Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Environment Chief says we can beat the climate emergency at UEA [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 19 January 2023.

Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive at the Environment Agency spoke of climate optimism and the value of research at a visit to the University of East Anglia.

One of the most senior voices on the environment in England, Sir James Bevan, has given a speech to University of East Anglia students. Sir James praised the institution’s ‘outstanding’ work on climate research.

Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, made the remarks in his speech at the UEA on 16 January. He highlighted the need to focus on tackling climate change, rather than letting fear and doom deter action.

University of East Anglia was 1 of the early pioneers of climate research and has been producing world class analysis for nearly 50 years now. Both its Climatic Research Unit and the Tyndall Centre have both broken new ground in understanding our changing climate and how best to address those consequences. Sir James also referenced the scale of work yet to do within the research space and building international consensus on action.

Sir James Bevan, Environment Agency Chief Executive, said:

In my view this climate doomism is almost as dangerous as climate denial. Indeed doomism might even be the new denial. And it’s equally misplaced. It’s not justified by the facts. And it risks leading to the wrong outcome: inaction.

He explained:

We know what we have to do to solve the problem. The solutions are technically quite simple.

First, we need to reduce and as far as possible stop entirely the emissions of carbon dioxide and the other greenhouse gases: what the experts call mitigation.

And second, we need to adapt our infrastructure, our economies and our lifestyles so we can live safely, sustainably and well in a climate-changed world.

He later added:

If we tackle the climate emergency right, and treat it not just as an existential risk but as a massive opportunity, we can actually build a better world.

One in which we make cities which don’t just generate less carbon or which are just more resilient but are also better places to live. In which we invent new technologies that don’t just mitigate and adapt but also help nature recover from the battering we’ve given it and thrive.

In which we find new ways to run successful economies so there is sustainable, inclusive growth for everyone.

By ending the impacts of climate change on the weakest and helping them recover from things they did not cause, we help deliver justice for all.

UEA has worked with councils and partners to develop a 25-year environmental plan to mitigate the impact of climate change on water security and sea-level rise in region. The Climate Research Unit on UEA campus plays a leading role in producing global temperature figures. The University’s Leverhulme PhD programme is training a new generation of 21st Century climate thought leaders.

Prof Konstantinos Chalvatzis, Professor of Sustainable Energy Business and ClimateUEA Academic Director, said:

I’m thrilled that ClimateUEA has hosted Sir James Bevan on our campus.

His talk engaged on a range of topics and I am looking forward to exploring where UEA’s and the Environment Agency’s expertise can jointly address environmental challenges.

During his speech Sir James referred to how the Environment Agency is playing a central part in tackling the climate emergency. He highlighted the 3 goals of the EA2025 strategy: a nation resilient to climate change; healthy air, land and water; and green growth and a sustainable future.

Sir James concluded by saying the Environment Agency is always looking for talented people who are committed to creating a better planet. He invited attendees to consider joining the agency to help tackle the climate emergency.

January 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Missile defence agreement with British industry updated [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 January 2023.

A Ministry of Defence agreement with British industry has been refreshed to formalise important work taking place regarding missile defence.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being updated to formally recognise Fluid Gravity Engineering Ltd and Airbus Defence and Space Ltd as industry partners to the UK Missile Defence Centre (MDC).

The MDC was established in 2003 as a government-industry partnership to deliver science and technology research across all areas of Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD). More recently, their remit has expanded to include advanced missile threats, including hypersonics. The unique relationship enshrined in the MOU enables the MDC to respond rapidly to technology and geopolitical developments, with clear benefits for MOD and UK industry.

The partnership supports closer working relations and open communication between and within MOD and industry to enhance planning, increase understanding of threats and defensive architectures, and develop defensive technologies for the UK and our allies.

MOD Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, said:
These organisations bring unique expertise to the table, helping strengthen the UK’s missile defence supplier base at a time when threats are developing more rapidly than ever.

The new partners will ensure the MDC remains at the cutting-edge of missile defence science and technology as it seeks to deliver robust capability options for our Armed Forces.

