Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business leaders urged to toughen up cyber attack protections [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business leaders urged to toughen up cyber attack protections [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 23 January 2024.

    New guidelines to help directors and business leaders boost their resilience against cyber threats.

    • New guidelines will help directors and business leaders boost their cyber resilience, as UK government says cyber threats should be prioritised as a key business risk like financial and legal challenges
    • The proposed Code sets out key actions for Directors to take to strengthen their cyber resilience and help them take full advantage of digital technologies which can fuel innovation and drive competitiveness
    • UK government also acting to empower organisations to reduce risks associated with business software, protecting organisations, supply chains, staff, and customers

    A draft Code of Practice on cyber security governance published today will help directors and senior leaders shore up their defences from cyber threats, as the government launches a new call for views from business leaders.

    Aimed at executive and non-executive directors and other senior leaders, the measures look to establish cyber security issues as a key focus for businesses, putting them on an equal footing with other threats like financial and legal pitfalls. As part of this, the Code recommends that directors set out clear roles and responsibilities across their organisations, boosting protections for customers and safeguarding their ability to operate safely and securely.

    A key focus of the Code, designed in partnership with industry directors, cyber and governance experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is making sure companies have detailed plans in place to respond to and recover from any potential cyber incidents. The plan should be regularly tested so it’s as robust as possible, with a formal system for reporting incidents also in place.

    Organisations are also encouraged to equip employees with adequate skills and awareness of cyber issues so they can work alongside new technologies in confidence. Today, the government is calling on businesses of all sizes from all sectors with an interest in cyber and governance issues to share their opinions on the draft Code, helping shape and deliver the future of improved cyber security in the UK.

    Viscount Camrose, Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, said:

    Cyber attacks are as damaging to organisations as financial and legal pitfalls, so it’s crucial that bosses and directors take a firm grip of their organisation’s cyber security regimes – protecting their customers, workforce, business operations and our wider economy.

    This new Code will help them take the lead in safely navigating potential cyber threats, ensuring businesses across the country can take full advantage of the emerging technologies which are revolutionising how we work.

    It is vital the people at the heart of this issue take the lead in shaping how we can improve cyber security in every part of our economy, which is why we want to see industry and business professionals from all walks coming forward to share their views.”

    The benefits of the UK’s rapidly growing cyber landscape are sizeable, unlocking new opportunities and ways of working, and creating new jobs to grow every sector of the UK economy – a key priority for the government. This means the risks associated with growing an increasingly digital economy need to be addressed with practical action and robust safeguards. The introduction of the Cyber Governance Code of Practice marks a pivotal step in how the leaders and directors of all organisations approach cyber risk, underpinning the UK’s credentials as a cyber power and protecting our economy.

    The guidance comes as figures show almost one in three (32%) firms have suffered a cyber breach or attack in the past year, with a rise in damaging ransomware attacks and malicious actors posing significant threats as they look to take advantage of cyber security vulnerabilities.

    New statistics and analysis showing the positive impact of the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme, which helps organisations protect against common cyber attacks, are also published today. Through this scheme, organisations which demonstrate they have vital cyber security controls in place, including effective management of security updates, having suitable anti-virus software and removing default passwords, are awarded a “Cyber Essentials certificate”. 38,113 certificates have been awarded to organisations in the past year, and two in five (39%) of the UK’s largest businesses now hold the accolade.

    New analysis of the Cyber Security Breaches Survey also shows that around two thirds (66%) of businesses which adhere to Cyber Essentials have a formal cyber incident response plan, compared to just 18% of those who don’t follow its guidance.

    Lindy Cameron, National Cyber Security Centre CEO, said:

    Cyber security is no longer a niche subject or just the responsibility of the IT department, so it is vital that CEOs and directors understand the risks to their organisation and how to mitigate potential threats.

    This new Cyber Governance Code of Practice will help ensure cyber resilience is put at the top of the agenda for organisations and I’d encourage all directors, non-executive directors, and senior leaders to share their views.

    Senior leaders can also access the NCSC’s Cyber Security Board Toolkit which provides practical guidance on how to implement the actions outlined in the Code, to ensure effective management of cyber risks.

    To further support organisations to improve their cyber security and provide more clarity on best practice, the government is also publishing its response to a call for views on software resilience and security today, to help address software risks and make organisations more resilient to cyber threats.

    A number of recent, high-profile cyber incidents, including one which took the NHS 111 service offline, have demonstrated the severe impacts attacks on software and digital supply chains can have. The response to the call for views proposes steps to empower those who develop, buy and sell software to better understand how they can reduce risk, prioritising the protection of businesses and other organisations that are reliant on software for their day-to-day operations.  Software is fundamental to virtually all technology used by businesses, from programmes for managing payroll, to essential operating systems and more advanced and emerging technologies such as AI. Protecting software is therefore crucial to protecting businesses and organisations and is a critical part of the government’s work to improve UK cyber resilience.

