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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement – 10 key benefits [December 2021]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement – 10 key benefits [December 2021]

    The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 16 December 2021.

    The deal will play an important role in levelling up the UK, delivering benefits for towns, cities and rural areas throughout the country. It is expected to increase trade with Australia by 53%, boost the economy by £2.3 billion and add £900 million to household wages in the long-run.

    1. Unprecedented access for British services and investors

    This deal goes further than Australia has ever gone before in giving services companies access to the Australian market. This means that UK services from architecture and law to financial services and shipping will be able to compete in the Australian market on a guaranteed equal footing. This could increase exports of UK services to Australia, worth £5 billion in 2020.

    UK investors will also benefit from more access than ever before to opportunities in Australia, with guaranteed rights to invest across the Australian economy. The majority of UK investments will no longer need to be reviewed by the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board – saving time, saving money and cutting red tape for UK investors.

    2. Better business travel for British professionals

    Business travel is one of the biggest contributors to enabling more trade and investment. For the first time UK service suppliers including architects, scientists, researchers, lawyers and accountants will have access to visas to work in Australia without being subject to Australia’s changing skilled occupation list. This is more than Australia has ever offered any other country in a free trade agreement, and will improve long-term planning for British businesses.

    3. Tariff-free trade for all British exports

    The deal removes tariffs on all UK exports to Australia, making it cheaper to sell iconic products like cars, Scotch whisky and UK fashion to Australia. This will support industries that employ over 3.4 million people in the UK. Flexible rules of origin mean that UK businesses can use some imported parts and ingredients and still qualify for the new 0% tariffs when exporting to Australia.

    4. Easier for young Brits to travel and work in Australia

    As part of the overall mobility package, Brits aged 18 to 35 will be able to travel and work in Australia with a Working Holiday Maker Visa for up to 3 years, deepening the people-to-people and cultural links between our two countries. Young people will no longer have to work on a farm to use this visa to live and work in Australia.

    Australia will also pilot 2 new visa schemes for UK citizens, allowing early career workplace exchanges of up to one year for graduates between 21 and 45.

    5. Digital trade opportunities for a global tech superpower

    The deal provides more opportunities for UK firms to trade digitally with Australia, including in British tech, creative industries, finance, telecommunications, and many other sectors. It secures the free flow of data necessary for British businesses to provide many products and services to customers, while locking-in a legal requirement for personal data protection in both countries. The deal will save many firms from the cost of setting up servers in Australia, and it makes business easier through the use of electronic contracts and electronic signatures.

    Businesses will have confidence that their valuable intellectual property will be protected. The deal guarantees fair access for telecoms companies into Australia and forges greater cooperation on 5G and cybersecurity. The world’s first dedicated innovation chapter establishes a Strategic Innovation Dialogue which will drive the commercialisation of new technology and ensure the deal keeps up with technological developments.

    6. Lower prices for British shoppers and manufacturers

    The removal of UK tariffs on Australian favourites like Jacob’s Creek and Hardys wines, Tim Tams, swimwear, surfboards, and boots will boost choice for British consumers. UK manufacturers will benefit from cheaper access to important Australian machinery parts like hydraulic power engines and pressure-reducing valves which will allow them to be more competitive and grow their businesses.

    7. Slashing red tape for entrepreneurs and small businesses

    The deal cuts red tape currently faced by more than 13,000 SMEs across the UK who already export goods to Australia. Customs authorities will release all goods within 48 hours, if requirements have been met, with fast-track parcels and perishable goods like food being released within 6 hours. SMEs will benefit from dedicated websites for businesses and information to help them trade with Australia. Businesses from all sectors and regions will benefit from the use of modern digitised trading systems and digital documents, saving time and money.

    8. Access to billions of pounds worth of government contracts

    British companies will now be able to bid for Australian government contracts worth around £10 billion per year on an equal footing with Australian companies. It is the most substantial level of access Australia has ever granted in a free trade agreement. UK businesses will have the legally guaranteed opportunity to bid for contracts in major infrastructure projects like railway constructions and road upgrades, as well as for financial and business services procured by Australian government bodies covered by the deal.

