• UK’s first Defence Space Strategy published today to address growing threats
• £1.4 billion invested in cutting-edge technology to protect UK interests in space
• UK will strengthen partnerships with key allies and NATO to build stability and resilience

Following publication of the National Space Strategy in September last year, the Defence Space Strategy (DSS) outlines how Defence will protect the UK’s national interests in space in an era of ever-growing threats, stimulating growth across the sector and supporting highly skilled jobs across the UK.

As part of the new £1.4 billion investment, over the next ten years £968 million will be committed to deliver a multi-satellite system to support greater global surveillance and intelligence for military operations – known as the ISTARI Programme. A further £61 million will explore cutting-edge laser communications technology to deliver data from space to Earth at a speed equivalent to superfast broadband.

This substantial investment in space defence is on top of the existing £5 billion already upgrading the UK’s Skynet satellite communications capability – providing strategic communication services to the UK Armed Forces and allies.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

It’s crucial we continue to push the frontiers of our defence space ambitions, enhancing our military resilience and strengthening our nation’s security.

This significant investment will help to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of space innovation and one step ahead of our competitors.

Through close international collaboration with our allies and NATO, the DSS outlines how the UK will protect our space interests, build stability, increase resilience and prevent conflicts from extending into space. In addition to projects funded by £1.4 billion, a series of supporting programmes funded through existing investment will launch as part of the DSS to provide cutting-edge technologies for intelligence, surveillance, situational awareness, and Command and Control. These include:

MINERVA

An additional £127 million invested over the next four years will develop a network of satellites designed to integrate space with land, air, sea and cyber. An operational concept demonstrator, the new programme “MINERVA”, will present the UK’s ability to autonomously collect, process and disseminate data from UK and allied space assets to support frontline military decision-making. Work has already commenced on the programme and MINERVA will present a developed and tested system in due course, which will be brought together under the established UK Space Command and underpin the £968 million ISTARI Programme.

PROMETHEUS 2

Designed and assembled by In-Space Missions Ltd in Alton, two tiny satellites (30cm x 20cm x 10cm), comparable to the size of a shoebox, will provide a test platform for monitoring through GPS, radio signals and sophisticated imaging, paving the way for a more collaborative and connected space communication system with our combat allies.

These satellites will support MOD’s science and technology activities both in orbit and on the ground through the development of ground systems focussed at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory site near Portsmouth.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said:

With this strategy, the Ministry of Defence will protect and promote the United Kingdom’s interests in space, and take a leading role in the coalition of like-minded nations and organisations who have come together to ensure space is there for the benefit of all.

In a separate development, Oxford Space Systems has today announced an investment round of £4 million which, subject to final completion, will accelerate the build of their innovative Wrapped Rib Antenna. Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and backed by UK venture capital investors and the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, the project will create up to 50 new jobs. The technology will enable high resolution imaging from small satellite earth observation missions, irrespective of weather conditions or daylight.

The UK has been operating in space continuously since 1988 and boasts a world-leading sovereign satellite communications capability. UK Space Command, established in July 2021, will lead our Defence space approach, harnessing the energy and adaptability of the country’s space sector, while driving integration, innovation and conducting day-to-day space operations, all under a single command.

The DSS reinforces objectives outlined in the 2021 Integrated Review: to build resilience, shape the international order of the future; sustain strategic advantage through science and technology; and strengthen security and defence at home and overseas.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson launches new Business Council following two-year Brexit anniversary, as part of ambitions to assert the UK as the best place in the world to do business.

The Prime Minister’s revamped Business Council, co-chaired by the Chancellor, will convene a new cohort of business leaders to work in partnership with the Government, helping to drive a high productivity, high growth economy over the next 12 months and level up local economies around the country.

The new Council will support the UK’s recovery from Covid-19 and prioritise delivering the green industrial revolution, creating new jobs and developing a skilled workforce, and unlocking global investment. This follows the Prime Minister’s pledge this week to capitalise on regulatory freedoms two years on from our departure from the EU, in another move that will support businesses to invest, innovate and create jobs.

Building on the successes of last year’s Build Back Better Business Council, the Prime Minister’s Business Council will retain and implement the three core pillars of the Plan for Growth framework – infrastructure, innovation, and skills – against which Council members will continue to translate goals into measurable action.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

We’ve got one of Europe’s most open economies thanks to our vaccine rollout programme, and with Plan B restrictions firmly behind us we can now go further to turbocharge the economy and unleash the benefits of Brexit.

