Category: Gov Press Releases

While we await an explanation from Russia of how a military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia came to be used in the UK, the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has today been calling his counterparts and leaders of international organisations to set out what we know and our concerns that, if as we suspect is highly likely the Russian state was responsible, this would be further reckless behaviour which threatens the international community and requires an international response.

The Foreign Secretary has emphasised that if this was a direct act by the Russian state then it would not simply be a threat to the UK, but a clear violation of the chemical weapons convention, a breach of international law and a threat to those who abide by the rules-based international order as a whole.

The French Foreign Minister Le Drian offered France’s total solidarity for an unacceptable act, and noted that President Macron had promised to stand by the UK as it prepares to take concrete measures against Russia’s breach of international order. The French government stressed particular concerns about Russia’s use of chemical weapons elsewhere, as is evident with their support to Asad’s murderous regime in Syria.

In speaking to the German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, the Foreign Secretary emphasised how countering Russian disinformation, halting Russia’s adventurism in the western Balkans and reducing Russia’s ongoing involvement in Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis were issues of paramount importance to Germany and the UK alike.

Speaking to the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the importance of NATO standing together to counter the threat Russia poses not just to the UK, but to our NATO allies also. He was pleased that the NATO Secretary General expressed his support and solidarity, and agreed that NATO unity was paramount, as it was to counter other existing threats to NATO partners, including in eastern Europe where UK troops are stationed alongside troops from various Allies. They both agreed that Russian actions repeatedly threaten the security of NATO partners – from the Baltics, Balkans, Ukraine and Georgia – and NATO must stand as an alliance to call out Putin’s behaviour. The UK will brief the North Atlantic Council at tomorrow’s session.

Further information

• Follow the Foreign Secretary on Twitter @BorisJohnson and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

Minister Burt said:

I am shocked to hear of the attack on Palestinian Prime Minister Hamdallah’s convoy in Gaza this morning. I strongly condemn this attack, for which there is no justification. My thoughts are with those who were injured, and I wish them a speedy recovery.

The UK continues to support the return of the legitimate Palestinian Authority to the Gaza Strip, and we encourage those involved to engage constructively towards this objective. We urge non-violence, dialogue and progress towards a sustainable reconciliation and an improvement in the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Further information

• Follow Minister Burt on Twitter @AlistairBurtUK.
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister spoke to Chancellor Merkel earlier this afternoon to update her on the ongoing investigation into the Salisbury incident.

The Prime Minister set out the conclusion reached by the UK Government that it was highly likely that Russia was responsible for the attack against Sergei and Yulia Skripal.

They discussed the pattern of aggressive Russian behaviour and agreed it would be important to act in unison with allies to counter it.

Chancellor Merkel condemned the attack and said she stood in full solidarity with the UK.

They agreed that the international community should coordinate closely as the investigation developed and in the wake of Russia’s response.

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump earlier this afternoon to update him on the ongoing investigation into the Salisbury incident.

The Prime Minister set out the conclusion reached by the UK Government that it was highly likely that Russia was responsible for the attack against Sergei and Yulia Skripal.

President Trump said the US was with the UK all the way, agreeing that the Russian Government must provide unambiguous answers as to how this nerve agent came to be used.

To mark the 50th anniversary of work starting on the road and to celebrate 2018 as the Year of Engineering, Highways England can reveal that it will be celebrated in a model at the new attraction.

Construction started on the sprawling structure some fifty years ago and today it continues to carry more than 220,000 vehicles every day.

The road will be joining other notable landmarks from Birmingham including The Library of Birmingham, The Cube, New Street Station and the BT Tower.

Highways England’s Regional Director, Catherine Brookes, said:

Spaghetti Junction is one of those structures that is known around the world and we’re thrilled to see the road included as part of the new attraction.

The opening of the new attraction later this year also marks our Year of Engineering campaign which is designed to get children thinking about engineering and the world around them. It is also 50 years since work started to build Spaghetti Junction and it’s timely that it should be recognised for its local and national significance in supporting the motorway network.

The first of 45 incredible scaled masterpieces are now being recreated by a specialist team of LEGO Model Builders.

More than 6,800 hours will be ploughed in to the design and construction of the entire MINILAND complex over the forthcoming months.

