Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Refreshed Defence Command Paper sets out future for Armed Forces [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 July 2023.

A £2.5 billion investment in stockpiles and a Global Response Force are behind a refreshed plan to improve the warfighting readiness of the British Armed Forces.
£2.5 billion additional investment in our stockpiles to improve fighting readiness

A UK Global Response Force will enable forces to ‘get there first’

Greater focus on science and technology to gain the edge on the battlefield

The Defence Command Paper Refresh (DCP23), published today, takes learnings from the war in Ukraine – and wider threats to our security – and sets out a plan to deliver a credible warfighting force that will keep us on track to act as a global heavyweight both now and in the future.

It follows the publication of the Integrated Review Refresh earlier this year, which identified Russia as the most acute threat to our security, recognised China as a long-term systemic challenge, and predicted a more adversarial international system.

The DCP23 outlines how the British Armed Forces will modernise and adapt to the changing global picture and, in particular, we will prioritise investment in science and technology to ensure we have a force greater than the sum of our parts.

It sets out:

An additional £2.5 billion investment into our stockpiles and munitions, on top of the increased investment committed at the Autumn Statement;

A Global Response Force that enables the UK to ‘get there first’, bringing together our deployed and high-readiness forces, and drawing on capabilities from all domains;

How Defence will become a science and technology superpower, enhancing our capabilities in fields such as robotics, human augmentation, directed energy weapons and advanced materials, to gain the edge on the battlefield;

An improved surge capacity through our Strategic Reserve, built around the ex-regular reserve forces to add further depth and expertise in time of crisis;

A new alliance with industry, engaging much earlier in strategic conversations and building in greater financial headroom to respond to changing needs;

A new employment model and skills framework, increasing fluidity between the military, the Civil Service and industry, while offering a more compelling and competitive incentivisation package;

A further £400 million to modernise accommodation that our service families deserve, which is essential for the operational effectiveness of our personnel.

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said:

We must adapt and modernise to meet the threats we face, taking in the lessons from President Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

This Defence Command Paper will sharpen our strategic approach – ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of military capability, and a leading power in NATO.

Since the Defence Command Paper 2021 was published, the UK has led the way in Europe on support for Ukraine’s defence and remained a leading contributor to NATO, consistently meeting the commitment to spend at least 2% of GDP on Defence and moving towards 2.5%.

In the last two years, the world has changed and the threats and challenges we face have evolved, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Our Armed Forces are central to protecting the UK around the clock and when global security is challenged, we have seen the effect it can have on our economic security. With a more campaigning approach to global competition, the DCP23 will support the Prime Minister’s priorities of growing the economy and reducing inflation.

The recent increased investment of £5 billion at the Spring Budget allows the Ministry of Defence to plan ahead, with the Defence budget – for the first time – over £50 billion a year. The certainty over an increased budget will support greater integration between government and UK industry, which is fundamental to sustaining the fighting force, developing and exploiting new technologies, and producing the equipment we need to sustain the fight.

Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey said:

Our people and their expertise are at the heart of what we do, underpinning our strategic advantage across all domains and delivering a force that deters against threats and defends our homeland and those of our Allies.

We also recognise that to maintain advantage over adversaries we have to do things differently, responding to rapidly evolving geopolitical, technological and economic threats, learning lessons from Ukraine, and championing closer integration with our Allies and partners.

This Defence Command Paper sets out how we’ll do this – prioritising investment in replenishment, modernising our forces and embodying a fully integrated approach to deterrence and defence.

DCP23 is broken down into a number of chapters based on priorities, including, People; Science, Innovation and Technology; Industry; Productivity; Deterrence and Defence; Campaigning and Global Competition; Strength through our Partnerships; Strategic Resilience.
July 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government reveals plans to improve disabled people’s lives [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 18 July 2023.
- Government launches consultation on Disability Action Plan, which brings together ideas and action across Government to make disabled people’s lives easier
- Plans include raising awareness of life-changing tech for disabled people, mandatory disability awareness training for taxi drivers, autism-friendly programmes for cultural and heritage sites
- Plans designed by Ministers to make the UK a more inclusive society in the long term
Immediate and practical measures proposed in the fully accessible consultation include ensuring businesses are aware of disabled people’s needs – including Guide Dog access needs – to allow all disabled people to live, work and shop freely and support for local authorities to ensure the playgrounds they build or refurbish are accessible for disabled children.

