can to honour the victims of the past by fighting against oppression today. The UK calls for the release of all who have defended human rights and democracy across Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE region. This includes Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alexei Navalny, Ilya Yashin, Maria Ponomarenko, and the three OSCE Special Monitoring Mission members, as well as over 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus.

    All those detained on politically motivated charges must be freed, immediately and unconditionally. We will never tire of speaking out against internal and external repression of fundamental rights. Thank you, Mr Chair.