Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : ‘Now is the moment for all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to show courage and leadership’ – UK statement at the Security Council [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 May 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Thank you, Madam President.

Let me start by welcoming the participation of the High Representative in this meeting.

Mr Schmidt and his office continue to play a crucial role in contributing to a stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is therefore important for the Security Council to have an informed and open dialogue with Mr Schmidt on the situation on the ground.

Madam President, the UK wants to see Bosnia and Herzegovina move forward as a democratic, stable and prosperous European country.

We welcome the formation of a new Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 28 April.

A functional and effective government is vital to help counter hostile actors, make progress on Euro-Atlantic integration and implement reform.

While it was regrettable that the High Representative had to take executive actions, Mr Schmidt, along with the international community, had repeatedly encouraged domestic politicians to come to an agreement and form a government. His executive powers remain a necessary tool when the situation requires it.

We urge all actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to set aside narrow interests, and to promote collaborative and constructive politics in the coming period.

This includes halting attempts to frustrate governance and working together to agree an alternative to the permanent amendment to the Federation Constitution before May 2024.

We welcome the proactive approach taken by the new Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and hope to see such activity continue.

We remain concerned by the dangerous, divisive and secessionist rhetoric and actions from the Republika Srpska leadership.

As the High Representative makes clear, Republika Srpska authorities continue to undermine state institutions in an attempt to damage the integrity of the state.

Recent authoritarian legislative moves threaten peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region.

Against this backdrop, it is more important than ever that the Security Council maintains its support for the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the High Representative.

The UK remains firmly committed to the Dayton Peace Agreement, and its associated international structures.

We welcome all efforts towards meeting the conditions set out for their closure, including the 5+2 criteria. We remain a committed member of the Peace Implementation Council in support of the territorial integrity and fundamental structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, sovereign state, comprising two entities.

We also recognise EUFOR ALTHEA’s effective work to maintain peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It continues to play a vital role in regional security.

President, now is the moment for all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to show courage and leadership – rejecting the politics of division and hatred in favour of cooperation and constructive engagement.

This is essential to deliver stability and prosperity for all its citizens.

Thank you.

May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Further support for Ukraine urged at meeting of NATO defence chiefs [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 May 2023.

Military support for Ukraine and a radical overhaul of NATO’s deterrence and defence topped the agenda for meeting of Alliance’s Defence Chiefs.

Ongoing military support to Ukraine and NATO’s continuing transformation to face key security challenges were the focus of a meeting of the Alliance’s Chiefs of Defence, held today in Brussels.

Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, represented the UK for the meeting in Brussels, the first in-person session of NATO Chiefs of Defence since Finland’s accession to NATO.

Sweden was also represented as an invitee and NATO’s closest partner, ahead of its accession to the Alliance. The UK was the fifth NATO member to ratify Sweden and Finland’s membership, and welcomed Finnish accession to NATO.

The UK continues to encourage all Allies to ratify Sweden’s membership as soon as possible. Finnish and Swedish membership will make all Allies safer, and the Euro-Atlantic area more secure.

UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said:

As the war in Ukraine reaches another important phase, it is of the utmost importance that the United Kingdom and its Allies stay strong in our ongoing support to Ukraine, as they seek to drive Russian forces from their sovereign territory.

With Finland now a full member of NATO, and Sweden expected to complete its accession in the coming months, Putin has only succeeded in ensuring our Alliance is stronger than ever. I look forward to working with other Chiefs of Defence to finalise the transformation of NATO’s deterrence and defence ahead of July’s NATO Summit in Vilnius.

With his counterparts, Admiral Radakin welcomed the new NATO Regional Plans, which give NATO military commanders a wide range of options to defend Alliance territory against threats from Russia and terrorist groups.

This is the first time NATO has developed such plans since the end of the Cold War. The plans form part of a decade-long process of transformation for the Alliance, which is stronger and more united than ever.

