News story: Defence Secretary meets Apprentices working on nuclear submarines as new Training Facility announced

BAE Systems announced today that the new training facility will provide a tailored learning environment for an estimated 1,000 craft and technical apprentices currently in training.

Mr Fallon met apprentices working in a range of areas, and toured the Devonshire Dock Hall where Audacious, Anson and Agamemnon, the fourth, fifth and sixth of seven Astute class nuclear-powered submarines, are under construction.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

This investment demonstrates the benefits that our growing defence budget brings for highly skilled jobs in the North West and across the country.

It will ensure we have people with the skills necessary to deliver one of the most complex programmes in the world that will help modernise our fleet of nuclear submarines.

Apprentices at BAE Systems already work on our cutting-edge Astute Submarines, the most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, as well the Dreadnought Programme, the new fleet of four Dreadnought Ballistic Missile submarines that will carry our nuclear deterrent.

The new modern facility is due to open next year and will include a teaching block, classrooms, offices, craft workshops and welfare facilities. It is planned that the facility will include to-scale ‘submarine mock-up sections’ which will allow apprentices to gain hands-on experience in a controlled environment and help them develop skills working to the tolerances required to build submarines.

Following a £1.3 billion investment by Defence, construction has started on the Dreadnought submarines. Backed by a rising Defence budget and £178 billion equipment programme, both Astute and Dreadnought programmes secure thousands of highly skilled jobs in Barrow and right across the UK.

Tony Johns, Managing Director of BAE Systems Submarines, said:

The design and build of a nuclear-powered submarine is one of the world’s most complex and technically demanding engineering challenges. It’s vital we have right people with the right skills to deliver these programmes and this investment underlines our commitment to the future. The new facility will provide a modern learning environment to supplement the training our apprentices already receive.

The MOD is committed to delivering more high quality apprenticeships and work experience for young people right across Defence, and encouraging our industry partners to do the same. As the largest provider of apprenticeships in the UK, the MOD successfully completes more than 10,000 apprenticeships a year and we are setting a target to deliver 50,000 military apprenticeships during this parliament.

Whilst in Barrow, the Secretary of State also visited Allan Webb Ltd, a specialist in Defence Technical Documentation and Supportability Engineering to review aspects of the support provided to the MOD. Allan Webb Ltd has a strong reputation in the Defence Sector for quality and innovation having over 50 years’ experience in the industry.

Allan Webb Ltd works in conjunction with BMT Defence Services, to increase the MOD’s capability with training and logistical support. BMT Defence Services has a strong reputation in the naval design market, having provided the winning designs for Royal Navy’s MARS Fleet Tanker, the Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carrier, and the Astute submarine

The Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said:

Allan Webb Ltd and BMT Defence Services operate a strong and efficient partnership that provides the MOD with world-leading service helping us to keep Britain safe.

During his visit, the Defence Secretary discussed the latest innovations in how technical equipment handbooks are produced for the MOD and the benefits of this modernisation in order to meet the needs of engineers across the Armed Forces.

Our work with companies of all sizes shows Defence’s determination to do its part to deliver a bold, long term Industrial Strategy that builds on our strengths and prepares the UK for the years ahead. We are working with SMEs and businesses of all kinds to innovate and build mutual security to ensure an economy that works for everyone. 

Defence investment supports high-wage, high-skills jobs across the UK and backed by our rising Defence budget, £178bn Equipment Plan, and £800m Innovation Initiative, we are delivering the jobs, apprenticeships, infrastructure, and economy of the future.

  • You can find out more about Continuous At Sea Deterrence here.
  • You can find out more about MOD Apprenticeships here.


News story: New Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation appointed

The Home Secretary has appointed Max Hill QC as the government’s new Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.

Mr Hill has been a QC for 9 years and has extensive experience both defending and prosecuting complex cases involving terrorism, homicide, violent crime, high value fraud and corporate crime. He successfully prosecuted the 21/7 bombers, and appeared in the inquest into the 7/7 bombings. Mr Hill takes over the role from David Anderson QC, who has held the post since 2011.

