Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : FCDO statement – arrest of Vietnamese climate advocate [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2023.

An FCDO spokesperson commented on the arrest of Vietnamese climate advocate Hoang Thi Minh Hong.

The United Kingdom is concerned by the arrest of Hoang Thi Minh Hong, former leader of environmental campaign group CHANGE. This is the latest in a pattern of arrests of environmental advocates in Vietnam.

The UK urges the Vietnamese authorities to respect all human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and association. We recognise the importance of civil society actors like CHANGE in securing sustainable and inclusive development for all.

We note that within the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), agreed in December 2022 between Vietnam and G7+ partners, the Government of Vietnam committed to consult NGOs, media and other stakeholders to ensure a broad social consensus. In line with this, environmental organisations and other advocates must be able to contribute meaningfully to climate and environmental policy making.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Police given clarity to act quickly on disruptive slow marching [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 14 June 2023.

Home Secretary delivers on government pledge to support the police to tackle disruptive slow marching protest tactics.

A clearer definition of ‘serious disruption’ will stop slow marching protesters causing hours of delay and distress to the public from tomorrow (15 June).

This will further clarify existing public order laws to help the police respond to new highly disruptive protest tactics like slow marching.

156 of these highly disruptive protests have taken place in London since April. While the right to peaceful protest remains a cornerstone of our democracy, causing traffic to halt, delaying people getting to work and distracting the police from fighting crime will not be tolerated.

Police officers can now assess the cumulative impact of protests on the community over a period of time, rather than treating each incident in isolation. This will give officers the authority to move quickly and firmly to stop this campaign of disruption, ensuring Londoners, commuters and tourists can move freely around the capital without delay.

A handful of protestors have swallowed up almost 13,770 police shifts, deliberately burdening police time and keeping officers from our neighbourhoods where they are really needed.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

The public are sick of Just Stop Oil’s selfish and self-defeating actions, which achieve nothing towards their cause.

Chief Constables and I agree that police officers should be out fighting crime. They shouldn’t be forced to stand by as protestors block our roads and the public shouldn’t have to take matters in their own hands.

This new definition of serious disruption means police can stop slow marchers, to reclaim our right to get to work, hospital and go about our daily lives.

Chief Constable BJ Harrington, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for public order and public safety said:

Our priority is always to keep people safe and in every decision around policing public order and protests we must balance the right to freedom of expression with the right to tackle crime so we can ensure public safety. Policing is not anti-protest, but we are anti-crime.

We welcome clearer definition of serious disruption provided by parliament in this statutory instrument as this will help officers to take proportionate action when it is necessary.

The law has been amended today and will take effect from tomorrow. It comes following scrutiny and approval by the House of Commons and Lords, empowering officers to take action swiftly and spend more time protecting our communities.

The move supports the Public Order Act 2023, which brought in new criminal offences and proper penalties for disruptive protest acts such as locking on. Repeat offenders can be hit by the courts with a Serious Disruption Prevention Order, seeing them face six months in prison if they try to disrupt lives again.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New drive to better understand the role of AI in education [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 14 June 2023.

Education Secretary to address benefits of technology in education at London Tech Week.

Using artificial intelligence to transform education in a positive way will be the focus of a new call for evidence launched by the government today (14 June) to mark the 10th anniversary of London Tech Week.

As part of the government’s wider work to make the most out of the technology, the Education Secretary Gillian Keegan will launch the call for evidence – which also asks for views on risks, ethical considerations, and training for education workers – in a speech to technology and education experts at London Tech Week.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard are already making a difference in schools, but more work is needed to understand the benefits and get ahead of the risks that the technology could bring.

As a result, the government is seeking views and experiences from education professionals across the schools, colleges, universities and early years sector.

The call to evidence marks an important starting point, with the results providing a base to inform future work. This includes how AI could be used to reduce workload, improve outcomes, and run operations more efficiently as well as work around misuse such as essay bots and cheating in exams.

As part of a digital skills boost and to help make sure the workforce is equipped for the future, the Education Secretary will also confirm that courses for the new Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (DFSQs) will begin in September, as well as the launch of a new Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan is expected to say:

Artificial intelligence is going to transform the world around us and help grow the economy. The workforces that are best equipped with the skills and knowledge they need will be the ones that ride the wave. We must make sure education is one of them.

