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  • PRESS RELEASE : It is not a good use of time for the Security Council to prejudge the outcome of Nord Stream investigations – UK statement at the Security Council [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : It is not a good use of time for the Security Council to prejudge the outcome of Nord Stream investigations – UK statement at the Security Council [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2023.

    Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.

    Thank you Madam President and thank you to the briefers for their perspectives.

    Madam President, the international community remains rightfully concerned about the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. We’ve repeatedly condemned this attack and we all want clear answers.

    That’s why we support the national investigations of Germany, Denmark, and Sweden to determine who is responsible.

    In July, Germany, Denmark and Sweden offered a detailed update on the progress of their investigations. That update highlighted the unprecedented nature of the sabotage, and the subsequent complexity of the investigative processes.

    We understand these investigations will take time and we have full confidence in their impartiality and integrity.

    As we have said before, we do not believe it is a good use of our time for the Security Council to start to prejudge the outcome of these investigations, dictate how they are conducted, or otherwise undermine them.

    We, and fellow Council members, should continue to offer our full support to these investigations so that we can establish who was responsible.

    President, before I finish, let us pause for a moment on the fact that it wasRussia who called this meeting.

    Russia is claiming it is concerned about the destruction of civilian infrastructure – so much so that it seeks to commemorate the anniversary of this attack.

    Yet we all know that almost every single day of the year is an anniversary of a deliberate Russian attack on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

    We have seen the systematic bombing of Ukrainian energy and port infrastructure, we have seen over 480 Russian attacks on schools and hospitals and 120 attacks on religious sites.

    And beyond infrastructure – what of the lives of civilians themselves? At least 9,614 civilians have been killed and seventeen and a half thousand more injured in Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

    So as we listen to Russia today, let us not forget what they are doing, deliberately and as a matter of policy.

    Let us also not forget the callous disregard Russia showed for civilians and civilian infrastructure in Aleppo, Homs and Damascus when they vetoed nine Council resolutions aimed at ending the Assad regime’s indiscriminate bombing of hospitals and schools.

    And let us not forget that while Russia repeatedly brings briefers to the Council from the West who are free to attack Western governments they systematically lock up anyone who dares to criticise the Russian government position at home.

    Madam President, Russia’s hypocrisy today is nothing new but it bears repeating, if they are seriously concerned about civilian infrastructure they must cease their relentless attacks and ensure accountability for the appalling destruction and suffering they have caused.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is unwavering in our commitment to provide aid to the people of Afghanistan: UK statement at the UN Security Council [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is unwavering in our commitment to provide aid to the people of Afghanistan: UK statement at the UN Security Council [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

    Thank you President.

    I join others in thanking SRSG Otunbayeva, Executive Director Sima Bahous and Karima Bennoune for your briefings.

    Twenty-two years on since Kofi Annan’s Nobel speech, which the SRSG referenced, and over two years since the Taliban’s seizure of power, our dominant concern remains the Taliban’s systematic assault on the rights of women and girls continues.

    There have been over 50 decrees curtailing women’s ability to participate in public, political, economic and social life and barring girls from secondary schools and higher education.

    These decrees have also impacted the UN’s ability to get aid to those who need it most. This at a time of dire need – two thirds of the population of Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance.

    Forty per cent are facing acute food insecurity – a number that would be far higher without families and communities in Afghanistan supporting each other in whatever ways they can.

    Afghanistan remains one of the poorest and climate vulnerable countries in the world. Its prospects further dimmed by a significant ‘brain drain’ as a result of migration, persecution and uncertainty.

    We note the progress the Taliban has taken in tackling ISKP and we underscore the importance of continued action against terrorist groups within Afghanistan and their affiliates.

    The people of Afghanistan remain our priority – so what can we do?

    First and foremost we need to take urgent action to avert a humanitarian catastrophe as winter approaches. The UK has contributed over half a billion dollars to address the humanitarian crisis since April 2021 and we call on fellow Member States to step up support where they can. But as we heard from SRSG Otunbayeva, the UN’s revised Humanitarian Appeal for Afghanistan for 2023 is only 28% funded.

