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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : National Cyber Force reveals how daily cyber operations protect the UK [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : National Cyber Force reveals how daily cyber operations protect the UK [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 April 2023.

    The NCF outlines how it conducts responsible cyber operations to counter state threats, support military operations, and disrupt terrorists and serious crime.

    Established in 2020, the National Cyber Force (NCF) is a partnership between GCHQ and the Ministry of Defence which carries out cyber operations on a daily basis to protect against threats to the UK, further the UK’s foreign policy, support military operations, and prevent serious crime.

    Following the publication of the Government’s Integrated Review Refresh (IRR) last month, the publication of a new document titled ‘NCF: Responsible Cyber Power in Practice’ today delivers on the commitment in the IRR to be as transparent as possible about the NCF’s cyber capabilities and provide clarity on how the UK acts as a responsible and democratic cyber power.

    The UK is reiterating its commitment to international stability and security, and illustrating how states can act responsibly in cyberspace through demonstrating how the NCF’s operations are accountable, precise and calibrated. This contrasts with the reckless and indiscriminate activities of those who would do harm to the UK and its allies.

    All of the NCF’s operations are conducted in a legal and ethical manner, in line with domestic and international law and our national values. The operations are based on a deep understanding of the cyber environment, which enables NCF to design, time and target them with precision.

    Central to the NCF’s approach is the ‘doctrine of cognitive effect’ – using techniques that have the potential to sow distrust, decrease morale, and weaken our adversaries’ abilities to plan and conduct their activities effectively. This can include preventing terrorist groups from publishing pieces of extremist media online or making it harder for states to use the internet to spread disinformation by affecting their perception of the operating environment.

    The NCF’s work is covert and we therefore do not reveal details of individual operations. Indeed the intent is sometimes that adversaries do not realise that the effects they are experiencing are the result of a cyber operation. This ambiguity can help to amplify the cognitive effect.

    Despite the necessary level of secrecy, in line with our commitment to being a responsible cyber actor, we have disclosed that over the last three years the NCF has delivered operations to:

    • protect military deployments overseas;
    • disrupt terrorist groups;
    • counter sophisticated, stealthy and continuous cyber threats;
    • counter state disinformation campaigns;
    • reduce the threat of external interference in democratic elections; and
    • remove child sexual abuse material from public spaces online.

    Through ‘NCF: Responsible Cyber Power in Practice’, the UK is reiterating its commitment to international stability and security, and illustrating how states can act responsibly in cyberspace, in line with domestic and international law.

    Director GCHQ, Sir Jeremy Fleming, said:

    In an increasingly volatile and interconnected world, to be a truly responsible cyber power, nations must be able to contest and compete with adversaries in cyberspace. In the UK, the National Cyber Force complements the UK’s world class cyber resilience to give the country operational cyber capabilities at the scale needed to protect our free, open, and peaceful society.

    Building upon two decades of experience, the dynamic new partnership has countered state threats, made key contributions to military operations, and disrupted terrorist cells and serious criminals including child sex offenders.

    With the threat growing and the stakes higher than ever before, we hope this document provides a benchmark for the UK’s approach and a basis for like-minded governments to come together internationally to establish a shared vision and values for the responsible use of cyber operations.

    General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander of Strategic Command, said:

    The National Cyber Force is a crucial tool in our integrated approach to national security and our defence of the UK.

    Working across Government and with our international allies is vital. There is a power in partnerships, and we must go further to out-cooperate and out-compete states that are driving instability.

    The NCF is also today avowing its Commander for the first time, as part of the Government’s commitment to provide transparency about how the UK conducts responsible cyber operations.

    James Babbage, a GCHQ intelligence officer for nearly 30 years, has led the NCF since its inception in 2020, scaled its operations and led efforts to integrate it effectively with a broad range of other agencies and partners.

    He has spent most of his career at GCHQ, with a secondment to the Ministry of Defence and a tour as a liaison officer in the US.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New plan for cleaner and more plentiful water [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New plan for cleaner and more plentiful water [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 3 April 2023.

    More investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement on water companies announced in new government water plan.

    A new plan to clean up our waters and ensure a plentiful supply for the future has been set out by the government today (4 April).

