Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : New funding to expand specialist patrols [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New funding to expand specialist patrols [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 April 2026.

    £5 million funding boost to increase deployment of highly trained officers to identify and disrupt criminals and terrorists in key public spaces.

    Communities across the country, particularly Jewish and other faith communities, will be supported by additional specialist officers on the streets thanks to £5 million of new funding.

    New funding will increase deployments under Project Servator, a national policing tactic which disrupts criminal activity and protects communities through highly visible and unpredictable deployments.

    The specialist officers are trained to spot suspicious activity and identify individuals who are preparing to commit serious crimes, including acts of terrorism.

    Funding will be initially focused on supporting communities in London and Manchester, with the Metropolitan Police Service and Greater Manchester Police expected to step up patrols to stop potential terrorist threats and reconnaissance.

    It comes during a period of increased concern for some communities across the country as both antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate crime have reached record highs.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    At a time of heightened concern for some communities, it is vital that we step up our support.

    Project Servator has a proven track record of stopping criminals and terrorists through highly visible, unpredictable deployments that vary in time and location, deterring those planning harm and reassuring the public.

    This new funding will back the police with the resources they need to step up patrols, protect communities, and keep people safe in the places where they live, work and worship.

    The uplift in Servator deployments follows the arson attack on the Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, the charging of individuals under the National Security Act for alleged surveillance of Jewish sites, the terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue and arson attack at Peacehaven mosque last year.

    Project Servator officers disrupt crime through highly visible and unpredictable deployments, consisting of uniformed and plain clothes officers, as well as specialist units. Previous deployments have led to arrests, seizures of drugs and weapons, and the collection of critical intelligence to support counter-terrorism investigations.

    Officers also engage with the public and businesses to further heighten awareness, encouraging everyone to stay alert and act swiftly on anything unusual.

    Matt Jukes Deputy Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police Service said:

    Our communities are the heart of policing, and everything we do is focused on keeping people safe and feeling protected where they live, work and worship. Servator deployments are an important way we deliver that, by placing specialist officers at key locations to deter criminal activity and provide visible reassurance.

    In recent months, we have increased our presence around faith and community sites, strengthened the way we support victims and investigate hate crime, and continued to build strong relationships with faith leaders and local representatives. We welcome this funding, which will help us go further in working alongside communities and safeguarding what matters most to them.

    This new funding forms part of a package of measures to protect communities across the country, including a record £73.4 million in funding for protective security at Jewish, Muslim, and other faith sites.

    It also follows a fundamental reset in how we approach countering extremism so that the government can keep the public safe, with new measures introduced to expand our visa taskforce to stop foreign extremists from ever setting foot on UK soil and bolster our disruption capability to dismantle extremist networks nationwide and keep the public safe.

    Greater Manchester Police Inspector Chris Hadfield, our Tactical Lead for Project Servator said:

    Project Servator plays a vital role in our approach to public safety, by providing a combination of police visibility, community engagement and partnership working to protect our people across GM.

    This additional funding strengthens our commitment to Project Servator and will allow us the opportunity to expand the work we do in disrupting criminal activity. Our specially trained officers spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning to commit an act of crime, while maintaining a strong and reassuring presence within the local communities.

    Since launching at GMP in 2016, Project Servator has continued to work in busy areas across the city, as well as maintaining safety at wider public events that visit Manchester, such as the BRIT Awards earlier this year.

    Our patrols are highly visible, but deployments are unpredictable, and can happen at any time, in any given location. The teams also regularly conduct deployments in and around local faith communities, supporting with cultural events and holy days.

    It is our aim that this funding will continue to support this mission and ensure the public always know the best places to report any suspicious or unusual activity.

    Project Servator was devised by the City of London Police.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two new appointments to UK Sea Fish Industry Authority Board [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two new appointments to UK Sea Fish Industry Authority Board [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 April 2026.

    Two appointments have been made to the board of the UK Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish).

    Pam Vick and Paul McCourt have been appointed to the Seafish board for a first term of three years from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

    Paul McCourt has also been appointed as Audit and Risk Assurance Committee Chair.

