International engagement in an independent Scotland
Proposals for how an outward-looking, independent Scotland could play its part in tackling global challenges have been published by External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson.
‘An independent Scotland’s place in the world’, the latest paper in the Building a New Scotland series, sets out the Scottish Government’s policy proposals for international engagement and defence policy following independence.
These include:
commitments to apply for membership of the United Nations, European Union and NATO as soon as possible following a vote for independence
the establishment of a dedicated diplomatic network to promote and protect Scottish interests, provide consular support for Scottish citizens, and promote the country as a hub for innovation, trade and investment
a commitment to meet the UN’s target of 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) on overseas development aid to help the world’s poorest countries
the establishment of new armed forces, informed by an expert-led Defence and Security Review, with a modern contract for personnel and continued strong support for veterans
the removal of nuclear weapons from Scotland in the safest and quickest manner possible after independence
Mr Robertson said: “Scotland is already making a contribution on the world stage, where we can, to address global poverty, the climate and biodiversity crises and threats to human rights.
“But because we are not independent, Scotland has been forced into Brexit and contributing towards billions of pounds being spent on nuclear weapons. If Scotland had full participation in multilateral bodies such as the UN we could ensure our voice is heard on critical global issues, such as on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
“Full representation within associations like the UN and EU would also enable us to negotiate directly to become party to international treaties, conventions and agreements that reflect Scotland’s values and ambitions as a good global citizen.
“These associations and the benefits they would bring, such as regained access to the world’s largest single market and freedom of movement within the EU, would also bring opportunities overseas and at home – helping to develop a competitive economy and support education, skills and jobs with our strengths in our culture and innovation industries, as well as renewable energy.
“Our proposals also make clear that the armed forces of an independent Scotland, supported by a modern contract for personnel and strong support for veterans, would play their part to defend our national interests and contribute to global peace and security, given our strategic position in the North Atlantic.
“Ultimately, independence would enable Scotland to determine the kind of state it wants to be on the world stage. We firmly believe that the challenges of the 21st century are best faced through more, not less, co-operation and I look forward to engaging with as many people as possible on the opportunities highlighted in this paper as we look to Scotland’s future.”
POLICE are continuing enquiries to locate Khasha Smith, 35, who is missing from the Calder area of Edinburgh.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing and police we have established that the last known confirmed sighting of Khasha was Tuesday, 10 October, 2023.
Her family is extremely concerned for her and are today appealing to the public for any information which could help trace Khasha.
Khasha’s mum Nicola Neil said: “Khasha, we love you so much and just need to know you are safe. We need you home with us.If anyone, anywhere, knows where Khasha is – please tell us. Please don’t let us go on like this.
“Khasha is a brilliant mum to her three children and is loved by all our very close family. We are all sick with worry. Khasha is my friend as well as my daughter and we are living a nightmare.
“It’s hard to find the words to explain the “not knowing” where she is and if anything has happened to her. These past few weeks have been horrendous and painful for us all. I would ask anyone out there – even if we don’t know you – please come forward if you know anything at all.
“Please help us bring Khasha home. This waiting is unbearable. I’m begging you from the bottom of my heart – please get in touch. I miss her so much and we need to find her.”
Khasha’s daughter Calley Smith said: “I recently had my 18th birthday and didn’t hear anything from my mum. She would never miss my birthday, my sisters’ birthdays, or Christmas.
“It’s just not her. We miss her so much. We want nothing more than my mum to walk through the door and to be able to give her a massive hug. It feels like I’m living the worst dream I could ever imagine.
“I can’t express what it would mean to have my mum home. Even the smallest piece of information might be all we need to find her.
“So I’m asking anyone with any information – please come forward and help the police bring my mum home for me, my sisters and the rest of the family.”
Khasha is around 5ft tall, with a slim build. She has blue eyes and long, blonde hair. She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist and says ‘Forever’.
She is known to visit the Gorgie, Broomhouse and Wester Hailes areas.
Khasha always maintains contact with her family. However, none of her relatives or her friends have seen, or heard from her, and this is very distressing for them.