    The Plan for Water covers both the water environment – how clean it is – and water resources – how much of it we have.

    It brings together the significant action already taken, along with more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement on those who pollute.

    It tackles every source of pollution, including from storm overflows, agriculture, plastics, road run-off and chemicals – as well as the pressures on our water resources as a result of hotter, drier summers and population growth.

    It includes a commitment to consult on a ban on the use of plastic in wet wipes, responding to public calls to tackle the blight of plastic in our waterways and building on recent action from major retailers including Boots and Tesco. This ban will be subject to public consultation, working with industry and making sure plastic-free alternatives are available to the public.

    The public rightly expect water companies, businesses and regulators to do all they can to protect our waterways. That’s why the plan will make sure water companies speed up their infrastructure upgrades – bringing forward £1.6 billion for work to start between now and 2025. Farmers will also be supported with an extra £34 million to tackle water pollution and boost food production, with an additional £10 million for farm reservoirs and irrigation.

    Under the plan, fines from water companies will be reinvested into a new Water Restoration Fund, making polluters pay for damage they cause to the environment. This fund will deliver on-the-ground improvements to water quality as well as  supporting local groups and community-led schemes which help to protect our waterways.

    Tackling the challenges around water quality and resources requires effort across the whole of society, including businesses, regulators, government and households. This will not be fixed overnight, but today’s plan sets out a clear way forward for cleaner, plentiful water and to deliver the improvements people want to see.

    Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey said:

    Our rare chalk streams and world-famous coastlines, lakes and rivers are hugely important to local communities and to nature.

    I completely understand the concerns that people have about the health and resilience of our waters, which is why I am setting out this plan for a truly national effort to protect and improve them. That includes higher penalties taken from water company profits which will be channelled back into the rivers, lakes and streams where it is needed.

    This is not straightforward, but I take this issue extremely seriously and things need to change. That’s why we have developed this plan and we are committed to delivering the progress that people want to see.

    Today the government is announcing:

    More investment

    • £1.6 billion of new, accelerated investment by water companies, to spend on new infrastructure to tackle pollution and increase our water resilience – includes £1.1 billion on storm overflow improvements to cut 10,000 discharges
    • Creating a new Water Restoration Fund, using money from water company fines and penalties – taken from water company profits, not customers – to support local groups and catchment projects like re-meandering rivers and restoring  habitats
    • Delivering long-term catchment action plans – community-led schemes which aim to improve waterways and surrounding eco-systems – backed up by new funding, to improve all water bodies in England. This follows the credit scheme launched last week by Natural England to offset the environmental impact of new housing developments.
    • More than doubling the money for slurry infrastructure for farmers to £34 million through the Slurry Infrastructure Grant, with further rounds to be launched later in 2023 and 2024. This will help farmers reduce a major source of water pollution by improving slurry storage, as well as the use of organic nutrients on farms.
    • Supporting farmers with food production by enabling them to store more water on their land – with a second round of the £10 million Water Management Grant to fund more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment. We will also reduce planning barriers to small reservoirs.
    • Leveraging £1 million investment in partnership projects each year to improve chalk catchments to help protect these rare and irreplaceable habitats. This is in addition to taking forward the recommendations from the Chalk Stream Strategy.
    • Launching a £6.6 million Lowland Peat Research and Development programme in 2023 to identify the best way to reduce emissions from lowland peatlands.

    Stronger regulation

    • Banning sales of wet wipes containing plastic – subject to consultation – and writing to relevant producers and advertising authorities about ‘flushable’ labelling on wet wipe packaging.
    • Develop new proposals to restrict the use of ‘forever’ chemicals (PFAS) found in our rivers and seas – including proposals for a ban on PFAS in fire-fighting foams following recommendations made by the Health and Safety Executive.
    • Launching a new National Policy Statement on water resources so that key water supply infrastructure – such as reservoirs and water transfer schemes – can be built more quickly.
    • An earlier deadline for water companies to reduce chemicals in wastewater treatment.
    • Integrating water and flood planning to target actions where they will have the biggest impact for nature.
    • Reducing water demand by encouraging water companies to consider how to rapidly increase smart meter installations for household and non-household customers.

