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  • PRESS RELEASE : UK military training estate to benefit from new £560 million contract sustaining 1,300 UK jobs [May 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.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New section of new ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’ opens between Bridlington and Filey Brigg [May 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.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Illegal Migration Bill in Lords for second reading [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Illegal Migration Bill in Lords for second reading [May 2023]

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

    The government’s Illegal Migration Bill to stop the boats is continuing its progress through Parliament.

    The new legislation will break the business model of the people smuggling gangs, restore fairness to the UK’s asylum system and deter migrants from making the treacherous journey across the Channel by removing those arriving illegally to their home country, if it is safe, or a safe third country where their claims can be heard.

    As the Prime Minister has set out, stopping the boats to ensure no one can use this dangerous and illegal route to the UK, is one of the government’s 5 top priorities.

    Recent amendments ensure the bill will better deter people from making last minute claims in an attempt to avoid removal, and set out the government’s commitment to provide safe and legal routes for those most in need. Together these strengthened the bill to further reassure it is both legally watertight and clear on the protections available to children.

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

    We cannot allow a system to continue which incentivises people to risk their lives and pay people smugglers to come to this country illegally.

    This is neither compassionate nor fair – which is why our Illegal Migration Bill is designed to end illegal entry as a route to asylum in the UK by deterring migrants from making the journey in the first place.

    The British people want us to stop the boats. That is exactly what this bill will help us do. It has been designed with the assistance of some of the country’s finest legal minds to ensure it delivers for the British public in a manner consistent with rule of law and robust to legal challenge.

    We are committed to ensuring that this legislation passes through Parliament as soon as possible, and urge the Lords to back the bill, so we can get on with stopping the boats.

    Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk MP said:

    This bill gives us the robust but fair legal framework needed to remove illegal migrants swiftly and curb last-minute challenges, while ensuring proper opportunity to appeal remains.

    The rule of law is undermined if immigration rules set by Parliament are not upheld.

    The Illegal Migration Bill recently passed through the House of Commons, with a majority of 289 votes to 230. It now progresses through the House of Lords, starting with its second reading.

    This provides a first opportunity for peers across the House to debate the principles of the bill. The Lords will then begin detailed clause-by-clause scrutiny of the bill at committee stage provisionally starting at the end of May.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major broadband upgrade will benefit 12,000 Shropshire homes and businesses [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major broadband upgrade will benefit 12,000 Shropshire homes and businesses [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 10 May 2023.

    Thousands of homes and businesses in Shropshire will benefit from high-speed full-fibre broadband after a £24 million government contract was awarded to Freedom Fibre.

    • Major broadband upgrade for Shropshire
    • Freedom Fibre wins government-funded Project Gigabit contract to roll out lightning-fast connectivity to around 12,000 homes and businesses in Shropshire

    Thousands of homes and businesses in Shropshire will benefit from high-speed full-fibre broadband after a £24 million government contract was awarded to Freedom Fibre.

    This new three-year contract is part of the UK government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit, which aims to provide lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach communities across the UK.

    Freedom Fibre’s network will be rolled out in many communities across North Shropshire including Cockshutt, Hinstock, High Ercall, Bomere Heath, Hadnall, Cheswardine and Clive, transforming broadband speeds and reliability for local residents and businesses.

    Freedom Fibre is expected to start network construction in February 2024, with the first properties potentially connected to lightning-fast broadband as early as October 2024.

    The award supports the government’s priority to grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity across the country.

    Freedom Fibre will invest thousands of pounds in a broad range of socio-economic and environmental projects across North Shropshire including running its ‘Freedom Fund’ that offers funding for good and green community-led projects within its build areas.

    Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale said:

    Thanks to £24 million in government support, thousands of rural homes and businesses across North Shropshire will benefit from Freedom Fibre’s lightning-fast, reliable broadband.

    Delivering the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, Project Gigabit is equipping regions like North Shropshire with state-of-the-art connectivity infrastructure and preparing them for the digital age, ushering in a new wave of opportunity and economic growth.

