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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two Commissioners reappointed to Historic England [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two Commissioners reappointed to Historic England [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 7 September 2023.

    The Secretary of State has reappointed Ben Derbyshire and Professor Helena Hamerow as Commissioners of Historic England for second terms of four years.

    Ben Derbyshire

    Reappointed for a second term of four years from 01 September 2023.

    Ben is non-executive Chair of HTA Design LLP, a leading multidisciplinary design practice specialising in housing and placemaking.  He has a long association with the practice, having first joined as a student in 1973, becoming a partner in 1986.  He led a management buyout in 2013 since when the practice has grown five-fold, now employing 250 people in four studios across the UK.

    As a Commissioner of Historic England, Ben serves on the London Advisory Committee, High Streets Heritage Action Zone Board and is chair of the Historic Places Panel.

    Ben is President of the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies and is a current member of the NHBC Council.

    He was President of RIBA from 2017 – 2019 where he oversaw fundamental change in the financing and governance of the institute and the instigation of policies in relation to climate action, professional competence and codes of conduct.

    Ben has published widely in research on housing for example relating to the performance rating of homes and in relation to Supurbia, a strategy for suburban intensification through collective action of neighbours. He has summarised his long career as a housing designer, in a book, Home Truths, published by Hatch Editions and available from RIBA Books in January 2023, effectively a primer for anyone with an interest in the planning and design of sustainable places.

    Professor Helena Hamerow

    Reappointed for a second term of four years from 01 September 2023.

    Helena Hamerow is Professor of Early Medieval Archaeology at the University of Oxford. Her research interests include the economy, settlements and farming practices of early medieval Europe. She is a Fellow of St Cross College, where she was Vice-Master from 2005-2008, and an Honorary Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford.

    Helena has previously served on the Board of Visitors of the Ashmolean Museum and the Board of Curators of the Bodleian Libraries and was an elected member of the Council of the University of Oxford from 2016 to 2020. She is a former President of the Society for Medieval Archaeology and Vice-President of the Royal Archaeological Institute.  Helena is a Fellow of the British Academy and a member of the Board of Directors of Oxford Archaeology and of the Board of Visitors of the Pitt Rivers Museum. She currently Chairs the Historic England Advisory Committee.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Commissioners of Historic England are remunerated £4,113 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.

    Ben Derbyshire and Helena Hamerow have declared no political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government outlines preferred structure of new independent football regulator [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government outlines preferred structure of new independent football regulator [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 7 September 2023.

    A new independent regulator for men’s elite football will be set up as a standalone body to make sure it is operationally independent from the game and can adequately protect clubs’ and fans’ interests.

    • Government reaffirms commitment to independent regulator to protect the future of English football for fans and communities
    • New regulator will be standalone body, sitting outside existing football authorities and government
    • More detail on how it will fit with existing football structures announced

    The new independent regulator for men’s elite football will be set up as a standalone body to make sure it is operationally independent from the game and can adequately protect clubs’ and fans’ interests.

    Following a consultation process with clubs and the football authorities, the Government is today confirming it is ‘minded’ to set up the new regulator independent of any existing body, but that all options remain under review. It will continue to work with and engage industry and fan groups as these proposals develop.

    Despite the global success of English football, there have been more than 60 instances of clubs being put into administration since 1992, and the Government is stepping in to protect football clubs as vital community assets.

    The Government will make sure the regulator has a tightly defined scope focused on four major areas: financial resources, suitable owners, fan interests and approved competitions.

    To minimise the risk of regulatory overlap and burden, and reflecting the vital existing roles of the FA and the leagues in the growth of English football, the regulator will adopt a cooperative approach, collaborating and sharing information with existing football bodies.

    This will include identifying areas of responsibility, coordinating rules and processes with industry bodies to minimise gaps, duplication or conflicts, and to avoid confusion and burden for clubs.

    The Government’s preferred option on financial redistribution between the leagues continues to be a football-led solution. The financial health of clubs and their role as community assets is of paramount importance and the government urges the football authorities to come to a swift agreement in the interests of clubs and fans.

    The majority of respondents to the consultation support the introduction of new backstop powers for the regulator, to be used if a solution is not found in future financial redistribution agreements. Work is ongoing on a backstop system that involves targeted powers to intervene and facilitate an agreement on financial redistribution as and when necessary.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    Our football clubs are the lifeblood of communities and the envy of leagues around the world. We want to see them protected for fans now and in the future.

    Today we outline our plans to make sure the new regulator for football is independent, and remains true to its central mission to safeguard these community assets and help the beautiful game continue to grow in England.

    Following the publication of its football governance white paper in February, the Government has carried out a series of detailed consultations with the football industry, gathering further views from fans, clubs and the football authorities on how the measures in the white paper should be implemented.

    The Government’s consultation response has now been published. Legislation to support the introduction of an independent regulator of football governance will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.

    Today’s publication follows a letter from the Government encouraging The FA, Premier League, EFL and PFA to formalise a Technical Consultation Group, which would see them meet before the summer transfer window, on a formal basis, every year to agree immigration criteria for clubs’ access to players across the globe.

    The proposed group would help ensure English clubs have access to the very best talent from a wider pool of international players. It would also protect the prospects of homegrown players by ensuring a significant number of playing minutes are given to English players.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £15 million competition to accelerate use of quantum in Government [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £15 million competition to accelerate use of quantum in Government [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology on 7 September 2023.

    £15 million Quantum Catalyst Fund will accelerate the adoption of quantum solutions by the public sector.

    • £15 million Quantum Catalyst Fund will accelerate the adoption of quantum solutions by the public sector
    • Quantum technology could revolutionise work across government, including transport, space, health and net zero – from boosting computing power for new drug discovery, to enabling previously-impossible ways of scanning and sensing
    • 30 projects have been chosen to take part in phase 1 of the competition

    The first winners of a £15 million competition to explore the benefits of using quantum technologies in the government’s work across areas like health, transport and net zero have been announced today (7 September).