Specialist officers are supporting and keeping in close contact with Khasha’s family.
A number of national resources have been used in the search for Khasha including the dog branch, underwater unit and specialist search officers.
Enquiries are ongoing and officers are again appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: “Khasha’s family are understandably extremely worried about her.
“We have a dedicated team of officers who are working around the clock to find her and get answers for her family.
“While we are keeping an open mind, and continue to hope Khasha will be found safe and well, we have to consider the possibility that she may have to come to harm. We must consider all possibilities.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and a key focus of our investigation is continuing to build up a picture of Khasha’s life in the months prior to her disappearance.
“We are keen to speak to any of Khasha’s friends who may have information about her whereabouts before the last known confirmed sighting of her on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023.
Police have also set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information, including any recorded footage.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major investigation team.
“It is absolutely vital that we find Khasha and I would again ask anyone with information – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem – to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January, 2024.”
A dry gin infused with botanicals grown in the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish seat of the Royal Family, is now available online and from all shops managed by the Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin is infused with mint and lemon thyme hand-picked from the Physic Garden for their vibrant flavour. Inspired by the garden’s history of cultivating medicinal and culinary herbs, the botanicals – which are steeped for 24 hours before the distilling process begins – combine with juniper to create a delicately fragrant gin with a complex citrus top note.
The gin pairs beautifully with mediterranean or elderflower tonics to further enhance the refreshing flavours of the herbs. Garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprig of thyme, it makes an elegant aperitif.
The Physic Garden was opened adjacent to the Palace in 2020 to recreate the earliest known gardens on the site, and can be freely enjoyed year-round by the people of Edinburgh and visitors to the Palace.
Founded in the grounds of the Palace in 1670 by two Scottish physicians, Sir Robert Sibbald and Sir Andrew Balfour, the original garden provided fresh ingredients for pharmacists and allowed students to learn the medicinal properties of plants. It was the first garden of its kind in Scotland and was the forerunner of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Today, visitors to the Physic Garden will see plants such as fennel, lavender, and lemon balm growing. Alongside, a meadow of wildflowers with healing properties evokes the 15th-century monastic gardens of Holyrood Abbey, while 17th-century royal gardens have been reimagined through geometric springtime displays of bulbs including crocuses, tulips, and alliums.
In a further nod to its historical surroundings, the floral bottle design of the Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin is inspired by the 17th-century Scottish textiles seen on the bed in Mary, Queen of Scots’ Bedchamber inside the Palace. With interlacing leaves, vines, and flowers, the stylised foliage is typical of Jacobean crewelwork, a fashionable type of embroidery from the time.
All profits from sales of the gin go towards the care of, and access to, the Royal Collection through the public opening of the Royal Residences, exhibitions, loans, and educational programmes managed by Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin, 40% abv, can now be purchased from the Royal Collection Trust shops in Edinburgh, London, and Windsor, and from the online shop for £40.00 for a 70cl bottle.
Caroline Hiscox has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, a position she will take up later this year following the retirement of the Board’s current Chief Executive, Calum Campbell, after 40 years’ service in the NHS.
With an exceptional career history in Nursing, Professor Hiscox has over 30 years’ experience in corporate and public sector clinical and senior leadership roles. She is currently seconded to the role of Interim Chief Executive at NHS Tayside from her substantive role as Chief Executive at NHS Grampian, a post she has held for 3 years.
During her time at NHS Grampian, Professor Hiscox placed great importance on improving patient care, creating a healthy working culture and collaborating with other public partners in the region towards common goals.
Commenting on her appointment Professor Hiscox said: “These are challenging times for the NHS but I believe that by working together we achieve great things. I am delighted to be joining NHS Lothian whose teams already deliver the highest quality treatment and care.
“I look forward to working with them to explore new ways to transform services against a backdrop of rising demand. Our goal is to ensure that quality is maintained sustainably as we strive to further reduce health inequalities, improve outcome for patients and maintain joy in our work.”