    The plans include measures to ensure software is developed and maintained securely, with risks better managed and communicated throughout supply chains. The government is working with industry to develop these proposals further, from developing a code of practice for software vendors, which will form the crux of this proposed package, to cyber security training for professionals.

    The call for views, which will be open until 19 March 2024, will help ensure this new Code is straightforward to understand and roll out, and will also help to identify any potential barriers organisations could face in bringing it into force.

    The work is part of the government’s £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy to protect and promote the UK online.

  • PRESS RELEASE : John Glen sets out plan for modern Civil Service to deliver stronger public services [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : John Glen sets out plan for modern Civil Service to deliver stronger public services [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 January 2024.

    In his keynote address at the Institute for Government’s annual conference, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, John Glen, will outline his long-term priorities to modernise the Civil Service into a more productive institution so it can deliver stronger public services.

    • Minister to outline value of Civil Service, with new measures to strengthen public sector delivery
    • Reform will focus on investing in technology, reducing unnecessary process and supporting talent attraction, retention and reducing staff churn
    • New line management standards across the Civil Service, underpinned by  reviewing staff performance management approach, to support career development and help tackle rare instances of unchecked poor performance or serious issues with agreed office attendance
    • New guidance on staff networks will safeguard civil service impartiality, alongside review of network spending

    In his keynote address at the Institute for Government’s annual conference this morning (Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024), the Minister for the Cabinet Office, John Glen, will outline his long-term priorities to modernise the Civil Service into a more productive institution so it can deliver stronger public services through three key priorities:

    First, unlocking the transformative potential of new technologies such as A.I. by increasing our ambition on the pace and scale of digital transformation in government. Second, unlocking new ways of working by streamlining and simplifying how government operates. Third, leveraging workforce potential by addressing problems of talent attraction, retention and churn through a smaller, skilled workforce that is better rewarded, with stronger performance management.

    The Minister will highlight new line management standards, underpinned by reviewing staff performance management across Government, building on the good practice in place across most of the Civil Service. Line managers will be supported to work with their teams to develop civil servants’ expertise and skills with a more consistent approach across departments, while also addressing rare instances of unchecked poor performance.

    He will also make clear that he believes face-to-face working and making full use of Government offices are the right way to deliver for the taxpayer and develop new talent. Data from surveying 30,700 civil servants shows that ‘learning from others’ and staff interaction has consistently been found to be better supported in the office compared to at home.

    Ministers will look at performance management guidance for senior civil servants to ensure that making full use of offices is factored into their yearly reviews.

    Setting out the vital role the Civil Service plays up and down the country and emphasising the importance of ensuring it works as effectively and efficiently as possible, he will tell the audience that the Civil Service has to learn to do more with less.

    He will also welcome recent successes like the £7.8 billion in efficiencies secured between 2020 and 2022 through central functional teams, like commercial, finance and project delivery – focusing on how to replicate these across the civil service.

    Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Rt Hon John Glen MP said:

    The Civil Service and the work it does impacts all of our lives in so many ways, we must therefore ensure it is fit for purpose for the long term, and delivers efficiently and effectively.

    It is clear we have to do more with less. To do this, we must embrace new technology, empower those around us by working collaboratively in offices, and ensure performance management standards enable line managers to provide the best possible feedback and tackle consistent poor performance.

    The Civil Service must adapt today to prepare for the urgent challenges of tomorrow. Our citizens deserve nothing less, and I know our committed civil servants are up for the challenge.

    The Minister will also reaffirm the government’s long-term commitment to implementing cutting-edge new AI technologies across the organisation. He will endorse the development of bespoke AI products designed to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, improve the speed of public service delivery, and enhance how the government communicates with the public.

    New guidance on civil service staff networks will also be issued shortly as part of wider plans to improve productivity and provide clearer advice on acting with impartiality in relation to diversity and inclusion.

    The guidance will ensure civil servants have a better understanding of how best to balance staff network activity with their primary responsibilities and impartiality commitments under the civil service code.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is leading on reforms to the UN’s NGO Committee – UK statement at the UN [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is leading on reforms to the UN’s NGO Committee – UK statement at the UN [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 January 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador Archie Young at the opening session of the UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

    Thank you Madam Chair, I echo the congratulations expressed by distinguished colleagues.

