Tag Archives: HM Government

Commenting on progress made since Hurricane Irma struck islands across the Caribbean including Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands on 7 September 2017, International Development Secretary Priti Patel said:

It was heart breaking to see the full extent of the devastation caused by the hurricanes; many homes were completely destroyed and families’ lives were torn apart.

As soon as the hurricanes hit, the UK responded by leading the relief effort and making sure emergency supplies went to those who were worst-hit.

We are already seeing signs of daily life getting back to normal – schools are re-opening, local economies are back up and running and the debris and wreckage is being cleared.

Our UK task force is now working with the governments of the Overseas Territories to help them get on with the vital reconstruction work and to make sure the islands are built back more resiliently than in the past, so a future hurricane won’t be as devastating.

Notes to editors

• Signs of early recovery are emerging as the islands prepare to get back up and running.
• The governments of the Overseas Territories are leading the recovery plans for the islands and a taskforce from the UK is working alongside them to assess immediate and early recovery needs and priorities.
• Anguilla is getting back to business and the UK has played an important role in supporting that process. DFID-supplied timber, corrugated iron and plywood helped schools to re-open on the island this week. The local economy is starting up again with most businesses back up and running. Banks are accessible, supermarkets are receiving stocks and hotels and restaurants are preparing for the upcoming tourism peak
• In Turks and Caicos debris has been cleared from neighbourhoods and airports repairs have been carried out. Repairs have been carried out on the hospital in Grand Turk. The temporary flat pack schools in South Caicos now have electricity and water.
• In the British Virgin Islands, 16 schools have re-opened and the airport has reopened to commercial flights. 60-80% of homes were damaged or destroyed and poorer communities were hit hardest. UK military along with UK Aid cleared the wreckage of homes and provided shelters. The airport has reopened to commercial flights
• Even though the hurricanes have gone, we will be dealing with the trail of destruction for the next few weeks, months and years. That is why we have pledged £62 million to the recovery efforts following both Hurricane Maria and Irma.
• 100% of all DFID procured aid has been delivered to the region.

DFID Response Overview

• 2896 shelter kits, 4990 solar lanterns and 10,000 buckets are already in the region, as well as additional supplies from HMS Ocean

British Virgin Islands: UK aid

43 RAF transport flights, more than four tonnes of food and water and more than 816 shelter kits, as well as radios, debris clearing equipment, building materials, generators and communications equipment.

Turks and Caicos Islands UK aid

0.8 tonnes of bottled water, 922 Shelter Kits,170 plastic sheets, four flat-pack schools, debris clearing equipment, building materials, generators, communications equipment, solar lantern, fuel and forklifts.

Anguilla: UK aid

6.8 tonnes of food and water,18 tonnes of lumber, 1,000 Sheets corrugated iron, shelter kits, 15 Generators, debris clearing equipment, communications equipment, solar lanterns, 100 metres of electric cable and 500 hygiene packs.

ENDS

The Prime Minister will hear views of experienced business leaders and discuss ways to ensure a successful Brexit at the next meeting of the new business advisory council at Downing Street on Monday.

At the quarterly council meeting, views will be heard from a range of businesses including HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Vodafone – to inform the government’s approach to Brexit and wider issues of importance to the UK economy.

The Prime Minister will set out the government’s vision for a successful Brexit, reiterating her recent Florence speech that the overarching goal is for a smooth, orderly exit so businesses can benefit from a period of implementation. She will make clear the government is working towards a new partnership with the EU, one based on a joint commitment to free trade and high standards.

The Prime Minister welcomed the valuable contributions made by businesses at the first business council in July, including discussions on how to boost productivity, drive investment, build business confidence, and strengthen the positive role of business within society.

The government is continuing to engage with businesses at all levels with the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU Rt Hon David Davis recently hosting company leaders at Chevening, a series of business meetings with the Chancellor, Business and EU Exit Secretary of States and new post-negotiation roundtable briefings with business.

Ahead of the next council, the Prime Minister said:

Last month in Florence I set out my vision for a bold and unique new economic partnership with the EU. We are working hard to achieve this and are optimistic about our future as a global, free-trading nation.

The Business Advisory Council is an important part of our preparations for leaving the EU – allowing us to seek the views of experienced business leaders and to share with them the government’s vision for a successful Brexit.

Cabinet Ministers attending the Business Advisory Council will be:

• Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer
• Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
• Rt Hon David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the EU
• Rt Hon Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade

Attending businesses will be:

• Balfour Beatty
• WPP
• HSBC
• GSK
• Morgan Stanley
• Bridgewater
• JCB
• Vodafone
• EY
• Aston Martin
• Whitbread
• Nestle
• ABF

Kristen McLeod takes up post of Director of the Office for Life Sciences from 13 November 2017.

Colne80 Market Street, ColneBB8 OHS Nelson Jobcentre Closed August 2017 Farnworth99 King Street, Farnworth, BoltonBL4 7AX Great Moor Street and Blackhorse Street Jobcentres Closed August 2017 Whitley Bay158 Whitley Road, Whitley BayNE26 2LY North Shiel… read more

Originally released by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd celebrated the milestone of 25 years of manufacturing vehicle engines in Wales on 6 October. The guests of honour at the ceremony were Minister for the UK Government in Wales, Guto Bebb MP and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates AM.

Since the start of engine production in 1992 the plant has produced over 5.1 million engines/ engine sets in total and in 2010 became the first plant outside Japan to manufacture Toyota’s class leading Hybrid engine.

The engine plant currently supplies to Toyota plants in Europe and across the World including Africa, Turkey, Japan and South America. The state of the art manufacturing facility in North Wales currently produces 1.6ltr and 1.8ltr petrol engines and 1.8ltr Hybrid engines.

Minister for the UK Government in Wales, Guto Bebb MP said:

I have been delighted to witness the benefits of Toyota’s longstanding investment in Deeside to the North Wales regional economy.

Today is a celebration of the sustainable employment created by Toyota in the area, contributing to a stronger Welsh and UK economy. It is also a recognition of the plant’s commitment to cutting edge engine technology, making Wales a leading exporter in the Hybrid engine field.

Commenting on this important milestone, the Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates said:

I am delighted to be at Toyota to celebrate 25 year of engine production here on Deeside. As a Government we are proud of our strong relationship with Toyota, indeed they are one of our key anchor companies, and of huge strategic importance to both the North Wales and broader Welsh economy.

Toyota are known and respected throughout the world. As a Welsh Government we look forward to continuing our productive relationship with the company and I am optimistic t that there will many more milestones ahead for us to celebrate together.

Jim Crosbie Toyota Manufacturing UK Director added:

This is an important milestone for Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Engine plant. It confirms Toyota’s long term commitment to the economy and providing employment in advanced manufacturing in Wales. We are proud to be in Wales and would like to thank the Welsh and local governments, our local communities and particularly our members and customers.

Today is an opportunity for everyone involved with Toyota in Wales to celebrate the achievements of the last twenty five years and look forward to the new challenges and opportunities in the years to come.