Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Inspection surge to crack down on water sector pollution [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Inspection surge to crack down on water sector pollution [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 20 February 2024.

    Water company inspections will more than quadruple as the government cracks down on poor performing companies.

    • Fourfold increase in water company inspections to hold companies to account.
    • Includes up to 500 additional staff for inspections, enforcement and stronger regulation over the next three years, with recruitment already underway.
    • Part of a tougher regime fully funded by government and water company permits.

    Water company inspections will more than quadruple as the government cracks down on poor performing companies, under plans announced today (20 February). In recent months, robust steps have been made under the Plan for Water with all 15,000 storm overflows now monitored and the cap on civil penalties for pollution removed. Last week, Defra went further in announcing that water bosses are set to be banned from receiving bonuses if a company has committed serious criminal breaches.

    The Environment Agency (EA) is already ramping up inspections on water company assets, with over 930 completed this financial year. Today’s announcement goes further as water company inspections carried out by the EA will rise to 4000 a year by the end of March 2025, and then to 10,000 from April 2026. This will include an increase in unannounced inspections – strengthening oversight of water companies and reducing the reliance on water company self-monitoring, which was established in 2009.

    Increased inspections and enforcement will be backed by around £55 million each year. This will be fully funded through increased grant-in-aid from Defra to the Environment Agency and additional funding from water quality permit charges levied on water companies, subject to a public consultation closing in March 2024.

    Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    We are clear that we need to get much tougher with unannounced inspections to bring an end to the routine lawbreaking we have seen from water companies, which is what this announcement will deliver.

    We are going further to quadruple the Environment Agency’s regulatory capacity – allowing them to carry out 4,000 water company inspections by the end of the next financial year.

    Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said:

    Last year we set out measures to transform the way we regulate the water industry to uncover non-compliance and drive better performance. Today’s announcement builds on that. Campaign groups and the public want to see the Environment Agency better resourced to do what it does best, regulate for a better environment.

    Proposals to get extra boots on the ground to increase inspection visits will help further strengthen our regulation of the industry.”

    With 100% of storm overflows now monitored, data-driven analytics will also help the Environment Agency map discharges against rainfall more effectively so they can quickly direct new specialist officers to any sites at risk, identify any non-compliance and take action.

    The EA is already conducting the largest ever criminal investigation into potential widespread non-compliance by water and sewerage companies at thousands of sewage treatment works. Since 2015, the EA has concluded 59 prosecutions against water and sewerage companies securing fines of over £150 million.

    Today’s announcement builds on the recent improvements the government has delivered to the water environment, including:

    • 100% of storm overflows in England are now monitored – providing a complete picture of when and where sewage spills happen.
    • Removing the cap on civil penalties for water companies and broadening their scope so swifter action can be taken against those who pollute our waterways.
    • Increased protections for coastal and estuarine waters by expanding the Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan, prioritising bathing waters, sites of special scientific interest and shellfish waters.
    • Requiring the largest infrastructure programme in water company history – £60 billion over 25 years – to revamp ageing assets and reduce the number of sewage spills by hundreds of thousands every year.
    • Providing £10 million in support for farmers to store more water on their land through the Water Management Grants to support food production and improve water security.
    • Speeding up the process of building key water supply infrastructure, including more reservoirs and water transfer schemes.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK funding to clear mines around the world will protect more than 50,000 people [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK funding to clear mines around the world will protect more than 50,000 people [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

    UK government announces £17 million to help clear explosives across Africa and Asia and raise awareness of the associated risks.

    • eight countries across Africa and Asia to be supported through £17 million in new funding to Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The HALO Trust (HALO)
    • their work will support the clearance of explosives, as well as raising awareness of the danger of mines
    • combined with programmes announced last year in Ukraine and Afghanistan, more than 50,000 people are expected to benefit from the programme

    The UK government has today announced new funding for leading British organisations, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The HALO Trust (HALO) to help clear mines and educate communities about the associated risks in 8 countries: Angola, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Laos, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan and Zimbabwe.

    It follows funding announced last year for projects in Ukraine and Afghanistan, supporting more than 50,000 people from programmes across the 10 countries.

    MAG and The HALO Trust anticipate that almost 17 million square metres of land will be freed of mines in the 10 countries thanks to the UK funding. The release of land for agriculture, housing, and basic social services such as schools, hospitals, water, and sanitation will support and promote economic development within communities around the world, restore livelihoods in rural and marginalised areas, as well as strengthen local production and food security.

    MAG and HALO will also reach over half a million people with more than 34,000 in-person explosive ordnance risk education sessions, which will significantly improve risk awareness and community safety across the countries.

    Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said:

    Landmines are a nightmare – causing thousands of deaths and injuries each year.

    The UK remains committed in its determination to work towards a mine-free world and is delighted to award extra funding to MAG and The HALO Trust to continue their life-saving work.

    We want to help both organisations create safe and secure environments where communities live freely without fear of the deadly threat of landmines.

    Today’s announcement brings the total amount committed through multi-year contracts under the third iteration of the government’s Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP) to £28 million. GMAP has been running since 2014 and has supported the clearance of hundreds of millions of square metres of land to date.

    The funding announced today will allow work to continue in some of the world’s most heavily mined countries, such as Cambodia and Laos, as well as some of the poorest countries in the world such as South Sudan and Somalia until March 2025. It will also support a new country programme in Ethiopia, where HALO is currently the only active international mine operator.

    Funding will also create new opportunities for women in countries like Angola, Cambodia and Laos through increased employment and career development in demining, with ongoing investment in staff training.

    Darren Cormack, CEO of MAG, said:

    We are immensely grateful for the funding and long-standing support from the UK government and are delighted to partner with The HALO Trust to continue our work in some of the world’s most mine-affected countries.

    Whilst much remains to be done in many active conflict environments in which we are working, this funding will provide vital assistance to many countries that are tackling the legacy of conflict, which continues to claim lives long after the fighting is over. This is an important step towards a mine-free world.

    James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust, said:

    This funding announcement coincides with The HALO Trust celebrating the clearance of 5,000 minefields in Cambodia, 1,000 minefields in Angola and a staggering 2 million landmines worldwide. None of these milestones would have been possible without the support of our donors. The sustained commitment of the UK government and generosity of the British taxpayer have played a vital role.

    We will continue our lifesaving work alongside MAG and other partners in the sector until the last mine is gone and last munition defused.

    Background

    For over 30 years, MAG and The HALO Trust have been delivering a broad range of humanitarian mine action initiatives.

    Funding announced today, which totals close to £17 million, will support MAG and HALO to continue their vital ongoing work in 8 countries:

    • Angola: £2 million will be provided to MAG and HALO to deliver clearance and risk education in the east and south of the country. To date, HALO and MAG have released more than 230 million square metres of land back to communities in Angola and in January, HALO celebrated the clearance of 1,000 minefields in Angola.
    • Cambodia: GMAP funding has supported work in Cambodia since 2014, with today’s announcement committing a further £3 million for work in the rest of the country. To date, MAG and HALO have rendered safe more than 600 million square metres in Cambodia, with HALO supporting the clearance of 5,000 minefields in Cambodia.
    • Ethiopia and Somalia: Ethiopia is the latest addition to the GMAP project, with £1.2 million committed to support the HALO Trust’s operations near the Somali border. A further £1.8 million will allow work to continue in Somalia, which has been supported through GMAP since 2016
    • Laos: this year will mark 30 years of MAG’s operations in Laos – the world’s most heavily bombed country per capita – where more than 145 million square metres of land have been cleared. The UK has funded projects in Laos since 2014, with a further £1.9 million being committed over the next year
    • Myanmar: despite a challenging context, MAG and The HALO Trust are successfully delivering risk education and other community liaison activities within the country. £0.75m from GMAP will support this work to continue
    • South Sudan: £2.1 million will help MAG and The HALO Trust clear land for resettlement and agriculture, a prerequisite for refugees and communities to return home and rebuild their lives
    • Zimbabwe: £4.2 million in funding will continue to support country’s efforts in achieving landmine-free status by 2025, a major milestone and a crucial step towards sustainable development in the once affected areas

    Today’s funding follows £11.6 million that was awarded to MAG and HALO for projects in Ukraine and Afghanistan last year.

    MAG and HALO, the world’s leading humanitarian mine action organisations, have decades of experience across all 10 countries and will draw on the additional expertise of a local humanitarian partner to deliver risk-education work in Myanmar.

    As one of the founding signatories to the Mine Ban Treaty in 1997, the UK has had a major role in tackling the legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war. In the 26 years since the treaty was signed, aid from the UK government has made a substantial contribution to the peace and wellbeing of millions of people around the world.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government underlines commitment to British farmers [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government underlines commitment to British farmers [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 20 February 2024.

    Prime Minister and Environment Secretary attend NFU Conference and announce range of measures to ensure all farmers and producers are treated fairly.

    The government has today (Tuesday 20 February) underlined its commitment to deliver on its plan to support profitable farming businesses, improve food security and protect the British agriculture sector for generations to come.

    Speaking at the National Farmers Union Conference in Birmingham, the Prime Minister and the Environment Secretary announced a range of measures to boost productivity and resilience in the sector, including the largest ever grant offer for farmers in the coming financial year, expected to total £427 million.

