Category: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Come and see us on stand B038 at Southampton Boat Show

Ask us about the consultation about the Intended Pleasure Vessels Code and RYA SafeTrx, the Coastguard’s new official voluntary reporting scheme

IPV Code and Pleasure Vessel Exemptions

We’d like you to ‘have your say’ on the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s new Code of Practice for Intended Pleasure Vessels (IPV Code) and its supporting Guidance Notices as well as some new Exemptions. The public consultation runs until 26 September 2018 and our IPV team will be on our stand throughout the show to advise and take your feedback. Part 2 of the IPV Code, which is part of the consultation, is applicable to race support boats used outside of the Pleasure Vessel definition at sea on a temporary basis where they are supporting any type of racing. We’d like to highlight that the racing activity may be of any type, not just powerboat and yacht racing. This could be triathlons, kayak racing, jetski racing, etc.

The IPV Code and its supporting Guidance Notices – which will be introduced on 1 January 2019 – addresses temporary commercial use either for business purposes or as a race support boat. We’d like the boating community to read through the proposals on how we plan to make the water a safer place for everyone while giving the opportunity to legitimately operate commercially on a temporary basis for certain activities.

We’re also replacing Marine Guidance Notice 538 on Pleasure Vessels which introduces Exemptions that mark a significant positive step for the Pleasure Vessel manufacturing sector in the UK, and phases out the use of ORC liferafts.

Come and chat to us on our stand or come to the Q&A hosted by British Marine in the British Marine Members Lounge from 5.30 -7.00 on Friday 14th. See here for registration information

RYA SafeTrx
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have joined forces to provide RYA SafeTrx as HM Coastguard’s new official voluntary safety identification scheme.
The world-leading RYA SafeTrx app is designed to improve safety at sea and potentially cut vital minutes off the time taken to pinpoint a casualty’s location. It monitors your boat journeys and alerts designated emergency contacts should you fail to arrive on time.
Using iPhone and Android smartphone technology, this free tracking and alerting system is easily accessible and ideal for everyone who enjoys being on the water – from kitesurfers and kayakers to dinghy sailors and powerboat users. Come and discuss it with us at the Boat Show.

Link: Press release: Come and see us on stand B038 at Southampton Boat Show
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: A19 / A184 Testo’s Junction Alteration project granted development consent

The application for the A19/A184 Testo’s junction in Sunderland and associated alterations has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Consent has been granted for replacement of the existing at-grade roundabout junction between the A184 and the A19 (Testo’s junction) with a grade separated junction. This involves raising the A19 carriageway above ground on embankments and bridge structures as required to carry it over the existing roundabout. The new raised section of the A19 will be slightly west of its existing alignment to accommodate a widened roundabout, whilst minimising the impact on an electricity sub-station to the east and retaining parts of the existing A19 southbound carriageway for use as new slip roads. Access to and from the A19 north of Testo’s Junction to Downhill Lane junction, which lies 1km to the south, would be via Testo’s roundabout and new parallel link roads connecting the two junctions.

The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Highways England on 14 July 2017 and accepted for examination on 10 August 2017. Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, a recommendation was made to the Secretary of State for Transport on 21 June 2018.

The Planning Inspectorate is committed to giving local communities the opportunity to be involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authorities and other interested parties were able to participate in the examination. The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to local views before making its recommendation.

The decision announced today supports the recommendation made by the Planning Inspectorate. It is the 71st NSIP application to be examined and decided, and the 21st transport project.

The Secretary of State’s decision and statement of reasons, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation is publicly available on the National Infrastructure Planning website.

  • Ends

Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning
Inspectorate Press Office, on: 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email:
pressoffice@pins.gsi.gov.uk

  • Notes to editors:

The Planning Inspectorate, National Infrastructure Programme of Projects details the proposals which are anticipated to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate as applications in the coming months. It can be viewed at https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/

Link: Press release: A19 / A184 Testo’s Junction Alteration project granted development consent
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: HS2 to support 15,000 jobs by 2020

  • Over 7,000 roles already supported by the project
  • Over 2,000 business have already won work with HS2
  • Over 100 apprentices already working on the project, with 2,000 expected over its lifetime
  • 30,000 jobs supported by HS2 at peak construction

A whole generation of engineers, designers, architects and geologists will benefit from the construction of the new high speed railway as the project gears up to support 30,000 jobs and create opportunities for British businesses to upskill their workforce.