The UK is committed to standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to defend themselves against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion. We are one of the leading providers of military support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and have committed so spend another £2.3bn on military support for Ukraine this year. By making this commitment we are strengthening Ukraine’s position to repel Russia’s barbaric invasion and secure its long-term sovereignty.

The meeting of Defence Chiefs comes just days before the start of Exercise Spring Storm, the largest annual exercise involving the UK-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Estonia, which will see more than 1,000 members of the UK Armed Forces leading the multinational training exercise.

The two-week exercise will showcase the UK’s ability to deploy hundreds of personnel, as well as armoured vehicles and helicopters to Europe, for an exercise to boost interoperability with NATO allies.

May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK to cement ties with South Korea and build future-facing partnership steeped in 140-year history [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 May 2023.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, will visit Seoul from 11 to 12 May.
- the UK and Korea will mark 140 years of diplomatic relations by building new partnership agreements and increasing economic security
- Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, will deepen economic cooperation on climate change and regional security, progress a new South Korea development partnership and highlight the impact of the UK’s enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific
- on the 2-day visit, Minister Trevelyan’s first to South Korea, she will visit the demilitarised zone with North Korea and reinforce peace and security commitments
UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan arrived in South Korea (11 May), as the 2 countries celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations, to deepen cooperation on economic and security challenges.

During her first trip to the country, Minister Trevelyan will join a dialogue with 2nd Vice Minister Lee Dohoon to deepen collaboration on economic security between the 2 countries. The dialogue, the first at ministerial level, is expected to focus on regional security measures upholding the international rules based economic order and joint work to combat hostile activity by foreign states.

The visit’s focus on economic security underlines the UK’s commitment to partner with dynamic and fast-growing economies in the Indo-Pacific, as set out in the Integrated Review refresh.

These partnerships will be critical to advancing the Prime Minister’s priority of UK economic growth. The UK and South Korea already have a mutually beneficial free trade agreement in place, with 2-way trade worth £18.8 billion in the year to September 2022, up 42% on the previous year.

Minister for the Indo Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

This year marks 140 years in the UK’s friendship with South Korea, our valued partner on key issues from regional security to climate change.

As trusted friends, South Korea and the UK already benefit from strong trade relations and shared regional aims. By forming new partnerships on development and economic security, we will benefit our 2 great nations and build stability in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

During the visit, the minister will attend engagements focused on reinforcing peace and joint commitments to security in the Indo-Pacific. These include a tour at the Joint Security Area of the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea.

During the tour the minister will reaffirm commitments to work with partners on the threat North Korea poses to regional stability. The UK has been at the forefront of calling out North Korea’s provocations and as a permanent member of the UN security council, helps lead UN sanctions enforcement.

Minister Trevelyan will also make new commitments to establish a Strategic Development Partnership with South Korea. The initiative will amplify the impact of existing UK and South Korean development commitments, improving the lives of those in developing nations. The partnership will span climate and economic resilience, development finance and health with more details set to be agreed by the end of the year.

With the British Embassy in Seoul alongside the British Chamber of Commerce, Minister Trevelyan will launch a new programme to promote gender equality in the workplace called ‘Empower’. The programme will support Korean women in business by providing mentoring and networking opportunities with top British companies based in Korea. It will build on the FCDO’s first ever International Women and Girls strategy, launched in March this year.
May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Smarter regulation unveiled to cut red tape and grow the economy [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 10 May 2023.

Initial package of regulatory reform will reduce unnecessary regulation for businesses, cutting costs and allowing them to compete.
Reducing burdensome red tape and tailoring rules to suit the UK economy could save employers around £1 billion a year

First of a series of announcements taking advantage of the UK’s post-Brexit regulatory freedoms, delivering on our promise to grow the economy

The first dynamic package of deregulatory reforms to grow the economy, cut costs for businesses and support consumers was unveiled today.

Taking advantage of post-Brexit freedoms, the Government will remove unnecessary red tape and regulatory burdens, ensuring rules and regulation for British businesses is proportionate and takes into consideration wider impacts on consumers, innovation and competition – as well as direct costs.

