HM Government

Earlier today I met with victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the volunteers and community leaders who are working so hard to help people rebuild their lives.

I wanted to listen to their concerns and reassure them personally that Government is there for them – and that everything possible will be done to help them through the hugely difficult days, weeks, months and years to come.

The response of the emergency services, NHS and the community has been heroic.

But, frankly, the support on the ground for families who needed help or basic information in the initial hours after this appalling disaster was not good enough.

I have heard the concerns and I have ordered immediate action across the board to help victims’ relatives and the survivors.

People lost everything in the fire and were left in only the clothes they were wearing.

I can confirm that a £5million emergency fund that I announced yesterday is now being distributed on the ground so people can buy clothes, food and other essentials. If more funding is required, it will be provided.

Residents rightly want to know when new housing will be provided. I have fixed a deadline of three weeks for everybody affected to be found a home nearby. I have today requested daily progress reports.

There have been huge frustrations that people do not know who to talk to, that they can’t get through on the council hotlines.

I have ordered that more staff be deployed across the area, wearing high visibility clothing, so they can easily be found, dispense advice and ensure the right support is provided. Phone lines will have more staff.

Victims have concerns their voice will not be heard, that their many questions about this tragedy will not be answered.

That is why I ordered a Public Inquiry, with the costs for providing victims with legal representation met by Government.

The inquiry will be open and transparent. Government and ministers will cooperate fully. I anticipate the name of the judge will be announced within the next few days and that an open meeting will be held with residents to help shape the terms of reference.

It has been decided today that the public inquiry will report back to me personally. As Prime Minister, I will be responsible for implementing its findings.

Understandably, those living in similar high rise blocks to Grenfell Tower also want answers.

I have ordered councils to complete urgent safety checks on all these buildings. If any further action is required, it will be taken.

After something this traumatic, many people will be in need of not just financial support, but also counselling. NHS London will provide that support.

I can also announce that NHS London will provide specialist long-term bereavement support for the families who have lost loved ones, and immediate psychological support is being provided by Cruse and Red Cross.

If other issues become apparent – if the victims need more help and support – I will make sure it is forthcoming.

The fire at Grenfell Tower was an unimaginable tragedy for the community, and for our country. My Government will do whatever it takes to help those affected, get justice and keep our people safe.

read more

Sir Michael Fallon agreed the joint vision statement – a commitment to strengthen co-operation in areas including hybrid and cyber warfare and counter-terrorism – with Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Minister of Defence for the Netherlands.

The agreement will include a pledge to work more closely across defence and security policy, intelligence and joint exercises. It will also see the exchange of personnel and work towards a UK-Netherlands Amphibious Force.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

Today, the UK has stepped up its relationship with the Netherlands – one of our closest and most reliable European allies. We have committed to working more closely to tackle common threats, from cyber security to terrorism, and will be united in our drive for the EU and NATO to work better together.

The UK is stepping forward not back from the global stage and will continue to defend our continent before and after Brexit.

The UK and Netherlands have a long history working together through the UN, NATO, Joint Expeditionary Force and, most recently, in the Counter Daesh Global Coalition. The Dutch have also committed a company of Marines to the UK-led NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (Land) this year.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Minister of Defence for the Netherlands said:

I very much value the strong military ties between the UK and the Netherlands. Clearly, our collective security is at stake, and I am convinced that we can only face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges by joining forces. We need each other more than ever. Military cooperation, either bilateral or within NATO-EU, is crucial in securing and safeguarding peace and stability at home and abroad.

Sir Michael and Dutch Minister of Defence Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met at Admiralty House after attending the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

read more

A number of Scots have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in her Birthday Honours list.

Congratulating them, Scottish Secretary David Mundell said:

In the centenary year of the Order of the British Empire, the Queen’s Birthday honours have recognised the achievements of a diverse and inspiring number of our fellow Scots. I congratulate each and every one of them

Billy Connolly’s knighthood celebrates a truly great Scot, the irrepressible ‘Big Yin’ who has entertained millions, but also his dedicated charity fundraising. He is an ambassador for both humour and humanity, and this recognition is richly deserved. Judy Murray’s OBE rewards her dedication and energy in inspiring future generations to play sport. Lorna Hood’s OBE recognises her exceptional and long service to the Church of Scotland, and promoting tolerance and understanding through the Remembering Srebrenica charity. Charles Skene’s CBE rewards his inspirational work supporting education and enterprise in north-east Scotland. Their awards are thoroughly deserved and I congratulate them all.

My congratulations, too, go to JK Rowling, someone who has made Scotland her home and who supports so many good causes here.

It is also fitting that Her Majesty has also recognised the many ‘unsung heroes’ of Scottish communities. The length and breadth of Scotland, an army of volunteers have shown unstinting dedication and selflessness, week in week out.

Glasgow University’s Professor Muscatelli received a knighthood, and Scottish Enterprise Chairman Robert Keiller a CBE. There are MBEs for Eunice Olumide (one of Scotland’s first black models), Mel Young (founder of the Homeless World Cup), and John Delaney (for services to the Teenage Cancer Trust). BME recipients include Paul James Breen for his work with the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Therapeutic Roof Garden, and Cara O’Donnell for her work with Glasgow-based charity SAMs.

Marking 100 years of the Order of the British Empire, the 2017 Honours List recognises 1,109 people, 74 per cent of who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity. That includes Helensburgh ‘lollipop lady’ Effie Walker, who received a British Empire Medal.

read more

Jonathan Lyle, Chief Executive of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).

Jonathan is recognised in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his exemplary contribution to defence science and engineering over the past 41 years.

As Chief Executive, Jonathan has been responsible for reshaping Dstl’s scientific capabilities to embrace and exploit new disruptive technologies. Through his leadership, dedication, drive and commitment, Dstl has achieved a reputation across government for delivering cutting-edge scientific and technology initiatives.

Jonathan said that his honour reflected the amazing work done by colleagues throughout his career:

I have had the privilege to work with so many talented and committed people. I am deeply honoured to have been recognised with the CB and really do feel this is a reflection of a combined team effort across the lab.

Chair of the Dstl Board Sir David Pepper added:

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with Jonathan; he is an exemplary leader, and epitomises the highest standard of public service. He has done an enormous amount for Dstl, and for the use of science and technology in the defence and security of the UK. This award rightly recognises his contribution, and I am delighted to congratulate him on his achievement.

Prior to taking up his current role in 2012, Jonathan worked in a number of roles including:

• Director of Helicopters at the Defence Equipment & Support
• Director of the College of Management and Technology
• Operations Director at the Defence Procurement Agency
• MOD’s Head of Profession for Science
• Head of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors

He has also worked in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Trade and Industry where he implemented a cross-government science and technology strategy.

Jonathan is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of both the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

He was educated at Kingswood School, Bath, the Royal Naval Engineering College, Plymouth, and University College London.

read more

I’m delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Those who work tirelessly and diligently in their communities are today seeing their names listed alongside luminaries from the worlds of the arts and sport, and they can be rightly proud of their achievements.

It is always so uplifting to hear of the good work being done by those honoured, and to see the positive difference they make to our nation. I am proud to add my thanks and congratulations to them all.

read more