Today HS2 Ltd sets out its programme of skills, employment and education interventions that will ensure the UK not only has the skills to deliver the HS2 project, but to become a worldwide leader in high speed rail.

Over 7,000 roles are already supported by the project. With construction starting next year, many more jobs around the country will help build a skills base to export around the world.

Mark Thurston, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd, said:

Our skills strategy, launched today, shows how we will create a sustainable pipeline of jobs and skills for companies across the whole country, which boost regional economies and help Britain compete internationally.

Our programme will tackle the skills challenges faced by the wider transport infrastructure sector, and ensure the UK has the best skills to deliver HS2 as well as major infrastructure projects in the future.

HS2 Minister, Nusrat Ghani MP, said:

HS2 will provide the backbone of our future rail network and is already driving jobs and economic growth across the country. HS2 already supports over 7,000 jobs, forecast to reach around 15,000 by 2020, and is building the talented workforce of the future that this transformative project needs.

The ambitious programme of skills, employment and education set out today will see the economic benefits of HS2 fully realised across the UK, boosting productivity and sharing prosperity across the country.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister, Anne Milton, said:

Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities for young people. Everyone studying an apprenticeship with HS2 will be able to look back and say they played a role creating our country’s future. Not only that, the apprentices are also learning the skills that future employers are looking for, that’s what apprenticeships are all about.

HS2 is creating 2,000 apprenticeships and is a fantastic example of a national project that is providing opportunities for everyone, whatever their background and wherever they come from. I look forward to meeting some of the apprentices that have been a part of making it happen.

New initiatives will be introduced over the next 12 months to stimulate interest in STEM subjects and encourage more young people into transport infrastructure related careers. Opportunities will be opened up through a new Job Brokerage Service to help people access the jobs created by the HS2 supply chain, and a new Secondary Education Engagement Programme will inspire the next generation to enter transport infrastructure careers.

Through HS2 contracts, there are already hundreds of businesses creating opportunities for their workforce. Explore Manufacturing, part of the Laing O’Rourke group, has won a contract with LM joint venture to supply major bridges as part of the early works on Phase One of the project.

The modular components will be manufactured at Explore Industrial Park in Workshop, North Nottinghamshire, and then brought to site in the West Midlands for assembly. The company recruits a minimum of 4 apprentices each year and when the HS2 related work commences in the factory it will create 35 new jobs.

Alan Clucas, Director of Explore Manufacturing, said:

We are proud to be working on the biggest rail infrastructure programmes in the country. For Explore Manufacturing it means a significant contribution in digital design and high quality off site manufacturing, which shortens time needed on site, and has big benefits in safety, efficiency and programme costs.

Richard Kirkham, LM Project Director, said:

By working on the HS2 project, and linking to the National College for High Speed Rail with 4 apprenticeships, as well as other schools and college liaison across the region, we’re giving local people the opportunity to gain world class skills and knowledge, create a sustainable pipeline of jobs, and be in a great position to win future work with large-scale infrastructure projects.

Press and media enquiries

The press and media enquiries line is for accredited journalists only

Link: Press release: HS2 to support 15,000 jobs by 2020
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Jail time to double for assaulting an emergency worker

  • maximum sentence for assault against them to double from 6 to 12 months in prison
  • courts must also consider the strongest penalties for other offences against emergency workers

Individuals who assault or attack emergency workers face longer jail terms as a new law backed by government receives Royal Assent today..

A new offence will double the maximum sentence from 6 to 12 months in prison for assaulting an emergency worker. This covers police, prison officers, custody officers, fire service personnel, search and rescue services and paramedics.

The new law will also mean that judges must consider tougher sentences for a range of other offences – including GBH and sexual assault – if the victim is an emergency worker.

Ministers have acted to recognise the debt of gratitude the public feels towards our emergency services, and for the courage, commitment and dedication they show every day in carrying out their duties.

Justice Minister Rory Stewart said:

Assaulting prison officers or any emergency worker is not just an isolated attack – it represents violence against the public as a whole.