    This includes doubling investment in productivity schemes, bolstering schemes such as the Improving Farming Productivity grant, which provides support for farmers to invest in automation and robotics, as well as solar installations to build on-farm energy security.

    The Prime Minister also announced a new annual UK-wide Food Security Index to capture and present the data needed to monitor levels of food security, that the Farm to Fork Summit will be held annually, and a £15 million fund to help tackle food waste by enabling farmers to redistribute surplus food that cannot be used commercially at the farm gate.

    This comes as new regulations will be laid in Parliament tomorrow to ensure fair and transparent contracts for dairy farmers, meaning clearer pricing terms for farmers; changes to contracts can’t be imposed on farmers without their agreement; and providing more straightforward ways for farmers to raise concerns about their contracts. Alongside this, a review is also set to launch to improve fairness in the poultry supply chain.

    Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    For generations, farmers have worked day in, day out to put food on our tables and are custodians of our beautiful British countryside. This is why we committed £2.4 billion to support British farming and have invested into the sector to boost agricultural productivity and resilience, increase food security and deliver for the environment, delivering on our plan.

    This includes the largest ever package of competitions and grants to foster technology and innovation, bolstered by our increasingly popular farming schemes that support all types and size of farm businesses to produce food sustainably.

    The government also confirmed farmers will benefit from the improved Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) from July this year, following the announcement by the Environment Secretary Steve Barclay in January.

    The improved offer includes a 10% increase in the average value of agreements in SFI and Countryside Stewardship (CS); a streamlined single application process for farmers to apply for the SFI and CS Mid-Tier; and around 50 new actions that farmers can get paid for.

    In addition, the government will double the Management Payment for SFI so those with existing agreements will receive up to an extra £1,000 this spring and it will be extended to Countryside Stewardship mid tier for the first year of agreements starting by March 2025. This means that the 11,000 farmers that have applied for SFI will receive that top up this spring.

    At the conference, the Environment Secretary Steve Barclay will host a roundtable with regional NFU board members to discuss the opportunities and issues facing farmers around the country. The Farming Minister Mark Spencer will speak at the conference as part of a political session on Wednesday.

    Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

    Maintaining food security and boosting sustainable food production is vital as we see the impacts of more extreme weather and global events, and today’s announcements provide further support for farmers to deliver this while also protecting the environment.

    Almost half of farmers across the country are already signed up to our farming schemes and we continue to work closely with farmers to tweak and improve our offer so as many farmers as possible are encouraged to get involved.

    Further measures announced include making up to £500,000 available to deliver projects that support mental health in the farming sector; and expanding permitted development rights to help farm businesses diversify and run profitable businesses, such as farm shops and sports venues.

    Funding will also be provided to Internal Drainage Boards that protect agricultural land and rural communities from flooding, helping areas recover from recent flooding events and modernising infrastructure to lower costs for farmers and increase their resilience to climate change.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Gen Z offered doubled salary prospects through no-skills-required tech bootcamps [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Gen Z offered doubled salary prospects through no-skills-required tech bootcamps [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 20 February 2024.

    Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan launches new push for career-transforming Skills Bootcamps.

    • New marketing push for free government-backed Skills Bootcamps promises doubled salary expectations, with average pay packets hitting £70,000 for cloud computing pros
    • with demand for cloud and coding skills sky high, bootcamps help participants build skills from scratch and guarantee an interview
    • entry-level talent in hot demand as British tech sector still needs junior staff to grow and match superpower ambitions

    Skills offered by free government-backed bootcamps can lead to average salaries exceeding £70,000, two and half times the UK average, new research published today has revealed. The findings from Beauhurst also reveal that roles in technology overall pay an average of 55% more the national average.

    This comes as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) launches a drive to get more people to sign up to digital Skills Bootcamps in cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development and more.

    The research, published by Barclays Eagle Labs and Beauhurst, and funded by DSIT’s Digital Growth Grant, shows that demand for technology talent surged in 2022 after a slump through the pandemic.

    While tech job adverts decreased through the last year, demand for junior and entry-level roles persisted as technology companies struggled to recruit the early career talent they needed to match their growth ambitions.

    The campaign runs alongside wider government efforts to reward work and drive growth – such as cutting National Insurance Contributions for millions of workers across the UK, which saves the average worker £450 a year.

    Scale-up companies who have already demonstrated high potential and are in their ‘venture-stage’ dominated this demand, with the high-growth group recruiting almost one third (31.3%) of all digital jobs.

