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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Come and celebrate the England Coast Path this summer in South Shields [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Come and celebrate the England Coast Path this summer in South Shields [September 2023]

    The press release issued by Natural England on 6 September 2023.

    A weekend of summer activities is being held on the glorious South Shields shoreline this September to celebrate the King Charles III England Coast Path.

    The events, being hosted by South Shields Surf School – a community interest company based in South Shields focused on sharing the benefits of being in and around our ocean – as well as Natural England, will take place at Sandhaven Beach, South Shields, on the 16th and 17th September from 10am to 6pm.

    Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, the weekend’s events will include a variety of free activities such as:

    • Seaside story telling and lively local music
    • The opportunity to discover the unique Beach of Dreams flags. The Beach of Dreams began in 2021 as a 500-mile walk over 35 days along the East Coast of England, where local communities travelled with 500 silk pennants, each conveying people’s hopes for the future. The 500 silk pennants will be displayed to the public during the weekend celebrations
    • A coastal parade, run by North East community interest group Creative Seed, and funded by Natural England which will walk from the iconic Souter Lighthouse to the Bamburgh pub in South Shields, with dancers, drummers and a range of carnival costumes
    • A surf competition with various categories to enter.

    The 7.5-mile stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path from South Shields to Sunderland consists of a series of sandy bays and is packed with a rich variety of coastal wonders.

    The section starts in the busy seaside town of South Shields with its Roman Fort and amusements on the sea front, before winding along the cliff tops to the impressive Souter Lighthouse. Passing by hidden coves including the picturesque Marsden Grotto along the way. (The path passes hidden coves including the picturesque Marsden Grotto along the way.)

    The events come just weeks after the last stretch of the King Charles III Coast Path in Northumberland officially opened on 23 August. The stretch connects Bamburgh with the Scottish border, completing a continuous path from Bridlington in East Riding of Yorkshire to the Scottish border, some 245 miles. It is the latest part of the 2,700 mile (4345km) national trail to be opened and creates the longest section open to the public so far.

    Neil Constable, Natural England’s Programme Manager for the King Charles III England Coast Path, said:

    We’re delighted to be part of this event to celebrate the wonderful section of the King Charles III England Coast Path in South Shields.

    It’s a fantastic opportunity to come and find out more about the path and its rich local environment. There is something for everyone. So, whether you’re a seasoned walker or new to the coast path and would like to find out more, we’re very much looking forward to welcoming you.

    Opening access to the coast is part of the Government’s ambition to connect people with nature and is key to achieving the aspirations of the Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan.

    When completed, the new national trail will stretch all the way around the coast of England and will be about 2,700 miles long. It will take people through some of the finest landscapes in England, linking iconic places and heritage on the coast with less well-known areas and unlocking access to some parts of our coast for the first time.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Man (Reda Hamoud Abdurabou) who posed for selfies as he piloted small boat jailed [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Man (Reda Hamoud Abdurabou) who posed for selfies as he piloted small boat jailed [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 September 2023.

    An Egyptian man who posed for selfies while piloting a small boat with 50 migrants on board has been jailed for 3 years and 2 months.

    Reda Hamoud Abdurabou, 25, was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on 1 September after being found guilty of assisting unlawful immigration to the UK and attempting to enter the country illegally.

    Abdurabou took charge of a dangerously overcrowded small boat packed with 50 migrants during an attempt to reach the UK illegally in July 2022.

    He took pictures of himself as he did so, saving images to his phone that would later be used as evidence by the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI) unit.

    The images were taken moments before the dinghy was intercepted by Border Force and show Abdurabou posing with his hand on the tiller as he steered the boat towards the UK.

    Migrants were seen by officers balancing on the edge of the inflatable, with others sat on the floor of the boat where fuel-contaminated water often pools on top of makeshift flooring.

    Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:

    This pilot brazenly tried to flout our laws, and has rightly been brought to justice today.

    Putting lives at risk by steering men, women and children across the Channel in flimsy dinghies will not be tolerated and we will continue to work relentlessly to stop these completely unnecessary crossings and ensure those responsible are put behind bars.