    9. Stronger cooperation on shared challenges

    The UK and Australia are close allies with a shared belief in fairness, free enterprise, and the rule of law. This deal builds on our deep relationship, which has been strengthened by recent partnerships such as AUKUS and the Clean Tech Partnership.

    The deal will uphold high standards and foster collaboration on challenges like tackling climate change and unfair trading practices which undercut and harm our domestic industries. The deal creates new opportunities to grow the low-carbon economy, for example by cutting tariffs on UK exports of wind turbine blades and electric vehicles (previously 5%).

    10. A major step for UK trade in the Indo-Pacific

    Australia strongly supports UK membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which would open up 11 markets worth £8.4 trillion GDP for British exporters and investors. Australia itself is projected to be a top 10 global economy by 2050. Early access to trading opportunities in this region will secure superior access for UK exporters to these growing markets, with two thirds of global middle-class consumers expected to be in Asia by 2030.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New era of free trade with the UK [December 2021]

    PRESS RELEASE : New era of free trade with the UK [December 2021]

    The press release issued by the Australian Government on 17 December 2021.

    Australia today signed a landmark free trade agreement with the United Kingdom that will make Australian exports to the UK cheaper, create new opportunities for workers, young people and businesses and further strengthen the special relationship between our two countries.

    This is the most comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement that Australia has concluded, other than with New Zealand. It demonstrates our countries’ commitment to free trade as a driver of economic growth and stronger bilateral relationships.

    The Australia-UK FTA delivers benefits for Australians across the board:

    • Exporters will benefit from immediate elimination of tariffs on over 99 per cent of Australian goods exports to the UK, valued at around $9.2 billion, when the agreement enters into force.
    • Farmers will have improved access to more than 65 million UK consumers who value safe, sustainably produced foods and beverages with the strong provenance Australia offers.
      • Around $43 million in annual customs duties will be removed from Australian wine when the agreement enters into force.
      • For beef, a tariff-free quota of 35,000 tonnes at entry into force will expand to 110,000 tonnes in year 10. Tariffs on beef will be eliminated after ten years.
      • For sheep meat, a tariff-free quota of 25,000 tonnes at entry into force will expand to 75,000 in year 10. Tariffs on sheep meat will be eliminated after ten years.
      • For sugar, a tariff-free quota of 80,000 tonnes at entry into force will expand to 220,000 tonnes in year 8. Sugar tariffs will be eliminated after eight years.
    • Professionals will have the same access to the UK’s lucrative jobs market as their European competitors, except from the Republic of Ireland. This means Australian job seekers can compete on an equal footing with EU nationals in the UK for the first time in more than 40 years.
    • Australian households and businesses will save around $200 million a year as tariffs on British imports into Australia, such as cars, whisky, confectionery, biscuits and cosmetics, are phased out within five years, with tariffs on almost all UK goods being eliminated on entry into force.
    • Young people will have more time to travel to the UK for a working holiday and will be able to stay longer, with eligibility to participate in working holiday opportunities raised from 30 to 35 years of age, and stays allowed for up to three years in each country.
    • Australian businesses will have the guaranteed right to bid for a greater variety of UK government contracts in a procurement market worth an estimated half-a-trillion dollars annually.
    • UK businesses will be encouraged to invest in Australia thanks to best practice investment rules, including to set up regional headquarters in Australia to leverage our network of free trade agreements.

    Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan signed the agreement on behalf of Australia during a virtual ceremony with the UK Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan in Adelaide today.

    The Morrison Government will now work to bring the agreement into force in 2022, so Australian exporters, farmers, workers, businesses and consumers can access the benefits of this gold standard agreement as soon as possible.

    When the Australia-UK FTA enters into force, around 75 per cent of Australia’s two-way trade will be covered by free trade agreements, representing preferential access to 2.9 billion customers, up from 27 per cent when the Morrison Government came to office.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We reiterate the Council’s demand for full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors regardless of gender [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : We reiterate the Council’s demand for full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors regardless of gender [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 January 2023.