Welcoming Professor Hiscox, NHS Lothian Chair John Connaghan said, ‘On behalf of the Board, I wish to congratulate Prof Hiscox on her appointment.
“Caroline is a highly respected Board Chief Executive in NHS Scotland, with an impressive track-record in strategic and system leadership and a real focus on improving experiences for patients and staff. We look forward to working with her to build on the existing great work of our teams.”
Calum Campbell retires from his role as Chief Executive at the end of May and Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive will lead as Interim Chief Executive until Professor Hiscox takes up her new role later in the summer.
New scientific research reveals reduction in anxiety of almost 10% and improvements in mental wellbeing when taking part in the Big Butterfly Count
The first-of-its-kind study also shows citizen science activities can connect people with nature, a vital step towards conservation success and nature recovery
Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has today revealed that counting butterflies reduces anxiety by almost 10%, in new scientific research published in collaboration with the University of Derby.
The pioneering study involved surveying people taking part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count in 2022. The results demonstrate that briefly tuning into nature to count butterflies reduces anxiety by 9% on average, while also enhancing mental wellbeing.
Researchers also found that spending just 15 minutes observing and counting butterflies boosted participants’ feeling of connectedness with nature. Noticing butterflies more often was sustained over 6-7 weeks after taking part.
How connected people feel to nature, known as nature connectedness, is directly correlated to how motivated they are to protect it. Therefore, the findings of this new study show that citizen science projects could play a vital role in nature’s recovery.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “While we have long known that there is a link between nature and human wellbeing, this study is the first to prove that the simple act of looking for and counting butterflies leads to a measurable decrease in anxiety.
“The results suggest that citizen science projects such as the Big Butterfly Count can play a part in improving people’s mental health, as well as gathering important data on how butterflies are faring to inform our conservation work.”
Dr Carly Butler, a Researcher in Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby and lead researcher on the study, said: “Our study showed that even small periods of time spent watching and counting butterflies are beneficial, with the benefits of reduced anxiety and stronger nature connectedness being the same whether people carried out just one 15-minute count or took part multiple times.
“This is key in proving that simple, small pockets of time connecting with wildlife and nature have a profound and beneficial effect on how we feel.”
Participants reported a range of positive and negative emotions, including joy, fascination, sadness, and concern; the latter driven by not seeing as many butterflies as they expected and fear over what is happening to our planet.
Carly added: “Interestingly, the more intensely participants felt these emotions, the more their feeling of closeness to nature and noticing wildlife increased afterwards, with participants reporting they felt motivated to help butterflies and nature more, by doing things such as transforming their gardens into butterfly-friendly havens.”
In conclusion, Dr Richard Fox said: “In order to save wildlife and ensure nature’s recovery we need people to care, and we know that being connected to nature sparks these caring feelings and a desire to do something positive.
“This study indisputably shows that citizen science activities, such as spending just a few minutes counting butterflies, makes people feel more connected to nature – a vital step in the battle to save wildlife.
“We’re at a tipping point, nature is in crisis, but we can all do something to help. Simple acts such as creating wild spaces to provide a haven for wildlife, or planting butterfly friendly plants in pots on a patio, terrace or balcony can have a positive impact.”
The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation’s flagship citizen science activity, involving tens of thousands of participants across the UK spending 15 minutes in any sunny spot and recording the number and type of common butterflies and day-flying moths that they see.
This year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.
One of Britain’s best-known conservationists, John Lister-Kaye, described by Springwatch’s Katie Humble as ‘joyful and inspirational’, gives a rare glimpse into his intriguing life and work at a literary talk and book signing at the Royal Scots Club on 23rd March, 10:30am-12:30pm.
Entry is free and there will be a pop-up Toppings bookstall.
A true naturalist, John Lister-Kaye patiently and meticulously observes and records the lives, habits and habitats of otters, badgers, weasels and pine martens. Hours of careful waiting and watching in the woods and loch, the river, fields and moorland is rewarded with insight into how these animals live when unhindered by human interference; sometimes red in tooth and claw, but often playful, familial, curious and surprising.