    The UK is unwavering in our commitment to provide aid to the people of Afghanistan and to support UN efforts. We are clear, however, that male only delivery chains do not and cannot achieve that and we support calls for closer monitoring of aid delivery.

    Second, the international community should remain united in our message to the Taliban. We have set out our expectations in consecutive Council resolutions on humanitarian access, cutting ties with terrorists, respect for human rights and inclusive governance.

    The Taliban should be clear on the costs of their policies: international recognition should not be on the table; sanctions relief should not come. And Afghanistan cannot be self-reliant when fifty per cent of its people are excluded from society. Without inclusive governance and society, peace and stability will remain elusive.

    Finally, we look forward to Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioglu’s independent assessment, which will provide a valuable basis for a more coherent, strategic international approach as we look to build on the Secretary-General’s conference with special envoys in Doha and other regional initiatives, in which the UK will continue to play its part.

     

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Myanmar [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Myanmar [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2023.

    Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the human rights situation in Myanmar. Statement delivered by the UK.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President

    And thank you, High Commissioner for your report and sobering update.

    We share your concern at the harrowing situation in Myanmar and condemn the military’s increasingly brutal tactics, including the targeting of civilians through airstrikes and the burning of homes.

    The evidence of the scale of the military’s actions continues to mount, including the latest findings from the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. We continue to support the work of the Mechanism, which remains crucial to ensure accountability for these crimes.

    The UK also remains committed to targeting the regime’s access to finance and arms, which facilitate the most egregious crimes. Since the coup, we have announced targeted sanctions on the military leadership and its access to revenue and equipment.

    And collectively, we must focus on restoring humanitarian access, working through local organisations to deliver life-saving assistance.

    High Commissioner,

    As your report highlights, the Rohingya who remain in Rakhine State have been confined to IDP camps for over a decade. They continue to face systematic discrimination including the denial of citizenship and access to basic services. Any return of the Rohingya must be voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable.

    What more can the international community do to ensure evidence of human rights abuses are being gathered and used for future accountability?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement of the GCC-UK ministerial meeting [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement of the GCC-UK ministerial meeting [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2023.

    The Foreign Secretary met representatives of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) member states and the GCC Secretary General in New York on 18 September.

    The Foreign Ministers or their representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states and Minister James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs the United Kingdom, together with GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi, met in New York on September 18, 2023, to discuss regional and global issues, review progress of the GCC-UK Strategic Partnership and strengthen their consultation, coordination and cooperation in all fields.

    Iran

    Ministers welcomed diplomatic engagement by Saudi Arabia and other GCC member states to pursue regional de-escalation and emphasised the importance of adherence to international law, including the UN Charter, by states of the region.  They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region and their determination to deter illegal actions at sea or elsewhere that might threaten shipping lanes, international trade, and oil installations in the GCC states.  The Ministers underscored their support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and renewed their call for Iran to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency.  They once again called on Iran to cease its proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles and other advanced conventional weapons that pose a grave security threat to the region and beyond. The GCC and the United Kingdom reiterated their commitment to work together to deter and address threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity and other destabilising activities that impact international security.

    The Ministers reiterated their support for the United Arab Emirates’ call to reach a peaceful solution to the dispute over the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the rules of international law including the UN Charter.

    Kuwait and Iraq

    The Ministers stressed the importance of Iraq’s commitment to Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect for international conventions and UN resolutions, especially UNSC Resolution 833 regarding the demarcation of the Kuwait-Iraq boundary. They urged the complete demarcation of the Kuwait-Iraq maritime boundary beyond boundary point 162 and called on the Government of Iraq to resolve the domestic legal status of the 2012 Kuwait-Iraq Agreement to regulate maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah and ensure that the agreement remains in force. The Ministers renewed their support for UNSC Resolution 2107 (2013) regarding the transfer of the file related to repatriation of all Kuwaitis, including missing Kuwaitis, and return of Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, to the UN Mission to Iraq (UNAMI), and expressed their hope that Iraq will continue to cooperate to ensure progress in this file. They called on Iraq and the UN to exert maximum efforts to reach a resolution of all the issues involved.