    Ahead of a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, the signatories to the Women, Peace and Security Shared Commitments delivered the following statement.

    Today the Council convenes to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. We, the Security Council signatories of the Statement of Shared Commitments for the principles of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Gabon, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, and in its national capacity, the United States, have come together to express grave concern regarding the critical situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. We urge the Taliban to immediately reverse all oppressive measures against women and girls, adhere to their commitments set out in UNSC 2593 and respect the rights of women and girls, and their full, equal and meaningful participation and inclusion across all aspects of society in Afghanistan, from political and economic, to education and public space.

    Such measures include the banning of Afghan women from working in national and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Afghanistan, as well as excluding women and girls from universities and secondary schools. Other restrictions have also been put in place limiting women and girls’ ability to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. They are contrary to Afghanistan’s obligations as party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

    Women are central and critical to operations to relieve the dire humanitarian situation. They have unique expertise and access to populations their male colleagues cannot reach, providing critical life-saving support to women and girls. Without their participation in aid delivery in Afghanistan and their essential expertise, NGOs will be unable to reach those most in need, in particular women and girls, to provide lifesaving materials and services. We reiterate the Council’s demand on all parties to allow full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors regardless of gender. Moreover, a stable, economically viable, and peaceful Afghanistan is only attainable and sustainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, have access to and receive education, and fully, equally, and meaningfully participate in and contribute to the country’s future and development in line with UNSC Resolutions 1325, 2593, and 2626.

    As the mandate renewal of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) approaches, we reaffirm our strong support for UNAMA, not least in their valuable contribution to gender equality, the empowerment and protection of women and girls, the full protection of their human rights, including education, work, and their freedom of movement. The full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all levels and stages of decision-making and governance processes in Afghanistan is necessary for achieving an inclusive political dialogue and participatory governance.

    The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan must remain high on the agenda of the Security Council, and we will continue to closely monitor the developments on the ground and respond accordingly. As Council members, we stand with all women and girls in Afghanistan and reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing their rights and needs during our discussions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and United Arab Emirates agree to boost energy security and unlock investment [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and United Arab Emirates agree to boost energy security and unlock investment [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 13 January 2023.

    • Visiting Abu Dhabi, Grant Shapps signs agreement to facilitate sharing of knowledge and expertise in energy, in a move that could unlock significant investment in UK firms and boost energy security, sustainability and economic growth
    • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) includes agreement to cooperate on hydrogen technology, which has already attracted significant UAE investment in Teesside

    The UK and UAE governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will help facilitate the sharing of technical knowledge, advice, skills and expertise, opening up new avenues for cooperation on energy and climate, while boosting jobs and investment in the UK.

    The Clean Energy MoU, which today was signed by the UK Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps and the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, His Excellency Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, will further reinforce the robust economic links between the 2 countries developed in the nations’ 2018 MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Energy.

    The MoU has been expanded to encompass the full scope of bilateral co-operation, including the new low carbon super fuel hydrogen. This builds on ADNOC – the UAE’s largest energy company – taking a 25% stake in the design stage of BP’s blue hydrogen project, H2Teesside, last year. It also acknowledges the progress the UAE has made so far on climate action, their ambition for clean energy investment and their call for finding energy solutions with like-minded partners.

    Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    The UK is immensely proud of its longstanding relationship with the UAE. Today’s latest agreements provide further evidence that not only are we are strengthening our energy security and lowering bills for consumers in the long term, we’re unlocking huge opportunities for investment in British expertise and jobs in the process.

    International cooperation on energy and climate with close partners like the UAE is vital and as they take centre stage as hosts of COP28 later this year, they will have our full support every step of the way.

    Memorandum of Understanding

    The MoU represents a strengthening of collaboration between the UK and the UAE and follows hot on the heels of the Partnership for the Future (P4F), which was signed during His Highness President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to UK in September 2021 and provided a clear statement of our collective energy ambitions.