For that potential to be realised, we – the government, our schools, colleges and universities – need to be able to understand those opportunities, as well as the real risks new technology brings.

That’s why we want to kick start a conversation with experts from across education and technology to hear their views and learn from their experiences. This will help us make the right decisions to get the best out of generative AI in a safe and secure way.

Open from today for anyone working in education, the call for evidence will run until 23 August 2023. To support this work, the Department for Education will also speak to experts through forums, surveys, and interviews. The aim is to gather insight on how generative AI is being used in schools, colleges, and universities, and how it could be used to support the sector in the future.

The launch follows the publication of a statement published in March 2023, setting out the Department’s position on the use of generative AI and sits alongside wider work on intellectual property, protecting the commercial value of data and understanding regulatory implications.

Alongside this, the government is continuing to deliver on the pledge made last year to enable all schools to connect to gigabit broadband by 2025, as well as its ongoing commitment to drive down unnecessary workload and improve wellbeing.

Julian David, CEO of techUK, said:

AI promises to be one of the most impactful technologies of our lifetimes, and the UK is well positioned to be one of the leading countries unlocking the opportunities of this technology.

However, in our UK Tech Plan, we stressed the importance of continuing to ensure we increase access to talent to both seize the benefits of AI and guard against its risks. Ending digital poverty is crucial if the UK aims to lead the conversation on AI on a global scale.

The tech sector stands ready and willing to work closely with government and the education sector to ensure we can use AI in the best possible way to support pupils and educate them as they prepare to enter an increasingly digitally savvy workforce.

Adult learners will also be supported to gain essential digital skills needed for life, work and study, thanks to new Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (DFSQs) courses which will begin in September.

Research undertaken by Ipsos shows that 20% of adults across the UK have either no or low essential digital skills that are essential to participate actively in modern life, work and society – such as turning on a device or connecting to Wi-Fi.

The new Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce will support this work by establishing what computing and digital skills are needed now and for the future, working closely with industry experts to encourage more young people to consider a career in key sectors such as cyber security, AI or computing.

BESA Director General, Caroline Wright, said:

I welcome the Secretary of State’s focus on addressing the use of AI in education. EdTech is a tool that can support teaching and learning. Emerging technologies such as large language models have the potential to be transformative to education and the future of work.

I am glad that both educators and industry are invited to contribute to the call for evidence and look forward to working closely with the department as it engages with the sector on this important issue over the months ahead.

Chris Goodall, Deputy Headteacher, Epsom and Ewell High School, Bourne Education Trust:

As a school at the forefront of implementing education technologies to enhance teaching and learning, Epsom and Ewell High School, part of Bourne Education Trust, wholeheartedly supports the Education Secretary’s initiative to explore the potential of AI in education.

We have seen first-hand the impact that AI can have for teaching and support staff in developing student engagement and greater personalised learning. We believe that AI technologies have the potential to transform teaching and learning, helping teachers to manage their workloads effectively while enhancing student outcomes.

However, we also recognise the risks and concerns that have rightly been highlighted across the sector and understand it is critical to work towards the safe, secure and ethical use of AI. We eagerly anticipate contributing to this call for evidence, and we welcome the opportunity to share our experiences and insights in the hopes of shaping the future of AI in education.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Multimillion pound competition to find cutting-edge rail technology launches for its seventh year [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 June 2023.

Government funding to be awarded for new concepts that will transform rail travel for passengers and increase value for money.
- winning projects will be awarded a share of £5.3 million of Department for Transport funding and a further £1 million of HS2 Ltd funding
- winners will demonstrate innovation, cost efficiency and increasing value for money as part of the wider goal to make our railways financially sustainable
- previous winners include apps to allow those with accessibility needs to call for assistance on the move and to swap train tickets last minute
More than £6 million of government funding has been made available for companies with innovative ideas to improve Britain’s railways as Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, launched the latest First of a Kind (FOAK) competition today (14 June 2023).

Under the themes of cost efficiency and increasing value for money, the competition – now in its seventh year – is inviting applicants to put forward proposals for technology that can offer a better customer experience, more reliable services and improved methods to install high-speed rail systems that could slash installation times.