    Seafish is a non-departmental public body which strives to create a sustainable, profitable future for the UK seafood industry. It offers regulatory guidance and services to all parts of the seafood industry, including catching and aquaculture, processors, importers, exporters and distributors of seafood, as well as restaurants and retailers.

    Seafish appointments are made jointly by Defra, Welsh Government, Scottish Government, and DAERA and Northern Ireland Office. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. 

    Seafish Board comprises independents and specialists and it is two independent positions that will be replaced. Industry specialists on the board will be replaced when positions are available.

    Biographies

    Pam Vick

    Pam Vick has been appointed as an Independent Member to the Seafish Board. She brings 20 years’ experience of strategic commercial business development, marketing and communications, and has extensive experience serving on boards across many sectors. Pam is currently Ambassador for Women on Boards UK and a Trustee for the British Ecological Society.

    Paul McCourt

    Former Chief Financial Officer at InPost UK, Paul McCourt has over 25 years’ experience of financial leadership, having held executive roles at Menzies and Ingenico.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK start-up to supply interceptor missiles to UK military and Gulf partners [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK start-up to supply interceptor missiles to UK military and Gulf partners [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 April 2026.

    Defence Secretary announces Cambridge Aerospace set to supply new interceptor missiles – known as ‘Skyhammer’ and launchers to the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.

    • Defence Secretary announces Cambridge Aerospace set to supply new interceptor missiles and launchers to the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.
    • Interceptor missile known as ‘Skyhammer’ is designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones, with the first deliveries in May.
    • Comes as Defence Secretary opens the London Defence Conference, bringing together international leaders and policymakers from government, military, industry, academia.

    The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks, as a veteran-founded British start-up is set to supply new interceptor missiles.  

    Speaking at the London Defence Conference, Defence Secretary John Healey MP announced the Ministry of Defence intends to buy cutting-edge interceptor missiles, designed to counter Iranian Shahed-style attack drones, for the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.

    Subject to contract, the substantial first tranche of missiles and launchers will be delivered to the Ministry of Defence in May, with more missiles and associated launchers set to be supplied within the first six months of the agreement. 

    This innovation demonstrates how the UK defence industry can deliver at pace – learning lessons from the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to deliver cost-effective air defence solutions for the UK and its partners.   

    Cambridge Aerospace’s new missile, known as ‘Skyhammer’, has a range of 30km and a maximum speed of 700km/h. The deal will further boost British business by creating over 50 new jobs and supporting 125 current jobs at Cambridge Aerospace, making defence an engine for growth. The UK is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

    The announcement comes as the Defence Secretary opens the London Defence Conference, speaking to policymakers, industry and academia on a new era for defence and the importance of warfighting readiness.   

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    We are applying the approach for UK support to Ukraine and accelerating contracts with the most innovative British businesses to rapidly expand support to Gulf partners and equip our own forces with anti-drone tech. 

    Our government backing for Cambridge Aerospace is a prime case of a veteran-founded UK defence start-up scaling at pace to deliver new interceptor missiles within weeks for our Armed Forced and Gulf partners, and good jobs and security here in the UK.

    CEO of Cambridge Aerospace Steven Barrett said:  

    With aerial threats to the UK and our allies increasing by the day, it is critical that we can defend ourselves effectively. Skyhammer was designed to do exactly that – bringing affordable mass to protect our skies. We welcome the Government’s commitment to supporting UK air defence with scalable, sovereign solutions.

    The multi-million pound contract with Cambridge Aerospace is set to include integration, technical support and end user training.   

    This initiative builds on last month’s roundtable event in London which saw representatives from 13 key UK-based defence companies meeting Gulf ambassadors and defence attachés to explore new industry support for regional allies.  

    The Ministry of Defence, through the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, is working to speed up financing and licensing for exports to Gulf partners. As part of this, a new Task Force has been created within the NAD Group to collaborate across government to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.   

  • PRESS RELEASE : Local museums receive £4 million to improve accessibility to arts and culture [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Local museums receive £4 million to improve accessibility to arts and culture [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 10 April 2026.

    £4 million of public funding and private philanthropy to improve access to museums and galleries across the country.

