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  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK encourages the African Union and Somalia to seize this opportunity [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK encourages the African Union and Somalia to seize this opportunity [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 December 2022.

    Thank you, President. I would like to thank Council Members for their constructive engagement on this text and for their support today.

    As Somalia steps-up the fight against Al-Shabaab, ATMIS’s support remains vital. Yet, at the same time, the successful transition of responsibility from ATMIS to Somalia is an essential component of achieving long-term peace and security across Somalia.

    The UK is proud to continue to provide financial support to the African Union and Somalia in this endeavour. In 2022, the UK will have provided over $55m for ATMIS and over $8m to the Somalia Trust Fund.

    The extension to ATMIS Phase 1, authorised in this resolution, gives more time for the African Union and Somalia to work together and advance the strategic, gradual and sector-by-sector transition of security responsibility from ATMIS to Somali security and police forces.

    The UK encourages the African Union and Somalia to seize this opportunity and we look forward to hearing about the progress made in March next year.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : This resolution sends a firm message to the Myanmar military – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : This resolution sends a firm message to the Myanmar military – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 December 2022.

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council meeting on the Situation in Myanmar.

    Thank you, President.

    Today we have adopted the first Security Council resolution on the situation in Myanmar. It is the result of many weeks of careful consultation with Council Members, with ASEAN members, and with other key regional partners.

    In February 2021, the military overturned the results of a democratic election, seized power and plunged Myanmar and its 55 million people into a series of cascading crises – humanitarian, economic and political. The coup has had negative consequences for the region and its stability, including by exacerbating existing challenges facing the Rohingya.

    With this adoption, the Council has responded to the calls of ASEAN Leaders for UN support for their efforts. The resolution calls for the cessation of violence; immediate and concrete implementation of ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus; respect for the democratic will of the people of Myanmar; respect for human rights, and accountability for those who violate them; full and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need; and the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.

    The briefing of the Secretary-General in March, mandated under this resolution, will be an important opportunity to assess developments on the ground. And we stand ready to take further action as necessary.

    Madam President, today we have sent a firm message to the military, that they should be in no doubt: we expect this resolution to be implemented, in full. We have also sent a clear message to the people of Myanmar, that we seek progress in line with their rights, their wishes and their interests.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement from Foreign Ministers on the Taliban’s decision to ban women from universities [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement from Foreign Ministers on the Taliban’s decision to ban women from universities [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 December 2022.

    A joint statement from Foreign Ministers condemning the Taliban’s recent decision to ban women from universities in Afghanistan.

    The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States and the High Representative of the European Union strongly condemn the Taliban’s recent decisions to ban women from universities, to continue to bar girls from secondary schools, and to impose other harsh restrictions on the ability of women and girls in Afghanistan to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    The Taliban’s oppressive measures against Afghan girls and women have been relentless and systemic. Over the last 16 months, the Taliban have issued no fewer than 16 decrees and edicts that, among other things, constrain women’s mobility, remove women from places of work, require head-to-toe coverings for women, ban women from using public spaces such as parks and gyms and leave widows and women-headed households in dire circumstances by the requirement of male guardianship. These policies make clear the Taliban’s disregard for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.

    Afghan women’s ingenuity and dynamism are needed urgently to help relieve profound and staggering economic and humanitarian needs. A stable, economically viable, and peaceful Afghanistan is only attainable and sustainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, can fully, equally, and meaningfully participate in and contribute to the country’s future and development.

    We stand with all Afghans in their demand to exercise their human rights consistent with Afghanistan’s obligations under international law. With these moves, the Taliban are further isolating themselves from the Afghan population and the international community. We urge the Taliban to immediately abandon the new oppressive measures with respect to university education for women and girls and to, without delay, reverse the existing decision to prohibit girls’ access to secondary school.

    Taliban policies designed to erase women from public life will have consequences for how our countries engage with the Taliban. Our foremost concern will continue to be the welfare, rights, and freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Cross-border aid in Syria cannot be replaced – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cross-border aid in Syria cannot be replaced – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 December 2022.

    Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    Thank you, President. I want to start by thanking our briefers Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and USG Martin Griffiths for their comprehensive and sobering briefings today.

    First, on the humanitarian situation. The facts on the ground are clear, as Special Envoy Pederson said, we have an ever-deepening humanitarian crisis. An estimated 15.3 million Syrians will be in dire need of humanitarian assistance by early 2023, with approximately 12 million facing acute food insecurity.

    The Secretary General’s special report, published this month, sets out the criticality of food, shelter, and medical assistance — in particular, the response to cholera and immunisation services.

    The UN has also clearly explained that cross-line operations compliment, but cannot replace or compensate for, the cross-border mechanism.

    So my first point is that, with millions of Syrians facing another harsh winter, the moral and humanitarian imperatives are clear: renewing the cross-border mandate in January and continuing cross-border assistance is essential to the UN’s humanitarian operation, and provides a lifeline to those people in desperate need.

    Madam President, my second point is that a political solution, as others have said, is the only way to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis. This means implementing Resolution 2254. That is to say: a nationwide ceasefire; safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees; free and fair elections in line with a new constitution and release of those arbitrarily detained.

    We know that thousands of Syrians are arbitrarily detained in regime detention centres and information on their whereabouts is withheld from their families. Worse, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported yesterday that hundreds of detainee deaths, including many children, were never reported to the families.

    I want to thank, too, USG Griffiths for his work to address gender-based violence. Colleagues will recall that three weeks ago the UK hosted a preventing sexual violence in conflict conference to strengthen global response to this problem.

    We call for the immediate reconvening of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva to focus on the substance of political transition. The Syrian opposition remains ready to engage in good faith. We urge Russia and the regime to do the same.

    My third point, Madam President, is that as we have heard, continuing the status quo is not an option. Syria needs the Security Council to unite and to support renewal of cross-border aid within a humanitarian framework, and implementation of Security Council resolution 2254 – leading to a political solution.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : In Washington, the President of Ukraine met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the senators from the Republican and Democratic parties [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : In Washington, the President of Ukraine met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the senators from the Republican and Democratic parties [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 December 2022.

    As part of his visit to the USA, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

    The Head of State thanked Nancy Pelosi for her leadership in providing support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in all possible ways.

    “Thank you very much for the invitation. It is a great privilege to be here to address the Congress and all Americans. This is a great honor for me,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a briefing after meeting with Nancy Pelosi.

    He noted that he will speak in the Congress in English as a sign of respect and gratitude to the great American people who have supported Ukraine in the struggle for freedom and common democratic values from day one.

    The President emphasized that the US Congress is a great friend of the Ukrainian people and the freedom of our country.

    The Head of State expressed hope for the continuation of solid bicameral and bipartisan support of Ukraine in the Congress, thanks to which our country receives the much-needed military, financial and humanitarian aid.

    During the briefing, Nancy Pelosi noted that it is a great privilege and pride to welcome President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Capitol.

    “You are visiting us at a time when Congress is preparing another consequential round of security, humanitarian and economic aid. Hopefully it will happen within 48 hours,” she said.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives also welcomed President Joseph Biden’s decision to provide Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems, additional HIMARS and other important military assistance.

    In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

    The President discussed with the senators the need to maintain bicameral and bipartisan support for Ukraine in the future, which is extremely important for deterring Russian aggression and liberating Ukrainian territory.

    The President expressed hope that the US Congress will approve a package of financial support for Ukraine in the amount of almost 45 billion dollars.

    The parties also discussed the importance of designating PMC “Wagner” as a terrorist organization.

    During the conversation with the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that it is extremely important to support the Ukrainian initiative to create a special international tribunal for the crime of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the implementation of an effective mechanism for Russia’s compensating for the damages caused to Ukraine.

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the Joint Meeting of US Congress

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the Joint Meeting of US Congress

    The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, in the United States on 22 December 2022.

    Dear Americans!

