Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Children’s charities and free speech groups could be allowed to submit super-complaints to Ofcom to keep internet safe [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 16 November 2023.

Super-complaints process is designed to help Ofcom stay on top of systemic harmful trends and emerging threats.
- Expert groups, children’s charities and free speech advocates called on to help define who can make “super-complaints” about online safety issues to Ofcom
- consultation will help determine the criteria for eligibility and the procedure for super-complaints
- comes as part of the Online Safety Act which will introduce new powers for regulator to keep the internet safe and protect free
Children’s charities, free speech advocates and other groups could, for the first time, raise online safety and freedom of expression concerns directly to Ofcom through a “super-complaint” under a proposal unveiled by the government today (Thursday 16 November).

Under the Online Safety Act, social media companies have been given new duties to protect children, enforce the promises they make to users and remove illegal content, or they will face huge fines from Ofcom. Individuals will report harmful and illegal content to social media platforms, and it is their responsibility to tackle this within the law.

The super-complaints process is designed to help Ofcom stay on top of systemic harmful trends and emerging threats by letting organisations, such as charities and consumer groups, raise new concerns as soon as they emerge. They will play an essential role in keeping the internet safe by ensuring that Ofcom are made aware of issues in a quick and reliable way, so it can take action in its new role as a regulator of online platforms.

In a consultation published today, the government is seeking views from expert groups to help define who can make super-complaints, the conditions and format of a super-complaint, and expectations on how Ofcom should respond to each complaint.

For example, a super-complaint could notify Ofcom of a new social media feature used on multiple services that subjects children to harmful content, such as violent or pornographic images, or flag that platforms are consistently failing to take down illegal content they have a duty to remove.

Similarly, a campaign group may raise that a social media platform’s content moderation systems are consistently removing legal content that their terms of service don’t prohibit, undermining freedom of expression on the platform.

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

The Online Safety Act makes the UK the safest place in the world to be online, but we need to be sure Ofcom is ready to respond to any emerging online safety issues as soon as they arise.

The super-complaints process will allow organisations to make Ofcom aware of new challenges quickly and efficiently, making sure the ambition and promise of the Online Safety Act can keep pace with evolving trends, protecting people online for decades to come.”

The detail of how this “super-complaints” process will work will be informed by the consultation the government launched today, which will ask for views on the super-complaints process and how this can be managed swiftly and easily.

Organisations that will be allowed to raise super-complaints will meet the criteria established in this consultation, ensuring that the regulator is only made aware of legitimate, considered complaints, allowing it to deal with said complaints in a timely and effective manner, and establishing how Ofcom deals with those complaints.

Super-complaints, which are intended to help Ofcom stay on top of harmful trends and emerging threats, may lead the regulator to act against issues raised by using its new powers under the Online Safety Act. This could include updating Codes of Practice or investigating whether a particular service is complying with the new law, or face fines that reach billions of pounds.

Super-complaints processes already exist in other sectors. For example, the Competition and Markets Authority has a similar process that allows certain consumer bodies to request that regulators investigate markets or market practices that they think are significantly harming the interests of consumers.

Gill Whitehead, Ofcom’s Online Safety Group Director, said:

Protecting children and protecting free speech are key pillars of the UK’s groundbreaking new online safety laws. Campaigners’ voices have helped lay the foundations, and we want to continue hearing from them as we build a safer life online.

We’ve assembled a world-class a team so we can keep a close eye on issues as they emerge, and we’ve already set out our first blueprint for what tech firms need to do to tackle illegal harms. But we won’t be doing this alone, and we’re looking forward to working with a broad coalition of experts.

The Online Safety Act, which received Royal Assent on Thursday 26 October, makes Britain the safest place in the world to live and work online. It protects children from online harm, empowers adults to exercise greater control over what they see on social media, and places legal responsibility on tech companies to prevent and swiftly remove illegal content.

Today’s super-complaints consultation launch follows the publication of Ofcom’s own major consultation last week, that seeks to establish how tech firms will protect their users from illegal harms online.
24/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government joins forces with Liverpool to transform city’s rail network [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 16 November 2023.

Plans for a fully integrated public transport system in Merseyside one step closer as Liverpool’s new, government-funded rail station opens.
- Transport Secretary signs agreement to support the city’s plans for a simpler, more affordable transport network
- comes as Mark Harper officially opens Liverpool’s new, government-funded rail station, served by UK’s first battery-powered trains
- follows the government investing over £1 billion in the city as part of Network North
Passengers in Liverpool could soon benefit from a simpler, more affordable and integrated transport network thanks to an agreement signed by Transport Secretary Mark Harper and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram today (16 November 2023).

The memorandum of understanding commits to the government working in closer collaboration with the city to deliver plans for a fully integrated public transport system in Merseyside. Signatories included the Transport Secretary, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Network Rail and the Great British Railways Transition Team.

The agreement could pave the way for easier, cheaper and more accessible journeys across the city, providing better connectivity to jobs, education and business opportunities in Liverpool. It also supports the government’s commitment to empower local authorities and ensure the needs of local communities are at the heart of decision-making.

It comes alongside £12 billion announced by the government as part of its Network North plan to better connect Manchester and Liverpool. The funding will allow the delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail as previously planned, including high-speed lines.

The agreement was signed at the official opening of Headbolt Lane station – the country’s newest train station in Kirkby, funded by £80 million of government funding.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

Today’s agreement demonstrates this government’s commitment to transforming public transport across the country and empowering elected leaders to make decisions based on the priorities of local people.

This agreement follows over £1 billion of funding committed to the city through our Network North plans and will kickstart transport improvements for people across the city, making journeys affordable and accessible for all.

Headbolt Lane station is the new terminus for Merseyrail and Northern services. Passengers are already benefitting from the station, which offers improved connections to the centre of Liverpool, Wigan and Manchester, as well as better connectivity to the region’s bus services.