    Yemen

    The Ministers underscored the importance of continued and unified support for UN-led peace efforts in Yemen following the April 2022 truce and ensuing period of de-escalation.  They expressed their high appreciation for the efforts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UN and U.S. envoys to this end.  The Ministers also emphasised their support for an inclusive, Yemeni-Yemeni political process under UN auspices that durably resolves the conflict.  They welcomed the efforts that the Presidential Leadership Council has taken to promote peace and ease the suffering of Yemenis, stressing the need for the Houthis to seize this opportunity and engage positively with international efforts and peace initiatives aimed at bringing durable peace to Yemen and putting the country on the path to recovery.  The Ministers affirmed the importance of continuing to address Yemen’s humanitarian, economic, and development needs. They called for the cessation of all restrictions and interference by the Houthis affecting the operations of humanitarian agencies on the ground. They expressed their commitment to help mobilise additional funds in support of the UN humanitarian response plan for Yemen. They also welcomed the UN’s completion in August of a complex operation to offload oil from the derelict Safer tanker off the coast of Yemen, averting an environmental, economic, and humanitarian threat to the region and the Red Sea. The Ministers commended Saudi Arabia’s sustained efforts to encourage Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue and provide economic and humanitarian assistance to Yemen, including its announcement in August to provide $1.2 billion for government budget support and food security.

    Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

    The Ministers underscored their commitment to reaching a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East in accordance with the two-state solution, as described in the Arab Peace Initiative, along the 1967 borders with mutually agreed land swaps, in accordance with internationally recognized parameters and international law.  They stressed the importance of avoiding unilateral actions that undermine the two-state solution and increase tensions, as well as preserving the historic Status Quo of Jerusalem and its holy sites, recognizing the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this regard.  The Ministers reiterated their support for the Palestinian Authority and improving Palestinians’ daily lives, including through humanitarian assistance and efforts to accelerate Palestinian economic growth. The Ministers also reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which provides protection and core services to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.

    Syria

    On Syria, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to reaching an inclusive political solution to the Syrian crisis in a manner that preserves Syria’s unity and sovereignty, meets the aspirations of its people, is consistent with international humanitarian law, and is in line with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254 (2015). In that regard, the Ministers discussed Arab efforts to resolve the crisis in a step-for-step manner, consistent with UNSCR 2254, as decided during the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Contact Group on Syria on May 1, 2023 in Amman and affirmed on August 15, 2023 in Cairo. The Ministers reaffirmed support for Coalition forces, who are working to achieve the enduring defeat of Da’esh in Syria and Iraq.  The Ministers further condemned all actions that threaten the safety and security of these forces. They stressed the need to create secure conditions for the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons consistent with UN standards, and the importance of providing the necessary support to Syrian refugees and to the countries hosting them.  The Ministers reiterated their call for a nationwide ceasefire.  They emphasized that full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all Syrians in need – through all modalities including cross-border and crossline– must be ensured.  They also reiterated the need to support humanitarian early recovery projects. Furthermore, they discussed enhancing cooperation to address the issue of missing persons – as outlined in the Amman Communique and UNSCR 2254 – in coordination with all concerned parties.

    GCC-UK Strategic Partnership

    The Ministers affirmed their shared determination to contribute to regional security, stability, and prosperity under the framework of the GCC-UK Strategic Partnership.  They underscored their mutual resolve to build closer relations in all fields, including political, security and economic cooperation. The Ministers emphasised the importance of the principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence for relations between nations. The Ministers noted the recognition by the Security Council in Resolution 2686 that hate speech, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, related forms of intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism can contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict, and reaffirmed states must respect and ensure the human rights of all individuals within their territory and subject to their jurisdiction as provided for by relevant international law.