    In all states, cities and communities. All those who value freedom and justice. Who cherish it as strongly, as we, Ukrainians, in all our cities, in each and every family. I hope my words of respect and gratitude resonate in each American heart!

    Madam Vice President, I thank you for your efforts in helping Ukraine! Madam Speaker, you bravely visited Ukraine during the full-fledged war, thank you very much! It is a great honor, a great privilege to be here!

    Dear members of the Congress – representatives of both parties – who also visited Kyiv! Esteemed Congressmen and Senators – from both parties – who will visit Ukraine, I’m sure, in the future! Dear representatives of diaspora – present in this chamber and spread across the country! Dear journalists!

    It’s a great honor for me to be at the U.S. Congress and speak to you and all Americans!

    Against all odds and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking.

    And it gives me good reason to share with you our first joint victory – we defeated Russia in the battle for minds of the world. We have no fear. Nor should anyone in the world have it.

    Ukrainians gained this victory – and it gives us courage, which inspires the entire world.

    Americans gained this victory – and that’s why you have succeeded in uniting the global community to protect freedom and international law.

    Europeans gained this victory – and that’s why Europe is now stronger and more independent than ever.

    The Russian tyranny has lost control over us and it will never influence our minds again.

    Yet, we have to do whatever it takes to ensure that countries of the Global South also gain such victory.

    I know one more thing – the Russians will stand a chance to be free only when they defeat the Kremlin in their minds.

    Yet, the battle continues! And we have to defeat the Kremlin on the battlefield.

    This battle is not only for the territory – for this or another part of Europe. This battle is not only for life, freedom and security of Ukrainians or any other nation, which Russia attempts to conquer. This struggle will define – in what world our children and grandchildren will live and then – their children and grandchildren. It will define whether it will be a democracy – for Ukrainians and for Americans – for all.

    This battle cannot be frozen or postponed. It cannot be ignored hoping that the ocean or something else will provide a protection.

    From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America, and from Africa to Australia – the world is too interconnected and interdependent to allow someone to stay aside – and at the same time – to feel safe when such a battle continues.

    Our two nations are Allies in this battle.

    And next year will be a turning point. The point, when Ukrainian courage and American resolve must guarantee the future of our common freedom. The freedom of people, who stand for their values.

    Ladies and Gentlemen!

    Americans!

    Yesterday – before coming here to Washington DC – I was at the frontline, in our Bakhmut. In our stronghold in the East of Ukraine – in the Donbas.

    The Russian military and mercenaries have been attacking Bakhmut non-stop since May. They have been attacking it day and night. But Bakhmut stands.

    Last year seventy thousand people lived there in Bakhmut and now only few civilians stay.

    Every inch of that land is soaked in blood. Roaring guns sound every hour. Trenches in the Donbas change hands several times a day in fierce combat and even hand fighting. But the Ukrainian Donbas stands.

    Russians use everything they have against Bakhmut and our other beautiful cities.

    The occupiers have a significant advantage in artillery. They have an advantage in ammunition. They have much more missiles and planes than we ever had.

    But our Defense Forces stand. And we all are proud of them.

    The Russian tactic is primitive. They burn down and destroy everything they see. They sent thugs to the frontlines. They sent convicts to the war…

    They threw everything against us – similar to the other tyranny, which in the Battle of the Bulge threw everything it had against the free world. Just like the brave American soldiers, which held their lines and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944, brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas. Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender!

    So, here is the frontline – the tyranny, which has no lack of cruelty – against the lives of free people.

    And your support is crucial – not just to stand in such fights, but to get to the turning point. To win on the battlefield.

    We have artillery. Yes. Thank you. Is it enough? Honestly, not really. To ensure Bakhmut is not just a stronghold that holds back the Russian army – but for the Russian army to completely pull out – more cannons and shells are needed.

    If so, just like the battle of Saratoga, the fight for Bakhmut will change the trajectory of our war for independence and freedom.

    If your «Patriots» stop the Russian terror against our cities, it will let Ukrainian patriots work to the full to defend our freedom.