Every day these public servants do extraordinary work on our behalf, and they must be able to do it without the fear of being assaulted.

Our message is clear – we will protect our emergency services and violence towards them will not be tolerated.

I’d like to thank Chris Bryant MP, and other colleagues from across the House for their tireless work introducing this important law.

Recent years have seen an increase in assaults on emergency workers, with 26,000 assaults on police officers in the past year and over 17,000 on NHS staff. Assaults on prison officers rose by 70% in the 3 years to 2017, with an 18% increase experienced by firefighters in the past 2 years too.

There is already a specific offence for assaulting a police officer, but for the first time similar protection will be extended to anyone carrying out the work of an emergency service. The law also provides extra protection to unpaid volunteers who support the delivery of emergency services.

The government worked closely with Chris Bryant MP, who introduced the Bill, to draft the legislation and ensure its successful passage through Parliament. Following its Royal Assent today, the measures will come into force in November.

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Nick Hurd said:

Being attacked should never be part of the job for our courageous emergency services workers, who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us.

This law will ensure judges can properly punish those despicable individuals who think it’s acceptable to assault these hard-working men and women.

Unfortunately I hear about cowardly attacks on police officers and firefighters all too often – they serve as a constant reminder of the threats that these public servants have to face, and this government will always stand with our emergency services.

Chris Bryant MP, who laid the Private Members Bill, said:

The growing tide of attacks on emergency workers – including ambulance workers, NHS staff, fire officers, prison officers and police – is a national scandal. All too often attackers get away with little more than a slap on the wrist.

I hope this new law will help put a stop to that attitude. An attack on an emergency worker is an attack on all of us and attackers should face the full force of the law. Now it is for the prosecuting authorities and the courts to play their part in putting a stop to the violence, so that emergency workers can get on doing their job in peace.

Kim Sunley, National Officer at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

Physical assaults remain a fact of life for many healthcare workers, from A&E to community services. This bill is the first step towards changing that for good. From now on, anyone who wilfully assaults a healthcare worker will feel the full force of the law and can expect a tougher sentence if found guilty.

The RCN has campaigned tirelessly for this law. Our negotiations have ensured it covers as many healthcare workers as possible, including community and district nurses, and alongside other emergency workers’ representatives we successfully expanded the scope of the bill to include sexual assault.

Notes to editors

  • The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill will create a new offence of assault against an emergency worker in the exercise of their functions with a penalty that is increased from 6 months to 12 months.
  • The Bill also creates a statutory aggravating factor. This means that when a person is convicted of a range of offences including sexual assault, ABH, GBH and manslaughter, the judge must consider the fact that the offence was committed against an emergency worker as an aggravating factor meriting an increase in the sentence within the maximum allowed for the particular offence.
  • The Bill will cover emergency workers, this includes police, prison officers, custody officers, fire service personnel, search and rescue services and certain healthcare workers including ambulance personnel.
  • Whereas attacking an emergency worker could previously see a charge of common assault and maximum sentence of 6 months in jail, this will be increased to 12 months.
  • Attacking a person serving the public is already an aggravating factor in sentencing guidelines but this Bill will put that position on a statutory basis for emergency workers.
  • The Justice Secretary is also bringing through a range of measures to protect prison officers, including rolling out body worn cameras, ‘police-style’ handcuffs and restraints, and trialling PAVA incapacitant spray.

Link: Press release: Jail time to double for assaulting an emergency worker
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: UK first: Parents who lose a child entitled to bereavement leave

  • a new workplace right to leave for bereaved parents has been given the royal stamp of approval
  • employed parents who lose a child under 18 will receive 2 weeks’ leave under the Act, which is expected to come into force in 2020

A new workplace right to paid leave for bereaved parents has been officially enshrined in law today (Thursday 13 September) as the Parental Leave and Pay Bill achieves Royal Assent.

The first law of its kind in the UK will support those affected by the tragedy of childhood mortality and is expected to come into force in 2020.

The new Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Act will give all employed parents a day-one right to 2 weeks’ leave if they lose a child under the age of 18, or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy. Employed parents will also be able to claim pay for this period, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

This new law honours the manifesto commitment to introduce a new entitlement to parental bereavement leave.

Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst, said:

This law makes Parental Bereavement Leave a legal right for the first time in the UK’s history.