    The Quantum Catalyst Fund aims to accelerate the adoption of quantum solutions by the public sector and will ensure the UK government is well-placed to fully harness the benefits of using these technologies across a range of policy areas.

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

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

    Examples include:

    • An exponential increase in computing power from quantum computers could revolutionise our healthcare system – from dramatically improved drug discovery techniques to providing personalised treatment to an individual based on genetic and environmental factors.
    • Quantum sensing and imaging can provide unprecedented insight about what lies beneath the ground – saving billions in environmental monitoring and on large-scale construction projects.
    • Quantum clocks and communication could help us develop new navigation and timing capabilities without the need for a satellite link, providing even greater resilience for railways, telecommunications and emergency services.

    The first round of feasibility studies under the new fund will explore how this technology can provide new capabilities in public services, such as quantum-enabled brain imaging in healthcare to tackle epilepsy, concussion, and dementia, or quantum computing that can solve optimisation problems in energy grids, helping us to reach net zero.

    Some of the areas of interest that the government has identified include:

    • Transport – how could quantum technologies improve our ability to survey underground to improve infrastructure project delivery or provide more precise positioning and timing of trains in real time
    • Space – how might quantum technologies be integrated into space-based platforms to provide insights into the Earth’s climate and its environment or be utilised for space-based applications
    • Health – how can quantum technologies provide new or enhanced capabilities in healthcare
    • Crime – could we use quantum technologies to enhance our ability to detect anomalies in cargo and parcels, such as contraband or people smuggling
    • Defence – how can quantum computing solve data analytics challenges in defence
    • Net Zero – how can quantum technologies help to reach net zero

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

    The Quantum revolution is set to be as transformational as the rise of classical computing, and is now starting to open up whole new fields from superfast computing to navigation, allowing us to do things that were previously impossible. We can use our scientific leadership in quantum to build exciting new career paths, businesses and even whole sectors here in the UK, boosting economic growth.

    We are determined to continue to invest and lead from the front in quantum infrastructure, regulation, standards and skills to fully exploit it’s potential to drive new economic opportunities. Our Quantum Catalyst Fund will help to push the boundaries of this technology’s development, and use public sector procurement to help nurture new companies and deliver benefits for citizens in public services to benefit us all.

    The competition is being delivered by Innovate UK in conjunction with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It is part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme which has been running since 2014 to put the UK at the forefront of quantum technologies globally.

    Quantum was identified as one of the five technologies that are most critical to the UK alongside artificial intelligence, engineering biology, future telecommunications and semiconductors. Quantum technologies will revolutionise many aspects of life in the UK and bring enormous benefits to the UK economy, society, and the way we can protect our planet. The UK has a world-leading position in quantum expertise, and this technology is one of the top priorities for the government, as set out in the UK Science and Technology Framework.

    30 projects have been awarded funding in phase 1 of the competition which will run for 3 months and explore the feasibility of applying quantum technologies to help solve challenges for government. At the end of phase 1, the most promising concepts will be awarded a contract to phase 2 to develop a prototype and demonstration of the solution.

    The Quantum Catalyst Fund is part of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) which is funded by DSIT and Innovate UK. SBRI offers organisations the opportunity to work directly with the public sector to develop new technologies and processes, helping to meet efficiency targets and improving public services. It supports the research and development of solutions to solve public sector challenges.

    The National Quantum Strategy, published in March 2023, commits £2.5 billion to developing quantum technologies in the UK over the ten years from 2024 – more than doubling current public investment, which will aim to generate an additional £1 billion of private investment into the programme.

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

    Notes to editors

    A full list of those receiving funding can be found below:

    Project title Lead company Location
    Quantum-Accelerated Recombinant Protein Drug Embedding Frameworks (QARPDEF) VORSUS LTD Rugby, Warwickshire
    Utilising Quantum Machine Learning and quantum computing for genomic research and development QUANTUM BASE ALPHA LTD Brighton
    CPT Thermal clock development – TACIT ALTER TECHNOLOGY TUV NORD UK LIMITED Livingston, West Lothian
    Quantum computing solutions for optimisation problems in Energy Grids PHASECRAFT LIMITED London
    Quantum-Assisted Flood Modelling: Pioneering Large-Scale Analysis for Enhanced Risk Assessment MULTIVERSE COMPUTING LTD London
    Quantum Enabled Detector – QED MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY CALDICOT LIMITED Bristol
    Quantum-Enabled Brain Imaging: A Pathway to Clinical Utility CERCA MAGNETICS LIMITED Staplehurst, Kent
    Quantum-Enhanced Sustainable Transportation (QuEST) CGA SIMULATION LIMITED Liverpool
    Quantum computing for clean energy innovation PHASECRAFT LIMITED London
    Quantum geo-magnetometers – a UK sovereign commercial OPM for enhanced GNSS-denied navigation University of Strathclyde Glasgow
    Q-view University of Southampton Southampton
    GCC – Gravity Cartography Catalyst DELTA G LIMITED Birmingham
    AtomTRAIN: Atom-based Transportation Resilience with Atom Interferometer Navigation M-SQUARED LASERS LIMITED Glasgow
    QUESTS – QUantum Enhanced Scanning Technology for community healthcare Settings METLASE LIMITED Oxford
    Q-ACES: Advances in Chemical Energy Storage with Quantum Computing CAPGEMINI UK PLC Woking, Surrey
    Quantum Simulations: A New Era for Actinide Chemistry CAMBRIDGE QUANTUM COMPUTING LIMITED London
    Quantum photonic neural networks to predict instabilities in tokamaks DUALITY QUANTUM PHOTONICS LTD Bristol
    Q-CALC (Quantum Contextual Artificial intelligence for Long-range Correlations) COLDQUANTA UK LIMITED Warwick, Warwickshire
    Quantum optimised Electric Vehicle charger locations Q-CTRL UK LIMITED London
    CQINS: Continuous Quantum Inertial Navigation Systems COLDQUANTA UK LIMITED Warwick, Warwickshire
    Q-GEO – Quantum Gravimetry for Earth Observation COLDQUANTA UK LIMITED Oxford
    QS-Precision Inertial Navigation (QS-PIN) ALTARANGE LTD Edinburgh
    Railway Quantum Inertial Navigation System for Condition Based Monitoring MONIRAIL LTD Halesowen, West Midlands
    Design of battery electrolytes using quantum computing MULTIVERSE COMPUTING LTD London
    Hydrodynamic simulation using Quantum Tensor Networks on a quantum computer SEEQC UK LIMITED London
    Project Octopus – Quantum fingerprinting for securing generative models ORCA COMPUTING LTD London
    Q-SAT-GEN – Hybrid generative modelling for satellite image denoising and infilling ORCA COMPUTING LTD London
    Qurrode: Quantum corrosion monitoring FRAUNHOFER UK RESEARCH LIMITED Glasgow
    Silicon-based Quantum Optimisation in the Parity Architecture QUANTUM MOTION TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED London
    Assessing future resource requirements for fault tolerant quantum computers (Qiron) Riverlane LTD Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
  • PRESS RELEASE : £381m boost for EV charging as Chancellor opens West Midlands hub [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £381m boost for EV charging as Chancellor opens West Midlands hub [September 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 7 September 2023.

