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Press release: James Brokenshire leads Midlands Engine trade visit to India

  • Communities Secretary James Brokenshire in India to advance economic ties with the Midlands
  • Secretary of State to host talks with prominent state and industry figures over 3 days
  • Visit takes place ahead of the highly-anticipated UK-India FutureTech Festival in December

Communities Secretary Rt, Hon James Brokenshire MP, begins a 3-day visit to India today (4 October 2018) to promote business and technology ties between the Midlands and the growing Asian economic powerhouse.

The Secretary of State, who is also the government’s Midlands Engine Champion, will bring together senior British and Indian officials and businesses to re-affirm a commitment to the Midlands-Maharashtra Technology Partnership.

The Partnership is a regional element of the UK-India Technology Partnership announced by Prime Minister Theresa May and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April.

Together the UK and Indian governments commit to increasing partnerships in technology through the industry, government, science and research, and by fostering trade and investment opportunities in both directions.

Communities Secretary, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, said:

The Midlands and Maharashtra are thriving tech hubs in their own right, and by bringing these two great regions together we are strengthening our technological and economic ties to the benefit of our people and businesses.

Whether it’s manufacturing the latest car model or sharing ground-breaking research, there is a lot to be gained and I’m determined we make the most of the opportunities, particularly as prepare to leave the European Union.

The Secretary of State will begin engagements in New Delhi to hold talks with Sir Dominic Asquith, British High Commissioner to India and Shri Anant G Geete, Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

When in Maharashtra – the most industrialised state in India – the Secretary of State will hold talks with advanced manufacturing giant Bharat Forge.

He will be joined by the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and Chair of the Midlands Engine partnership Sir John Peace.

In December, Delhi will play host to the India-UK FutureTech Festival. The Festival is a thought-leadership summit which will bring together business, policy makers, venture capital, scientists and entrepreneurs.

It will drive trade, investment and partnerships across key sectors, and promote and celebrate the UK and India as major technology innovators and trading partners.

UK businesses are invited to take part.

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Link: Press release: James Brokenshire leads Midlands Engine trade visit to India
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: MHRA to consult on EU exit no-deal legislative proposals

The UK is exiting the EU on 29 March 2019. The UK and EU negotiating teams have reached agreement on the terms of an Implementation Period that will start on 30 March 2019 and last until 31 December 2020. With talks ongoing, we remain committed to reaching agreement on the Withdrawal Agreement and Future Framework in the Autumn.

However, a responsible government should prepare for all potential outcomes, including the unlikely scenario in which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached and that is exactly what we are doing, with this consultation forming part of these preparations.

As part of this contingency planning it is necessary to make sure the UK’s regulatory processes for medicines, clinical trials and medical devices are legally coherent on exit day.

This consultation covers changes to four different Statutory Instruments (SIs): the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004, the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 and the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (HMRs) and the Medicines (Products for Human Use) (Fees) Regulations 2016. The changes to the latter two instruments are combined in a single SI.

The overall approach in the unlikely event of a no-deal scenario is for the MHRA to be a stand-alone medicines and medical devices regulator, taking any decisions and carrying out any functions which are currently taken or carried out at EU-level.

Many of the changes to these SIs are of a technical nature which will remove relevant references to the EU, insert references to the UK and other similar changes. The legislation is still being drafted and we are not consulting on the exact legal texts. Rather, this consultation gives narrative on any amendments being considered, with the following principles having been applied:

  • a pragmatic and proportionate approach in establishing UK regulatory requirements
  • the UK regulator’s ability to take regulatory action to protect public safety
  • minimum disruption and burden on companies as the UK exits the EU

Dr Ian Hudson, Chief Executive Officer at the MHRA said:

Our position on medicines and medical devices regulation remains clear. We want to retain a close working partnership with the EU to make sure patients continue to have timely access to safe medicines and medical devices. However, it is important for the UK to prepare for all scenarios and this consultation is a key part of that.

I therefore strongly encourage anyone that has an interest to share their comments.

The MHRA’s vision for the future of medicines and medical devices regulations is underpinned by three clear principles, that patients should not be disadvantaged, that innovators should be able to get products to the UK market as quickly and simply as possible, and that the UK continues to play a leading role promoting public health.