Losing a child is an unimaginable trauma. I am delighted we have reached this important milestone which so many have campaigned for.

I’d like to thank all the people who have helped make this law a reality, including the brave parent campaigners who have spoken out about their own experiences.

Lucy Herd from Jack’s Rainbow said:

When I started the campaign 8 years ago after the death of my son Jack, I always hoped that a change would happen in his memory.

Knowing that 8 years of campaigning has helped create legislation to ensure bereaved parents are protected in the future is such a wonderful feeling and I am so grateful to all those involved.

The government-backed bill was introduced to parliament in July 2017 as a private member’s bill by Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton.

Kevin Hollinkrake MP, Bill sponsor, said:

Losing a child is the most dreadful and unimaginable experience that any parent could suffer and it is right that grieving parents will now be given time to start to come to terms with their loss.

I am grateful to Will Quince MP, who first brought this issue to the fore in a ‘Ten-Minute Rule Motion’ on statutory entitlement during the previous parliamentary session. I am also grateful to Lord Knight and fellow MPs, on both sides of the House, some of whom have shared their own personal stories of losing a beloved child, who have assisted in bringing forward this legislation so quickly.

Will Quince MP said:

There can be few worse life experiences than the loss of a child and while most employers treat their staff with dignity and compassion when this tragedy occurs, all too often we have heard stories of grieving parents being forced back to work too early.

I am delighted that parents in this awful situation will now have the protection of paid leave enshrined in law, and we should be very proud that the UK now has one of the best worker’s rights in this area in the world.

Francine Bates, Chief Executive of The Lullaby Trust said:

At The Lullaby Trust we know how devastating the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or a child is for parents.

This new law is a big step forward in recognising the needs of bereaved families in our society and will help to ensure that parents are not unduly pressurised to return to work immediately following the death of their child.

Steven Wibberley, Chief Executive of Cruse Bereavement Care said:

We are delighted that this bill has been approved as it will make a huge difference to bereaved parents whose lives have been shattered by the death of a child.

It is important that parents are given time to grieve in the aftermath of a child’s death and this new law recognises this.

Link: Press release: UK first: Parents who lose a child entitled to bereavement leave
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Savers to earn 50p for every £1 saved thanks to Help to Save

Hardworking people on low incomes are set to benefit from a new government savings account that offers a 50% bonus.

Help to Save will reward savers with an extra 50p for every £1 saved, meaning over 4 years a maximum saving of £2,400 would result in an overall bonus of £1,200.

The launch of the new account follows an 8-month trial, with over 45,000 customers who deposited over £3 million.

Help to Save is easy to use, flexible and secure, will help those on low incomes build up a ‘rainy day’ fund, and encourages savings behaviours and habits.

How much is saved and when is up to the account holder, and they don’t need to pay in every month to get a bonus.

John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:

Savings shouldn’t be a luxury, they are an essential part of planning for the future. But for some, putting away even a tenner each month can be a tough habit to get into.

Whether you’re saving up to take the family on a much-needed holiday, or to take the next step in life, Help to Save is designed to make saving possible for every hardworking person in this country.

Help to Save is available to working people on tax credits and Universal Credit.

Paul Richard Hughes, from Torquay, said:

I wasn’t saving before, so it has helped me save and it was easy to use.

It has enabled me to build up a savings pot and the bonus is very good value. It is much better than other savings accounts as the interest on other savings accounts is low in comparison.

Account holders can save between £1 and £50 every calendar month and accounts last for 4 years from the date the account is opened.

After 2 years, savers get a 50% tax-free bonus on savings. If saving continues, there is another 50% tax-free bonus after 4 years.

On maximum savings of £2,400 over 4 years, the overall bonus would be £1,200.

Savers can apply online or use the HMRC app.

Help to Save explained

Further information

  • the scheme, administered by HM Revenue and Customs, will be open to UK residents who are entitled to Working Tax Credit and receiving Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit payments. It is also available to those claiming Universal Credit who have a household or individual income of at least £542.88 for their last monthly assessment period (though note that payments from Universal Credit are not considered to be part of household income).
  • people living overseas who meet either of these eligibility conditions can apply for an account if they are: a Crown servant (or their spouse or civil partner); a member of the British armed forces (or their spouse or civil partner).
  • Help to Save is an example of digital transformation designed to make it quicker and easier for citizens to interact with government online and on-demand. The #SmarterGov campaign has been launched to drive innovation, savings, and public service improvement across the public sector.