John’s own journey from aristocratic roots to being captivated by the creatures of Scotland and becoming one of the most respected academic observers of the natural world gripping too.
During deep dives exploring natural history, familial characteristics and ecological significance, he began to find the animals were ‘teaching me to become feral myself, guiding me into their ways so that my senses seemed to merge with theirs at a level far more intimate than just scientific interest or admiration.’
His new book, FOOTPRINTS IN THE WOODS, The Secret Life of Forest and Riverbank, is not only a love letter to these elusive animals and what he describes as the ‘irresistible wildness’.
It is also a timely reminder of the fragility of habitat and the beauty and variety we have to lose if we don’t choose to actively protect it.
‘A peerless observer who is as much a part of the land as his beloved badgers. This, unusually, is nature writing that is actually about nature rather than the writer, and so it has the power and wisdom of the hills and forest. Marvellous’ – CHARLES FOSTER (Author, Cry of the Wild)
‘No one writes as movingly, or with such transporting poetic skills, about encounters with wild creatures’ – HELEN MACDONALD (Award-winning writer, H is for Hawk)
‘I am addicted to the writings of John Lister-Kaye’ – JOANNA LUMLEY
Sir John Lister-Kaye is one of Britain’s best-known naturalists and conservationists and has spent a lifetime exploring, protecting and celebrating the British landscape and its wildlife.
John came to live in the Highlands of Scotland in 1968 to work with the celebrated author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell of Ring of Bright Water fame.
He is the author of eleven books on wildlife and the environment, including The Dun Cow Rib, shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize, and Gods of the Morning, winner of the Richard Jeffereies Award for Nature Writing.
John has lectured on the natural environment all over the world. He was awarded an OBE for his services to nature conservation, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Geddes Environmental Medal and honorary doctorates from two Scottish universities for his contribution to nature writing.
He has served prominently in the RSPB, the Nature Conservancy Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. He lives with his wife and family among the mountains of the Scottish Highlands, where he runs the world-famous Aigas Field Centre.
The literary coffee morning with author talk will be held on 23rd March 2024 at The Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6QE starting at 10:30am.
There will be an opportunity to purchase books for signing by the author at a pop-up bookshop provided by Topping & Company Booksellers, Edinburgh.
The event is free and is open to all, members and non-members alike, with numbers limited by venue capacity only.
Reservations may be made by via Eventbrite or by emailing The Royal Scots Club on events@royalscotsclub.com
This week marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week (4th – 8th March), a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the vital role apprenticeships play in supporting people, employers and the economy.
Modern Apprenticeships allow people from diverse backgrounds, no matter their background and abilities, to gain and develop skills for every business no matter its size or sector.
The rewards of getting young people who are disabled or care experienced into work are well worth it. They bring passion, skills, dedication and drive to the workplace.
Recruiting a Modern Apprentice enables employers to fill the skills gaps that exist within their current workforce, as apprentices begin to learn sector-specific skills from day one, developing specialist knowledge that will positively affect the bottom line.
However, as always, we can do more and support for businesses and other employers is key as it is they who clearly make the vital difference.
As we mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we would urge Scotland’s employers to look beyond the label and take on a Modern Apprentice who may have an additional need, taking advantage of the excellent skills offered by many of these young people.
The Bibliography of Edinburgh History has been updated by the Old Edinburgh Club, forming an extensive collection of nearly 3,000 items. These books, chapters, journal articles and dissertations illuminate the rich heritage of the city, dating from William Maitland’s 1753 History of Edinburgh and Leith.
Easily searchable online, the Bibliography covers prehistory to modern times. It takes in in a range of themes, social, cultural, economic and architectural and features the Old and New Towns and local communities across the city.
Old Edinburgh Club President, Edward Duvall said, “We are delighted to announce the latest version of Bibliography of Edinburgh History, which has grown by 25%.
“We have included new publications up to the end of 2023 and, with the help of our members, identified many older items not previously included.