Harnessing the extraordinary powers of our new Business Council, together we will knuckle down on creating new high skilled, high wage jobs, driving innovation in science and tech, and mobilising investment to deliver the green industrial revolution – all while levelling up and securing the UK as the best place to do business.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:

Thanks to the speed of our vaccine rollout and unprecedented package of covid support we have the fastest growing economy in the G7 – and it’s vital we continue on that path by grasping the opportunities ahead.

We’re investing billions in innovation, infrastructure and skills to release the potential of the whole of the UK and ensure the UK continues to be the most attractive place in the world to do business.

This new Businesses Council will help drive this vision forward and ensure our Plan for Growth is delivered successfully – levelling up across the country and powering a high growth, high productivity economy.

Meeting at least quarterly, the Prime Minister’s Business Council will be comprised of 28 members from a range of industries and sectors, including manufacturing, financial services, energy, and world renowned science and technology sectors. The line-up also consists of 13 women, which sees an increase in the proportion of female members from last year’s Build Back Better Business Council.

The Business Secretary and Trade Secretary will be standing members, with the addition of the Education Secretary to focus on skills. Other Cabinet Ministers will attend meetings as required.

The first Prime Minister’s Business Council is scheduled for the coming weeks, and will be co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the Chancellor.

Amanda Blanc, Group CEO, Aviva said:

A thriving UK economy takes partnership between government, business and our communities.

We all benefit when companies are able to invest in the jobs, skills and infrastructure the country needs to compete globally, and seize the opportunities of a sustainable, low carbon future. I’m delighted to join the Prime Minister’s Business Council to promote our nation’s growth.

Nigel Toon, CEO and co-founder, Graphcore said:

I am delighted to be joining the Prime Minister’s Business Council for 2022. We are living in a time of huge change, but also immense opportunity.

The Government is, rightly, seeking to build on the UK’s position as a world leader in the development and application of new technologies, from artificial intelligence to renewable energy. That expertise, combined with a natural spirit of entrepreneurship, has the potential to transform our economy at home, and elevate our country on the global stage.

Anne Boden, Founder and CEO of Starling Bank said:

I hope to bring to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor the unique perspective of small business owners, start-ups and sole traders who dare to innovate, take risks and build enterprises, and to share the views of the UK’s thriving Fintech sector.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive, Scottish Power said:

Speeding up the journey to Net Zero is at the heart of everything we do. Taking our cue from the vision set out in the Government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, we’re leading the way in investing in renewable power and grid infrastructure so that everyone can benefit from decarbonisation.

We’re committed to ensuring the economic benefits of Net Zero are felt in local communities right across the UK.

Charles Hammond OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Forth Ports said:

Global Britain is the platform to promote innovation, skills and productivity for all UK businesses, large and small.

This will ensure we are 21st century-ready to trade, attract foreign investment and drive green-based business jobs and growth. Infrastructure and skills investment in port areas will improve productivity and create jobs in many coastal areas in need of regeneration.

Full list of the Prime Minister’s Business Council:

• Keith Anderson, Chief Executive, Scottish Power
• Clare Barclay, Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft UK
• Alice Bentinck MBE, co-founder and Chief Procurement Officer, Entrepreneur First
• Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive Officer, Aviva
• Anne Boden MBE, Founder and CEO of Starling Bank
• Prof. Matt Boyle OBE, Managing Director of Turn tide Transport
• Alison Brittain CBE, Chief Executive, Whitbread PLC
• Julie Brown, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Burberry
• Anita Frew, Chair, Rolls Royce
• Charles Hammond OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Forth Ports Limited
• Aki Hussain, Group CEO of Hiscox
• Greg Jackson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Octopus
• Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, co-founder, Redington Ltd
• David Livingstone, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Citi
• Martin Meeson, Chief Executive Officer, Fujifilm
• Charlie Nunn, Group Chief Executive, Lloyds Banking Group
• Dame Anne Richards DBE CVO, Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity International
• Paula Rosput Reynolds, Board Member of bp, National Grid and GE
• Dr Gordon Sanghera, co-founder, Oxford Nanopore
• Matthew Scullion, CEO, Matillion
• Baroness Joanna Shields OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Benevolent AI
• Joanna Swash, Group CEO of Moneypenny
• Nigel Toon, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Graphcore
• Ben van Beurden, Chief Executive Officer, Shell
• Richard Walker, Managing Director, Iceland Foods
• Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic
• Julie White, Managing Director, D-Drill (Master Drillers) Ltd
• Lena Wilson CBE FRSE, Chair AGS Airports, Chair Picton Property and Non Executive Director Natwest

Hello everyone, and welcome to this year’s Creative Coalition Festival.