10 things about Help to Save

  1. You get a 50% bonus on your savings, so you can earn 50p for every £1 you save.
  2. Help to Save is available for working people who receive tax credits or Universal Credit – check if you’re eligible.
  3. Opening online account takes, on average, less than 5 minutes.
  4. Paying in is easy: you can set up a standing order to make regular payments into your Help to Save account on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis to fit the way that you manage your money. You can also make one-off payments by debit card when you are in your online account. Note that any payments, including standing orders, need to arrive in your account before the last working day of the month to ensure they are credited to that month – don’t get caught out by weekends and public holidays.
    5.You can withdraw money at any time from your account if you need to – although this could affect the size of your bonus.
    6.You can continue to receive tax credits or Universal Credit while saving with Help to Save.
  5. If your situation changes and you stop receiving Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, you can still save and receive any bonus you are entitled to.
  6. Help to Save is backed by the government, which means the money you save is secure.
  7. Help to Save accounts will be available to open from 12 September 2018 and up to September 2023.
  8. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can still get an account. Call 0300 322 7093 and our helpline advisers will help you set one up.

Link: Press release: Savers to earn 50p for every £1 saved thanks to Help to Save
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Traffic officers go back to school for road safety education

Traffic officers have been patrolling the busy holiday route as part of a trial this year, and now they’re extending their patrols to visit three primary schools.

The crews are running two highways awareness days, visiting Blackwater Community Primary School and Chacewater Community Primary School near Truro on Wednesday, 19 September, and Goonhavern Primary School, near Perranporth, on Thursday, 20 September.

The children will get a chance to chat to the traffic officers about their jobs and will get to see first hand their patrol vehicle and the equipment used every day as they patrol England’s major A roads and motorways.
Highways England’s trial initiative has seen traffic officers patrol the A30 in Cornwall for the first time during the bank holiday weekends and summer holiday season.

The aim of the initiative is to provide further assistance to motorists on the South West network, and extend the traffic officer service further south into Cornwall to continue an already close working partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council.

The traffic officers have been patrolling the A30 between Carland Cross and Liftondown and, based at Bodmin police station and Cornwall Council’s Castle Canyke depot during the peak holiday months, they have been much closer at hand to provide assistance along both the A30 and A38.

During the summer holiday period up to its conclusion on Monday (10 September), Highways England crews attended a total of 134 incidents, including live lane breakdowns, road traffic collisions and debris clearance. And on the last Sunday in July, the traffic officers’ ‘powers of recovery’ averted major disruption on the westbound A30 as they were able to assist police by towing a broken down horsebox and vehicle to safety at Okehampton Services.

Rob Penney, South West Service Delivery Manager for Highways England, said:

“The patrols have been really well received by both holiday makers and local residents.

“Following this initial trial period, the school visits are a great opportunity to meet local children and raise road safety awareness among this young audience.”

The highways awareness days will launch a longer-term STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) initiative run by Highways England’s A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross project team.

The schools’ outreach programme, which will run from October, is designed to engage children from four to 18 in fun, hands-on activities which will teach them more about the interesting work taking place as part of the dualling scheme.

Josh Hodder, project manager of the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme, said:

“The traffic officers have had a great reception and we look forward to working with local schools to teach them more about the STEAM project and our work on the scheme.”

For any schools interested in receiving a STEAM visit, or learning more about Highways England’s work in the area, email A30ChivertontoCarlandCross@highwaysengland.co.uk

View more information on the roles and responsibilities of a Highways England traffic officer.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Link: Press release: Traffic officers go back to school for road safety education
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Memorial Commission to honour victims of Grenfell Tower fire

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, made up of representatives of the bereaved, survivors and local residents, will decide on the most fitting and appropriate way to remember those who lost their lives in the Grenfell tragedy.

The community-led Commission will develop a proposal for what happens to the Grenfell Tower site in the future, and decide how the memorial site will be owned and managed in the long term.