    After establishing boosting scale-up growth and tackling the skills gap as two of DSIT’s three priorities for the year ahead, Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan today said:

    The appetite and potential British scale-ups have for growth is immense, we can no longer allow digital skills shortages to limit their ambition.

    Whether your personal ambition is to secure a comfy pay packet, land a creative role, solve the world’s most pressing challenges, or all three – the Skills Bootcamps we are promoting today can help achieve your own career goals while being part of our superpower sector.

    Each bootcamp will see people take part in courses that last up to 16 weeks and will prepare them for high-tech careers, with each guaranteed an interview on completion. No technical knowledge or educational qualifications are required to secure a place. More information and details on how to apply are available here.

    Digital skills is one of several areas where £550 million of funding is aiming to upskill 64000 people through bootcamps by 2024-2025.

    Launched by DSIT, the campaign is focussed on boosting five priority skills to plug gaps in British tech talent – covering cloud computing, software development, data and analytics, cybersecurity, and web development.

    The courses are available part-time and full-time across the country, with many providers offering flexibilities to make sure that everyone can take advantage.

    Adie Nunn completed a web development bootcamp with School of Code, which was funded by the government, and now works at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence.

    Before finding the bootcamp, Adie hopped between jobs through what she describes as a “spotty” career. This included working as an event promoter for a pub company and later as front of house for pop-up events.

    I was interested in computers and tech from a young age. But, without a computer science degree – and having failed my highers in maths and computing at school – I never thought a career in tech would be possible.

    After jumping between roles and being made redundant in the pandemic, I gave the School of Code bootcamp a go and have never looked back. The technical and soft skills I developed on the course were crucial in securing my current role as a software engineer at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence where I get to work on fascinating, challenging projects.

    The Skills Bootcamp Adie completed was funded by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the same scheme that is receiving a new marketing push from today. The School of Code is still offering Bootcamps as part of this.

    The campaign has been supported by the Digital Skills Council, a group of major technology companies including Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS), as well as skills-focused organisations like Future Dot Now and more.

    Phil Smith, Co-Chair of the Digital Skills Council and Chairman of IQE, said:

    The Digital Skills Council welcomes this research which reinforces just how important the work and goals of the Council are in bringing together government and industry to improve the confidence, capability and leadership of the UK in Digital Skills.

    Digital Skills are vital throughout the economy and existing successful programs such as bootcamps play an important role in providing relevant and focused up-skilling and a proven path into high value enjoyable jobs.

    Katie O’Donovan, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google and Digital Skills Council Member added:

    We’re committed to helping people learn the skills they need to make the most of the country’s digital economy. That’s why since 2015 we’ve visited over 500 locations across the UK and helped more than 1 million people learn new valuable digital skills. Courses like the Google Cloud engineer bootcamps open up a world of opportunities for young people, helping them to kickstart successful careers in tech and increase their earning potential.

    We’re proud to be part of this important initiative, and we look forward to continuing this work with the government to equip more people with the skills needed to drive growth across the UK’s technology sector.

    Amanda Allan, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs, said:

    The new Eagle Labs report outlines what we have known for some time, that the technology sector continues to grow, with highly paid opportunities available. Vacancies with such high median salaries shows there is clear potential for the tech sector to improve prospects for people right across the UK.

    We think it is important to continue to facilitate growth in the technology sector, which is why we offer one of the largest entrepreneurial networks in the UK. The Digital Growth Grant forms part of this work and we are immensely proud of what has been achieved so far with 13 growth programmes supporting over one thousand businesses.

    Tanuja Randery, EMEA Managing Director, Amazon Web Services said:

    We want to make it easy for everyone to have access to the skills and training they need to grow their careers. AWS is investing hundreds of millions of pounds to provide a wide range of free cloud skills and AI training to people from all walks of life and all levels of knowledge.

    This includes homegrown UK programmes such as AWS re/Start, which prepares learners from unemployed and underemployed populations, who have little technology experience, for careers in the cloud – at no cost to the learner. Affordable and robust training programmes will be integral to creating a future pipeline of talent to ensure that the UK can continue to compete on a global tech stage.

    Hugh Milward, VP, External Affairs at Microsoft UK, said:

    The Advanced Digital Skills communications campaign is a really welcome initiative. At Microsoft, we believe that digital skills will be critical to creating opportunities for all in the era of AI, and we are committed to helping bridge the skills gap.

    Our programs, such as the apprenticeship connector, DigiGirlz, and our commitment to supporting AI training for 1 million people in the UK, provide opportunities for individuals to learn about technology and careers in the field. We are excited to see the impact of this campaign on individuals seeking to get into digital careers.

    Andrew Roughan, CEO at Plexal, said:

    Closing the skills gap in the UK’s tech sector is essential for us to remain a competitive nation and deliver on the government ambition of becoming a science and tech superpower by 2030.

