Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Government to match schools’ tutoring costs next year [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 23 May 2023.

The Government will be raising the subsidy rate for the National Tutoring Programme to 50% in 2023-24.

Half of tutoring costs will be funded through the National Tutoring Programme next year, doubling the government’s previous commitment to fund a quarter of the cost.

Initiated as part of the Government’s education recovery strategy and to help schools deliver a world-class education, the National Tutoring Programme has revolutionised how targeted support is offered in schools. Over three million courses have taken place so far, with school leaders reporting on the positive impact the programme is having on pupils’ attainment and confidence. This month, the Education Policy Institute also announced average outcomes in reading have largely been recovered in primary schools. And despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, England has risen to fourth internationally for primary reading proficiency in the recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) results.

Backed by over £1 billion across four years, £150 million will be available to schools next year. Whilst schools will continue to have the flexibility to decide which pupils to offer tutoring to, children from disadvantaged backgrounds will be prioritised as well as those who are below the expected standard or grade boundary in a particular subject.

Schools Minister, Nick Gibb, said:

Since its inception in 2020, we have continuously evolved the National Tutoring Programme to ensure it works for pupils and schools.

Over three million courses have been started as a result and we remain committed to supporting schools to embed tutoring long term because we know the positive impact it can have on pupils.

That’s why I am pleased that next year, we will be able to match school’s funding contributions, whilst also supporting them more widely through a £2 billion boost in school funding.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, said:

We want everyone in school to get a world-class education, enriching their own lives and strengthening the future workforce.

Paying half of tutoring costs to support our young people through the National Tutoring Programme next year is clear evidence of that commitment and a down payment on long-term economic growth.

Nick Brook, CEO for the social mobility charity at Speakers for Schools and Chair of the DfE Strategic Tutoring Advisory Group, said:

I’m pleased that the Government has listened to school and sector leaders and has agreed to raise the NTP subsidy to 50% next year. This will be welcome news to many schools, who have seen positive results from the programme and will want to continue offering tutoring next year.

We know that tutoring can have a really positive effect on pupils’ attainment and confidence, and I welcome the renewed focus on supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Department for Education has always been clear that the subsidy rate for the programme will be tapered each year to support schools to embed tutoring long-term, moving from 75% in 2021-22 to a planned 25% in 2023-24.Following feedback from school leaders, the Government has now agreed a subsidy rate of 50% next year, to support schools to deliver the tutoring their pupils need.

To meet their costs when providing tutoring, schools will be able to continue to use funding streams like the pupil premium, which will rise to almost £2.9 billion in in 2023-24 – its highest ever level. The additional funding is thanks to the further £2 billion pounds being invested into schools. As a result, school funding is set to rise faster than forecast inflation in both 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Today we published new guidance about delivering tutoring next year. This is alongside information on the amount of funding each school will receive and a calculator tool to support schools to plan tutoring for next year. The Department for Education will also continue to support schools to embed tutoring into the long term as an integral part of the department’s strategy to raise standards in primary and secondary schools. This includes the ambitious target for 90 per cent of pupils to meet the expected standard of reading, writing and maths by the time they leave primary school.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Uncontrolled evacuation of a train at Clapham Common Underground station [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch on 23 May 2023.

Investigation into an incident at Clapham Common station on London Underground’s Northern Line, 5 May 2023.

At around 17:43 hrs on Friday 5 May 2023, a northbound Northern Line train departing from Clapham Common station was halted by the operation of a passenger emergency alarm. This alarm was operated after passengers within the train became aware of a burning smell. The train came to a stand with one car fully and another car partially inside the tunnel. The remaining four cars forming the train remained fully in the platform.

The doors of the train remained closed after it came to a stand. Within a short space of time, there was an uncontrolled evacuation of passengers from the train and onto the platform. Passengers exited the train via windows which had been broken open and the interconnecting doors between cars on the train. Other passengers subsequently exited the train after station staff opened the train’s bodyside doors.

No serious injuries resulted from the evacuation but at least one passenger reported cutting their hands when exiting the train.

The London Fire Brigade attended the station following the incident and found no evidence that there had been a fire. London Underground maintenance staff later determined that the probable cause of the burning smell related to the train’s braking system.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the incident. It will also consider:
- the actions of those involved and anything which may have influenced them
- London Underground’s procedures for incident response and management of out-of-course events
- the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks of a suspected fire on a London Underground train
- the design and maintenance of the braking system on the train
- any underlying management factors.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Help to Save extended to April 2025 [May 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 23 May 2023.

Help to Save is open to people receiving benefits including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit and offers a generous savings bonus.