The proposals will inform the Government’s Disability Action Plan later this year, laying the foundations for longer term change.

Other measures in the proposed Plan include: – Raising the profile of assistive technology to ensure more disabled people have access to life-changing tech – Legislating for mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and private hire drivers to unlock greater travel freedom for disabled people – Encouraging more autism-friendly programmes in the cultural and heritage sectors to drive greater inclusivity – Improving reasonable adjustments in the courts system so more disabled people can be on juries improving diversity and breadth of experience – Implementing the British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE, over a year after the BSL Act was introduced, giving thousands of pupils communication and visual memory skills that will be an advantage to them for the rest of their lives – Exploring the feasibility of Great Britain hosting the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2031.

The Disability Action Plan sits alongside the Government’s National Disability Strategy which sets out our longer-term vision to improve disabled people’s lives for the better.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said:

Our Disability Action Plan will lay out practical measures we can implement here and now to improve the lives of disabled people.

From leading the way globally with assistive technology to improving inclusivity and accessibility across sport, travel and culture, the Plan will also be important in setting the stage for longer term change.

We want disabled people to be at the heart of decision making and I would encourage anyone interested to respond to this consultation so the views of disabled people across the country are front and centre of our final Disability Action Plan.

The Plan builds on the Government’s achievements over the last year on education, work, leisure, and rights for disabled people. This includes supporting the passage of landmark legislation: the Down Syndrome Act and British Sign Language (BSL) Act – and a consultation to support the introduction of a new BSL GCSE.

The overarching focus on disability has also ensured over 2,000 miles of King Charles III England Coast Path is accessible, while the government has delivered an additional £1 billion for the education of children and young people with more complex needs.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and be open for anyone to comment. This will ensure the Plan is informed by the experience and views of disabled people, disability organisations and charities as well as other interested parties.

Chair of the Disability Unit West Midlands Regional Stakeholder Network, Louise Mckiernan said:

I welcome the Government’s commitment to their new Disability Action Plan and their intention to take immediate and practical actions to improve the lives of disabled people across the UK.

The launch of this consultation is an important opportunity for disabled people in particular to have their say and to help shape the Government’s short-term plans.

I would encourage as many disabled people, disability organisations and other interested parties as possible to take part in this consultation exercise to ensure their voices are heard.
July 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : British nuclear revival to move towards energy independence [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 18 July 2023.

Great British Nuclear to boost UK energy security, reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel imports and deliver government priority to grow the economy.
- Great British Nuclear to drive rapid expansion of nuclear power at an unprecedented scale and pace
- government kickstarts competition for game-changing small modular reactor (SMR) technology, which could result in billions of pounds of public and private sector investment in SMR projects
- plans will boost energy security, create cheaper power and grow the economy – creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country
A massive revival of nuclear power gets underway today, placing the UK at the forefront of a global race to develop cutting-edge technologies to rapidly deliver cleaner, cheaper, more secure energy.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps will today announce how Great British Nuclear (GBN) will drive the rapid expansion of new nuclear power plants in the UK at an unprecedented scale and pace. This will boost UK energy security, reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel imports, create more affordable power and grow the economy, with the nuclear industry estimated to generate around £6 billion for the UK economy.

From today, companies can register their interest with GBN to participate in a competition to secure funding support to develop their products. This could result in billions of pounds of public and private sector investment in small modular reactor (SMR) projects in the UK – demonstrating the government delivering on its priorities to partner with the nuclear industry and jointly spearhead the future of nuclear technologies.

Unlike conventional reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster, and less expensive.

GBN will play a key role in helping the government hit its ambition to provide up to a quarter of the UK’s electricity from homegrown nuclear energy by 2050 and achieve among the cheapest wholesale electricity prices in Europe, whilst supporting jobs across the country.

In addition to supporting this emerging, more agile technology, the government remains committed to the mega projects of Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C and will work with GBN to consider the potential role of further large gigawatt-scale nuclear power plants in the UK energy mix.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

Britain has a rich history as a pioneer of nuclear power, having launched the era of civil nuclear power – and I’m proud to be turbocharging its revival and placing our country once again at the forefront of global innovation.

