Latest news with #JoStevens
South Wales Argus
6 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Urgent repairs for hundreds of military homes in Wales
Around 800 Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties in Wales are expected to benefit from a share of £1.5 billion in additional UK Government funding announced as part of an upcoming Strategic Defence Review. The investment is part of a wider £7 billion commitment to improve military housing across the UK during this parliamentary term. Jo Stevens, secretary of state for Wales, said: "The Armed Forces make a valued and vital contribution to Wales and our security. "I warmly welcome this action to address the urgent repairs and facilitate the development of new housing for service families across Wales. "Our 800 forces family homes will benefit from a much-needed investment uplift, as part of an overall £7 billion in funding this parliament." The funding will support urgent repairs such as fixing boilers, roofs, and tackling damp and mould, as well as the development of new housing for military families. Ms Stevens also highlighted ongoing support for veterans, saying: "Through initiatives such as the Reducing Veterans Homelessness programme and the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner for Wales, we continue to ensure that those who have served receive the support and recognition they deserve. "This is a UK Government delivering for veterans and their families." Defence Secretary John Healey said: "Our Armed Forces personnel make extraordinary sacrifices to serve our country. "For too long, many military families have lived in sub-standard homes, but this government is taking decisive action to fix the dire state of military accommodation and ensure that our heroes and their loved ones live in the homes they deserve." The funding will cover both SFA and single living accommodation and forms part of a broader Defence Housing Strategy, which includes a new Consumer Charter to improve standards and introduce clearer housing rights for military families. This includes improved property information, higher move-in standards, a named housing officer for every family, and access to a robust complaints system. The Strategic Defence Review will outline long-term plans to improve defence capabilities and infrastructure, aiming to strengthen the UK's security and deliver lasting improvements for armed forces personnel.
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh military homes to receive upgrade following large cash boost
Strategic Defence Review pledges urgent repairs and new housing for Armed Forces families across Wales AROUND 800 military homes in Wales are set to benefit from a substantial uplift in funding as part of the UK Government's £7 billion investment in Armed Forces accommodation across this Parliament. The upcoming Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will confirm an additional £1.5 billion to tackle the dire state of military housing, promising urgent repairs, higher standards, and long-term upgrades. The move comes in response to longstanding concerns over conditions faced by service families, including issues such as unreliable boilers, leaky roofs, damp, and mould. The Welsh allocation will contribute to a broader UK-wide effort to renew the nation's contract with its Armed Forces personnel, as part of the government's wider Plan for Change. The investment will cover both Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and single-living quarters, aiming for a generational renewal of defence housing infrastructure. The funding will be guided by the forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy and the newly announced Consumer Charter, which introduces basic housing rights for military families. These include access to essential property information, improved move-in standards, a named housing officer for every family, and a robust complaints system. Immediate improvements The Government has committed to begin immediate renovation work on 1,000 of the worst-affected homes across the UK, ensuring that Armed Forces personnel and their families are no longer left to endure sub-standard conditions. Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, said: 'The Armed Forces make a valued and vital contribution to Wales and our national security. 'I warmly welcome this action to address urgent repairs and facilitate the development of new housing for service families. Our 800 forces family homes in Wales will now benefit from the uplift as part of this £7bn commitment. 'Through initiatives such as the Reducing Veterans Homelessness programme and the new Armed Forces Commissioner for Wales, we are ensuring that those who serve receive the support and recognition they deserve.' A renewed commitment Defence Secretary John Healey MP added: 'Our Armed Forces personnel make extraordinary sacrifices to serve our country. 'For too long, many military families have lived in sub-standard homes. This government is taking decisive action to fix the dire state of accommodation and ensure that our heroes and their loved ones live in the homes they deserve. 'We are determined to end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces. This investment is about delivering fast, fixing housing, and honouring the nation's commitment to those who serve.' Minister for Defence People and Veterans Al Carns said: 'After years of unacceptable living conditions, we are delivering long-overdue investment that puts our service families first. 'This funding will ensure that those who protect our nation, and their families, can live in homes they can be proud of. We promised better housing, and we are delivering.' The SDR will also establish long-term goals to modernise defence capabilities and ensure the UK remains secure at home and strong abroad. The commitment to improved military housing forms a key part of that strategy.
