A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this evening to discuss the recent attacks on Aramco oil facilities.

He expressed the UK’s condemnation of the attacks and said the UK stands by Saudi Arabia and is committed to the country’s security.

The two leaders noted the need to establish the facts of what happened and the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of a collective response. He encouraged the Crown Prince to continue working with international partners.

Published 17 September 2019

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, are set to soar over British Columbia as part of their biggest-ever tour to North America.

With one week to go, further details of the Red Arrows visit to Vancouver and a flypast over Victoria are being released. They include a number of opportunities for the public to engage directly with the Red Arrows pilots and engineers prior to a special back-to-back flypast over both the Victoria and Vancouver harbours on Thursday 26 September.

The public programme will begin with an exclusive screening of the UK documentary “Red Arrows: Kings of the Skies” followed by a Q&A with members of the team at Science World at TELUS World of Science on Tuesday 24 September.

The public is also invited to discover the world of aviation and learn more about the UK during a full-day of celebrations for the Red Arrows visit. This will take place at Jack Poole Plaza, along the Vancouver Harbour, on Thursday 26 September.

This full-day event will culminate in back-to-back non-aerobatic flypasts by the Red Arrows over the final two Canadian cities of the tour, Victoria and Vancouver. The Red Arrows will first take to the skies of Victoria, passing over the provincial capital’s historic inner harbour and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings at approximately 4:40pm. Finally, the Red Arrows will cap off the final Canadian leg of their tour with an enhanced flypast along the iconic Vancouver Harbour waterfront, trailed by their signature red, white, and blue smoke, at approximately 5:00pm.

To celebrate the Red Arrows visit, iconic Vancouver landmarks will be illuminated in red, white, and blue. These include Science World at TELUS World of Science (24 & 26 September), BC Place (26 September), the Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza and the Vancouver Convention Centre (26 September) and the iconic five sails at Canada Place at the Port of Vancouver (24 & 25 September).

British High Commissioner to Canada Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque, said:

It has been incredible to have the Red Arrows with us in Canada, from launching their North American tour in Halifax to fantastic displays in both Ottawa and Toronto. I am now delighted to welcome them back to Canada for their flypasts over Victoria and Vancouver. Given our rich history and shared futures, I am delighted that British Columbia should serve as the final Canadian stop on what has been an extraordinary tour.

Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said:

Throughout the Red Arrows’ North American tour, the response of everyone in Canada to our displays, flypasts and ground events has been overwhelming. This has positively demonstrated the close bonds between the UK and Canada across industry, defence and culturally. It will be brilliant to conclude our time in Canada by performing flypasts in Victoria and Vancouver and, once again, have the privilege and opportunity to meet so many people of all ages and backgrounds during our stay.

It is the first time the Red Arrows have ever visited Vancouver and it comes as part of the team’s most ambitious tour of Canada and the United States. In total, the team will visit more than 20 cities, including 4 in Canada, over 11 weeks.

The Vancouver visit is graciously supported by the Vancouver Convention Centre, Science World at TELUS World of Science and the Vancouver International Airport.

As part of their visit, the Red Arrows will also make a special visit to Canuck Place Children`s Hospice for a chance to connect with the young children receiving care. Over 765 children living with life-threatening illnesses and their families receive care from Canuck Place.

The Red Arrows will also meet with local students to promote careers in aviation, science, and technology. Taking place over four different sessions, the Red Arrows will showcase the importance of STEM in their work with students from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Templeton Secondary, Britannia Secondary and an organization aimed at inspiring female leaders from shop floor to top floor in high-tech STEM fields, Achieve Anything Foundation.

Wing Commander Keith said

A key aim of the tour is to inspire people through safe, dynamic and visually-exciting shows. However, we have also planned dozens of ground events, where we hope to meet countless individuals and showcase the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths – the STEM subjects – in our work.

Moreover, the tour provides a chance to celebrate and enhance international trade between the UK and Canada, which was worth more than £17 billion in 2018.

For more information on the Red Arrows, follow @rafredarrows on Twitter, like the team’s Facebook page at RAF Red Arrows, view pictures on Instagram @rafredarrows or visit www.raf.mod.uk/reds

Use #RedArrowsTour online to keep up-to-date with the Red Arrows’ tour of North America.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom both at home and overseas. The team consists of 11 pilots, nine of whom fly in the display, and more than 100 support personnel and technicians. Each of the pilots has previous fast-jet, operational experience flying the Tornado, Typhoon or Harrier, enabling the RAF to secure the skies and protect the nation and its interests, 365-days a year. One of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, the Red Arrows had completed nearly 5,000 displays, in 57 countries, by the beginning of 2019. Flying Hawk T1 jets, the team is based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

LIST OF EVENTS FOR VANCOUVER:

Below is the latest list of events and locations where the Red Arrows will visit during their time in Vancouver. Follow @UKinCanada on Twitter and Instagram and British High Commission, Ottawa on Facebook for further updates.