Today’s package is the first of a series of deregulation announcements expected this year and is focused on delivering benefits to business. The reduced reporting requirements could save employers over £1 billion per year.

This will help to deliver on the Government’s priority to grow the economy and is a down payment on the UK’s ambition to have one of the most innovative and agile regulatory regimes in the world.

Today’s package includes:

Reducing the business burden. We will reduce time-consuming and disproportionate reporting requirements for specific elements of the Working Time Regulations, while retaining the 48-hour week requirement and upholding our world leading employment standards. This could save employers around £1bn a year. We are also simplifying regulations that apply when a business transfers to a new owner.

Ensuring regulation is, by default, the last rather than first response of Government by reforming the Better Regulation Framework. The new, smarter framework will ensure future regulation of our changing economy is streamlined, minimises business burdens, and puts forward-looking regulation at the heart of Government decisions.

Improving regulators’ focus on economic growth by ensuring regulatory action is taken only when it is needed, and any action take is proportionate. Following Professor Dame Angela McLean’s review of the regulators’ Growth Duty, the government intends to consult on refreshed guidance on how regulators deliver their growth duties. The government will also consider the merits of commencing statutory reporting and how best to promote growth with utilities regulators, who are currently not in scope of the Growth Duty.

Promoting competition and productivity in the workplace by limiting the length of non-compete clauses to three months, providing more flexibility for up to 5 million UK workers to join a competitor or start up a rival business after they have left a position. The change will also provide a boost to the wider UK economy, supporting employers to grow their businesses and increase productivity by widening the talent pool and improving the quality of candidates they can hire.

Stimulating innovation, investment and growth by announcing two strategic policy statements to steer our regulators. We are today publishing the first of these statements for consultation, on energy policy, which will be followed soon after by the Government’s strategic steer to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Over the past few decades, we have seen a build-up of regulation in every aspect of our lives. Businesses have faced hundreds of new rules, costing time and money to read and comply with thousands of pages of regulations.

These rules make it more expensive and harder for startups to enter the market or to scale up and grow. They have reduced competition, raised prices and reduced innovation, leaving consumers worse off and UK firms less competitive in global markets.

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch said:

I have listened to the concerns of business of all sizes and have made it a priority to tackle the red tape that holds back UK firms, reduces their competitiveness in global markets and hampers their growth.

We are taking back control of our laws after Brexit, reducing and improving regulation and giving businesses the freedom to do what they do best – sell innovative products, create jobs and grow the economy.

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said:

For years and under all Governments, well-meaning Ministers have reached to create new regulations in response to issues. This is then repeated under the next set of Ministers – leaving us with a high cumulative burden for business to deal with.

We are pleased to see a change of approach here, moving away from regulation as a first resort, alongside a reduction in administrative requirements that divert time away from running a business, and more of a focus for regulators on stimulating economic growth.

We’ve already taken advantage of our new status as a sovereign and independent nation. Among other things, we have set our own tariff regime via the UK Global Tariff to cut tariffs so we can reduce prices for UK consumers; we’ve introduced the UKCA marking to improve goods regulation and we will pass the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill to set a new, less burdensome approach than the GDPR.

Our Edinburgh Reforms of UK financial services include over 30 regulatory reforms to unlock investment and turbocharge growth in towns and cities across the UK.

Our Retained EU Law Bill, which is currently passing through parliament, will end the special status of retained EU law (REUL) by the end of 2023 ensuring that, for the first time in a generation, the UK’s statute book will not include reference to the supremacy of EU law or EU legal principles.

We have the unique opportunity to look again at these regulations and decide if they’re right for our economy, if we can scrap them, or if we can reform and improve them and help spur economic growth.

To ensure that Government can focus on delivering more reform of REUL, to a faster timetable, we are amending the REUL Bill to be clear which laws we intend to revoke at the end of this year. This will also provide certainty to business by making clear which regulations will be removed from our statute book.

We will retain the powers that allow us to continue to amend EU laws, so more complex regulation can still be revoked or reformed after proper assessment and consultation.

