The Business and Energy Secretary, Greg Clark, has confirmed Martin Cave as the new Chair of Ofgem, the independent regulator of gas and electricity markets in Great Britain. Dr Cave will take up his position on 1 October.

Ofgem’s role is to protect the interests of existing and future electricity and gas consumers, promoting value for money, security of supply and sustainability.

Prior to taking on this role, Martin has undertaken a number of roles in government including as Economic Adviser to Ofcom between 2003 and 2006. He has been appointed to lead several high profile reviews within government, which is testament to his credibility in the sector.

Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark said:

We are determined to see active regulators who put consumers interest at the heart of their work, the appointment of Professor Cave to lead Ofgem will ensure that.

Professor Cave has an impressive track record and is well respected for his work regulating the utility markets. I have no doubt he will use his wealth of expertise to protect consumers whilst we continue to build and upgrade our energy system to make it fit for the future.

This appointment has been endorsed by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee following the pre-appointment hearing which took place on 3 July.

Martin Cave will take up his role as a Non-Executive Director (NED) of Ofgem until he becomes Chair on 1 October after being found appointable during the recent NED appointment process.

The awards were presented to the recipients by Commander Joint Forces Command (JFC), General Sir Chris Deverell, who also took time to meet with the recipients and their families. Offering his congratulations, he said:

Joint Forces Command is a major enterprise which strives to harness the talent and energy of all its people. The commitment of the workforce is a fundamental element of JFC success and I am delighted to be able to recognise people and celebrate their achievements.

The individuals and teams I have met today, and those who were unable to attend the ceremony due to operational commitments are an inspiration and have gone above and beyond their normal role to provide great support to defence, and we thank them for this

Teams and individuals from a number of different areas received awards in recognition for their work. This included work supporting ongoing operations at home and abroad, working in the local community and also recognition for individual acts of courage in the line of duty.

Commander Kearsley, who received a commendation for his work in J9 Maritime, said:

It is one of the proudest moments of my career to date and it was an honour to be presented the award at Admiralty House by General Deverell

Flight Lieutenant Lindsay was recognised for his work with Information Systems and Services, had the following to say:

It is a proud day and realising that someone has put a lot of effort into recognising his work and nominating him, and receiving the award was a shock

The Commander JFC Commendations can be awarded to service personnel, civil servants and contracted staff from across the organisation. Those awarded the Commander Joint Forces Command Commendations are:

• Major Martin Ness, Standing Joint Force Headquarters
• Mrs Mandy Diane Childs, Civil Servant
• Major Alexander Daniel Whitaker, Joint Force Development
• Major Paul Morris, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Joint Force Command C41SR
• Corporal Michael Andrew Jenkins, Royal Air Force. Royal Air Force Wyton
• Corporal Mark David Latimer-Jenkins, Royal Air Force, Joint Service Signal Unit (Digby)
• Corporal Thomas Routledge, Royal Air Force, Royal Air Force Waddington
• Major Robert Leasing John Monger, Corps of Royal Engineers, Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood
• Squadron Leader Graeme Richard Watkin Jones, Royal Air Force, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Martial Arts
• Team Award Op CARBRIT Team, Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood Headquarters
• Flight Lieutenant George Jack Lindsay, Royal Air Force, ISS Blandord
• Mr Paul Turton, Civil Servant, Senior Trainer at Training Delivery Division
• Commander David Christopher Moody, Royal Navy, Strategic Command and Control Networks
• Mr Alexander Jacques part of the CROSSBOW Team, Royal Air Force Wyton
• Lieutenant Commander Iain Peter Kearsley, Royal Navy, J4 Maritime
• Lieutenant Commander Charles Richard Keith, Royal Navy, Permanent Joint Headquarters
• Corporal Brendon Grant Bale, Royal Air Force, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
• Lieutenant Colonel Mark Edward Johnson-Ferguson, Corps of Royal Engineers, Headquarters British Forces Cyprus

As the cyber threats we face evolve and intensify, it is vital we deepen our international partnerships to stay one step ahead of those who would wish to do us harm, a Defence Minister has stated.

Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster signed a letter of intent between the UK and Chile on cyber co-operation ensuring closer links in that sphere, during a visit that also took in Mexico and Belize.

He also attended a British-led cyber defence workshop that was jointly supported by the Ministry of Defence, Department for International Trade, National Cyber Security Centre and Government Communication Headquarters. He also visited a Chilean Peacekeeping School.

Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster said:

Information technology provides a new and unconventional battlefield, with cyber-attacks increasing as modern warfare evolves and adapts. The UK will play a leading role in countering these threats, but I am delighted to see like-minded partners across the globe sharing this belief and taking steps to keep our people safe.

In Mexico, Mr Lancaster was a special guest at the country’s independence celebrations, before meeting Mexico’s Defence Minister and Navy Secretariat, Admiral Vidal Francisco Soberon Sanz, reinforcing our strong defence relations and discussing the role of Latin American nations working alongside NATO and the UN.

He also met Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, reaffirming the special relationship and exploring how the UK and US can collaborate further in these fields.

In Belize, Mr Lancaster spent the day visiting the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, to understand the benefits to the Army from training in a jungle environment as well as tour touring the British Army Training and Support Unit Belize.

Mr Lancaster also signed a treaty and memorandum of understanding concerning the status of UK forces in Belize, deepening the longstanding defence co-operation between the two nations.

Mr Lancaster met the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington; Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, and Commander of the Belize Defence Force, Brigadier General Steven Ortega.