    As we begin our work this year, we recognise the pivotal role of civil society in debate, understanding and decision making. In a world marked by escalating challenges, civil society organisations are a key pillar of open societies and often emerge as the frontline defenders. They play a critical role in protecting and promoting human rights, tackling global issues from climate change to conflict, and holding those in power to account. Inclusive multilateralism lies at the heart of our work and civil society inclusion at the UN remains vital.

    This Committee exists because we, as Member States, recognise that collaboration with civil society is essential to the UN’s functioning. They bring valuable perspectives, amplifying the voices of those directly affected. Their efforts enrich the evidence base at our disposal, making our meetings more effective and substantial. Civil Society contributions ensure we make informed decisions, paving the way for us to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and achieve a more equitable and just future.

    It is for these reasons that the UK remains committed to championing civil society participation, and ensuring that all channels for civil society to engage with governments and those in power remain open.

    However, we do so in the face of opposition, within a mechanism that is in urgent need of reform. Politicised deferrals and repeated questions from a small group of Member States obstruct civil society access to the UN platform. This Committee’s role is to facilitate NGO access, not impede it through bureaucracy. This session, the Committee will review 214 new applications, alongside a backlog of 294 deferred applications. Deferred applications are often held back for years, despite detailed responses to questions. This practice of arbitrary blocking over a sustained period stands in contradiction to the spirit of Resolution 1996/31, which aims to foster meaningful collaboration between NGOs and the UN Member States.

    We intend to seek approval of all applications from all legitimate NGOs. Therefore our scrutiny of NGOs will be only on the following categories in line with 1996/31.

    The NGO must exist and be currently active. The NGO is independent of government, with a majority of positions filled by individuals without government connection. The NGO does not cause harm to people, property, or the environment.

    The NGO and its staff are in adherence to the UN Charter, in that it does not engage in politically motivated attacks against Member States, nor verifiably benefit from proceeds of criminal activity.

    In joining the Committee in 2023, the United Kingdom made clear our desire to improve working methods, to allow for a transparent, effective and fair system. This year, alongside Costa Rica, we will table a decision in ECOSOC with the intention to improve some of the Committee’s working methods. The current working methods have hindered the Committee’s transparency, efficiency, and ability to fulfil its mandate, as set out in 1996/31. We have debated these reforms within the Committee, some for several years, but we have been unable to make progress. Therefore, it is time to bring the decision to ECOSOC, the parent body for this Committee.  We look forward to discussing the proposal with the wider membership.

    We urge all Committee Members to promote and facilitate a safe and welcoming space for civil society participation at the UN.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Further steps to prepare Sizewell C for construction [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Further steps to prepare Sizewell C for construction [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 22 January 2024.

    £1.3 billion additional investment in the nuclear plant, key to expanding nuclear energy in the UK and providing stable, cheaper and more secure power in the long-term.

    • Government announces further funding to support construction at Sizewell C after Development Consent Order was triggered in January
    • money comes ahead of a final investment decision expected later this year
    • Sizewell C will support thousands of jobs and provide enough power for up to 6 million homes

    The government has made an additional £1.3 billion available to support the construction of Sizewell C, which will create thousands of jobs and enough stable, cheaper and more secure power for up to 6 million homes. The largest funding package to date will allow early construction works to continue ahead of a final investment decision later this year.

    The funding – made available from existing budgets – will support ongoing preparatory works such as improvements to roads and rail lines around the Suffolk site, ensuring the necessary local infrastructure is in place before full construction begins. Committing further government support at this stage will help the project stay on schedule and keep down overall costs.

    The Development Consent Order (DCO) triggered by Sizewell C on 15 January gave the formal green light for construction to begin and released £250 million funding for initiatives for the local community and environment.

    Investing an additional £1.3 billion consolidates the government’s position as the majority shareholder in the project, reached in December 2023. It follows a £700 million funding pledge in November 2022 and a further £511 million agreed last summer.

    Earlier this month the government announced the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years, with the Civil Nuclear Roadmap setting out how the UK will quadruple nuclear power generation to up to 24GW by 2050. It commits to exploring another GW-scale power plant similar in scale to Sizewell C, simplifying regulation and building a fleet of Small Modular Reactors.

    Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie said:

    We are making fantastic progress on the next GW-scale power plant in the UK’s nuclear pipeline.

    This investment injection means we can steam ahead with work on Sizewell C ahead of the final investment decision targeted later this year.

    It’s a win for our energy security and sends a strong message to investors that Britain is serious about its low-carbon, homegrown nuclear-powered future, providing reliable, cheaper power for British families.

    Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Joint Managing Directors at Sizewell C, said:

    This significant investment underlines the importance of Sizewell C for Britain and is a further sign of confidence in our team to deliver it. With the project now in construction, the funding means we can step up activity in Suffolk and deliver on our commitments to local communities.