The reforms we are announcing today are not just for central Government, we will also provide a clear signal to our regulators that driving innovation, investment and growth should be at the heart of what our regulators do.
May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint outcome statement – UK-India round nine FTA negotiations [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 10 May 2023.

Round nine of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of India.

In continuation of the eighth round of negotiations held during 20-31 March 2023 in new Delhi, the United Kingdom and the Republic of India held the ninth round of talks during 24-28 April for a UK-India FTA.

As with previous rounds, these were conducted in a hybrid fashion – a number of officials from India travelled to London and others attended virtually.

During the round, detailed discussions took place across a range of policy areas.

The tenth round of negotiations is due to take place in the coming months.

May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £7 million beach management reduces flood risk for Lincolnshire [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 10 May 2023.

Annual works by the Environment Agency to reduce the risk of flooding for Lincolnshire’s coastal communities has now started (8 May).

Over the next 6 to 7 weeks, around 400,000 cubic metres of sand will be topped up on beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point. Thus, reducing the risk of flooding for Lincolnshire’s coastal communities.

The Environment Agency’s annual beach management sees sand dredged from licensed areas of the seabed. This is then pumped onto the beach to replace levels naturally lost to the sea throughout the year. This reduces the risk of flooding for 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land.

Replenishing the sand means that the beaches, instead of hard defences like sea walls, take the brunt of the waves’ force and energy. This reduces the amount of damage and erosion to those hard defences and lessens the risk of water overtopping them.

The Environment Agency has been restoring sand levels on the Lincolnshire coast every year since 1994. In addition to reducing flood risk, the work brings supplementary social and economic benefits by retaining the sandy beaches for a vibrant tourism industry.

Deborah Campbell, Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

As well as reducing the risk of flooding to 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land. The work helps maintain the county’s sandy beaches for us all to enjoy.

But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen. That’s why we urge people to prepare and plan for the worst, including by signing up to receive free flood warnings.

Starting at Huttoft on 8 May, the work will progress along the coast in stages at these approximate dates (subject to change):
- Huttoft, 8 to 12 May.
- Mablethorpe, 13 to 15 May.
- Trusthorpe, 16 to 23 May.
- Sutton on Sea, 24 to 25 May.
- Boygrift, 26 to 31 May.
- Chapel Six Marshes, 1 June to 5 June.
- Trunch Lane, 6 June to 11 June.
- Ingoldmells, 11 June to 15 June.
- Wolla Bank, 15 June to 18 June.
People visiting these beaches on days that work is under way are asked to stay clear of the worksites.
The £7 million beach management work is funded as part of the Environment Agency’s capital programme. The programme is a record £5.2 billion government investment in England’s flood and coastal defences to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties by 2027.

The Environment Agency urges people to plan ahead for flooding. They can find out if their property is in an at-risk area by signing up for free flood warnings. Further information on all these steps and more is available at GOV.UK/Flood and by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Charity regulator appoints Interim Manager to the Islamic Centre of England [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 10 May 2023.

The Charity Commission has appointed an interim manager to a London-based religious charity.

The Charity Commission has today announced it has appointed an interim manager to the Islamic Centre of England.

The charity has been the subject of a statutory inquiry by the regulator since November 2022. The inquiry was opened due to serious governance concerns and follows extensive engagement in recent years which includes issuing the charity with an Official Warning.

Due to the trustees’ failure to comply with their legal duties and responsibilities and their failure to protect the charity’s assets, the Commission appointed an interim manager to the charity on the 4th May 2023. Emma Moody of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, the appointed interim manager, will have all the powers and duties of the charity’s trustees, and is appointed to the exclusion of the current trustees. As part of the appointment, she will conduct a review of the charity’s governance and administration and make recommendations to the Commission based on her findings.

Charity Commission Chair, Orlando Fraser KC, said:

We need to act robustly where serious concerns about a charity exist, so that the public, and the charity sector itself, can have confidence in what it means to have charitable status.