VANCOUVER

Tuesday 24 September, 7pm – 9:30pm

Red Arrows: Kings of the Skies

Get an exclusive peek into the fast-paced world of the Red Arrows. This documentary, part of a six-episode series, provides exceptional access to what happens in the air and on ground as the team’s pilots, ground crew, engineers and support personnel prepare for a high-profile season. The screening will conclude with a Q&A with Red Arrows pilots and engineers followed by a meet and greet with light refreshments.

Location: Science World at TELUS World of Science 

Tickets: Free, but registration is required: www.scienceworld.ca/red-arrows-kings-sky

Thursday 26 September, 10am – 6pm

Aviation Day with the Red Arrows at Jack Poole Plaza

Join us for a series of events at the UK’s pop-up pavilion on the Vancouver Harbour waterfront as we celebrate the fantastic world of aviation. This all ages, public event will give visitors a chance to meet the Red Arrows’ pilots and engineers, learn more about the UK government’s work in Canada, and grab a free souvenir photo at the Red Arrows photo booth.

From past to present, visitors can also get an up-close look at an iconic Sopwith Camel kindly provided by the Canadian Museum of Flight and then don a VR headset to take a ride in the cockpit during a Red Arrows flypast.

Science World at TELUS World of Science and H. R. MacMillan Space Centre will also be on-location to explain the science behind flight with interactive demonstrations including a friendly rocket launcher competition.

Of course, we will also have fantastic British music playing throughout the plaza, an up-close look at luxury British vehicles from Land Rover Canada, along with giveaways from our friends at Yorkshire Tea!

Location: Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre

Cost: Free

Thursday 26 September at 5pm

Red Arrows over Vancouver

The main event of the Red Arrows visit to Vancouver. The Red Arrows will cap off the last Canadian stop of their North American tour with an enhanced flypast along the iconic Vancouver Harbour waterfront, trailed by their signature red, white, and blue smoke. The enhanced flypast will include several passes over the waterfront and take place at approximately 5:00pm.

Location: Vancouver Harbour, near Jack Poole Plaza

Cost: Free

VICTORIA 

Thursday 26 September at 4:40pm

Red Arrows over Victoria

The Red Arrows’ visit to Canada’s Pacific Coast will include a flypast over British Columbia’s capital. The single flypast will occur over the Inner Harbour and British Columbia Parliament Buildings.

Location: Inner Harbour, Victoria, BC

IMAGERY, INTERVIEWS AND RUSHES:

Photographs and videos of the team displaying are available by visiting: www.defenceimagery.mod.uk

A map of the tour locations, and other content, is also available.

FOR INTERVIEWS CONTACT:

A strategy to boost trade and investment into the UK’s premier position for maritime businesses was launched by International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, today (Tuesday 17 September).

The Maritime Trade and Investment Five Year Plan focuses on five key areas:

• Green maritime –UK companies are in a good position to provide technologies to the world’s fleets to meet new International Maritime Organization regulations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes companies supplying the innovative Silverstream air friction devices that improve the energy efficiency of ships and hybrid propulsion technologies or Windship which is working on augmenting engine propulsion with the wind.
• Digital technologies – making the sector a world-leader in digital technologies, including cyber security and the operation and connectivity of global commercial fleets.
• Autonomous vessels – as a market leader in small 24 metre and below designed surface and underwater autonomous vessels the UK is in the first wave of innovators in this area and can capitalise on our excellent track record in AI to scale up technology in autonomy at sea. Autonomous systems are also increasingly needed in vessels and ports.
• Marine science – promoting the UK’s capability in marine science will create opportunities for inward investment and collaborative partnerships and provide solutions to the challenges facing the global maritime community. One example of a newly UK constructed advanced scientific research vessel is the Sir David Attenborough.
• Maritime professional and business services – to encourage and help new exporters with market access, overcoming barriers to trade and market intelligence, as well as attract greater foreign direct investment into the sector.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss MP said:

The UK has a world-class reputation in maritime with a long history in shipping and great port cities up and down the country. Our Trade and Investment 5 Year Plan sets out how we can showcase this and our global capabilities in maritime technology, science and shipbuilding.

As an island nation, our oceans are a precious resource and shipping a vital economy. We are committed to working with coastal communities and the maritime sector to drive growth and make sure businesses are ready to trade on October 31.

A new Maritime Export and Investment advisory Group (MEIG), chaired by trade body Maritime UK, will also advise firms on industry trends, how to access support to take advantage of global opportunities and consult industry on the most critical market access challenges that the government can address.