    The P4F is complemented by the existing Sovereign Investment Partnership (SIP), agreed in March 2021 to serve as a coordinated investment framework to grow a future-focused relationship between the two nations, driving economic recovery, jobs and growth.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting held on 17 November 2022 [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting held on 17 November 2022 [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 January 2023.

    Joint statement by the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights between the European Commission and UK government:

    The 11th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 17 November 2022 in London, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK government. A number of representatives from EU member states were also in attendance. The Committee was established by the Withdrawal Agreement to monitor the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Agreement, which protects EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU, and their eligible family members.

    The EU and the UK discussed the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement. The meeting also allowed both sides to take stock of any outstanding issues.

    During the meeting, issues related to residency schemes were discussed.

    The EU raised concerns about UK rules on temporary protection for applicants who apply after the deadline and took note that in such cases the UK ensures, under its one-step approach, that certificates of application are issued as soon as a valid application is made, in the same way as for in-time applications. The EU also reiterated its position that those late applicants who are ultimately granted residence status should be treated as lawfully resident in the period between the application deadline and granting of the status.

    The EU also enquired about the impact of imprisonment on the ability of EU citizens with pre–settled status to acquire settled status and would share further legal arguments in support of its position that the break of continuity of residence should not affect Withdrawal Agreement status. The EU reiterated its other longstanding concerns related to delays in issuance of residence documents and entry visas and asked the UK about consumer protection rules available to EU citizens and their family members who have been wrongly denied boarding by carriers.

    Both parties also had an exchange of views on absence rules.

    The UK expressed concern about difficulties UK nationals have experienced evidencing status due to the slow issuance of residence documents in a member state and asked the Commission to do more on this issue. The UK raised the issue of UK nationals who have experienced issues transiting through the Schengen Area and asked the Commission to ensure relevant Annexes of the Schengen Borders Code are updated.

    The UK also raised its other longstanding concern, namely non-compliant residence processes in some EU member states.

    The UK raised issues encountered by family members of UK nationals protected by the Withdrawal Agreement and took note of a review of the implementation of family reunification processes in all member states, presented by the European Commission. The other concerns raised by the UK were difficulties drawing on multiple statuses, the need for detailed statistics on residence applications in member states and equal treatment.

    The UK’s Independent Monitoring Authority, established under Article 159(1) of the Withdrawal Agreement, and the European Commission presented their respective Annual Reports, adopted in accordance with Article 159(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement.

    External representatives from civil society organisations, representing EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU, attended the meeting of the Committee and asked questions about the implementation and application of Part 2 of the Withdrawal Agreement in the EU and the UK, in conformity with the rules of procedure of the Specialised Committee.

    The EU and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to protecting citizens’ rights in accordance with the obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement.

    The EU and the UK agreed to meet again in spring 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Charity Commission Investigation Leads to Action to Disqualify Lee Dribben and Ashley Dribben [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Charity Commission Investigation Leads to Action to Disqualify Lee Dribben and Ashley Dribben [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 13 January 2023.

    An investigation into a homeless charity has found evidence of serious financial mismanagement, and evidence that the charity’s funds were used to benefit the charity’s former CEO and former trustees.

    The Ashley Foundation was registered as a charity in 1997 and operates hostels and flats for homeless people in Blackpool, Sunderland and Blackburn.

    The inquiry finds that the former trustees sold off several of the charity’s properties housing vulnerable homeless people, before entering into highly disadvantageous agreements with a third party to manage those same properties. In one instance, former trustee Ashley Dribben personally received £40,000 for his involvement in the transaction.

    The inquiry also identified significant personal benefit, including the use of thousands of pounds of charity funds on the repair and upkeep of personal properties belonging to former CEO Lee Dribben and his son Ashley.

    The inquiry further found that Lee Dribben used charity expenses on luxury travel and meals, including over £3000 on a three-night trip to London, with first class travel and meals at Le Caprice and the Wolseley Hotel. On the same trip, £45 was claimed for a bottle of wine at a restaurant in Covent Garden.