The investigators leading this inquiry are assessing all information thoroughly. The appointment of an interim manager will help the Commission ensure the charity’s governance is restored and is improved to a better standard.

The Islamic Centre of England has charitable purposes which include advancing the religion of Islam and promoting education and welfare among the Muslim community.

The Commission’s inquiry remains ongoing. It is the Commission’s policy to publish a report upon concluding an inquiry to detail its findings, conclusions, and any regulatory action taken.

May 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New Chief Economic Adviser to the Treasury appointed [May 2023]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 10 May 2023.

Sam Beckett has been appointed as the new Chief Economic Adviser to the Treasury, replacing Clare Lombardelli.

The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, has announced the appointment of Sam Beckett as the new Chief Economic Adviser to the Treasury. She replaces Clare Lombardelli, who was recently appointed as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Chief Economist.

Sam will become the sole head of the Government Economic Service, a role she previously led jointly. Sam joins the Treasury from her current role as Second Permanent Secretary at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Deputy Chief Executive at the UK Statistics Authority. Sam is well-equipped with over 25 years’ experience at Treasury, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and the Cabinet Office in roles spanning macro and micro-economics, fiscal policy, and strategy.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said:

“I am thrilled to congratulate Sam on her well-deserved appointment and welcome her back to the Treasury. Her economic expertise and leadership in a range of government departments will be indispensable as we focus on our priorities of growing the economy, reducing debt and halving inflation.”

Permanent Secretary to the Treasury James Bowler said:

“Sam has extensive macro and microeconomic experience leading across the economic landscape and is an expert policy maker. I look forward to working with her as we tackle the economic challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Sam Beckett said:

“I am incredibly honoured to be chosen for a role at the heart of the UK economy. I look forward to joining a strong team of officials as we further bolster economic prosperity for the whole of the UK.”

Further information

Sam will be the head of the Government Economic Service having been the joint head alongside Clare Lombardelli, former Chief Economic Adviser to the Treasury. She will also be appointed Second Permanent Secretary to the Treasury. Sam became Second Permanent Secretary at the ONS and the Deputy Chief Executive at the UK Statistics Authority in September 2020.

As acting Permanent Secretary at BEIS, she oversaw the COVID-19 response and prior to that she was the Director General at BEIS responsible for the Department’s EU-exit preparations. At the Treasury, she was Director of Fiscal Group where she led the fiscal policy response to the financial crisis.

Sam studied PPE at New College, Oxford and has an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics. She was made a Companion of the Bath (CB) in 2020 and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in 2021.

May 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK military training estate to benefit from new £560 million contract sustaining 1,300 UK jobs [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 May 2023.

A £560 million contract to manage the UK land on which thousands of Armed Forces personnel train, has been awarded to Landmarc Support Services by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
- £560 million contract to deliver management of facilities, rural estates and operational services.
- 1,308 jobs supported across the entirety of the UK Defence Training Estate, delivering on the Prime Minister’s priorities.
- UK training estate plays a crucial role in preparing troops for operations across the globe, including supporting the UK-based training of thousands of Ukrainian volunteers.
Delivering facilities management, rural estate management and operational services across the 156,000 hectares which make up the UK Defence Training Estate, around 1,300 UK jobs will be sustained by the replacement contract, delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy and support jobs across the country.

Comprising 16 major armed forces training areas and 104 minor training areas including ranges and camps, the UK Defence training estate includes sites from Salisbury Plain in the South West to Barry Buddon in Scotland as well as many more. Through the new contract, Landmarc which is a joint venture between Mitie and Amentum will provide UK and visiting Armed Forces with a safe and secure place to live, work and train, while maintaining and improving the land, buildings and facilities that they use.

The contract will also deliver vital services to training troops, including providing them with around four million meals a year and approximately one million bed spaces.

Innovative, more responsive, and flexible services will be introduced for personnel using the training estate, resulting in facilities that will be more agile to meet the changing needs of the Armed Forces.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said:

This significant investment will help to ensure we continue to offer safe, secure and well-maintained training facilities for our Service Personnel as they prepare for operations worldwide.