    The charging hub is big enough to charge 180 cars simultaneously.

    • £381 million funding scheme to deliver thousands of public charge points across the country opens for applications
    • Chancellor opens UK’s largest electric vehicle charging site in Birmingham in major boost to Britain’s electric charging infrastructure
    • EV drivers in the West Midlands set to benefit from the 180 charge point hub, becoming the largest electric vehicle charging site in the UK

    A new electric vehicle charging hub – big enough to charge 180 cars simultaneously – has been opened by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Birmingham today (Thursday 7 September). It marks a significant boost for Britain’s electric car charging network, becoming the largest electric vehicle charging site in the UK.

    The  Gigahub™, located at the city’s NEC Campus, is the largest-ever private investment in a UK electric vehicle project to date. The project has been developed by a three-way collaboration between the NEC, EV Network and bp pulse, and is now operated by bp pulse. It is funded by a record £8 million from its investment partner, Zood Infrastructure Limited. The site will provide 30 super-fast, 300kw DC charging bays and a further 150 7KW a/c charging bays – one of the largest amounts of super-fast chargers in one location in the UK.

    The site is strategically positioned to become a major transport hub for the future – located in the heart of the UK motorway network, including the M42, M46 and A45 and the new HS2 interchange station.

    The site supports the government’s electric vehicle infrastructure strategy and commitment to decarbonising transport, backed with more than £2 billion to support the transition to zero emission vehicles including accelerating the rollout of chargepoint infrastructure.

    As part of that, government and industry have so far supported the installation of over 45,500 publicly available electric vehicle charging devices, including more than 8,600 rapid devices. The public charging network is growing quickly – public charging devices have more than tripled in four years from 10,300 devices in January 2019 to over 45,500 in August 2023.

    The number of public chargepoints rose by 38% over the last year, and as a recent report from the National Infrastructure Commission points out, if charge point deployment grows at around 30% per year the 300,000 expectation will be met.

    Today the Chancellor has also announced that several local authorities across England can apply for the first round of the Government’s £343 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund, with the West Midlands Combined Authority among the authorities eligible to apply this year.

    The LEVI fund will ensure the transition to electric vehicles takes place in every part of the country by supporting tens of thousands of local chargepoints, especially for those without access to off-street parking.

    Local authorities will receive LEVI funding in two groups, with the first able to apply for their allocated funding from today, to be distributed this financial year. The second group can apply for their funding next financial year.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said:

    “This is the biggest private investment in electric charging in the UK and is a huge vote of confidence in Britain’s role as a leader in green industries.

    “The ground-breaking site will be a major transport hub for the future and marks a significant step in our rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country.”

    Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said:

    “Electric vehicles will play a crucial role in helping the UK to decarbonise transport and reach net zero.

    “Today’s measures will deliver tens of thousands of chargepoints across the country, boosting the economy and creating skilled jobs.”

    Paul Thandi CBE, DL, Chairman of NEC Group, said:

    “We are proud to contribute to the UK Government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy. Working in collaboration with EVN and bp pulse, the opening of our EV charging hub provides NEC Campus customers, commuters, and those working for local regional or national businesses, a reliable and convenient way to recharge and support a lower carbon travel future.

    “This strategic collaboration and initiative strengthen our destination offer, demonstrate our commitment to reducing the impact our business practices and our Masterplan credentials have on the environment, and ultimately supports a reduction in carbon emissions.”

    Akira Kirton, vice president of bp pulse UK, said:

    “The transition to electric vehicles is evolving at pace which is why bp pulse is focussed on accelerating the development of the UK’s EV infrastructure, delivering the right charging speeds, in the right locations and investing up to £1 billion to do so.

    “This new, nationally significant bp pulse Gigahub™ at the heart of the UK’s road network, is another great example of our strategy in action. We plan to roll out hundreds of hubs this decade in places EV drivers needs them – urban areas, on trunk roads and motorways and at destinations such as restaurants, retail parks and hotels.”

    Alexander Walsh, senior managing director at Blackstone, said:

    “The opening of the UK’s largest EV charging hub at the NEC is a significant step forward as more drivers across the UK move to electric vehicles, with sites like this playing an important role in supporting the UK’s energy transition.

    “Blackstone has been invested in the NEC since 2018, and this development demonstrates the positive impact private investment can have in driving innovation and creating green jobs, and we’re proud to be backing the industries of the future in the West Midlands and beyond that are helping build a more sustainable future.”

    Reza Shaybani, CEO, and co-founder of the EV Network (EVN), said:

    “The launch of one of Europe’s largest ultra-fast Gigahub™ is a massive game changer for EVN and a huge step forward for UK electric vehicle fast charging. The EVN team responding to the public demand for more charging and we are responding with hundreds of millions of pounds of new investment and the very latest technology.