Welcoming the appointment, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said:

I am pleased to announce that Max Hill QC has been appointed as Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.

With the threat from terrorism continuing to evolve and diversify, it is vital we have robust oversight to ensure our counter-terrorism laws are fair, necessary and proportionate. Mr Hill brings a wealth of experience and legal expertise to help deliver this.

I am grateful to David Anderson QC for his service as Independent Reviewer and thank him for his considered reports and valuable analysis.

Max Hill QC said:

I am very pleased to have this opportunity, which comes at a time of heightened concern about the risk from terrorism which we all face in the UK. As a practising barrister with experience in both counter-terrorism and the rights of citizens facing allegations of serious crime, I look forward to working with participants at all levels and from all sides.

As part of his role, Mr Hill will be required to provide an annual report on his findings, which the government must lay before Parliament and publish. He will begin his tenure on 1 March 2017.



Press release: Planned roadworks in and around the M25: weekly summary for Monday 20 February to Sunday 26 February 2017

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 17 February 2017 but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

M1 junction 6a (M25), Hertfordshire: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing will start this week. The dedicated link road from the M1 southbound to the M25 in both directions will be closed in both directions, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 February for 5 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M1 southbound to junction 6 and the A405 to M25 junction 21a.

M3 junctions 2 (M25) to 4a Farnborough, Hampshire: smart motorway improvement

Work to reduce congestion and improve journey times continues this week with narrow lanes a 50mph speed limit in place on both carriageways between junctions 2 and 4a, with a free recovery service operating 24 hours a day.

The southbound carriageway between junctions 2 and 4a will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 February for 5 nights. Work on Saturday morning will finish at 7am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13, A30 and the A327 to M3 junction 4a.

The northbound carriageway between junctions 4 and 2 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 February for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A331, A30, M25 junction 13 and M25 junction 12.

The northbound exit slip road at junction 4a will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 February for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 4 and the A30.

The northbound carriageway between junctions 4a and 2 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Wednesday 22 February for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A327, A30, M25 junction 13 and M25 junction 12.

M4 junction 4, Heathrow Airport, Greater London: drainage survey

Work to maintain safety by carrying out drainage surveys will start this week. The westbound exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Wednesday 22 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 5 and return.

The westbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Thursday 23 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 3 and return.

M4 junction 4b (M25), Greater London: drainage survey

Work to maintain safety by carrying out drainage surveys continues this week. The dedicated link road from the M4 westbound to the M25 in both directions will be closed overnight, between 11pm and 5am, on Friday 24 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 5 and return.

M11 junction 6 (M25), Essex: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing will start this week. The dedicated link road from the M11 southbound to the M25 anti-clockwise will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 February for 5 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 28 and return.

M25 junction 2 (A2), Kent: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Saturday 25 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 1a and return.

M25 junction 3 Swanley, Kent: vegetation clearance

Work to maintain safety by carrying out vegetation clearance will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am from Wednesday 22 February for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via junction 2 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via junction 4 and return.

M25 junction 4 Orpington, Kent: vegetation clearance

Work to maintain safety by carrying out vegetation clearance will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 11pm and 6am on Friday 24 Feburary. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 3 and return.

M25 junction 10 (A3), Surrey: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 February for 2 nights, and between 11pm and 6am on Friday 24 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 9 and return.

M25 junctions 10 (A3) to 11 Chertsey, Surrey: bridge joint replacement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out bridge joint replacement on the structure that carries the M25 over the River Wey and the South West Trains railway line continues this week. The clockwise carriageway will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 8am, on Saturday 25 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A3, A245, A320 and the A317.

M25 junction 12 (M3), Surrey: smart motorway improvement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out smart motorway improvement continues this week. The dedicated link roads from the M25 in both directions to the M3 southbound will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 February for 5 nights. Work on Saturday morning will finish at 7am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13, A30 and the A327 to M3 junction 4a.