Help to Save – the government savings scheme for low-income earners, which offers a 50% bonus payment worth up to £1,200 over 4 years – has been extended to April 2025, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed.

More than 359,200 customers have opened savings accounts since its launch in September 2018 and an additional 3 million individuals could still benefit from the savings scheme as a result of the extension.

Help to Save is a savings scheme for low-income earners. Savers can deposit between £1 and £50 a month into their account and will receive a government bonus– even if money has been withdrawn.

Savers will earn a 50 pence bonus for every £1 saved and the bonus payments are paid in the second and fourth years. This means that someone saving £2,400 – the maximum amount they could deposit over four years – would receive a £1,200 bonus from the government, paid directly into their bank account.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

Help to Save can encourage positive saving habits – no matter what you can afford to save – and the 50% government bonus payment can help savers when they need it most.

It is quick and easy to apply online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘help to save’ on GOV.UK to find out more.

Andrew Griffith, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:

Millions of people could benefit from a boost to their savings through Help to Save and thanks to our Spring Budget reforms the scheme has been extended until 2025.

Whatever amount you can save will trigger a top up from the Government, so take advantage and apply today.

Individuals can open a Help to Save account if, when they apply, they are receiving:
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit and are entitled to Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit and they (with their partner, if it is a joint claim) had take-home pay of £722.45 or more in their last monthly assessment period.
Accounts are open for a maximum of 4 years and individuals can make deposits as many times as they like by debit card, bank transfer or standing order, without going over the monthly saving limit of £50. Individuals can also withdraw money at any time, although this may affect their 50% bonus payments.

The government published a consultation on the Help to Save scheme on 27 April 2023, seeking views on how the scheme can be reformed and simplified.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Five new species set to be protected under Ivory Act extension [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 May 2023.

Hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, killer whale and sperm whale set to be protected under Ivory Act extension.
- The five endangered CITES-listed species to receive greater legal protections under world-leading Ivory Act 2018
- Key manifesto commitment met as part of a wider UK drive on international conservation
Hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, killer whale (orca) and sperm whale are set to receive greater legal protections under the UK’s world-leading ban on importing, exporting and dealing in items containing ivory, the Government has announced today (Tuesday 23 May 2023) – delivering on a key animal welfare manifesto commitment.

Hippopotamus is the species most at risk from the trade in its ivory after elephants. The other species are already threatened by climate change, and the continuing trade in their ivory may exacerbate these threats and make their long-term survival less likely.

Putting the UK at the forefront of global conservation efforts, today’s consultation response confirms plans to extend the Ivory Act 2018 to ban all dealing in ivory from these species, including imports and exports.

The UK’s world-leading Ivory Act is one of the toughest bans on elephant ivory sales in the world, with some of the strongest enforcement measures. Those found guilty of breaching the ban face tough penalties including an unlimited fine or up to five years in jail.

Biodiversity Minister Trudy Harrison said:

“This is a pivotal moment in delivering one of our key manifesto commitments on international conservation.

“The Ivory Act is one of the toughest bans of its kind in the world and by extending greater legal protections to five more species, we are sending a clear message the commercial trade of ivory is totally unacceptable.

“The UK has long led the way in conservation and our ban shows continued global leadership in doing all we can to protect the world’s most endangered species.”

Steve Backshall MBE said:

“This is an important moment in the conservation of these iconic species.

There is widespread public support for the Ivory ban and today by extending it further we are sending a clear message that there is no place in the UK for this vile trade.”

Frances Goodrum, Head of Campaigns and Programmes at IFAW UK said:

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the UK Ivory Act coming into force, IFAW UK are encouraged by early indications that the ban is having a significant impact on the trade in elephant ivory. Yet other species are still poached globally to meet an unnecessary demand for “luxury” ivory products, including the hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, sperm whale and killer whale. We welcome DEFRA’s decision to extend this powerful legislation, which will go a long way in cracking down on a damaging trade. Today is a good day for conservation and a step change towards international commitments to safeguard our natural world”

The five species are all listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates their trade internationally, and hippopotamus, walrus and sperm whale are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list.

The announcement today comes following an extensive public consultation and with the one-year anniversary of the successful ivory ban approaching.

Since 6 June 2022, there has been over 6,500 registrations and certificates issued for exempted items so that they continue to form part of our artistic and cultural heritage.

The Government is a world leader in international conservation – with the UK playing a key role supporting the agreement of the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December. The new deal, signed by 195 countries, commits countries to protect 30% of our land and ocean by 2030 and end human-induced extinctions of known threatened species.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Child sexual abuse redress scheme to be established [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 May 2023.