The UK’s Defence Training Estate also provides a huge boost to our economy, with this contract sustaining more than a thousand jobs across the country.

The training estate covers around one per cent of land in the UK and plays a crucial role in preparing UK and visiting troops for operations across the globe, including supporting the UK-based training of thousands of Ukrainian volunteer recruits.

The training being delivered on our sites has so far equipped more than 10,000 Ukrainian personnel with battle-proven skills and expertise. These individuals are volunteers recruited into the Armed Forces of Ukraine with little limited military experience, so it’s essential their training provides the skills required to be effective in frontline combat.

Our Training Estate teams have delivered specific operational training requirements, from the digging of trench systems and the re-design of training areas, to supporting on the ranges where Ukrainian recruits are developing their marksmanship skills.

Brigadier Jonathan Bartholomew, Head DIO Overseas & Training Region, said:

We are passionate about the work we do every day to support our Armed Forces by offering a safe place to train.

This new contract for the training estate will offer safe, secure, and well-maintained training facilities, meals, and beds, for our Service personnel as they prepare for operations worldwide.

The new contract offers the opportunity to transform the way we manage our training areas. We have a good working relationship with Landmarc and I look forward to continuing our work with them to improve the training estate so that it meets the unique and ever-changing needs of our Armed Forces as well as offering a safe place for the public to visit.

The training estate includes training camps, range complexes and field firing areas, as well as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Conservation Areas. Much of the training estate is open to the public and this new contract will help to ensure that these important spaces are well maintained and are kept safe for both the public and the military to use.

Mark Neill, Managing Director at Landmarc, said:

We are thrilled to be awarded this new contract and build on 20 years of outstanding service delivery to ensure that the UK Defence Training Estate delivers safe and sustainable locations to train our Armed Forces.

Every single one of our 1,300 strong team has had a part to play in providing the critical services that enable our Armed Forces to train effectively, deploy on operations and return home safely. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with DIO and working with its wider industry partners to transform the lived experience of Armed Forces personnel who use the Defence estate to live, work and train.

Major General Richard Clements, Director Basing and Infrastructure said:

A well-maintained estate is critical to providing a safe environment in which to prepare our soldiers for operations and is therefore key to the success of the British Army. The new Training Estate contract will see Landmarc deliver essential services that will ensure infrastructure and facilities are well maintained to enable Defence’s world-class training.
May 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New section of new ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’ opens between Bridlington and Filey Brigg [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 May 2023.

Route will create an amazing 208 mile trail from Bridlington to Bamburgh in Northumberland – the longest stretch of the Coast Path to be opened in England.

The Yorkshire Coast boasts the addition of a further 21 miles of coastal path today as the section from Bridlington (Wilsthorpe) to Filey Brigg opens, creating an amazing 208 miles of national trail from Bridlington to Bamburgh in Northumberland – the longest opened part of the Coast Path so far.

The route forms the first section of the coast path to open since being renamed from the England Coast Path to the King Charles III England Coast Path to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It is the first section to open in the East Riding of Yorkshire and the last section to open in North Yorkshire. It completes 50 miles of coastal path within the county.

In addition, the miles opened today will delight walkers passing through popular coastal chalk scenery and the UK’s largest seabird colony which can be viewed from the cliff tops at RSPB Bempton. Here puffins, gannets, kittiwakes and guillemots can be seen when nesting.

Starting just north of Bridlington near the Coast Guard Station, the route passes along the gently undulating low chalky cliffs rising to the world famous Flamborough Head, with its impressive high stacks and cliffs, the most northerly chalk cliffs in the UK. Visitors can wind around its many coves and bays used by smugglers in the 18th century, before arriving at the two lighthouses of Flamborough, the old Lighthouse from 1674 and the new 1806 lighthouse, both of which are Grade II listed buildings.