    The Ministers reviewed the pace of negotiations on the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement as well as the implementation and ongoing update of the GCC-UK Joint Action Plan and affirmed the importance of accelerating the pace of those negotiations and maintaining periodic meetings between senior officials, technical teams and other working groups to achieve common goals of the GCC-UK Strategic Partnership.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Kinross wins £300,000 for new aerospace centre [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Kinross wins £300,000 for new aerospace centre [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 26 September 2023.

    Project is one of four major bids in Scotland receiving total of £1m from UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

    A new aerospace discovery centre is one of four Scottish projects set to receive thousands in government funding following a successful bidding round.

    Almost £1m will be granted to the four projects – including £300,000 for the aerospace centre – to help level up local opportunities for generations to come.

    Through interactive learning and exhibitions, the new centre will inspire young people to pursue aerospace-related jobs in science, tech, engineering and maths. It will be based at the Aero Space Scientific Education Trust’s Station House in Kinross, which was officially opened by Princess Anne in 1985.

    Other new projects awarded in Scotland include:

    • £256,793 to create a Community Net-Zero hub in Glasgow, boosting low-carbon learning and training in the city and urban nature-based wellbeing activities for residents.
    • £253,032 to bring an existing shop building in Stirling into community ownership, creating a commercially sustainable village shop which supports the diversity of its community and visitors.
    • £183,000 for Aberdeenshire to redevelop Laurencekirk Community Centre into a larger community hub. This will help host more local events and advisory services, lunch and chat clubs for elderly and lonely people and clubs for school holidays, youths, mums and toddlers.

    UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

    It’s great news that a further four Scottish projects are sharing almost £1 million (£992,825) from the UK Government Community Ownership Fund.

    Through the fund we are now supporting 28 community groups across Scotland to breathe new life into the places where they live, work and play to the tune of almost £6.2 million (£6,161,420).

    In total we are directly investing more than £2.4 billion in hundreds of projects across Scotland as we help grow our economy and level up the country.

    The Community Ownership Fund helps towns and cities across the UK to create and restore treasured institutions like museums, pubs and sports clubs, so that they can be run by the community, for the community.

    The fund has now given £6.2 million for 28 projects in Scotland – part of 195 projects now being supported across the UK.

    UK Government minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said:

    Our priority is to support communities and deliver opportunities right across the country, which is why we’re investing £12.3m to secure the future of cherished c community institutions.

    These places – from pubs to historic railway lines – are the golden thread which run through our social fabric, and keeping them going is vital for supporting communities.

    Changes which came into effect for this round of bids also meant that all projects could bid for up to £1 million in funding, not just sports clubs, and the amount organisations needed to match fund decreased to 20%.

    This also marks the first time that applicants applying to support projects such as the Community Net-Zero hub, have been able to benefit from support with the development of their application and business case through the Community Ownership Fund development support provider, led by Locality.

    The Community Ownership Fund is currently open again for bids and will close on 11 October 2023 and groups are being urged to apply for up to £2m in funding for the very first time.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Germany partner to further advance hydrogen developments [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Germany partner to further advance hydrogen developments [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 September 2023.

    UK and Germany sign agreement to help accelerate the development of an international hydrogen industry.

    • Technology, trade and economies will be boosted by a new partnership
    • Two key hydrogen powers collaborate to advance the energy source’s future
    • Lord Callanan and State Secretary Nimmermann sign declaration in Berlin

    A new important agreement between the UK and Germany could help to accelerate the development of an international hydrogen industry – with the 2 countries at the cutting edge of its development.

    Signed today at the UK Embassy in Berlin, by Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan and Federal Republic of Germany’s State Secretary for Energy Philip Nimmermann – a Joint Declaration of Intent will see the UK and Germany work together to underpin the international trade in hydrogen.

    The 2 governments will also accelerate the role of low-carbon hydrogen in their nations’ energy mix, showing the world how to expand new, net zero-friendly markets. They committed to work together to further advance ground-breaking and renewable hydrogen technologies, supporting jobs and low-carbon investment.

