Tag Archives: HM Government

Minister for Africa Rory Stewart visited Kenya from 27-28 November to attend the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta. This was Mr Stewart’s first official visit to the country.

The Minister attended the inauguration ceremony and the official inauguration luncheon on 28 November.

In the afternoon, Mr Stewart met with President Kenyatta and passed on a message of congratulations from Prime Minister Theresa May, alongside an invitation to the Commonwealth Summit in London next year.

During productive discussions, President Kenyatta and Mr Stewart discussed the future of the wide-ranging partnership shared by the UK and Kenya. The Minister welcomed the President’s commitment to national unity, and made clear his hope that Kenya will now come together in the spirit of reconciliation, after a difficult election period.

Speaking at the end of the visit, Mr Stewart said:

I am pleased that I was able to visit Kenya and attend President Kenyatta’s inauguration. This marks the moment where Kenya can move forward after a prolonged, divisive election period in a new spirit of reconciliation. I hope that all Kenyans will recognise the need now for national dialogue and healing.

The UK has extensive and historic links with Kenya, through our business links, our development programmes, and our diasporas. This has been an opportunity to reaffirm our partnership and hear more about the ways that our two countries can work together.

Further information

read more

The Foreign Secretary hosted a meeting on Tuesday 28 November to continue the UK’s work to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.

read more

Today, the British Minister of State for Security, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, and the Tunisian Minister of Relations with the Constitutional Bodies, Civil Society and Human Rights, Mr Mehdi Ben Gharbia, met in London to discuss counter-terrorism.

The meeting focused on further strengthening Tunisian-British cooperation in the shared fight against radicalisation. Both ministers deplored the global scourge of terrorism and discussed their shared desire to continue working in partnership with communities to counter the poisonous ideology that Daesh and other terrorist groups promote.

The ministers noted that their countries were built on values of democracy, respect for human rights and tolerance, and that it was these values that terrorists were attempting to challenge, by spreading hatred and division.

The Security minister welcomed Tunisia’s commitment to combating violent extremism, and was clear that the UK would continue its wide range of existing support to Tunisian efforts in this field and also further areas of cooperation, such as addressing terrorist use of the internet. Over £10m of UK programmes in 2017/18 were being directed towards supporting Tunisia, including on promoting security sector reform and collaboration on tourist protection.

Both ministers discussed the good progress made in Tunisia’s democratic transition with advancements in citizen’s rights, and also agreed that the first ever municipal elections scheduled in 2018 would help to further consolidate these democratic gains.

Speaking after his meeting with Mr Ben Gharbia, Security Minister Ben Wallace said:

The threat we face from terrorism, and particularly the evil ideology of Daesh, is a global problem. Both our countries have suffered horrendous attacks in recent years and innocent lives have been lost.

I am grateful to Mr Ben Gharbia for his commitment to combating this shared threat together. We are also in agreement on the importance of tackling the misuse of the internet by those who seek to distribute terrorist propaganda and spread their message of hate.

I congratulate Tunisia for the steps that have been taken towards improving its security situation following the appalling terrorist attacks in 2015. This played an important role in our decision to change the travel advice for Tunisia earlier this year, and I look forward to the return of British holidaymakers to the country.

The UK and Tunisia are close partners in the fight against terrorism, and we will continue to co-operate and learn from each other’s experience. We are united in our view that we must defeat terrorism together.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Ben Gharbia added:

We are determined to continue the fight against terrorism, working closely with international partners such as the UK.

During our meeting I expressed the Tunisian government’s commitment to adopting the legal framework for the protection of human rights, in line with the Tunisian constitution of 2014.

Furthermore, I stressed that in 2018 the Tunisian Government will hold municipal elections, and complete the establishment of constitutional bodies and the constitutional court, which will ensure the sustainability of the democratic process”.

read more

Innovate UK is to invest up to £19 million in innovation projects across the manufacturing and materials and infrastructure systems industry sectors.

You can apply in either area, depending on your idea. Your project will need to fit the competition scope and improve business growth and productivity or create export opportunities for at least one UK small to medium-sized enterprise (SME).

Additional funding of up to £16 million is being made available for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), which help businesses to recruit a suitable graduate to work on an innovation project.

Innovations in infrastructure systems

The market for systems that ensure smart and resilient infrastructure is expanding.

It is driven by a global urban population that is growing by almost 60 million every year, and a demand for more adaptable infrastructure that is better integrated with social systems.

There is also £425 billion of planned UK public and private infrastructure investment through the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2016 to 2021. This will help to support disruptive ideas come to market more quickly.

