New protections for UK businesses key to national security and fight against coronavirus

Press release

New protections will be introduced to further safeguard the national security and resilience of the UK.

Changes to Enterprise Act 2002 will protect UK businesses critical to combating coronavirus and future public health emergencies
Extension of existing powers to protect companies and technologies which are key to national security

Changes to the Enterprise Act 2002, being laid before Parliament on Monday 22 June 2020, will allow the government to scrutinise certain foreign takeovers to ensure they do not threaten the UK’s ability to combat a public health emergency such as coronavirus.

The economic disruption caused by the pandemic may mean that some businesses with critical capabilities are more susceptible to takeovers – either from outwardly hostile approaches, or financially distressed companies being sold to malicious parties.

These new powers will enable the government to intervene if a business that is directly involved in a pandemic response, for example, a vaccine research company or personal protective equipment manufacturer – finds itself the target of a takeover.

In addition, these changes will expand powers to scrutinise and intervene in mergers in 3 sectors of the economy central to national security – artificial intelligence, cryptographic authentication technology and advanced materials – by lowering the thresholds that must be met before such scrutiny can take place.

This follows the introduction of powers in 2018 allowing the government to intervene in military products and technologies normally used for civilian purposes but which may have military applications, computing hardware, and quantum technology.

Secretary of State for Business, Alok Sharma commented:

To better protect the country’s resilience to Covid-19 we are taking steps now to mitigate against public health emergencies.

These measures will strike the right balance between the UK’s national security and resilience while maintaining our world-leading position as an attractive place to invest – the UK is open for investment, but not for exploitation.

These powers will send an important signal to those seeking to take advantage of those struggling as a result of the pandemic that the UK government is prepared to act where necessary to protect our national security.

These latest changes to the Enterprise Act are intended to mitigate risks in the short term ahead of more comprehensive powers in the forthcoming National Security and Investment (NS&I) Bill.

Notes to editors

The Enterprise Act 2002 allows the UK government to intervene in mergers and takeovers on 4 specified public interest considerations; national security, media plurality, financial stability, and now to combat a public health emergency.
The government has intervened on public interest grounds under the EA02 on 20 occasions: 12 on national security grounds, 7 on media plurality and once on financial stability.
No transaction has ever been blocked in public interest grounds.
The public health emergency Statutory Instrument will be laid on Monday 22 June 2020 and will come into force on Tuesday 23 June 2020.
The Statutory Instrument to lower the thresholds for artificial intelligence, advanced materials and cryptographic authentication will be laid on Monday 22 June 2020 but will not come into force until both Houses of Parliament have debated and approved it.

Published 21 June 2020

Nation pays tribute to the Windrush Generation and their descendants

Communities across the country are getting ready to mark national Windrush Day on June 22
The second national day of celebration is backed by a £500,000 Windrush Day Grant Scheme overseen by a panel of community representatives.
Theatre productions, concerts, exhibitions and lectures will all be available free online

On Monday 22 June 2020, the nation will pay tribute to the outstanding and ongoing contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.

With online lectures and readings, cooking classes, and theatrical and musical events, the country will recognise how British Caribbean communities have changed our society for the better.

Building on the success of the inaugural national Windrush Day last year, 49 projects across the country were awarded funding to mark Windrush Day 2020 and commemorate the seminal moment 72 years ago when the Empire Windrush arrived at the port of Tilbury.

Many of the government funded projects have been adapted due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and will now take place online.

The majority of projects to celebrate and recognise the arrival of the Windrush Generation and their contribution from theatre productions to exhibitions to lectures are now being delivered online. These include:

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

Britain would not be the strong and vibrant nation it is today without the immeasurable contributions that the Windrush Generation have made to our country.

These are men and women who built their lives and made their home here in Britain, enriching all spheres of our society as a result.

From supporting and leading community networks and public services, to elevating our arts and culture, this generation has contributed so much to our society and our economy.

I also want to say a deep and heartfelt thanks to all those working in our NHS, councils and all other key sectors – including children and relatives from the Windrush generation.

You are the true heroes working on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus: a battle that we are winning thanks to your efforts.

Wherever you are in the country I’d encourage you to share in the celebrations and enjoy the range of thought-provoking materials online, marking the day in a way that it so deserves from your home.

Faith Minister Lord Greenhalgh said:

Windrush Day is a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the huge contribution made by those who first stepped ashore at Tilbury docks more than 70 years ago.

They came to rebuild the nation following the war and they and their descendants have continued to enrich social, economic, political and religious life ever since.

The 22 June 1948 was a pivotal event in our national story and Windrush Day keeps their legacy alive for future generations, ensuring that we all understand the diversity of Britain’s history.

Chief Executive of The Voice Newspaper and Windrush Day Advisory Panel Member Paulette Simpson, said:

We are living in extraordinary times, but the commitment and effort shown by community groups around the country to adapt and adjust their plans to ensure Windrush Day 2020 is acknowledged and celebrated is both inspiring and heart-warming.