“We make the Bibliography freely available and it provides a launchpad for anyone wishing to delve into the city’s history.”
The Bibliography can be accessed on the following link:
Chancellor to announce significant funding package for R&D and manufacturing projects across the life sciences, automotive and aerospace sectors.
£92 million joint government and industry investment to expand facilities to manufacture life-saving medicines and diagnostics products.
£200 million joint investment in zero-carbon aircraft technology to develop a more sustainable aviation sector and almost £73 million in automotive technology.
Follows the Advanced Manufacturing Plan to give the industry the long-term certainty to grow and invest in the UK, backed by £4.5 billion of targeted support announced at Autumn Statement to boost the British manufacturing sector.
Ahead of the Spring Budget this week, the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (Monday 4 March) announced a significant investment package in the UK’s life sciences and manufacturing sectors, as part of the government’s plan to grow the economy, boost health resilience and support jobs across the UK.
The funding will go towards several companies and projects who are making cutting edge technology in sectors key to economic growth and part of wider government support to ensure the UK is the best place to start, grow and invest in manufacturing.
This includes £7.5 million to support two pharmaceutical companies who are investing a combined £84 million to expand their manufacturing plants in the UK. Almac, a pharmaceutical company in Northern Ireland produces drugs to treat diseases such as cancer, heart disease and depression, while Ortho Clinical diagnostics in Pencoed, Wales, is expanding its facilities producing testing products used to identify a variety of diseases and conditions.
These new life sciences investments are the latest step in the government’s plan to grow our economy, encourage innovation and support levelling up with nearly 300 supported jobs across the UK.
The Chancellor is also confirming that companies will soon be able to apply for a share of the £520 million funding for life sciences manufacturing announced at Autumn Statement, with competitions for large scale investments opening for expressions of interest this summer and medium and smaller sized companies in the autumn. The fund is designed to build resilience for future health emergencies such as influenza pandemics and capitalise on the UK’s world-leading research and development.
On top of this, the government has announced almost £73 million in combined government and industry investment for cutting-edge automotive R&D projects to support the development of electric vehicle technology, delivering highly skilled jobs and cementing the UK’s position as a global hub for EV manufacturing.
Supported by more than £36 million of government funding awarded through Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) competitions, this includes four projects which are developing technologies for the next generation of battery electric vehicles, making them more efficient and competitive, led by companies including automotive manufacturers YASA and Empel Systems.
This funding is also supporting a project led by Integrals Power, developing and scaling up high-performance battery systems ahead of testing their mass-commercialisation, enhancing safety, power density, and cost-efficiency.
These projects build on the of the government’s established automotive initiatives. The Autumn Statement provided future certainty, announcing over £2 billion across five years from 2025 to unlock investment in the manufacturing and development of zero emission vehicles, their batteries and supply chain. The government will ensure a seamless transition to the new Auto2030 programme which will deliver support in future, and investors are still able to apply to the current schemes.
The government has already spent over £2 billion to accelerate the uptake of zero emission vehicles, including reducing the upfront cost of electric vehicles and supporting the roll-out of charging infrastructure. The UK’s first ever Battery Strategy published last year outlines our plan for the UK to attract investment and achieve a globally competitive battery supply chain by 2030, with the battery sector alone expected to create 100,000 highly paid and skilled jobs in the UK.
The significant funding package for R&D and manufacturing projects announced today is targeted to support sectors where the UK is or could be world-leading and is designed to unlock investment from the private sector by providing certainty to investors – supporting the government’s priority to grow our economy by protecting existing and creating new jobs, so we can deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:“We’re sticking with our plan by backing the industries of the future with millions of pounds of investment to make the UK a world leader in manufacturing, securing the highly-skilled jobs of the future and delivering the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain”.
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:“Today’s announcement builds on the success of our Advanced Manufacturing plan announced last year, and will ensure we continue to grow the economy, help create jobs and secure the future of great British manufacturing.
“Our plan for the British economy is working – which is why firms like Airbus and BMW are continuing to bet on Britain.”