By rapidly boosting our homegrown supply of nuclear and other clean, reliable, and abundant energy, we will drive down bills for British homes and make sure the UK is never held to energy ransom by tyrants like Putin.

Today, as we open Great British Nuclear and the competition to develop cutting-edge small modular reactor technology, which could result in billions of pounds of public and private sector investment, we are seeing the first brush strokes of our nuclear power renaissance to power up Britain and grow our economy for decades to come.

Minister for Nuclear Andrew Bowie said:

As long-standing pioneers of nuclear, today we’re marking its UK revival with the opening of Great British Nuclear, which will play an essential role in transforming the way we power Britain from Britain.

I look forward to seeing the world-class designs submitted from all around the world through the competitive selection process, as the UK takes its place front and centre in the global race to unleash a new generation of nuclear technology.

Simon Bowen, interim chair of GBN said:

GBN is core to delivering the government’s new nuclear programme.

Building on the work done at Hinkley Point and Sizewell, today’s announcement of the start of the SMR selection process signifies a real step forward in delivering the scale of nuclear power that Britain needs for secure, sustainable energy future.

We look forward to working with all interested parties – technology vendors, the supply chain, the wider industry and local communities as we move this essential programme forward.

On top of today’s GBN competition launch, the government is also announcing today a grant funding package totalling up to £157 million:

Up to £77.1 million of funding for companies to accelerate advanced nuclear business development in the UK and support advanced nuclear designs to enter UK regulation, maximising the chance of small and advanced modular reactors being built during the next Parliament.

Up to £58 million funding for the further development and design of a type of advanced modular reactor (AMR) and next generation fuel. AMRs operate at a higher temperature than SMRs and as a result they could provide high temperature heat for hydrogen and other industrial uses alongside nuclear power. The winning projects of this latest phase of funding are:
- up to £22.5 million to Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation UK in Warrington to further develop the design of a high temperature micro modular reactor, a type of AMR suited to UK industrial demands including hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel production
- up to £15 million to National Nuclear laboratory in Warrington to accelerate the design of a high temperature reactor, following its success in Japan
- up to £16 million to National Nuclear Laboratory in Preston to continue to develop sovereign coated particle fuel capability, a type of robust advanced fuel which is suitable for high temperature reactors
A further £22.3 million from the Nuclear Fuel Fund will enable 8 projects to develop new fuel production and manufacturing capabilities in the UK, driving up energy security and supporting the global move away from Russian fuel. Winning projects include:
- over £10.5 million to Westinghouse Springfields nuclear fuel plant in Preston to manufacture more innovative types of nuclear fuel for customers both in the UK and overseas, boosting jobs and skills in the North West
- over £9.5 million to Urenco UK in Capenhurst Chester, an international supplier of nuclear materials, to enrich uranium to higher levels, including LEU+ and high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU). LEU+ will allow for current reactors and SMRs to run for longer between refuelling outages, improving reactor efficiency and economics both in the UK and abroad. HALEU development will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of fuel development for future advanced reactors
- over £1 million has also been awarded to Nuclear Transport Solutions, a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, to develop transport solutions to facilitate a supply chain for HALEU in the UK and internationally.
- over £1.2 million to support MoltexFLEX, a UK molten salt reactor developer based in the North West, to build and operate rigs for the development of molten salt fuel. Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) are an AMR type that use a molten salt as a coolant and fuel, leading to intrinsic safety compared with conventional fuels.
A knowledge sharing initiative, led by expert nuclear industry advisers Arup Ove, aimed at facilitating the sharing of valuable expertise to reduce the time, risk, and cost of AMR R&D programme delivery.

Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director for Sizewell C said:

It’s great to see the growing ambition for nuclear which underlines the key role it will play in a future ‘net zero’ energy system. Today’s announcement is also another big vote of confidence in Sizewell C, which will continue the transformation in British nuclear construction started by Hinkley Point C.

If Hinkley had been on last year, UK consumers would have saved over £4 billion. Both projects will form a vital part of the future nuclear fleet, helping to lower carbon emissions and reduce energy costs for British households.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:

The launch of GBN marks a new era for nuclear deployment in the UK – helping drive a programme of construction at pace and at scale to strengthen our energy security, create good jobs across the country, and advance our net zero future by providing up to 25% of our future power needs.