    The defendant, who was witnessed piloting the boat before it was intercepted, was arrested on arrival in the UK and his mobile phone was seized.

    Immigration Enforcement officers worked quickly to interview, charge and remand Abdurabou on the day of his arrival.

    Investigating teams found messages on his phone about his attempt to reach the UK illegally, along with the collection of selfies taken as he piloted the boat, putting dozens of lives in danger.

    One selfie shows the defendant, wearing a yellow hoodie and a baseball cap, smiling as he sits at the stern of the boat perilously close to the waterline.

    The Illegal Migration Act will see the Home Office give immigration officers new powers to search for and seize electronic devices like mobile phones from people who come to the UK illegally. This includes to obtain evidence of criminal offences and establish whether someone has the right to be in the UK.

    Chris Foster, Deputy Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations at the Home Office, said:

    This defendant gloated as he risked dozens of lives by crossing the Channel illegally. Anyone willing to take the helm of these small boats can expect to be arrested and prosecuted.

    I want to praise the quick work of my officers who have brought this criminal to justice. His sentence shows that our teams are working relentlessly to clamp down on this illegal trade.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Mark McAllister set to become next Ofgem Chair [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Mark McAllister set to become next Ofgem Chair [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 6 September 2023.

    Mark McAllister is named as the government’s preferred candidate to be the next Chair of Ofgem, the energy regulator.

    • Mark McAllister selected as preferred candidate for next Ofgem Chair
    • Mark would bring 40 years of experience in the energy industry
    • a hearing by the ESNZ Select Committee will be held to confirm the appointment

    Mark McAllister is today (6 September 2023) named as the government’s preferred candidate to be the next Chair of Ofgem, the energy regulator.

    Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said that Mark, currently Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, will bring a “strong track record” in the industry to the role.

    Mark would help ensure the energy market is fit for the future – from reforming the grid to supporting households in accessing smarter, more flexible energy.

    Responsible for helping shape the regulator’s strategy and policy decisions, as Chair he will champion the interests of electricity and gas consumers. This involves working closely with government, which provided nearly £40 billion to cover around half a typical household’s energy bill last winter.

    As we move to a more secure energy system, the Chair’s leadership will help us bring down household bills, protect vulnerable people and ensure the market is working for all consumers.

    Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said:

    We will always ensure the energy market is working for families to protect them from sky high bills, including by working closely with our partners at Ofgem.

    Mark McAllister has a strong track record of advising governments and regulators on competition and regulation. His expertise will be vital in the years ahead, as we make sure more households have access to cheaper, cleaner energy.

    I would also like to extend my warm thanks to Martin Cave for all of his work as Ofgem Chair since 2018.

    An engineer by profession, Mark has served as Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) since April 2019, where he is charged with ensuring the ONR delivers efficient and effective regulation of the nuclear industry.

    His selection follows a competitive recruitment process and will be scrutinised by the Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ) Select Committee at a forthcoming pre-appointment hearing.

    The date of Mark’s pre-appointment hearing will be announced by the ESNZ Select Committee. If confirmed, he is expected to take up post in November.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Three Board Members reappointed to the British Library [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Three Board Members reappointed to the British Library [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 6 September 2023.

    The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has reappointed Dr Jeremy Silver, Laela Pakpour Tabrizi and Dr Wei Yang for four year terms commencing 13 May 2023.

    Dr Jeremy Silver

    Dr Jeremy Silver is CEO of the Digital Catapult. He is an author and entrepreneur specialising in digital media, big data, music and the creative industries. Jeremy is a non-executive director of a number of early stage companies in music and media; a member of the UK Creative Industries Council and the Digital Economy Council.

    He was Executive Chairman of Semetric Ltd, CEO of Sibelius Software and Worldwide Vice-President of New Media for EMI Group in Los Angeles. Jeremy was an advisor to the Founders of Shazam. He co-founded Uplister, the world’s first playlist-sharing music subscription service. His most recent book, “Towards A Digital Renaissance” was published by Profile Books in 2022.

