Tag Archives: political

Today (1 March 2017) the Department for Transport has announced that the following companies have successfully pre-qualified to bid in the competition for the East Midlands franchise, to run rail passenger services from November 2018:

• Arriva Rail East Midlands Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arriva UK Trains Limited
• First Trenitalia East Midlands Rail Limited, a joint venture company wholly owned by First Rail Holdings Limited and Trenitalia UK Limited
• Stagecoach East Midlands Trains Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Stagecoach Transport Holdings Limited

In order to pass the pre-qualification evaluation each of the prospective bidders had to demonstrate that they have the financial strength, safety and operational experience to run this important franchise. This announcement marks another key milestone in the rail franchising programme and is the next step in delivering real benefits for the passengers along the East Midlands routes.

In due course, once the ‘Invitation to tender’ has been issued, the bidders will be required to submit plans to demonstrate how they will deliver the enhancements for passengers using the East Midland services.

The department will evaluate the submitted bids to determine passenger benefits, deliverability, and value for money.

As for all rail franchise competitions, and as is consistent with the Secretary of State’s duty, the department will ensure that alternative plans are in place for the continued running of passenger services in the event that the department determines that the bids would not provide services in the most efficient or economic manner.

David will be responsible for leading the NDA in the decommissioning and clean-up of 17 legacy nuclear sites across the UK, including Sellafield. He will assume the role from today, 1 March 2017, when the outgoing CEO, John Clarke, will step down after five years in the role.

The appointment was made by the non-executive members of the NDA Board, with the approval of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary of State Greg Clark.

In addition, as announced on 22 December 2016, Stephen Henwood stepped down yesterday (28 February 2017) on completion of his third term of office as NDA Chairman. He is being replaced by Tom Smith who was previously a Non-Executive Director of the NDA.

NDA Chairman Tom Smith said:

David brings with him significant global experience of leadership in the energy, oil and gas industries, and a strong track record in tackling complex commercial and engineering challenges in the UK and internationally.

I am delighted the NDA has secured a new CEO of such calibre and experience and I am looking forward to working with him in driving forward delivery of the vital mission to clear up the UK’s nuclear legacy.

I would like to offer warm thanks to retiring Chief Executive John Clarke and would also like to thank Stephen for his excellent stewardship of the NDA over the last 9 years, and wish him well for the future. It has been a pleasure to serve on the board under him.

Energy Minister, Jesse Norman, said:

The NDA carries out essential work decommissioning and cleaning up the UK’s nuclear legacy, keeping our citizens safe and secure and protecting the environment. David’s considerable experience in roles across the energy sector makes him well-placed to lead the organisation and take this vital work forward.

I would also like to thank Stephen Henwood and John Clarke for their years of service and wish John well in retirement.

David Peattie said:

It is a privilege to have been asked to take on this important role, which is central to delivering the important mission of decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy.

The NDA, its subsidiaries and Site Licence Companies, have a highly-skilled and focused workforce, and I look forward to working with them to drive forward progress on clearing our sites for future generations.

Prior to taking up his role at the NDA David Peattie was Chief Executive Officer at Fairfield Energy, where he led the successful turnaround of performance of North Sea assets and oversaw the start of the decommissioning project for the Dunlin Alpha Platform.

David began his career at British Petroleum in 1979 as a petroleum engineer and during his 33 years at the company held a number of technical, commercial and senior management positions. His roles at BP included Head of BP Group Investor Relations, Commercial Director of BP Chemicals, Deputy Head of global Exploration & Production, Head of BP Group Planning, and finally as Head of BP Russia where he was responsible for BP’s interests in the TNK-BP joint venture as well as its businesses in the Russian Arctic and Sakhalin. In addition, he was BP’s lead Director on the board of TNK-BP and Chairman of its Health, Safety and Environment Committee.

David is a Chartered Engineer and Member of Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (Petroleum Engineering).

The two ministers will hold a series of high-level meetings with President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Groysman, Deputy Prime Minister Klympush-Tsyntsadze and Foreign Minister Klimkin.

The visit marks 25 years of diplomatic relations between both the UK and Poland with Ukraine. It is also three years since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its flagrant breach of international law with its illegal annexation of Crimea. The UK and Poland fully support Ukraine’s sovereignty. Crimea is Ukraine and Russia must return it.

The UK and Poland are also two of the largest contributors to the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, which monitors the ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons in eastern Ukraine.

Ahead of his visit, the Foreign Secretary said:

“I am delighted to be visiting Ukraine again so soon and I am particularly pleased to be joined by Foreign Minister Waszczykowski. Poland is a close UK partner and we work closely on a range of foreign policy issues, including Ukraine. The UK will continue to play a full part on European security questions as we prepare to leave the EU.

“This visit reinforces our unwavering support for Ukraine. The UK remains committed to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty. We are adamant that Russia’s annexation of Crimea is illegal and we urge Russia to return it.

“I welcome the progress made on implementing reforms and tackling corruption. The UK-Ukraine reform conference in July will enable us to showcase the great work that is being done in Ukraine.”

Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said:

“Poland and the UK since the beginning of Revolution of Dignity have supported Ukraine on its pro-European path. I’m extremely happy that together with Minister Boris Johnson we will be able to reiterate our commitment to Ukraine’s European choice, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Poland was the first country to recognize Ukraine’s independence. Since then we consider Ukraine as our strategic partner. We will continue to support Ukrainian reform process.”

Further information