Focus on the SMR selection will demonstrate the commitment to deployment of innovative technologies and open up new opportunities for the UK industrial supply chain here and abroad. There a range of sites and communities across the country ready to host SMR technology, alongside the large scale nuclear capacity we will also need.

Britain has an important leadership role in the global nuclear industry, and nowhere more so than in our determination to drive Russia out of the nuclear fuel markets. The government’s Nuclear Fuel Fund will bolster those world-class capabilities that make us uniquely placed to help our allies replace Russian supplies with Western nuclear fuel.

David Peattie, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority CEO, said:

Decommissioning plays a critical role in the lifecycle of nuclear power generation, and we are committed to sharing our expertise, resource, and assets to support GBN and the government in delivering for the British public.

I’m delighted that in support of this aim our nuclear transport arm, Nuclear Transport Solutions, has been awarded over £1 million of government funding to develop the fuel transport package for new nuclear reactors.

We will continue to explore opportunities to align our mission with GBN’s ambitions, including the potential to free up our excess land for other uses.

Last year, the government made the historic decision to revitalise the UK nuclear industry by confirming the first state backing of a major nuclear project in over 30 years, investing £700 million in Sizewell C. Subject to final approval, the project will support 10,000 jobs at peak construction, and provide reliable, low-carbon power to the equivalent of 6 million homes for over 60 years.

GBN, an arms-length body, will initially be led by Simon Bowen and Gwen Parry-Jones, interim Chair and CEO.

Following the launch of the SMR selection process today, once the initial stage is complete, GBN will down-select those technologies which have met the criteria, and then enter into detailed discussions with those companies as part of an Invitation to Negotiate phase. The initial down-select will take place in the Autumn.
July 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government sets out adaptation programme to tackle climate impact [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 17 July 2023.

Third National Adaptation Programme outlines how government will protect infrastructure, promote a greener economy and ensure resilient food production.

The UK government has unveiled its third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3) today which sets out a strategic five-year plan to boost resilience and protect people, homes, businesses and our cultural heritage against climate change risks such as flooding, drought and heatwaves.

From helping homes, schools and hospitals prevent overheating to safeguarding our food and energy supply chains from disruption, the publication of the third National Adaptation Programme marks a step-change in the UK government’s approach to climate adaptation, setting out in one place the ambitious programme the government is undertaking to address the key climate risks facing the country.

The plan includes commitments to:
- Embed an all-encompassing approach to climate resilience in line with the Government’s Resilience Framework, which sets out commitments to review standards, assurance and regulation of infrastructure sectors, improving the systems and capabilities that underpin our resilience planning.
- Extend support to vulnerable communities worldwide and tripling adaptation funding through official development assistance to £1.5 billion by 2025. This is the first time ever a domestic programme of this type will have a dedicated response to overseas climate risks, including supporting climate vulnerable communities globally.
- Protect lives and wellbeing across the UK, with a new UK Health Security Agency Adverse Weather & Health Plan that builds on existing health alerting systems which will bolster the health system to be better adapted to an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
- Pilot a dedicated Local Authority Climate Service which will provide easy access to localised climate data. This Met Office tool will help local authorities plan adaptation by informing them about hazards such as increased heavy rainfall patterns and extreme heat.
- Ensure a healthy and thriving natural environment through the measures in our landmark Environment Act, Plan for Water and Environmental Land Management Schemes which will all boost biodiversity, protect and restore our peatlands, wetlands and rivers, and the wider natural environment, and improve air quality – helping to meet our Net Zero goals and build resilience.
- Develop capacity and capability for Historic England to model long-term impacts of climate change on cultural heritage caused by increased temperatures, increased rainfall, sea level rise and extreme weather.
- Establish a senior government officials Climate Resilience Board to oversee cross-cutting climate adaptation and resilience issues across government, including preparations for heatwaves, flooding and drought, driving further action to increase UK resilience to climate change.
The government is already investing billions on adaptation measures, including through £5.2 billion in flood and coastal schemes in England, over £750 million for the Nature for Climate Fund, which supports nature-based solutions for climate resilience, and £80 million for the Green Recovery Challenge Fund which creates jobs in nature recovery and conservation – all of which play a crucial role in enhancing the UK’s resilience to climate change.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

The UK has decarbonised faster than any other G7 country since 1990 – but the effects of a changing climate are becoming increasingly evident in the UK, as well as on a global scale, through a surge in the frequency and severity of heatwaves, floods, droughts and wildfires.