For the first time, this year’s competition is in partnership with HS2 Ltd, which is offering £1 million of funding for innovations to speed up or cut costs of high speed rail systems installations.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said:

This is an incredible opportunity not just for businesses but for the entire rail industry. Every year, this competition brings together the best and the brightest whose talent and ingenuity help to solve problems we’re facing and drive our railways forward.

This year, we’ll be bringing even more trailblazing projects to life by funding ideas that benefit the passenger, encourage efficiency and transform our rail network for the better.

This year’s competition follows on from 6 successful rounds and a total of almost £50 million in funding, which has seen a range of innovative projects hit the market and improve the day-to-day running of the railways. This includes:
- Seat Frog’s Train Swap product, used across 8 operators, which allows passengers to swap train tickets without having to purchase a new one, as well as bid for last-minute first-class upgrades
- Hack Partners’ Hubble technology, which uses train-mounted cameras to identify and address lineside maintenance issues, such as faults with overhead lines, reducing delay times and costly repairs
- Transreport’s technology, which enables passengers with disabilities to request assistance quickly and easily while on the move, as well as keeping them updated on any disruption on their journeys
There are also a number of winning projects in the pipeline, which are set to become commercial in the coming years. This includes the University of Birmingham’s project developing hydrogen-powered trains, which will be crucial to decarbonising the railways and achieving the UK’s net zero plans.

Further funding is also being awarded to 2 of FOAK’s 2022 winners, so that they may enter the second phase of testing, giving them a better chance of being brought into commercial use. The 2 projects – one that makes it easier to charge train batteries and the other, which uses kinetic energy to cut emissions from diesel trains – have been granted almost £1.5 million in additional funding between them as they represent the most promising projects as part of the ‘low emissions and a greener railway’ theme.
June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Six Trustees Reappointed to National Museums Liverpool [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 14 June 2023.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has reappointed Heather Blyth, Sarah Dean, Paul Eccleson, Rita Mclean, Anthony Wilson to second terms of 3 years and David Flemming for a second term of 4 years.

Heather Blyth

Reappointed from 18 May 2023 until 17th May 2026.

Heather is a member of the House of Memories Steering Group. Heather has brought a very important perspective to the trustee board and has been excellent in her contribution. With her marketing background and significant experience in social media she has made a big contribution to both the House of Memories Steering Group and a range of other activities.

Sarah Dean

Reappointed from 01 March 2023 until 28th February 2026.

Sarah is Chair of the NML Finance & Resources Committee. Her contribution to the trustee board has been excellent. Her leadership of the finance and resources committee has been exemplary and in particular during challenging times of Covid. She brings an astute financial perspective to the board as a very experienced non-executive in terms of constructive challenge.

Paul Eccleson

Reappointed from 18 May 2023 until 17th May 2026.

Paul is Chair of NML’s Audit & Risk Committee. His contribution has been invaluable. Coming from a top-flight private sector commercial background, he has made an outstanding contribution to the Board of Trustees. His leadership of the Audit & Risk Committee has been excellent. With a new risk framework committee now established, Trustees feel confident that they are maintaining good governance.

David Flemming

Reappointed from 01 March 2023 until 28th February 2027.

David is a member of the Audit & Risk Committee. His contribution to the trustee board is excellent. With a wide experience in a range of sectors he has been particularly thoughtful around the development plan, the IT infrastructure and associated issues, and more particularly the general direction of NML.

Rita Mclean

Reappointed from 18 May 2023 until 17th May 2026.

Rita’s considerable experience in collections management and interpretation in the museum sector has been immensely helpful to the trustee board. At the trustee board she makes an excellent contribution across a wide range of issues and her museums sector experience is valuable. She is held in high regard by other colleagues.

Anthony Wilson

Reappointed from 18 May 2023 until 17th May 2026.

Tony’s experience as a partner and very senior lawyer in Liverpool has been welcomed on the board. He makes a valid contribution across a range of issues and is being particularly helpful in development plans with his extensive property development experience.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees are not remunerated for these roles. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Heather Blyth, Sarah Dean, Paul Eccleson, David Flemming, Rita Mclean, Anthony Wilson have not declared any significant political activity.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State writes to NI Civil Service on sustainable public finances [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 14 June 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has today (Wednesday 14 June) written to the Permanent Secretaries of all Northern Ireland Civil Service departments to request information and advice on a range of measures.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP has today (Wednesday 14 June) written to the Permanent Secretaries of all Northern Ireland Civil Service departments to request information and advice on a range of measures that could generate further public revenue locally, or otherwise improve the sustainability of public finances in Northern Ireland.