The government has committed to a redress scheme for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
A redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse will be launched in England, recognising the trauma victims have suffered, the government has announced today (22 May).

To be set up on the back of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), the scheme will acknowledge the institutional failures that allowed children to suffer at the hands of despicable predators.

Victims, survivors and charities representing them will be closely consulted as the government develops the scheme, including asking who the scheme should support, how we can best help them and how non-state institutions should be involved.

The government is also moving quickly to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in England, which will make it a legal requirement for those who work with young people to speak out if they suspect a child is being sexually abused or exploited. This will help to prevent the continued abuse of children and ensure that they receive support earlier. A 12-week public call for evidence has been launched today, asking how this should be implemented.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Thousands of brave victims and survivors came forward to give evidence to the Independent Inquiry, sharing heart-breaking details of how they were ignored by the people who should have protected them.

While nothing will make up for how badly they were let down, or the abuse that they suffered, we must make sure that victims and survivors get the support they need and redress they deserve.

We will stop at nothing to stamp out these vile crimes, punish the perpetrators, and make sure every child across the country can grow up in a safe environment.

The Independent Inquiry, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, spent seven years examining widespread failings in both state and non-state institutions to properly safeguard and protect children in England and Wales. The institutions investigated included government departments, the police, schools, local authorities, religious organisations, political parties and the armed services.

It heard from over 6,000 brave victims of child sexual abuse and considered 4.2 million pieces of written evidence from charities, institutions and witnesses.

The government has listened to the voices of victims and survivors and reviewed the painstaking work of the Independent Inquiry over many years. As a result, it has pledged to deliver deep-rooted change to make sure children are never again so badly let down by the very institutions that should have protected them.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

Thanks to the brave testimony of thousands of courageous victims, this inquiry uncovered a dark and disturbing truth – that adults often turned a blind eye to the serious sexual abuse of the children under their care.

No apology or compensation can turn the clock back on the harrowing abuse these victims suffered, but it is important survivors have that suffering recognised and acknowledged. That is what the compensation scheme will deliver.

By bringing in mandatory reporting for adults working with children, we are shining a light on a crime which has for too long been hidden and silent. Today we are bringing this crime out of the shadows and saying ‘no more’. Perpetrators – you will have nowhere to hide.

The views of victims and charities will also be extensively engaged on the future of therapeutic support.

As part of its response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the government is also:

looking at ways to improve access to therapeutic support for victims and survivors

improving the way police collect data on child sexual abuse to better understand the scale and nature of the crime

driving forward the world-leading Online Safety Bill, which will place clear legal duties on companies to remove child sexual abuse material and keep children safe on their services

reforming the child protection system to make sure children are better protected

looking at options to extend the list of people barred from working with children

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

Every single person who came forward to give evidence to the inquiry showed immense bravery, and we owe them a debt of thanks for making sure that sexual abuse will never be allowed to go under the radar again.

I am absolutely determined to make sure the reform already underway in children’s social care, in child protection, and across society delivers the change that is needed.

The work we are undertaking on mandatory reporting is vital to fully address the concerns raised through the independent review, and I would encourage victims and survivors, as well as children and those that work with children, to share your thoughts – your voices must continue to be heard.

The measures build on the government’s pledge to tackle grooming gangs last month through a new Grooming Gangs Taskforce, which will see specialist officers ‘parachuted in’ to assist police forces with live child sexual exploitation and grooming investigations to bring more of these criminals to justice.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ongoing conflict in Sudan is having a devastating impact on the Sudanese people – UK statement at the Security Council [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2023.

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

Thank you, President. And thank you Special Representative Perthes, Commissioner Adeoye and Executive-Secretary Gebeyehu for their briefings.

Let me start by underlining our support for SRSG Perthes and all UN staff who continue to work in Sudan under extremely challenging circumstances.

President, the conflict in Sudan is a tragedy and has had a devastating impact on the Sudanese people.

The United Kingdom urges the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately stop fighting, protect civilians and grant safe and immediate humanitarian access.

Coordinated action by international and regional partners is crucial to help end this conflict.

We welcome all diplomatic efforts towards this goal including the 11 May Jeddah Declaration and the Ceasefire Agreement agreed on 20 May.

But these commitments will be worthless if they are not put into action or used to secure a military advantage. We call on the parties to fully abide by their commitments in their letter and spirit.

We also welcome the efforts of the AU, IGAD, and League of Arab States to help bring an end to the violence. It is essential that there is strong coordination of efforts between regional and multilateral bodies.

It is also imperative that the voices of the Sudanese civilians are heard loud and clear. They must be included at every stage of the process, especially in mediation efforts to bring an end to the fighting and ultimately to deliver a democratic transition with a civilian government.