Adel Chaoui of Grenfell United said:

Creating a fitting memorial on the Grenfell tower site is a momentous task. For bereaved families it is the final resting place of the loved ones that we lost in the fire. For the survivors, Grenfell tower was our home, where we were brought up and raised our families. And for our community it is a part of our shared history.

We have faith that bereaved families and survivors, working together with the local community will be able to create a fitting memorial to remember the lives lost, ensure what happened is never forgotten and be something this community can hold in their hearts for generations to come.

The Secretary of State for Communities, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, said:

The government has always been committed to working with the community to create a fitting memorial, with the Prime Minister giving her personal commitment that the bereaved, survivors and community will decide what happens to the future of the Grenfell Tower site.

This is an important step forward in honouring that commitment and it is only right that the community determine the most appropriate way of honouring those who lost their lives.

The Minister for Grenfell Victims, Rt Hon Nick Hurd MP, said:

One of the things we must get right is a fitting memorial at the site of the Grenfell disaster. This must be led by the community with the voice of the bereaved carrying the most weight.

I am very grateful to the community representatives who I have worked closely with to reach agreement on the role of the Commission

The Commission will comprise of 10 community representatives, with 5 from the bereaved families, and will seek the views of the local North Kensington community through its consultations. Over the coming months the community will be asked to nominate their representatives and an independent Chairperson will be confirmed.

Further information

You can read the full Terms of Reference for the Commission.

The Commission will have no executive authority and will operate in accordance with the Terms of Reference.

Administrative support to the Commission will be provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Further developments on this will be announced in the autumn.

Please see the government’s written principles governing consultations on the future of the site, agreed with the community, for further information.

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Link: Press release: Memorial Commission to honour victims of Grenfell Tower fire
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: New centre opens to search for next generation of diabetes treatment

  • Business Secretary Greg Clark alongside the Danish Minister Tommy Ahlers today attended the opening of a research centre developing the next generation of treatment for people with diabetes
  • the new centre in Oxford, owned by global healthcare company Novo Nordisk, demonstrates a vote of confidence in UK talent and the quality of our research in the UK
  • the Life Sciences Sector Deal as part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy is securing investment to maintain the UK’s place as a world leader in developing innovative research into future treatments and pioneering medicines

A new centre for research to develop a new generation of medicines that will transform the lives of people living with diabetes opened in Oxford today (12 September 2018).

Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, attended the opening of the Novo Nordisk Research Centre, along with Danish Science Minister Tommy Ahlers.

The number of people with diabetes is expected to increase in the next 2 decades from 3.9 million people in 2017, to 4.9 million in 2035, according to Public Health England statistics. The centre will collaborate with the University of Oxford using its scientific excellence to conduct new research, including on:

  • new medicines to treat diabetes
  • understanding the relationship between insulin resistance and other health conditions
  • analysing complex data to earlier detect type 2 diabetes

Novo Nordisk will invest around £115 million over a period of 10 years and the new centre will mean up to 100 research jobs in the coming years.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said:

This centre has the potential to transform the way diabetes is treated in the future and improve the lives of people around the world. Our universities and research institutes are world beating and this international investment in the UK is a vote of confidence in both the talent we have and the quality of research and products our scientists develop.

This is our modern Industrial Strategy in action as we strive towards more public and private research and development investment to upgrade our economy and build a Britain fit for the future.

Professor Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CSO and EVP at Novo Nordisk, said:

I am very excited to see the strategic alliance between Novo Nordisk and the University of Oxford flourish and set the bar for international collaborative cutting edge scientific research to spearhead collaboration on new treatment for people with type 2 diabetes and other serious chronic diseases.

In the modern Industrial Strategy the government has set the ambitious target to reach 2.4% of gross domestic product investment in research and development by 2027. In December 2017, the Life Sciences Sector Deal was announced to maintain the UK’s place as a world leader in developing innovative research into future treatments and pioneering medicines.

Link: Press release: New centre opens to search for next generation of diabetes treatment
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Newton’s Space Saplings; can you give them space to grow?

The apple pips were taken to the International Space Station on the British ESA astronaut’s Principia mission, where they spent six months floating in micro gravity as part of the ‘Pips in Space’ project.

Newton’s space saplings: can you give them space to grow?

