Day: June 7, 2018

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Press release: UK meeting milestones for Euratom exit

  • new international safeguards agreements signed with the International Atomic Energy Agency
  • moves provide certainty to the civil nuclear industry and international partners as the UK prepares for Euratom exit

The Nuclear Safeguards Bill has become one of the first pieces of legislation addressing the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union to complete its passage through Parliament.

The Bill, which will shortly become an Act, addresses the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), an international organisation that governs the peaceful use of nuclear energy within the EU. This essential legislation enables the government to establish a domestic nuclear safeguards regime following departure from Euratom and provides a clear signal to the public, industry and international partners that the UK is on track to meet its obligations from day one of exit.

Nuclear safeguards are important processes through which the UK demonstrates to the international community that civil nuclear material is not diverted into military or weapons programmes.

The UK’s commitment to international safeguards and nuclear non-proliferation was reaffirmed in Vienna today, with the signing of 2 new safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

These key agreements with the IAEA – of which the UK is a founding member – are a major milestone in Euratom exit preparations and provide the basis for civil nuclear trading arrangements. This step will be welcomed by the industry in the UK and trading partners around the world.

Minister for Business and Industry, Richard Harrington said:

This major step in our work to prepare for Euratom exit ensures that we will continue in our role as a responsible nuclear state after leaving the EU and Euratom.

These new agreements emphasise our continued commitment to the IAEA and to international safeguards and nuclear non-proliferation, ensuring continuity for our civil nuclear industry from day one of exit.

Suella Braverman, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union, said:

These agreements are a positive step and will help ensure our cooperation with third countries in the field of nuclear energy will continue. This positive progress gives the UK nuclear industry the confidence that there will be no disruption to these arrangements as we leave the EU.

These developments come just weeks after the UK signed a new Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) with the United States of America, which will allow the UK and US to continue their mutually beneficial civil nuclear cooperation when the current Euratom arrangements cease to apply to the UK.

This US-UK NCA is expected to be the first in a series of new international agreements ensuring uninterrupted cooperation and trade following the UK’s exit from Euratom.

Notes to Editors

  1. The Nuclear Safeguards Bill will amend the Energy Act 2013 to:

    a. Provide the Office for Nuclear Regulation with a new safeguards function

    b. Create new powers for the Secretary of State to put in place regulations setting out the detail of the domestic safeguards regime

  2. The Bill will also create a limited power for the Secretary of State to amend 3 existing pieces of legislation to update references to the new IAEA agreements.

  3. The UK’s Voluntary Offer Agreement and Additional Protocol were signed in Vienna on 7 June.

  4. The UK has been a member of the IAEA since its formation in 1957.

  5. The signing of new bilateral agreements with the IAEA, a Voluntary Offer Agreement and Additional Protocol, will replace existing trilateral arrangements between the IAEA, Euratom and the UK.

  6. The new agreements ensure that the IAEA retains its right to inspect all civil nuclear facilities, and continues to receive current safeguards reporting, thereby ensuring that international verification of our safeguards activity continues to be robust. Such agreements have been put in place on a voluntary basis by the 5 nuclear-weapon States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

  7. The new safeguards regime to be established in the UK will be operated by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). The ONR already regulates nuclear safety and security in the UK and has been making preparation to replace Euratom as the regulator of safeguards.

Link: Press release: UK meeting milestones for Euratom exit
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Work starts on Northumberland flood defence

Work will start on Monday (11 June) on a £65,000 flood embankment which will protect homes in Hexham from flooding.

Storm Desmond saw flooding to 15 properties at Tyne Green, Hexham, on 5 December 2015.

Properties flooded as a result of water from the River Tyne flowing through an underpass beneath the Newcastle-Carlisle railway line near to Tyne Green Golf Course.

The Environment Agency prioritises delivery of new and improved flood defences using government funding over a rolling six year programme, to schemes which provide the greatest benefits to protect properties from flooding.

Due to the small number of properties that would benefit, against the cost of delivering a flood scheme at Tyne Green, the Environment Agency had been unable to deliver new flood defences in the area.