    Tougher enforcement

    • Changing the law to increase the scope and maximum amount the Environment Agency (EA) can secure in penalties for water companies for damaging the environment. The consultation has launched today, including a preferred option to remove the cap and enable the EA to issue unlimited penalties.  This follows recent action from Ofwat to ensure dividends are clearly linked to company performance for customers and the environment, as well as tighter measures on water company executive bonuses.
    • Increasing permit charges on water companies to fund more EA water company inspections, with new inspection targets.
    • Reviewing and updating the existing memorandum of understanding between the Environment Agency and Ofwat for enhanced joint regulatory oversight of water companies.

    Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    This ambitious plan marks a step change in how we manage our waters – pulling together all the strands of our complex water system, and setting us on a trajectory for a clean and sustainable water supply for future generations.

    Crucially, it will ensure that we secure clean water from a healthy environment, where chalk streams are restored and entire catchments – from source to sea – are the focal point.

    Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said:

    Climate change and population growth mean that by 2050 around 4 billion extra litres of water will be needed every day in England. Defra’s plan sets out a pathway that integrates action on supply and demand with work on floods and pollution. We must take full advantage of the current public interest to deliver a truly national effort to protect water. This plan sets the trajectory.

    I am also pleased to see today’s consultation on enabling the Environment Agency to levy much larger penalties for pollution alongside the criminal fines we seek in the courts. Nature must be supported and the polluter must pay. These new measures will help us hold the water industry and others to account.

    Ofwat Chief Executive David Black said:

    We welcome greater collaboration with our partners in the sector to ensure water companies’ actions are focused on better protecting the environment and their customers. Substantial investment is underway to drive improvements and we are tightening rules to ensure companies act responsibly.

    This includes action on dividends and bonus payments where performance does meet our expectations, while ensuring the sector remains sufficiently resilient to attract ongoing investment. We also look forward to working with other regulators on matters ranging from affordability to data-sharing.

    Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:

    Protecting and improving our freshwater habitats is an essential part of maintaining some of our iconic wetland and river landscapes and for meeting the government’s statutory targets for Nature recovery.

    It is very positive to see a focus on key Nature recovery priorities, including support for work to improve chalk streams, adding meanders back to rivers and restoring freshwater wildlife habitats. These measures will go hand in hand with our new mitigation scheme to help protect internationally important wetlands from nutrient pollution.

    Natural England looks forward to working closely with the government in making the most of this very welcome new plan in protecting and restoring Nature and improving the quality of our freshwater environments, while bringing benefits for farmers, communities and wildlife.

    Today’s announcement follows the Environmental Improvement Plan in January, the government’s five-year delivery plan to protect and restore nature – including ambitious targets on water. The Integrated Plan for Water shows how we will deliver on those targets.

    It also builds on recent action – including the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan published last year, a significant push on monitoring of storm overflows from 7% in 2010 to more than 90% now, and new targets on water companies designed to prioritise key sites like bathing waters.

    The full Plan is available on gov.uk.

  • PRESS RELEASE : “We must harness the momentum behind Security Council reform” – UK Statement at the General Assembly [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : “We must harness the momentum behind Security Council reform” – UK Statement at the General Assembly [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 April 2023.

    Statement by Matilda O’Kelly at the UN General Assembly meeting on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council reform (IGN)

    Thank you for the new agenda items you have included in this meeting of the IGN. Continuing to evolve the IGN to reflect emerging key topics is important for us to make progress.

    We are clear that there must be permanent African representation on the Council. It cannot be the case that such a large proportion of the world’s population, and a whole regional group, not share their expertise and shoulder the responsibility of permanent membership of the Council.

    We also want to see permanent membership for Brazil, Japan and India, which would mean permanent representation from the Latin America and Asia Pacific regional groups, as well as permanent membership for Germany.

    On categories of membership, the UK supports expansion in both the existing categories, permanent and non-permanent.

    Turning to the “status of documentation,” I would like to outline a few key points:

    The urgency and momentum we have heard for Security Council Reform so far this year cannot be ignored. So the UK is open to all avenues to progressing the discussion on Security Council reform. We must move forward at an accelerated pace, as so many colleagues have said in this year’s IGN meetings so far.