In the unlikely event of a no-deal scenario, the UK will strive to be at the forefront of regulatory innovation and processes. For example, looking at ways to reduce the length of time required to approve new medicines.

The consultation, available online, will close at 23:45 on 1 November 2019 and its outcomes will be communicated.

Ends

Notes to Editor

  1. Statutory Instruments (SIs) are a form of legislation which allow the provisions of an Act of Parliament to be subsequently brought into force or altered without Parliament having to pass a new Act.
  2. Further information about the UK government’s preparations for a no deal scenario can be found here.

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Link: Press release: MHRA to consult on EU exit no-deal legislative proposals
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: UK exposes Russian cyber attacks

Today, the UK and its allies can expose a campaign by the GRU, the Russian military intelligence service, of indiscriminate and reckless cyber attacks targeting political institutions, businesses, media and sport.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has identified that a number of cyber actors widely known to have been conducting cyber attacks around the world are, in fact, the GRU. These attacks have been conducted in flagrant violation of international law, have affected citizens in a large number of countries, including Russia, and have cost national economies millions of pounds.

Cyber attacks orchestrated by the GRU have attempted to undermine international sporting institution WADA, disrupt transport systems in Ukraine, and destabilise democracies and target businesses.

This campaign by the GRU shows that it is working in secret to undermine international law and international institutions.

The Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt said:

These cyber attacks serve no legitimate national security interest, instead impacting the ability of people around the world to go about their daily lives free from interference, and even their ability to enjoy sport.

The GRU’s actions are reckless and indiscriminate: they try to undermine and interfere in elections in other countries; they are even prepared to damage Russian companies and Russian citizens. This pattern of behaviour demonstrates their desire to operate without regard to international law or established norms and to do so with a feeling of impunity and without consequences.

Our message is clear: together with our allies, we will expose and respond to the GRU’s attempts to undermine international stability.

Today, the UK and its allies are once again united in demonstrating that the international community will stand up against irresponsible cyber attacks by other governments and that we will work together to respond to them. The British government will continue to do whatever is necessary to keep our people safe.

Notes to editors

As the Prime Minister said in Parliament on 5 September 2018, the UK will work with our allies to shine a light on the activities of the GRU and expose their methods.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre assess that the GRU is almost certainly responsible for the cyber activities listed below. Given the high confidence assessment and the broader context, the UK government has made the judgement that the Russian government – the Kremlin – was responsible.

The GRU are associated with the names:

  • APT 28
  • Fancy Bear
  • Sofacy
  • Pawnstorm
  • Sednit
  • CyberCaliphate
  • Cyber Berkut
  • Voodoo Bear
  • BlackEnergy Actors
  • STRONTIUM
  • Tsar Team
  • Sandworm
Attack NSCS Assessment
In October 2017, BadRabbit ransomware encrypted hard drives and rendered IT inoperable. This caused disruption including to the Kyiv metro, Odessa airport, Russia’s central bank and two Russian media outlets. NCSC assess with high confidence that the GRU was almost certainly responsible.
In August 2017, confidential medical files relating to a number of international athletes were released. WADA stated publicly that this data came from a hack of its Anti-Doping Administration and Management system. NCSC assess with high confidence that the GRU was almost certainly responsible.
In 2016, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) was hacked and documents were subsequently published online. NCSC assess with high confidence that the GRU was almost certainly responsible.
Between July and August 2015 multiple email accounts belonging to a small UK-based TV station were accessed and content stolen. NCSC assess with high confidence that the GRU was almost certainly responsible.

Previously attributed

Attack NCSC Assessment
In June 2017 a destructive cyber attack targeted the Ukrainian financial, energy and government sectors but spread further affecting other European and Russian businesses. The UK government attributed this attack to the GRU in February 2018. NCSC assess with high confidence that the GRU was almost certainly responsible.
In October 2017, VPNFILTER malware infected thousands of home and small business routers and network devices worldwide. The infection potentially allowed attackers to control infected devices, render them inoperable and intercept or block network traffic. In April 2018, the NCSC, FBI and Department for Homeland Security issued a joint Technical Alert about this activity by Russian state-sponsored actors.