    Sizewell C will build on the huge contribution of Hinkley Point C in restarting nuclear construction in Britain. It will bring another big boost to British nuclear skills and training, putting the industry in an even better position to deliver the other projects this country needs for its low carbon future.

    In addition to the 500 people employed so far, Sizewell C has plans to award 70% of the value of construction to UK businesses, helping to create thousands of jobs in Suffolk and nationwide. The project will also create 1,500 apprenticeships, helping to build the skills base to support the UK’s long-term plans for new nuclear.

    Once operational, the plant will generate 3.2GW of electricity, equating to 7% of the UK’s needs and enough to power up to 6 million British households for over 60 years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two years on from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and this war benefits no one – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two years on from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and this war benefits no one – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 January 2024.

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

    Colleagues, two years ago, Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Since its illegal and unprovoked attack, over 300,000 Russian personnel have been killed or wounded. Mothers and wives of these soldiers have been arrested or ignored. Thousands of Russian anti-war protestors have been detained. Media organisations have been shut down, and many journalists are now in Russian prisons.

    Russian military modernisation has been set back eighteen years.

    Now Russia’s defence industry strips down fridges for parts. It orders its weapons from the DPRK, in violation of multiple resolutions agreed in this Chamber, under this Russian Foreign Minister’s instruction. Its purchase and use of Iranian drones involves both states violating a Security Council resolution.

    And for what? To lose more than half of the land it seized since February 2022 and a fifth of its Black Sea Fleet? To have its economy deprived of over $400 billion by sanctions, and hundreds of thousands of young Russians, who have emigrated for a better future?

    This war benefits no one, not Russians, and certainly not Ukrainians.

    Colleagues,

    Last time the Russian Foreign Minister was here, he spoke of protecting the rights of Russian-speakers in Ukraine.

    Yet the only threat to any civilian in Ukraine continues to come from Russia. Russia continues to impede access for humanitarian organisations to the millions of people in need.

    The UN Commission of Inquiry has reported a systematic pattern of torture against Ukrainian civilians by Russian authorities.

    Russian missile strikes continue to strike population centres, with some of the most intense waves yet falling during the New Year. And Russia says it wants peace.

    But while Ukraine, the UK and around 80 other countries were in Davos last week, discussing President Zelensky’s plans for peace, based on principles of the UN Charter that all here have signed up to, the deputy head of Russia’s National Security Council was proclaiming there could never be peace while an independent state of Ukraine existed.

    That is not peace. That is subjugation, which would threaten Ukraine’s very existence as a state and usher in a new era of global instability.

    This is why the UK will continue to replenish Ukraine’s air defences, to help it shield its civilians from these brutal attacks. This is why we have signed a new long term agreement on security cooperation, and announced £2.5bn more in military aid, and £18 million more in humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

    Because Ukraine’s security matters for global security.

    President, as my Prime Minister said on his recent visit to Kyiv, we remain unwavering in our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its borders, to ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, to resist future coercion, to choose its own future, and to prosper peacefully.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Solicitor General Robert Courts sworn in [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Solicitor General Robert Courts sworn in [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 22 January 2024.

    The Solicitor General was sworn in today during a ceremony attended by the Lord Chancellor.

    Robert Courts KC MP was today sworn in as His Majesty’s Solicitor General at a ceremony attended by the Lord Chancellor and Clerk to the Crown.

    The Solicitor General was also appointed to the rank and office of King’s Counsel (KC).

    Speaking after the ceremony, HM Solicitor General Robert Courts KC MP said:

    It is a great honour and privilege to be sworn-in today as Solicitor General for England and Wales.

    The Law Officers have an important and unique role advising the government and I look forward to working with the Attorney General, government lawyers, and the Civil Service upholding the rule of law at the heart of the UK constitution.

    The Solicitor General supports the Attorney General in her role as the Government’s chief legal adviser. Alongside the Attorney, the Solicitor General oversees the work of the Law Officers’ Departments: the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office, the Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

    The Solicitor General carries out important functions in the public interest, such as considering whether to refer unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal and taking action when there has been a contempt of court.

    These functions are carried out independently of the Solicitor’s role as a government minister.

    The Attorney General, Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP, said:

    Congratulations to Robert Courts MP for being sworn in as Solicitor General for England and Wales. I look forward to working with you advising the Government, superintending government departments, and upholding the rule of law.

    Robert Courts KC MP was appointed as Solicitor General for England and Wales on 7 December 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to boost confidence in the BBC’s impartiality and complaints system set out in Mid-Term Review [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to boost confidence in the BBC’s impartiality and complaints system set out in Mid-Term Review [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 22 January 2024.

    Government recommends reforms to boost public trust in the BBC following a review at the mid-point of its 11 year Charter.