It clearly demonstrates the depth of feeling that exists for the Windrush Generation and their descendants and all they have contributed and continue to contribute to British Society – and that’s to say nothing of the great resilience and fortitude they showed.

With each passing year, Windrush Day becomes more firmly embedded in the national consciousness. It might not be a Windrush Day like we saw last year, but it will remain a Windrush Day honoured by a community fiercely proud of their heritage, and a day that provides an opportunity for us all to celebrate our shared culture and heritage.

Other plans for the lead up to Windrush Day and on the day itself include:

The National Theatre’s epic production of Andrea Levy’s Orange Prize-winning novel, Small Island, filmed live during its sold-out run in 2019, is streaming for free with National Theatre at Home.
A ‘celebrate at home’ art and activities pack hosted on the Voice newspaper online including:
A playlist of the 10 most important Windrush related records developed by leading black music expert and cultural commentator, Lloyd Bradley.
Album covers for colouring in/window decoration
Empire Windrush colouring in poster, and Windrush Day branded posters.
Residents across Lambeth, London are being encouraged to join in the singing of a special recording of You Can Get It If You Really Want It, first performed by Desmond Dekker at 10:27am, representing the arrival of 1,027 people on the original Empire Windrush.

Windrush Day

In June 2018, the government announced an annual Windrush Day to encourage communities across the country to commemorate the Windrush story on Windrush Day and throughout the year.

The national celebration is backed by a £500,000 Windrush Day Grant Scheme overseen by a Windrush Day Advisory Panel of community representatives.

Launched in October 2019, the Windrush Day Grant Scheme received over 200 bids for funding from community groups, charities and local authorities across England.

This year’s successful bids came from across the country from Bristol to Birmingham and Leicester to Leeds indicating the breadth of enthusiasm in communities across the country to mark Windrush Day 2020.

Windrush Generation

Windrush Day marks the anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury, near London, on 22 June 1948. The arrival of the Empire Windrush nearly 72 years ago marked a seminal moment in Britain’s history and has come to represent the rich diversity of this nation.

Those who arrived on the Empire Windrush, their descendants and those who followed them have made and continue to make an enormous contribution to Britain, not just in the vital work of rebuilding the country and public services following World War 2 but in enriching our shared social, economic, cultural and religious life.

Overcoming great sacrifice and hardship, the Windrush Generation and their descendants have gone on to lead the field across public life, in business, the arts and sport. Britain would be much diminished without their contribution.

Further information

The MV Empire Windrush docked at the Port of Tilbury on 21 June 1948. However, passengers disembarked a day later on 22 June 1948 – hence why this has come to be known as Windrush Day.

Chancellor urges nation to support their high streets

News story

Rishi Sunak urges the nation to back their high street and shop safely.

The Chancellor standing at a shop entrance.

Chancellor visits retailers reopening their doors in Yorkshire to see measures being taken to keep staff and customers safe
the retail sector overall employs more people than any other sector, meaning high streets will be vital as the country recovers from the virus

The Chancellor urged the nation to get behind their high streets today (20 June) as he met business owners who are opening their doors for the first time in more than two months. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said getting the public back out shopping safely would be crucial in kick-starting the economy and encouraged people across the country to support their local high street. More than 10 million people live within 200 metres of a high street.

During a visit to Northallerton High Street in North Yorkshire, he saw first-hand how local businesses, including a department store, florist and cycle shop, have put measures in place to protect customers and staff. He also heard about the many challenges they had faced and how the government’s package of support has helped them during the outbreak.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said:

Our much-loved high streets are a cornerstone of the British way of life, providing jobs up and down the country. At this critical moment in our country’s history, it’s essential that we show them our support as they open their doors again.

It’s going to take a national effort to help the economy recover from the virus. So, I urge people across the country to back local business and shop safely.

As well as the job retention scheme, which has protected more than 9 million jobs, the government has introduced a range of other measures to support people and businesses through the pandemic, including bounce back loans, tax deferrals and business rates holidays.

Published 20 June 2020

Call for proposals: International Programme Fund 2020/21

Background

We are facing the biggest public health emergency in a generation. The COVID-19 challenge is global, and the UK is committed to a coordinated international response. We will be working together with governments, civil society, research-based organisations, and multilateral partners to support this global effort. The British Embassy Podgorica International Programme Fund supports projects aimed at COVID-19 response in Montenegro.

The Embassy calls for a new round of concept submissions for the current financial year (ending February 2021). We seek project proposals in line with the following objectives and priority areas.

Our aim

We are interested in project proposals that aim to deliver in the following areas and specifically support the COVID-19 response in Montenegro:

Economic and socio-economic response, transparency or recovery;
Promotion and protection of fundamental rights with regard to the epidemiological situation;
Science, technology and innovation response;
Health response, including vaccination, but excluding purchase of PPE and medical equipment for the treatment of COVID19.