President, let me address the appalling human rights and humanitarian situation caused by this fighting.

As we heard, over 500 civilians have been killed. Thousands injured. Millions more lack food and medicine. In West Darfur, visceral violence is igniting at a scale not experienced in decades.

Over 150,000 people have been forced to flee Sudan. The United Kingdom would like to extend our thanks and pledge our support to the neighbouring countries who have welcomed refugees.

Humanitarian need has risen sharply, having already been at record levels prior to the conflict.

We call for an immediate end to the continued attacks on civilian infrastructure, including homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and places of worship. The looting of humanitarian assets is simply unacceptable. We reiterate that the perpetrators must be held accountable.

President, in closing, we offer our full support to UNITAMS as we enter discussions on the renewal of the mandate and we stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people in their demands for a peaceful and democratic future.

Thank you.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Suspended sentence for father Michael Joseph Richards who ran illegal waste firm with son [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 22 May 2023.

A father who ran an illegal waste business with his son at their home in Cornwall was sentenced to a suspended jail sentence by magistrates.

Michael Joseph Richards, 59, now living at Menorca Lane, Bugle, appeared for sentence on two charges relating to the illegal waste business that he and his son, also called Michael, ran at their then home at The Paddocks, St Stephen’s Road, Sticker.

Richards Senior was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, at Bodmin Magistrates Court on 18 May 2023.

Richards Junior was fined for three offences relating to the business last month. Richards Senior was also ordered to pay half of the £4,397.75 costs awarded previously.

In a case brought by the Environment Agency both men had admitted offences relating to running a waste site without a permit.

An investigation was launched by the Environment Agency following a fire at the site where building and household waste, including plasterboard, timber, cement bags, rigid insulation, electrical appliances, furniture and plastic household objects had been kept.

Surrounding the fire was more waste debris including radiators, fridges and a caravan. The fire was close to a gas tank and the main A390 road which meant there was the potential for causing a smoke hazard.

Magistrates said that waste crime is one of the worst types of offending that comes before them and that Richards failed to supervise what was happening on his land.

Following the hearing, Stephen Clark from the Environment Agency said:

We’re pleased with the outcome of this case. Mr Richards Senior had a previous similar conviction. This sends out a message that waste crime will not be tolerated.

Background

Michael Richards Senior pleaded guilty to two charges:

Between 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, permitted the carrying on of a waste operation, on land known as The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell in respect of which no environmental permit was in force.

Contrary to regulations 38(1)(b) and 12(1)(b) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016

Between the 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, deposited, or knowingly caused or knowingly permitted the deposit of controlled waste including mixed building and household waste on land, namely The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell, in respect of which no environmental permit was in force.

Contrary to section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Over £450 million investment to improve school buildings [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 22 May 2023.

859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools will receive funding to improve their school buildings.

Over 1,000 school building improvement projects will receive the green light today as part of plans to boost the condition of the school estate.

859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools in every region of the country will receive a share of a £456 million pot created to help refurbish and repair school buildings.

The condition improvement funding will ensure that pupils can learn in safe, warm and energy efficient classrooms.

Overall, the government has committed £1.8 billion of capital funding for the financial year 2023 to 2024 to improve the condition of school buildings – including £1.1 billion for local authorities, large multi-academy trusts and voluntary aided bodies announced in March.

Minister for the School System, Baroness Diana Barran MBE said:

Our Condition Improvement Fund has already completed over 11,000 projects, making a difference to pupils and teachers across the country. These projects help to create safer learning environments that make a difference to the quality of education for pupils.

It’s hugely important that every school has access to high-quality learning facilities and these funding allocations will make sure that responsible bodies can start to plan ahead and get projects started to replace roofs, boilers and windows – so pupils and teachers can learn and work in a comfortable space.

The department has allocated over £15 billion since 2015 to support the government’s priority for schools to have safe, well-maintained facilities that support a high-quality education for pupils.

The announcement follows on from 239 new school buildings confirmed in December as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme, with 400 out of 500 schools and sixth-form colleges now been selected for rebuilds through the 10-year programme.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Kemi Badenoch visits Gulf to boost trade ties [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 22 May 2023.

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, visits the Middle East to advance the UK’s ambitions for a modern, comprehensive trade deal with the GCC.
- Business and Trade Secretary will visit Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates on a five day tour this week.
- A deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council is expected to increase trade by 16% between the UK and the region.
- 2022 saw a significant boost in UK services exports to the region, including innovative British green firms expanding across the Gulf.
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will hold talks to encourage the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministers to advance the UK’s ambitions for a modern, comprehensive trade deal as she visits Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this week.