Speaking about the announcement, Harry Theochari, Maritime UK’s Chair, said:

This plan will help us to enhance our competitiveness by boosting the export of our maritime products and services whilst attracting more investment into the country.

A key product of Maritime 2050 has been the establishment of Maritime Research and Innovation UK; the national collaborative research and innovation body for the sector. Its initial innovation focus on decarbonisation, digitisation and automation, mirrors those set out in this plan. That means we are properly joined up with the government- innovating the products and services the world needs, and then getting them to customers in markets across the world through the actions in this plan.

The maritime sector is one of Britain’s biggest industries, supporting almost £46.1bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) and more than one million jobs.

The Maritime Trade and Investment Five Year Plan is the next stage of the government’s export strategy to ensure the economy is fit for the future, which aims to raise exports as a percentage of GDP from 30% to 35%.

The announcement follows London International Shipping Week which showcases the opportunities for international businesses once the UK leaves the EU on October 31. It will help reinstate the UK’s position as a leader in maritime and provide an opportunity for businesses to build trading ties with important partners around the world.

Today (Tuesday 17 September), the second UK-Morocco Strategic Dialogue was held in Rabat, attended by Middle East Minister Dr Andrew Murrison and Trade Policy Minister Conor Burns. The session was opened by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and the Moroccan delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mounia Boucetta.

As well as reinforcing the growing importance of the UK-Morocco relationship, the Dialogue covered a broad range of topics, with discussions touching on the UK and Morocco’s political, economic, security and cultural relations.

Key announcements at this year’s Strategic Dialogue included proposals for the creation of a joint taskforce to explore how the UK and Morocco can increase investment in each other’s economies and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create the Joint UK-Morocco High Commission on Education.

This Commission will aim to strengthen higher education and scientific research links between Morocco and the UK by the end of 2023 by increasing the number of students travelling to each other’s countries to study, increasing access to UK teaching and qualifications in Morocco, and encouraging joint research projects to address key national and global challenges.

Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Dr Andrew Murrison, said:

I was delighted to attend the second UK-Morocco Strategic Dialogue in Rabat this week. This important meeting demonstrates the depth and breadth of the friendship between the UK and Morocco.

As we prepare to leave the European Union, it’s vital we continue to work closely alongside our valued international partners. I look forward to seeing the UK’s relationship with Morocco go from strength to strength.

Ministers also noted the progress made since last year’s Strategic Dialogue in London, where the signing of the UK-Morocco Education Agreement was the first step towards the opening of the first British School in Marrakesh later this year, which will allow parents and children across Morocco to access high-quality British education.

Trade Policy Minister, Conor Burns said:

The UK and Morocco economies have a lot to offer one another, and today’s Strategic Dialogue clearly shows the growing opportunities for great British companies to do business in Morocco.

As we prepare to take back control of our trade policy, it is more important than ever that we maintain and grow this important trade partnership as well as continuing to promote UK expertise in sectors like education around the world.

Attendees also noted progress towards a new agreement between the UK and Morocco, which will replace the existing EU-Morocco free trade agreement once the UK leaves the EU and allow businesses to continue trading freely.

Ministers also discussed the Africa Investment Summit, to be held in London on 20 January 2020, at which Morocco will be represented.

Forthcoming military cooperation includes a joint military exercise in October, while cultural exchanges will continue over the coming months, with the first ever visit to Africa of the Royal Household Cavalry for the Salon du Cheval; the presence of the British Showjumping team at the Maroc Royal tour; and the Welsh National Opera’s first visit to Morocco in December.

Further information

Medicine quality is receiving a major boost with the implementation of activities surrounding the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s Strategy for Pharmacopoeial Public Quality Standards for Biological Medicines.

In October 2017, the Agency adopted the strategy in response to extensive feedback received through a public consultation, which was opened in January of the same year.

The quality of biological medicines is an increasingly important part of healthcare worldwide and is critical to delivering effective public health. These standards, regulated by the Agency, help make sure biological medicines are of acceptable quality for use by patients.

Released today, the Public update: 2019 looks at:

• The importance of quality, innovation and life sciences and the foundational position of standards in supporting innovation;
• The progress made implementing the strategy in terms of standards development, innovative product development, customer and stakeholder engagements; and
• The next 12 months with a continued focus on standards development, engaging customers and stakeholders and collaboration with international peers.

The strategy recognises the importance of standards and the huge value they bring to the quality of innovative products.

Collaboration has been key to the progression of the strategy, bringing together all arms of the Agency, while reaching out to the BioIndustry Association (BIA), the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, broader pharmaceutical industry, regulators and pharmacopoeias globally.

Customers, partners and stakeholders can find out more about the development and implementation of the strategy by emailing BiolStandards@mhra.gov.uk.