It will be served by new state-of-the-art trains equipped with innovative battery technology, which are currently being developed and rolled out across the entire Merseyrail fleet as part of plans to double capacity on the network and deliver greener, more reliable services.

Thanks to government funding, it will soon become the first battery-powered fleet in the UK, opening up the possibility for further expansion of the Merseyrail network.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said:

This deal signifies not only a massive moment for our region – but the start of a new wave of devolution for the country. It puts us on track to open up the right conversations around how we can improve our rail network for the better and run it in the best interests of passengers.

It’s the Liverpool City Region once again blazing a trail in the revolution of our railways – and I’ll be fighting our area’s corner every step of the way to make sure we capitalise on this opportunity.

As part of the government’s Network North plan, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority also received a further £1 billion from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements, plus a further £600 million made possible through the decision on Phase 2 of HS2. This is more than double the city’s previous allocation.
24/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE : New £2 million competition launched to help decarbonise local transport [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 16 November 2023.

UK businesses can apply for up to £500,000 to run pioneering trials that tackle local transport challenges.
- government investing in local authorities and businesses to develop green travel schemes
- vital trials will aim to reduce transport emissions in our towns and cities
- competition forms part of wider transport decarbonisation plan
A new £2 million competition is launching today (16 November 2023) to encourage businesses and local authorities to work together to develop and trial transport schemes that cut emissions in the long term.

The Transport Decarbonisation Demonstrators programme, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), will also help to grow local economies by supporting businesses to bring new solutions closer to market.

Any UK business can apply for up to £500,000 to run innovative trials that tackle local transport challenges on the ground. Half of this £2 million fund will be reserved for rural areas, supporting them in unlocking the benefits of technology and innovation to tackle challenges such as access to jobs and reducing loneliness.

The trials will help to develop the green transport systems of the future while improving choice and availability of transport options for passengers.

The competitive grants will be awarded and delivered by Innovate UK – part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – and the UK’s national innovation agency, which helps businesses to grow and develop new technologies. The competition will open on 27 November 2023 and close on 8 January 2024.

Businesses can apply to the Transport Decarbonisation competition online.

Mike Biddle, Executive Director Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:

Taking a place-based approach to decarbonise our transport systems is critical if we are to reach our net zero targets both locally and nationally and prosper from the transition to net zero.

Innovate UK is delighted to be working with DfT to invest £2 million in innovation projects aimed at not only reducing emissions but also building key partnerships between local authorities and businesses, which will ensure maximum impact.

As part of the government’s Transport decarbonisation plan, today’s announcement delivers on driving decarbonisation at the local level and will contribute to making our villages, towns and cities greener.

It builds on the success of last year’s Transport research innovation grants (TRIG) local decarbonisation call, which funded 20 innovators to develop early-stage solutions to local decarbonisation challenges. The latest round of TRIG funding closes for applications on 27 November 2023.

This government is leading the way with green transport having recently set out its world-leading path to reaching zero emission vehicles by 2035, which will require 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain to be zero emission by 2030.
24/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE : The conflict in Sudan is having a catastrophic impact on civilians – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 November 2023.

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

Thank you President, and thank you also to ASG Pobee for her briefing. And I welcome the participation of the representative of Sudan in this meeting.

President, the conflict in Sudan is having a catastrophic impact on civilians. More than six million people are now displaced inside and outside of the country.

We pay tribute to the tireless efforts of Sudanese people, UN staff and aid workers who are working to provide support for the millions plunged into starvation and insecurity by the fighting between the Rapid Support Forces [RSF] and Sudanese Armed Forces [SAF].

In Darfur, the recent RSF offensive has been appallingly violent, with credible reports of human rights abuses and atrocities, including ethnically targeted killings, unjust detentions and widespread sexual violence.

Continued airstrikes in urban areas by the SAF have led to a heavy loss of life and thousands trapped without access to basic services. And we note with concern the announcement today that signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement have ended their neutrality in this conflict. This can only risk leading to further bloodshed.

President, this conflict requires urgent diplomatic action. We are encouraged by the resumption of Jeddah talks and the subsequent establishment of a Humanitarian Forum. We urge both warring parties to act on their commitment to improve humanitarian access through concrete actions.

The meeting in Addis Ababa of Sudanese civilian stakeholders is an important step towards establishment of a representative pro-democracy civilian front. We support this effort and underline the need to make the process even more inclusive.

We urge the warring parties to recognise that the transfer of power to a civilian administration is the only way forward and to work constructively towards meaningful peace talks.

The conflict cannot be ended through military means. Further coordinated action under African leadership, along with other international partners, remains vital.

Irrespective of developments over the coming months, there is a clear need for a continued UN role in Sudan, working in concert with the AU and IGAD. We look forward to the Secretary-General’s recommendations following the strategic review of UNITAMS.

I thank you.

24/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine – Foreign Secretary visits Kyiv in first overseas trip [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 November 2023.

The Foreign Secretary has visited Kyiv, where he reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and met President Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Kuleba.

The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, has travelled to Kyiv for his first overseas visit to underline the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

In Kyiv, Foreign Secretary David Cameron met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Kuleba, telling them his support for the country was enduring, as it had been when he was Prime Minister.

David Cameron spearheaded the start of Op Orbital in 2015 as Prime Minister, launching the major British Army training programme in Ukraine, which drilled and upskilled more than 22,000 soldiers. The programme was paused last year during Russia’s full scale invasion, and replaced by Op Interflex, which is based in the UK.

The Foreign Secretary also heard how Ukraine continues to make progress pushing back Russian forces, including in Topoli and heard how Ukraine continues to make remarkable progress in the Black Sea to drive the Russian Navy eastwards.

As part of the visit, the Foreign Secretary welcomed the launch of the new ‘Unity Facility’ between UK company Marsh McLennan and the Ukrainian Government, which will provide affordable shipping insurance for grain and other critical food supplies globally from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.