By taking action now, through enhancing our infrastructure, promoting a greener economy, and ensuring resilient food production, we can protect our national security, economic stability, and overall resilience in the face of these climate challenges. This robust five-year plan will secure a more resilient, sustainable future for future generations.

To stay ahead of future threats, a new £15 million joint research initiative led by Defra and UKRI will equip researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners with vital data, skills and incentives they need to ensure proactive adaptation is happening across all areas of government policy.

Professor Peter Liss Interim Executive Chair of NERC said:

UKRI is committed to supporting the research and innovation needed to deliver adaptation action to tackle climate impacts and help the UK government in achieving its ambitions under the Third National Adaptation Programme. The launch of an important £15 million initiative with DEFRA will build on the knowledge and legacy of the UK Climate Resilience programme and contribute to two of UKRI’s strategic themes, Building a green future and Building a secure and resilient world.

Through this investment, and our support for research and innovation across these themes, we aim to accelerate the green economy, unlocking solutions essential to achieving NetZero in the UK by 2050 and strengthen security and resilience across a range of social and economic areas at the heart of daily life.

The plan also outlines how schools and hospitals will develop plans to adapt to a warmer climate, including the prevention of overheating. Schools will look to use nature-based solutions, including sustainable drainage systems such as rain gardens and natural shading for outdoor spaces.

The Government will also incorporate climate resilience into industrial and security strategies to protect the country’s energy sector, safeguarding the provision of goods and services from climate-related disruption.

£5.2 billion is also being invested in new flood and coastal defences – and the number of government funded projects, including nature-based solutions, will be doubled by 2027. Through the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy, it has been identified that more focus is needed on encouraging property owners to ‘build back better’ after a flood. It also contains a number of actions for working in collaboration with the insurance sector, professional bodies and suppliers to mainstream property flood resilience.

Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said:

The unfolding scale of climate change presents a huge challenge for our environment, society and economy. The Environment Agency’s work on flood risk reduction, water management and nature plays an important role in our national climate resilience. We look forward to working with the Government and our partners to deliver the new National Adaptation Programme.

To ensure a more robust natural environment, Local Nature Recovery Strategies and the Environmental Land Management schemes will support farmers and land managers to prioritise adaptation and help ensure food supply chains respond to climate and other emerging risks, while safeguarding their role as food producers.

The Climate Change Act 2008 (CCA) requires the government to complete a Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) every five years, followed by a NAP setting out how the government will address the risks identified in the CCRA. The government is currently in its third statutory cycle of national risk assessment and adaptation planning under the CCA 2008.

Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean said:

The climate is already changing so adaptation is crucial. While we continue to work towards net zero, we must also implement plans to ensure our society is resilient to current and future changes in climate.

Professor Stephen Belcher, the Met Office’s Chief Scientist, said:

The publication of the latest National Adaptation Programme is a vital reminder that climate change impacts are increasingly becoming a feature of all of our lives.

Even with attempts to cut emissions of greenhouse gases, Met Office science informs us that wildfires, rainfall events, rising sea levels, drought and temperature extremes are going to have more serious consequences in years to come. The NAP establishes a pathway to the best resilient future. We need to follow that journey.
July 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New study into running HS2 train services to Leeds launches [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 July 2023.

Study will assess potential options to run HS2 trains into Leeds city centre and reassess evidence to improve connectivity in Bradford.
- a study to explore options for the most effective way to run HS2 train services to Leeds has been launched
- delivers commitment made in government’s Integrated Rail Plan, backed by a record £96 billion, to improve journeys and level up the North and Midlands
- government will also reassess evidence for improving connectivity in Bradford, including examining the case for a new station
The government has today (17 July 2023) launched a study to look at options for running HS2 trains to Leeds and committed to reassessing evidence to improve rail connections in Bradford.