Using new powers provided through passage of the Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act 2023 for the first time, the Secretary of State has requested information on measures such as domestic water charges, drug prescription charges, and tuition fees.

All of these may be options available to a restored Executive to help to make the budget more sustainable and to ensure public services in NI are affordable on an ongoing basis.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said:

“Public finances in Northern Ireland are not currently on a sustainable footing.

“The UK Government stands ready to work with a restored Executive, but we have a responsibility to ensure the delivery of public services and management of public funds can continue in its absence.

“I remain firmly of the view that the right people to take these decisions are locally elected and accountable Ministers sitting in a fully functioning devolved government.

“I once again call on the Executive to get back up and running so that they can progress much needed and long promised public service transformation and address the systemic issues that are facing public services in NI.

“Simply spending more is not the answer to transforming NI’s public services and does not serve the best interests of the people of NI.”

In the 2021 Spending Review the Government announced that the total block grant for the Northern Ireland Executive would be £15bn per year, on average, over the next three years. This is the largest settlement since devolution in 1998.

The UK Government has provided around £7bn in additional funding to Northern Ireland since 2014, on top of the Barnett-based block grant. Northern Ireland Executive public spending per person is around 20% higher than the equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK.

Through this commission, the Secretary of State is seeking to ensure that work progresses towards a more sustainable budget position in Northern Ireland that better reflects the balance between locally generated revenue and UK Government funding that is happening across the rest of the United Kingdom.

The Secretary of State will continue to engage with Northern Ireland Civil Service departments on the detail of their responses.Any final decisions for implementation should be taken by Northern Ireland’s elected leaders.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s despicable attacks on civilians are inexcusable – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2023.

UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says that over 15 months into its illegal invasion, the list of Russia’s accomplishments read like a depraved horror story.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Once again, Ukrainian civilians have paid the price for Russia’s brutal aggression. Yesterday in Kryvyi Rih at least 11 people were killed and a further 28 injured due to Russia’s large-scale missile attacks. Residential buildings were destroyed, and civilians were trapped under the rubble. Such attacks are inexcusable and demonstrate Russia’s blatant disregard for the lives of civilians.

The catastrophic collapse of the Kakhovka Dam last week has impacted thousands of Ukrainian citizens. On 11 June, the United Nations estimated that 700,000 people in Kherson region were without access to drinking water. In addition, the collapse of the dam has almost certainly severely disrupted the primary source of fresh water for illegally annexed Crimea. Open-source imagery shows that water has stopped flowing into the intake which feeds the North Crimean Canal, and this will reduce the availability of fresh water in the southern Kherson Oblast and northern Crimea.

The resulting floodwaters have also caused lasting damage to huge swathes of agricultural land. The Ukrainian Agriculture Association has estimated that Ukraine will lose 14 percent of its grain exports due to the flooding.

We again express our deepest concern regarding the potential impact of this damage on communities living in the downstream areas, the provision of clean water supplies, the longer-term safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and the wider ecological consequences from the destruction of the dam. We call for immediate access for neutral and impartial humanitarian organisations to help those in need wherever they are.

Multiple reports indicate that Russian shelling has caused death and injuries to civilians during evacuation efforts – this is despicable. We are clear; the destruction of the Kakhovka dam is yet another devastating example of the terrible consequences of Russia’s unprovoked, illegal and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is a disaster zone in the middle of a war zone.

Madam Chair, we repeatedly warned Russia, in this and other fora, that any Russian military incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake. Russia ignored those warnings at terrible cost to Ukraine and its own people. Over 15 months into its illegal invasion, the list of Russia’s accomplishments read like a depraved horror story. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians killed; cities and towns laid to waste; evidence of unimaginable atrocities against men, women and children committed. I ask our Russian colleagues, are these the goals of the so-called “Special Military Operation” that they endorse in this room every week? By justifying these actions and supporting them by spreading disinformation and hate-filled vitriol, our Russian colleagues, as professional diplomats, must know they bear responsibility for the lies they peddle to this forum and their own population. Lies cannot live forever.