The facility delivers on a pledge made at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London in June, where Marsh McLennan committed to provide services to the Ukrainian government pro-bono.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

As Foreign Secretary, supporting Ukraine against Putin’s aggression is vital, which is why I am pleased to make this my first visit as Secretary of State.

Russia thinks it can wait this war out, and that the West will eventually turn its attention elsewhere. This could not be further from the truth. In my first discussions with President Zelenskyy in my new role, I made clear that the UK and our partners will support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes for them to achieve victory.

As winter approaches, we continue to stand with the Ukrainian people as they resist Putin’s illegal invasion. In the last 3 months, they have pushed Russia back in the Black Sea and are opening vital sea trade routes for the Ukrainian economy and global food supplies.

The Foreign Secretary also discussed Ukraine’s NATO aspirations with Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. The UK is clear that Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO and is working with Allies to smooth the path to Ukraine’s accession by removing the need for a Membership Action Plan.

The UK is the second largest donor of military assistance to Ukraine, committing £4.6 billion to the country so far, and most recently announcing a £100 million package that will assist Ukraine’s armed forces to clear minefields, maintain its vehicles and shore up defensive fortifications to protect critical national infrastructure.

This month UK marks the 30,000th Ukrainian soldier to be trained under Operation Interflex, the largest military training programme of its kind on British soil since the Second World War. The programme has proved game-changing for Ukraine’s forces and was first rolled out in Ukraine under David Cameron’s leadership in 2015.

The Foreign Secretary also held talks on Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The UK is working closely with Ukraine on its reconstruction, having hosted the Ukraine Recovery Conference in June 2023, which saw more than $60 billion being raised towards recovery efforts, including £240 million in bilateral assistance from the UK.

The Foreign Secretary also visited Unit City, an innovation and technology hub in Kyiv, where he met young entrepreneurs building the future of Ukraine’s economy.

Background
- Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and its tech sector are playing a crucial role in winning the military campaign, notably through drone technology. They are also crucial for other aspects of the war effort and for winning the peace – through their contribution to economic resilience, innovative delivery of public services, and reform
- Unit City aims to create a modern city for the future within Kyiv, that promotes innovative entrepreneurship and research, aiming to create Ukrainian start-up companies that are successful in the global market
- the Ukraine tech sector grew rapidly and emerged as a player in the global IT industry before the full-scale invasion. It has shown tremendous resilience thanks to its relative mobility and Ukrainian talent
24/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine – Foreign Secretary is first UK minister to visit Odesa [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 November 2023.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron is the first UK minister to visit Black Sea port city of Odesa since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron has today seen first-hand how Ukraine is pushing back Russian forces in the Black Sea to ensure grain is able to reach the world’s vulnerable.

On the second day of his visit to Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary has travelled to the Black Sea port city of Odesa – he is the first UK government minister to do so since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.

Odesa is at the forefront of Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression. In the last three months, Ukraine has made remarkable progress in the Black Sea to drive the Russian Navy eastwards and open critical export corridors for Ukraine’s economy and global food supplies.

Ukraine’s efforts since Russia collapsed the Black Sea Grain Initiative, have allowed 91 ships to export 3.3 million tonnes of agricultural and other cargo.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

As Foreign Secretary, supporting Ukraine against Putin’s aggression is vital, which is why I am pleased to make this my first visit as Secretary of State.

Russia thinks it can wait this war out, and that the West will eventually turn its attention elsewhere. This could not be further from the truth. In my first discussions with President Zelenskyy in my new role, I made clear that the UK and our partners will support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes for them to achieve victory.

As winter approaches, we continue to stand with the Ukrainian people as they resist Putin’s illegal invasion. In the last three months, they have pushed Russia back in the Black Sea and are opening vital sea trade routes for the Ukrainian economy and global food supplies.

While in Odesa, the Foreign Secretary also announced support to Ukrainians directly impacted by the invasion.

This includes providing essential winter supplies and support for people being evacuated from front line areas. The UK is providing £10 million for Ukraine’s Red Cross Society (URCS) appeal to provide medical supplies to communities directly affected by Russia’s aggression and to support URCS as a first responder.

The UK will also provide more than £7 million to a consortium led by Nonviolent Peaceforce, which is supporting volunteer organisations delivering humanitarian assistance in dangerous front line locations. The UK is also providing an additional £1.4 million to Mercy Corps’ ongoing and live-saving work in Ukraine.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which collapsed in July 2023 due to Russia’s withdrawal, was a UN initiative to ensure the exports of Ukrainian food and fertiliser from three key ports in the Black Sea, including Odesa.

Russia’s cynical withdrawal from the programme drove up global food prices and risked the lives of the world’s most vulnerable, with Ukrainian grain exports crucial in ensuring global food security and resilient global markets, keeping prices down and supplementing poor harvests elsewhere.

Since Russia collapsed the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), Ukraine has worked to open up a Black Sea export corridor for its own economy and for global food supplies. It has pushed back the Russian fleet, protected its coastline and the corridor, and established insurance mechanisms for civilian shipping, all of which have ensured that shipping can re-start. The UK continues to work with Ukraine and other partners to establish routes for Ukrainian exports and to prevent and deter Russian attacks.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have attacked key infrastructure, destroying more than 280,000 tonnes of grain in one month, enough to feed 1.25 million people for a year. These attacks are a brutal and blatant attempt by Russia to choke the Ukrainian economy at a cost to global food supplies.

Background
- the UK strongly condemned Russia’s decision to withdraw from the BSGI in July 2023
- the UK is currently working with Ukraine and other partners to increase the capacity of European overland routes and Danube ports
24/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Boost for offshore wind as government raises maximum prices in renewable energy auction [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 16 November 2023.