    In order for our companies to achieve scale, they need the right people to grow with them. So, I’m pleased to see our young people receiving more opportunities to enter the tech sector outside of the university path. I’d also encourage businesses to ensure ongoing upskilling of their existing staff to create a continued talent pipeline that will be of ongoing benefit the UK economy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Development launches new UK-Nepal development portfolio [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Development launches new UK-Nepal development portfolio [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

    Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell visited Nepal to deepen the UK’s historic partnership and announce a new development portfolio.

    • new UK development portfolio will help Nepal to tackle the climate crisis, mobilise international finance for development, deliver economic transformation, and support governance and inclusion
    • UK development support will see £400 million ($505 million) in grants delivered by 2030
    • impacts will include helping create 13,500 jobs, attracting more than $1 billion in investment and supporting access to quality health and education services for 2 million women and girls

    A new £400 million development portfolio will mobilise vital private sector funding in development, tackle the climate crisis and support economic growth in Nepal.

    The plan will support the creation of 13,500 jobs, help Nepal attract over $1 billion in investment, and deliver access to quality health care and education services for 2 million women and girls by 2030.

    Minister for International Development Andrew Mitchell launched the portfolio during a 2-day visit to Nepal. Its focus on long-term, systemic transformation emphasises the UK’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive development globally, as set out in the recently published White Paper.

    Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said:

    The UK and Nepal share close bonds, cemented by our deep history as Nepal’s oldest partner. We also share an ambition to secure a more resilient and prosperous future for Nepal.

    During my visit I saw how the UK is helping marginalised communities, building climate resilience and a sustainable economic transformation for Nepal.

    Our new development portfolio will help Nepal on that journey and to mobilise the funding needed to support growth and development. This is part of a partnership fit to respond to the challenges and opportunities during the next hundred years of UK-Nepal friendship.

    In a speech at the Nepalese Ministry of Finance, the minister set out how the UK will work with Nepal to help mobilise development funding, tackle the climate crisis and build business, to support Nepal’s expected transition from Least Developed Country status.

    Read Minister Mitchell’s speech on how the UK will work with Nepal on development issues.

    Improved access to sustainable local infrastructure, a key element of that transition, is expected to benefit 1.7 million people across the country as a result of the UK’s new Development Portfolio.

    During his visit, Minister Mitchell held talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud and Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat. Together they affirmed UK support for Nepal’s Investment Summit in April 2024, and discussed the reforms necessary to mobilise finance and attract investors.

    As part of the new portfolio, Minister Mitchell welcomed the recent agreement by Nepal’s Cabinet on new programmes that will support green and inclusive growth, attract foreign direct investment, and promote more inclusive business.

    While in Nepal, Minister Mitchell visited the Upper-Trishuli-1 Hydropower project to see the impact of nearly $22 million of British International Investment (BII) funding. This investment will provide clean and reliable energy to millions of people, while boosting economic growth by creating jobs. Supporting multilateral development banks and development finance institutions to adopt new business models and mobilise more investment remains a key priority for the government.

    He also saw how UK investment is supporting job creation and entrepreneurship at Upaya, Nepal’s first tech-enabled transportation logistics provider, and with the Youth Innovation Lab who are harnessing digital technology to build Nepal’s disaster resilience.

    Minister Mitchell saw first-hand the threats of climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, and how the UK is helping Nepal manage climate risks. This includes through the £274 million Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme, supporting the Integrated Centre for International Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to promote a more climate resilient and inclusive Hindu Kush Himalaya.

    At the One-Stop Crisis Management Centre at Lumbini Province Hospital, the minister saw how UK funding is improving support to survivors of gender-based violence. He also discussed how the UK is supporting female entrepreneurs, thought leaders and activists to address social exclusion of women and marginalised groups.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministers set out blueprint for future of the railways through draft Rail Reform Bill [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministers set out blueprint for future of the railways through draft Rail Reform Bill [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 20 February 2024.

    Draft bill sets out blueprint for bringing track and train together under a new Great British Railways, leveraging private sector innovation to benefit customers.

    • draft Rail Reform Bill published – key part of vision for future of our railways
    • new proposals will leverage private sector innovation to deliver a better service overseen by Great British Railways
    • action already underway to improve train travel, including Pay As You Go ticketing and simpler fares pilot

    Ministers have today (20 February 2024) put forward a clear plan for the future of the railways, publishing a draft Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny.

    The draft Rail Reform Bill sets in motion the plan to deliver a bold vision for future rail customers – of punctual and reliable services, simpler tickets and a modern and innovative railway that meets the needs of passengers and freight users. When passed, it will help deliver on the 2019 manifesto commitment by bringing forward the biggest rail reform programme in a generation to create a simpler, more effective rail system.