Funded by residents

The work is being uniquely funded by residents who have pooled individual grants made available to them following flooding over the winter period of 2015/16.

The Environment Agency and Northumberland County Council worked closely with Tyne Green residents, Northumbrian Water and Network Rail to provide a creative solution.

The work will take around three weeks to complete and will be marked by a celebration event with the local community later in the summer.

The flood embankment, to be built by Breheny Civil Engineering, has been designed to protect against a flood event similar to that experienced by Tyne Green residents during Storm Desmond.

Chris Hood, Project Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

The start of this work marks the final step in what has been a long and difficult journey for local residents. I would like to thank them for their support and continued patience while we have worked together with Network Rail and others to find the best and most cost-effective solution at Tyne Green.

They have used their initiative and all worked together to pool their grants which has allowed us to be able to build this flood bank. We hope this protection afforded by the new defence will now provide local residents with peace of mind when bad weather threatens in the future.

Innovative solution

Northumberland County Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet member for Environment and Local Services, said:

It shows what a big impact Storm Desmond had on our county when improvement schemes are still ongoing more than two years after the event.

This is another fine example of agencies working with local communities to find innovative solutions to improve their areas and prevent flooding events damaging their homes in the future.

County Councillor for Hexham Central with Acomb Trevor Cessford added:

This is great news for local residents and should hopefully provide peace of mind and security for the future. I would also like to say a huge thanks to all the residents for their patience and understanding in this drawn out matter and for the selfless financial contributions they themselves have made towards the project.

The Environment Agency is urging people to ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ by visiting the Floods Destroy website and do three things to prepare for flooding.

  • check your postcode and find out if you are at risk of flooding
  • sign-up for free flood warnings if you are at risk
  • view and save the 3-point flood plan so you know how to ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ in a flood

Link: Press release: Work starts on Northumberland flood defence
Source: Environment Agency

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Press release: Veterans to retain military ID, allowing easier access to services

The move will allow veterans to maintain their emotional connection with the armed forces, allowing them to keep the card they have carried on them throughout their career. Retaining their ID card, known as the MOD Form 90, will also allow service leavers to be identified as veterans quickly and easily, aiding their transition into civilian life.

Charities, Veterans UK, which manages armed forces pensions and compensation payments, local authorities and GPs will all benefit from the change, as they will not have to conduct time-consuming checks to identify individual veterans.

The Prime Minister last year also announced plans to provide the 2.5 million former armed forces personnel cards which identify them as veterans, in recognition of their service to the nation.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said:

Our armed forces give their all to keep this country safe and leaving the military can be an emotional time.

That’s why I’m delighted that people leaving the armed forces will be able to retain that emotional connection with their service by keeping their ID card. Retaining their ID card will also make it easier for veterans to access the many public services which prioritise veterans under the Armed Forces Covenant.

So this is a small change that I know will make a big difference.

Handing back the Service ID card has regularly been identified as something that members of the armed forces would like to change.

Instead of handing back their card to be destroyed on the day of discharge, the corners will now be cut off to show the card is no longer valid. This will ensure that security is maintained at bases and other sensitive sites.

Chief of Defence People Lieutenant General Richard Nugee said:

Time and time again, I have heard from service leavers that handing back their ID card is one of the hardest things to do as they leave the forces.

Leaving the military is an emotionally charged moment and I hope that this change will ease some of those feelings by reinforcing the message to our veterans that they remain a valued member of the armed forces community.

The MOD is conducting a major cross-government review of veterans policy and provision, which will inform a new veterans strategy and will be released in the autumn.

Part of this involves ensuring greater recognition of veterans so they can efficiently access government and third sector support and allowing retention of the MOD Form 90 ID is the beginning of this. The Ministry of Defence is reviewing a range of other identification options and will make a further announcement later this year.

Service leaver Col David Madden said:

My ID card is more than just a piece of plastic with my photo on, it signifies my service and marks my time in the Armed Forces. Whilst it might seem like something small, keeping my card will make a practical difference by allowing me to verify my service to my GP surgery and local authority.