    We believe text based negotiations would help us to make that progress. A single consolidated and updated text that includes attribution would help us to make the meaningful progress for which so many of us have called.

    We are open to different options of what such a single, consolidated and updated text should look like. And we would be pleased to partake in further discussions in this session of the IGN on the basis of a single consolidated text with attributions, circulated to us in advance.

    I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the news that the IGN website will go live later this week.

    In closing, co-chairs, we must harness the momentum behind Security Council reform, and translate that into a text from which we can work to make the change we all so want to see.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New measures to tackle child sexual abuse [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New measures to tackle child sexual abuse [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 3 April 2023.

    People who work with children will be legally required to report child sexual abuse or face sanctions under new plans unveiled by the Home Secretary.

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman has today (Sunday 2 April) committed to a mandatory reporting duty, subject to consultation, for those working or volunteering with children to report child sexual abuse, after the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) heard heart-breaking testimony from thousands of victims let down by professionals turning a blind eye to their suffering.

    Mandatory reporting was one of the key recommendations made by the IICSA report to crack down on child sexual abuse and address the systemic under-reporting of this crime.

    The first step to introducing the duty is a call for evidence which will be open to professionals, volunteers, parents, victims and survivors, and the wider public. It will be the start of extensive consultation to ensure everyone’s views are represented ahead of implementing the new duty.

    Suella Braverman said:

    Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes facing our society, it devastates victims, families and whole communities.

    The protection of children is a collective effort. Every adult must be supported to call out child sexual abuse without fear.

    That’s why I’m introducing a mandatory reporting duty and launching a call for evidence. We must address the failings identified by the Inquiry and take on board the views of the thousands of victims and survivors who contributed to it.

    I would encourage everyone to engage with the process once it starts – it is important to have a national conversation about this to help to shine a light on this terrible – but too often hidden – crime.

    The call for evidence will be published alongside the government’s full response to the Inquiry shortly.

    To immediately support professionals who work with children, we are providing £600,000 to the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline. If a professional has concerns that their organisation isn’t reporting or handling child abuse cases appropriately, they can contact the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline for support.

    The helpline was launched in 2016 following Professor Alexis Jay’s report into the child sexual exploitation in Rotherham. Since then, it has provided advice to 1,062 individuals and led to over 300 referrals to the police.

    Additional funding is also going to be made available for the NSPCC’s adult helpline, which is for anyone who is concerned about the welfare of a child. The helpline has established procedures and protocols around referring reports to statutory safeguarding partners, including children’s services and policing, so that they can be investigated and acted on.

    The government is also speeding up the process for members of the public to find out if someone they know has committed child abuse in the past in order to better protect vulnerable people from predators close by.

    Known as Sarah’s Law in memory of 8-year-old Sarah Payne, who was murdered by a previously convicted sex offender in 2000, the updated guidance for the Child Sex Offender’s Disclosure Scheme will make it easier for the public to raise a concern online and reduce the timeframes for police to respond to enquiries, which will help the public get the information they need sooner and protect children from harm.

    Dr Sara Payne MBE, the mother of Sarah Payne, said:

    After the news of my Sarah’s murder in 2000, I promised her that her death would not be in vain or forgotten or indeed, only remembered for the manner of her death. Since 2010, after years of campaigning, so many children have been protected in her name, a much more fitting epitaph to my princess.

    I would like to thank my family, my own dedicated Phoenix team and the Home Office Sarah’s Law team for helping us all to reach this day, where I am pleased to announce the latest Sarah’s Law updates for 2023.

    There is always more to do. This is an historical ‘turning point’ day today for child protection and I for one, sincerely welcome these much-needed changes to Sarah’s Law 2023, as we all know keeping up with ‘sex offenders’ is not and will never be ‘enough’.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Green growth for Wales as UK government announces multi billion pound investment to boost UK energy independence [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Green growth for Wales as UK government announces multi billion pound investment to boost UK energy independence [April 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 April 2023.

    These plans will help deliver on the Prime Minister’s promise to grow the economy across Wales.

    New jobs and investment are set to come to Wales as the UK Government today unveils ambitious plans to scale up affordable, clean, homegrown power and build thriving green industries in Britain.