The Leeds Study delivers on a commitment made in the government’s £96 billion Integrated Rail Plan and will consider a number of potential options to run HS2 trains into the city centre.

It will consider capacity at Leeds Station and take into account local views, as well as factors such as disruption, economic development, value for money, affordability, deliverability and timescales.

As set out in the Integrated Rail Plan, the government remains committed to upgrading and electrifying the existing line between Bradford Interchange and Leeds, which could deliver a 12-minute journey time and help decarbonise the railway within the next decade. Government will also reassess evidence to improve connectivity in Bradford, including examining the case for a new station.

Meanwhile, £40 million is being provided to West Yorkshire Combined Authority to support its development of the mass transit system, which will deliver integrated public transport options and offer a greener, quicker and more reliable option of travel.

Today’s announcement comes as the government formally responds to the Transport Select Committee’s report on the Integrated Rail Plan. As part of this, the Department for Transport outlined to the committee that it expects to complete the Leeds Study in 2025.
July 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Emran Mian appointed as Director General, Digital Technologies and Telecoms [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 17 July 2023.

Emran Mian CB OBE will join the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as Director General for Digital, Technology and Telecoms.

Emran joins from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities where he has served as Director General for Regeneration, Housing and Planning and brings with him a wealth of experience in government having worked across Whitehall, including at the then Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Education.

He will take over the role previously held by Susannah Storey, following her appointment as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). As Director General, Emran will oversee Government’s relationship with regulators Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office as well as executive agency Building Digital UK. He will oversee the rollout of Project Gigabit, the government’s flagship £5 billion programme which will enable hard-to-reach communities right across the UK to access lightning-fast broadband. This will ensure over 85% of premises are connected to Gigabit capable broadband by 2025.

Emran will also play a central role in preparations for the upcoming global summit on artificial intelligence (AI) later this year. The summit will agree targeted, rapid, international action to develop the international guardrails needed for the safe and responsible development of AI.

He will also lead on investing in the government’s supercomputing capability, driving economic growth through digital markets and reforming data rights laws to boost productivity, whilst also working with Ofcom to support the introduction of the new online safety regulatory framework, following the passage of the Online Safety Bill.

Permanent Secretary for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Sarah Munby said:

I am delighted to welcome Emran Mian as Director General for the Digital, Technology and Telecoms group at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Emran joins us at a pivotal moment for the Department and brings with him valuable experience from across Government and beyond which will position him well to lead us as we continue to carve out our position as a global tech superpower.

July 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Attorney General champions government legal career at Open University [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 17 July 2023.

Diverse routes into law and how the work of government lawyers impacts all aspects of public life were themes discussed by the Attorney General as she spoke to the Open University’s law students.

Attorney General, Victoria Prentis KC MP, visited The Open University campus in Milton Keynes on Thursday July 13 part of the Law School’s 25-year celebrations.

She spoke to more than 260 people – online and in-person – about her role as the top legal advisor to the government, her professional background, and championing government legal careers.

The Attorney General said:

From judicial reviews and trade deals to drafting legislation, government lawyers work on some of the most extraordinary cases that impact every aspect of public life.

The Open University’s strength is that it offers flexible learning and open doors for its students to explore new opportunities. The Government Legal Department is similar in its approach offering diverse routes into the profession, flexible working, inclusive workplaces and continual learning opportunities.

This is why I am a champion of the government legal profession and would recommend that everyone interested in a career in law considers the Government Legal Department.

The Attorney General was a government lawyer for 17 years.

The Attorney General was joined on the panel by Malcolm Sweeting, Pro Chancellor and Chair of The Open University’s Council, who hosted the event, Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor, Jhumar Johnson, Government Legal Department’s Head of Paralegal, Hugh Finnegan, and Head of The Open University Law School Hugh McFaul.

Students had the opportunity to ask the panel questions, which ranged from the emergence of Artificial Intelligence to how long legal papers should be archived.

Malcolm Sweeting, Pro Chancellor and Chair at The Open University, said:

We were honoured to host the Attorney-General, The Rt Hon Victoria Prentis, MP, KC, at the OU as part of The Law Faculty’s 25th Anniversary. The Attorney-General spoke to over 260 OU students about her career, and the opportunities that exist working for the Government Legal Department.