    The partnership follows significant investment by both countries in the development of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. In the UK, the government is supporting new low-carbon hydrogen production with capital from the £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and revenue support from the Hydrogen Production Business Model. In Germany, the government is also supporting the implementation of the National Hydrogen Strategy with funding from the Climate and Transformation Fund, providing a push for the ramp-up of a hydrogen market.

    It will also further boost the move towards net zero emissions by 2050, and the energy security of both countries, moving away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner and more secure, diversified alternatives.

    UK’s Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said:

    The UK and Germany are natural partners in making low-carbon hydrogen a cleaner and more sustainable way to power up our societies.

    This agreement will underpin the development of this new fuel not just for our respective countries but also for an international trade that could be transformative in our work towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

    It is through these partnerships that we can move away from expensive fossil fuels – and in doing so boost our energy security.

    Federal Republic of Germany’s State Secretary for Energy, Philip Nimmermann said:

    With this declaration we are on our way to jointly help developing the European and international markets for hydrogen. Our cooperation will not just involve trading of hydrogen and its derivatives, but also cooperation on technologies and innovation in this field, which will be of mutual benefit for both Germany and the UK.

    Hydrogen is of the highest importance for us to meet our goals regarding emission reduction. Also, it is a great opportunity for business. I am looking forward to a successful partnership.

    Five pillars of collaboration were agreed by the leaders:

    • Accelerating the deployment of hydrogen projects for industry and consumers
    • Establishing international leadership on hydrogen markets, setting safety and regulations to aid trade
    • Research and innovation on hydrogen, from production to end use
    • Promoting trade for hydrogen, plus related goods, technologies and services
    • Joint market analysis, to support planning and investment by government and industry

    This work is set to make hydrogen technologies cheaper and more accessible, aiming to lower energy costs for consumers in the future.

    As industry feels the benefit of trade opportunities between the 2 countries, private investment in hydrogen technology and projects is set to follow the agreement.

    Providing supportive environments, the countries will discuss safety standards that can be used internationally with the aim to establish reliable, stable markets for sustainable low carbon hydrogen, in particular from renewables.

    The agreement will further help the UK and Germany reach their respective goals of net zero emissions by 2050 and to secure a reliable energy supply for economic and energy security purposes, recognising the shifting geopolitical landscape.

    Steve Scrimshaw, VP of Siemens Energy UK&I and a member of the UK government’s Hydrogen Advisory Council and the Green Jobs Delivery Group, said:

    The UK and Germany have a proud track record when it comes to green energy and today’s Hydrogen Partnership reinforces that commitment. Ramping up the hydrogen economy will take time. Closer cooperation between countries such as the UK and Germany will help accelerate the scale and pace that is needed.

    The sustainable decarbonisation of industry is unthinkable without renewable hydrogen that is why partnerships like this are so important. At Siemens Energy we cover the energy value chain – from power generation and transmission to storage, including hydrogen electrolysis technology – and are committed to playing a key role across Europe and the rest of the globe.

    Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM Power, said:

    As the UK’s only commercial electrolyser manufacturer, we are welcoming this cross-border collaboration agreement. An effective hydrogen economy can only take shape if countries form alliances like this one. Germany is a very significant market for hydrogen and for ITM Power. We are currently building several hundreds of megawatts of electrolyser capacity for projects in Germany, some of which are among the biggest projects in the world. In October, we will open our new office and EU after sales hub near Frankfurt that will further strengthen our links with our customers and partners in Germany and the wider EU.

    Michael Lewis, CEO of Uniper, said:

    Today is an important milestone for the German-British energy cooperation. Uniper is proud to be actively shaping the energy transition in the UK. Indeed, hydrogen projects in the UK are an essential part of Uniper’s new strategy and its implementation. Our commitment to driving large-scale hydrogen production is already underpinned with projects: The Humber H2ub® is a 720 MW CCS-enabled hydrogen production project. At its Ratcliffe power station site Uniper plans to develop large-scale, low carbon hydrogen production.