Maximum price that other renewables projects can receive in the next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction has also been raised.
Maximum prices available for offshore wind increased by 66% for Contracts for Difference round next year

projects could also get more money from 2025 auction if they reduce carbon emissions in their supply chains and demonstrate positive social impact on communities

changes will attract continued investment in the UK and further cement position as global leader in clean energy

The government has increased the maximum price for offshore wind projects in its flagship renewables scheme to further cement the UK as a world leader in clean energy.

Following an extensive review of the latest evidence, including the impact of global events on supply chains, the government has raised the maximum price offshore wind and other renewables projects can receive in the next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction to ensure it is performing effectively.

The CfD scheme ensures renewable energy projects receive a guaranteed price from the government for the electricity they generate, encouraging continued investment in the UK – which is already home to the world’s 5 largest operational offshore wind farm projects and has increased electricity generation from renewables from 6% in the first quarter of 2010 to 48% in the first quarter of this year.

The maximum strike price has been increased by 66% for offshore wind projects, from £44/MWh to £73/MWh, and by 52% for floating offshore wind projects, from £116/MWh to £176/MWh ahead of Allocation Round 6 (AR6) next year.

This will help ensure projects are sustainably priced and economically viable to compete in AR6, building on the success of previous CfD auctions. These have so far awarded contracts totalling around 30GW of new renewable capacity across all technologies since 2014.

In AR6, offshore wind will also be given a separate funding pot in recognition of the high number of projects ready to participate. This will ensure healthy competition among a strong pipeline of projects, helping the UK deliver on its ambition of up to 50GW of offshore wind by 2030, including up to 5GW of floating offshore wind.

First established nearly a decade ago, the CfD has helped reduce the cost of renewables. It aims to deliver good value to electricity consumers and drive down costs. The government’s ambitions will create tens of thousands of new jobs by 2030, while also delivering the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

See Contracts for Difference (CfD): Allocation Round 6.

The government is also today (Thursday 16 November 2023) publishing developed proposals to review applications from the 2025 auction not just on their ability to deliver low cost renewable energy, but also on how much a project strengthens the environmental and economic sustainability of the industry. As part of this, a project’s social impact will also be considered – including how supply chains affect jobs and communities.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

The UK is home to the world’s 5 largest offshore wind farms projects.

Today we have started the process of our latest Contracts for Difference auction for renewables, opening in March next year. We recognise that there have been global challenges in this sector and our new annual auction allows us to reflect this.

This is a vital part of our plan to have enough homegrown clean energy, bringing bills down for families and strengthening our energy independence.

Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart said:

Last year’s Contracts for Difference scheme saw more than 90 clean, homegrown energy projects and today we have shown our ongoing commitment to retaining our global leadership in renewable energy.

This critical update to the scheme’s design provides further clarity and confidence to the offshore wind sector and ensures the scheme remains competitive for renewable developers investing in new low carbon technologies.

I look forward to securing another year of successful contracts in 2024, creating skilled jobs, reducing emissions and delivering maximum amounts of reliable clean energy for the British public.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Gareth Davies MP said:

This scheme has played an indispensable role in driving forward renewable energy projects.

Supporting industry to make investments in renewable energy is essential to achieving our net zero goals, vital to attracting investment to our coastal communities, supporting jobs, and levelling up the country. I am proud to see Britain remain at the helm of green energy innovation as we move ahead.

The government is also increasing maximum bid prices for other technologies, offering certainty for developers, and keeping the UK at the cutting edge of all renewables. These include:

geothermal by 32% – from £119/MWh to £157/MWh

solar by 30% – from £47/MWh to £61/MWh

tidal by 29% – from £202/MWh to £261/MWh3

Contracts for Difference are currently awarded based on the outcome of a competitive auction.

The consultation published today invites views on how Sustainable Industry Rewards, formerly non-price factors, could be incorporated into the 2025 auction process. This would be for offshore wind and floating offshore wind companies and would mean additional payments if they reduce the carbon emissions in their supply chains, or if they improve their social benefits, ensuring AR7 is the cleanest and most impactful auction yet.

See the consultation: Introducing a Contracts for Difference (CfD) Sustainable Industry Reward.

This could be done by investing in high-skilled jobs, using more environmentally friendly factories to assemble components, such as wind turbines, investing in new manufacturing facilities or skills in deprived areas, or finding new, innovative ways to reduce their carbon emissions, for example.

Building a more secure energy future will increase developer confidence in the sector every year. It will also enhance the UK’s reputation as one of the most attractive places to invest in renewables.

The introduction of annual auctions last year means project developers now have more frequent opportunities to participate. This also allows the government to respond more quickly to ensure the scheme continues to support the sector, maintain investment and continue its success.

The government is also taking significant steps to ensure homes and businesses across the country can access the electricity produced from these new renewable projects by accelerating grid infrastructure and connections. A Connections Action Plan will be published later this year to reform the connection process and reduce connection timescales.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail said:

Ensuring that the UK continues to unlock investment in renewables is critical to improve Britain’s energy security, drive economic growth, support thousands of new green jobs and enable us to continue to create a lowest cost electricity system for billpayers. With intense international competition for investment in renewables, we welcome the strong commitment to the sector shown by government today, which demonstrates that the UK is intent on remaining a global leader in offshore wind, as well as innovative technologies like floating wind and tidal stream.

There is the potential for the government to attract a record level of private investment in offshore wind projects next year, with at least 10 projects likely to be eligible, able to power 8.5 million homes each year and reduce the UK’s need for gas by 39%. The framework they’ve set out today is a significant step forward in securing this. Although renewables haven’t been immune from the recent rises in financing and supply chain costs which all major infrastructure projects have faced, they remain the lowest cost means of generating new electricity. Even at these new prices, there is still no cheaper way to meet the UK’s rising electricity demand and increase our energy security.

Emma Pinchbeck, Energy UK’s Chief Executive, said:

Offshore wind is the flagship technology for the UK in terms of meeting our net zero targets. It’s also a critical one to ensuring our energy security through generating more clean domestic power – at the same time as boosting our economy and creating jobs. So we very much welcome the government responding to the increased global competition and the economic challenges facing developers by showing more ambition and giving greater confidence to investors, which will help build a domestic green powerhouse that benefits our own economy and people.