    • Review recommends greater independent scrutiny of complaints handling, improving transparency for commercial media organisations, and extending Ofcom oversight over more BBC online services
    • BBC urged to better reflect diverse views and opinions in decision-making and improve engagement with underserved audience groups, among other key recommendations

    The government has recommended major reforms to help boost audience confidence in the BBC’s  impartiality and complaints system, following the first Mid-Term Review published by the government today.

    Launched at the halfway point of the BBC’s 11 year Royal Charter, the Mid-Term Review evaluates the effectiveness of the governance and regulatory arrangements introduced by the Charter in 2017, with recommendations to ensure the best outcome for audiences.

    Audiences will be given greater certainty that their complaints about BBC TV, radio and on demand content – including concerns about bias – are dealt with fairly, through greater scrutiny of its complaints process, which is to be made more independent from programme makers. A new legally binding responsibility on the BBC Board will require it to actively oversee the BBC’s complaints process to assure audiences that their concerns are being fairly considered.

    In recognition that audiences are increasingly getting their news and watching content online, Ofcom oversight will be extended to parts of the BBC’s online public services, including the BBC News website, to enable Ofcom to hold the BBC to account in a more robust way. And Ofcom will be given a new legally binding responsibility to review more of the BBC’s complaints decisions, meaning audiences can have greater confidence that their complaints have been handled fairly.

    The Mid-Term Review stresses the need for the BBC to clearly demonstrate how it will meet its obligations on distinctiveness over the remainder of this Charter period, and for the BBC to meaningfully engage with its competitors, such as radio stations and local newspapers, when it is considering a change to its services.

    The government consulted the BBC and Ofcom closely on the recommendations and expects them to be implemented in a timely manner. The government has also identified some key issues as a result of the Mid-Term Review that need to be further considered at the next Charter Review before 2027.

    In particular, we will continue to place a strong emphasis on impartiality and complaints, including reviewing the effectiveness of the BBC’s new social media guidelines and whether the BBC First model – formally introduced by the Charter in 2017 – process remains the right model for complaints, as well as how distinctive BBC output and services are from those of commercial providers. The Government has highlighted these priorities for the next Charter in correspondence with the BBC.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    The Government wants to see a strong, independent BBC that can thrive in the years to come as a major contributor to the nation’s successful creative industries.

    In a rapidly changing media landscape the BBC needs to adapt or risk losing the trust of the audiences it relies on. Following constructive conservations with the BBC and Ofcom, we have recommended reforms that I believe will improve accountability while boosting public confidence in the BBC’s ability to be impartial and respond to concerns raised by licence fee payers.

    These changes will better set up the BBC to ask difficult questions of itself, and make sure Ofcom can continue to hold the broadcaster to account. We all rely on the BBC being the best it can be and this review will help ensure that is what the British public gets.

    Complaints and impartiality

    The Mid-Term Review has concluded that the BBC’s complaints process introduced at the last Charter Review in 2017, known as BBC First – where audience complaints are normally addressed by the BBC before they can be escalated to Ofcom – allows licence fee payers to hold the BBC directly accountable.

    However, impartiality continues to be an ongoing issue for audiences, with concerns about the broadcaster’s objectivity making up the majority of complaints about the BBC’s editorial content. The review highlights a lack of public confidence in the way the BBC currently handles complaints.

    Following challenging and constructive conversations with the government, the BBC will introduce reforms to enhance the independent scrutiny of its complaints handling and further improve the experience of viewers who make a complaint.

    The BBC Board previously had a responsibility to oversee only the establishment of a complaints handling process. We are now giving the entire Board the responsibility to oversee how that process is working in practice. Furthermore, the non-executive board directors and external advisors on the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee will be given greater powers to scrutinise and challenge how BBC senior management responds to complaints.

    The job role which has responsibility for complaints handling now reports directly to the Director General rather than the Director responsible for editorial policy, separating pre-broadcast editorial policy and post-broadcast complaints resolution.

    Currently Ofcom regulates the BBC’s TV, radio and on demand output, but not other elements of its online content. The government has committed to extending Ofcom regulation to other elements of the BBC’s online public service material in order to give audiences confidence that the BBC is being held to greater account across its digital services. The government expects this to apply to BBC branded content on third party websites, applications and other online interfaces over which the BBC has editorial control – including the BBC News website and the BBC’s YouTube channel.

    The review recommends the BBC materially improves the experience of audiences when lodging a complaint by giving clearer explanations of the process and the roles of the BBC and Ofcom, to ensure licence fee payers are not put off from sharing their views. The review also recommends Ofcom improves the transparency of its decision making when considering whether to open a formal investigation into content that the BBC has found has breached its own editorial standards. This will help audiences to better understand whether Ofcom is taking further regulatory action and why.