    Freedom Fibre CEO Neil McArthur said:

    We are delighted to be selected to deliver the latest full fibre broadband technology as part of the North Shropshire Gigabit project. Freedom Fibre is already delivering these services to rural homes and businesses across North West Shropshire and is pleased to be expanding our services to 12,038 homes and businesses in North Shropshire.

    The project forms part of the government’s initiative to ensure a UK-wide rollout of full fibre to replace ageing copper networks. Investing £24m in the latest fibre technology, the project will end over 100 years of copper-based services and enable the delivery of high-speed full fibre to the UK.

    Freedom Fibre is a network builder and will be working with several internet service providers and the local authorities over the next few years. Wherever possible we will be using existing underground ducts and overhead poles to minimise disruption.

    Councillor Robert Macey, Shropshire Council cabinet member with responsibility for Culture and Digital, said:

    This £24m investment is great news for communities and businesses in Shropshire as gigabit-capable broadband further enhances our ability to be a digital county. Improved digital infrastructure remains a top priority for Shropshire Council given its significant economic and social benefits and we look forward to seeing Freedom Fibre progress this exciting infrastructure project. In addition, Freedom Fibre has committed to deliver significant Social Value through the contract; examples include upskilling and employing local people, tree planting schemes, and a £25,000 Freedom Fund for local community projects.

    Premises set to be reached by the contract are subject to change following detailed planning by the supplier or due to technical reasons during the lifetime of the contract.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia must realise that it can never win in Ukraine. If it keeps fighting, it will keep losing – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia must realise that it can never win in Ukraine. If it keeps fighting, it will keep losing – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

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

    UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says Moscow’s reprehensible actions in Ukraine corrupt the memory of past sacrifices and Russia’s once-proud global reputation.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. Over the past week, Russia has again conducted massive missile and UAV strikes against inhabited areas across Ukraine, with minimal regard to discrimination or proportionality. Of note, on Monday, the Ukrainian Red Cross reported that a missile strike completely destroyed 1,000 square metres of humanitarian aid stored in a large warehouse for the Odesa region. Such attacks by Russia seek to punish the Ukrainian people and to spread terror. They are cruel acts of vengeance and a disgraceful manifestation of the failure of the Russian military leadership.

    At the same time, the Kremlin and our Russian colleagues in this room continue to attempt to distract from failures on the battlefield with a campaign of lies, threats and propaganda. Last week the Russian delegate repeated familiar false narratives on confrontation. I would like to again highlight the irony of this coming from a country which invaded Georgia in 2008, illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 and then launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February last year.

    Madam Chair, the Russian leadership’s unprovoked, illegal, and senseless invasion of Ukraine; their attacks against innocent civilians and their homes; and their widespread atrocities corrupt the memory of past sacrifices and Russia’s once-proud global reputation. These actions are reprehensible and cowardly.

    Europe has terrible memories of the totalitarian regimes of the 1930s and 40s, with their disregard for human life, cultural heritage, territory and sovereignty of smaller states. Moscow’s actions now corrupt the memory of all those who fought against tyranny and paid the ultimate sacrifice in the belief that they would save future generations from the scourge of war.

    We pay tribute to the sacrifice of those who fought for the Soviet Union in the Second World War. But this year, Moscow’s celebration of Victory Day highlights the failings of its invasion of Ukraine. The cancellation of many military parades and Immortal Regiment processions across Russia hints at the grim reality of its enormous losses that beyond the many innocent Ukrainian victims, young Russian men are being killed in their thousands in the name of Putin’s war – leaving mothers without sons, wives without husbands, and children without fathers.

    Madam Chair, in a desperate attempt to try and replenish its numbers, the Russian Ministry of Defence has ramped up its recruitment campaign of prisoners for fighting in Ukraine. Reports indicate that up to 10,000 convicts were recruited in April 2023.

    Russian military recruiters have also been targeting central Asian migrant workers in Russia to serve in Ukraine. Recruiters have visited mosques and immigration offices to recruit. At immigration offices, staff who speak Tajik and Uzbek routinely attempt to recruit migrants. Radio Free Europe reported recruiters offering sign-up bonuses of USD $2,390 and salaries of up to USD $4,160 a month. Migrants have also been offered a fast-track Russian citizenship path of six months to one year, instead of the usual five years.