    • Investment to support local people by improving displays, enhancing collection care and making exhibitions more accessible to visitors
    • Partnership between the DCMS and the Wolfson Foundation has funded more than 440 projects over the last 24 years, to help more people engage with arts and culture

    24 local museums have received a share of £4 million through the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund. 

    The Fund brings together £2 million in match funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and independent, grant making charity, the Wolfson Foundation. It supports local museums by improving displays, enhancing collection care and making exhibitions more accessible to visitors. 

    Over the past 24 years, the fund has awarded over £50 million, which has supported more than 440 projects across the country. It supports the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure everyone, everywhere has access to arts and culture in the place they call home. 

    Yesterday (Thursday 9 April), the Museums Minister Baroness Twycross and Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, visited Norwich Castle which has been awarded £228,900 in this latest round. They met with local representatives to discuss how the investment will enable Norwich Castle to upgrade the gallery infrastructure, remodel and update display cases and reinterpret collections, improving the visitor experience. 

    Museums Minister, Baroness Twycross said:

    We want to ensure that everyone, everywhere can experience arts and culture in the area they call home and this fund plays a key role in making that possible.

    The DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund demonstrates how public funding and private philanthropy can work together to open up access to museums and galleries for those who might otherwise face barriers, and help more people enjoy the UK’s world-class collections.

    Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said:

    Museums are among the great treasures of British cultural life. They preserve the collections and stories that speak of our shared creativity and community heritage. This latest round of funding from the long-standing DCMS/Wolfson partnership allows museums – and particularly regional museums – to upgrade their facilities and improve access to their collections, so more of us can enjoy the fascinating wonders on our doorstep.

    Other examples of funded projects include:

    • The Black Country Living Museum will receive £272,000 for a project which will revive the Museum’s historic but currently inactive electric trolleybuses and extend the route into the local 1940s-60s High Street. This project will restore the use of the electric transport, protect the area’s nationally significant collection and transform access and deliver a truly unique immersive experience for visitors.
    • Museum of Hartlepool has been awarded £218,400 for the creation of a Temporary Exhibitions Gallery and Collections Care Facility. The investment will support essential upgrades to the Museum’s Exhibition and Collections infrastructure by installing new display cases, lighting, flooring, and environmental controls meeting national security and conservation standards. This will improve collections facilities to provide secure, climate-controlled conditions for artefacts in storage, ensuring that treasures can continue to inspire and educate visitors for generations. 
    • Kirkleatham Museum will receive £272,000 which will help to reimagine Kirkleatham Museum’s permanent galleries around three themes – People and Place, Industry and Innovation, and Heritage and Discovery. The project will support the redevelopment of the Museum’s core gallery spaces, creating modern, accessible and inspiring displays that better reflect the stories, people and heritage of Redcar and Cleveland.

    The successful museums and galleries are part of the 15th round of funding from the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund.

    Notes to editors

    Full list of recipients:

    North West

    • Platt Hall (Manchester City Galleries) – £38,700
    • Manchester Museum – £200,000

    North East

    • Segedunum Roman Fort – £213,100
    • Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Books – £316,200
    • Museum of Hartlepool – £218,400
    • Kirkleatham Museum – £272,000

    South East

    • Reading Museum – £80,000
    • Weald and Downland Living Museum – £227,000
    • Booth Museum of Natural History – £139,900
    • Pitt Rivers Museum – £55,000

    South West

    • SS Great Britain – £46,300
    • Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon – £103,000
    • Bristol Museum and Art Gallery – £317,100
    • The Burton at Bideford – £86,500

    West Midlands

    • Barber Institute of Fine Arts – £150,000
    • British Motor Museum – £147,700
    • Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – £183,100
    • Black Country Living Museum – £272,000

    East Midlands 

    • National Tramway Museum – £210,600

    East of England

    • Food Museum – £357,600
    • Norwich Castle – £228,900

    London 

    • Garden Museum – £75,000

    Yorkshire and the Humber

    • Thackray Museum of Medicine – £39,900
    • Hepworth Wakefield – £22,000

    About DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund

    The DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund provides capital funding for museums and galleries across England to improve displays, protect collections and make exhibitions more accessible to visitors. For 2025-27, DCMS and the Wolfson Foundation have each contributed £2 million to the Fund, which has benefitted more than 440 projects in its more than 24-year history.  