The dedicated link road from the M25 clockwise to the M3 northbound will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 February for 3 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13 and return.

M25 junction 19 (A41), Hertfordshire: electrical repair

Work to maintain safety by carrying out electrical repairs will start this week. The clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Monday 20 February for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 20 and the A41.

M25 junction 20 Hunton Bridge, Hertfordshire: electrical repair

Work to maintain safety by carrying out electrical repairs will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 11pm and 5am, on Friday 24 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via junction 18 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via junction 21a and return.

M25 junction 21a St Albans, Hertfordshire: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing will start this week. The anti-clockwise carriageway between the slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Monday 20 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the M25 via the exit and entry slip roads.

M25 junction 21 (M1), Hertfordshire: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing will start this week. The dedicated link road from the M25 anti-clockwise to the M1 northbound carriageway will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Monday 20 February. A clearly signed pre-diversion will be in place via M25 junction 21a, A405 and M1 junction 6.

M25 junctions 25 Enfield to 26 Waltham Abbey, Essex: tunnel maintenance

Work to test and maintain the Holmesdale Tunnel safety systems continues this week. The clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Wednesday 22 February for 4 consecutive nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 24 and return.

M25 junction 31 Lakeside, Essex: technology installation

Work to maintain safety by carrying out technology installation will start this week. The clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Wednesday 22 February for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 30 and return.

A2 Dartford Heath, Kent: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing will start this week. The eastbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 20 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via M25 junction 2 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via the Black Prince Interchange.

The westbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Tuesday 21 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via the Black Prince Interchange and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via M25 junction 2 and return.

A3 Esher, Surrey: litter clearance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out litter clearance will start this week. The southbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 20 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via the Painshill junction and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via the Tolworth junction and return.

The northbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Tuesday 21 February. A clearly signed diversion for the exit slip road will be in place via the Tolworth junction and return. A clearly signed diversion for the entry slip road will be in place via the Painshill junction and return.

A3 Painshill, Surrey: litter clearance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out litter clearance will start this week. The southbound exit and entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Wednesday 22 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via M25 junction 10 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via the Esher junction and return.

The northbound exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Thursday 23 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the Esher junction and return.

A3 (M25), Surrey: litter clearance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out litter clearance will start this week. The northbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Thursday 23 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the Ockham junction and return.

The southbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 11pm and 6am, on Friday 24 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via the Ockham junction and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via the Painshill junction and return.

A13 (M25) to (A1012), Essex: technology testing

Work to maintain safety by carrying out technology testing continues this week. The A13 eastbound between the M25 and the A1012 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Monday 20 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the dedicated link road between junction 30 and 31, A1306 and the A1012.

A13 (A1012) to (A1306), Essex: technology testing

Work to maintain safety by carrying out technology testing continues this week. The A13 westbound between North Stifford and Wennington will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Monday 20 February and Wednesday 22 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A1012, M25 junction 31 and the A1306.

A13 (A1306) to (A1012), Essex: technology testing

Work to maintain safety by carrying out technology testing continues this week. The A13 eastbound between the Wennington and North Stifford will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Thursday 23 February for 2 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A1306, M25 junction 31, A1306 and A1012.

A282 (M25) Dartford – Thurrock Crossing: maintenance

Work to improve journeys at the Dartford Crossing continues this week. The following closures will be in place with fully signed diversions in place during the northbound east tunnel closures for oversized vehicles:

  • Monday 20 February (9pm to 5.30am) northbound west tunnel
  • Tuesday 21 February (9pm to 5.30am) northbound west tunnel
  • Wednesday 22 February (9pm to 5.30am) northbound west tunnel
  • Thursday 23 February (9pm to 5.30am) northbound west tunnel
  • Friday 24 February (9pm to 5.30am) northbound east tunnel
  • Saturday 25 February (9pm to 5.30am) northbound west tunnel
  • Sunday 26 February (9pm to 5.30am) northbound east tunnel

The QEII Bridge will have three (of four) lanes closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 February for 5 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm.