    However, both the convicts and migrant workers recruited by the Russian Ministry of Defence appear to have been sent to the Ukrainian frontlines in attritional combat where the casualty rate is extremely high. On 3 May 2023, Russian private military company Wagner head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, stated that his forces had suffered 116 fatalities in one day fighting in and around Bakhmut.

    Madam Chair, the persistent and institutional poor decision making by the Kremlin is having a terrible impact on the Russian people – more needless deaths; more grieving families; more defeats; more demoralised troops; more discontent; and more isolation. Putin is creating a legacy which millions of young Russians did not choose and did not vote for, but will be forced to bear the cost of for years to come.

    Russia must realise that it can never win in Ukraine. If it keeps fighting, it will keep losing. 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. Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence will be fully restored. The UK and the international community will remain steadfast in our support – we will stand by Ukraine for however long it takes. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path to open in North West [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path to open in North West [May 2023]

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

    A new section of the King Charles III England Coast Path is opening between Tarleton Locks, in Preston and Pier Head Ferry Terminal, in Liverpool.

    A new section of the recently renamed King Charles III England Coast Path will officially open today, Wednesday 10 May.

    The opening will see 36 miles (over 58km) of trails from Tarleton Lock in Preston to Pier Head Ferry Terminal, in Liverpool bringing the total walkable miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path in the North West to 120.9 miles (194.8km).

    The path is being delivered by Natural England together with delivery partners on the ground. The opening of this stretch, along with another taking place in Filey Brigg in North Yorkshire today, brings the total to 851 miles across the country, with 2,700 miles being fully walkable by the end of 2024. The trail and associated coastal land will be publicly accessible, allowing walkers to access a wide range of coastal terrain such as beaches, dunes and cliff tops, passing through picturesque towns, villages and Bootle Docks before heading into Liverpool, Britain’s fourth biggest city.

    Passing the historic Liver Building and the statue of the city’s most famous sons, the Beatles, this new part of King Charles III England Coast Path ends at Pier Head Terminal.

    Highlights of the walk include;

    • Hesketh Outmarsh which is home to important bird habitats, in the care of the RSPB.
    • The Sefton coast supports important wildlife habitats and is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Sites such as the RSPB Marshside bird reserve and the dune landscape of the Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Nature Reserve.
    • Beyond Formby Hills where dunes, grasslands and Corsican pine woodlands provide a haven for species such as the natterjack toad, sand lizard and red squirrel.
    • Crosby Beach which is home to artist Anthony Gormley’s Another Place installation, where 100 scattered, cast-iron figures look out across the Irish Sea.

    Environment Minister Trudy Harrison said:

    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.

    Gerry Rusbridge, Senior Advisor at Natural England said:

    Evidence shows that opening up access to the coast attracts more visitors, supports the local economy and improves health and wellbeing by connecting people to nature.

    At a time when people need nature more than ever, it’s fabulous that we can celebrate the opening of this new 36.4-mile section of the King Charles III England Coast Path. This is a significant moment in the national coastal access programme as it represents the first part of the King Charles III England Coast Path to be opened in the northwest, outside the borders of Cumbria.

    The new path stretches from Preston to Liverpool, opening up beautiful new countryside to the public and aiming to make it easier for as many people as possible to experience the coast.

    This work is a fundamental part of the Government’s 25 year Environment Plan. Here in the North West, we’ve been lucky to have the help of the local council, landowners and various stakeholders and partners – a truly joined up project.

    Once completed, the King Charles III England Coast Path will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world. Walkers and people who enjoy exploring the coast use the National Trails website to plan their visits. See www.nationaltrail.co.uk

    A further 21 miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path will open simultaneously at Filey Brigg in North Yorkshire.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK economy boosted by £1.4 billion as longer lorries roll out on roads [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK economy boosted by £1.4 billion as longer lorries roll out on roads [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 10 May 2023.