    After decades of reliance on importing expensive, foreign fossil fuels, the Government is delivering a radical shift in our energy system towards cleaner, more affordable energy sources to power more of Britain from Britain.

    New green technologies, set to be developed and deployed here in the Wales including carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen, will spearhead the government’s new Energy Security Plan.

    As part of this, Grant Shapps is announcing £160 million of new funding for pilot projects to build the port infrastructure needed to support further floating offshore wind, through the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme. This scheme will support investment in the infrastructure needed to meet the UK’s ambition of up to 5GW of floating offshore wind by 2030, supported by a substantial pipeline of potential projects in the Celtic sea.

    Today, the UK Government confirmed Hanson Padeswood Cement Works carbon capture and storage project – based in the North Wales region – as one of eight projects to be taken forward to negotiations to form the basis of the UK’s new CCUS clusters.

    This announcement follows the confirmation in the Spring Budget of £20 billion for CCUS, future-proofing jobs in the industrial heartlands, including the North Sea, contributing to a half a million new green jobs set to be created and supported across the country.

    CCUS is a key pillar to the UK’s path to net zero – recognised by the independent Committee on Climate Change as a necessity – and the country’s geography means it has capacity to permanently store carbon emissions taken from our air deep underground and at sea.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    Thanks to our unique geography and strong expertise in clean technology, the UK is well placed to create thriving new industries in carbon capture, hydrogen and floating offshore wind across the country.

    By investing in new ways to power Britain from Britain, we will not only strengthen our long-term energy security, but also deliver on our promise to grow the economy with well-paid jobs and opportunities for businesses to export their expertise around the world.

    Energy Security and Net Zero Minister Graham Stuart said:

    Wales will be at the heart of our plans to power up Britain, as we support its development of new home-grown technologies of the future.

    Today’s announcement will create opportunities for welsh businesses to export their expertise around the world and set the standard for a clean, secure and prosperous future.

    Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:

    The UK Government’s Energy Security plan is ambitious and contains fantastic news for the whole of Wales. We know that there is huge potential in the Celtic Sea for floating offshore wind and we have the best sites for new nuclear developments.

    The UK Government is supporting plans for the Celtic Sea to deliver enough clean, secure electricity for 4 million homes by 2035. Today we’ve announced £160m of government funding to kickstart investment in building the infrastructure in ports to allow them to deliver this innovative source of renewable energy.

    The establishment of Great British Nuclear will support our ambition to ramp up nuclear capacity in the UK to a quarter of our energy demand by 2050. I am eager to see nuclear energy brought back to Wales and the development of a floating offshore wind industry, creating jobs, spreading growth and prosperity and securing our energy supply.

    The UK Government has also set an ambition for 10GW of hydrogen production by 2030 – which could generate enough clean electricity to power all of London for a year.

    Wales will be central to these plans, where one of the first successful applicants to the £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund will be located. Fifteen projects will be awarded grant funding of £37.9m to support the development and deployment of new low carbon hydrogen production plants. Hydrogen will play an important role in helping intensive industries such as chemicals, steel and cement convert to using clean energy.

    The successful project is Statkraft’s Trecwn Green Hydrogen Valley project. It plans to build a 15MW electrolyser system to produce green hydrogen, using the region’s excellent wind and solar resources to produce a sustainable fuel for transport and other industrial application.

    Alongside this, three companies based in Wales have been shortlisted to proceed to the next stage of the first electrolytic hydrogen Allocation round (HAR1).

    These are:

    • RES and Octopus Green Hydrogen
    • Marubeni Europower
    • H2 energy and Trafigura

    Today’s plans will help deliver on the Prime Minister’s promise to grow the economy across Wales, supporting new green jobs, creating a strategic advantage in new clean industries, and generating opportunities for Welsh businesses to export their expertise around the world.

  • PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Statement on High Commissioner’s report on South Sudan [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Statement on High Commissioner’s report on South Sudan [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 April 2023.

    Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President.

    Let me begin by thanking the High Commissioner for his report. We share his sobering assessment of the continuing dire human rights, humanitarian and security situation in South Sudan, and in particular that – and I quote his words – “Rule of law mechanisms, as well as accountability mechanisms for human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law committed across the country, continue to be weak or non-existent, thus perpetuating widespread impunity and leaving victims without redress or effective remedies”.