Wider stakeholder commentary

Tom Glover, RWE UK Country Chair, said:

RWE welcomes the government’s decision on the administrative strike prices for renewables technologies bidding into Allocation Round 6, and its recognition of broader international global supply chain and inflationary cost pressures within the clean energy sector. We also welcome the decision to revert to a separate allocation pot for offshore wind for Allocation Round 6, which should help to secure future capacity towards the UK’s 50GW by 2030 target.

The timely and efficient deployment of renewables remains the lowest cost and best way of achieving the UK’s domestic energy security, as well as net zero. Today’s announcement represents a positive step towards maximising the UK’s clean energy potential, for ensuring sustained lowest prices for consumers and creating good quality jobs.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, said:

Bringing more green energy onto the system is the single most important thing we can do to cut customers’ bills and strengthen our energy security. This is a welcome signal that the government is listening and is committed to getting the UK’s pipeline of offshore wind projects moving again.

The real test of that ambition will come when the overall budget for the next auction round is set next year. But, no doubt about it, this is a step in the right direction.

Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, said:

The Contracts for Difference system has been a major factor in the growth of the UK’s solar power sector, by providing investors with secure and reliable incomes. Solar remains the cheapest source of power in the UK, according to the government’s own figures, although lately installation costs have been affected by factors outside the control of the industry, notably the war in Ukraine. So it is gratifying that that the maximum bid price has been raised by a significant amount, which should bolster growth further towards reaching the capacity target of 70GW by 2035.

Duncan Clark, Head of UK Region at Ørsted, said:

We welcome this important and positive step towards getting the next auction round right, which is essential for both UK energy security and the wider supply chain. This is a clear indication from government that offshore wind can and will be the backbone of our future energy mix – providing low-cost, low-carbon electricity, creating jobs, supporting communities and attracting investment into the UK.

Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive, SSE plc, said:

Securing enough projects through the next 2 auction rounds will be critical if the UK is to deliver on its stretching renewables targets and we therefore welcome today’s announcement which is an important step towards this goal. We now look forward to continuing to work constructively with the UK government on further details related to next year’s auction, as well as on wider issues such as consenting, in order to ensure as many projects as possible are able to bid for contracts to drive the right outcomes for consumers, energy security and the climate.

Halfdan Brustad, VP UK Renewables at Equinor, said:

When it comes to offshore wind, the UK is Equinor’s most important market. Equinor, like the UK, is committed to becoming net zero by 2050. DESNZ’s published AR6 parameters reflect the changing economic conditions for domestic renewable energy production including both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind, which is warmly welcomed by Equinor. In a globally competitive environment, ensuring the right CfD parameters enables the UK to remain one of the most attractive markets to develop offshore wind.

Matthieu Hue CEO at EDF Renewables UK, said:

Today’s announcement on the Administrative Strike Price levels is very welcome news, and is a step in the right direction to putting the UK back at the forefront of renewable deployment.

The Contract for Difference is fundamentally a good mechanism, and a sustainable administrative strike price will drive investor confidence, economic growth and lower electricity bills.

It is encouraging that the concerns raised by ourselves and the rest of the industry in recent months have been listened to and we look forward to seeing further detail on the budget parameters over the coming year to match the ambition of today’s announcement.

The framework set out in relation to floating wind places us in a strong position to start to realise the many benefits that this emerging technology offers. The most advanced projects, such as our Blyth 2 Demonstrator, will enable the UK to secure a head start in the global race to develop floating wind.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

Industry has repeatedly warned of the cost pressures facing our industry so we’re pleased the UK government has responded by delivering strike prices which should go a long way to restoring investor confidence in the Contracts for Difference scheme as a viable route to market for offshore wind.

As well as the social, environmental and economic benefits that renewable energy projects can deliver, bringing forward more of these developments will not only deliver affordable electricity and savings to bill-payers but will improve energy security and reduce consumer exposure to high, volatile gas prices.

It is therefore now essential that the UK government provides a budget for Allocation Round 6 which aligns with Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions and maximises the number of projects which can be successful in winning contracts to deliver clean power for consumers.
24/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Public services, transport and creative industries sectors set for £36 million 5G connectivity boost [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 16 November 2023.

Ten regions spanning from Glasgow to the West Midlands in the UK are set to benefit from a £36 million fund aimed at expediting innovation driven by 5G technology.
- 10 areas across the UK from Glasgow to the West Midlands will receive a share of £36 million to accelerate 5G-enabled innovation
- funding will see 5G Innovation Regions (5GIRs) invest in local projects to boost advanced wireless connectivity across a wide range of sectors, including public services, sustainable farming and road safety
- new Digital Infrastructure Advisory Group launched to support regions to adopt 5G and other advanced wireless tech
Local areas across the UK will be helped to boost their digital connectivity and adopt advanced wireless technologies, including drones to monitor crops and livestock, smart systems to reduce congestion, and portable 5G networks to enable super-fast live broadcast from remote locations.

Announced today, ten winning multi-local authority areas spanning all four parts of the UK will receive a share of £36 million as they become 5G Innovation Regions (5GIRs). The funding will drive the development and adoption of 5G and other advanced wireless technologies – making sure communities in towns, cities and rural areas take full advantage of the benefits advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies can provide and attract commercial investment to grow the economy.

Amongst those set to benefit is Glasgow City Region who will receive over £3 million to deliver a health and social care focused project that will use advanced wireless technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city applications, to make public services better. The project will specifically focus on monitoring and maintaining assets, creating environmentally friendly social housing, and improving the monitoring of health and social care services.