    Charity money was also inappropriately spent on luxury items including Apple Watches, flat screen TVs and silk sheets, which the former CEO claimed were gifts for associates.

    On one occasion, Lee Dribben used the charity’s funds to purchase a Spymaster tracking system, which the inquiry was told was used to surveil individuals during contract negotiations with the charity. The report notes that the inquiry did not accept this was appropriate use of the charity’s funds, and that “covert activity is unacceptable” for a charity.

    The regulator’s report stresses that the charity’s current trustees have taken action to rectify governance problems, including in successfully re-acquiring the sold properties and terminating the agreements. The Commission is now satisfied the appropriate controls are in place to safeguard the charity’s assets moving forward.

    The Commission concluded that there was serious misconduct and mismanagement in the administration of The Ashley Foundation, and took action to disqualify Lee Dribben and Ashley Dribben from charity trusteeships and senior management for 15 years, and former chair of the charity, David Kam, for 10 years.

    The Commission also used its powers to safeguard the charity’s assets, by freezing bank accounts and preventing further sale of property. The inquiry referred its concerns about potential criminality to Lancashire police.

    Amy Spiller, Head of Investigations at the Commission, said:

    Our investigation found that the former trustees and CEO misused this charity and received significant unauthorised personal benefit from funds intended to help vulnerable homeless people.

    Trustees must use their charity’s funds to further the charity’s purposes and ensure there are robust financial and controls in place to stop the abuse of these funds.

    I commend the current board of trustees for identifying the serious wrongdoing and initiating action to put the charity’s house in order. I hope that their work, and our intervention, means the charity is now able to deliver on its charitable purposes to help the homeless across Blackpool, Sunderland and Blackburn.

  • PRESS RELEASE : R&D Tax Relief Reform Consultation Launched [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : R&D Tax Relief Reform Consultation Launched [January 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 13 January 2023.

    The Government has today (13 January) launched a consultation to simplify the UK’s R&D tax relief system, drive innovation and grow the economy.

    • R&D tax relief reform set to simplify the system and help grow the economy
    • Clearer information about how much relief business will receive to be offered up front, helping them budget for R&D
    • Follows £20 billion investment in R&D from government at Autumn Statement and the Chancellor’s pledge to understand how to provide further support for R&D intensive SMEs.

    The 8-week consultation, which runs from 13 January to 13 March 2023, sets out proposals on how a single scheme could be designed and implemented. This would replace the two R&D tax relief schemes currently in place – the Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) and the small and medium enterprises (SME) R&D relief.

    A scheme modelled on the current RDEC for SMEs would also give decision makers in smaller companies clearer information, which will help them set budgets for R&D. In contrast, for those claiming SME tax relief in the current setup, the exact amount of money their firm will receive can only be known with certainty at the end of accounting period.

    This is part of the government’s ongoing R&D tax reliefs review, and follows changes announced at Autumn Statement 2022 where the generosities of the two R&D tax schemes were broadly aligned, with the Chancellor pledging to work with industry to understand how to provide further support for R&D intensive SMEs.

    The UK’s R&D tax reliefs have an important role to play in encouraging more businesses to invest in R&D, helping them to grow and create the technologies, products and services which reshape lives and livelihoods.

    Government spending on R&D plays a crucial role in stimulating private sector investment which is why it is increasing investment to £20 billion a year by 2024-25 – the largest ever increase in a Spending Review period.

    Victoria Atkins MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

    We are focussed on growing the economy – with thriving businesses bringing more jobs, higher pay and more tax revenue to fund our precious public services.

    Getting R&D tax relief right and fit for the future sits at the heart of making sure the UK remains a competitive location for cutting edge research – helping new firms grow.

    I welcome views on the option to simplify the scheme, especially from those who have experience of the existing tax reliefs.

    The UK is unusual in having two schemes and moving to a single measure would simplify the R&D tax system in line with the government’s overall plans for tax simplification.

    The government would like to hear from a wide range of sources including individuals, companies, representative and professional bodies, and especially invites comments from research and development intensive businesses and those representing them.