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK considers ban on owning signal jamming devices used by car thieves and shoplifters [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK considers ban on owning signal jamming devices used by car thieves and shoplifters [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 10 April 2026.

    The UK government is considering tougher measures against criminals exploiting gadgets designed to hack doorbells and vehicle tracking systems.

    • UK government investigates rising misuse of radiofrequency jammers to commit crime, from hacking video doorbells to enable burglaries to bringing airports to a halt
    • Devices, disguised as everyday tech like digital watches, are being used by criminals to commit theft and disrupt public services people rely on daily.
    • Possessing a jamming device could be made illegal as part of crackdown, subject to public and industry views in new call for evidence launched today

    A crackdown of radio frequency jammers, which are designed or modified to block or interfere with wireless communications, is on the cards under government action outlined today.

    From blocking GPS signals in vehicles to aid theft, to compromising positions during military operations, misuse of these gadgets happens at all levels of criminal activity, posing a real and growing risk to people and critical national infrastructure. 

    Criminals often disguise radiofrequency jammers as everyday objects to break into homes by disabling security systems, such as video doorbells, or break into vehicles bypassing security systems and quickly emptying vans of tools. These devices are also used in shoplifting to block wireless security tags, preventing alarms and making theft easier. Additionally, jammers can interfere with mobile coverage and emergency radio networks – hindering how emergency services respond to incidents.

    Just one week of disruption to the UK’s vital positioning, navigation and timing infrastructure could cost the UK economy up to £7.64 billion – threatening jobs, businesses and ways of life. 

    In response, the government is seeking views from the public and key industry stakeholders across the country, including mobile network operators, law enforcement agencies and specialists from the transport and infrastructure sectors, on the current regulations and enforcement for the jammers. 

    UK Telecoms Minister, Liz Lloyd, said: 

    We are stepping up efforts to stop the illegal use of jamming devices which are threatening not only our daily lives, but also our vital public services across the country.

    This is an opportunity for the public and industry experts to have their say on how we safeguard our homes, businesses, transport networks and more from those seeking to exploit these technologies.

    By gathering a broad range of informed opinions, we can make sure any future measures we introduce are rooted in evidence and address the real issues people area facing.

    The Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 bans the use and possession of non-compliant equipment, but proving a person used a jammer to cause interference can be difficult to evidence. The Crime and Policing Bill will make it illegal to possess or share electronic devices used to steal cars and could lead up to 5 years in prison.  

    The insights from this call for evidence could inform legislation on the possession of all other types of jamming. It will clarify the legitimate uses of radiofrequency jammers, like in secure environments such as in prisons to prevent inmates from using contraband mobile phones or military exercises in combat, and how current regulations could be improved. 

    Feedback from this call for evidence will inform any future legislation so that any new measures are based on evidence and proportionate, while effectively protecting critical national infrastructure from illegal threats. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of the UAE [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of the UAE [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 April 2026.

    The Prime Minister met the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the people of the UAE and his condolences for the lives lost as a result of Iran’s reckless bombardment. The leaders agreed that Iran’s targeting of civilian infrastructure in the region was indefensible. 

    The Prime Minister welcomed the ceasefire and urged that all sides work to ensure it is upheld and turned into lasting peace in the region. 

    Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the leaders discussed the need to push to restore the free flow of goods to support global supply chains.

    On wider bilateral issues, they agreed to continue to strengthen the UK-UAE relationship cross a range of areas, including innovation, trade and investment.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with King and Prime Minister of Bahrain [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with King and Prime Minister of Bahrain [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 April 2026.

    The Prime Minister met with His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa this evening in Manama. 

    The Prime Minister strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on Bahrain and reflected on his conversations so far with other leaders in the region. 

    He reiterated the importance of ensuring the ceasefire is upheld in order to pave the way for lasting peace. He said that the UK would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Bahrain and other allies in the region.

    They underlined their commitment to restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the need to consider and pursue viable plans to deliver this. 

    The Prime Minister and Crown Prince also reflected on the long held strong links between their countries and the depth of the relationship, including the strong defence collaboration between the UK and Bahrain and their desire to work on this further.