    Laela Pakpour Tabrizi

    Laela Pakpour Tabrizi is Director Consumer Converged Finance at Virgin Media O2. Prior to joining VMO2, she was the CFO of three innovative and fast growing founder-owned and private equity-backed businesses inc. an airline, a SaaS business and an EdTech company.

    Previously, Laela was a VP at BNP Paribas in their Structured Finance Division in Paris and New York City. She also sits on the Board of the FTSE 250 listed Big Yellow Storage Company, where she holds the position of Chair of the Audit Committee.  She was selected as a Franco British Young Leader in 2017.

    Dr Wei Yang

    Dr Wei Yang is the Chair of Wei Yang & Partners, an award-winning urban design and master planning practice in London. She is also the co-founder and CEO of the Digital Task Force for Planning, a not-for-profit social enterprise with a mission to unlock the full potential of spatial planning in the digital era. Wei was named a Net Zero Hero by Digital Leaders in November 2022.

    Wei is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, a Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and an Honorary Professor at University College London. She served as President of the RTPI in 2021 and as an independent trustee of the Landscape Institute (LI) from 2018 to 2022. Wei is the first female Chair of the Construction Industry Council (CIC). She is a Global Planner Networks (GPN) representative at the UN Habitat Professional Forum and a Professionals Co-Chair of the UN Habitat World Urban Campaign Steering Committee.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Board Members of the British Library are remunerated £9,130 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. Dr Jeremy Silver, Laela Pakpour Tabrizi and Dr Wei Yang have not declared any significant political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement of the Japan-UK Strategic Economic Policy and Trade Dialogue [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement of the Japan-UK Strategic Economic Policy and Trade Dialogue [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 September 2023.

    Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade held the first Japan-UK Strategic Economic Policy and Trade Dialogue in London.

    Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Business and Trade the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP held the first Japan-UK Strategic Economic Policy and Trade Dialogue in London, with the engagement of the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on September 6, 2023. The Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Dialogue and decided to continue holding it in order to further strengthen notable Japan-UK collaboration on strategic opportunities and challenges of mutual interest, in line with the Hiroshima Accord: an Enhanced Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership.

    The UK and Japan, both island nations reliant on free trade, recognise that maintaining and strengthening the multilateral trading system requires work to ensure the global trade rulebook enables economic transformation and sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. The Ministers reaffirmed our commitment under the Hiroshima Accord to champion a free, fair, and resilient rules-based international economic order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core. The Ministers also underlined the need to continue our close partnership on economic security issues. The Ministers further reaffirmed the importance of working together in multilateral fora to address the impact of non-market policies and practices that distort the level playing field. To this end the Ministers tasked officials to hold coordinated and focused discussions in the lead-up to the G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting to be held in Japan in October this year.

    The Ministers underlined the significance of the UK becoming a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and echoed our commitment to work closely together to uphold the agreements’ strategic values and maintain high-standards in terms of rules and market access. The Ministers also reaffirmed that the CPTPP is open to accession requests by economies that are ready to fully meet, implement and adhere to the high standards of the Agreement and with a demonstrated pattern of complying with their trade commitments.

    The Ministers further highlighted the continued importance of working with international partners, and through key international fora, to reduce supply-chain dependencies and to deter and counter economic coercion.

    The Ministers concluded to lead international efforts to deliver a sustainable future and seek to enhance energy security and energy affordability. The Ministers also recognised the importance of bilateral collaboration and cooperation in third countries on clean energy, building on the strengths of both countries. The Ministers also shared the importance of working together towards the challenges they face as global leaders in science, technology and innovation.

    The Ministers committed to future discussions and to implement further cooperation in the following areas:

    1) Trade and Investment

    • Following the UK becoming a member of CPTPP, working together to uphold its high standards and ensure businesses can access the benefits of both CPTPP and the UK – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
    • Cooperating closely to work towards WTO reform and realise a successful 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.
    • Working together to secure a global level playing field by addressing non-market policies and practices.
    • Working together to address economic coercion, including by sharing experience and best practice.
    • Furthering cooperation on supply chain resilience, including the formulation of a Critical Minerals Memorandum of Cooperation.
    • Co-operating in financial support for infrastructure projects in third countries, in particular through the new UK Export Finance and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance Memorandum of Understanding.