    When Russia cannot reach our cities by its artillery, it tries to destroy them with missile attacks. More than that, Russia found an Ally in its genocidal policy – Iran.

    Iranian deadly drones, sent to Russia in hundreds, became a threat to our critical infrastructure. That is how one terrorist has found the other. It is just a matter of time – when they will strike against your other allies, if we do not stop them now. We must do it!

    I believe there should be no taboos between us in our alliance. Ukraine never asked the American soldiers to fight on our land instead of us. I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes themselves.

    Financial assistance is also critically important. And I would like to thank you for both, financial packages you have already provided us with, and the ones you may be willing to decide on. Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.

    Russia could stop its aggression if it wanted to, but you can speed up our victory. I know it.

    And it will prove to any potential aggressor that no one can succeed in breaking national borders, committing atrocities and reigning over people against their will.

    It would be naive to wait for steps towards peace from Russia – which enjoys being a terrorist state. Russians are still poisoned by the Kremlin.

    The restoration of international legal order is our joint task. We need peace. Ukraine has already offered proposals, which I just discussed with President Biden – our Peace Formula.

    Ten points, which should and must be implemented for our joint security – guaranteed for decades ahead.

    And the Summit, which can be held.

    I am glad to stress that President Biden supported our peace initiative today. Each of you, ladies and gentlemen, can assist in its implementation – to ensure that America’s leadership remains solid, bicameral and bipartisan.

    You can strengthen sanctions to make Russia feel how ruinous its aggression truly is.

    It is in your power to help us bring to justice everyone, who started this unprovoked and criminal war. Let’s do it!

    Let the terrorist state be held responsible for its terror and aggression, and compensate all losses done by this war.

    Let the world see that the United States is here!

    Ladies and Gentlemen!

    Americans!

    In two days, we will celebrate Christmas. Maybe, candlelit. Not because it is more romantic. But because there will be no electricity. Millions won’t have neither heating nor running water. All of this will be the result of Russian missile and drone attacks on our energy infrastructure. But we do not complain.

    We do not judge and compare whose life is easier.

    Your well-being is the product of your national security – the result of your struggle for independence and your many victories.

    We, Ukrainians, will also go through our war of independence and freedom with dignity and success.

    We’ll celebrate Christmas – and even if there is no electricity, the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out. If Russian missiles attack us – we’ll do our best to protect ourselves. If they attack us with Iranian drones and our people will have to go to bomb shelters on Christmas eve – Ukrainians will still sit down at a holiday table and cheer up each other. And we don’t have to know everyone’s wish as we know that all of us, millions of Ukrainians, wish the same – victory. Only victory.

    We already built strong Ukraine – with strong people, strong army, and strong institutions. Together with you!

    We develop strong security guarantees for our country and for entire Europe and the world. Together with you!

    And also – together with you! – we’ll put in place everyone, who will defy freedom.

    This will be the basis to protect democracy in Europe and the world over.

    Now, on this special Christmas time, I want to thank you. All of you. I thank every American family, which cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to other people.

    I thank President Biden and both parties at the Senate and the House – for your invaluable assistance.

    I thank your cities and your citizens, who supported Ukraine this year, who hosted our people, who waved our national flags, who acted to help us.

    Thank you all! From everyone, who is now at the frontline. From everyone, who is awaiting victory.

    Standing here today, I recall the words of the President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which are so good for this moment: “The American People in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory”.

    The Ukrainian People will win, too. Absolutely. I know that everything depends on us. On Ukrainian Armed Forces! Yet, so much depends on the world! So much in the world depends on you!

    When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our heroes gave me the flag. The battle flag. The flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives. They asked me to bring this flag to the US Congress – to members of the House of Representatives and Senators, whose decisions can save millions of people.

    So, let these decisions be taken!

    Let this flag stay with you, ladies and gentlemen!

    This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war!

    We stand, we fight and we will win. Because we are united. Ukraine, America and the entire free world.

    May God protect our brave troops and citizens! May God forever bless the United States of America!