Grants are awarded to civil society and local non-governmental organisations that have a proven record of accomplishment of implementation and delivery of projects in Montenegro.

Quality criteria

Irrespective of the project priority area, all projects must meet the following quality criteria:

Sustainability of the project’s results

The impact of a project should last beyond the life of the project itself. Applicants must clearly state which of the project outputs / outcomes are sustainable beyond the life of the project and how this will this be achieved in the course of the project.

Buy-in of the key beneficiaries / stakeholders of the project

An analysis of the project beneficiaries/stakeholders should be carried out during the preparation of a project, including consultations with the key beneficiaries / stakeholders. It should be clearly stated in the project proposal who the key beneficiaries / stakeholders of the future project are and the level of their support and buy-in to the project. We may require documentary evidence of this support.

Risk assessment

Project implementers need to demonstrate clearly how they would mitigate potential risks to project delivery. The aim is not to discourage high-risk projects, but to provide assurance that risk is systematically managed and properly escalated.

Timing

To apply for this funding, interested organisations must submit a project proposal and a completed activity based budget to the Embassy’s Project Section.

Project bids are required by 23:59 (Central European Time) on 5th of July 2020, sent by email which does not exceed 5MB in size.

Forms

Please use our standard Project proposal form and an Activity based budget Form.

All emails will be followed up by an automated system response, confirming your application has been received.

Management

Minimum size of the project proposals that are reviewed is 4,000 EUR, and the maximum size of the project proposals is 30,000 EUR. Co-funded projects are welcome.

The British Embassy Podgorica expects projects to commence in August / September 2020. Deadline for project completion is 1st of February 2021. We regret that we are unable to fund academic courses or research. If you would like some advice or guidance in advance of submitting the bids, please contact the Embassy’s Project Section.

Proposals will be assessed against the British Embassy’s priorities in Montenegro, and depend upon the funds availability. Only successful bidders will be contacted. Projects section will aim to contact all successful bidders by mid-July 2020.

Approval, contract and reporting

If the project is approved, the applicant will be given two copies of the contract, outlining the conditions of the grant. One signed copy must be returned to the British Embassy Podgorica.

The Embassy will require periodic financial reports and quarterly project progress reports from implementers. The first payment will be made upon the receipt of monthly financial report. When the project has been completed the implementer shall prepare and send a final report to the Embassy within the period specified in the contract.

If you would like some advice or guidance in advance of submitting the bids, please contact the Embassy’s Project Section.

RAF Fighter Jets, Surveillance and Refuelling aircraft have been in action across Europe this week in support of NATO allies

During the early morning of 15 June, Typhoons from RAF Coningsby met up with two US Ai Force (USAF) B-52 bombers off the North of Scotland as they arrived from their base in the USA to conduct a long-range strategic training mission in the annual NATO BALTOPs exercise in the Baltic region.

The Typhoons welcomed the B-52s as they entered UK airspace and then escorted them across the North Sea as they were refuelled by USAF KC-135 tankers from RAF Mildenhall. The Typhoons from XI(F) Sqn were supported by a Voyager tanker from RAF Brize Norton, with coordination being provided by RAF Sentry and Sentinel aircraft from RAF Waddington.

As the B-52s from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota left Danish airspace, they conducted additional training with French Mirage 2000 and then RAF Typhoon jets from the Baltic Air Policing mission as they flew over Latvia and Estonia.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

NATO remains the best guarantor of our collective security and we continue to stand alongside our allies in the Baltics. That is why, despite the ongoing pandemic, the RAF’s participation in this multinational exercise is vital for enhancing Allied capabilities and demonstrating our combined strength.

The following day Typhoons from the RAF Lossiemouth based 6 Sqn deployed in Lithuania, switched from the BALTOPS exercise to intercept a SU-24 Fencer E and two SU-35 Flanker M Russian aircraft operating off the Baltic coast. This was followed on the 18 June by another Typhoon scramble to deter and intercept a Russian IL-20 COOT A intelligence gathering aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

Wing Commander Stu Gwinnett, the 135 Expeditionary Air Wing commander that is carrying out the NATO Air Policing mission said:

This weeks missions have highlighted the flexibility of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission; whether it’s working with the US Bomber Task Force or reacting to live Baltic airspace incursions, we are ready to react. This is a testament to the flexibility, training and professionalism of the deployed RAF personnel here in Lithuania and our ability to work with our NATO partners.

Reflecting on the air activity this week Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, the Chief of the Air Staff said:

In a week that has been a painful reminder of the dangers of what we do, we have also demonstrated air and space power on a global scale, operating at range, at speed, and precisely. Royal Air Force command and control, surveillance, refuelling and fighter aircraft working alongside our NATO allies, patrolling our skies and protecting our shared freedom.