It’s great to be part of this event – and I know you’ve got all sorts of interesting speakers to look forward to over the next three days:

People from the world of TV and music, fashion and street art, illustrators and cartoonists, composers and writers.

All of those individuals, scattered across the UK, come together to form a creative powerhouse that is now worth over £116 billion to our economy.

In fact, I was reading an article in the Sunday Times the other day that I think encapsulates where we are as a nation today.

The article argued that of all the things we’re good at in the UK – and there are many – we’re best at the arts.

And the author had plenty of evidence from the last few months alone to back that claim up:

Coldplay’s latest album went straight to No.1 in 14 countries.

Dua Lipa’s Levitating was the most streamed song in the US and Adele’s 30 the biggest-selling album of 2021 worldwide.

Brits from the world of TV, film and advertising regularly sweep the awards shows.

Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy are leading the charge for British productions premiering at this year’s Sundance.

And on social media, the most-mentioned British educational institute isn’t Oxford or Cambridge – but Hogwarts.

The point is, it’s our writers and musicians and designers and composers who are most celebrated around the world today – and who do the most to sell the UK abroad.

They wield an incredible amount of influence, and because of that, the reputation of Global Britain depends on them.

Which is why this government is determined to protect those industries and build on their success.

I say this, by the way, as someone who has spent hours of their own life pouring blood, sweat, and tears into their novels. So I know what a labour of love the creative process is.

It’s why we stepped in during the pandemic – at a time when every single industry was crying out for our help – and took the unprecedented decision to spend £2 billion of emergency rescue funds to protect our arts and culture and £500 million to keep the cameras rolling on productions across the country. As a result, our film and TV sector is booming, with studios booked out nationwide.

It’s why we put the creative industries at the heart of our recovery plan.

And it’s why we’re looking to strengthen those industries for the future – inside and out – so that they’re open to all so that they protect the people who work in them.

And so, ultimately, they can continue to grow and grow in the decades to come.

For example, I’ve been working closely with Rebecca Ferguson – who I know you’ll be hearing from at this festival and who has bravely spoken out about her own experiences of bullying and harassment in the music industry.

We’re also looking very carefully at the issue of music streaming, competition and fair payment, to make sure the modern music industry works for everyone.

And we’ve got lots of exciting projects coming up as a result of the recent Spending Review.

Today, I can announce we intend to provide close to £50m to support creative businesses across the UK. This includes £21m to deliver a multi-year UK Global Screen Fund, £8.4m for the UK Games Fund and £18.4m for an expansion of the Creative Scale-Up programme, to support the fastest growing creative businesses across the country.

This will form the foundation for an ambitious Creative Industries Sector Vision which we are hoping to publish in the summer.

The Sector Vision will have four key objectives:

To ensure the UK creative sector is globally competitive; inclusive; environmentally sustainable; and embedded within communities up and down the country.

And I’ll be bringing my own clear personal priorities into this vision.

I know, for example, that it has to focus on improving accessibility.

We have to do better at making sure that people from deprived backgrounds instinctively feel that the creative industries are for them, too.

That they don’t just have the opportunity to dedicate their life to literature, or writing or film – but that they can rise to the very top of these industries.

And I’m also very keen to make sure the Vision is directed at our overall mission to level up – that it asks how we can use the creative industries to regenerate left-behind towns and communities, and drive growth across the entire UK.

After all, levelling up isn’t just about transport links and infrastructure projects.

It’s about giving people the chance to live rich and fulfilling lives, wherever they are in the UK. Lives full of creativity and culture, and good jobs in those industries.

Those are my priorities.

But my department will be working closely with the Creative Industries Council to develop the Vision, and I’m keen to hear from the wider sector about what you’d like to see.

We want this piece of work to be really visionary, ambitious and optimistic.

Creative UK – through Caroline Norbury – sits on the Creative Industries Council, and I’m sure she will do a fantastic job at feeding in your views.

There is also a session later this week with my colleague Minister Lopez to discuss some of the priorities that you see for the sector over the next few years.

This will help inform our work on developing the Sector Vision, so don’t miss that! We look forward to hearing your views.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the rest of the programme, and that you have a great festival!