    The government recognises the reform to the rates creates challenges for some R&D intensive SMEs and those in the life sciences sector in particular and believes there is merit to the case for further support. Any further changes will be announced in the usual way, at a future fiscal event.

    If implemented, the new scheme is expected to be in place from 1 April 2024.

    Further information

    • At Autumn Statement 2022, it was announced that on 1st April the RDEC rate will be increased to 20% from 13%, the SME deduction rate will be reduced to 86% from 130%, and the SME credit rate decreased to 10% from 14.5%
  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Serbia – Edward Ferguson [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Serbia – Edward Ferguson [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 January 2023.

    Mr Edward Ferguson has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia in succession to Ms Sian MacLeod OBE. Mr Ferguson will take up his appointment during July 2023.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Edward Alexander de Poulton Ferguson

    Married to: Caroline Evelyn Vera Ferguson

    Children: Three

    Year Role
    2018 to 2022 Washington, Minister Counsellor for Defence and Ministry of Defence Director United States
    2014 to 2018 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
    2011 to 2014 Ministry of Defence (MOD), Head, Defence Strategy and Priorities
    2009 to 2011 MOD, Head, Afghanistan and Pakistan Policy
    2007 to 2009 MOD, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State
    2006 to 2007 MOD, Head, North America and Western Europe
    2006 MOD, Policy Adviser, Maysaan Province, Iraq
    2004 to 2006 MOD, Project Manager, Defence Estates
    2001 to 2004 MOD, Fast Stream Development Posts
  • PRESS RELEASE : Trees and woodlands provide over £400m each year in fight against flooding, new study finds [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Trees and woodlands provide over £400m each year in fight against flooding, new study finds [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 13 January 2023.

    Woodlands worth over £400m million annually in protecting communities from flooding, new research reveals.

    Trees and woodlands have long been known to play a vital role in flood resilience, but scientists are now able to establish the financial contribution they make in protecting communities from flooding.

    New research published today (Friday 13th January) by Forest Research estimates Great Britain’s trees contribute over £400m annually in benefits. The flood regulation service of Great Britain’s trees, forests and woodlands as an annualised central estimate gave annual values of £843 million and £420 million compared to bare soil and grass, respectively. The valuation is based on the role trees, woodlands and forests play in intercepting rainfall, storing water and reducing the potentially devastating surface runoff that causes flooding. Given the increased likelihood and frequency of extreme weather events as a result of climate change, the report highlights how woodland expansion can be a natural, cost-effective method of protecting homes and businesses – now and for the future.

    The government is investing a record £5.2 billion over six years in around 2,000 flood and coastal erosion schemes to better protect communities across England, with one in six properties at risk of flooding.

    Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison said:

    Communities across the country know all too well the potentially devastating impacts of flooding – from damage to homes and businesses and the disruption of critical infrastructure to the tragic loss of life.

    This report provides the best picture yet of the integral role that our trees, woodlands and forests play in protecting at-risk communities from flooding. With more severe weather events forecast in the future, there is even more incentive to accelerate our tree planting efforts in line with our ambitious target to treble planting rates in England.

    Forestry Commission Chief Executive, Richard Stanford said:

    We know nature-based solutions have an important role to play in reducing flood risk in an affordable way with multiple benefits beyond flood alleviation. This ground breaking research underscores the significant contribution our trees, woodlands and forests make in reducing peak water flows following heavy rainfall – helping to protect homes, businesses and livelihoods nationwide from the disastrous impacts of flooding.

    From the trees lining our streets to the expanse of woodlands and forests across our countryside, the environmental, economic and social value of our treescapes has never been clearer. It is important we manage the trees we have and expand all types of tree cover.

    Environment Agency Chief Executive, Sir James Bevan said:

    The warning signs of the climate crisis are stark and mounting – with greater rainfall, higher tides and more violent weather bringing heightened risks of serious flooding over the years ahead. The hard flood defences which the Environment Agency builds and maintains all across the country are part of the solution. So too are Natural Flood Management techniques such as tree planting, which we are already using to slow the flow of water and help protect homes and businesses.