    We of course agree that South Sudan is in real need of technical assistance and capacity building to help improve its human rights situation and to build a sustainable peace, but that is only part of the solution. We need accountability and a more comprehensive approach to improving human rights in South Sudan is needed, which has to include, for us, the continued scrutiny by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

    We do encourage, once again, the Government of South Sudan to continue its cooperation with the Commission, and we encourage our fellow Council members to extend its mandate in full this session.

    So if I may ask, what immediate steps the Government can take in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement, including Chapter V, to improve the human rights situation on the ground?

  • PRESS RELEASE : Spurdog fishing returns to UK waters after stock recovers [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Spurdog fishing returns to UK waters after stock recovers [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 3 April 2023.

    Northeast Atlantic spurdog stock has recovered enough to support landings.

    This weekend (1 April) UK fishermen were once more able to fish Northeast Atlantic spurdog in UK waters as the latest scientific evidence revealed the stock is recovering and can support landings in 2023 and 2024.

    Spurdog (Squalus acanthias), also known as picked or spiny dogfish, are a type of shark species that inhabit UK waters. They have been managed as a prohibited species in UK and EU waters for around five years to facilitate stock recovery. But now, following a recently updated scientific assessment, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has advised the stock is recovering and landings of spurdog can be supported again.

    Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

    Through the management of spurdog as a prohibited species, we have enabled stocks to recover to the point where our fishing industry can once again fish this species commercially on a sustainable basis.

    We will continue to use the latest scientific advice and monitor stocks to ensure appropriate management measures are in place to protect the species, cementing our commitment to establish a sustainable and profitable UK fishing industry for generations to come”.

    A total allowable catch (TAC) has been agreed for North-east Atlantic Spurdog at the UK – EU fisheries negotiations, with the UK receiving a quota allocation of 2,781 tonnes in the North Sea and 4,825 tonnes in Western waters for 2023.

    North Sea spurdog quota will be shared between the UK Fisheries Administrations in England, Scotland, Wales and NI using existing fixed quota allocation units for allocation to industry groups. Western spurdog quota will be kept unallocated and managed by monthly tonnage limits in UK vessel licences, with limits being closely monitored and adjusted as necessary once more data is gathered on the fishery.

    As part of the UK’s precautionary approach to reopening the fishery, a reserve of 25% of the North Sea quota will be held by the UK government, with a decision on allocating this reserve to be made later this year. The UK and EU will also prohibit landings of spurdog over 100cm in length to discourage the targeting of larger females and provide protection for the breeding stock.

    The UK will continue to gather more information on the stock as part of this approach, and additional measures could be introduced if necessary.

    Full details on our new approach and updated Spurdog guidance can be found on GOV.UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Transport investment turbocharges UK’s net zero ambitions and economic growth in Scotland [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Transport investment turbocharges UK’s net zero ambitions and economic growth in Scotland [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 3 April 2023.

    Government commitment to develop new green technologies in Scotland will improve connectivity, create jobs and encourage people to walk and cycle.

    • Transport Minister Richard Holden outlines commitment to UK sustainable transport and maximising economic growth in Scotland
    • new hydrogen-powered and self-driving trucks being developed in Glasgow will help create a carbon-free future
    • meetings held with local businesses and communities to explore ways to boost connectivity between Scotland and the rest of the UK

    Plans to boost Scottish connectivity and economic growth through transport were at the heart of Transport Minister Richard Holden’s visit to Scotland today (3 April 2023). In meetings with local businesses and community leaders, he outlined the government’s commitment to developing new green technologies.

    Minister Holden was in Glasgow to see new hydrogen-powered and self-driving trucks – backed by £16 million government funding – which could be seen on UK roads in the near future. These vehicles would make roads safer, increase productivity and help protect the environment.

    This investment is supporting the UK’s ambition of achieving net zero by 2050 and ensuring the UK maximises the opportunities offered by new technologies while supporting high-skilled jobs.

    Minister Holden also had a tour of new transport links in Ravenscraig and the surrounding areas, which has received £127 million investment jointly funded by the UK government, Scottish Government and North Lanarkshire Council.