    Merry Christmas and a happy victorious new year!

    Слава Україні!

  • HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Tackling the productivity challenge – Alan Milburn takes the debate to Manchester [January 1999]

    HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Tackling the productivity challenge – Alan Milburn takes the debate to Manchester [January 1999]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 22 January 1999.

    The Government’s approach to tackling the productivity challenge was outlined today in Manchester by the new Chief Secretary Alan Milburn.

    Speaking at the sixth in a series of joint national Productivity Roadshows, held at Manchester International Airport, he said:

    “The Government is committed to seeing all the regions and nations of the UK sharing in sustainable economic prosperity. My presence here today is part of the Government’s commitment to consultation with businesses and local communities about how best we can achieve that.

    The challenge we face as a country is serious. Our productivity is way behind that of our competitors. Success requires a long-term approach, a range of initiatives and policies to address the problems holding us back; – long-term economic stability – more and better investment – a skills revolution – a strong small business sector – investment in science, turning inventions into products and jobs – modern public services, with new standards, targets and disciplines The prize for us all is a Britain more equipped for the challenges ahead, ready to ensure greater employment opportunity and prosperity for our people in the years ahead.”

    Mr Milburn was joined at the roadshow by Minister for Energy and Industry John Battle and Minister for the Regions Richard Caborn.

    Mr Battle said: “One key issue facing Britain is how we rise to the challenge of global competition. The Competitiveness White Paper has set out this Government’s ambitious agenda. One that encourages enterprise, innovation, new ideas and processes. It is for business to create prosperity. The Government’s role is to create the right climate for business success. That is what we are doing.

    To create a Britain fit to compete in the future it is vital that we make sure the voice of business is heard in Whitehall. That is why events like today are so important.”

    Mr Caborn said:

    “A key factor in increasing the nation’s productivity is to improve the competitiveness of the regions. That is the job of the eight new Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in England that we have set up. They will be responsible for developing strategies for economic decision making at the regional level. They will be the building blocks of a prosperous economy.”

  • HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Treasury Communications and Strategy Team [January 1999]

    HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Treasury Communications and Strategy Team [January 1999]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 January 1999.

    John Kingman, currently head of the Treasury’s Productivity Team, has been appointed as head of Communications and Strategy. His responsibilities will cover management of the Treasury’s existing Communications Team. He will also have a new responsibility for helping to manage the interaction of policy and presentation work. He will attend policy discussions of the Treasury’s Management Board.

    John succeeds Peter Curwen who, after nearly three years as Head and formerly Deputy Head of Communications, has decided to return to the policy side of the Treasury to set up a new team in the Budget and Public Finances Directorate on EU and international taxation issues.

    In due course a new special adviser will be appointed, who will have a range of policy and political responsibilities.

    Notes for Editors

    1.  John Kingman rejoined the Treasury last year after a spell in the private sector, first on the Financial Times “Lex” Column and then in Sir John Browne’s office at BP. His civil service posts have included working on transport policy and public sector pay, as well as being Private Secretary to the Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP, both when he was Financial Secretary to the Treasury and when he was Secretary of State for National Heritage. Since returning to the Treasury, John has been Head of the Productivity Team.

    2.   As now, each Treasury Minister will have a press officer dealing with the issues for which they are responsible and for their day-to-day relations with the press. Steve Bird, who will remain as Deputy Head of the Team, will continue as press officer for the Chief Secretary. Treasury press officer Fiona Hamilton will fulfil this role for the Chancellor; Helen Etheridge for the Paymaster General; Malcolm Graves for the Financial Secretary; and Charles Keseru for the Economic Secretary.

  • HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Patricia Hewitt strengthens accountability framework of the new financial regulator [January 1999]

    HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Patricia Hewitt strengthens accountability framework of the new financial regulator [January 1999]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 January 1999.

    New measures to ensure that the new financial services regulatory regime is open and accountable have been announced today by the Economic Secretary, Patricia Hewitt.