    Sopna Sury, COO at Hydrogen RWE Generation, said:

    RWE is committed to ramping up green hydrogen in the UK and Germany as part of its clean energy growth plans. By the end of the decade, RWE aims to build a net 2 GW of dedicated electrolyser capacity in our core markets, including the UK. Evidence of this is our flagship GetH2 project in Lingen, Germany and our project development work in England, Scotland and Wales. As a leading international energy company with a strong footprint in the UK, RWE is well-placed to support this partnership and help put the UK and Germany at the forefront of the European hydrogen economy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK & Commonwealth Services of Remembrance in Poland [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK & Commonwealth Services of Remembrance in Poland [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 September 2023.

    We invite you to join us at the UK and Commonwealth Services of Remembrance across Poland.

    In these Commonwealth Services we remember all those of the Commonwealth of Nations who gave their lives at sea, on land and in the air in two world wars. We also remember the brave people of the Polish Armed Forces who fought and died here on their soil and abroad alongside their comrades from the Commonwealth.

    Dates of the services:

    *Malbork – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Tuesday, 7 November 2023, 10:40am

    *Lidzbark Warmiński – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Wednesday, 8 November 2023, 10:40am

    *Kraków – Commonwealth War Cemetery (Rakowicki Cemetery); Friday, 10 November 2023, 10:40am

    *Warsaw – RAF Liberator Memorial Stone in Skaryszewski Park; Sunday, 12 November 2023, 12:15am

    *Poznań – Old Garrison Cemetery; Saturday, 23 March 2024, – details to be confirmed

  • PRESS RELEASE : Cheaper bills and a more reliable heating supply for thousands of homes and businesses on heat networks [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cheaper bills and a more reliable heating supply for thousands of homes and businesses on heat networks [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 September 2023.

    Old and inefficient heat networks to be upgraded, to offer a more reliable service for thousands of homes and businesses.

    • 55 heat network projects to receive £13.9 million of government funding
    • Thousands of consumers will benefit from upgrades to old, inefficient heat networks
    • Funding will help to reduce bills, improve reliability and prevent breakdowns

    Thousands of homes and businesses on old and inefficient heat networks will benefit from lower bills and a more reliable heating supply thanks to government funding, announced today (Tuesday 26 September).

    Customers in more than 4,000 homes will see poorly performing heat networks improved, meaning fewer breakdowns where people can be left without heating and hot water.

    Twenty-four projects across England will receive a share of more than £13.2 million, while a further £667,000 will go to 31 projects to fund investigations into the improvements needed to ensure customers receive a reliable service, with heat network operators taking the required action.

    The funding announced today is the first round of awards to be made under the £32 million Heat Network Efficiency Scheme.

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

    Families and businesses shouldn’t have to worry about whether they will receive a reliable heating and hot water supply.

    This funding means improvements will be made to old and inefficient heat networks, preventing further breakdowns and ensuring they use less energy.

    We’re investing millions to build new heat networks, reducing emissions and providing low-cost heating to communities across the country. But it’s equally important we upgrade and maintain existing systems so everyone benefits.

    Heat networks offer carbon emissions savings by supplying heat to buildings from a central source, avoiding the need for households and workplaces to rely on individual, energy-intensive heating solutions – such as gas boilers. As such, heat networks provide a significant contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction commitment.

    But some heat networks haven’t been upgraded since they were installed more than 40 years ago, meaning many are inefficient due to not being installed properly, poorly maintained or the equipment wearing out.

    The Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), which opened in February this year, forms an important part of the government’s support for heat networks. This also includes the £288 million Green Heat Network Fund, which supports the creation of heat network projects that use a low carbon heating source, such as a heat pump, solar or geothermal energy, to provide heat and hot water to connected homes and businesses.