    “EVN has already built dozens of sites across the UK, but the successful completion of this new project launches us onto a much more ambitious growth path, as the leading business in our sector with a range of exciting new partners.

    “The NEC was a perfect location that is not only geographically key, but of national significance, to support the EV charging landscape. EVN secured 6.5MVA grid connection, to support the entire infrastructure. The strategic placement and impressive scale of this charging hub within the UK’s transport infrastructure offers reassuring support to drivers journeying between cities.

    “Our long-term relationship with both the NEC Group and bp pulse ensures this is not just an investment for the site’s visitors but a transformative step towards bolstering the entire EV charging infrastructure of the UK.

    “At EVN we are excited to invest £100M in EV Infrastructure projects this year, and we aim to invest a further £300M equity by 2025.”

    Alongside this, UK Research and Innovation has announced that Innovate UK has awarded £5.8m of funding to 12 projects through the Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge Fund. Winning projects include work on best practice in automation and robotics to produce EV chargers, and the scale-up of the assembly manufacturing processes for a rare earth-free permanent magnet generator – allowing us to produce electric machines without using rare earth elements.

    Whilst he was in the region, the Chancellor also convened a roundtable with green industries SMEs based in and around the West-Midlands, including leading green electric vehicle, energy and manufacturing companies as part of his ongoing engagement with his five key growth sectors: life sciences, advanced manufacturing, green industries, digital and technology and creative industries.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK statement on birthday of Russian opposition politician [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK statement on birthday of Russian opposition politician [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2023.

    The UK has issued a statement on Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza’s 42nd birthday, his second spent in a Russian prison.

    Today (7 September) marks Russian opposition politician, journalist, and human rights activist Vladimir Kara-Murza’s 42nd birthday, the second he will spend in a Russian prison on politically-motivated charges.

    Mr Kara-Murza was convicted of spreading “knowingly false information” about the Russian armed forces; involvement with an “undesirable” organisation; and treason, and in April was sentenced to 25 years in prison in Russia.

    An FCDO spokesman said:

    Vladimir Kara-Murza should not be in prison at all – he is only there for having rightly called out Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a contravention of international law.

    We reiterate our call for Mr Kara-Murza’s immediate and unconditional release, and for Russia to adhere to its international human rights obligations. We commend the continued efforts of his wife, Evgenia Kara-Murza, to advocate for her husband and all those who have spoken out against Russia’s invasion.

    Vladimir Kara-Murza has received wide recognition for his work, including the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize.

    His persecution is part of a wider pattern of oppression of Russian citizens by the Kremlin. Since the invasion thousands of Russians have been arrested and prosecuted for even small gestures of opposition to the war. There have been over 600 prosecutions for similar ‘anti-war’ activity to the allegations against Mr Kara-Murza since February 2022.

    Background

    • British Embassy officials have attended Mr Kara-Murza’s court hearings in Moscow throughout the year. FCDO officials have consistently raised Mr Kara-Murza’s case with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian Embassy, and will continue to do so.
    • After he was sentenced, the UK government summoned the Russian Ambassador, and has also sanctioned nine individuals involved in his case.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK joins Horizon Europe under a new bespoke deal [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK joins Horizon Europe under a new bespoke deal [September 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 September 2023.

    UK to associate to Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes through a bespoke new agreement with the EU.

    • UK to associate to Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes through a bespoke new agreement with the EU.
    • Prime Minister secured improved financial terms of association that are right for the UK and protect the taxpayer.
    • British scientists encouraged to apply now for grants and projects with certainty.
    • UK confirms it will take forward its own fusion energy strategy instead of associating with the Euratom programme.

    UK scientists will have access to the world’s largest research collaboration programme, Horizon Europe, as the Prime Minister secures a bespoke deal with improved financial terms for the UK’s participation.

    From today (Thursday 7 September), UK researchers can apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under the Horizon programme, with certainty that the UK will be participating as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.

    Once adopted, the UK will also be able to join the governance of EU programmes – which the UK has been excluded from over the last three years – ensuring we can shape collaboration taking place next year. And UK researchers will be able to lead consortia in the next work programme of Horizon Europe projects.

    Horizon will give UK companies and research institutions unrivalled opportunities to lead global work to develop new technologies and research projects, in areas from health to AI. This will not only open up cooperation with the EU, but also Norway, New Zealand and Israel which are part of the programme – and countries like Korea and Canada which are looking to join too.

    This follows a call between the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on Wednesday (6 September). They are encouraging UK scientists to apply with confidence from today and they agreed that the UK and EU will work together to boost participation.

    As part of the new deal negotiated over the last six months, the Prime Minister has secured improved financial terms of association to Horizon Europe that are right for the UK – increasing the benefits to UK scientists, value for money for the UK taxpayer, and mitigating the impact that the EU’s delays to our association will have on participation rates of researchers.

    The UK will also associate to Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme. This will provide the UK’s earth observation sector with access to unique data – valuable to helping with early flood and fire warnings, for example – and with the ability to bid for contracts, which they haven’t been able to access for three years.

    In line with the preferences of the UK fusion sector, the UK has decided to pursue a domestic fusion energy strategy instead of associating to the EU’s Euratom programme. This will involve close international collaboration, including with European partners, and a new, cutting-edge alternative programme, backed by up to £650m to 2027. It will ensure UK taxpayer funding is spent in the UK’s best interests.

    Together, this deal is set to create and support thousands of new jobs as part of the next generation of research talent. It will help deliver the Prime Minister’s ambition to grow the economy and cement the UK as a science and technology superpower by 2030.

    UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    Innovation has long been the foundation for prosperity in the UK, from the breakthroughs improving healthcare to the technological advances growing our economy.

    With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme – Horizon Europe.

    We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers.