Competition focus

In this competition we are looking for innovation projects in:

• smart infrastructure, which adds intelligence to physical infrastructure or the design process and create improvements in wholelife cost and performance, or resilience, security and sustainability
• urban living solutions that tackle the challenges people face in urban areas, improve user experience and lower costs. This could be:
  • ‘hard’ systems, including energy, transport, waste, water and communication
  • ‘soft’ systems, including security, law and justice (such as public order and safety), health, wellbeing, social care and education
  • ‘environmental’ systems, including green spaces and waterways
• energy supply and systems, to improve the value, affordability and security, and reduce emissions
• connected transport that moves people and goods more efficiently, and makes transport more secure, user-centric and accessible

The details

• the competition is open, and the deadline for applications is 31 January 2018
• projects should range from total costs of £25,000 to £3 million, and last between 3 months and 3 years
• UK-based businesses of any size or research and technology organisations can lead a project
• you could get up to 70% of your eligible project costs
• there is a briefing event on 12 December 2017

Opportunities in manufacturing

There is a huge opportunity for businesses working on manufactured products, materials and associated services.

The UK is the ninth largest producer in the world. We have an output of $247 billion, which accounts for 3% of global manufacturing output and 11% of the nation’s GVA (gross value added). It represents 50% of exports and 69% of business research and development.

New manufacturing technologies and materials can enable new types of products or services. This can grow UK manufacturing productivity, increase material efficiency and sustain our competitiveness in the long term.

Competition focus

The aim of this competition is to encourage and broaden innovation in the manufacturing and materials sector. This may include:

• developing more flexible and efficient processes
• developing processes that enable faster and greater customisation of products
• developing materials for ease of manufacture
• addressing the manufacturing readiness of growing sectors
• developing materials to targeted performance specifications
• diversifying product and service lines
• developing novel services or business models that open up new sources of revenue

It incorporates a wide range of manufacturing and materials technologies.

The details

• the competition is open, and the deadline for applications is 31 January 2018
• we expect projects to range between 6 months and 3 years. They should range in size from total costs of £50,000 to £2 million
• UK-based businesses of any size or research and technology organisations can lead a project
• you could get up to 70% of your eligible project costs
• there is a briefing event on 12 December 2017

Applying for a KTP

There is up to £16 million available for businesses to set up KTPs across the 2 sector areas.

All disciplines and applications within infrastructure systems and manufacturing and materials will be considered for a KTP. That includes applications beyond the scope of the competitions.

As in the 2 competitions, the deadline is 31 January 2018, but the application process is different. You should speak to your local knowledge adviser, who will help you to apply.

read more

Police volunteers who helped rural communities, assisted individuals in mental health crises and supported the victims of Grenfell Tower have been honoured for their work at an awards ceremony in London today (Tuesday 28 November).

The Lord Ferrers Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of special constables, police support volunteers and volunteer police cadets. They also acknowledge the support employers and their employees offer their local force. Over 600 nominations were received, twice as many as last year. This is the first year where volunteers who use technology creatively were acknowledged in a new award for Technical Innovation.

Nine winners were announced at the ceremony at Millbank Tower, attended by Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service, Nick Hurd.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said:

Policing volunteers across the country play a fundamental role in what is widely recognised as one of the best police forces in the world.

The contribution all of this year’s nominees have made in keeping their communities safe is testament to the wonderful spirit of volunteering that exists in this country.

I want to thank every winner, runner up and nominee for all that you do as we celebrate your true dedication and professionalism to policing.

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Nick Hurd said:

Every year the Lord Ferrers Awards recognise the truly inspirational work of those who give up so much to serve their communities.

Volunteers bring valuable skills from outside policing and help ensure our police force is fully equipped to deal with the challenges of 21st century policing.

The government has brought forward legislation in the Policing and Crime Act to transform the powers and roles of police staff and volunteers which will come into force on 15 December. These reforms will, for the first time, enable volunteers to be given powers at the discretion of chief officers, based on local need, and set out the core list of powers only available to a police officer holding the office of constable.

The Home Secretary also announced that from next year volunteers in the Offices of Police and Crime Commissioners will be eligible for nominations.

The winners are:

Ferrers Special Constabulary – Individual Award winner: Gareth Owen, Gwent

Gareth Owen worked with the Welsh Ambulance Service to establish a Joint Response Unit. With emergency services working closer together they were able to attend serious incidents quicker and tailor each response according to patients needs. The creation of the unit has resulted in a significant reduction in unnecessary conveyances to A&E as well as improved collaboration with the Ambulance Service.