Science Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:“The UK’s £108 billion life sciences sector is driven by the pioneering contributions of over 300,000 highly-skilled individuals who transform lives through groundbreaking advancements in drug discovery and diagnostics.
“We fuel this progress by fostering a dynamic environment where cutting-edge technologies like AI and genomics meet world-class research to create the next generation of healthcare solutions, including in our NHS.
“By investing in advanced manufacturing facilities, we are protecting our communities by ensuring we can rapidly respond to future health emergencies and deliver life-saving innovations when they are needed most.”
Further measures include:
As part of the investments announced today, almost £200 million of joint government and industry funding is also going to aerospace R&D projects, supporting the development of energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft technology and accelerating the transition to net zero aviation.
This includes £40 million which is going towards a project developing zero-carbon aircraft engine technology – led by Cambridge-based Marshall ADG Ltd – and around £96 million is being invested in Airbus-led projects. Airbus, which manufactures almost all its aircraft wings in the UK bringing in jobs and investment to the UK economy – is developing more efficient wing designs and increasing carbon fibre production rates for wing components, reducing CO2 emissions and fuel burn.
Funding for these projects will be delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme. It was also confirmed today that the £975 million in aerospace funding over five years from 2025, announced at Autumn Statement, will be allocated to the ATI programme. The programme has facilitated £3.6 billion of joint government and industry R&D investment to date – providing industry with continued confidence and security to invest in the UK for the long term – and includes R&D support for small businesses through the ATI SME competition.
The Chancellor is also announcing up to £120 million increase to the Green Industries Growth Accelerator (GIGA) to further support expansion of low carbon manufacturing supply chains across the UK, lowering costs and accelerating the transition. The government is also confirming today that the total fund, which has now increased to almost £1.1 billion, will be split between the clean energy sectors, with around £390 million earmarked to expand UK-based supply chains for electricity networks and offshore wind sectors, and around £390 million for carbon capture, utilisation and storage and hydrogen sectors.
The remaining £300 million has been previously announced for UK production of the fuel required to power high-tech new nuclear reactors, known as HALEU.
The GIGA funding will enable the UK to seize growth opportunities through the transition to net zero, building on our world-leading decarbonisation track record and forms part of the government’s priority to grow the economy focusing on making the right long-term decisions for a brighter future by creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:“We are backing our green industries with extra cash for the Green Industries Growth Accelerator – taking the total to more than £1 billion.
“We have long been energy pioneers in advanced manufacturing and this will allow us to carry on that great British tradition.
“While we have attracted £300bn in low carbon investment since 2010, with £24bn since September alone, this will help to unlock even more.”
Alongside this, the Chancellor has today set out further details of the two-year £50 million apprenticeship growth sector pilot announced at Autumn Statement.
Following engagement with the sector, from April eligible apprenticeship providers of apprenticeship standards including pipe welder, nuclear technician and laboratory technician will now benefit from targeted payments worth £3k for every start of an apprentice.
It is intended the funding will be used to support providers in making capital investment that will unlock their ability to grow and deliver the standards in scope of the pilot, such as purchasing course specific equipment, tools, and machinery that will last beyond delivery of a single apprenticeship.
This will explore ways to stimulate training and break down barriers to high-quality training in advanced manufacturing and engineering, green industries, and life sciences apprenticeships. Further detail will be set out in upcoming guidance later this month.
Today’s announcements follow £4.5 billion announced at Autumn Statement to increase investment in strategic manufacturing sectors – auto, aero, life sciences and clean energy – across the UK for five years from 2025.
APC Chief Executive Officer Ian Constancesaid:“We’re committed to building the electric vehicle supply chain in the UK.
“By investing in the capability and expertise in this country we will grow businesses and take decisive action towards creating zero tailpipe emission technology. Our latest R&D funding does just that.”
Siemens announces £100m investment for state-of-the-art R&D facility in Britain
Siemens Mobility to invest £100 million in a brand-new manufacturing and R&D centre in Chippenham.