    Since the end of the nationalisation seen under British Rail, passenger numbers have doubled and the quality of rolling stock has vastly improved. To meet the demands of a modern economy and society, we need our railways to be more responsive and more efficient, more adaptive to technology and innovation, and to fully embrace the private sector and its benefits.

    The draft Bill will see the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), which will bring together responsibility for both rail infrastructure and services. This will provide clearer lines of accountability and help build a more modern and financially secure sector and a network that is more adaptable and more efficient.

    GBR will ensure passengers and freight benefit from industry expertise through a whole-system approach that will drive financial efficiency. When established, GBR will be the new franchising authority, contracting with the private sector to deliver passenger services and maximise investment, innovation and opportunity.

    The reforms will improve connectivity and choice for passengers, including by encouraging private sector open-access operators, where they add value for passengers through more direct links and more options.

    The bill applies mainly to Great Britain, with Scottish and Welsh ministers continuing to exercise existing devolved responsibilities, but with an option to delegate contracting authority to GBR to enable the integration of track and train across Great Britain if they wished to pursue it.

    Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

    It’s been nearly 200 years since the birth of the British railways and with travel patterns having significantly changed over the last few years, it is now more important than ever that they keep up with the changing times.

    This draft bill demonstrates our commitment to reforming the railways – working with industry, we will move towards a more modern and financially secure rail network that delivers for passengers for the next 200 years, too.

    The draft Rail Reform Bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny to provide parliamentarians and industry experts the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the legislation. This will allow for time to understand the complexities of these reforms and ensure that the final legislation is as robust as possible. Scrutiny will be led by the Transport Select Committee.

    The national headquarters of GBR will be in Derby, which was chosen following a rigorous assessment process and public vote, and will deliver yet more high-skilled jobs to the city. Since it was set up in 2021, the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) has already helped lay the foundations for bringing track and train together, uniting expertise from across Network Rail, DfT and the private sector to help tackle the challenges faced by the railways.

    GBR will also be tasked with driving forward the UK’s rail freight sector, where the government recently set an ambitious target of 75% growth by 2050.

    Many reforms and tangible improvements for passengers are already being delivered. For example, Pay As You Go is currently being rolled out to more stations across the South East and the government recently announced that pilots will also see tap-in tap-out train travel brought to more than 90 stations in the West Midlands and Greater Manchester next year.

    These trials will also pave the way for the future rollout of similar technology to more stations across the North and Midlands, funded in part by £100 million under the Network North plan. Network North will see a range of other upgrades to the rail network, including a further £350 million to improve the accessibility of up to 100 rail stations while funding reallocated from HS2 also means that the government can now support the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement scheme that could allow up to an extra 6 freight trains per day to and from the Port of Felixstowe – the equivalent of taking 98,000 lorry journeys off the road every year.

    Along with the draft Rail Reform Bill, the government’s response to the public consultation on its Plan for Rail is also being published. This sets out how the public’s views on the proposed reforms have informed what has been taken forward in the draft legislation. The new GBR will bring a whole-system view, benefiting customers and taxpayers and balancing the needs of operators and infrastructure. Across the many responses we received from individuals, industry and organisations there is support for the proposed primary legislative changes set out in the consultation.

    Taken together the draft Rail Reform Bill will enable:

    More accountability through the establishment of GBR by bringing together the management of the network and the commissioning of passenger services into a new public rail body that puts customers first and delivers efficiency. The Secretary of State for Transport’s franchising authority functions will be transferred to GBR, ensuring that operational and infrastructure decisions are made in a coordinated way. The new body will serve as the single point of accountability for the performance of the railway where previously it was split between Network Rail and the Secretary of State.

    Better service by bringing track and train together enabling the sector to run as one system for the benefit of customers and taxpayers. Whole system strategic decision-making should lead to improved reliability and performance of passenger and freight services. GBR’s regional structure is intended to ensure differing regional customer needs are part of decision-making.

    Smarter growth of the sector, as GBR will be a commercially-focused organisation that will contract with the private sector to maximise investment and innovation throughout the sector. This includes improving connectivity and choice through more direct links and more options for passengers.

    Greater efficiency by working in close partnership with the private sector to deliver a more efficient, modern rail system underpinned by better collaboration and aligned incentives, generating value and savings that will have benefits for passengers and taxpayers.

    Improved focus on customers through specific accessibility and freight duties to ensure that accessibility on the railway is improved and the experience for disabled passengers is enhanced. Rail freight will be targeted for growth, recognising the sector’s economic benefits and potential for expansion.