Construction of Spaghetti Junction took some four years to complete and its elevated position sees constant maintenance work taking place underneath it, often unseen by many motorists on their daily commute.
Spaghetti Junction in numbers:

• Spaghetti Junction has 559 concrete columns, some reaching to 80 feet high
• Construction started in 1968 and took four years to complete.
• It is known officially as Gravelly Hill Interchange
• Today, it continues to carry more than 220,000 vehicles every day
• It is subject to regular maintenance work, which includes the replacing of the road surface, installation of new waterproofing material, painting and vegetation

To find out more about the Year of Engineering, head online to the year of engineering website.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham is set to open to the general public this summer.
More information can be found online.

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.

Highways England is taking part in ‘Open Doors’ and giving members of the public a unique chance to go behind the scenes of five ‘live’ construction sites to see how the roads and structures are built or maintained.

The national week-long initiative starts on Monday 19 March until Saturday 24 March and anyone interested in visiting the sites is urged to register for a place.

With 2018 being the “Year of Engineering” this is also an ideal opportunity for young people considering career ideas, adults thinking about a change in occupation, parents, guardians and people involved in education to come and find out about the diverse range of skills and professions needed on site.

Mike Wilson, Chief Highways Engineer and director of Safety, Engineering and Standards, said:

“Our roads connect the country with around 4 million journeys on them each day. With a record level of investment in roads now is an exciting time for us to show, as part of Open Doors, the hard work that goes on behind the roadworks.

“We want to inspire future generations to join Highways England and as well as organising our own activities in support of the Government’s 2018 Year of Engineering campaign, this is an ideal opportunity for young people, parents and teachers to come to our construction sites and take a closer look at what we do.”

The five Highways England sites taking part are below – there are limited spaces and registration is needed in advance via the Open Doors website.

East of England

Three sites for the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon road scheme (Swavesey, Brampton and Ermine Street – A1198 near Godmanchester) – A14 project talk, guided bus site tour and Q & A session.

Midlands

M5 Oldbury Viaduct – a project talk, tour of the viaduct (above and below) to see work being carried out.

South East

M2 Stockbury Viaduct – a welcome talk and video and the opportunity to climb up scaffolding (using stair cases not ladders) to see where the bridge is being lifted.

With the UK needing an extra 20,000 engineering graduates a year, the Year of Engineering campaign is showing young people what an engineer is, and what they can achieve. Highways England need a continuing pipeline of young engineers to help deliver the massive investment planned for our motorways and major A-roads, benefitting the economy and improving people’s lives.

To sign up for a visit at the Highways England’s sites or for more details about the initiative visit the Open Doors website.

The most recent Open Doors event saw over 3,000 bookings across more than 130 construction sites in England, Scotland and Wales.

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.

Highways England is preparing to lift and complete hundreds of miles of roadworks to help people travelling over Easter – with more than one billion miles set to be travelled in the run-up to the bank holiday.

To help those miles flow as smoothly as possible, teams from Highways England are working around the clock to remove 300 miles of roadworks – meaning 99 per cent of motorways and major A roads will be roadworks-free in time for Easter.

Highways England data shows of the more than 1bn miles travelled in the week leading up to Easter last year, more than 280 million miles were on Maundy Thursday alone; that’s almost 20 million more than the preceding Thursday.

Highways England’s customer service director, Melanie Clarke, said:

We’re doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible this Easter and that’s why we’re keeping 99 per cent of the road network we manage, free from roadworks.

Safety is our top priority and we know from experience that almost half of breakdowns can easily be avoided if motorists carry out simple vehicle checks before setting off over this period.

The motorway and major A-road network will be free of roadworks from 6am Thursday 29 March until 12.01am on Tuesday 3 April.

Highways England traffic officers will be working around the clock to help people who get into difficulty.

Highways England research shows almost half of all breakdowns are caused by simple mechanical problems which could be avoided with simple checks and nearly a quarter are caused by tyre problems.

Before they set off, Highways England is urging motorists to:

• Check fuel: Make sure you have enough to get to your destination
• Check tyres: check your tyre pressure and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit
• Check engine oil: Use your dipstick to check oil before any long journey, and top up if needed – take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual
• Check water: To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen
• Check your lights: If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT

Highways England also has a series of specialist videos online to help people carry out basic vehicle checks before they set off on their travels. The videos can be viewed online.

