HM Government

Prime Minister Theresa May met with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and discussed free trade, security and Iran.

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister hosted Prime Minister Netanyahu at Downing Street today for their first bilateral meeting and a working lunch.

In their discussions, the Prime Ministers committed to working together to build on our longstanding relationship and the strong ties that already exist between our 2 countries in a wide range of areas, from trade and investment, to innovation and technology, and defence and security.

They discussed their shared belief in free trade and agreed to establish a new UK-Israel Trade Working Group to continue the progress we have seen in our burgeoning trade and investment relationship, and to prepare the ground for a post-Brexit trade agreement. It was noted that Lord Price will visit Israel soon to take this forward. They also discussed opportunities to increase investment in research and development and technology, and strengthen partnerships in these areas between our governments, universities and businesses.

They talked about the important work we do together on intelligence-sharing and cyber-security, and committed to talk further about how we can deepen this co-operation, to help keep our people safe.

They also discussed a number of international issues. On Iran, the Prime Minister was clear that the nuclear deal is vital and must be properly enforced and policed, while recognising concerns about Iran’s pattern of destabilising activity in the region. They also talked about the Middle East Peace Process and the UK’s firm commitment to a 2-state solution as the best way to bring stability and peace to the region. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s opposition to settlement activity.

As we prepare to mark 100 years since the Balfour Declaration, the Prime Minister underlined that Britain remains a close and firm friend of Israel and reiterated our support for Jewish communities in the UK. She invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to attend events taking place in the UK to mark the anniversary in November, as a Guest of Government. He also invited her to visit him in Israel.

Organisations can apply for a share of £6 million to investigate new ways of using data to improve decision-making in defence.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has up to £3 million to invest in innovative new technologies, processes and ways of operating that improve the ability of defence staff to analyse and exploit data in decision-making.

A further £3 million could be invested to develop the best ideas in a second phase of the competition.

The MOD is seeking solutions in 3 challenge areas:

• rapid and automated integration of new sensors
• freeing up personnel by the innovative use of machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence for military advantage
• effective use of operator cognitive capacity, particularly by human-machine teaming

The MoD is making more and more use of sensors. This means there is an increasingly large volume of complex data available to military operators and decision-makers.

It needs to increase its ability to analyse data and quickly use it to make informed and effective decisions.

This funding competition is part of SBRI (the Small Business Research Initiative). A first phase seeks initial ideas. Winners of phase 1 funding will compete in a second phase to develop the idea further.

The competition will also see projects split between a fast track and standard track approach. The aim is to achieve greater pace but also to allow smaller companies and low maturity solutions to take part.

• the competition is open, and the deadline for phase 1 proposals is midday on 21 March 2017
• SBRI is open to any organisation, and projects will attract 100% funded development contracts
• phase 1 fast track projects could attract up to £150,000 and are expected to last up to 3 months
• phase 1 standard track projects could attract up to £100,000 and are expected to last up to 6 months
• briefing events for potential applicants will be held on 23 February 2017 and 27 February 2017

A new trio of safety measures is being installed on Norfolk’s main trunk road this month.

The improvements, to the A47 Acle Straight as the road passes through The Broads, are due to begin on Monday 13 February, and come ahead of consultations into major upgrades elsewhere on the A47 that will start in the spring.

The safety work taking place this month consists of:

• improving traffic signs, road markings and kerb alignment at the A47 and A1064 roundabout
• improving warning signs, road markings, and hazard posts at farm accesses around Wherryman’s Way
• improving advance direction and warning signs at the Halvergate junction

Highways England project sponsor Steve Cox said:

Highways England is committed to improving driver safety across all of our roads, and the work we are doing on the A47 show that safety is our priority both in Norfolk and across the East of England. We believe these safety measures will deliver real benefits to help address a history of collisions on this stretch of road and right turns at the Halvergate junction.

Highways England is delivering £15 billion of Government investment between 2015 and 2020 to improve England’s trunk roads and motorways, including £400 million worth improvements on the A47.

This will include:

• dualling of the A47 between Norwich and Dereham
• improving the A11 and A47 Thickthorn junction
• dualling the A47 between Norwich and the Acle Straight
• improving junctions throughout Great Yarmouth, including reconstructing the Vauxhall roundabout

There will be six weeks of consultations on these works for the public to share their views on this work will be taking place shortly, with details to follow.

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