Over 800 skilled workers will build the next generation of rail signalling and control systems for Britain, keeping the rail and transport network on track.
Chancellor champions growth opportunities of innovation in technology on same day that over £360 million of investment into advanced manufacturing is announced.
Siemens has announced it is to invest £100 million in a centre of manufacturing excellence in Wiltshire.
The new cutting-edge facility will replace the company’s current Chippenham factory, from which generations of British workers have designed, manufactured and delivered signalling and control systems for the Elizabeth Line, North Wales Coast, Birmingham New Street and many others across the world since the 19th Century.
The new centre is expected to be operational by 2026, with around 800 skilled manufacturing, research, engineering and reporting roles transitioning to the new site and no interruption in production.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: ““This new commitment from Siemens is a big boost for Britain’s world-class manufacturing sector and shows our plan for the UK to be the best place to invest and grow a business is working.
“This digital technology will improve the safety, reliability and connectivity of our railways and drive sustainable opportunities in higher-paid jobs and exports – as part of our plan to grow our economy.”
Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, Rob Morris, said: “This €115 million investment is a strong commitment to Chippenham and our country.
“Siemens Mobility’s Chippenham site, along with our 30 sites across the country, has been transforming rail, travel, and transport in Britain – and it will continue to do so with cloud-based rail technology connecting the real and the digital worlds, digitalizing rail.
“We are very excited to soon start construction of one of the most sophisticated rail factories, digital engineering and R&D sites in the UK, supporting local jobs and skills for the future. There’s a piece of Britain in everything we build.”
Siemens’ investment comes on the advent of one of the most significant modernisation programmes in two centuries of Britain’s railways, with digital rail systems set to better connect communities and make it easier for people to access a wider range of job opportunities.
The plans are also expected to be a boost for the local economy in Chippenham and the wider Wiltshire region, with Siemens Mobility working closely with local small and medium enterprises across the supply chain. As part of today’s investment, Siemens Mobility will continue to develop and code the digital signalling systems to transform rail travel on the East Coast Main Line.
British manufacturing is of great strategic importance for the country on the global stage. The sector makes up over 40% of all UK exports, employs around 2.6 million people and overtook France for output in 2021. To capitalise on this success, the government published its Advanced Manufacturing Plan last year to ensure the UK continues to lead in the development and deployment of digital manufacturing technologies.
This was published shortly after the Chancellor announced £4.5 billion of funding for strategic manufacturing sectors in the UK as part of his Autumn Statement, including £960 million earmarked for a Green Industries Growth Accelerator to support clean energy.
It was announced today this is to be boosted by an up to further £120 million increase (see above). This funding will be available from next year for five years, providing industry with longer term certainty about their investments in line with Prime Minister’s focus on making long-term decisions to grow the economy.
Mr Hunt also announced Full Expensing to support manufacturers in investing for less. As the biggest British business tax cut in history – made possible by the progress the government has made on the people’s economic priorities – this represents an effective corporate tax cut of £55 billion over the next five years and will help manufacturers invest in plant and machinery technologies.
The Chancellor outlined at a Make UK event last week how this will benefit hard-working Brits and help to close the productivity gap with the likes of France and Germany – two economies which the UK has grown faster than since 2010.
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “Our plan for attracting more inward investment into the UK is working.
“From the measures in our advanced manufacturing plan that offer certainty to investors, to promoting the UK at our Global Investment Summit, the Government is making sure that investors, like Siemens, choose the UK.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “This vital investment will help futureproof our rail network as part of our plan to deliver more reliable journeys for millions of passengers across the country through important upgrades.
“Rail manufacturing plays an important role in our economy, supporting thousands of skilled jobs, with this new facility supporting hundreds more.”
Siemens’ investment comes on the same day that the government announced over £360 million will be invested in advanced manufacturing and the life sciences, securing thousands of jobs and building a stronger economy including through the further investment it will help to leverage over the long-term through the private sector.
The UK has attracted more new investment since 1997 than any other European nation, and last year’s Global Investment Summit confirmed over £29.5 billion of additional investment in Britain.