    2) Energy

    • Deploying clean energy technologies, including hydrogen, solar, offshore wind, nuclear, and CCUS.
    • Encouraging co-operation on clean energy between Japanese and British companies in the UK and Japan, as well as in third countries.

    3) Innovation

    • Deepening connections between both innovation ecosystems, including through events creating opportunities to link UK and Japanese start-ups, spinouts and related entities.
    • Collaboration across areas where Japan and UK have mutual strengths in semiconductors and AI.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Russian Wagner Group declared terrorists [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russian Wagner Group declared terrorists [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 September 2023.

    A draft proscription order is being laid in Parliament today, making it illegal to support Wagner Group and punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

    The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has today (6 September) laid before Parliament a draft order to proscribe Wagner Group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Wagner Group is a proxy military force of Vladimir Putin’s Russia, which operates across the globe.

    Once agreed, the order will come into force on 13 September, making it a criminal offence to belong to, encourage support for, assist or use the logo of that group. Certain proscription offences can be punishable by up to 14 years in prison, which can be handed down alongside or in place of a fine.

    Wagner’s assets can also be categorised as terrorist property and seized.

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

    Wagner is a violent and destructive organisation which has acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putin’s Russia overseas. While Putin’s regime decides what to do with the monster it created, Wagner’s continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlin’s political goals.

    They are terrorists, plain and simple – and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law. Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders. Its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa are a threat to global security.

    That is why we are proscribing this terrorist organisation and continuing to aid Ukraine wherever we can in its fight against Russia.

    Wagner Group is a Russian private military company which has acted as a proxy military force on behalf of the Russian state. Founded in 2014, Wagner has operated in a series of countries including most notably Ukraine, Syria, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mozambique and Mali.

    Wagner has operated in the pursuit of Russia’s foreign policy objectives and the objectives of host governments who have contracted Wagner’s services.

    The UK has consistently called out the violent and destructive actions of Wagner Group, and included the group in a first wave of sanctions against Russia in early 2022, and more recently sanctioned an additional 13 individuals and businesses linked to the actions of the group in July 2023.

    Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

    Proscription names Wagner Group for what they truly are: terrorists.

    This is a murderous organisation which is responsible for committing atrocities across the world.

    Proscribing Wagner sends a clear message that the UK will not tolerate Russia’s proxies and their barbaric actions in Ukraine, and condemns Wagner’s campaign of corruption and bloodshed on the African continent, which has been repeatedly linked to human rights violations.

    Proscribing the group comes after the Home Secretary’s careful consideration of:

    • the nature and scale of organisation’s activities
    • the threat they pose to British nationals overseas
    • the need to support other members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism

    Despite recent events, including the group’s attempted coup against Moscow and the alleged death of its leadership, the threat from Wagner Group continues to endure.

    Designating the Wagner Group for proscription is also a response to requests made by Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy who has called for the group to be treated as a terrorist organisation. The UK will maintain its unwavering support for Ukraine and continue to condemn Russian aggression.

    The order will be debated in Parliament this week and once passed, Wagner Group will become the 79th organisation to be proscribed in the UK.

    Other groups who have been proscribed by the British government include al-Qaeda, ISIS and Hizballah.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Temple Footbridge to remain closed [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Temple Footbridge to remain closed [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 6 September 2023.

    Temple Footbridge crosses the River Thames west of Temple Lock near Marlow. Bridge specialists have advised that immediate repairs are not possible.

    On 15 May 2023, the Environment Agency closed Temple Footbridge until further notice due to safety concerns. Since then, the Environment Agency have been assessing what work is required to make the bridge safe. The first part of that assessment is now complete.

    History of the bridge

    Temple Footbridge was opened in 1989 with an estimated design life of 30 years. Funding for its construction was provided by a range of organisations (private companies, local councils and charities) and through public donations.

    When the Environment Agency was formed, ownership of the bridge transferred to us. Responsibility for funding the cost of repairs, refurbishments and the eventual replacement of the bridge passed to the government.

    We have carried out inspections, maintenance and repairs, which have kept the bridge in safe use beyond its estimated design life.