    The measures follow responses to the consultation on the draft Financial Services and Markets Bill which will establish the Financial Services Authority (the FSA) as the single financial regulator. They are:

    • the Treasury will have the power to commission an independent report, at periodic intervals, into the efficiency and economy of the FSA’s operations;
    • the bill will require a majority of the FSA Board members to be non-executives;
    • the FSA will be required to maintain consumer and practitioner panels. The panels will have a role in assessing the performance of the FSA against its statutory objectives;
    • the FSA will be required to hold an annual public meeting to discuss its annual report. The Treasury will also be discussing with the FSA an agreed list, to be published in due course, of contents of the annual report; and
    • the FSA will be required to consult upon its arrangements for independent investigation of complaints made against it. As well as being able to report publicly on his investigations, the investigator will also have the power to publish the FSA’s responses to his recommendations.

    There will also be new safeguards in the bill covering the FSA’s rule-making processes. These will mean:

    • the FSA will have to include an explanatory memorandum when proposing new rules or changes to existing rules setting out the purpose of the proposals and their compatibility with the regulatory objectives;
    • when the final rule change is published the FSA will be required to publish a statement of any alterations from the original proposal and to issue a revised version of the cost-benefit analysis.

    Announcing the measures Ms Hewitt said:

    “There is widespread support for our determination to ensure that the FSA continues to operate in a fair, open and accountable manner.

    “These measures will build on the accountability framework in the draft Bill. The framework will ensure that the FSA is properly accountable to Ministers and Parliament, and to practitioners and consumers.”

  • HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Patricia Hewitt hails pensions review progress [January 1999]

    HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Patricia Hewitt hails pensions review progress [January 1999]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 January 1999.

    Over 350,000 people, who suffered a loss because of  personal pensions mis-selling, have now accepted offers of compensation. This telling response to the Government’s support for the priority pensions review was today reported by the Economic Secretary Patricia Hewitt.

    Welcoming the latest figures for firms monitored by the Treasury, Ms Hewitt said:

    “It is good news that I can today report significant progress in the review of priority cases. When we took office, more than two years after the review began, the firms with most cases had completed only 15%. The latest figures show them reaching 94%.

    “Firms have now recognised that this Government is committed to seeing pensions mis-selling sorted out and the victims of mis-selling receiving the redress they are entitled to.”

    Of the 21 firms whose results are published today:

    • one has still to resolve 75 per cent of its cases; and
    • 17 firms have now resolved over 90 per cent of their cases.

    The time limit for completion of the priority review, set by the Personal Investment Authority (PIA), has now expired for 19 more firms. By 31 December 1998 all firms should have completed their priority reviews. Consistent with the treatment of the 20 firms already removed from the Treasury’s monthly list, the Minister said that the others will be removed if, in the PIA’s assessment, they have met their targets.

    The Minister warned firms that she would be closely monitoring progress in phase 2 of the review.  She added:

    “Firms have eventually learned the lessons of phase 1 of the review. I expect the whole industry to carry forward recent progress into phase 2. The Government and the  regulators will no longer tolerate delay. Firms must adhere to the regulators’ timetable for completion of  phase 2. Only then will customers be able to regain confidence in the financial services industry.”

    As the regulators’ advertising campaign for phase 2 of the pension review gets underway, Ms Hewitt encouraged younger people to take the opportunity of finding out whether they might be due redress for mis-selling.

    Up to 1.8 million people may need to have their cases reviewed in phase 2. FSA has instructed firms to write to all customers who might have been mis-sold a pension by the end of April. The Minister urged anyone who receives a letter from their pension firm to read it carefully and complete the form. She said:

    “Consumers have their part to play in the review. If you receive a mailing from your firm with ‘R U Owed?’ on the envelope, read it carefully. If you think you are affected, send the requested information back to the firm.

    “Investors who were badly advised and lost out as a result could be owed as much as 4,000 Pounds or more. That is worth the time to sit down and work out whether your case should be reviewed. As the adverts say – ‘Mis-sold a pension? – They O U’.”