    At Charter Review, the government is committing to examining whether BBC First remains the right complaints model to enable the BBC to deliver against its responsibility to serve all audiences.

    To help the BBC go further to tackle perceptions of bias, the review also recommends that the BBC publishes more information about the work it is doing to strengthen the impartiality of its editorial content, including to illustrate the impact it’s having.

    The BBC’s impact on the wider market

    Looking at the BBC’s impact on the UK media landscape, the review sets out that the BBC must clearly demonstrate how it effectively balances delivering for licence fee payers and supporting the UK’s wider creative industries when making decisions about how its services and output are distinctive. This is increasingly important given broader structural trends in some of the markets in which the BBC operates, such as online local news, and will be an important question for the Charter Review.

    Meaningful engagement with competitors should be strengthened and the BBC must be more transparent when it seeks to make changes to its services. This higher standard of engagement and transparency should support other businesses operating in the same markets as the BBC, including commercial radio stations and local news publishers. The government has recommended that Ofcom publish an annual high-level view on the BBC’s position in the local news sector, as it does for other sectors, to provide further clarity.

    The government has also recommended that the BBC develop a public strategy outlining how it will partner with others, and provide competitors with greater clarity on how it will make decisions on partnerships.

    While the government supports the BBC’s ambitious plans to grow its commercial revenue, and has found that the governance and regulation of its commercial activities works effectively, the impact of  any changes, such as the introduction of a BBC Commercial Board in 2022, needs to be closely monitored.

    Diversity

    As a national broadcaster, the BBC has a duty in its Charter to accurately reflect, represent and serve diverse communities across the UK, both on and off the screen.

    While the BBC has said it is committed to improving representation, the review recommends it considers how diversity of thought and opinion could be better reflected in its decision-making. Some audience groups, for example, disabled viewers and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, feel underrepresented by the BBC. We recommend that the BBC works to ensure engagement with these groups is sufficient to best understand their specific needs and concerns.

    Notes to editors

    • Following the 2015/16 review of the BBC Royal Charter, new BBC governance and regulatory arrangements were established: the governance of the BBC is now conducted by a new unitary Board, and regulation passed to Ofcom, the BBC’s first independent, external regulator. Given the extent of these changes, the Charter provided for the government to conduct a Mid-Term Review by 2024.  The current BBC Charter began on 1 January 2017 and ends on 31 December 2027. A full Charter Review will take place in advance of the next Charter period starting in 2028.
    • The Mid-Term Review was launched in May 2022, with the publication of its Terms of Reference. As per the restrictions set out in the Charter, the review did not consider the BBC’s Mission, its Public Purposes or the BBC’s funding model for the Charter period. The World Service was not in scope as it is not regulated by Ofcom.
    • The review was conducted on the basis of targeted stakeholder consultation and consultation with the BBC, Ofcom and the Devolved Administrations.  A number of the review’s recommendations require amendments to the Framework Agreement. These will be published as soon as possible.
  • PRESS RELEASE : More support for industry to cut emissions and energy bills [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : More support for industry to cut emissions and energy bills [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 22 January 2024.

    Over £190 million will be made available to help industry in the transition to net zero, reducing emissions as they switch to cleaner, cheaper energy.

    • Twelve winning projects will bring together local partners and develop plans to cut manufacturing emissions, with up to £6 million in government support
    • up to £185 million available for the next round of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, with even more sectors eligible to apply
    • funding will support businesses reduce emissions and bills by making the switch to cleaner energy, helping to meet the UK’s net zero goals

    A multi-million-pound package will help businesses across the UK to cut their emissions and energy bills.

    Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan today (Monday 22 January) announced 12 winners from the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan competition, who will each benefit from a share of up to £6 million to develop plans for a low carbon future.

    This funding will give winning businesses and partners the chance to work together on plans to cut their emissions, learning from each other while also having access to technical advisors to prepare for adopting measures such as using hydrogen or carbon capture.

    In particular, this will be targeted at projects outside of the UK’s major industrial areas – from a Yorkshire pet food manufacturer to a Poole ferry operator. Companies in dispersed locations away from industrial heartlands account for 55% of the country’s industrial emissions.

    He also shared plans to open a new phase of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund later this month for a further £185 million, which will help companies transform their operations to run on cleaner, more secure energy – backing measures such as replacing inefficient equipment, installing electric furnaces and switching to hydrogen. The funding is ensuring businesses are supported in the transition to net zero, in a sustainable way and cost-effective way, securing green industrial jobs for the future.