Madam Chair, over the last five days, significant Ukrainian operations have taken place in several sectors of eastern and southern Ukraine. In some areas, Ukrainian forces have likely made good progress and penetrated the first line of Russian defences. Russian performance has been mixed; some units are likely conducting credible defence operations while others have pulled back in some disorder with multiple reports of further Russian casualties as they withdraw through their own minefields.

In Bakhmut, Ukrainian forces continue to exploit weaknesses in Russia’s defensive lines and ambiguity over Russian command and control following the withdrawal of Wagner Group forces. Continued Russian disorder on the battlefield, also seems to be fuelling further dysfunction in the already fraught relationship between Wagner and the Russian Ministry of Defence. On 10 June, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Nikolay Pankov announced that ‘volunteers’ fighting for Russia must sign contracts directly with the Russian Ministry of Defence. Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin immediately announced that his personnel would refuse to sign the contracts.

It is a telling indictment of the progress of Russia’s so-called “Special Military Operation” that, whilst Ukraine is focused on fighting its barbaric invader, Russia is fighting itself.

Madam Chair, we do not underestimate the continuing threat posed by the Russian Federation but, in time, there will be cause for Ukraine to celebrate. Ukraine will continue to demonstrate their resolute courage, determination and enduring moral strength as they fight to liberate more of their homeland. The UK and the international community will remain steadfast in our support – we will stand by Ukraine for however long it takes. Our united approach of providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory is the swiftest, and only, path to a just and lasting peace. Ukraine will win. Thank you.

June 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £54 million boost to develop secure and trustworthy AI research [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 14 June 2023.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Chloe Smith has today announced a series of investments to develop trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) research.
- £54 million investment to support the UK’s AI and data science workforce and develop trustworthy and secure AI
- new Geospatial Strategy to drive growth through technologies including AI, satellite imaging, and real-time data
- new pilot programme backed by up to £50 million in government funding to accelerate new research ventures with industry, philanthropic organisations and the third sector
Universities across the UK are set to benefit from a substantial £54 million investment in their work to develop cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Technology Secretary Chloe Smith announced today.

Delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), £31 million of the funding will be used to back ground-breaking research at the University of Southampton to establish responsible and trustworthy AI, bringing together the expertise of academia, business, and the wider public to explore how responsible AI can be developed and utilised, while considering its broader impact on wider society.

The Technology Secretary unveiled the package in a keynote speech at London Tech Week, advancing efforts to secure the UK’s position as a science and tech superpower, fuel economic growth and create better paid jobs. The Tech Secretary also announced the launch of the UK Geospatial Strategy 2030, which will unlock billions of pounds in economic benefits through harnessing technologies including AI, satellite imaging and real-time data.

Technology Secretary Chloe Smith, said:

Despite our size as a small island nation, the UK is a technology powerhouse. Last year, the UK became just the third country in the world to have a tech sector valued at $1 trillion. It is the biggest in Europe by some distance and behind only the US and China globally.

The technology landscape, though, is constantly evolving, and we need a tech ecosystem which can respond to those shifting sands, harness its opportunities, and address emerging challenges. The measures unveiled today will do exactly that.

We’re investing in our AI talent pipeline with a £54 million package to develop trustworthy and secure artificial intelligence, and putting our best foot forward as a global leader in tech both now, and in the years to come.

AI developments present enormous opportunities in almost every aspect of modern life, particularly in addressing climate change challenges and pursuing net zero targets. As part of this investment, the remaining £13 million will be used to fund 13 projects based at universities across the UK to develop pioneering AI innovations in sustainable land management, efficient CO2 capture, and improved resilience against natural hazards.

The commitments follow the announcement in March of £117 million funding for Centres for Doctoral Training in AI, with a further £46 million to support Turing AI Fellowships to develop the next generation of top AI talent.

In pursuit of the UK’s science and technology superpower ambitions, Chloe Smith has also announced the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology will shortly launch an open call for proposals to pilot new, collaborative approaches to scientific research in the UK, backed by £50 million in government funding. The money will drive investment and partnership with industry and further afield to fund the ideas and innovations which aren’t currently addressed in the UK research sector, and opens in the coming weeks. This will benefit the UK’s research community by allowing organisations to explore the viability of new models for performing research in specific areas, bypassing the large start-up costs normally needed to setup an entirely new institution.