    Legislation change allowing longer lorries and longer semi-trailers on roads will save 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the air.

    • laws introduced to permit longer semi-trailer combinations up to 18.55 metres on GB roads – 2.05 metres longer than standard size
    • longer lorries expected to bring £1.4 billion boost for the UK’s economy – supporting productivity and saving 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
    • follows 33 unprecedented government measures to support the haulage industry and supply chains, level up transport and grow the economy

    Longer lorries will be introduced to Great Britain’s (GB’s) roads to support the government’s priority to grow the economy, boost productivity, slash road emissions and support supply chains.

    Legislation will be laid today (10 May 2023) to safely roll out the vehicles on roads from 31 May. The longer lorries will be able to transport fast-moving consumer goods and retail products, as well as waste packaging, parcels and pallets.

    These new lorries will move the same volume of goods, but will use 8% fewer journeys than current trailers. This will generate an expected £1.4 billion in economic benefits and take one standard-size trailer off the road for every 12 trips.

    As part of efforts to grow the economy and cut emissions, government is changing regulations to allow longer trailers on GB roads, which it estimates will save 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

    These longer trailers, known as longer semi-trailers (LST) measure up to 2.05 metres longer than a standard semi-trailer and can be towed by a lorry.

    The move follows an 11-year trial to ensure LSTs are used safely on roads, and operators will be encouraged to put extra safety checks and training in place. The trial demonstrated that LSTs were involved in around 61% fewer personal injury collisions than conventional lorries.

    Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

    Everyone around the country depends on our haulage sector for their everyday needs – from loo rolls to sausage rolls – and a strong, resilient supply chain is key to the government’s priority to grow the economy.

    These new longer lorries will make a big difference for British businesses like Greggs, who will see 15% more baked goods delivered, from tasty pastries to the nation’s much-loved sausage rolls.

    It’s fantastic to see this change for our supply chain come into law, resulting in a near £1.4 billion boost to the haulage industry and driving economic growth. Let the good times roll as we reduce congestion, lower emissions and enhance the safety of British roads.

    Vehicles which use LSTs will be subject to the same 44 tonne weight limit as those using standard trailers. These new vehicles are also expected to cause less wear on the roads than conventional lorries due to the type of steering axle used.

    Operators will be legally required to ensure appropriate route plans and risk assessments are made to take the unique specifications of LSTs into account.

    In addition to these new legal requirements, operators will also be expected to put in place extra safety checks including driver training and scheduling, record keeping, training for transport managers and key staff, and loading of LSTs.

    It is expected that LSTs will create almost £1.4 billion in net economic benefits by ensuring more goods are carried on fewer vehicles, supporting productivity and boosting the economy.

    With over 300 companies in the UK having already taken part in the trial, and almost 3,000 on the road, some of the biggest brands will be rolling out the extended use of these longer semi-trailers including:

    • Greggs
    • Morrisons
    • Stobart
    • Royal Mail
    • Argos

    Gavin Kirk, Supply Chain Director at Greggs, said

    We welcome the introduction of LSTs into general use. Since 2013, Greggs has been operating LSTs from our National Distribution Centre in Newcastle. We were early adopters of the trial as we saw significant efficiency benefits from the additional 15% capacity that they afforded us.

    We have converted 20% of our trailer fleet to LSTs, which was the maximum allowable under the trial, and these complement our fleet of double-deck trailers. Our drivers undertook additional training to use these trailers and we have monitored accidents, finding that they are as safe as our standard fleet.

    Due to the increased capacity, we have reduced our annual kilometer (km) travel by 540,000 km, and saved 410 tonnes of carbon per year from LSTs. This supports our wider ESG agenda, the Greggs Pledge.

    The trial revealed the important environmental benefits associated with the introduction of LSTs, including a considerable reduction of 70,000 tonnes of CO2 and 97 tonnes of NOx over the trial.

    The average CO2 reduction across the lifetime of the trial is similar to the amount of CO2 captured by roughly 11,600 acres of forest per year.

    The savings in NOx emissions averages to the entire annual NOx emissions of around 2,000 diesel cars per year.