    Sectors including manufacturing and recycling – and for the first time controlled environment horticulture, industrial laundries and textile renting facilities – will be among those eligible for apply for this new support, as part of wider government efforts to meet the UK’s net zero targets.

    Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said:

    From manufacturing chemicals to food and drink, UK industry is at the heart of our economy.

    With over £190 million available for businesses to make the move to cleaner, cheaper energy – and with 12 projects benefiting directly today – we are delivering the support they need to decarbonise.

    I look forward to seeing the plans developed by the successful clusters and encourage other businesses to apply to our Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, which has already made awards to over 150 projects to help companies go green.

    Today’s winners include:

    • Shoreham Port Industrial Cluster, an established cluster with 175 businesses based on the 110-acre site, which will explore ways to reduce emissions and improve local air quality by working with local councils
    • Industrial Decarbonisation for Northern Ireland (ID-NI), which will develop plans to help local businesses increase their productivity while also cutting emissions, embracing the opportunities that a low carbon future will offer
    • Decarbonising the Midlands Aerospace Cluster (DMAC), who will work with key players in the region’s aerospace supply chain, identifying manufacturing processes that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and potential solutions

    The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund will also offer support for businesses to switch to more energy efficient technologies through a new phase opening on Monday 29 January.

    Previous winners have included:

    • Pioneer Foods in Peterborough – a leading cereal manufacturer, to improve the energy efficiency of their 3 industrial ovens by replacing burners, minimising heat loss and installing new motors
    • Cemineral in Lincolnshire – a supplier of cement products for housing and infrastructure, to convert its conveyance and processing systems to electric power, helping to reduce their carbon emissions
    • Natural World Products in Dunmurry – a producer of peat-free composts and soil conditioners, to replace diesel-powered equipment with electric equivalents.

    These announcements are part of the government’s commitment to spend more than £12 billion on energy efficiency by 2028, helping more households and businesses to benefit from lower bills and cleaner energy.

    Further quotes

    Shoreham Port Industrial Cluster LIDP

    Tom Willis, Chief Executive of Shoreham Port, said:

    We are delighted that the Shoreham Port Industrial Cluster has been successful in the Local Decarbonisation Plans Competition and will receive a portion of the £6 million awarded by the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero in partnership with Innovate UK. As a Trust Port, collaborative relationships with local, educational, and business communities remain key to our success. This funding will support us to create a tangible plan to decarbonise our Cluster, enabling us to act as a catalyst for regional emission reduction.

    NEW- ID (Northeast Wales)

    Ben Burggraaf, CEO of Net Zero Industry Wales, said:

    Today’s funding announcement is another welcome step in the right direction for Welsh Industry’s journey to net zero. It will allow the region to continue to thrive at the industrial forefront of the UK, aided by the uptake of low carbon technologies — all while opening up a range of skills and employment opportunities.

    We look forward to supporting the NEW-ID Plan which in turn, will support us in our mission to empower businesses to build greener futures. What’s more, we are confident that learnings from other live projects — such as the great work being delivered by SWIC, DDF and Net Zero North West — will allow us to maximise the Plan’s potential.

    Decarbonising Midlands Aerospace Cluster

    Dr Andrew Mair, Chief Executive at Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said:

    Decarbonisation is essential to the future of the Midlands’ aerospace industry and we know the cluster’s responsibility in this area as well as the opportunities it brings. But it is notoriously hard to move fast in aerospace given tightly controlled sector-specific materials and processes for manufacturing aircraft parts that have a long in-service life. This provides a key challenge for the cluster which we are excited to tackle through this cluster decarbonisation project, with the ambitious aim of developing in detail credible and feasible solutions to reduce emissions in the region’s aerospace cluster.

    Solent LIDP

    Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of The Solent Cluster, said:

    This announcement is great news for our region and for the decarbonisation ambitions for the whole of the UK.  Here in the Solent, the funding will be used to work with industry to ensure access to low-carbon hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage, at the same time as measuring wider economic benefits to the local region. Working together as The Solent Cluster, we have the potential to effect real change in energy production and consumption which will, in turn, secure existing livelihoods and create new green jobs, support energy resilience and affordability, and ensure the UK is at the forefront of the emerging low-carbon economy.

    ID-NI (Northern Ireland)

    Rachel Sankannawar, Head of Green Economy Development at Invest Northern Ireland, said:

    We welcome today’s announcement which will bolster our efforts to unlock the economic possibilities of a low carbon future for Northern Ireland.

    The funding provided will enable us to collaborate with key industry partners, our universities and all 11 Councils to develop and implement a comprehensive local industrial decarbonisation plan for Northern Ireland. The plan will not only enhance our competitiveness globally but support us to boost our productivity and contribute to reducing our emissions.