Elsewhere, Greater Manchester Combined Authority will receive over £3 million, part of which will be used to 5G-enable hundreds of air source heat pumps across social housing in the region. By using 5G the UK will accelerate the creation of Smart Energy Grids and bring forward benefits for residents, industry and public services by allowing them to better monitor energy use and save money on their bills.

A key commitment from the government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, the 5G Innovation Regions programme is designed to boost innovation in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, transport, agriculture, creative industries, and public services, helping to create better connected places across the UK. These projects will stimulate demand for 5G connectivity, bringing the government’s vision of unlocking the power of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies to life, with research showing widespread adoption could result in productivity benefits of £159 billion by 2035.

Today’s announcement comes as a new advisory group with representatives from all four parts of the UK is launched. The board will support local areas to put recommendations to government on how to support their digital connectivity goals, encourage investment, and promote adoption at a local level.

Minister of Data and Digital Infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale said:

We’re channelling millions into local areas to unlock the potential of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies which will reshape our public services, drive economic growth and boost innovation. This new fund will give local areas from across the country the opportunity to be at the forefront of Britain’s world-leading 5G revolution.

For instance, by using 5G for farming and creating science parks, we’re not just helping local communities, but also encouraging new ideas all over the UK. This is more than just linking smartphones. It’s about using powerful digital connections to transform various sectors in the economy and the public sector throughout the entire country.

UK Government minister for Scotland, John Lamont, said:

The UK government is committed to ensuring the potential of 5G is felt across the UK and I am delighted that Glasgow City Council, North Ayrshire Council and the Borderlands Region will between them receive almost £11 million to help with this.

Scotland has a history of being at the forefront of innovation and technology and this funding will make sure this remains the case. All the areas will use this technology to help people’s lives, Glasgow through improving the monitoring of health and social care services, North Ayrshire will accelerate the adoption of digital and wireless technologies and the Borderlands Region will help increase tourism.

The successful regions will lead on delivering the government’s vision set out in the UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published in April, for communities across the UK to take full advantage of the transformative effect that advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies can provide. This forms part of the UK government’s wider ambition to drive telecoms innovation, ensuring more secure and resilient networks and a more diverse and competitive supply chain.

Each region faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities related to their location, local industries, and technology needs so the programme will demonstrate the scalability, replicability, and sustainability of each project, before disseminating project learnings and benefits.

Projects set to receive funding.

Belfast City Council – £3.8 million
Use 5G tech to digitise port operations; ‘5G-in-a-box’ technology for high-capacity uplinks for on-location filming and production studios; and exploiting advanced wireless connectivity on transport routes.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority – £3 million
5G-enabled heat pumps to accelerate the creation of Smart Energy Grids; and a digital road network to reduce congestion and carbon emissions .

West Midlands Combined Authority – £3.8 million
Scale proven 5G applications in advanced manufacturing and smart communities through new adoption hubs.

Oxfordshire County Council – £3.8 million
Creation of 5G Science Parks at the Harwell campus in Oxfordshire supporting R&D in Quantum, Space, Health, and Energy Clusters.

North Ayrshire Council – £3.8 million
New Regional Strategic Wireless Innovation Hubs will place Ayrshire as a UK leader in advanced manufacturing by accelerating the adoption of digital and wireless technologies.

Sussex County Council – £3.8 million
Develop and scale 5G applications to support future farming and growing practices that increase sustainable food and drink productivity.

Cumberland Council – £3.8 million
Use 5G and advanced wireless tech at key sites across the Borderlands Region to demonstrate how it can help build the tourist economy, protect the environment and local businesses.

Shropshire Council – £3.7 million
Embed advanced wireless connectivity technology at the heart of technological innovation across rural industries, water management and public services.

Sunderland City Council – £3.8 million
5G-enabled port operations to enhance port competitiveness and safety, and Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems that improve road transport efficiency.

Glasgow City Council – £3.2 million
Use Internet of Things and smart city applications for Asset Monitoring and Maintenance, Net Zero Social Housing, and Health and Social Care Monitoring.

The UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) will also run a nationwide programme to drive the adoption of 5G and advanced communication technologies in key economic sectors, including manufacturing, health and social care, transport and logistics, and agricultural technology. UKTIN will be working closely with the 5G Innovation Regions, including through place based working groups, helping businesses and places from across all parts of the UK benefit from access to this transforming technology.

Nick Johnson, Head of the UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) said:

We’re thrilled to see the recipients of the 5G Innovation Regions fund encompassing a broad range of places across the country, helping to boost the adoption of advanced communication technologies across a range of vertical sectors.

While this is fantastic news for the ten regions chosen, UKTIN will play a pivotal role in taking their innovations and learnings to the whole of the UK.

We will collaborate with successful regions to overcome adoption hurdles and deliver best practice and insights to communities across the country, so that all regions and nations can benefit from the lessons being learned through both 5G Innovation Regions and other relevant initiatives.

Hamish MacLeod, Chief Executive of Mobile UK said:

The announcement of the winning innovation regions, backed up by £36 million of government funding, is a welcome step towards spurring innovation in 5G and mobile connectivity.

We look forward to working with the winning regions in demonstrating the significant potential of 5G technologies to revamp and modernise public services across the country.

Improved connectivity through 5G and advanced wireless technologies could have a transformative effect on local areas, providing faster, more reliable, and more secure connectivity for residents and businesses, boosting local economies, and improving the delivery of public services.
24/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Employment support launched for over a million people [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 16 November 2023.

New Back to Work Plan to help up to 1,100,000 people with long-term health conditions, disabilities or long-term unemployment to look for and stay in work.
Additional support comes alongside tougher sanctions for people who don’t look for work, as part of the next generation of welfare reforms.

Includes exploring reforms of the fit note system, expansion of available treatment and employment support, and formal launch of the WorkWell service to help people start, stay and succeed in work.

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride have unveiled their Back to Work Plan – a package of employment focused support that will help people stay healthy, get off benefits and move into work – as part of the Autumn Statement.