A282 junction 1a Swanscombe, Kent: tunnel maintenance

Work to maintain safety by carrying out tunnel maintenance continues this week. The northbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 5.30am from Monday 20 February for 4 nights and on Saturday 25 February. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A282 southbound to junction 1b and return.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.



Press release: Defined benefit green paper to look at the security and sustainability of the sector

Member protection, funding and investment, scheme affordability and consolidation will be reviewed as part of the consultation.

The government will also consider strengthened powers for The Pensions Regulator.

The green paper will be a wide ranging call for evidence from employers, the pensions industry and consumers.

Background

Defined benefit schemes, many of which are also known as ‘final salary pensions’, are an important pillar of the UK economy and our pensions system. Currently, around 11 million members in the UK will rely on a defined benefit scheme for all or part of their retirement income and defined benefit pensions hold around £1.5 trillion of assets.

Increased life expectancy, changes to working patterns and the economy mean that defined benefit schemes are operating in very different circumstances from when they first became popular.

The purpose of the green paper

The government is committed to a system that works for employers, schemes and the 11 million people who are in a defined benefit scheme.

The green paper will consider the powers of The Pensions Regulator and encourage a debate about striking the right balance between the needs and aspirations of sponsoring employers, members, the Pension Protection Fund, and the wider economy to ensure that no one group is unfairly disadvantaged.

Minister for Pensions, Richard Harrington, said:

People need to have confidence in their pension and it is vital that they feel that they are secure. With recent high profile cases highlighting the risks inherent in defined benefit pensions, we want to ensure that these important pension schemes remain sustainable for the future and that the right protections are in place for members.

Over the coming months we’ll be working closely with the pensions industry, employers and scheme members to see what more can be done to increase confidence in defined benefit pensions.

While there is no evidence of a systematic issue, the government recognises that recent high profile cases have raised concerns regarding pensions and is looking to improve confidence in the sector and hear from a wide range of experts, employers and consumers about what action or support could be put in place.

The green paper looks at a range of issues that have been raised by various stakeholders. In particular it focuses on 4 key areas so that we can start to build consensus on whether we may want to reform the current system. They are:

  • funding and investment

  • scheme affordability

  • member protection

  • consolidation.

Media enquiries for this press release – 0203 267 5117

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News story: Commercialisation of quantum technologies: apply for funding

Businesses can win a share of £14 million to either develop quantum technology prototypes or establish technical or market feasibility.

Innovate UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) are inviting business to apply for a share of up to £14 million to develop quantum technologies.

Quantum technologies have the potential to significantly improve imaging and computing. We predict they will have a major impact on the finance, defence, aerospace, energy and telecommunications sectors.

The competition aims to encourage collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects and feasibility studies that will either:

  • develop prototype devices and demonstrators of quantum technologies or their component technologies
  • improve the understanding of the technical, business or market challenges of taking a new device or service to market

There are 2 streams of the competition to support technologies at different stages of development.

Feasibility studies

This competition strand is seeking collaborative feasibility studies that will improve understanding of the technical or market feasibility of a product or service. Projects can be technical or non-technical projects and focus on understanding the business or market opportunity and challenges. They should last between 6 and 12 months with costs from £50,000 to £500,000.

Collaborative R&D

Projects in the collaborative research and development strand should be challenge-led. We are looking to fund projects that produce prototype devices and demonstrators with a clear commercial application or market need. They should last between 12 and 18 months with costs from £500,000 to £2 million.

  • this competition is open and the deadline for registration is midday on Wednesday 29 March 2017
  • proposals must be collaborative and a UK-based business must lead the project
  • there will be briefing events for potential applicants in Edinburgh (21 February) and Birmingham (2 March)