    New financial protections for the British taxpayer, especially in the first years of association when UK scientists’ participation will be recovering, ensures:

    • UK taxpayers will not pay for the time where UK researchers have been excluded from since 2021, with costs starting from January 2024 – delivering much better terms for 2023. This will also provide breathing space to boost the participation of UK researchers in open calls for grants before we start paying into the programme.
    • The UK will have a new automatic clawback that protects the UK as participation recovers from the effects of the last two and a half years. It means the UK will be compensated should UK scientists receive significantly less money than the UK puts into the programme. This wasn’t the case under the original terms of association.

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

    Today is a fantastic day for UK science and our whole economy. We have listened to the sector, and through hard work and negotiation we have secured an excellent deal for researchers, taxpayers and businesses.

    The Horizon programme is unrivalled in its scope and opens up a world of opportunity for cooperation on science that delivers real-world benefits for the UK – creating jobs, boosting our economy and opening up collaboration for the sector with some of our closest partners, whether on tackling climate change or advancing cancer research.

    This deal is a crucial step forward on our mission to become a science and tech superpower by 2030.

    President of UUK, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone:

    The entire research community, within our universities and beyond, will be delighted at the news that an agreement has been reached. Overcoming the obstacles to association was no small feat and we are grateful to the government and the commission for their perseverance to secure this successful outcome.

    Horizon Europe has been the basis of scientific collaboration for over 30 years. From early detection of ovarian cancer to developing clean energy networks involving dozens of universities and many industrial partners, Horizon lets us do things that would not be possible without that scale of collaboration.

    Allowing our scientists to work together, irrespective of borders, is in all of our interests. Our universities will now do everything possible to ensure the UK rapidly bounces back towards previous levels of participation and is able to secure genuine value, delivering the wealth of research opportunities available.

    The Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society have issued a joint statement on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe:

    This is a great day for researchers in the UK and across Europe. The Horizon programme is a beacon of international collaboration and UK-based academic and industrial researchers will now be back at the heart of that.

    Research is vital to tackling the key problems we face, from global challenges such as climate change to driving productivity growth and creating new jobs locally. Our involvement in Horizon Europe will make the UK stronger and is a big win for global research and innovation.

    Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said:

    Horizon Europe association is overwhelmingly in the best interests of cancer patients and scientists, and it is great news for cancer research that agreement has finally been reached between the UK and EU.

    There will be relief throughout the research community that the uncertainty of the last two and a half years has come to an end. Nearly three quarters of respondents to our survey of cancer researchers cited funding from the EU as important for their work, showing how crucial Horizon Europe association is for the future of cancer research.

    We hope that this deal paves the way for the UK’s ongoing participation in future European research programmes. It is essential that the European Commission, the UK Government and UK research funders work with urgency to rebuild the strong position the UK occupied in the Horizon programme, and get funds and global collaboration flowing again into our research institutions.

    Dame Professor Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser said:

    This is great news for UK science and technology. International collaboration is a vital part of a thriving science ecosystem and association with the Horizon programme bolsters our plans to secure our status as a science and technology superpower.

    Chief Executive of the Russell Group, Dr Tim Bradshaw said:

    Association to Horizon Europe is tremendous news for UK science, research and innovation. We are delighted that a good deal has been struck, so all credit to the negotiating teams who have been working hard behind the scenes to get this over the line.

    This deal is a true win-win for everyone. The scale of research supported by Horizon Europe will help deliver medical breakthroughs, new technologies, and advances in areas such as AI to improve all our lives and help tackle the shared environmental, economic, and social challenges we face.

    The research community on both sides of the Channel are raring to go and will spare no effort in making our association a success. Universities have plans in place to get researchers to apply and our partner universities and businesses across the EU – and in other associated countries – are eager to work with our institutions. We will be ready to work with Government and the Commission to make the most of Horizon’s opportunities from day one and beyond into its successor.

    John Hanley, Chair of the UKspace trade body, said:

    UKspace welcomes the news that the UK is reassociating with the EU Copernicus and Horizon Programmes.  We have a strong track record within Copernicus with UK industry securing valuable contracts that have delivered jobs and growth across the country whilst unlocking a better understanding of our planet.  We look forward to working with the Government to capitalise quickly on this agreement and identify the actions needed to build upon the UK’s national Earth Observation initiatives to ensure that industry can once more take a leading role in the largest multi-lateral EO Programme in the world.

    Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer for Rolls-Royce, said:

    Horizon Europe has had a significant impact on Aerospace technologies and in helping Rolls-Royce remain at the forefront of technological advancement. We greatly welcome the UK’s return to the Horizon Europe programme, and look forward to going further and doing more, leveraging public-private partnership to continue driving world-leading innovation and competitiveness.

    Dr Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer, London Higher said:

    The confirmation that the UK will rejoin Horizon Europe is welcome news for universities across London, the UK’s top ranked innovation cluster. The wait to associate to Horizon may have been lengthy but worthwhile, as today’s announcement shores up the future of research, innovation and higher education across the United Kingdom.

    With the assurance of association, London’s higher education and research community now has a renewed sense of purpose and optimism that London can reach its true potential as a research powerhouse. Association is both a recognition of the value we bring to the international scientific community and the acknowledgment that we are still very much a part of a global network of knowledge-sharing and innovation.

    Our universities now have the certainty and stability needed to continue powering the engine of UK innovation and to build connectivity across the regions as we seek to level up across the country and make the UK a global science superpower. We are committed to working collaboratively with our European partners, leveraging our collective expertise to drive innovation, support research excellence, and build a brighter future for all.

    Professor Paul Stewart FMedSci, Academy of Medical Sciences Vice President, Clinical, said:

    Today marks a pivotal moment for UK science. After a hiatus, the scientific community is celebrating the tremendous news that we are once more part of the EU’s flagship funding programme.

    By associating to Horizon Europe, we now have the commitment and momentum to drive forward the Government’s vision for an innovative, high growth future and are well placed to support the diverse and highly skilled research talent that underpins our life sciences sector.