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Trump of the United States [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Trump of the United States [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 April 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump from Qatar this evening.

    The Prime Minister set out his discussions with Gulf leaders and military planners in the region on the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the UK’s efforts to convene partners to agree a viable plan.

    They agreed that now there is a ceasefire in place and agreement to open the Strait, we are at the next stage of finding a resolution.

    The leaders discussed the need for a practical plan to get shipping moving again as quickly as possible. They agreed to speak again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We continue to call on Kosovo and Serbia to resolve outstanding disagreements through the EU-facilitated Dialogue: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We continue to call on Kosovo and Serbia to resolve outstanding disagreements through the EU-facilitated Dialogue: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 April 2026.

    Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Kosovo.

    The UK remains committed to supporting Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic path and development as an inclusive and multi-ethnic democracy. 

    As one of the first countries to recognise Kosovo’s independence, we encourage those Member States who have not yet done so to join the majority. 

    As the International Court of Justice made clear in its 2010 Advisory Opinion, Kosovo’s declaration of independence was not a violation of international law. 

    Recognition is essential for long-term stability and for unlocking Kosovo’s full potential. 

    We commend the peaceful conduct of the municipal and legislative elections last year, including Kosovo-Serb participation, and welcome the formation of the government. 

    We encourage swift progress towards the election of a President, in line with Kosovo’s Constitution. 

    The return of Kosovo-Serb mayors to Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo is another welcome step. 

    We encourage them to focus on practical governance, working constructively with central institutions, and responding to the needs of all their constituents. 

    We continue to call on Kosovo and Serbia to implement existing agreements and resolve outstanding disagreements through the EU-facilitated Dialogue. 

    We welcome the establishment of the Joint Commission on Missing Persons and the EU-facilitated agreement on implementation of the Law on Foreigners, as constructive steps towards building trust and supporting stability. 

    More than two years on from the Banjska attack, we reiterate our call on Serbia to play its part in reducing tensions and bringing those responsible to justice, including Milan Radoičić. 

    We also call for accountability for the attacks against KFOR and Kosovo Police personnel in May 2023. 

    Finally, with growing pressure on UN budgets, resources must be directed where they deliver the greatest impact. 

    Conditions on the ground in Kosovo are unrecognisable from 1999. 

    We welcome efforts to improve the balance and focus of UNMIK reporting, and we encourage continued clarity on the Mission’s core purpose, focusing on drivers of conflict and instability. 

    A strategic review of UNMIK’s role, responsibilities, and funding is overdue. 

    The proposed 8.6% budget reduction, recommended by the Civilian Staffing Review, must deliver real efficiencies and help ensure UNMIK is agile, efficient, and fit for purpose. 

    I would like to end by expressing the UK’s gratitude to the Special Representative, Peter Due, and all Mission staff who have contributed to UNMIK’s work.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary champions flagship investment in UK’s largest gigafactory [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary champions flagship investment in UK’s largest gigafactory [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 9 April 2026.

    Thanks to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, 4,200 jobs have been secured following over £700 million of investment in the advanced manufacturing sector.

    The government has taken decisive action to ensure battery manufacturers, auto firms and SMEs rooted in communities across Britain benefit from major financial support – keeping the country a leading hub for business, investment, and jobs in a volatile global environment.

    Thanks to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, 4,200 jobs have been secured following over £700 million of investment in the advanced manufacturing sector – showing that the government is supporting the industries of the future by helping to create a resilient economy that will boost growth and raise living standards for working people. 

    Business Secretary Peter Kyle announced the measures in a visit to Agratas in Somerset today [9 April], where a £380 million government grant was unveiled to support the firm in building one of the largest gigafactories in Europe – where the newly constructed factory frame was built using 100% British-steel. 

    Agratas’ project will strengthen economy security and reduce Britain’s reliance on imports by turbocharging domestic battery production and generating around £43 billion worth of economic growth over a 25-year period when the facility is in full operation.

    The site will not only support 4,200 direct jobs but thousands more in the supply chain, as well as unlock 300 apprenticeships – backed by a specialised battery manufacturing training unit to meet the skills needs of Agratas’ gigafactory and the wider battery sector.

    Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

    This government is backing the industries of the future by investing in auto firms, SMEs and battery manufacturers across the country – helping to boost economic growth and our resilience, secure jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

    In an unstable world, our Modern Industrial Strategy is providing investors the stability and confidence they need to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond. That is what sets us apart from the rest, and will help ensure advanced manufacturing remains a thriving sector in the UK for decades to come.

    Earl Wiggins, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, UK for Agratas said:

    We welcome the UK Government’s investment as we build a battery manufacturing facility that will play a vital role in delivering net zero and strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in battery manufacturing.

    This funding will support the development of our Somerset facility, enabling us to produce battery cells for our anchor customer, JLR (Jaguar Land Rover). Over the next year we will have over 2,200 people working on the site, and that growth will continue over the coming years.

    The latest Quarterly Update reveals that since the launch of the Modern Industrial Strategy over £360 billion of private investment has been secured across its key sectors, supporting up to 120,000 jobs. Alongside this, the government is cutting electricity costs for energy-intensive manufacturers, reducing unnecessary planning delays and overhauling regulation that holds back our most ambitious businesses. 

    Government is injecting £47 million worth of support for key R&D battery projects through the Battery Innovation Programme, helping to create skilled jobs, a stronger supply chain and position the UK as a globally competitive destination for battery manufacturing.

    Auto businesses will also benefit from a £190 million boost to ensure the automotive industry remains ahead of the competition on the global stage. Startups and well-established firms including Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover have been awarded £90 million in DRIVE35 funding to ramp up innovative prototype and cutting-edge projects – strengthening firms’ technological capabilities and improving the affordability of EVs for customers. 

    Meanwhile, suppliers in the North East and West Midlands can also capitalise on £100 million worth of DRIVE35 grant funding to help transition towards EV manufacturing, which will strengthen supply chain resilience and put Britain on track to become a clean energy superpower.

    Additional support for the advanced manufacturing sector includes:

    • Up to £16.44 million from the Made Smarter Innovation Programme for digital technologies like AI and robotics to boost productivity for SMEs.
    • Up to £99 million from the Made Smarter Adoption Programme to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies for manufacturing SMEs.
    • £1.4 million for projects exploring autonomous freight and self-driving passenger services in key ports and institutions across the UK.
    • Implementing £182 million engineering skills package which includes £47 million of Adult Skills Funding to train up the next generation of engineers and inventors; £8 million for clean energy engineering courses delivered by higher education providers and £1.8 million to expand engineering and construction T Level provision.

    Over the last two years, UK Export Finance has backed over £6.6 billion of advanced manufacturing investment and in the summer will announce plans to help UK companies tap into the power of international markets further.

    More widely, the British Business Bank is deploying £4 billion from the Industrial Strategy Growth Capital into firms across the eight growth sectors, showcasing a step-change in how government backs UK industry – with stronger public finance institutions supporting businesses looking to grow. 

    Today’s investment announcement sets the stage to crowd in future private investment into key growth sectors like advanced manufacturing – building on the £360 billion already secured and 120,000 jobs supported across the country.

    Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director at the APC, said:

    This globally significant investment by Agratas reinforces the UK’s accelerating position in pursuit of road transport decarbonisation through the production of vital high-performance batteries for electrified vehicles.

    I’m delighted that the ATF has been able to support Agratas in their investment in new facilities, creating secure and highly skilled jobs in this area and across the supply chain.

    Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said:

    Recent global events have highlighted the need for resilient supply chains, making this new investment in the sector both timely and important. The UK has a highly skilled and innovative automotive industry, but long‑term competitiveness depends on a policy framework that encourages investment.

    The modern Industrial Strategy provides that forward‑looking support, and today’s announcement demonstrates strong government backing for one of the UK’s most vital industries.