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
KLA's $138 Million Investment Brings New Jobs, Innovation, and Global Opportunity to Newport
Newport is celebrating a major boost to its economy and its future as a technology hub. Newport is celebrating a major boost to its economy and its future as a technology hub, following the recent announcement that KLA Corporation, a global leader in semiconductor process control and enabling technology, has opened a cutting-edge $138 million research and development (R&D) and manufacturing centre in the city. The investment is not just a win for KLA, it's a game-changer for Newport. With space for 750 highly skilled employees, the new 237,000-square-foot facility will create a wave of new job opportunities, helping to strengthen the local workforce, attract top technical talent, and grow Newport's reputation on the international stage as a centre of engineering and manufacturing excellence. KLA's local roots run deep. Its Wales-based product division, SPTS, has been a leader in semiconductor equipment innovation since 1984, winning multiple Queen's Awards for excellence in R&D and export. Now, with this expansion, the company is doubling down on Newport's role in the global semiconductor ecosystem, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies developed here will support industries like advanced packaging, power devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), radio frequency (RF), and photonics. The Newport site features 25,000 square feet of R&D cleanrooms, 35,000 square feet of state-of-the-art manufacturing space, and dedicated customer collaboration and demonstration areas. This will not only enable KLA to meet rising global demand, especially as AI accelerates the need for advanced chips, but it will also serve as a key anchor for Newport's growing electronics and semiconductor community. 'This investment is about more than expanding KLA's capacity, it's about investing in Newport's future,' said Dan Collins, site leader and general manager at KLA. 'We're creating high-quality jobs, advancing technology, and deepening our long-term partnerships with the local community. It's a powerful moment for Newport, and we're excited to play a leading role in shaping what comes next.' Welsh and U.K. government leaders also highlighted the significance of KLA's decision to grow in Newport. 'We have a globally renowned compound semiconductor cluster here in Wales,' said Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales. 'KLA's investment strengthens our position as a leader in this vital and growing industry — driving innovation, economic growth, and opportunity for people here in Newport and beyond.' As KLA opens its doors to a new era of innovation, Newport stands ready to reap the benefits, more jobs, enhanced skills development, and a place on the global map as a city helping to power the technologies of tomorrow.
Business News Wales
5 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales' Beauty Spots to Get Better Mobile Coverage with Mast Upgrades
Tourists and hikers exploring Wales' most renowned beauty spots and national parks will benefit from a huge boost in mobile coverage, helping them plan routes and receive live weather updates for safer outdoors adventures. Nearly 30 mobile masts, initially only used to connect EE customers and those calling 999, have now been upgraded to provide coverage from all mobile network operators. The upgrade of existing masts will limit the visual and natural impact on the environment, causing less disruption to the surrounding areas. The upgrades will benefit thousands of local residents and many more visiting the surrounding areas, bringing fast and reliable 4G networks to remote communities previously plagued by poor signal. This will support local tourism and economic growth, the core mission of the Government's Plan for Change. The rollout is part of the Shared Rural Network programme led by the UK government and mobile network operators to improve mobile connectivity in rural communities across Britain. The new coverage will boost safety for holiday makers as well as economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas in Wales, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty to benefit from the boost include the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, in addition to many more rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire, Bognor, Ceredigion and others. Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: 'Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet. 'This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe.' The 4G boost will bring numerous benefits for local communities, enhancing connectivity to support local businesses, improving access to essential online services, enabling quicker payment options and giving farmers access to cutting-edge technology which can improve their productivity and sustainability. Research from telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can deliver a variety of economic benefits, including increased innovation, more flexible working and increasing the labour force, and opening up to larger markets. It is estimated that these benefits could increase gross value added (GVA) for those affected by improved connectivity by 0.5% each year. These upgrades mark significant progress in the government's mission to break down barriers to opportunity and boost economic growth across the UK, as outlined in the Plan for Change. To expand coverage even further, 50 more sites in England, Wales and Scotland are also being targeted for upgrades by March 2026. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. 'Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector. 'This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales.' Ben Roome, CEO of Mova said: 'This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. 'These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66% to 81% of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. 'With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage.'
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Nearly 30 mobile masts upgraded across rural Wales
The UK Government has announced that 28 existing masts in rural areas, including Snowdonia, have been enhanced, providing better connectivity for all four UK networks. This initiative is part of a broader mission to boost tourism and local growth, aligning with the Government's Plan for Change. The improved coverage will benefit thousands of residents and visitors, offering fast and reliable 4G networks in previously poorly connected areas. This is expected to support local tourism and economic growth. The upgrades are part of the Shared Rural Network programme, a collaboration between the UK government and mobile network operators aimed at improving mobile connectivity in rural areas across Britain. The enhanced coverage will improve safety for holidaymakers and create economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty, such as the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range, and Dee Valley, as well as rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire and Ceredigion, will also benefit from the improved coverage. Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: "Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet. "This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe." Research by telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can bring a range of economic benefits, including greater innovation, more flexible working, a larger labour force and access to wider markets. It is estimated that these benefits could raise gross value added (GVA) for those impacted by improved connectivity by 0.5 per cent each year. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: "Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. "Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector. "This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales." Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, said: "This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. "Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. "These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. "Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66 per cent to 81 per cent of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. "With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage."