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Link: Press release: UK exposes Russian cyber attacks
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Ending late payments to small businesses

  • Proposals include measures to empower trade bodies to highlight best and worst practices in payment behaviour in order to deliver practical improvements
  • Part of the modern Industrial Strategy, helping our small businesses deliver growth and jobs

New measures to end the problem of late payments to small businesses by large companies who abuse their position in the market have been unveiled today (4 October 2018) by the Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst as she launches a call for evidence.

Nearly a quarter of UK businesses report that late payments are a threat to their survival. Tackling them represents a huge opportunity for economic growth, with research from the Federation of Small Businesses suggesting it could add £2.5 billion to the UK economy and keep an extra 50,000 businesses open each year.

The new proposals, building on action government has already taken to improve access to finance and the appointment of the Small Business Commissioner, include:

  • the call for evidence to consider the best way company boards can put in place responsible payment practices throughout their supply chain, for example giving a non-executive director specific responsibilities for the company’s prompt payment performance
  • promoting innovative technologies, such as the latest accounting software, to help small firms manage their payments processes, and empowering trade bodies to highlight the best and worst practices in payment behaviour

Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst said:

Our 5.7 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and ensuring we remain one of the best places in Europe to start and grow a small business is a key part of our modern Industrial Strategy.

Over the past 5 years the amount owed to businesses in late payments has halved, but we will go further to make sure all of our small businesses are treated fairly.

Today’s new call for evidence will help us identify the most effective way possible to tackle this issue once and for all and ensure small businesses are on a level playing field with their larger counterparts.

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry said:

Late payment is the biggest challenge affecting small businesses and it is good to see the government getting serious about this issue, especially when it comes to large firms paying their supply chains promptly.

The voluntary Prompt Payment Code is not working when it allows signatories like Carillion to pay on terms of over 120 days, so we want to see a new tough and transparent compliance regime being proposed.

Involving the Small Business Commissioner Paul Uppal with the Code is also right as it shows a more joined-up approach to this difficult issue. Further, it is a positive step that central government will set an example – paying 90% of undisputed invoices from small and medium-sized businesses within five days.

The publication of the new call for evidence follows an announcement by the Business Secretary Greg Clark earlier this week where he set out other new measures to support small businesses, including:

  • the Small Business Commissioner to join the Prompt Payment Code’s Compliance Board to support his role in tackling late payment
  • the Board to consider all complaints made about compliance as part of regular reviews, and report on all cases of signatories being removed from the Code
  • further reform to the Code to be considered including whether the Small Business Commissioner should have a greater role in its administration

Small Business Commissioner Paul Uppal said:

I welcome the opportunity to join the Prompt Payment Code’s Compliance Board. I am looking forward to working with the Prompt Payment Code Administration Team and improving current processes to ensure timely payments, which will encourage growth and productivity for SMEs across the UK.

The government has also set the ambition that all its departments commit to paying 90% of undisputed invoices from SMEs within 5 days and ensure all government departments have a dedicated non-executive director responsible for prompt payment, improving payment practices and exploring how better to use technology to make payment processes more efficient.

Some large businesses use late payments and extended payment terms to exert control over small businesses in their supply chain, and the government will now seek the views of the UK business community on how best to ensure small businesses are given a fair deal.

Cabinet Office Minister for Implementation Oliver Dowden said:

We expect the highest payment standards from both government and big business.

That is why we will commit to central government aiming to pay 90% of undisputed invoices from small and medium sized businesses within five days. Small firms can also report poor payment practices via our Mystery Shopper service, which ensures their voices are heard.

We are listening to businesses and doing more than ever to level the playing field for small businesses to win work in the public sector.

Emma Jones, MBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, said:

We’re delighted the government has taken this step to ensure they are setting the right example in paying within five days and further enforcing the prompt payment of invoices for SMEs.

There is absolutely no doubt that late payment, often 60 days and even beyond, has a dramatic and disproportionate effect on smaller firms, which often rely on cashflow to fund trade and avoid unnecessary debt. The continued attention on the issue of late payment should enable UK enterprise to further flourish.