Highways England is also urging drivers to stay safe this Easter by adhering to motorway signage, including the red X signals on smart motorways. Highways England close lanes for a reason and drivers ignoring red X signs put themselves and others at risk.

Find out more about driving on smart motorways. for further information.

Drivers planning to use the Dartford Crossing are reminded to pay Dart Charge in advance or by midnight the day after crossing.

More information can be found on our website or by calling our information line (0300 123 5000) they can keep up to date with conditions on the roads.

For more detailed information on how to carry out your vehicle checks, search Think!

Roadworks completed

A30 Hayle to Redruth (near Camborne)
1.3 mile(s) of roadworks completed.

A303 Honiton to Ilminster (near Newtown)
11.6 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A259 between Skinner roundabout and Brenzett roundabout (near Brookland, Kent )
6 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A23 in both directions on Airport Way (near Crawley, Sussex )
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A23/M23 jct11 Pease Pottage (near Crawley, Sussex)
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A27 between Cote Street and Offington roundabout (near Worthing, Sussex)
1.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A2 between Dover and Lydden (near Kent)
2.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A27 Grovelodge roundabout (near Worthing, Sussex)
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A27 between Adur and Lancing (near Lancing, Sussex)
1.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A27 between Beddingham and Newhaven (near Sussex)
4.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A21 between Flimwell (A268) and Johns Cross (A2100) (near Robertsbridge, Sussex)
7 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A21 between Johns Cross (A2100) and Whatlington Road (near Mountfield, Sussex)
1.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A20, Western Heights roundabout to Courtwood Interchange (B2011) (near Dover, Kent)
3 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 16-17 (near Gerrards Cross)
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 10-9 (near Hatchford)
0.3 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M1 jct 4-5 (near Letchmore Heath)
0.3 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M1 jct 6A-6 (near Bricket Wood)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A30 eastbound entry-slip from Egham (near Egham)
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 25-27 (near Epping)
3 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 / M3 link road (near Chertsey)
2.7 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A30 jct 13-12 (near Egham)
0.55 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M3 jct 1-2 (near Shepperton)
2.3 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 9-10 (near Hatchford)
1.75 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 12-11 (near Chertsey)
2.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A1 jct M25 to jct A5135 (near Ridge)
0.25 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 20 (near Kings Langley)
1.85 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 20 (near Kings Langley)
0.25 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A282 jct 2 (near Darenth)
0.1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A282 East Tunnel (near Dartford)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 28-27 (near Navestock)
2.55 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M11 jct 5-6 (near Abridge)
0.6 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 14-15 (near Longford)
1.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 / M23 link road (near Merstham)
2.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 8 (near Merstham)
1.45 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 7-9 (near Headley)
2.95 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 Esher Exit Slip (near Esher)
0.4 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 9-8 (near Headley)
0.75 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A13 – A1012 to A1089 (near North Stifford)
1.45 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 26-27 (near Waltham Abbey)
2.15 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 jct 10 (near Wisley)
0.3 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A1M jct 2 Slip Road (near Weltham Green)
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A1M jct 3-1 (near Weltham Green)
4.95 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M4 jct 4-4B (near Harlington)
2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 Painshill to Esher (near Esher)
2.35 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 jct A245 to jct M25 (near Cobham)
1.6 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 11 entry slip (near Addlestone)
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 13-14 (near Hythe End)
2.35 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A30 / M25 jct 13 (near Egham)
0.3 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M1 jct 5-4 (near Letchmore Heath)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A13 jct 30 (near South Ockendon)
1.1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A2 / M25 jct 2 (near Darenth)
1.85 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 jct A245 to Transport for London local road (near Esher)
1.55 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A282 East Tunnel (near Dartford)
0.55 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A282 East Tunnel (near Dartford)
0.65 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 5-6 (near Westerham)
2.75 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A13 jct 30 (near South Ockendon)
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 jct A244 to jct M25 (near Cobham)
2.65 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 26 (near Waltham Abbey)
0.1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 27-28 (near Navestock)
0.65 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 26-25 (near Waltham Abbey)
1.95 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A2 / M25 jct 2 (near Darenth)
2.6 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 16-17 (near Gerrards Cross)
2.6 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M3 jct 1-2 (near Shepperton)
2.3 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 5-6 (near Westerham)
2.8 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 5-6 (near Westerham)
2.8 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 Ripley Bypass to Painshill (near Wisley)
1.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 25-26 (near Waltham Abbey)
1.05 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 9-8 (near Headley)
0.7 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M3 jct 2-3 (near Chertsey)
2.7 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 5-7 (near Westerham)
2.7 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 15-14 (near Longford)
2.05 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A2 / M25 jct 2 (near Darenth)
3.8 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 8-9 (near Leatherhead)
2.25 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A30 / A308 (near Staines-upon-Thames)
4.95 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A30 London Road to Crooked Billet Roundabout (near Staines-upon-Thames)
3.1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 15-14 (near Longford)
2.05 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 Ockham to Wisley (near Wisley)
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 10-11 (near Byfleet)
2.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 4-5 (near Shoreham)
3.05 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 jct A244 to jct M25 (near Cobham)
2.4 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 jct A245 to Transport for London local road (near Esher)
2.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 8-10 (near Hatchford)
1.65 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 12-11 (near Chertsey)
1.75 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 5-6 (near Westerham)
0.75 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M11 jct 4-5 (near Chigwell)
2.1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A3 Transport for London local road to jct with A245 (near Esher)
2.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 12-10 (near Byfleet)
2.25 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M25 jct 5-6 (near Westerham)
2.65 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M1 jct 26-27 (near Nottingham)
5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A1 Carlton on Trent – Tuxford (near Newark on Trent)
5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A1 Colsterworth – Barrowby (near Grantham)
5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A14 jct 8-7 (near Kettering)
1.25 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A43 Abthorpe Roundabout – M1 jct 15a (near Towcester)
4 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A43 Evenley (near Brackley)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A46 M1 jct 21a – Hobby Horse Roundabout (near Leicester)
5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A46 Groby – Anstey (near Leicester)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 Burbage-Mancetter (near Nuneaton)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 Kilsby – Danesway Roundabout (near Rugby)
1.75 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 Old Stratford – Towcester (near Towcester)
1.25 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 Danesway – Gibbet Hill Roundabout (near Rugby)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 Gibbet Hill Roundabout – Magna Park (near Lutterworth)
2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 Danesway – Gibbet Hill Roundabout (near Catthorpe)
2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 Kilsby to Weedon (near Daventry)
5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 Magna Park – Burbage (near Hinckley)
5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 Kilsby to Weedon (near Daventry)
1.25 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M65 jct 8 eastbound exit (near Hapton)
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A1 (near Alnwick)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A1 (near Alnwick)
13 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A66 (near Darlington)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A1 (near Newcastle)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A180 Stallingbrough to Great Coates
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