Ferrers Special Constabulary – Team Award winner: Street Triage Team, Essex Police

A team of Special Constables with experience in the health and social care sector were brought together to help better serve individuals in a mental health crisis who needed urgent support or intervention. They set up a Street Triage Team where mental health nurses joined police patrols. Their invaluable expertise brings additional skills and knowledge to support mental health incidents. By working together they ensured tailored and appropriate responses to mental health incidents. The creation of this team also promoted a greater understanding within the police of mental health.

Police Support Volunteer – Individual Award winner: Andrea Phipps, Merseyside Police

Andrea Phipps is a chartered accountant and a chartered tax advisor, and has been assisting the Economic Crime Team at Merseyside police. She works on a variety of cases, each requiring specialist tax and accountancy knowledge. Without Andrea’s expertise the force would have had to outsource the work to a Forensic Accountant. Her work over the last two years has helped ensure the Economic Crime Team are one of the top three performing forces in the country for financial investigations and cash seizure.

Police Support Volunteer – Team Award winner: Puppy breeding scheme, West Midlands Police

West Midlands police had an issue procuring suitable dogs for the various operations undertaken by the force – including explosives and drugs detection. The commitment and flexibility from the police support volunteers has ensured that West Midlands police now have one of the largest puppy breeding and walking programmes in England and Wales. The police volunteers help raise the pups from six weeks to 14 months, assisting with training sessions and ensuring the continued development of the dogs.

Their efforts have meant the dog unit is maintained 24 hours a day and is able to offer a round-the-clock response to firearm, drugs and bomb threats. The dogs also help foster positive relationships with the public, especially among groups that are traditionally difficult to engage with – including children in care. The police support volunteers have also started a charity to support retired police dogs by helping to finance their ongoing medical treatment.

Volunteer Police Cadet – Individual Award winner: Hassan Khan, Greater Manchester police

Hassan has been a key member of the GMP cadets. He aims to break down barriers and educate his peers about tolerance and respect in an inner city area of Manchester. Hassan is also responsible for mentoring all of the new recruits that start the cadet scheme, ensuring they are all fully integrated within the team. He has worked with cadet leaders to develop a senior cadet leadership workshop so cadets can improve and hone their skills. Hassan plays a vital link between the cadets and the team leaders to ensure that young people are supported and work towards their development aims.

Volunteer Police Cadet – Team Award winner: Kensington and Chelsea Cadets, London Metropolitan

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, a team of cadets in Kensington and Chelsea organised fundraising events and vigils for the victims of the fire. They also organised a residential camping trip to the Isle of Wight for young people affected by the tragedy so they could have a break away from the city. The cadets provided support the young people throughout the trip and it enabled them to speak openly about how they felt and the impact the fire had on them. As a result of their work, local children have enlisted with the local cadets.

Employer supported policing Award winner: Trafford Council, Greater Manchester Police

Employer Supported Policing (ESP) is a partnership benefiting employers, their staff and the police service. Trafford Council agreed that they would offer staff an additional 10 days paid leave to either undertake volunteer police duties or training. The council already supported Special Constables who live and/or work within the Trafford borough by offering reduced council tax payments, however they were keen to encourage council staff to join the ESP scheme – and now give paid leave to their staff who are Special Constables. As a result, ten new applications were made to the Special Constabulary from council staff and Trafford Council based Special Constables have so far given 269 hours of policing to the local community since the scheme began last year.

ASCCO Leadership Award winner: Andrew Turner, Devon & Cornwall Police

Andy has introduced a dedicated ‘Rural Engagement Team’ to address the problems of rural crime, increase engagement with the farming community, help to reduce suicides amongst farmers and provide crime prevention advice. Rural communities and farmers in Devon and Cornwall often feel isolated so the team maintain a high visibility in those areas to provide reassurance. They have also signed up over 400 farms to Farm Watch, a scheme that shares intelligence between the community and the police to prevent theft.

The Sussex policing area has one of the highest rates of road deaths in the country. CSW online have developed and introduced an internet-based application and web-platform to manage all aspects of Community Speedwatch activity. CSW online today manages almost 2,500 trained volunteers spanning several counties. The system has improved the accuracy of recording speeding drivers and brought consistency and clarity to the process. It has generated over 20,000 educational letters in Sussex alone in the last year and helped raise the profile and effectiveness of Community Speedwatch as a way of local residents supporting the police to tackle this important issue.

read more