Link: Press release: Veterans to retain military ID, allowing easier access to services
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson meeting with Chief Executive of Afghanistan Dr Abdullah Abdullah

FCO spokesman said:

The Foreign Secretary today [7 June] hosted Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive of Afghanistan, for talks at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Foreign Secretary reiterated UK commitment to Afghanistan and support for a sustainable Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process with the Taliban. They discussed today’s announcement by President Ghani on a temporary ceasefire over Eid al-Fitr and the progress that had been made in Afghanistan since 2001, particularly in the fields of human rights and girls’ education, while acknowledging that challenges remained.

They discussed Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and the importance of building trust between the two sides in support of lasting peace in Afghanistan. They also discussed the upcoming Afghan parliamentary and presidential elections. Dr Abdullah raised his concerns about the impact on Afghanistan of sanctions on Iran.

Finally, the Foreign Secretary urged Afghanistan to attend the special conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention taking place on 26-27 June as a clear signal of the global commitment to uphold the global ban on chemical weapons.

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Link: Press release: Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson meeting with Chief Executive of Afghanistan Dr Abdullah Abdullah
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Minister hears from farmers at Royal Cornwall Show

Minister without Portfolio Brandon Lewis met with farmers at the Royal Cornwall Show today (Thursday, 6 June) to discuss the impact and opportunities of Brexit on the farming industry.

Leaving the EU and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) allows us to decide our own farming policy for the first time in more than forty years, including a new system of paying farmers for protecting the environment and investing in sustainable food production.

The Royal Cornwall Show is one of the biggest agricultural events in the area – showcasing the best in local produce and local business. The Minister heard firsthand from farmers in the county who are often reliant on seasonal workers due to a large number of market gardens and flower farms. The Government recognises the concerns of farmers as we prepare to leave the EU, given the current reliance on EU workers, and is working closely with industry to monitor the latest data on labour supply and demand, including both permanent and seasonal labour.

Fishermen and fishing industry representatives also spoke to the Minister on his visit to Cornwall’s second largest port, Newlyn, about how they think the fishing industry in the area may be affected by the UK leaving the EU.

Brandon Lewis, Cabinet Office Minister without Portfolio, said:

It was great to visit the Royal Cornwall Show today and see the very best of what this impressive county has to offer.

I listened to farmers and fishermen about the challenges and their hopes for the future. I assured them that this Government is working hard to make sure the labour needs of the agriculture sector are met once we leave the EU and that we will deliver a profitable and sustainable fisheries industry in the best interests of the whole of the UK.

Alex Stevens, regional policy manager for the South West NFU (National Farmers’ Union) said:

Farmers and food producers value this opportunity to voice the challenges and opportunities that leaving the EU will present direct to the heart of government. The recent Health and Harmony consultation looking at the future of agricultural policy in the UK has highlighted the role that farming plays in producing food, maintaining and enhancing the environment and contributing to the rural economy, but a viable and profitable sector depends on much more than this.

Clarity on the future of seasonal and permanent workers within the supply chain, certainty about trade deals within the EU and beyond, and meaningful measures to support top quality, traceable and dependable domestic food production are all needed.

Link: Press release: Minister hears from farmers at Royal Cornwall Show
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: New housing Director General appointed by department

A new Director General for housing will be appointed to oversee important work to help deliver the homes our country needs, the Ministry of Housing confirmed today (7 June 2018).

Jeremy Pocklington, currently Director General, Energy and Security in the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, has accepted a new position in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

He will take over in September and will replace Helen MacNamara who has been appointed to the role of Director General of Propriety and Ethics in the Cabinet Office.

Jeremy Pocklington said:

I am delighted to take up this exciting challenge as the government builds the homes our country needs, ensuring safe and decent homes in a market that’s fit for the future.

Jeremy Pocklington has been Director General, Energy and Security at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy – previously the Department of Energy and Climate Change – since February 2015.