She offered fascinating insights into the work carried out by government lawyers which ranged from drafting legislation to advising on trade deals. Many of our law undergraduates will I am sure be attracted by the opportunity of a career in public service on work of national importance. A stimulating and thought-provoking session enjoyed by all.

Some of the OU students present at the event also gave their views.

Rebekah Zammett from Banbury is an OU Law student who is the recipient of an OU Carers Scholarship. The Attorney General is Rebekah’s local MP.

She said:

It was helpful to find out more about the different ways to qualify as a lawyer which will enable more students to secure a place at the Bar as it’s a challenging and incredibly competitive process. The OU is one of the beacons and champions of diversity and inclusion.

OU Law graduate (2022) Gareth Jones is a married dad of two from Barry in South Wales who is Deputy President of the Open University Students’ Association. He left school without any A-levels and was unemployed due to mental health issues before he started his degree.

He said:

It was really interesting and inspiring to get the perspective of the Attorney General on the different pathways involved. It’s great that the Government Legal Department (GLD) will be appealing to a wide range of circumstances, which is the case for so many current OU students and our alumni.

July 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and Veterans Welfare Reviews published today [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 July 2023.

The reviews have offered recommendations to improve the experience of those requiring veterans’ welfare or compensation services.

Today, the long-awaited publication of the Quinquennial Review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (QQR) and an independent review of the UK Government’s welfare services for Veterans is being announced by the government.

The recommendations of both reviews, which include strengthening the way we make decisions and communicate outcomes around compensation claims, and strengthening the delivery of veterans services, will be considered in full – with the Government’s response to each published later in the year.

The reviews were commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and The Office for Veteran’s Affairs to improve the way we support our serving personnel and veterans in a range of services and compensation claims.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP said:

These reviews offer a real opportunity to make a difference to veterans’ lives, many of whom have made real sacrifices for their country. I will be considering the recommendations carefully and will work with the MOD to provide a response in due course.

Minister for Defence, People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison MP said:

I welcome the completion of these important reviews to help the Government understand where we can do better. It is essential that we appropriately support our Serving Personnel and Veterans who have served our country with courage and honour. The government will consider the recommendations and respond in due course.

The recommendations of the reviews will build on the support the Government has already committed, including the newly announced pay award and financial support for serving personnel and a £40m digitisation project of pension and compensation services.

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme provides compensation for injury or illness caused or made worse by service, with the Quinquennial Review assessing the effectiveness of administration and processing claims and to ensure, as time passes, the scheme remains fit for purpose.

Alongside this, the Veteran’s Welfare Review examines the effectiveness and efficiency of welfare services provided by the Ministry of Defence to support veterans.

The recommendation from both reports includes the following:
- The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Quinquennial Review recommendations focus on six broad areas including; communications with applicants, case-working, and policy changes.
- The recommendations of Veterans Welfare Review focus on the roles, Governance and delivery of services by Government.
Government’s support for veterans is wide-reaching which includes free support for veterans and their families, the Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.
July 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : EU Settlement Scheme enhancements confirmed [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 17 July 2023.

From September 2023 people with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme will automatically have their status extended by 2 years before it expires if they have not obtained settled status.

New Immigration Rules, laid in Parliament today (17 July), confirm that from September 2023 people with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) will automatically have their status extended by 2 years before it expires if they have not obtained settled status.

The process will be automated by the Home Office and reflected in the person’s digital status. They will be notified of the extension directly. This will ensure that nobody loses their immigration status if they do not apply to switch from pre-settled to settled status.

The Home Office also intends to take steps to automatically convert as many eligible pre-settled status holders as possible to settled status once they are eligible for it, without them needing to make an application. During 2024, automated checks of pre-settled status will establish their ongoing continuous residence in the UK. Safeguards will be in place to ensure that settled status is not wrongly granted.

More than 2 years on from the EUSS application deadline of 30 June 2021 for those resident in the UK by the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, the range of measures laid before Parliament today will also make sure that the Home Office can ensure the integrity of the EUSS, protecting it against fraud and abuse. They include changes to the way reasonable grounds for late applications to the scheme are considered. We are also closing 2 temporary transitional routes, both of which fall outside the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement commitments.