    Health research is an international endeavour, it relies on supporting the best ideas, but also on creating cross-border networks which is good news for the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Association sends a very strong message that the UK is open for business and remains a prime destination to work on health research and innovation to improve lives.

    UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said:

    Today’s agreement on UK association to Horizon Europe is brilliant news.

    The UK has a long track record of mutually beneficial participation in previous EU schemes and this decision enables us to build on those highly successful collaborations to maximise the opportunities membership of Horizon Europe provides.

    UKRI is looking forward to working with our communities and partners to capture the many benefits of Horizon Europe for researchers and businesses.

    John Harrison, Chairman of Airbus UK:

    It is great news that the U.K. will be rejoining Horizon Europe, which is a key funding programme for research and innovation, as well as the Copernicus programme. Having provided many of Copernicus’ critical technologies from the U.K., as well as designing and building the Sentinel 5P satellite in Stevenage, we look forward to contributing to future Copernicus Earth observation missions which play such a key role in understanding and tackling the planet’s changing climate.

    Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

    The UK has a long history of expertise and innovation in Earth observation, so it is excellent news that we are going to continue our association in the EU part of Copernicus programme. This is a great outcome for our world-leading Earth observation sector, who we have worked closely with to support.

    Participating in Copernicus will enable the UK space sector to continue to play a significant role in the development of critical missions that will enable us to monitor our planet more effectively and lead a global effort through the use of satellite data to find new solutions to the urgent challenge of climate change.

    Ilan Gur, CEO of Advanced Research + Invention Agency:

    A strong, interconnected scientific ecosystem is the foundation of breakthrough discovery and invention. This is wonderful news — a boost to science innovation not just for the UK but for the world!

    Dr Nick Walkden, UK Director, Fusion Industry Association.

    The Fusion Industry Association welcomes the U.K. Government’s ambitious new £650m programme for fusion development and commercialisation as an alternative to Euratom association.  The Government’s proposed alternative programme will be ambitious, exciting, and commercially focussed, representing a unique opportunity and an effective use of public funds at a critical time in the effort to develop and deploy fusion energy. We therefore welcome today’s announcement ,and look forward to a rapid adoption of the UK Government programme of alternative interventions as soon as possible.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement by the European Commission and the UK Government on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe and Copernicus [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement by the European Commission and the UK Government on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe and Copernicus [September 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 September 2023.

    The European Commission and the UK Government have reached an agreement in principle on the association of the UK to Horizon Europe and Copernicus.

    Today, the European Commission and the UK Government have concluded negotiations and reached an agreement in principle on the association of the UK to Horizon Europe and Copernicus under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

    This is a landmark moment for scientific and space collaboration between the EU and the UK following agreement of the Windsor Framework earlier this year.

    Association to Horizon Europe will further strengthen and deepen links between the scientific communities in the UK and the EU, foster innovation and enable researchers to work together on global challenges from climate to health. The UK Government and the European Commission look forward to enabling collaboration between their researchers in which the UK and the EU share a mutual interest, such as in new and emerging technologies. To this end, the EU will assess UK participants’ access to strategic parts of the Horizon Europe programme[1] on equal terms with other associated countries.

    UK researchers will be able to fully participate in the Horizon Europe programme on the same terms as researchers from other associated countries, including leading consortia, from the 2024 Work Programmes and onwards – including any 2024 calls opening this year. For calls from the 2023 Work Programmes, the European Commission will continue to administer transitional arrangements and the UK will continue to provide funding under the UK Guarantee. UK and EU scientists and researchers can have confidence in continuing long-term partnerships with their counterparts.

    The association of the UK to Copernicus will enable the UK’s access to a state-of-the art capacity to monitor the Earth and to its services. The UK’s association to Copernicus comes at a crucial moment, where the Copernicus space infrastructure and its information services will evolve further and their contribution to understanding and acting on environmental and climate change related challenges is more important than ever.

    The UK will also have access to EU Space Surveillance and Tracking services.

    The European Commission and the UK Government will take forward joint outreach and engagement activities designed to encourage the participation of UK entities within both programmes.

    In line with the terms of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the European Commission and UK Government have also agreed appropriate terms regarding the UK’s financial contribution for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 reflecting the fact that UK researchers did not participate in Horizon Europe or Copernicus from their beginning in 2021.

    Today’s agreement in principle marks another step forward for the EU and UK to work together in the spirit of friendly cooperation on issues of shared interest. The European Commission and the UK Government intend to make full use of the opportunities provided by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

    Following today’s announcement, the European Commission and the UK Government will work together with the aim of promptly adopting the necessary legal instruments. These legal instruments need to be adopted by the Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes subject to prior approval by the Council of the European Union.

    [1] As defined in Article 22(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695 (the ‘Horizon Europe Regulation’)

  • PRESS RELEASE : Industry and national security heavyweights to power UK’s Frontier AI Taskforce [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Industry and national security heavyweights to power UK’s Frontier AI Taskforce [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 7 September 2023.

    Leading names from national security to computer science will advise the UK government on the risks and opportunities from AI as the Frontier AI Taskforce gathers momentum.

    • Frontier AI Taskforce to research AI safety, identify new uses for AI in the public sector and strengthen UK capabilities
    • Turing Prize Laureate & Director of GCHQ to join new expert panel to advise the Taskforce
    • global partnerships launched to assess AI risks in cybersecurity and catastrophic risks

    Leading names from national security to computer science will advise the UK government on the risks and opportunities from AI as the Frontier AI Taskforce gathers momentum and appoints a team of experts to accelerate efforts.

    Formerly the Foundation Model Taskforce, the group’s focus will be on ‘Frontier AI’, and in particular, systems which could pose significant risks to public safety and global security. Frontier AI models hold enormous potential to power economic growth, drive scientific progress and wider public benefits, while also posing potential safety risks if not developed responsibly. This includes cutting-edge large scale machine models, which are trained on vast amounts of data.