    Andrew Haines, GBRTT Lead and CEO of Network Rail, said:

    Passengers, freight customers and communities are crying out for a simpler, better railway and the publication of the draft bill is an important step on that journey.

    Bringing track and train together under a guiding mind is by far the best way to improve the service the railway offers, unlock the economic potential of a growing network and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.

    Jacqueline Starr, CEO of RDG, said:

    It is good news that the draft Rail Reform Bill has been published, this is another important step in setting up GBR and moving forward with the agreed reforms to improve the railway for the customer.

    The challenges facing the rail industry are well known, but rail is a vital service and should have a bright future if we work together. I look forward to working with the government to further develop the reforms needed to deliver for customers.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Department appoints 2 new non-executive directors [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Department appoints 2 new non-executive directors [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 20 February 2024.

    Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE and Dame Mary Archer to join Departmental Board.

    The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has appointed a new Lead Non-Executive Board Member (NEBM), Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE, and Non-Executive Board Member, Dame Mary Archer.

    The Department welcomes Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson as the Lead NEBM, for a term of 3 years from 1 February 2024. Humphrey brings a wealth of commercial energy experience to the Department, working most latterly as Managing Director of Nuclear Development at EDF UK (post ended June 2022) after a 32-year career in the energy industry.

    The Department also welcomes Dame Mary Archer as a NEBM on the Departmental Board, for a term of 3 years from 23 February 2024. Mary is an experienced Non-Executive Director, and is a scientist by profession, specialising in solar power conversion. She was the founder chair of the National Energy Foundation, and then subsequently its President.

    Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, welcomed the new appointees to her Departmental Board:

    Humphrey and Mary have an outstanding track record in the energy sector, and I am delighted to be welcoming them to our leadership team. They will provide expert guidance as we drive down bills through a cleaner and more secure energy system.

    The Permanent Secretary, Jeremy Pocklington, commented on the new appointments:

    We are looking forward to welcoming Humphrey and Mary to the Department. Their significant commercial experience and technical knowledge will be an asset to the Department as we secure the UK’s energy supply and meet our net zero goals.

    Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE said:

    I am delighted to join the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as the Lead Non-Executive Board Member. Achieving net zero and securing our energy supply is a challenge, but I am looking forward to supporting the Department in delivering its priorities and positioning the UK as a leader in reaching net zero.

    Dame Mary Archer said:

    I am looking forward to joining the Department as a Non-Executive Board Member and supporting the Secretary of State and her team in achieving the Department’s objectives.

    Humphrey and Mary join current NEBMs Peter Mather and Vikas Shah on the DESNZ Departmental Board.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls for calm dialogue to de-escalate the situation in Somalia: UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls for calm dialogue to de-escalate the situation in Somalia: UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Somalia.

    Thank you President, I thank SRSG Liang and Special Representative Souef for their briefing and I pay tribute to the work of their teams in Somalia. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Somalia at our meeting.

    President let me first address the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding. As we have said previously, the United Kingdom reaffirms its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    The UK is a close friend and longstanding partner to both Somalia and Ethiopia, and we are continuing to engage with both governments directly.

    The UK calls for calm dialogue to de-escalate the situation and expresses its support for mediation efforts, including the work of IGAD and the AU.

    Turning to the situation in Somalia more broadly, the UK notes that the Somali Parliament has begun to debate constitutional amendments outlined in previous National Consultative Council agreements, and urges the Federal Government to pursue a consultative and consensus-building approach to ensure this process has broad-based support among Somalis.

    President, this year represents a milestone in Somalia’s security transition. After 15 years of truly courageous service the current AU and UN missions are due to leave at the end of the year.

    We look forward to receiving an update from Somalia next month on its requirements into 2025 and beyond, and we encourage the UN and AU to work together closely on next steps ahead of the mandate renewal in June.

    We recognise the funding problems AMISOM and ATMIS have faced. As we have said many times, the UK has tried to play its part in solving them.

    But we are approaching a critical juncture. Somalia, the AU, UN and partners have invested so much to get to where we are today.

    We do not want this progress to go to waste. So, we encourage all Somalia’s partners to continue to support Somalia throughout its security transition and to think about creative ways to maintain support post-ATMIS and UNSOS. If we do not, it will be Al-Shabaab who benefit.

    Finally, President, Somalia’s changing security landscape presents significant humanitarian risks alongside an already severe and protracted humanitarian crisis.

    It is therefore deeply concerning that the Humanitarian Response Plan remains significantly underfunded.

    The UK urges donors to contribute to the plan, to address the urgent unmet need in Somalia.