    Notes to editors

    • The Industrial Strategy Third Quarterly Update will be published on Thursday at 6pm on GOV.UK.
    • The government can confirm that Clare Barclay will continue to chair the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council for a further term. 
    • DRIVE35 is built to anchor future vehicle production, scale up battery manufacturing, grow the UK’s most innovative tech companies and onshore the supply chain capabilities that make British automotive genuinely resilient. It is designed to deliver over 50,000 direct jobs, cut millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions and unlock up to £7.46 billion in private investment by 2035. The funding award from the Department for Business and Trade is facilitated via the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) in partnership with Innovate UK. 
    • The APC collaborates with UK Government, the automotive industry, and academia to facilitate driving research and investment in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Established in 2013 and jointly funded by the DBT and the automotive industry, the APC accelerates the technologies that support the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. 
    • The Battery Innovation Programme is the UK’s largest single commitment to research, innovation and skills to deliver a globally competitive, high tech, high-value battery supply chain in the UK.   

    Project winners of the DRIVE35 R&D competitions are as follows:

    Collaborate: Grants fund projects where companies, and academic institutions, form a consortium to take a product or process to commercial readiness. Please note, these are the lead partners only – there are several partners in each consortium. 

    • HyProMag Limited 
    • Maeving Limited 
    • Jaguar Land Rover Limited 
    • Elm Mobility Limited 
    • Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited   

    Demonstrate: Grants are for companies that are earlier in their product or process development or need a short, sharp sprint to get where they want to be. Please note that these are the lead partners. 

    • FluoRok Limited
    • Cummins Electrified Power Europe Limited 
    • Innervated Vehicle Engineering Limited 
    • Jaguar Land Rover Limited 
    • Electrified Automation Limited 
    • Breathe Battery Technologies Limited 
    • Domin Limited 
    • Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials
    • Cummins Limited 
    • Vector Photonics Limited 
    • KleanDrive Limited 
    • Riversimple Movement Limited 
    • RAM Innovations Limited 
    • Cellmine Limited 
    • SMR Automotive Mirrors UK limited 
    • Altilium Metals Limited 
    • TaiSan Motors Limited 
    • HiSpeed Limited 

    Feasibility: Grants are to support detailed feasibility studies into the deployment of UK based manufacturing facilities for zero emission vehicle technologies. Please note, these are the lead partners only. 

    • Ford Motor Company Limited 
    • Botanic Energy Limited 
    • FluoRok Limited 
    • Integrals Power Limited 
    • Weardale Lithium Limited 
    • Avocet Battery Materials Limited 
    • Brim Chargers Limited 
    • Anaphite Limited 
    • Sunswap Limited 
    • Gaussion Limited 
    • Nyobolt Limited 
    • RAM Innovations Limited 
    • Tribol Braking Limited 
    • Ionetic Limited 
    • Sention Technologies Limited 
    • Northern Lithium Limited 
    • API Capacitors Limited 
    • CNC Robotics Limited 
    • iCOMAT
    • Sarginsons Industries Limited 
    • Ryse 3D Limited 
    • Volklec Limited 
    • Zircotec Limited 
    • Geothermal Engineering Limited 
    • Electric Aviation Group Limited 
    • Pareta Innovations Limited 
    • Altilium Metals Limited 
    • Covailent Limited 
    • HyProMag Limited 

    Scale up fund: R&D funding to fast-track the commercialisation of innovative zero-emission vehicle technologies. 

    • Altilium Metals Limited 
    • Surface Transforms Public Limited Company 

    CAM Pathfinder awards: Supporting companies in R&D and the supply chain development of self-driving vehicles, commercial services, and enabling technologies. 

    • International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation C.I.C 
    • Wellcome Genome Campus Property Limited 
    • The North East Automotive Alliance Limited 
    • Fusion Processing Limited 
    • Moonbility Limited 
    • Odysse Limited 
    • BCA Automotive Limited 
    • Bamford Bus Company Limited 

    Battery Innovation Programme awards:

    Collaborative R&D grants fund  projects  where companies  and  research and technology  organisations form a consortium to take a product or process to commercial readiness. Please note, these are the lead partners only – there are several partners in each consortium. 

    • Denchi Power Limited 
    • Altilium Metals Limited 
    • Inition Energy Ltd
    • Watercycle Technologies Limited 
    • Gelion Europe Limited 
    • European Metal Recycling Limited 
    • Williams Grand Prix Technologies Limited 
    • Hixal Limited 
    • Ricardo UK Limited 
    • About:Energy 
    • McMurtry Automotive Limited