    Since it launched 11 weeks ago, the Taskforce has made rapid progress in recruiting a team of seven heavy-hitting experts to guide and shape its work. Turing Prize Laureate Yoshua Bengio and GCHQ Director Anne Keast-Butler will join its newly-created External Advisory Board, bringing unparalleled expertise from their roles in national security and deep computer learning. Helping to develop new approaches in addressing the risks of AI and harnessing its benefits, all board members will share evidence-based advice in their respective areas of expertise.

    Oxford academic Yarin Gal is today announced as the first Taskforce Research Director. Cambridge academic David Kreuger will also be working with the Taskforce in a consultative role as it scopes its research programme in the run up the summit. Together, they will build a team to investigate frontier AI risks such as cyber-attacks.

    To kickstart efforts they will be joined by technical recruits from the AI sector, after hundreds stepped forward to apply, with the research team set to begin evaluating the risks posed by the rapidly advancing frontier of AI. Leading AI companies Anthropic, DeepMind and OpenAI have committed to provide deep access to their AI models so researchers have all the tools they need. Over the coming weeks they’ll continue to recruit industry experts with those interested urged to apply.

    In the coming months, as its work on safety research gets underway, the Taskforce will build out its capability for delivering the other two parts of its mission: identifying new uses for AI in the public sector and strengthening the UK’s capabilities.

    Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

    When I started as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, I was determined to do things differently, by working with experts in government and industry.

    These new appointments are a huge vote of confidence in our status as a flagbearer for AI safety as we take advantage of the enormous wealth of knowledge we have both at home and abroad.

    The Prime Minister and I created the Frontier AI Taskforce to lead that effort – ensuring that we can continue to harness the opportunities of AI safely, as we strengthen our own capabilities and encourage wider adoption of the technology across society.

    We are already seeing how transformative AI can be, whether through new breakthroughs in healthcare or finding fresh approaches to help us tackle climate change. I am determined that my department will make sure that the UK leads the way, as I know we can.

    Announced by the Prime Minister in April, the taskforce is backed with £100 million in funding to lead the safe and reliable development of frontier AI Models – a fast moving type of AI technology which is trained on large amounts of data and can be applied in numerous areas.

    Frontier AI Taskforce Chair, Ian Hogarth, said:

    I am pleased to confirm the first members of the Taskforce’s External Advisory Board, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government with diverse expertise in AI research and national security. I’m also happy to announce that in just 11 weeks we’ve rapidly hired an incredible team of AI researchers who will help make sure the UK government is at the cutting edge of AI safety.

    We’re working to ensure the safe and reliable development of foundation models but our efforts will also strengthen our leading AI sector, and demonstrate the huge benefits AI can bring to the whole country to deliver better outcomes for everyone across society”.

    External Advisory Board Member and Turing Prize Laureate Yoshua Bengio said:

    The safe and responsible development of AI is an issue which concerns all of us. We have seen massive investment into improving AI capabilities, but not nearly enough investment into protecting the public, whether in terms of AI safety research or in terms of governance to make sure that AI is developed for the benefit of all.

    With the upcoming global AI Safety Summit and the Frontier AI Taskforce, the UK government has taken greatly needed leadership in advancing international coordination on AI, especially on the question of risks and safety.

    Others joining the line up and serving on the External Advisory Panel include Prime Minister’s Representative for the AI Safety Summit Matt Clifford who will join as Vice-Chair, Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Collins, Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security Alex Van Someren, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Chair Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard, and Alignment Research Centre Chief Paul Christiano, who will turbo charge the taskforce’s work by offering expert insight.

    International collaboration forms the backbone of UK’s approach to shared AI safety and the work of the Taskforce will be no different. The Taskforce is harnessing established industry expertise through long-term partnerships with American-based companies ‘Trail of Bits’ and ‘ARC Evals’. These partnerships will unlock expert advice on the cybersecurity and national security implications of Foundation Models, as well as broader support in assessing the major risks posed by AI systems. These are complemented by further agreements with The Center for AI Safety and The Collective Intelligence Project – advising on areas of AI development and risks.

    On 1 and 2 November the UK will host the first major global AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, building consensus on rapid, international action to advance safety at the cutting edge of AI technology. The Taskforce is now positioned to play an important role ahead of those discussions. As the only governmental organisation of its kind in the world it will work to develop a robust system which can analyse the safety of Foundation Models, while also identifying the areas of ‘sovereign capability’ the UK should build on to take advantage of the next wave of AI technology and drive economic growth.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £90 million contract equips Armed Forces with advanced new rifle [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £90 million contract equips Armed Forces with advanced new rifle [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 7 September 2023.

    British troops will soon be more lethal on the battlefield, as a new £90 million contract delivers modern, high precision rifles.

    • New rifle provides UK troops with an improved lethal capability on the battlefield.
    • Rifle more discreet through sight and hearing signature reduction.
    • Up to 10,000 weapons could be procured over the next 10 years.

    British troops will soon be more lethal on the battlefield, as a new £90 million contract delivers modern, high precision rifles.

    The Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) system – known as the L403A1 and procured by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) under Project HUNTER – is made up of a new assault rifle fitted with a muzzle signature reduction system and an improved optical sighting system.

    The AIW is a modern rifle using the latest in design technology and manufacturing methods, to produce an exceptionally reliable and accurate weapon. The magnified optic means the user is able to engage threats from greater distances; whilst the signature reduction system works to mask the AIW from detection from sight and hearing.

    Supplementing the current in-service L85A3, the AIW system has been secured under a £90 million contract with Macclesfield-based company Edgar Brothers, supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by helping sustain approximately 50 jobs at the family-owned company.

    Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said:

    This is another example of how we are committed to investing in the most advanced battlefield equipment to back our troops on the battlefield. This advanced rifle’s ability to help soldiers maintain the stealth edge not only protects them but delivers war-fighting advantage over our adversaries.

    An initial £15 million order of 1,620 AIW systems has been placed, with options to procure up to 10,000 systems – totalling £90 million – under the contract over the next decade. The systems will initially be fielded to the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) who operate in complex, high threat environments.