    By harnessing the power of nature, we can tackle the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change – whilst simultaneously reducing the risk of flooding to vulnerable communities.

    Pat Snowdon, Head of Economics and Woodland Carbon Code at Scottish Forestry, said:

    Climate change is bringing many global challenges. Our weather patterns are changing and we can expect wetter winters and more intense rain in summer. This brings the very unwelcome risk of more flooding.

    Woodlands have long been associated with an ability to reduce flooding. The latest models allow researchers to quantify how woodlands create a “sponge” effect, reducing rapid run-off that causes flooding. This research provides new data that fills a major evidence gap on the economic value of woodlands.

    Forests help to reduce flooding in numerous ways, in what is referred to as a ‘sponge effect’. Firstly, evaporation from leaves and branches helps to reduce the amount of rainfall reaching the ground. This process, known as interception, is significantly greater for woodland compared to other land use types. Secondly, the soils within forests receive, store and delay water, helping to reduce rapid run-off and peak flows. Finally, the presence of trees, shrubs and large woody dams along rivers and on the floodplain creates a barrier effect that slows the passage of flood waters downstream, in addition to delivering biodiversity benefits.

    As a result, tree planting can significantly affect the volume, pathway and timing of surface run-off, reducing the risk of downstream flooding. Responsible forestry management practices help to maintain and secure this key environmental service. Further guidance is available in the UK Forestry Standard Practice Guide: ‘Designing and managing forests and woodlands to reduce flood risk’.

    The Environment Agency recently set out findings from its £15 million Natural Flood Management programme, which was carried out in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and other key partners. In Cumbria, a Natural Flood Management project trialled a variety of measures across different landscapes aiming to slow or store 10,000 cubic metres of water per square kilometre. The team worked with a range of landowners and the Forestry Commission to change overland flow routes, build earth dams and leaky barriers, plant 8,000 trees and create offline flood storage ponds. Across its 60 pilot projects, the Environment Agency’s programme created an equivalent of 1.6 million cubic metres of water storage and increased flood resilience to 15,000 homes, whilst improving 4,000 hectares of habitat, enhancing 610 kilometres of river and planting 100 hectares of woodland.

    The report also estimates the Natural Capital Value of the flood regulation service provided by Great Britain’s trees in flood risk catchment areas to be up to £25.1 billion. This represents their value over the course of a century and provides a useful means of comparison to other natural assets.

    Today’s announcement follows another recent Forest Research report which calculated the economic value of individual trees planted outside of forests and woodlands to be up to £3.8 billion. Announced as part of National Tree Week, the valuation is based on the important role that these trees play in sequestering and storing carbon, regulating temperatures, strengthening flood resilience and reducing noise and air pollution.

    The study was led by Forest Research and jointly funded by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and the Welsh Government.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint cooperation to deliver two new Green Freeports in Firth Of Forth and Inverness and Cromarty Firth [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint cooperation to deliver two new Green Freeports in Firth Of Forth and Inverness and Cromarty Firth [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 13 January 2023.

    • The UK and Scottish governments jointly confirm that Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and Forth Green Freeport have been successful in their bids to establish a new Green Freeport
    • Backed by up to £52 million in UK Government funding, Green Freeports will help to level up Scotland and bring new, high-skilled jobs to successful areas
    • New sites are expected to bring forward an estimated £10.8 billion of private and public investment and create over 75,000 new, high-skilled jobs

    Two new Green Freeports will be established in Inverness and Cromarty Firth and Firth of Forth, the UK and Scottish governments have jointly announced today (Friday 13 January), helping to create jobs, drive growth and level up the country.

    Backed by up to £52 million in UK Government funding, the new sites are expected to bring forward an estimated £10.8 billion of private and public investment and create over 75,000 new, high-skilled jobs.