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Link: Press release: New housing Director General appointed by department
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Northern Powerhouse Minister calls for ‘Ivy League of the North’ to rival the best universities in the world

An ‘Ivy League’ of Northern Powerhouse universities leading the country in science, research and innovation was called for today (7 June 2018) by the Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry.

The minister issued the call to action while speaking at the first ever Northern Powerhouse Higher Education summit held in the prestigious Foresight Centre at the University of Liverpool.

Attended by vice chancellors, academics and researchers from across the league table-topping universities of the Northern Powerhouse, the summit discussed the challenges and opportunities of automation in the workplace and how Northern universities can work more closely on solving the grand challenges of our time.

Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry, said:

Our Northern universities are developing cutting-edge technologies in areas such as advanced manufacturing at the AMRC and in experimental new 2D materials at the National Graphene Institute and Innovation Centre.

Now is the time to build on this success and bring about a new era of cooperation between universities in the Northern Powerhouse. We need an ‘Ivy League of the North’ in which the N8 Research Partnership and our other great Northern universities combine their technical knowledge, expertise and know-how to deliver the economy of tomorrow. At the heart of this we can create a highly-skilled, highly-educated new generation of graduates.

Universities Minister Sam Gyimah said:

Universities play a fundamental civic role in our society by creating opportunity through education and research.

The Northern Powerhouse partnership offers a vital opportunity to maximise relationships with local industry, and work collaboratively to deliver the skills that are needed for the future.

The rallying call for an ‘Ivy League of the North’ comes as Dr. Annette Bramley of the N8 Research Partnership and the Northern Powerhouse Minister made a joint statement stressing the importance of University collaborations in positioning the Northern Powerhouse at the heart of the fourth industrial revolution.

Dr. Annette Bramley, Director of the N8 Research Partnership, said:

I believe the future success of the Northern Powerhouse in rebalancing the UK economy and boosting the North’s economic performance is through deep collaboration – both pan-Northern and international.

Bringing our region’s great universities together at the Northern Powerhouse Education Summit emphasises our shared commitment to creating the right conditions for innovation and entrepreneurialism to thrive.

The ‘N8’ research-intensive universities of Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York deliver 119,000 jobs and £12 billion to the regional economy, provide help to more than 31,000 businesses and create more than £6.6 billion GVA (Gross Value Added) to the region.

The University of Liverpool, which plays a pivotal role in the research-intensive work of the N8 Partnership, was also announced as the latest Northern Powerhouse Partner during the Higher Education Summit. The University joins more than 120 strong businesses and organisations supporting government’s vision for a super-connected, globally-competitive northern economy with a flourishing private sector, a highly-skilled population, and world-renowned civic and business leadership.

Further information

The Northern Powerhouse Higher Education Summit was a one day conference taking place at the University of Liverpool Foresight Centre. Speakers included:

  • Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry
  • Executive Director at the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter Colin Sinclair
  • Professor Wiebe van der Hoek, Professor of Computer Science and Dr Louise Dennis, Autonomy & Verification Laboratory, University of Liverpool
  • Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool and President of UUK

The Northern Powerhouse is government’s vision for a super-connected, globally-competitive northern economy with a flourishing private sector, a highly-skilled population, and world-renowned civic and business leadership.

The Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme is an essential part of creating the Northern Powerhouse.

Government is looking to build a network of partners who all believe strongly in the economic potential of the North, and support the need for a combined effort by government and business to realise that potential. There are currently over 130 businesses and organisations signed up to the partner programme.

Prospective partners can email NorthernPowerhouse@communities.gsi.gov.uk for more information about the Partners Programme and how to apply.

The N8 Research Partnership is a partnership created in 2007 of the eight research-intensive universities in Northern England – Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York. The N8 Research Partnership aims to maximise the impact of this research base by identifying and co-ordinating powerful research teams and collaborations across the North of England.

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Link: Press release: Northern Powerhouse Minister calls for ‘Ivy League of the North’ to rival the best universities in the world
Source: Gov Press Releases