The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has today written to Newsquest Media Group and Archant Community Media, to inform them that I am ‘minded to’ issue an Intervention Notice. This relates to concerns I have that there may be public interest considerations – as set out in section 58 of Enterprise Act 2002 – that are relevant to the recent acquisition of Archant Media by Newsquest Media and that these concerns warrant further investigation.

A ‘minded to’ letter has therefore been issued to the parties on one public interest ground specified in section 58 of the Enterprise Act 2002:

(2B) The need for, to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable, a sufficient plurality of views in newspapers in each market for newspapers in the United Kingdom or a part of the United Kingdom

It is important to note that I have not taken a final decision on intervention at this stage. In line with the statutory guidance on media mergers, the ‘minded to’ letter invites further representations in writing from the parties and gives them until 29 April to respond. I will then make my final decision, which needs to be made on a quasi-judicial basis, on whether to issue an Intervention Notice.

If I decide to issue an Intervention Notice, the next stage would be for Ofcom to assess and report to me on the public interest concerns and for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to assess and report to me on whether a relevant merger situation has been created and any impact this may have on competition. Following these reports, I will decide whether to refer the matter for a more detailed investigation by the CMA under section 45 of the Enterprise Act 2002.

I will keep Parliament updated on progress with this media merger case.

This year, the World IP Day focus is on intellectual property and youth. The theme is ‘innovating for a better future’. We recognise how young people around the world are stepping up to the challenge of innovation. Through their energy, ingenuity, curiosity and creativity, they are helping steer a course towards a better future.

Our New Education Framework

To mark World IP Day, we are highlighting our new IP Education Framework toolkit. Young people are the innovators, creators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. As such, it is our responsibility to equip them with IP knowledge.

We have developed the IP in Education tool with input from teachers, industry and professional bodies. It will help young people to learn about IP in contexts that are relevant to them. The knowledge will show them how to identify, protect, use, and respect IP. The resources are designed for primary school to higher education and research level.

IPO CEO, Tim Moss, said:

I see young people as having the gift of imagination without limits. I’m delighted that our IP in Education Framework will help grow their understanding of IP as an asset for life. This will help to secure their future and make life better for all.

Reaching out for a Cracking Idea

Young people are fantastic creators and innovators. In a fun, challenging and educational way, we want to impress on them the importance of IP in protecting their ideas.

On World IP Day we’re highlighting some of the ways we engage with young people. We take a look at some of our resources and the immersive experiences we take to STEM events for schools. We also spotlight some of the most ingenious ideas we’ve come across in our flagship national Cracking Ideas competition. Read about it in our IPO blog.

Celebrating together

The IPO has worked with other IP offices to contribute to a video created by the European Patent Office CocoNet network. It features young inventors, designers and trade mark owners under the age of 30, and celebrates youth and innovation. Short film clips discuss how young people contribute to global innovation.

The video is called ‘Youth are the innovators and creators of tomorrow’.

One IPO – transforming to be fit for the future

We want to encourage more young people to unleash the potential of their innovative ideas. We want to encourage them to start businesses and create things they are passionate about. The One IPO Transformation Programme is building better IP services that meet the needs of future generations.

In the build-up to World IP Day, we have been highlighting some of the work we’re doing through our One IPO Transformation programme. One young Transformation team member looks at how we are reimagining our services programme and building an IP Office fit for the future.

The Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Professor Fraser Sampson, writes to the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Cabinet Secretary on 21 April 2022 regarding human rights and security issues in public procurement of surveillance technology.

The commissioner also writes to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 22 April 2022 regarding human rights and security issues in public procurement of surveillance technology.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has appointed Lord David Willetts as the Chair of the UK Space Agency’s Board, the government announced today.

The appointment comes at an exciting time for the agency, looking ahead to the UK’s first domestic launch this year, and following the recent publication of the National Space Strategy, which sets out the government’s long term commitment to building on the UK’s existing strengths in order to develop the UK as a world class space economy.

Lord Willetts brings a wealth of experience to the role, and will work with the recently appointed CEO of the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate, to deliver on the government’s vision for space and maximise opportunities for the sector.

New UKSA Chair, Lord David Willetts, said:

I am a strong supporter of the UK space sector in all its diversity and am grateful for this new opportunity to serve it.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

I am delighted to have appointed Lord David Willetts as the Chairman of the UK Space Agency’s Board. Lord Willetts will bring a wealth of expertise to the role while working with the excellent Paul Bate to deliver on the UK’s space ambitions.

Our £16.5 billion space sector is a major contributor to a strong and secure UK economy and looking ahead to the first satellite launches from the UK this year, this is an extremely exciting time for the industry across the country.

Previously, Lord Willetts served as Minister for Universities and Science and as the Member of Parliament for Havant, and has held a range of Chair and Board positions across the space and science sector, including Chair of the British Science Association, member of the Space Policy Advisory Board for EU External Action Service, the Board of UKRI, and of the ESA Expert Group on the Future of Space in Europe.

Lord Willetts has officially taken up the post this month, and will bring ambitious direction and leadership to the agency’s Board.