Meeting her ministerial counterparts in each nation, and new Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Badenoch will also speak with senior business leaders and investors to build on inward investment to the UK – currently worth more than £15.7 billion – delivering on the government priority to grow the economy.

Ahead of her visit, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

We already have a strong trade and investment relationship with the Gulf nations, but I’m determined to strengthen this even further.

The GCC represents an enormous opportunity for UK firms, whether it’s selling brilliant British food and drink products into new markets or offering new consumers for our flourishing digital trade and renewable energy sectors.

I know my counterparts are as ambitious for this deal as I am, and I’m ready to match their ambition.

The trip comes as the total trade between the UK and GCC reached a record high of £61.3 billion in 2022.

The UK began negotiations with the six-country bloc in 2022 and has completed three rounds of talks so far.

Collectively, the GCC is equivalent to the UK’s seventh largest export market. Their demand for goods and services is expected to grow rapidly to almost £1 trillion by 2035 – an increase of over 75%.

This will open huge, new opportunities for UK businesses, from food and drink to cars and clothes – removing these types of tariffs as part of a trade deal will help to increase choice for GCC consumers, giving them access to a greater range of UK products. This will help to create jobs across the country, support businesses to expand and grow the economy.

A deal with the GCC will also play to the UK’s strengths as a global services superpower. UK exports to GCC amounted to £36 billion, with more than half being services.

Pioneering green technology firms based across the UK are already taking advantage of the region’s pivot away from fossil fuels. Innovators including Levidian Nanosystems, Sonihull, Graphene Solutions and G-volution are boosting sustainability and clean energy and have expanded their operations to the Gulf as the region diversifies its economy.

Levidian Nanosystems CEO John Hartley said:

The GCC is an important region for Levidian – the combination of large-scale gas assets which require decarbonisation, heavy industry which can benefit from graphene application, and a political will to decarbonise at pace make it an area in which Levidian can have significant impact.

The Business and Trade Secretary will speak at the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday and take part in a series of business engagements throughout the week.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Northern Group partners meet in Warsaw to discuss European security [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 May 2023.

Key threats and challenges to European security was the focus of meeting of ministers from 12 European countries today.

Ministers and representatives from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the UK met in Warsaw, Poland today for the Northern Group Ministers meeting.

Currently chaired by Poland, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace attended the meeting hosted by Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak in Legionowo, near Warsaw.

The threats and challenges to European security were discussed during the meeting. All partners agreed that Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has seriously changed the security environment and that Russia’s aggressive posture constitutes a direct threat to the security, stability and the prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic area.

Northern Group members share a common view that providing further military assistance to Ukraine to support its defence against Russia’s brutal aggression is crucial.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Defence partnerships like the Northern Group are vital to tackle shared threats. As likeminded nations we are determined to continue our support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, for as long as it takes.

It was a pleasure to meet again with my friend and close defence partner Mariusz Błaszczak. For over 150 years we have enjoyed a close defence alliance with Poland and our ongoing cooperation is supporting security and stability across Europe.

NATO Vilnius Summit was also discussed during the meeting, including the implementation of decisions agreed during the Madrid Summit in 2022. Northern Group members agreed that the Vilnius Summit should enhance regional security by further strengthening of Allied deterrence and defence posture.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace also held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Mariusz Błaszczak during the meeting. It is less than a month since Ben Wallace was last in Poland, invited as a guest to the Bucharest 9 meeting. Prior to that the Ministers met in October 2022 where they signed an Air Defence Complex Weapons Memorandum of Understanding MOU and the Arrowhead-140 Statement of Intent.

The Air Defence MOU enables the UK and Poland to cooperate in the development and manufacture of current and future complex weapons, further strengthening the relationship built through the Defence and Security Cooperation Treaty (2017) and deepening the interoperability of our Armed Forces. The Arrowhead-140 Statement of Intent provides a framework for our governments to collaborate on the procurement and operation of three Arrowhead-140 frigates. The Polish Frigates will be a variant of the Arrowhead-140.

At the end of April, a major £1.9 billion export agreement was signed by the UK and Poland. The contract with UK firm MBDA for a British-designed air defence system is a major boost for Euro-Atlantic security and will support hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the UK.

It is one of the largest deals of its kind in NATO and will see the UK equip 22 Polish air defence batteries with sophisticated UK Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMMs) and launchers.

These announcements are just the latest recent collaboration between our two countries aimed at helping Poland bolster its armed forces to deter aggression, and are in addition to the UK’s deployment of the Sky Sabre air defence system to Poland.

June 2, 2023