    In 2019, a structural survey found that some structural elements of the bridge, including the parts the walkway is fixed to, were decayed. This decay was natural and unpreventable. We made significant repairs as recommended by the survey. The survey found that no further repairs would be possible.

    Bridge inspections

    We recently hired bridge specialists to check the findings of the 2019 survey and find out if any repairs are possible so that we can reopen the bridge soon. We also asked them how we can make sure that the bridge can be used for another 5 to 10 years.

    The specialists found that there is no way to safely open the bridge in the short term.

    They advised that we may be able to refurbish the decayed parts of the bridge and may not need to replace the entire bridge.

    Next steps

    We are now progressing with the recommendation to replace parts of the bridge. This will be an extensive project and we will need to dismantle sections of the bridge.

    The work will be done during an annual work programme, along with other significant engineering works on our structures used for boating on the Thames.

    First, we will hire an engineering contractor to create a refurbishment proposal and estimate costs. We will then request funding from the government to carry out the work.

    Although this is likely to be the quickest and most affordable option for safely reopening the bridge, we are not yet able to confirm that or estimate when the bridge will be open.

    Funding

    Funding for major work on our boating-related structures is provided yearly by the government. We invest this across our 45 lock and weir sites along the Thames and numerous locations in between, including around 100 bridges.

    The government allocates us what it can afford, given its other spending priorities. In recent years we have received more funding, which has helped refurbish many such structures.

    Many more structures will need refurbishment, and whether this is affordable will need to be considered by the government at the time. With limited funding, we must prioritise work to our most critical structures each year, such as our locks and weirs, which enable the public to enjoy their legal right of navigation on the Thames.

    In some cases, such as Temple Footbridge, we may need to temporarily close a structure while we work to both secure the funding and create the capacity in our work programme to bring it back into safe use.

    Diversion

    The diversion agreed with the National Trail is still in place. You can find full details of the Thames Path diversion on the National Trail website.

    The diverted route follows:

    • Temple Lane
    • Marlow Road
    • Bisham Road

    The diversion rejoins the Thames Path:

    • at The Causeway in Marlow
    • near Temple Footbridge

    The existing diversion is the shortest route using public footpaths and highways. It reflects the route users of the Thames Path would have taken before the bridge was built.

    Some users have expressed concern because parts of the route do not have footways. The route has been approved by the responsible local authority, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The lack of a footway does not prevent pedestrian use. However, when walking on roads without footways, pedestrians should take sensible precautions as recommended in the Highway Code.

    Now that we know the bridge will need to remain closed for an extended time, we will look into providing a shorter diversion through private land. This will need the landowners’ agreement, and the cost of work needed to make the route safe must be affordable.

    We will provide an update in due course.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya – Martin Longden [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya – Martin Longden [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 September 2023.

    Dr Martin Longden CMG OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya.

    Dr Martin Longden CMG OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya in succession to Ms Caroline Hurndall MBE, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dr Longden will take up his appointment during October 2023.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Dr Martin Andrew Longden CMG OBE

    Place of Birth: Stockport, UK

    Spouse: Naomi Adams

    Children: Three

    Date Role
    2022 – present Full Time Language Training (Arabic)
    2021 to 2022 FCDO, Head of Rapid Deployment Team to Kabul (August 2021), later Chargé d’Affaires to the United Kingdom Mission to Afghanistan based in Doha
    2021 Beirut, Chargé d’Affaires
    2016 to 2020 FCO, Head, Near East Department, Middle East and North Africa Directorate, later UK Special Representative for Syria
    2015 to 2016 Kabul, Deputy Head of Mission
    2011 to 2014 FCO, Head, Falklands and Southern Oceans Department, Overseas Territories Directorate
    2009 to 2011 Washington, Head of Communications for the US Network
    2007 to 2009 FCO, Deputy Press Secretary, Press Office
    2005 to 2007 FCO, Strategy Policy Adviser for the Middle East, Policy Planners
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK science facility that kickstarted Covid drug development granted £500 million upgrade fund [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK science facility that kickstarted Covid drug development granted £500 million upgrade fund [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 6 September 2023.