Building on the ambitious £7 billion employment package from Spring Budget the Chancellor is using his Autumn Statement to outline a new Back to Work Plan, which will expand the employment support and treatment available and reform the ways that people with disabilities or health conditions interact with the state.

Getting more people into work and ensuring work pays remains a key priority for the government. It is important for growing the UK economy, managing inflation, controlling spending, and improving living standards. Getting more people into good jobs is also good for those individuals and the best route out of poverty.

The government is boosting four key programmes – NHS Talking Therapies, Individual Placement and Support, Restart and Universal Support – to benefit up to 1.1 million people over the next five years and help those with mental or physical health conditions stay in or find work.

The new WorkWell service as announced at Spring Budget and delivered by the Departments for Work and Pensions and Health and Social Care is also being formally launched today and will support almost 60,000 long-term sick or disabled people to start, stay and succeed in work once rolled out in approximately 15 areas across England. The prospectus that will be launched in the coming weeks will provide information for all Integrated Care Systems across England to develop their localised work and health strategy.

Ministers are also planning to trial reforms to the fit note process to make it easier and quicker for people to get specialised work and health support, with improved triaging and signposting. Since the pandemic the number of people inactive in the UK due to long-term sickness or disability has risen by almost half a million to a record high of 2.6 million, with mental health, musculoskeletal conditions and heart disease being some of the main causes.

Stricter benefit sanctions will also be enforced by the Department for Work and Pensions for people who are able to work but refuse to engage with their Jobcentre or take on work offered to them. Benefit claimants who continue to refuse to engage with the Jobcentre will face having their claim closed. The latest published data shows that there were 300,000 people who had been unemployed for over a year in the three months to July.

The announcement today forms part of wider plans to grow the economy expected in the Autumn Statement on Wednesday 22 November. The Chancellor is set to reveal a raft of changes to get the UK economy growing including getting people back into work.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said:

We’re serious about growing our economy and that means we must address the rise in people who aren’t looking for work – especially because we know so many of them want to and with almost a million vacancies in the jobs market the opportunities are there.

These changes mean there’s help and support for everyone – but for those who refuse it, there are consequences too. Anyone choosing to coast on the hard work of taxpayers will lose their benefits.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, said:

We are rolling out the next generation of welfare reforms to help more people start, stay and succeed in work. We know the positive impact work can have, not just on our finances, but our health and wellbeing too.

So we are expanding the voluntary support for people with health conditions and disabilities, including our flagship Universal Support programme.

But our message is clear: if you are fit, if you refuse to work, if you are taking taxpayers for a ride – we will take your benefits away.

The plans announced today set out how the government will tackle long-term unemployment by supporting Universal Credit claimants to find work while strengthening work search requirements for job seekers through all stages of their Universal Credit claim. As a result of these reforms, no claimant should reach 18 months of unemployment in receipt of their full benefits if they have not taken every reasonable step to comply with Jobcentre support.

The plans to tackle long-term unemployment include:

Testing Additional Jobcentre Support in England and Scotland – testing how intensive support can help claimants into work who remain unemployed or on low earnings after 7 weeks into their Universal Credit claim.

Extending and expanding the Restart scheme in England and Wales for 2 years – expanding tailored, intensive support to people who have been on Universal Credit for more than 6 months rather than 9, helping them to tackle barriers to entering employment through coaching, CV and interview skills, and training. The scheme will be extended for two years until June 2026.

Introducing a claimant review point – Universal Credit claimants who are still unemployed after the 12-month Restart programme will take part in a claimant review point: a new process whereby a work coach will decide what further work search conditions or employment pathways would best support a claimant into work. If a claimant refuses to accept these new conditions without good reason, their Universal Credit claim will be closed.

Rolling out mandatory work placement trials – through the claimant review point, claimants who have not yet moved into work by the end of Restart will be required to accept a job or to undertake time-limited work experience or other intensive activity to improve their employability prospects. Failure to do so at this stage will lead to a claimant’s Universal Credit claim being closed.

Stricter sanctions for people who should be looking for work but aren’t – including targeting disengaged claimants by closing the claims of individuals on an open-ended sanction for over six months and solely eligible for the Universal Credit standard allowance, ending their access to additional benefits such as free prescriptions and legal aid; rooting out fraud and error using the government’s Targeted Case Review to review the Universal Credit claims of disengaged claimants on an open-ended sanction for over eight weeks, ensuring they receive the right entitlement; digital tools to track claimants’ attendance at job fairs and interviews.

Plans set out also include expanding key health and employment programmes, to benefit over half a million people over the next five years and help those with mental health conditions stay in or find work:

NHS Talking Therapies – increasing the number of people benefitting from courses of mental health treatment by an additional 384,000 people over the next five years and increasing the number of sessions available. NHS Talking Therapies provides evidence based psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for treatment of mild and moderate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) – aiming to help an additional 100,000 people with severe mental illness to find and keep jobs over the next five years. IPS is an employment support programme integrated in community mental health services. IPS employment specialists: work with people accessing the service to find them employment that matches their aims, interests and skills, and offer continued support once they are in post; integrate with the mental health team to support the individual with any issues that affect their work and recovery; build relationships with employers to negotiate job opportunities.

Universal Support in England and Wales – matching 100,000 people per year with existing vacancies and supporting them in their new role, an increase on the 50,000 people outlined at Spring Budget, also helping people with disabilities and from vulnerable groups. Participants will access up to 12 months of personalised ‘place and train’ support. The individual will be supported by a dedicated keyworker who will help the participant find and keep a job, with up to £4,000 of funding available to provide each participant with training, help to manage health conditions or help for employers to make necessary accommodations to the person’s needs.