    DE&S Dismounted Close Combat Portfolio Leader, Colonel Paul Cummings, said:

    Project Hunter has been a fabulous example of close collaboration with the user community and strong engagement with industry to deliver game-changing capability at pace. This is another example of the enormous commitment of the men and women in DCC to deliver battle-winning capability into the hands of the user and I’m enormously proud of what they have achieved. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Edgar Brothers as we move into the production phase.

    The L403A1 is a high performing modern development of the ArmaLite Rifle (AR), which pushes the boundaries of modern performance. As an AR system, it shares much in common with the rifle systems used by many of the UK’s allies. Given their specialist role, and the critical task of working with and alongside many of the UK’s allies, the platform will enable ASOB to share skills and drills in an efficient manner.

    Lt Col Gareth Davies, SO1 SoldierWorks, Military Capability Delivery, Army Headquarters, said:

    Project HUNTER has successfully delivered a new weapon option for UK Defence. At the current time this is being procured for the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB). It offers a marked increase in lethality, and the system includes one of most capable day sights currently available. Importantly the weapon system will be further enhanced by our newest generation of night optics, with which the ASOB are already equipped.

    As a key component of the ASOB, the Ranger Regiment will receive the AIW later this year. Made up of four battalions, the Rangers deployed to over 60 countries in their first 12 months of operation, following their formation as part Future Soldier under the Defence Command Paper 2021.

    Background

    • The contract was placed by the Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) Team within the DE&S Soldier, Training & Special Programmes (STSP) team.
    • Edgar Brothers (trading as Ian Edgar LTD) are the UK based prime contractor, who are responsible for sourcing and assembling the sub-systems that make up the Hunter system. The rifle is manufactured by Knights Armament Corporation (US) and the magnified optic sight is manufactured Vortex Optics (US).
  • PRESS RELEASE : Landmark survey seeks women’s views on reproductive health [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Landmark survey seeks women’s views on reproductive health [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 7 September 2023.

    Women in England are being encouraged to help shape reproductive health policy by sharing their experiences, as the government launches a landmark survey.

    • Launch of national online survey to gather vital data on women’s menstrual health, contraception, pregnancy planning and menopause
    • Responses will help shape future policy on women’s health, enhance care and improve wellbeing
    • Survey delivers on key commitment to ensure the health and care system prioritises women’s voices

    Women across England are being encouraged to help shape future reproductive health policy by sharing their experiences of a range of issues, as the government launches a new landmark survey.

    Delivering on a key commitment in the Women’s Health Strategy, the Women’s Reproductive Health Survey will seek women’s views across England on issues including periods, contraception, fertility, pregnancy and the menopause.

    Findings from the survey will then be used to better understand women’s reproductive health experiences over time. The vital information gathered about the lives and experiences of women will inform current and future government decision-making and health policy.

    There are currently disparities in women’s health across the country, and far too many cases where women’s voices are not being heard. Along with the strategy, the new survey will play a key part in changing this.

    Minister for Women’s Health Strategy Maria Caulfield said:

    Women and girls deserve the best healthcare at every stage of their lives, but we simply cannot deliver that without listening to their lived experiences and concerns.

    Women should always have a say in their own healthcare, whether that’s in managing pregnancy and fertility or dealing with the challenges of the menopause in the workplace.

    I would encourage every woman to complete the survey on reproductive health as soon as they’re able and ensure their voice is heard.

    Women’s Health Ambassador Professor Dame Lesley Regan said:

    We need to make healthcare work for women and girls – and for it to fit around their lives. There’s no point bolstering services if they cannot be accessed, or the support available does not work for them and meet their needs.

    That’s why we’re asking women and girls to share their experience, whether it’s about periods, menopause or endometriosis. We need your voice to shape a new system of healthcare that gives women what they need.

    Dr Rebecca French, Associate Professor of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said:

    For most women, it can be nearly 40 years from their first period to menopause. Throughout this time, women should be able to make informed decisions about their own reproductive health and wellbeing, such as if and when to get pregnant and where to access appropriate support and treatment.

    Women have previously described difficulties accessing reproductive health services – for example, to get contraceptive supplies, to access fertility treatment or to obtain an appointment with a gynaecologist. Often health services are not ‘joined up’, leading to multiple visits and appointment delays.

    We know that poor reproductive health not only has a negative effect on health in general but can also impact women’s mental health, relationships and finances. Further research is needed to better understand inequalities across England so that women and people described as female at birth are able to make the choices they need for their own reproductive health and wellbeing.

    The Women’s Reproductive Health Survey provides an opportunity to better understand what support is needed and how these issues can best be addressed.

    The survey is open to all women in England aged 16 to 55 years and will run for 6 weeks from Thursday 7 September 2023.

    It is being delivered by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.

    Questions women are being asked to answer include:

    • how much pain they experience during their periods
    • how they prefer to access contraceptive services
    • how satisfied they were with any support they received for menopausal symptoms

    Just over a year on from the launch of the Women’s Health Strategy, over 300,000 more women have accessed cheaper hormone replacement therapy, new women’s health hubs are opening across the country in every integrated care board and a dedicated women’s health area has been added to the NHS website.

    Further measures being introduced include:

    • a new artificial intelligence tool to identify early risks in maternity units
    • £25 million will be distributed across England so every area can create a women’s health hub
    • a new IVF tool on GOV.UK so people can look up information about NHS-funded IVF treatments
    • a new network of women’s health champions led by the Women’s Health Ambassador for England, Professor Dame Lesley Regan

    A Menopause Employment Champion has also been appointed – recruitment and employability expert Helen Tomlinson – to improve support for menopause in the workplace. Helen is working with the Department for Work and Pensions to create an online repository of menopause resources for employers on GOV.UK. The Menopause Taskforce met in June to discuss menopause in the workplace.

    The government has also awarded grant funding to charities across England to help employers make changes to their workplace to support women’s reproductive health, which includes menopause.