The Call for Evidence launched today forms part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which is committed to creating a fair and just business environment and ensuring Britain is one of the best places to start and run a small business.

It will be open until 29 November 2018 and the government is encouraging, businesses, trade associations and other interested parties such as academics to contribute their views to it.

Notes to editors:

The Call for Evidence will be available from 9:30am on 4 October 2018.

Late payment occurs when a business has been supplied goods or services on credit but fails to pay within the agreed term. Legally, if no explicit payment terms have been agreed, payment is assumed to be due after 30 days for the purposes of charging statutory interest.

Enterprise Nation is a small business support network that represents the views of thousands of UK small businesses.

Link: Press release: Ending late payments to small businesses
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Flood risk management scheme for Worcestershire village opens

Today (Thursday 4 October) celebrates the official opening of a £4.1 million flood risk management scheme, which will reduce the risk of flooding for 272 homes and businesses in Broadway, Childswickham and Murcot.

Nigel Huddleston MP for Mid-Worcestershire, Worcestershire County Councillor Liz Eyre BEM, who represents Broadway, and Tony Jones, retired Chief Engineer from Wychavon District Council, will be unveiling a plaque and burying a time capsule at Badsey Brook in Broadway. Anthony Parry from the Environment Agency will be giving an outline of the scheme.

Broadway, Childswickham and Murcot were severely flooded in 2007 following record breaking rainfall across the area and the villages were again flooded in 2012. The new flood storage area, sited at an 18 acre field in Broadway, will be able to hold up to 135,000 cubic metres of water during times of flood and will only allow a set amount of water to flow downstream at times of intense and high rainfall. This will reduce flood risk to 57 properties in Broadway and 215 properties in Childswickham and Murcot.

The Badsey Brook flood risk management scheme has been delivered as part of the Environment Agency’s £2.6b capital investment programme to reduce flood risk to 300,000 homes by 2021.

The Environment Agency, Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council, Broadway Parish Council and Childswickham Parish Council worked in partnership to secure over £2 million of Government Grant in Aid funding towards the scheme. The Environment Agency’s English Severn and Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee also contributed £1.2million. Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council and the local parishes contributed the remaining £900,000.

As a condition of the planning application, detailed archaeological investigations, part funded by Worcestershire County Council, were carried out at the site, unearthing evidence of settlements dating back around 8,500 years. Finds included a beaker dating from around 2,000 BC and skeletons of a mother and baby.

Daniel Wilkinson from the Environment Agency said:

Flooding has a devastating impact on the lives of people and communities that are affected. It’s brilliant that by working with our partners we have found a solution that is designed to greatly reduce the risk of flooding for residents living in Broadway, Childswickham and Murcot.

Nigel Huddleston MP commented:

I am delighted that after so much hard work the Badsey Brook scheme is being officially opened. Broadway and Childswickham in my constituency suffered terrible flooding in 2007 and 2012, so it is a huge relief to see substantive action taken to avoid this happening again.

Flooding is personally, financially and environmentally devastating and as local MP I would like to thank the Environment Agency, Worcestershire County Council, Worcester Archaeology, English Severn and Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, construction workers and local people for contributing to the completion of this vital scheme. May it protect people, businesses and properties for years to come.

Barrie Parmenter, Chair of Broadway Parish Council, added:

On behalf of Broadway Parish Council, I would like to thank the Environment Agency, Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council and all other agencies for commissioning the flood scheme in Broadway. This now means that hundreds of families will no longer live in fear of flooding when severe weather reports are issued for the district.

Cllr. Emma Stokes, portfolio holder for environment and street scene for Wychavon District Council said:

We’re very pleased to be investing in this important flood alleviation work which will protect many homes in the local area. Flooding impacts not just on residents’ homes but is an incredibly stressful process to go through. This scheme will offer protection and peace of mind. We’re also really pleased to see former Wychavon employee Tony Jones supporting the official opening. This recognises his hard work and dedication to flood alleviation over the years.

Link: Press release: Flood risk management scheme for Worcestershire village opens
Source: Gov Press Releases