Thank you.

• Youth Investment Fund will deliver up to 300 new and refurbished youth facilities in the most deprived parts of England
• Funding will tackle youth group waiting lists and offer The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to all state secondary schools in England
• National Citizen Service receives funding to ensure thousands more young people are ‘world ready and work ready’

Young people in England will be given access to more activities, trips away from home and volunteering opportunities as part of a new National Youth Guarantee backed by a £560 million investment, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries announced today (1 February).

Today’s announcement is part of the Levelling Up White Paper set to be published this week, ensuring young people in the most deprived parts of England have access to thousands of new activities. This includes expeditions with every state secondary school being offered The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for the first time, social action projects or learning new money management or public speaking skills through the National Citizen Service.

Youth services across 45 Local Authorities and around 600 district wards in the most deprived parts of England will be eligible to apply for the £378 million Youth Investment Fund. From St Ives to St Helens and Devon to Derby, the fund will benefit communities across all regions of the country.

It will pave the way for up to 300 youth facilities to be built or refurbished over the next three years, providing young people with a safe space to engage in positive activities outside of school, and access support from youth workers.

The new pledge will mean that by 2025, every young person in England will have access to regular out of school activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer. This includes all 11-18 year olds, and up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said:

We want every young person, no matter where they’re from, to get the best start in life. That is why we are supporting young people with a National Youth Guarantee to access regular club activities, adventures away from home and volunteering opportunities.

Our Youth Review told us exactly what young people want and that’s what this Government is delivering on – levelling up opportunities for young people, regardless where you were born or where you are headed in life.

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said:

Every young person should have access to the kinds of life-changing activities which expand your horizons and arm you with vital life skills.

Our Levelling Up White Paper will set out a plan to spread opportunity to every corner of our country, making sure that we are harnessing the true potential of every community.

Phase one of the Youth Investment Fund is now open for applications, with £10 million for local youth services in urgent need, to expand the reach and range of services they offer and meet demand.

This funding includes being able to be used for IT equipment to assist with youth activities as well as capital improvements that will reduce overheads and running costs. Applications will be assessed by the BBC Children in Need charity.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, non-military uniformed youth groups and the #iwill Fund will also benefit from a transformative £22 million total injection across the three areas.

Part of this £22 million will allow The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, launched in 1956, to now be offered to every secondary state school in England for the first time. For young people aged 14 to 24 the DofE teaches them new skills, provides opportunities to carry out volunteering in their communities as well as go on expeditions. It will contribute towards helping schools that may have previously faced barriers to taking part, such as not being able to afford clothing or kit for outdoor expeditions, or less choice in the extra-curricular activities available nearby.

The £22 million will also enable uniformed youth groups such as Scouts and Guides to tackle waiting lists so teenagers are no longer turned away, creating around 24,000 more places with the help of more adult volunteers. In addition, the #iwill Fund will be able to continue getting young people involved in social action projects, which is expected to trigger tens of thousands of new volunteering opportunities.

The National Youth Guarantee will also see the National Citizen Service (NCS) receive £171 million over the next three years to provide thousands more young people from all backgrounds with opportunities to become ‘world ready and work ready’.

The Government absolutely recognises the impact of the pandemic on young people’s lives, so in response to this the NCS has agreed to provide a year round offer that supports young people’s mental wellbeing and helps them to develop life skills that improve their confidence and employability.

Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Civil Society, said:

Improving accessibility is a key priority for this Government, and today’s announcement plays an important role in doing so for young people.

With The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award being offered to every secondary state school in England, I want to encourage young people to take part in this fantastic opportunity.

I also look forward to seeing up to 300 new and refurbished youth centres significantly enriching the lives of young people across the country.

The National Youth Guarantee follows the completion of a review of DCMS spending on out-of-school youth programmes. The review, which was announced in 2020 and has engaged around 6,000 young people and 175 youth sector organisations, has found that:

• The Covid-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact upon young people – their mental health and wellbeing has declined, with anxiety levels at a 12 year high – and they have seen the largest increase in unemployment of all age groups.
• Youth services are a vital part of the response to these challenges, delivering benefits for wellbeing and employability skills.
• Going forward, young people would like the Government to prioritise regular clubs and activities, adventurous trips, and support to volunteer in their local communities.

The government listened to those young people and created the new National Youth Guarantee, which will ensure that long term Government spending on youth programmes is focused on supporting young people’s mental wellbeing and developing skills for life and work. In response to feedback from youth organisations, it will work to ensure the Government’s youth funding is coordinated, levels up accessibility across every region, so that no young person is left behind as the nation recovers from the pandemic.