Now the UK Space Agency, the National Trust and Kew, who worked together on the project, have teamed up with South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) in Lincolnshire to launch a competition to find partners that share a commitment to inspire future Newtons to host the trees.

The bidding was launched today (12 September) at Newton’s birthplace, Woolsthorpe Manor, during the media launch of this month’s SKDC-backed Gravity Fields Festival, the only event in the UK combining the discoveries of Newton with interpretations of his legacy.
Organisations can bid for one of the 8 remarkable saplings, explaining how they will give them space to grow, engage new audiences and promote curiosity.

Science Minister Sam Gyimah said:

From gravity to Granny Smiths, Sir Isaac Newton has captured our imagination for more than 300 years.

Inspiring the next generation of scientists is at the core of our modern Industrial Strategy and now partners across the country have the chance to do just that by getting their green fingers on these special space saplings.

The pips were taken from the iconic Flower of Kent tree at Woolsthorpe Manor, Isaac Newton’s family home near Grantham, Lincolnshire, which is cared for by the National Trust.

The tree, which still bears fruit every year was said to have prompted Newton to question why the apple fell, leading to his world-changing work around gravity. His landmark work, called Principia Mathematica, was chosen as the name of Tim Peake’s mission to acknowledge the debt of all space travellers to Newton’s work.

Jeremy Curtis, Head of Education and Skills at the UK Space Agency, said:

We are thrilled that our friends at Kew have managed to nurture these precious young trees to the point where they can begin independent lives.

Now we need to find good homes for them across the UK to help as many people as possible find out about the intertwined stories of Newton, gravity, physics, space travel and horticulture. Maybe one of the trees will one day inspire the next Newton!

From left, Jannette Warrener, Joanna Walmisley, Jeremy Curtis, Eliana Van Der Schraft, Anne Visscher, Cristina Blandino, David Cleeve, Hugh Pritchard holding the space saplings
From left, Jannette Warrener, Joanna Walmisley, Jeremy Curtis, Eliana Van Der Schraft, Anne Visscher, Cristina Blandino, David Cleeve, Hugh Pritchard.

Jannette Warrener, Partnerships Manager, Woolsthorpe Manor, said:

As partners of the UK Space Agency and The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the National Trust is looking forward to seeing how the space saplings might inspire the next generation of future Newtons.

Newton’s passion for scientific endeavour and study never waned. At Woolsthorpe Manor we want to keep that passion for scientific discovery alive and we would like these saplings, as they mature and grow, to light a fire of discovery in the next generation of scientists.

On their return from space in 2016, the well-travelled pips went to Wakehurst Place, part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where they spent 90 days sitting on a bed of agar jelly at 5 C to simulate the winter cold needed to trigger germination. Spring arrived for them in May 2017 when they were warmed to 15 C and the young seedlings started to emerge. They have now been nurtured into ‘space saplings’.

Dr Anne Visscher, Career Development Fellow, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said:

We are delighted to be part of such an important project. The seeds taken from the apple tree that inspired Newton have been on an amazing journey. Since their return they have been grown and monitored at Kew’s Wakehurst site in Sussex where we will continue to care for them until they find new homes around the country to tell the story of Newton, space travel and seed science.

Gravity Fields Festival (26-30 September) takes place in and around Grantham, including events at Woolsthorpe Manor. The story of the ‘Pips in Space’ will be told during Gravity Fields Festival on Sunday, 30 September, at 2.45 at Woolsthorpe Manor.

Cllr Matthew Lee, the Leader of South Kesteven District Council, whose portfolio includes culture and arts, said:

As a district we are extremely proud of our connections with Sir Isaac Newton, born and educated here, and, as a council we are equally proud to be delivering our fourth Gravity Fields Festival.

Our festival build up is the perfect launch pad for the space saplings project, with its ability to captivate young minds and encourage the scientists of the future.

The UK Space Agency, National Trust, and Kew will be undertaking a rigorous selection process from bidders, and are looking for national partners who share their commitment to inspire future Newtons, attract the most visitors and offer a legacy route for maximum impact. Apply for a space sapling.

The winners will be announced in early 2019 with a handover of trees at Woolsthorpe Manor.


Link: Press release: Newton’s Space Saplings; can you give them space to grow?
Source: Gov Press Releases