    Bidding opened earlier this year and consortiums submitted their bids for their share of the cash, which were jointly considered by the UK and Scottish governments. As part of the process, the successful locations had to demonstrate to officials and ministers from both governments how they would regenerate local communities, deliver decarbonisation, establish hubs for global trade and foster an innovative environment to support levelling up.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    Working together delivers results – and I am absolutely delighted that the First Minister and I can announce the delivery of our shared ambition for people in Scotland today with not one but two excellent Green Freeport areas.

    In extending the benefits of freeports to Scotland, we are unleashing the potential of the Firth of Forth and Inverness and Cromarty Firth – backing the delivery of thousands of high-quality green jobs for future generations, as we continue to make gains on our commitments to transition to net zero.

    Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

    Scotland has areas of outstanding opportunity but there are also places that can benefit from more investment to truly level up communities that have been overlooked.

    This is a shared challenge faced by us all across the UK, which is why I’m delighted the UK and Scottish Governments have collaborated to deliver two Green Freeports in Scotland, which will undoubtedly be transformative for future generations to come.

    Inverness and Cromarty Firth and the Firth of Forth are fantastic areas for these new Green Freeports to set up, ensuring the benefits are felt right across Scotland. This will help to create exciting new jobs, boost business and encourage investment in the local areas and beyond.

    Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

    This is a milestone achievement in the process to deliver Green Freeports for Scotland. Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and Forth Green Freeport will support businesses to create high-quality, well-paid new jobs, promote growth and regeneration, and make a significant contribution to achieving our net zero ambitions.

    A rigorous joint selection process has been followed. The successful applicants showed a strong determination to embed fair work practices, including payment of the Real Living Wage, and to enshrine net zero initiatives in their work.

    We look forward to working closely with them to ensure they deliver maximum positive impact and become operational as soon as possible. We will also work with the unsuccessful bidders to consider how they can build on the plans set out in their bids to deliver jobs and growth in their regions outside the Green Freeports programme.

    Scotland has a rich history of innovation, trade and manufacturing and as we look to seize the many opportunities achieving net zero offers, the creation of these internationally competitive clusters of excellence will help us to create new green jobs, deliver a just transition and support our economic transformation.

    Following a joint assessment process, UK and Scottish Government have selected Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and Forth Green Freeport as the winning bids. Each will now be granted up to £26 million in funding over the next few years, primarily to address infrastructure gaps which are currently holding back investment.

    • The Forth Green Freeport aims to drive a transition to net zero by 2045 through attracting up to £6bn worth of investment and creating 50,000 jobs, generating £4.2bn in additional Gross Value Added in the first 5 years. The Green Freeport will have a focus on renewables manufacturing, alternative fuels, carbon capture utilisation and storage and shipbuilding, as well as the development of a new creative hub. The site includes the ports at Grangemouth, Rosyth and Leith, Edinburgh Airport, and a site at Burntisland.
    • The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport aims to create 25,000 jobs and generate £4.8bn in investment for the area, with a focus on floating offshore wind, nuclear and hydrogen that will drive a transition to net zero by 2045. An expansion of the Inverness Campus and Powerhouse is also planned, along with proposals to deliver innovation and skills support. The site includes the Ports of Inverness, Cromarty Firth and Nigg and Inverness Airport.

    We expect both Green Freeports to become operational in late 2023.

    Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

    I’m delighted to see Inverness and Cromarty Firth and Firth of Forth awarded Green Freeport status. Each can now be granted up to £26m in UK Government funding that will spark innovation, create high-quality jobs and encourage regeneration for the benefit of the whole of Scotland.

    UK Freeports are a key part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up strategy – they will bring prosperity and growth that is crucial as we tackle the challenges associated with rising energy prices and the increased cost of living.

    Working jointly with the Scottish Government, we had some very strong and creative bids to consider. We are excited about the opportunities the Green Freeports will bring to improve infrastructure and generate investment, all while taking a step closer to our Net Zero goals.

    This builds on the UK Government’s successful Freeport programme in England, where are all 8 Freeports are open for business, and sites in Plymouth and South Devon, Solent, Teesside, Liverpool and East Anglia recently being granted final government approval.