    Introducing LSTs is an important, easy and affordable measure to continue to reduce CO2 emissions from the haulage industry without significant technological and infrastructure development, as the government continues to work closely with the sector to ensure all new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are net-zero by 2040.

    The move is part of the government’s comprehensive 33 actions to address the shortage of HGV drivers and boost recruitment and retention.

    Government’s 33 actions to support Britain’s haulage sector include:

    • £52.5 million will be given to improve roadside facilities for lorry drivers
    • making 11,000 HGV driver training places available through skills bootcamps
    • boosting the number of HGV driver tests
    • launching our Future of Freight plan to encourage millions of people to kickstart an exciting career in logistics

    As a result, new HGV drivers are taking and passing their driving test in record numbers.

    Between March 2022 and May 2022, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) carried out 29,384 HGV tests, which is 54% more than the same period in 2019.

    Chris Yarsley, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK said:

    The introduction of longer semi-trailers (LSTs) into general service will increase the scope and scale of the goods which our industry is able to transport, increasing efficiencies and reducing the environmental impact of delivering for the UK’s economy.

    Over the past few years of the trial, our members have proved that LSTs provide operators with a cost-efficient, environmentally prudent alternative to conventional vehicles and our members remain committed to rolling them out across the wider industry as soon as possible.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government holds first Net Zero Council [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government holds first Net Zero Council [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 9 May 2023.

    The Net Zero Council will support industry to help cut their emissions and develop greener practices.

    • Ministers have convened a new Net Zero Council with business and finance leaders to drive forward industry’s transition to net zero
    • government to put heads together with representatives from industry to support further carbon reduction amongst businesses across all sectors of the economy
    • management consultants McKinsey estimates a global market opportunity of £1 trillion for British businesses up to 2030 by going green

    The leaders of some of the world’s leading banks, energy companies, technology giants and finance firms are among those to have attended the first-ever meeting of the Net Zero Council today (Tuesday 9 May 2023).

    Co-chaired by Energy Minister Graham Stuart and Coop Group chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq, the Council will support industry to help cut their emissions, and develop greener practices – as well as delivering on the government’s priority to grow the economy by finding ways to ensure British businesses can benefit from the UK’s world-leading position in renewable technologies and achieving net zero, and export their expertise globally.

    Siemens, SSE, HSBC and NatWest as well as Lloyds of London are among those on the Council, and will be meeting on a quarterly basis to ensure businesses are a key part of achieving net zero.

    Energy Minister Graham Stuart said:

    The Net Zero Council provides the high-level forum for government, business and finance leaders to work together to unlock the opportunities of the green transition.

    Tackling emissions can make businesses more energy efficient, improve UK energy security and, in turn, cut costs. It can open up opportunities to export UK developed solutions around the world, expand UK market share and create jobs.

    The UK has cut its emissions more than any other major economy and the Net Zero Council – meeting today for the first time – will ensure that leaders of UK businesses can help guide government and vice versa so that our environmental leadership translates into economic advantage.

    The Net Zero Council includes some of the most senior business and finance leaders in the country. I am grateful that such extraordinary people are prepared to contribute their knowledge, experience and talent for the benefit of both this country and future generations.

    In 2020 the UK was estimated to already have over 400,000 jobs in low carbon businesses and their supply chains across the country, with turnover at £41.6 billion. Over 80,000 green jobs are currently being supported or are in the pipeline because of new government policies since 2020, with that expected to increase to as many as 480,000 in 2030.

    The new Council discussed the UK’s already world-leading position on net zero and the importance of building one coherent voice across government, finance and business to support the UK’s key sectors in the net zero transition.

    Construction, manufacturing, retail and water and waste were identified as priority sectors to support and focus on, alongside the UK’s world-class university and R&D sectors, with capabilities of building cutting-edge technologies of the future, such as green aviation, hydrogen, CCUS and batteries.