    Any alteration or decision on Somalia’s security must not compromise protection of civilian and humanitarian access.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary announces Sir Gareth Rhys Williams as new National Highways Chair [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary announces Sir Gareth Rhys Williams as new National Highways Chair [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 19 February 2024.

    The Chair will oversee the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads across the country.

    The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, has today (19 February 2024) announced that Sir Gareth Rhys Williams will be taking up the position of Chair of National Highways, following a competitive selection process.

    Gareth joins the organisation as National Highways completes its delivery of the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) and prepares for the third Road Investment Strategy.

    In his role, Gareth will oversee the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads, which will bring improved journeys, ease congestion, create jobs and grow the economy across the country.

    Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

    Gareth will be an excellent new Chair at National Highways as we continue to deliver the government’s plan to back drivers across the country.

    As we continue to invest in improving our road network, Gareth has been clear in his commitment to help keep the country moving through the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads, creating jobs and growing the economy.

    Gareth joins from the Cabinet Office and brings extensive private and public sector experience, having been government Chief Commercial Officer for the past 8 years.

    New National Highways Chair, Sir Gareth Rhys Williams, said:

    I am delighted to be appointed as the Chair of National Highways, such a vital component of the UK’s infrastructure; a network that we all depend on for economic growth and connecting us all every day.

    I look forward to working with Nick and his team, the board and other colleagues to help develop and then deliver the next Road Investment Strategy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government cracks down on controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government cracks down on controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices [February 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 February 2024.

    The Government has announced action to tackle the use of controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices.

    • Government acts against controversial dismissal tactics through a new statutory Code of Practice.
    • Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the code.
    • Code protects workers’ rights whilst respecting business flexibility.

    Action against unscrupulous employers to tackle the use of controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices will be rolled out by the Government today [19 February].

    Dismissal and re-engagement, also known as ‘fire and rehire’, refers to when an employer fires an employee and offers them a new contract on new, often less favourable terms.

    The Government has been clear that it firmly opposes this practice being used as a negotiating tactic. Today, a new statutory Code of Practice has been published making clear how employers must behave in this area.

    This new Code of Practice shows the Government is going a step further to protect workers across the country. This will help to preserve security and opportunity for those in work, as part of our plan to grow the economy.

    Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

    Our new Code will crack down on employers mistreating employees and sets out how they should behave when changing an employee’s contract.

    This announcement shows we are taking action to tackle fire and re-hire practices by balancing protections for workers with business flexibility”.

    In future the courts, and employment tribunals, will take the Code into account when considering relevant cases. This will include on unfair dismissal claims where the employer should have followed the Code.

    Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the Code.

    The new Code clarifies how employers should behave when seeking to change employees’ terms and conditions, aiming to ensure employees are properly consulted and treated fairly.

    Employers will now also need to explore alternatives to dismissal and re-engagement and have meaningful discussions with employees or trade unions to reach an agreed outcome.

    The Code makes it clear to employers that they must not use threats of dismissal to pressurise employees into accepting new terms. They should also not raise the prospect of dismissal unreasonably early or threaten dismissal where it is not envisaged.

    Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said:

    Fire and rehire is an extreme step that can seriously damage working relations and has significant legal risks for organisations. Employers should focus on maintaining good employment relations to reach agreement with staff if they are thinking about making changes to their contracts.

    Acas offers impartial advice on employment rights and obligations, and has expertise in helping parties to maintain good industrial relations and resolving disputes where they arise.

    The Government’s new draft Code is clear that employers should contact Acas for advice before they raise the prospect of fire and rehire with employees.

    Principal Policy Advisor at Institute of Directors, Alexandra Hall-Chen said:

    The publication of this Code of Practice provides employers with welcome clarity and practical guidance.

    The Code rightly places good industrial relations at its core and represents an effective means of balancing worker protections with labour market flexibility.

    Head of Public Policy at CIPD, Ben Willmott said:

    The Code promotes good practice, making clear employers should always seek to agree any changes to terms and conditions with employees and that ‘fire and rehire’ should only be used as an absolute last resort.

    It highlights the importance of early and meaningful consultation with employees to maximise the chances of finding alternative solutions which can lead to agreement over proposed changes.

    It also emphasises that Acas has a key role to play and should be contacted by an employer for advice before it raises the prospect of fire and rehire with the workforce.

    The Government previously asked Acas to produce guidance for employers on fire and rehire practices, which was published in 2021.

    Background:

    • The consultation ran for 12 weeks, inviting views from the public and other interested groups on the new statutory Code.
    • The Government has laid the Code of Practice in Parliament for approval by both Houses. Subject to that approval, the Code will then be brought into effect later in the summer.