First female chief to take reins of secret service MI6
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Times
5 hours ago
- Times
Beware statistical quirks — they may not tell the whole story
I t may not be able to do so for long, but the government has been claiming that the UK economy is outstripping all its main rivals. 'The UK now has the fastest growth in the G7 — our Plan for Change in action,' Sir Keir Starmer said recently. Achieving the fastest growth in the G7 — America, Japan, Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Canada — was once a key Labour target, though it now appears to have been watered down, and this appears to suggest almost an instant achievement. Hang on a second, though. Did not the Tory government also claim to have achieved the fastest growth rate in the G7? It did indeed, before attacking the Labour government for snuffing it out. In both cases, GDP (gross domestic product) figures for the first quarter of the year provided room to boast. GDP rose by a hefty 0.9 per cent in the first quarter of last year, and one official statistician said the economy was going 'gangbusters'. It rose by 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of this year, a figure that may be revised higher when second-quarter figures are released on August 14.
STV News
12 hours ago
- STV News
Glasgow secures £30m UK Government boost for innovation and tech
Glasgow is set to receive at least £30m in funding from the UK Government as part of a wider investment drive aimed at boosting science and technology across the UK's regions. The city is one of three regions – alongside Belfast-Derry and Cardiff – being backed by the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, a £500m pot designed to help local areas shape research priorities in collaboration with businesses, universities and local authorities. Officials say funding could support a wide range of sectors, from AI and engineering to green energy and life sciences. It could also build on Glasgow's existing strengths such as medical technology and satellite manufacture. Science minister Lord Vallance said the funding helps 'unlock new, locally led innovation that can improve lives across the country.' He said: 'The Glasgow City Region has a proud history of transformative innovation and by working with local leaders who know their city best, this fund can help capitalise on the skills and drive that have earned that global reputation as a hub of science and technology. 'That could mean bolstering Glasgow's space cluster to unlock new opportunities beyond our planet or building on its history of cutting-edge medical technology, but ultimately this can back a wide range of research which can improve everyday lives and help deliver our Plan for Change for the UK.' The funding was first announced ahead of last month's UK Government spending review and is part of a broader £86bn commitment to research and development through to 2030. Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said: 'This £30m investment in Glasgow City Region is great news. We are backing Glasgow's world-class expertise in areas like medical technology and advanced manufacturing while supporting local jobs and skills. 'The UK Government is committed to unleashing Scotland's innovation potential and driving economic growth right across our country. Ensuring Scotland at the forefront of the technologies that will shape our future.' Susan Aitken, Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet and Leader of Glasgow City Council said: 'This investment is very welcome and testament to Glasgow City Region's continuing track record of delivery. 'The Glasgow Economic Leadership Board, co-chaired by myself and Prof Sir Jim McDonald, made an exceptionally strong case for Glasgow being the recipient of this support. 'We have the capacity, the experience and the thriving innovation ecosystems capable of translating investment into the type of growth supported by both the UK and Scottish Government. 'Given Glasgow's reputation as a centre of ingenuity and a City Region committed to equity, this investment can help take forward our ambitions for truly inclusive growth and innovation.' Glasgow had already been part of an Innovation Accelerator pilot scheme, which aimed to supercharge regional economies through targeted funding and industry partnerships. That pilot is credited with helping bring in more than £140m in private investment and creating hundreds of jobs across Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and Glasgow. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
14 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow gets £30m funding boost for innovation projects
The city will get at least £30m from the UK Government Local Innovation Fund. Lord Vallance, UK science minister, announced the cash, which could be used for key growth sectors including medical technology, life sciences, and the city's space satellite sector. The money comes from the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) of up to £500m, announced ahead of last month's Spending Review to empower local leaders with skin in the game. It will help target innovation investment and make the most of their communities' expertise to unleash discoveries that benefit us all and grow the economy as part of our Plan for Change. Glasgow City Region, Belfast-Derry/Londonderry and Cardiff were the three regions chosen to benefit after talks between the UK Government and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The decision to earmark at least £30m to three high-potential areas in Glasgow, Belfast-Derry/Londonderry and Cardiff was reached following collaboration between the UK Government and the governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Seven regions of England were also announced as recipients last month - spanning the North-East to Greater Manchester, Liverpool to London. Lord Vallance said: 'The Glasgow City Region has a proud history of transformative innovation and by working with local leaders who know their city best, this fund can help capitalise on the skills and drive that have earned that global reputation as a hub of science and technology. 'That could mean bolstering Glasgow's space cluster to unlock new opportunities beyond our planet or building on its history of cutting-edge medical technology, but ultimately this can back a wide range of research which can improve everyday lives and help deliver our Plan for Change for the UK.' Kirsty McNeill, Scotland Office minister said: "This £30 million investment in Glasgow City Region is great news. We are backing Glasgow's world-class expertise in areas like medical technology and advanced manufacturing while supporting local jobs and skills 'The UK Government is committed to unleashing Scotland's innovation potential and driving economic growth right across our country. Ensuring Scotland at the forefront of the technologies that will shape our future.'