    Science and Technology Secretary announces that the Diamond Light Source science facility in Oxfordshire will be upgraded through a £500 million investment.

    • World-renowned Diamond Light Source facility plays key role in major health, engineering and environmental research
    • more than £500 million of government and Wellcome Trust funding to develop cutting-edge Diamond-II upgrade
    • funding will upgrade facility that is already 10,000 times more powerful than traditional microscope and produces light 10 billion times brighter than the sun

    A groundbreaking science facility which kickstarted the UK’s world leading Covid drug development and has advanced treatments of global health challenges from HIV to malaria and cancer will be upgraded and expanded through a more than £500 million investment, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan has announced today (Wednesday 6 September).

    Diamond Light Source in Harwell, Oxfordshire is the UK’s national synchrotron – essentially a giant microscope, which produces light 10 billion times brighter than the sun that is directed into laboratories called beamlines, where research takes place in virtually all fields of science from health to energy research.

    It is 10,000 times more powerful than a traditional microscope and alongside groundbreaking health discoveries, has been crucial to studying a range of subject matter, including fragments of ancient paintings and fossils, while finding solutions to extending the life of machinery such as engines and turbine blades.

    The Secretary of State visited Diamond yesterday (5 September), based at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, to announce £519 million of funding for the Diamond-II upgrade, provided by the government, through UKRI (STFC), and the Wellcome Trust.

    The new 4th generation synchrotron will support Diamond’s ever-growing userbase of researchers while maintaining the UK’s reputation as a world leader in cutting edge science.

    Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

    Our national synchrotron may fly under the radar as we go about our daily lives, but it has been crucial to some of the most defining discoveries in recent history – from kickstarting Covid drug development that allowed us to protect millions to advancing treatment for HIV.

    Our investment will ensure one of the most pioneering scientific facilities in the world continues to advance discoveries that transform our health and prosperity, while creating jobs, growing the UK economy and ensuring our country remains a scientific powerhouse.

    The upgrade is expected to conclude in 2030 and will involve construction of a new, even brighter synchrotron machine, with new flagship beamlines and critical beamline upgrades.

    This is expected to, among many other capabilities, accelerate drug development, offer real-time insights that will further advanced manufacturing and enable further study into improving the performance of next-generation batteries.

    Chief Research Programmes Officer at Wellcome, Cheryl Moore, said:

    Diamond Light Source is an example of how investment in critical research infrastructure leads to scientific innovation. Over the past two decades, it has enabled generations of researchers to explore scientific questions that push boundaries, collaborate across disciplines, develop new technologies and make new discoveries to advance health that could not have been pursued elsewhere.

    We are pleased to see the UK government invest in this outstanding research facility, reaffirming the UK’s role as a world leader in science and technology.  Wellcome has been a proud supporter of Diamond Light Source since its formation and we’re delighted to continue this partnership, ensuring researchers have the resources needed to transform our understanding of life, health and wellbeing.

    Exchequer Secretary Gareth Davies said:

    We have the largest life sciences sector in Europe, producing a Covid vaccine that saved six million lives – this pioneering piece of technology is a key part of that success.

    This is a sector that will continue to receive our backing – driving discovery, creating good jobs and helping grow the UK economy.

    Research conducted at Diamond Light Source in 2020 helped determine the atomic structure of key drug targets of SARS‑CoV‑2 – the virus responsible for COVID-19 – and contributed to understanding the vaccine that saved lives and allowed the UK to safely reopen.

    It has also made major contributions to the development of Covid treatments, helped understand the efficacy of the COVID vaccine and advanced treatment for many diseases from HIV to cancer.

    In addition, the synchrotron has huge impact on the physical sciences, helping to discover new materials for the electronic and renewable industries as well as developing technology directly contributing to the Net Zero agenda.

    Diamond’s research facility is currently growing, hosting over 220 UK-based companies and more than 14,000 scientists have used it since operations began in 2007. Its economic and social impacts are estimated to be worth at least £2.6 billion, showing a significant return on the £1.4 billion public investment to date. Patents citing Diamond publications are collectively valued over £10 billion.

    Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Champion for Infrastructure, Professor Mark Thomson, said:

    The UK is home to incredibly talented researchers, but this alone is not sufficient to stay at the forefront of globally competitive science.

    It is essential that we also invest in world-class research infrastructure programmes that provide our researchers with the necessary tools to work at the cutting edge.

    This investment in Diamond-II will play a crucial role in cementing the UK’s place as a Science Superpower and provide our talented researchers and innovators with the best opportunities to make major breakthroughs across a wide range of disciplines from structural biology to advance materials and battery technologies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : National expansion of blue plaques schemes [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : National expansion of blue plaques schemes [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 6 September 2023.

    The official London blue plaque scheme which commemorates the residencies of notable figures will be expanded across England.

    Local history to be celebrated under proposed national expansion of London’s blue plaques scheme

    • National blue plaques scheme to help communities across England celebrate history and heritage in their local areas
    • Expansion will allow people up and down the country to nominate notable figures from their local area
    • Proposed expansion to be debated this week as part of the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill

    People across England will be able to celebrate local historical figures under a proposed expansion of the official blue plaques scheme which currently only operates in London.

    This new scheme will be enabled by an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which is due to be debated in the House of Lords today.

    The expansion is an opportunity for people to research their own local history and nominate figures from their own communities who have helped define the towns, villages and cities they live in.

    If successfully nominated, the buildings where local figures lived, worked or stayed will be marked with a blue plaque, which will shine a spotlight on diverse aspects of local heritage across the country.

    Recent evidence also shows that when more people are aware of their local history it can help boost their connection and pride in their area, as well as encourage growth in local economies, a key priority for the government, through new visitors coming to explore and learn about the heritage of destinations.

    Currently the official blue plaques scheme is London-only. While there are a number of local schemes operating across the country, this expansion will see one cohesive, official blue plaques scheme operate England-wide.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson said:

    London’s blue plaques are world-renowned. For over 150 years they have helped to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of our capital city and the people who have passed through it.

    But people everywhere should be able to celebrate the figures who have shaped their community – which is why we are seeking to extend this opportunity across the country, to allow people and buildings from anywhere in England to be nominated.

    I encourage people to get thinking about who has helped to define their community and makes them proud of where they live so that their impact on their home area, as well as the wider world, can be recognised and celebrated.

    Chief executive of Historic England Duncan Wilson said:

    Standing in a historic place and finding a blue plaque, or historical place marker, brings us face to face with our shared history. In developing a national blue plaques scheme that will celebrate heritage across England, we want to help people feel a stronger connection to the history all around us and shine a light on the people and places of the past which have made us who we are.

    Working with local partners we will build on the value and success of the London scheme led by English Heritage and the many other schemes that exist in communities across the country.

    Curatorial Director at English Heritage Anna Eavis said:

    The London blue plaques scheme is the oldest of its kind and has inspired many similar commemorative schemes, both here in this country and around the world.

    English Heritage is very proud of the London scheme and all the work we do to celebrate a huge range of people and buildings with the iconic blue roundels.

    We share the Minister’s passion for blue plaques and we’re working with Historic England on how the England-wide scheme will work in practice.

    Former Chair of Culture, Tourism and Sport Board for Local Government Association Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson said:

    Blue plaques are an excellent way of celebrating what makes our places special. The LGA has long believed in the benefits of opening up this important scheme to even more communities.

    This announcement is recognition that the unique heritage of place extends beyond our capital city and has a vital role to play in boosting civic pride. It represents an opportunity for local people to celebrate the diversity of voices that have shaped our communities up and down the country.

    We look forward to working with the Government, Historic England and local councils to support this programme.

    The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Historic England and English Heritage will work together to develop this England-wide scheme. A proposed amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill due to be debated today will seek to expand the discretionary power of Historic England to run the scheme across England while English Heritage will continue to deliver the London Scheme under the current licence.

    Since the London blue plaque scheme was established over 150 years ago various organisations have helped maintain the scheme Royal Society of Arts (1866–1901), the London County Council (1901–65), the Greater London Council (1965–86), and English Heritage (1986– present).