Lord Murray, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Migration and Borders, said:

Automatic extension of pre-settled status ensures that many EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members in the UK can continue to make a hugely valued contribution to British society without fear of losing their immigration status by simply failing to apply for settled status.

The measures we’ve announced today will also enable us to continue robustly tackling spurious EUSS applications, freeing up resource for legitimate late applicants and status-holders, and delivering for the UK public.

As of 31 March 2023, an estimated 5.6 million Europeans and their family members had secured their rights in the UK through the hugely successful EUSS, with an estimated 2.1 million holding pre-settled status and an estimated 3.5 million holding settled status.

July 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Independent review of Civil Aviation Authority sets out how “highly effective regulator” can continue to improve [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 July 2023.

CAA still held in the highest regard but needs to improve communication on decision-making process and foster tighter working relationships within the sector.
- independent review into UK aviation regulatory body reaffirms its status as a “highly effective” industry regulator
- report sets out a series of recommendations to maintain its high level of service
- four themes of accountability, governance, efficiency and efficacy considered as part of a government review of public bodies
The UK’s aviation regulator has today (17 July 2023) been reconfirmed as a highly effective regulator following an independent review that considered its performance, accountability and leadership.

As part of a government-wide review into public bodies, an independent review led by Jeremy Newman, Chair of the Workforce Development Trust, looked at how the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) operates across 4 key areas. As part of its findings, it noted an overwhelming response across the sector that the regulator’s impact was positively highlighted, both in the UK and internationally, as it continued to be held by its international contemporaries in the highest regard.

The review considered how accountable the CAA is to the industry it regulates, its governance and relationship with the Department for Transport (DfT), the efficiency of its services and how effective it is in regulating airlines and airports.

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said:

The CAA is an effective and well-respected regulator for the UK aviation industry, balancing the interests of industry and consumers.

I am pleased that this independent review recognises the CAA’s status as a world-leading regulator and it is only right that it strives to be even better to deliver for all its users in the future.

Today’s review proposes greater clarity to the CAA’s roles, responsibilities, strategic priorities and relationship with DfT. These changes will enable the CAA to better meet the challenges of the future, including helping the aviation and aerospace sector to introduce new technology safely and quickly.

When governing an ever-changing industry as important as the UK aviation sector, the CAA must be transparent and accountable to those it governs. That’s why today’s review highlights a renewed need to communicate its decision-making process and foster a tighter working relationship with industry partners and the general aviation community.

Jeremy Newman, current Chair of The Workforce Development Trust, said:

It was a privilege to lead the review of the CAA. It is clear that the CAA is held in high regard by other aviation regulators and the wider aviation sector. The aviation and aerospace sector has new opportunities from technology as well as environmental challenges and it will benefit from having a regulator that is able to adapt to these opportunities and challenges.

I am confident that the CAA is well-placed to continue its world-leading role and I hope that implementing the recommendations in this review will make a positive contribution to ensuring this is the case.

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

The review has been a welcome opportunity to analyse the Civil Aviation Authority’s responsibilities and capabilities. I very much welcome the review’s confirmation that we are a highly capable and internationally well-regarded aviation safety regulator.

The review has helpfully also identified areas where we can improve. We welcome those recommendations: we are a learning organisation and always looking continuously to improve.

We have already initiated improvements in some of these areas and I am confident that the implementation of all the recommendations will help ensure that we are an ever-more forward-looking, efficient, effective and well-governed organisation constantly looking after aviation consumers’ interests and constantly improving the service we provide to our regulated customers.

The review also sets out proposals for the CAA to find savings that can be reinvested into core services delivering the best possible value for money and services for those organisations that it regulates.

Finally, the review recognises the CAA’s important role in protecting the rights of the consumer and critical work as an industry regulator. It is important that passengers feel confident that their rights will be protected and that those who don’t deliver an acceptable standard of service can be held accountable. Today’s announcement makes clear that the CAA’s work must continue to protect the rights of passengers.

Last month the government announced its response to last year’s aviation consumer policy reform consultation, which included strengthening the CAA’s powers to further protect both consumers’ and airlines’ interests.
July 24, 2023