    This investment will improve connectivity to local towns and cities, create thousands of jobs and encourage more people to walk and cycle.

    Transport Minister Richard Holden said:

    Innovation like this in Scotland will help the UK become a world-leading next-generation transport hub by protecting the environment and meeting our global ambitions.

    Boosting transport connections across the UK will grow the economy and ensure that everyone no matter where they live has access to well-paid, high-quality jobs.

    The regeneration of the Ravenscraig site is estimated to generate 4,600 construction jobs in follow-on development and generate £626 million for the local economy.

    This funding is part of the Glasgow Region City Deal, which saw over £1 billion committed for major infrastructure projects in Glasgow and the surrounding areas comprising funding from the UK and Scottish governments.

    UK government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

    UK government investment is helping power Scotland into the fast lane of sustainable transport innovation and delivering improved connectivity – levelling up the UK and bringing communities closer together.

    From hydrogen-powered and self-driving trucks being developed in Glasgow, the regeneration of Ravenscraig’s road, rail, cycling and walking infrastructure, a new ferry to save Fair Isle, to a green transport hub in Dundee, we are working to improve people’s journeys, boost economic growth and protect the environment.

    But there’s more to be done and we are committed to continue working closely with the Scottish Government and local partners to deliver the benefits travellers want and businesses need.

    Minister Holden met local businesses and communities to explore how investment in road schemes, railway lines and domestic flights between Scotland and the rest of the UK could boost connectivity and stimulate economic growth.

    Research found 60% of people thought that improving transport links across the UK would make a positive difference to their own nation. Minister Holden will also be visiting Northern Ireland and Wales in the coming days.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Professor Dame Angela McLean takes up role of Government Chief Scientific Adviser [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Professor Dame Angela McLean takes up role of Government Chief Scientific Adviser [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Government Office for Science on 3 April 2023.

    Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS takes up the role of Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) today after being appointed by the Prime Minister in February.

    Dame Angela was previously Chief Scientific Adviser for the Ministry of Defence and Deputy GCSA. She is the first woman to hold the post.

    The role of the GCSA is to provide independent scientific advice to the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet and advise the government on aspects of policy on science and technology. The GCSA ensures the quality of and improves the use of scientific evidence and advice in government.

    The GCSA leads the Government Office for Science, is Head of the Government Science and Engineering Profession, Co-Chair of the Council for Science and Technology and is part of the executive team of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

    Speaking about her new role, Dame Angela said:

    “I am delighted to take on this role at such an important time in our country for Science Innovation and Technology. All of us in government are going to greatly miss Sir Patrick, and I look forward to working with colleagues to build on the work he has led during his time as GCSA.

    “My long-term mentor, the late Lord Robert May, held the post of GCSA between 1995 and 2000 and that personal connection adds a particular depth to my sense of honour in being asked to take on this role.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : NatWest on track to return to private ownership as successful trading plan extended [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : NatWest on track to return to private ownership as successful trading plan extended [April 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 3 April 2023.

    Government extends successful NatWest Group trading plan for a further two years to support the intention to exit its shareholding by 2025-26.

    • This represents continued progress in meeting the government’s aim to return its shareholding in NatWest Group to private ownership
    • Since the trading plan was established in August 2021, over £3.7 billion in proceeds have been raised

    NatWest is on track to return to private ownership as the government announces a two-year extension to its trading plan for NatWest Group (formerly the Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc) today (03 April 2023).

    A trading plan involves selling shares in the market through an appointed broker over the duration of the plan. Today’s extension, ensuring the plan will be in place until August 2025, indicates the government’s commitment to returning NatWest Group to full private ownership.

    Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, said:

    We are determined to return NatWest to full private ownership.

    Today’s extension marks another significant milestone in delivering this – ensuring we achieve best value for the taxpayer as we sell down the shareholding.

    The government’s NatWest Group shareholding currently stands at around 42%, down from around 84% at its peak. The government will only dispose of its NatWest Group shareholding when it represents value for money to do so and market conditions allow.

    HMT and UK Government Investments continue to keep other disposal options under active consideration for future sales. Extending the trading plan does not preclude government from using other options to execute future transactions that achieve value for money for taxpayers, including directed buybacks and/or accelerated bookbuilds.