    Projects to receive funding today include:

    • Leeds City Council, which will receive more than £2.2 million to improve the efficiency of heat networks serving 837 residents through improving insulation levels, reducing heat losses and leakages
    • Great Places Housing Association, which has been awarded more than £1.6 million to improve the efficiency of the Richmond Park heat network in Sheffield, serving 299 residents. The funding will seek to correct high heat loss issues, bad insulation and old equipment
    • The Guinness Partnership, which has been awarded £2 million for the improvement of four heat networks serving almost 700 residents across sites in Aylesbury, Stockport, Gloucester, and Brixton. The funding will go towards reducing heat network costs and heat losses, improving insulation, and replacing outdated infrastructure

    Last month, government launched a consultation to shape and improve the future of heat networks.

    Under the proposals, homes and businesses supplied by heat networks would receive greater consumer protections currently only afforded to those on traditional gas and electricity contracts.

    This would ensure fairer prices through their inclusion in a potential future price cap on energy bills, consistent standards for quality of service and supply of heat, backed up with regular and clear bills.

    Notes to editors

    See a full list of successful projects.

    The regional breakdown of funding awards is:

    • East Midlands – £96,000
    • East of England – £59,976
    • London – £5,419,244
    • North East – £16,000
    • North West – £3,483,412
    • South East – £159,543
    • South West – £740,743
    • West Midlands – £62,443
    • Yorkshire and the Humber – £3,898,464

    The Heat Networks Consumer Protection consultation can be found on GOV.UK and will be live until 27 October 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Dr Jo Saxton to stand down as Chief Regulator of Ofqual [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Dr Jo Saxton to stand down as Chief Regulator of Ofqual [September 2023]

    The press release issued by Ofqual on 26 September 2023.

    Statement on the resignation of Dr Jo Saxton as Chief Regulator.

    The Board of Ofqual is today announcing that Dr Jo Saxton will be stepping down as Chief Regulator. Dr Saxton will be leaving Ofqual at the end of December but will continue to play a central role in the education system, as she takes up post as Chief Executive of UCAS in January 2024.

    Dr Saxton has served as Chief Regulator since September 2021, and in that time has overseen the return of exams for GCSEs and A levels and reinstated pre-pandemic grading, giving grades currency and value indefinitely. She also introduced a new Level 3 results deadline and awarding process, which meant that vocational qualifications were delivered on time in summer 2023, following the significant delays experienced by too many students in the previous year. This will continue as a permanent feature of the qualifications system from here on.

    Dr Saxton, Chief Regulator, said:

    It is a significant honour to hold public office and I take my duties and commitments to students of all ages extremely seriously. Throughout my time at Ofqual I promised that students would be my compass and that promise remains intact.

    I am very proud of what we have achieved over the past 2 years. I fundamentally believe that a return to exams and pre-pandemic grading was the right and fair thing to do for students of all ages. I am also an ardent champion of parity – it was wrong that there were delays in students receiving their vocational qualifications in summer 2022, and I’m pleased we have been able to change the system so that can never happen again.

    I will be sad to leave so many brilliant colleagues and friends at Ofqual, but I know that the organisation has strong foundations and is extremely well positioned to continue to ensure public confidence in our qualifications system. For me, I am delighted that I am able to continue to serve students albeit in a different role, when I join UCAS early in 2024, returning to the sector where I started my career.

    Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan said:

    I am hugely grateful to Jo for guiding Ofqual through the challenges that followed the pandemic, ultimately overseeing a smooth return to exams and normal grading.

    Jo’s knowledge and experience have been invaluable as we’ve navigated the past 2 years and returned to the exam arrangements that best serve young people.

    I look forward to continuing to work with Jo in her new role at UCAS, supporting students to progress onto university, degree apprenticeships and the world of work.

    Sir Ian Bauckham CBE, Chair of Ofqual said:

    While it is with sadness that we bid farewell to Jo Saxton as Chief Regulator, we are enormously grateful to her for her determined and principled leadership over the past 2 years. In that time Ofqual has led the re-introduction of examinations after the challenges of the Covid period, and re-established normal grading. Fairness to students has been Jo’s abiding priority, and there is no better legacy than fair examinations, graded equitably and delivered on time. We wish Jo well in her next role.