WorkWell – The service announced at Spring Budget 2023 is being formally launched to Integrated Care Systems across England and will help support people at risk of falling into long-term unemployment due to sickness or disability, through integrated work and health support. Integrated Care Systems across England will be supported to develop a localised work and health strategy, and then services will be provided in approximately 15 pilot areas.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins, said:

We know that tailored work and health support initiatives can help break down the kinds of barriers that can make finding and staying in a job more difficult for those with mental health conditions.

Backing them with further investment means they’re more widely available, enables personalised help and will get thousands back to work by overcoming any issues that may be preventing them from fulfilling their career potential.

Kate Shoesmith, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Deputy Chief Executive, said:

Today’s announcements will help the Restart scheme keep making a real difference to people’s work and life chances. It contributes to efforts to overcome our labour and skills shortages and to further growing our economy. Bringing public and private employment services together is vital to get people into work and not look back. Our own award-winning Restart scheme, which sees recruiters work with employability services provider Maximus, has helped place 1700 long-term unemployed people into work since 2021.

Additional information

Over next 5 years the following policies will have increased spaces of:

Talking Therapies: 384,000

Individual Placement and Support: 100,000

Universal Support: 187,500

The extension of the Restart Scheme will also result in around 500,000 additional spaces over the two years.

The Back to Work Plan includes £2.5 billion of investment over the next five years – including over £300m of additional investment next year – and builds on the £7 billion package announced at this year’s Spring Budget, which included investment targeted at services for mental health, musculoskeletal conditions and cardiovascular disease.

The Barnett formula will apply in the normal way for the devolved administrations over the next five years.

Fit Note reform. The government will explore reforms of the fit note process to provide individuals whose health affects their ability to work with easy and rapid access to specialised work and health support. Rollout will begin with trailblazer trials in a small number of Integrated Care Boards, offering better triage, signposting and support to those who have received a fit note for a prolonged period of time. This will inform the launch of a consultation on reforms to improve the fit note process, better integrating it with easy and rapid work and health support. Primary care (GP surgeries) will continue to play an important role in supporting working age people where their health presents a barrier to work. But there is often pressure on the time and expertise needed to hold the work and health conversation effectively and direct people to the right support, which is why we are exploring reforms.

Sanctions measures. The government is announcing several measures to strengthen the current UC sanctions regime, to incentivise claimants to comply with their work search requirements and move into work.

Under the current Universal Credit sanctions regime, claimants subject to an open-ended sanction will have a deduction applied to their standard allowance until they re-comply with their requirements (e.g., attend a meeting with their work coach). If a claimant continues to dis-engage they will remain on the UC system and continue to be sanctioned.

The government is announcing two measures to address and penalise disengagement, and incentivise claimants to re-engage with Jobcentre support: closing claims of disengaged claimants after 6 months. Claims will be closed of individuals who are solely eligible for the standard allowance, meaning they are not receiving additional child, housing or disability Universal Credit payments. This means parents claiming the child element and receiving additional benefits like free school meals are not in scope of this measure and will not lose out. This is also the case for disabled claimants in receipt of the disability element of UC and receiving any additional benefits derived from their UC eligibility; investigating positive claims of disengaged claimants after 8-weeks through the existing Targeted Case Review. These claimants have a positive UC award, meaning they are in receipt of additional Universal Credit payments for childcare, housing, or disability. If a claimant is receiving an incorrect UC payment, their award will be corrected retrospectively and closed if appropriate. Suspected cases of fraud are shared with Counter Fraud teams for follow up.

In addition, to improve the existing sanctions process, the government is delivering a new function in the Universal Credit service that allows a work coach to track a claimant’s attendance at DWP organised job interviews or job fairs. This tool will provide work coaches with better evidence on a claimant’s work search activities and ensure that claimants who do not attend mandatory appointments without a good reason, are sanctioned.
24/11/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Terrorist groups and non-state actors pose a persistent and significant threat to international peace and security: UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 November 2023.

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council.

Thank you, President, thank you for the Chairs for this briefing, and for your combined leadership of our counter-terrorist efforts. The Council has been lucky to have such effective and dynamic chairmanship, and chairwomanship, from the UAE, Malta, and Ecuador through the course of the year.

The UK is particularly grateful to the new Chair of the 1540 Committee for his drive since Ecuador took on this role at the start of the year. We commend the Chair for securing Committee agreement for a programme of work to take forward the actions agreed in Security Council Resolution 2663 and we welcome the Chair’s intention for the Committee to develop voluntary guidelines.

However, despite the best intentions of the Chair and the constructive approach by the majority of Committee Members, progress and provision of support to States has once again been impeded.

It is disappointing that two members have maintained their hold on the process to replace the 1540 Committee Group of Experts since April of this year, and that a Permanent Member is now blocking the Committee’s external engagement activities.

This situation severely undermines our ability to support states to implement a resolution that is designed to prevent chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons and related material getting into the hands of non-state actors, including terrorists.

It is hard to understand why any country – let alone a Permanent Member of this Council – would want to stymie those efforts.

The UK appreciates the continued efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Chair to tackle the global scourge of terrorism and protect all of our citizens. The terrorist threat is evolving and remains with us.

Terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda and Daesh affiliates, continue to seek to spread hatred and fear around the world using new technologies and taking advantage of regional instability. The work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee has to evolve to stay ahead of this. For our work to be effective, the perspectives of technical experts, civil society, and the private sector are invaluable.

We also commend the work of the 1267 Committee and its Chair. The Monitoring Team’s analysis of the evolving threat and effectiveness of sanctions remains a crucial resource for Member States. We welcome work by the Chair, Secretariat and Ombudsperson to uphold transparency and due process. These are critical to ensure that the 1267 regime retains the broad support and legitimacy that it needs.

President, despite the distinct mandates for each of the Committees, they share a common purpose – to tackle the persistent and significant threat to international peace and security posed by terrorist groups and non-state actors.

Only through the effective and coordinated implementation of the mandates of these three Committees can we address the threat together. We must redouble these efforts.

Thank you.

24/11/2023