M1 Jct 45 (near Leeds)
Junction improvement completed for Easter period.

M62 (Jct 33 to Jct 34) – Leeds
2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

Marston Moretaine to Renhold (near Bedford)
2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

A5 jct A4012 (near Hockliffe)
0.3 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Easter period.

Roadworks lifted

A38 M1 (jct 28) – Ripley (near Alfreton)
5 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A38 Kingsway (near Derby)
2.5 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A14 jct 1-2 (near Market Harborough)
5 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A14 jct 2-3 (near Desborough)
5 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A1 Barrowby – Long Bennington (near Grantham)
5 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A453 Farnborough Road – Silverdale and A52 – Nottingham Knight (near Nottingham)
5 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

M55 jct 3 (near Windy Harbour)
3 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A66 junction with the B5322 (near Threlkeld)
1.5 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

M6 jct 39-40 (near Hardendale)
2 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A595 junction with the A597 & B5306 (near Distington)
1 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A1(M) (jct 57-58) – near Darlington )
0.2 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

M62 (Jct 32 to Jct 30) – Leeds
3 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

M11 jct 7 (near Harlow)
1 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

M1 jct 9 – 10 (near Luton)
2.85 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A14 jct 58-55 westbound (near Ipswich)
2 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A120 Dovercourt to Ramsey (near Ramsey St Mary)
0.5 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A12 Colchester (near Colchester)
6 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A14 jct 38 (near Bury St Edmunds)
4 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

A12 jct 17-26 (near Colchester)
13 mile(s) of roadworks lifted for Easter period.