This agreement is intended to promote and support interaction between the MOD and industry organisations to ensure the MDC is the centre of excellence for missile defence within the UK. By drawing upon the most relevant expertise, the MOD will further enhance its understanding of missile defence and be well-positioned to support current or future procurement programmes.

The activities of the MDC, supported by an underpinning research programme, ensure the provision of evidence to decision makers, collaboration on projects of mutual interest with international partners, and sustainment of elements of national expertise.

January 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel [January 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 January 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this morning to congratulate him on his re-appointment.

The Prime Minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this morning to congratulate him on his re-appointment.

The leaders looked forward to working together to advance the UK-Israel relationship, including on trade where the UK is already Israel’s most important partner in Europe. They agreed the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement, currently being negotiated, could unlock further opportunities for both our countries, building on our shared leadership in areas like technology and services.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Netanyahu also discussed cooperation between the UK and Israel on security issues, where both countries have an interest in promoting regional stability.

The Prime Minister outlined the steps the UK has taken to respond to abuses of human rights and breaches of international law by the Iranian regime, including sanctioning Iran for illegally supplying military drones to Russia. The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu for his support to Ukraine.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process. The leaders agreed that the Abraham Accords had the potential to bring about a permanent step change in relations between Israel and its neighbours, with far reaching benefits.

The leaders looked forward to meeting in person soon and to marking Israel’s 75th anniversary later this year.

January 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Harry McCusker, who supplied dozens of kilograms of cocaine across South England has received an increased prison sentence [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 19 January 2023.

A cocaine dealer who conspired with others to supply large quantities of the class A drug across the south of England will spend extra time in prison after his original sentence was found to be unduly lenient.

Harry McCusker, 28, of Middlesex, worked as part of a large-scale operation to supply cocaine across the south of England. During the operation, McCusker and other conspirators would receive up to 20kg of cocaine at a time before distributing the class A drug across areas including London, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

As part of the sophisticated operation, substantial quantities of money were laundered, leading to McCusker also being convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property.

On 28 October 2022, at Lewes Crown Court, McCusker was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to supply a class A drug and conspiracy to convert criminal property.

His sentence was then referred to the Court of Appeal as Unduly Lenient.

On 19 January 2023 the Court quashed McCusker’s original sentence, and he will now have to serve a sentence of 6 years and 4 months’ imprisonment.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP said:

“Harry McCusker was directly involved in a wide-scale operation to supply enormous quantities of a dangerous, harmful and illegal class A drug. I hope that the increased sentence handed down by the Court today will send the message that no amount of money offered for dealing drugs will ever be worth the punishment.”

January 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary launches ambitious vision to make UK scale-up capital of Europe [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 19 January 2023.

Grant Shapps outlines his vision for ‘Scale-Up Britain’ in a keynote speech to business leaders at Davos.
- Business Secretary throws open doors to new and alternative business voices in quest for growth – Scale-up Summit launched with goal of answering how we can create an Amazon or a Google in Britain
- UK ranked among 5 most innovative nations on earth by World Intellectual Property Office, ahead of South Korea, Germany, China and Singapore
- Shapps claims we are on the cusp of new Industrial Revolution, and the change we have seen over the past 50 years will pale into significance when compared to the next five decades of innovation
The Business Secretary Grant Shapps today (19 January 2023) set out his vision for ‘Scale-Up Britain’ in a keynote speech to business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, vowing to support the Chancellor and Prime Minister in the government’s growth agenda.

In his speech, hosted by the Confederation of British Industry, the Secretary of State noted that the UK now has a government which is making the right decisions for Britain and for our economic recovery.

Acknowledging the current global economic challenges, the Secretary of State said:

At difficult times like this, our instinct could be to turn inwards, think smaller, hedge our bets, and protect domestic industry by closing ourselves off.

But that’s precisely the opposite of what’s needed right now. Rather, we must open up more. We must think bigger, take strategic risks.

Mr Shapps continued:

Now for this government, ‘growth’ isn’t a goal, a target or a destination. It’s the cornerstone of everything we are doing. And that’s because it’s the single biggest enabler of everything we want to deliver.