    The key objectives of the council are:

    • working to ensure sectors and companies have a pathway to net zero, including looking at the barriers and connections across sectors
    • leading a systematic review of the financing challenges and the respective roles of government, industry and the financial sector in addressing them
    • identifying key challenges facing SMEs up and down the country in reducing their carbon footprints and supporting their transition with new information and advice

    Co-op Group CEO, Shirine Khoury-Haq, said:

    We are in the grip of a climate crisis of humankind’s making and this is the single most important issue that the global community faces. It is vital that all businesses actively contribute to the Net Zero journey with vigour, as failure to seize this opportunity simply cannot be an option.

    I look forward to working with government – who have a role too – in driving industry to go further, as it’s clear we must all reduce carbon emissions at a faster rate.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK leads the way on agricultural innovation at Washington D.C. Climate Summit [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK leads the way on agricultural innovation at Washington D.C. Climate Summit [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 May 2023.

    £3 million invested in the Global Fertiliser Challenge to fund new research to develop alternative fertilisers to boost sustainability and productivity.

    The UK has today (Tuesday, 9 May) reaffirmed its role as a global leader in food productivity, sustainable farming and tackling climate change at the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) Summit including making a £3 million investment to develop more sustainable fertilisers.

    Attending the summit in Washington D.C., Minister for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan and Farming Minister Mark Spencer helped bring more than 20 countries together to further global progress on the Agriculture Breakthrough, a collaborative effort launched under the UK’s COP26 Presidency, to accelerate the development and deployment of clean technologies and sustainable solutions in the agriculture sector.

    As part of this, the UK announced it will join the US-led Global Fertiliser Challenge, investing £3 million to develop, test and scale up new and alternative fertilisers that can enhance soil health, agricultural productivity, and the sustainability of agriculture globally.

    In partnership with the US, the UK’s investment will fund a new Efficient Fertiliser Consortium, led by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, that will carry out research to advance efficient, environmentally beneficial and cost-effective fertilisers and management practices. This builds on a shared commitment to address food insecurity in low and middle income countries, and will go alongside the UK’s efforts to support domestic farmers with rising input costs through bringing forward direct payments and providing one-off grants to enable farmers to reduce their fertiliser use and increase productivity.

    Launched during the UK’s Presidency of COP26, AIM for Climate seeks to increase investment in climate smart agricultural innovation, with this week’s summit marking a key moment to raise ambition, build collaborations and share knowledge on climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation in the lead-up to COP28. The Agriculture Breakthrough is a UK-led collaboration between governments to accelerate development and deployment of clean technologies and sustainable solutions in the agriculture sector. Its goal is “to make climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture the most attractive and widely adopted option for farmers everywhere by 2030”. It is part of the Breakthrough Agenda – a UK COP Presidency initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit at COP26.

    Farming Minister, Mark Spencer said:

    Innovation is key to unlocking a more sustainable, profitable future for our farming and agriculture sectors. It is vital we join together at the international table to share expertise and best practice, and fund new research to catalyse pioneering solutions that will support farmers around the world to meet the challenges of food security while delivering for our environment.

    Alongside today’s £3m investment into the development of alternative fertilisers, we are investing hundreds of millions of pounds in ongoing support and one-off grants every year for UK farmers get the support they need to capitalise on cutting-edge technology and research that can increase productivity and help tackle climate change.

    We must continue to foster this innovation not only at home but around the world, and I encourage countries to get onboard as we work to generate a real breakthrough for the agri-food sector.

    FCDO Minister for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

    Our global food systems are under increasing pressure, from the devastating impacts of climate change as well as from the turmoil created by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We need collaboration, innovation and ambition to tackle these challenges, and today’s AIM4C Summit and Agriculture Breakthrough Ministerial Meeting have demonstrated the possibilities – we now need investment in research and development, and a laser-like focus on deployment and delivery.

    That’s why the UK is committing £3m to the Global Fertiliser Challenge, to develop new, more efficient fertilisers to transform productivity and safeguard nature. With the US and FFAR, we will accelerate the pace and scale of agriculture innovation and the adoption of climate-resilient agriculture solutions.