    A public appointments process will soon be underway for the new Chief Regulator. The existing senior leadership team and governance of Ofqual will provide continuity of leadership to the organisation and an interim Chief Regulator will be confirmed in due course.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Environment Secretary statement on Ofwat performance report [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environment Secretary statement on Ofwat performance report [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 September 2023.

    Following the publication of Ofwat’s performance report the following statement has been issued by the Environment Secretary.

    This morning, Ofwat has published its Performance Report on the water sector, announcing that water companies will need to return £114m to customers for underperformance.

    Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey:

    Today’s Ofwat report is extremely disappointing. While I acknowledge there is good work ongoing in some companies – cleaning up waterways and investing in vital infrastructure – there is simply not enough of it. The fact that not a single water company is classified as ‘leading’ is unacceptable.

    “We have written to the CEOs of every water company in the lowest category of today’s report and my ministerial team and I will meet them in person to scrutinise their improvement plans.

    Billpayers should know we require the worst performers to return money directly to customers through their bills.

    The Government’s Plan for Water sets out how more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement will transform the current system. I have been clear if these companies do not make improvements across a range of different measures, we and our regulators will not hesitate to use our powers to enforce it.

    We are pushing water companies to go further and have changed the rules on bonuses and dividends to ensure billpayers do not reward pollution – or pay for what should already have been delivered.

    Our water and sewerage systems are highly complex and under increasing pressure – but that is no excuse. The public has made it clear that a clean and plentiful water supply is a priority. Government and regulators will be closely securitising upcoming business plans to ensure they deliver the best possible deal for customers, the environment and our future water needs.

    Factsheet on government action in the water industry

    The Government’s Plan for Water sets out how more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement is holding water companies to account and ensuring we have a water sector fit for the future.

    More investment

    • As part of the Plan for Water, over £2.2 billion of new, accelerated investment will be directed into vital infrastructure to improve water quality and secure future supplies, with £1.7bn of this being used to tackle storm overflows.
    • All water companies have been asked to provide actions plans for every storm overflow in England which we will publish shortly.
    • We have set stringent targets for water companies to reduce storm overflows – driving the largest infrastructure programme in water company history of £60 billion over 25 years. This includes front-loading action in particularly important and sensitive sites, including bathing waters.
    • In a recent recent High Court ruling on this plan, the Government won on all claims considered by the High Court, meaning the plans were considered lawful by the High Court. The ruling also outlined that the Government’s plan goes ‘substantially’ further than the law to drive a reduction in storm overflow discharges.

    Stronger regulation

    • We are driving up monitoring and transparency so the public can see what is going on – we have increased the number of storm overflows monitored across the network from 7% in 2010, to 91% now, and with 100% expected by the end of the year.
    • We are clear water companies must not profit from environmental damage and we have given Ofwat increased powers under the Environment Act 2021 to hold them account for poor performance.
      • On dividends: Using new powers granted to Ofwat by the government, Ofwat is ensuring company dividends are linked to environmental performance.
      • On bonuses for water company executives: Ofwat has outlined a new measure to ensure customers do not fund (via water bills) executive bonus payments where they have not been sufficiently earned through the company’s performance.

    Tougher enforcement

    • Since 2015, the Environment Agency has concluded 65 prosecutions, securing record fines of over £150 million against water companies. The Environment Agency has also launched the largest criminal investigation into unpermitted water company sewage discharges ever at over 2,200 treatment works.
    • We are also scrapping the cap on civil penalties and significantly broadening their scope to target a much wider range of offences. This is toughening our enforcement tools and expanding where regulators can use them. This will deliver a proportionate punishment for operators that breach their permits and harm our rivers, seas and precious habitats.
    • In 2022, 93% of bathing waters met the highest standards of ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, up from just 76% in 2010 and despite stricter standards being introduced in 2015.