How do we fix the NHS? Growth. How do we tackle the cost of living? Growth. How do we level up our country and make it fairer for all? Growth.

The Business Secretary noted that, in the last 50 years, roughly half of the UK’s productivity increase has been achieved through innovation, praising “entrepreneurs, disruptors, risk takers and innovators.”

With the world on the cusp of a new Industrial Revolution, Mr Shapps set out both the advantages and challenges facing Britain in the global economic race. He said:

We have never lacked great inventors, clever ideas, or promising start-ups. Last year, the UK was ranked among the five most innovative nations on earth by the World Intellectual Property Office, ahead of South Korea, Germany, China and Singapore.

What we must do better is convert start-ups to scale-ups. I want to inspire ‘Scale-up Britain’. Building businesses that don’t just develop in the UK, but stay to grow and mature into world-beaters.

Mr Shapps highlighted the economic opportunities presented by the UK leaving the European Union, including winning back powers to back investment in Britain, coupled with other natural advantages enjoyed by the UK, including our position as a leading global finance centre, our universities and our regulatory environment.

The Business Secretary also highlighted that while we can learn from the success of other nations, we can also learn from their mistakes, ensuring that growth and scale-up in Britain reflects the high standards for which we are famous around the world.

He said:

I think we can learn a lot from Silicon Valley’s ambition and its record creating global tech brands. But we can also learn from the mistakes it has made.

Its unicorns have sometimes prioritised shareholder value above all else. Its culture sometimes falls short of the standards we expect from modern employers. And whilst it has made a few people unimaginably rich, the wealth isn’t shared by everyone with homelessness in nearby San Francisco a visible sign of this inequality.

So what I want to create is a Silicon Valley with a British edge.

In order to help the government to seize these opportunities, the Secretary of State announced the launch of a new Scale-up Summit, allowing ministers to listen to key frontier tech figures who have worked around the world.

Concluding his speech, Mr Shapps said:

To help us raise our game, we need to listen to a wider variety of entrepreneurs currently driving change.

So I will launch a Scale-up Summit to bring together key frontier tech, development and finance figures who have accelerated tech businesses from start-ups to scale-ups…who have worked around the world, from California to Tallinn and who can help us replicate their success in the UK, from Catford to Teesside.
January 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Local communities to get £750,000 for Windrush celebrations [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 19 January 2023.

Applications for the Windrush Day Grant Scheme have been opened by the Department for Levelling Up.
Community groups to bid for funding to celebrate 75th anniversary of Windrush

Funding open to applications from Northern Ireland for the first time

Part of wider £3.75 million committed to honouring the Windrush legacy to date

Applications for the Windrush Day Grant Scheme have been opened by the Department for Levelling Up, today (18 January 2023).

Community groups, charities and councils will now be able to bid for their share of the £750,000 pot of funding to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush community in their local areas.

Each area can bid for up to £50,000 to fund celebratory parades, educational resources, arts and sporting projects, providing they are focused on the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants.

Currently in its fifth year, the scheme will for the first time be open to applications from Northern Ireland in recognition of Windrush communities who resided there.

Communities Minister Lee Rowley said:

“The 75th anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury, marks a seminal moment in our nation’s shared history.

“This government is fully committed to honouring the Windrush generation and their immense contribution to this country. This funding will really help local communities come together, honour the past and celebrate our country.”

To date, the government has dedicated £3.75 million in funding toward honouring the Windrush legacy. This includes £2.75 million across five years of the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, and £1 million allocated to the National Windrush Monument.

Last year 35 projects across England were given a share of £500,000 funding to help commemorate Windrush Day. They included:

The establishment of the Bristol Windrush Reggae Choir, a six-month project that included vocal workshops and specially commissioned music.

A one-day festival at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, celebrating many aspects of UK Caribbean life, from music and dance to food and storytelling; and

A Windrush exhibition across museums, cultural centres, schools and colleges in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire together with live performance and online workshops.
January 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Record number of neighbourhood criminals tagged to cut crime [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 January 2023.