The UK Science and Technology framework sets out how the UK will respond to emerging and critical technologies. Geospatial technology is one such example, and the new UK Geospatial Strategy, which will launch tomorrow (Thursday 15 June), will drive the use of location data right across the economy including property, transportation and beyond, fuelling growth through innovation.

Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) said:

UKRI is investing in the people and technologies that will improve lives for people in the UK and around the world. By supporting research to develop AI that is useful, trustworthy and trusted, we are laying solid foundations on which we can build new industries, products and services across a wide range of fields.

Working though cross-disciplinary partnerships we will ensure that responsible innovation is integrated across all aspects of the work as it progresses.

The measures announced today will fuel the government’s mission to make the UK the most innovative economy in the world and build a technology ecosystem which cements the UK’s place at the frontier of global tech development.
June 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Thetford [June 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 June 2023.

The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Ian Bishop for appointment to the Suffragan See of Thetford.

The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Ian Bishop, Archdeacon of Macclesfield, for appointment to the Suffragan See of Thetford, in the Diocese of Norwich, in succession to The Right Reverend Dr Alan Winton, following his retirement.

Background

Ian was educated at Portsmouth Polytechnic and trained for ministry at Oak Hill Theological College. He served his title at Christ Church, Purley, in the Diocese of Southwark, and was ordained Priest in 1992. In 1995, Ian was appointed Rector of the Tas Valley Team Ministry, in the Diocese of Norwich.

In 2001, Ian was appointed Rector of St Michael and All Angels, Middlewich, and St John the Evangelist, Byley, in the Diocese of Chester, and additionally served as Rural Dean for Middlewich from 2004. Since 2011, Ian has served as Archdeacon of Macclesfield.

June 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary bolsters HS2 board to oversee project’s successful delivery [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 June 2023.

Refreshed leadership team to propel the construction of HS2 while ensuring costs are kept under control.
- Transport Secretary welcomes 2 new Non-Executive Directors to the HS2 Ltd Board
- four existing Non-Executive Directors reappointed to remain on the Board, including Special Director Ian King and Deputy Chair Elaine Holt
- refreshed team will ensure strong leadership is in place to grip costs and drive forward Europe’s largest infrastructure project
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper has today (14 June 2023) appointed Keith Smithson and Joanna Davinson as new Non-Executive Directors of the HS2 Ltd Board, strengthening its leadership and expertise to successfully deliver Britain’s most transformative rail project.

The construction of HS2 is already supporting tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs on the project and in the supply chain, and over 1,200 apprenticeships have been created since 2017. Once delivered, it will boost local economies right across the UK, provide a greener alternative to road travel and domestic flights, and leave a skills and innovation legacy for the UK’s future infrastructure projects.

In their new roles, Keith and Joanna will work alongside HS2 Ltd’s Chair, Sir Jonathan Thompson, to provide oversight and accountability for the revolutionary project, ensuring costs are controlled and the project is delivered in the most effective way for taxpayers.

Joanna brings extensive knowledge to the role having previously served as the Executive Director of the Central Digital and Data Office at the Cabinet Office.

Meanwhile, Keith has already held several executive positions at global organisations such as HSBC, Paragon Banking Group and KPMG.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

I’m delighted to make these updates to the board today and welcome Joanna and Keith to the team.

They bring with them a wealth of experience and I’m confident the right people are in place to robustly grip costs, hold HS2 Ltd to account and drive forward this revolutionary project, which will positively transform rail travel across the UK for generations to come.

In addition to the new appointments, Elaine Holt, Deputy Chair, and Ian King, the government’s Special Director on the Board, have been reappointed for a further 4 years. Dame Judith Hackitt and Stephen Hughes have also been reappointed as Non-Executive Directors for a further 3 years.

This follows Mel Ewell and Roger Mountford recently stepping down from their non-executive roles having completed full terms on the board.

Sir Jonathan Thompson, HS2 Ltd Chair, said:

I am delighted to welcome Joanna and Keith to the Board. They further strengthen the expertise and leadership we have on the HS2 Board at a critical time for the programme as we meet the challenges of inflation and delivering the programme in the most cost-effective way.

They will help ensure HS2 provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revolutionise the British rail network – providing vital additional capacity, better connect our towns and cities in the midlands and the north, and fuel economic growth and job creation across the country.
June 15, 2023