    The UK continues to invest in overcoming the global challenge of feeding the world’s population whilst responding to climate change and biodiversity loss, including pest and disease threats. Its long-standing partnership with CGIAR, the world’s leading agricultural science and innovation organisation, has already helped millions of farmers to increase the resilience of their crops to drought and disease and contributed to the food security of millions of people.

    Meanwhile, at home, the UK has made more than £168 million in grants available to farmers this year to drive innovation, support food production, improve animal health and welfare and protect the environment.

    This includes grants of £51 million for the Farming Innovation Programme in 2023, bringing together farmers, growers, businesses and researchers in research and development projects that seek to transform productivity, boost environmental sustainability and help meet net zero targets. Projects already benefitting from the Programme include a hands-free solution to monitor a cow’s welfare and performance, data-sharing solutions for farmers to support each other in measuring and monitoring soil health patterns, and a working herd of harvesting agri-robots.

    Running alongside this, the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) offers farmers specific equipment to boost environmental sustainability, improve animal health and welfare, and reduce input use to cut emissions and waste. This includes £34 million in slurry storage grants to help farmers reduce their dependence on artificial fertilisers through better storage of organic nutrients whilst also improving water and air quality.

    The UAE announced its participation in the Agriculture Breakthrough during the event, confirming the COP28 Presidency’s commitment to the Breakthrough Agenda. Canada and Kenya also announced their participation, bringing the total number of countries participating in the international collaboration to sixteen.

    Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, United Arab Emirates Minister of Climate Change and Environment said:

    I am delighted to announce the UAE joining the UK’s Agriculture Breakthrough Initiative. This participation emphasises the UAE’s dedication to transforming food systems and developing innovative approaches that support agricultural R&D and innovation efforts.

    Our mission is to set ambitious goals for the 2024 Agriculture Breakthrough Priority Actions that will be announced at COP28 in the UAE later this year. We recognise the critical role agricultural innovation plays in addressing climate change and are dedicated to promoting it at local, regional, and global levels.

    The full list of participating countries is: Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Kenya, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Morocco, Nigeria, Sweden, UAE and the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The conflict in Sudan presents a significant impediment to agreeing on the final status of Abyei – UK statement at the Security Council [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The conflict in Sudan presents a significant impediment to agreeing on the final status of Abyei – UK statement at the Security Council [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 May 2023.

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

    Thank you, President, and thank you to Ms Pobee and Special Envoy Tetteh for their insightful briefings.

    I will make three brief points.

    First, the United Kingdom commends UNISFA’s tireless efforts to help maintain peace and security in Abyei, under challenging circumstances.

    A year since the mission began its transition from having a single Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) to becoming a multinational force, it is clear that this process has been a success and that the newly configured force is making a tangible difference to the security situation in Abyei.

    Second, despite the positive role played by UNISFA, the local population continues to suffer from an absence of basic services.

    The United Kingdom urges all parties fully to respect International Humanitarian Law and protect and enable humanitarian staff, assets and operations to deliver aid to those in need in all parts of Abyei, without hindrance.

    We remain concerned by the ongoing intercommunal violence and increasing tensions within the Dinka community. We welcome the recent efforts by South Sudan to stop the violence between the Ngok Dinka and the Twic Dinka.

    We are, however, concerned by the positioning of the South Sudanese People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), and National Police personnel in Abyei in violation of the 2011 agreement.

    The presence of these forces is exacerbating tensions and hindering peace. We call upon the Government of South Sudan to withdraw its forces without delay.

    Third, we echo the Secretary’s General concern over the effect on Abyei of the military clashes across Sudan.

    We note the offer by President Kiir to facilitate talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. The United Kingdom underlines its support for regional efforts to support a ceasefire, including through the Trilateral Mechanism.

    We echo calls for a lasting ceasefire and for humanitarian needs to be urgently addressed.

    President, in closing, the conflict in Sudan is a tragedy. It also presents a significant impediment to agreeing a peaceful settlement to the final status of Abyei, which remains key to enabling long-term peace and development in the territory.

    We urge the parties not to lose sight of this vital issue, and stress the importance of resuming talks on the final status as soon as is practicable.

    Thank you.