The number of people tagged has reached record highs following the government’s drive to use technology to make streets safer.
- over 2,500 burglars, robbers and thieves GPS-tagged
- technology is already helping police forces track and solve more crime
- 79 per cent increase in GPS tag use and doubling of alcohol tags
Statistics released today (19 January 2023) show the number of offenders, defendants and people on immigration bail tagged at any one point increased 10 per cent last year from 14,335 in December 2021 to 15,760 in December 2022.

It shows the impact of the government’s rollout of innovative GPS and alcohol tags to track the physical movements and limit the drinking of more criminals over the last 18 months.

Offenders banned from alcohol by the courts have stayed sober on 97% of the days they were tagged, but those who do drink can face returning to court for further punishment, including prison.

The figures also show a 79 per cent increase in the number of people wearing a GPS tag in the last year – from 3,188 on 31 December 2021 to 5,694 a year later.

More than 1,700 burglars, robbers and thieves were made to wear a tag and have their movements tracked in 2022, bringing the total to over 2,500 since GPS tagging was expanded to acquisitive criminals in 2021.

Police forces have been using the new location monitoring GPS tags to successfully help solve a series of neighbourhood crimes, including an armed robbery in Derbyshire, a car theft in Cheshire and a house burglary in Kent. In all these cases the innovative technology helped police catch and convict offenders and they were all handed prison sentences.

The number of offenders wearing alcohol monitoring ‘sobriety’ tags on a given day has also doubled – increasing from 773 to 1,859 in the last year following the national rollout of sobriety tags for prison leavers in June 2022 to tackle booze-fuelled crime.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab, said:

Thousands of offenders are being tagged each year to crackdown on crime thanks to our investment in cutting-edge technology.

We’ve more than doubled the number of offenders wearing alcohol tags and have been GPS tagging thousands more burglars and robbers – to reduce reoffending and keep our communities safer.

GPS monitoring equipment is specifically deployed across 19 police force areas – roughly half of England and Wales – so that burglars, robbers and thieves that have served a prison sentence of 90 days or more are tagged on release. Their whereabouts will be monitored by GPS satellites for up to 12 months. It is part of a trial to evaluate how tags can help deter and detect crime with over 10,000 criminals expected to be tagged by 2025.

Alcohol tags are another part of the government’s £183 million investment over the next 3 years, with roughly 12,000 offenders expected to be given an alcohol tag to wear during this period.
January 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : There is mounting evidence of war crimes committed by Russian forces – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 January 2023.

Ambassador Neil Bush says that the sheer destruction and dire humanitarian impact caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is both shocking and appalling.

Thank you Mr. Chair. I would also like to share with Ukraine the UK’s sincere condolences following the tragic helicopter crash yesterday morning.

I also want to share our condolences regarding the horrific loss of life caused by the Russian missile attack in Dnipro on Saturday. Russia has no qualms and no conscience about using such devastating and inaccurate weapons in residential areas. That is unforgiveable.

As Russia continues to strike Ukraine’s cities, civilians and critical infrastructure, we cannot forget those suffering along the front line and in the temporarily Russian-controlled territories. Reminiscent of images from mainland Europe a century before, the sheer destruction and dire humanitarian impact caused by Russia’s illegal invasion is both shocking and appalling and we hoped had been consigned to history.

In Bakhmut, around 60% of the city has been completely destroyed, with more than 90% of the population believed to have fled. Of those remaining, many are extremely vulnerable and without access to basic services or humanitarian support. The damage in neighbouring Soledar is reportedly even more severe. It will take decades for these areas to recover from the devastation Russia has wrought upon them.

The situation for those temporarily living under Russian control remains extremely difficult. Limited access for international organisations prevents the full picture of Russia’s atrocities and human rights violations from emerging. Insidious policies to ‘Russify’ the population of these regions persists, with land and property confiscated from Ukrainian citizens, whilst Russian nationals such as teachers, administrators and military families, are brought in. Opportunities for Ukrainians to leave these regions and travel west are rapidly diminishing. Many risk having to go through Russia, facing filtration and for those who pass through being unable to leave Russia once across the border.