Mark Gifford, CEO of NCS, said:

We welcome today’s announcement which we believe will offer greater opportunities to young people across the country – in particular, to those teens who are in most need of a ‘leg up’. This funding commitment is about investing in our country’s future talent, helping them to become ‘our next greatest generation’.

NCS is all about helping young people to become world ready and work ready, grow in confidence and resilience, and give back to their communities. We look forward to continuing to deliver our vision of ‘a country of connected, confident, and caring citizens where everyone feels at home’.

Angela Salt, CEO of Girlguiding said:

This much-needed investment is essential as we emerge from a pandemic which has devastated youth organisations membership and finances, as well as negatively impacting young people’s mental health and opportunities. It is a long-awaited and welcome recognition that youth services have a vital role to play in levelling up across the UK.

As the largest youth organisation for girls and young women, Girlguiding hopes it will be the beginning of sustainable investment in the youth sector which will mean we can extend our excellent offer for girls and young women, end waiting lists and bring on board many more volunteers to make guiding happen. We know that now is the time to invest in young people’s wellbeing, confidence and opportunities.

Matt Hyde, CEO of Scouts said:

Every week, Scouts gives almost half a million young people the skills they need for the job interview, the important speech, the tricky challenge and the big dreams: the skills they need for life. This funding can help even more young people learn these through Scouts.

We welcome young people and adults from all backgrounds, so we are really pleased that Government is committing to ensuring greater equality so that every young person in England can do regular out of school activities, have adventures away from home and get the chance to volunteer.

Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said:

We are delighted that the government has recognised the amazing difference opportunities outside the classroom can make to young people’s lives, and that it is investing to make sure they are accessible to all young people.

Young people face an uncertain future and, now more than ever, need support to develop the vital skills, confidence and resilience they will need to thrive in the years ahead. This investment will help us give tens of thousands more young people the chance to do their DofE, including those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

Simon Antrobus, CEO of BBC Children in Need said:

We’re delighted to have been selected to deliver the Youth Investment Fund Phase 1 and encourage organisations across England to apply.

The funding can be used for small-scale capital projects so this could be anything from providing new laptops to a youth group for young people living in an area of disadvantage, or providing a new minibus for a youth club so they can keep children and young people safe and extend activities beyond their local area.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The £378 million Youth Investment Fund comprises capital and resource funding.

• Further details on the £10 million portion of the Youth Investment Fund being made available immediately

• Further details on the list of places eligible for the Youth Investment Fund

• The Government has invested in the NCS Programme for more than 10 years, during which more than 600,000 young people have taken part – teaching life skills, improving confidence and boosting employability.

• The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is currently offered in nearly three-quarters of English state schools, as well as through youth and uniform groups, sports clubs, hospitals, charities, young offenders’ institutions, Pupil Referral Units and alternative provision.

• In 2020, its own research found evidence of the positive benefits on participants’ mental health and wellbeing, with 62% saying they agreed that taking part in the Award made them more confident with overcoming difficult situations.

• There is also evidence to support the impact of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on young people’s resilience, self-belief and sense of agency, their social and employment related skills such as teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving, and the knock-on benefits to their academic attainment and employability.

• The full findings of the Government’s review of public spending on out-of-school youth programmes

• The National Youth Guarantee builds on a range of measures the Government has used to support young people outside of school since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Examples include:

• More than £12 billion given to local authorities this year, who have a statutory duty to allocate funding to youth services in line with local needs.

• £2 billion in funding provided to help young people into employment through the Kickstart Scheme, which is providing a vital leg up in the world of work for young people who need it.

• £200 million invested in early intervention and prevention support initiatives, to support children and young people at risk of exploitation and involvement in serious violence, through the Youth Endowment Fund.

• £90 million released from dormant accounts to support charities including those tackling youth unemployment.

• £85 million of the Government’s £750 million package of support for charities specifically provided to match fund youth organisations working with vulnerable children and young people through the pandemic via the DCMS Community Match Challenge, including Onside Youth Zones,The Scouts Association, Girlguiding, and UK Youth.

• A £16.5 million Youth Covid Support Fund has provided emergency funding to protect the immediate future of 550 youth services across the country.

• The youth sector has also had access to hundreds of millions of pounds of support this year through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and other cross economy support schemes.