    Innovate UK

    Bryony Livesey, Challenge Director – Industrial Decarbonisation at Innovate UK, said:

    Today’s announcement shows the keenness of businesses to collaborate on plans to decarbonise by forming local industrial clusters and working together to drive down emissions. This is a crucial step in tackling decarbonisation at dispersed sites on the UK’s journey towards net zero by 2050.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Education secretary approves Dyson STEAM donation [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Education secretary approves Dyson STEAM donation [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 22 January 2024.

    A £6 million donation to build a first-class science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEAM) centre in Wiltshire has received the green light from Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.

    Ministers at the Department for education approved the expansion of Malmesbury Primary School in Wiltshire for the new centre which was a condition of the donation from the Dyson Foundation.

    This demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring pupils at all levels have access to high quality STEM education.

    The expansion would see purpose-built rooms equipped for design, technology, art, science, and mathematics-based activities as well as additional classrooms. If planning permission is approved by Wiltshire Council, it is expected to be open to pupils from September 2027.

    The Prime Minister has, separately, announced his ambitious 10-year plan to drive up young people’s skills through the Advanced British Standard, requiring all pupils in England to study some form of maths to the age of 18. This will help embed essential numeracy skills and give young people a platform to develop STEM expertise, supporting the government’s plan to create a world-class education system by growing the economy and investing in the skills that industry needs.

    Our reforms are already improving maths education and driving up standards, with the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study finding that England outperformed the international average in maths, rising to 11th in international league tables in 2022.

    Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

    I welcome this generous donation from the Dyson Foundation which will support cutting edge education for local pupils, helping to develop the scientists and engineers of the future.

    This new centre will provide world-class facilities for pupils in Malmesbury and the surrounding areas to inspire them and develop the skills we need to compete on the world stage.

    The £6 million donation builds on the work we have been doing to boost the uptake of STEM subjects in schools and through apprenticeships and further education, boosting growth and opportunity in these vital sectors.

    To support growth and develop STEM skills, the department runs programmes such as the Stimulating Physics Network, and has a network of maths hubsand scholarships worth £30,000 to encourage more teachers to nurture future talent by teaching STEM subjects.

    Additionally, design and technology trainee teachers will now receive tax free bursaries of £25,000 to train to teach, up from £20,000 in the academic year 2023 to 2024.

    New T Level qualifications are also being rolled out, including in engineering and manufacturing, whilst a network of 21 Institutes of Technology is being established to work closely with industry and pioneer higher-level STEM training.

    We continue to work with employers to offer more apprenticeship opportunities, including in dynamic and in-demand STEM fields. Apprenticeships are a great way for anyone, regardless of their background, to gain the skills they need for a successful career in STEM, and employers have developed over 365 high-quality apprenticeships in the Construction, Digital, Engineering and Manufacturing, and Health and Science sectors.

    Our new specialist maths school are also being established across the county, offering talented young people world class maths and STEM opportunities regardless of their background. Seven schools are already open and teaching students in Exeter, Cambridge, Leeds and London (Imperial College), with a further 4 set to open in other parts of England.

    The department is also working with other government departments through the UK Science and Technology Framework to deliver talent and skills for critical technologies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Biden [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Biden [January 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 January 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to US President Biden this evening.

    They discussed the situation in Israel and Gaza, and the urgent need to secure the release of Israeli hostages while alleviating the very real impact of the conflict on civilians in Gaza. The Prime Minister stressed that supporting Israel in its efforts to defeat the threat from Hamas does not detract from the need for the IDF to take greater care to protect civilians and operate within International Humanitarian Law.

    The Prime Minister and President Biden resolved to continue working together to encourage further humanitarian pauses to get hostages out of Gaza and allow more aid to enter. As part of this they underscored the need to open more aid routes into Gaza, including at Ashdod, while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of existing routes. The leaders also agreed that a two state solution which allows Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security is more important than ever.

    The Prime Minister and President Biden paid tribute to the British and American personnel who are currently working closely together to uphold freedom of navigation and protect lives in the Red Sea. The Prime Minister passed on his condolences on the death of two US Navy Seals confirmed today.

    The leaders condemned the surge in violent Houthi attacks on commercial ships transiting the area and undertook to continue efforts alongside international partners to deter and disrupt those attacks. This includes work through the multinational Operation Prosperity Guardian, putting diplomatic pressure on Iran to cease their support of Houthi activity and, as needed, targeted military action to degrade Houthi capabilities.

    The Prime Minister updated President Biden on his recent announcement of £2.5 billion of further military support for Ukraine alongside the signing of a new UK-Ukraine bilateral security agreement. The leaders agreed that it is paramount that the world continues to back Ukraine as it resists unprovoked Russian aggression.