Basic human rights for those in the Russian-controlled territories continues on a depressingly downward trend, with a lack of access to basic services – including clean water and reliable energy supplies. Access to basic healthcare is woefully inadequate. Humanitarian aid is a vital life line for survival amongst the population – but it cannot reach everyone. The deteriorating conditions in these regions only highlights the ineptitude, corruption and disarray of the self-proclaimed Russian administrations.

Across recently liberated areas of Ukraine, there is mounting evidence of war crimes committed by Russian forces whilst under their control. We have seen hundreds of pages of evidence from organisations such as ODHIR, UNOCHA and UNICEF detailing Russia’s severe human rights violations and abuses: the use of sexual violence; forced movement of children; arbitrary detention; torture; etc; etc; etc.

In addition – we categorically condemn the apparent theft and misuse of OSCE vehicles, which are being reportedly used by Russia in the Donbas. As stated by the OSCE, the organisation has no personnel or vehicles deployed in eastern Ukraine – a fact Russia is well aware of. Russia should provide a full explanation. We also remember our Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) colleagues currently in Russian detention. And we call again on Russia for their immediate release, and to cease intimidation and threats directed at former SMM personnel.

Finally, the UK announced this week an accelerated package of support for Ukraine, to aid them in their fight for freedom, democracy and victory. We will ensure our Ukrainian friends have the resources needed to stop Russia’s aggression, to end the pain and misery being inflicted upon Ukrainians and to halt the impacts of Russia’s illegal invasion being felt around the globe – once and for all.

January 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak’s call with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern [January 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 January 2023, although it related to a call from December 2022.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, this evening (11 December 2022).

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to building on the close relationship between the United Kingdom and New Zealand, including through the youth mobility scheme and joint science and research programmes.

The leaders discussed shared challenges in the Indo Pacific, and reflected on the importance of economic stability and resilience to growing strategic competition.

The UK’s accession to the CPTPP Pacific trade bloc demonstrated our commitment to the region, the Prime Minister added.

Discussing Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Ardern for the country’s important contribution to the training of Ukrainian Armed Forces in the UK, and said New Zealand’s involvement sent a strong signal across the world. The leaders also shared their condemnation of Iran’s ongoing support to Russia’s illegal invasion, including through the provision of drones.

Both agreed to stay in close touch and looked forward to following the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year.

January 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Law to recognise children born as a result of rape as victims for the first time [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 January 2023.

Children born as a result of rape will be officially recognised as victims of crime and receive better support under changes announced by the government today.

It means England and Wales will be among the first countries in the world to enshrine in law that individuals born in these horrific circumstances should be treated as victims in their own right.

The government will amend its upcoming Victims Bill to make this change to clarify that these children are entitled to support from criminal justice agencies such as the police and courts.

At present, the lack of explicit reference to people born as a result of rape in the Victims’ Code makes it unnecessarily difficult for them to claim support and entitlements such as being provided with information about their case.

It follows a recommendation from the Justice Select Committee who fed back on the government’s draft bill in September 2022. The landmark piece of legislation seeks to put the needs and voices of victims firmly at the heart of the justice system and increase the accountability of agencies for the service they provide to them. It includes a new duty on the CPS to meet victims in certain cases before trial.

It is estimated that thousands of children are conceived from rape each year and the government is determined to ensure they receive the support they deserve.

Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab MP said:

No child born in these horrific circumstances should be left to suffer alone, which is why we must ensure they can access vital support whenever they may need it.

Our Victims Bill will amplify their voices and boost support for all victims at every stage of the justice system.

Since 2010 funding for victim support services has quadrupled as part of the government’s commitment to deliver better outcomes for victims and this change will provide these people with better access to the wide range of support all victims of crime should expect.

This includes making it easier to access therapy and counselling sessions. Such support will help deconstruct self-blame and shame, help victims come to terms with family issues and offer psychological guidance to develop coping mechanisms for processing difficult emotions.

The change will also provide greater recognition from support services, including from advocacy services, who can help with a range of issues such as alcohol and drug misuse and provide guidance on accessing education and housing benefit.

The amendments apply to children born as a result of rape whatever age they are and will cover all sexual offences which can result in a pregnancy, for example, position of trust offences.

January 19, 2023