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.

Thirteen areas across the UK are set to benefit from the first wave of funding from the Government’s £190 million Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN), the Chancellor has announced in today’s Spring Statement.

Armagh City, (including Banbridge & Craigavon), Belfast, Blackpool, Cambridgeshire, Cardiff, Coventry (including Solihull & Warwickshire), The Highlands, London, Manchester, Mid Sussex, North Yorkshire, Portsmouth, and Wolverhampton have been announced as the successful bidders for the £95 million allocated to successful projects.

Whilst 95% of UK premises can now get superfast broadband, only 3% have access to gigabit-capable full fibre infrastructure. With the need for faster connectivity expected to dramatically increase over the coming years, the LFFN programme aims to leverage local and commercial investment in full fibre across the whole of the UK landscape. It will do this through funding a series of projects that seek to stimulate the market by making the deployment of gigabit-capable full fibre infrastructure more commercially viable.

The successful projects include:

• Using hospitals, health centres and GP surgeries as “anchor tenants” – providing a full-fibre “hub” which surrounding homes and businesses can then also be connected to.
• Upgrading schools, libraries and emergency response buildings to gigabit-capable full fibre connections.
• Strategic re-purposing of existing infrastructure, allowing full fibre to be rolled out at a fraction of what it would otherwise cost.

Creating “fibre spines” along major transport routes and public building networks. These extend a supplier’s fibre footprint, making full fibre connections more available to surrounding homes and businesses.

The LFFN programme is part of the government’s £31 billion National Productivity Investment Fund aimed at improving productivity, which is key to raising living standards. A main focus of the government’s Industrial Strategy is ensuring the right connectivity is in place for the for the UK’s digital economy to thrive, and the LFFN programme forms a vital part of this work.

Notes to Editors

• The LFFN Challenge Fund is a £190 million government capital grant programme that aims to help deliver the fastest and most reliable digital communications network available. Funding will be allocated in successive competitive waves, and bidding is open to local bodies. The aim is for local bodies to harness public sector connectivity and aggregate private sector demand to stimulate the market to build new and extend existing fibre networks in their local areas.
• The first wave of the Challenge Fund closed on January 26th 2018.
• We anticipate that the next wave of the Challenge Fund will open in Summer 2018.
• The amount of funding requested by each bid is as follows. Please note these are the amounts of funding bid for, not the final amount that will be awarded – all successful bids will be subject to a due diligence before their final funding amount is confirmed. If you are referring to these figures in a story please refer to each bid as being awarded ‘up to’ the specified amount of funding.

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon – £2.4m

Belfast – £11.5m

Blackpool – £3.0m

Cambridgeshire – £4.0m

Cardiff – £6.0m

Coventry, Solihulll & Warwick – £5.7m

Highlands – £4.5m

London – £8.5m

Manchester – £23.8m

Mid Sussex – £2.2m

North Yorkshire (NYNet) – £15.1m

Portsmouth – £3.9m

Wolverhampton – £4.9m

The Queen has approved the nomination of the Reverend Dr Jillian Louise Calland Duff, MA, Director of Mellitus College, North West, to the Suffragan See of Lancaster, in the Diocese of Blackburn. Dr Jillian Duff succeeds the Right Reverend Geoffrey Seagrove Pearson, BA, on his resignation of 31 July 2017.

Dr Jillian Duff (aged 45) was born and brought up in Bolton, Lancashire. She was educated at Christ College, Cambridge and Worcester College, Oxford. After working in the oil industry, she trained for the ministry at Wycliffe Hall Oxford. Dr Duff served her title at St Philip’s, Litherland, in the Diocese of Liverpool from 2003 to 2005. From 2005 Dr Duff took up the role of Pioneer Minister, church planting in Liverpool City Centre till 2011. In 2009 Dr Duff was appointed Chaplain to Liverpool College. In 2011 she worked as IME tutor and Vocations Development Advisor in the Diocese of Liverpool. From 2012 she worked to build a partnership between the North West Bishops and St Mellitus College, London and in 2013 became the founding Director of St Mellitus College, North West, based at Liverpool Cathedral, while serving at St Paul’s Widnes.