The route then leads onto the spectacular Bempton Cliffs, where the magnificent sea bird colonies and the distinctive coastline are easily observed from the RSPB viewpoints. From Bempton the trail keeps to the cliff tops and reaches its highest point on Speeton cliffs where the views north on a clear day take in Filey Brigg, the site of a Roman Signal Station, Scarborough Castle, and Cloughton Wyke in the distance. Sections of new access give new views across Speeton Gap and Flat Cliff Gill, Reighton before entering Filey Country park.

The easy-to-follow walking trail also takes visitors past Sewerby Hall, a Grade I listed Georgian country house and along a 19th Century Promenade, which is part of a conservation area. Primrose Valley which also forms part of the route was previously RAF Hunmanby Moor, when it commandeered during World War II. Speeton Sands is peppered with the remains of WWII coastal defences and when the tide is right, shipwreck remains can be seen including those from the steam collier, Laura, which ran aground in 1897.

As a national trail the creation of the King Charles III England Coast Path’ has improved the popular ‘Headland Way’ route with better signage and easier access, making this Heritage Coastline of lighthouses, abundant seabirds and the northern chalk cliff scenery more accessible for all.

Delivered by Natural England, The King Charles III England Coast Path will be a 2,700-mile long National Trail around the whole of the English coast, passing through some of our finest countryside and some of England’s most stunning, dynamic and internationally famous coastal scenery.

Natural England has worked in partnership with local authorities to open 794 miles of the route so far and the trail will be fully walkable by the end of 2024 – connecting communities from Northumberland to Cumbria via Cornwall. The addition of today’s stretch in North Yorkshire and another 36 miles opening today at Crosby Sands, Liverpool brings to total to 851 miles now open.

Environment Minister Trudy Harrison said:

The Yorkshire coastline is dynamic and historic; passing through areas rich in seaside heritage and wildlife hotspots where precious seabirds thrive. I’m delighted to see this stretch open today which directly connects thousands of people to the coast, and takes us a step closer to being able to walk all the way around England.

Our Environmental Improvement Plan sets out a commitment for every household to be within a 15-minute walk of a green space or water. The King Charles III England Coast Path is a significant part of this commitment, and the opening today is a fitting tribute to His Majesty the King following the celebrations last weekend. I greatly encourage everyone to visit the path and discover the local environment on their doorsteps”.

Paul Duncan, Natural England Area Manager for Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, said:

Today’s new route, in celebration of His Majesty King Charles III, will give people all over the country easy access to our spectacular Yorkshire coastline. You can arrive at the coast and enjoy a walk with the most stunning views and fresh air.

With over 850 miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path now open, and more stretches opening this year, the benefits of walking for health and wellbeing through getting closer to nature are becoming more available for all. The boost to local economies by joining up existing coastal footpaths to create a stretch of high-quality, well-signposted coastal National Trail could be significant.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for public rights of way, Cllr Keane Duncan, said:

The opening of the newest section of the National Trail is a huge milestone for the Yorkshire Coast and its renaming is a very fitting way to honour King Charles III in the year of his Coronation.

The council is very proud of the role we have played, in strong partnership, to deliver expanded and improved walking routes for the benefit of all.

Patrick Wharam, countryside access manager for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said :

We are extremely pleased that this first section of the new National Trail is open, linking North and East Yorkshire with the King Charles III England Coast Path.

A number of improvements funded by Natural England have been undertaken to improve the path to a National Trail standard, with accessibility and sustainability in mind. Walking has the power to lengthen the tourism season, as it is an all-weather activity which can be enjoyed in all seasons.

The new path will attract both domestic and international visitors to enjoy our natural environment, heritage, culture and leisure activities. It will additionally enhance the walking experience for more local users already familiar with the route.

The England Coast Path will be a benefit to local communities bringing new visitors to the area and linking coastal communities with a new walkable route in some locations.

Start your adventure and discover your perfect trail with National Trails. So that everyone can make the most of the King Charles III England Coast Path, please follow the Countryside Code. This includes not bringing BBQs or dropping litter, and not lighting fires or camping stoves.

May 14, 2023