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  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (24/11/2022) (II)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (24/11/2022) (II)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 24 November 2022.

    Ukrainians!

    Indomitable people of an indomitable country!

    I’ve just addressed the UN Security Council and called for a reaction. Reaction to Russian terror. One seat in the Security Council is still occupied, and they tried to say something from there. I am sure that no one in the world wants to hear Russian lies anymore. In reality, this chair is empty.

    Today, the European Parliament recognized Russia as a terrorist state and called on the EU and member states to create a legal framework so that such a recognition works at the national level throughout Europe and has consequences – precisely legal consequences, not just political ones.

    And Russia – as if the whole world does not matter – continued its missile attacks today.

    The United States of America has announced another package of support in the amount of 400 million dollars. Everything necessary so that we can protect the life and freedom of our people.

    And Russia used missiles for another attack on another hospital and killed… a baby. Life that lasted only two days was cut short.

    Today, we are deploying Points of Invincibility across the country to support our people. To provide heat, electricity and communication.

    And Russia spends 67 missiles to hit the very basis of life of any people anywhere in Ukraine and provokes a blackout in Ukraine.

    When I received reports in the evening on the progress of power restoration, 11 regions were marked “the entire region is without electricity”.

    As of the beginning of the night, we are gradually connecting new and new districts. Energy workers, utility workers, and State Emergency Service will work round the clock.

    The Kyiv region – the connection of household consumers has begun, 20% are already connected.

    The Chernihiv region is in a difficult situation, but we are looking for opportunities to provide electricity to people.

    The Cherkasy region – all critical infrastructure is working, we are doing everything to return energy to household consumers.

    The Odesa region – water supply is 100% connected, heat – 100%, household electricity consumers – still few, only 10%. But there should be more by morning.

    Volyn – tens of thousands of consumers are connected, we are working on all others.

    The Ternopil region – we are connecting district by district.

    The Lviv region was completely turned off. As of now, 90% are connected.

    Kyiv is in a very difficult situation. Work will continue throughout the night. We expect the result by tomorrow, in the first half of the day.

    It is the same in all other cities and communities that were affected or were left without energy. We are doing everything for the people.

    And the occupiers are doing everything to make people suffer, so that we can’t even hear and see each other.

    Today, our team managed to bring home another 36 Ukrainians. 35 servicemen, one civilian. Two officers, 33 privates and sergeants. In spite of everything, we are saving our people and we will certainly return all the prisoners and deportees.

    This shows everything very clearly – about us and about them. It shows everything very accurately. The Russian occupiers still haven’t understood that they have only today. And we definitely have tomorrow.

    And I thank everyone who ensures that with their courage and their effectiveness!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (24/11/2022)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (24/11/2022)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 24 November 2022.

    Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians!

    We have some much needed financial news today. First, there is another tranche of macro-financial aid from the European Union worth 2.5 billion euros. It is very important. We are also waiting for the approval of the macro-financial aid program for the next year in the amount of 18 billion euros.

    Second, the United States of America has announced that it will soon provide $4.5 billion in additional funding to directly support our budget.

    I am grateful to the partners for these important steps of solidarity. Due to such decisions of our friends, we maintain social stability and, despite all the Russian strikes, fulfill our social obligations. And these are obligations to millions of people.

    Since the beginning of the full-scale war, we have been making stable payments to pensioners – that’s almost 11 million older Ukrainians. Indexation of pensions was carried out, as provided by law. 6 million citizens have some form of social support.

    This month alone, social payments totaled almost 14 billion hryvnias. This is assistance to those with many children, the poor, single mothers, and people with disabilities. Also more than 2 million internally displaced persons receive assistance from the state. Plus salaries for employees of the budget sector. We do everything to ensure payments for all our defenders.

    The financial frontline for Ukraine is now as important as the frontline on the battlefield.

    And I thank everyone who helps our state accumulate the necessary funds. Both to our friends in the world and to businesses that, despite everything, continue to work and pay taxes.

    As for the energy frontline. Energy and utility workers in many regions continue restoration of the network. We are also preparing responses to possible new terrorist attacks against our energy system.

    As of this evening, only stabilizing shutdown schedules are used in 16 regions and in Kyiv. But we must understand that in case of consumption spikes, emergency shutdowns are also possible.

    We are also rolling out our new “Points of Invincibility” project to support people across the country. As of this day, more than 4,000 such points have already been prepared. More are planned.

    If massive Russian strikes take place again and if there is an understanding that the electricity supply cannot be restored within hours, the work of “Points of Invincibility” will be activated – all basic services will be there, including electricity, mobile communications and the Internet, heat, water, and a first-aid kit. Absolutely free and 24/7.

    Points will necessarily work at all regional and district administrations, as well as at schools, buildings of the State Emergency Service, etc.

    A special website, nezlamnist.gov.ua, with a map of such points throughout the country is already available. It is constantly updated.

    It’s important to see now where these points are in your city, in your community, and keep an eye on the map for updates in the coming weeks as new points are added.

    On the website and in all “Points of Invincibility” you will be able to find out where the nearest gas station, bank, pharmacy and grocery store are operating.

    All of us must be prepared for any scenario, considering what terrorists are fighting against our people and what they are trying to do.

    Local authorities are tasked with informing people about the existence of “Points of Invincibility”. It should be very simple: in government buildings, in pharmacies, grocery stores, in post offices, there should be information about where a person can find support in the event of a long-term power outage.

    And it is very important that conscientious business is already joining this initiative of ours. Thanks to all the entrepreneurs who decided to support society now and make their business facilities also “Points of Invincibility” – with generators, Starlinks, water and other stuff.

    And please note that on our website nezlamnist.gov.ua there is a special form for business representatives who want to join and become a “Point of Invincibility” for Ukrainians. I am sure: by helping each other, we will all be able to get through this winter together.

    The situation on the frontline has not changed over the past day. In all areas of the front, the same dynamics as in the previous days is maintained.

    Donetsk region – fierce attacks, constant shelling. I thank all our heroes, who courageously hold out despite everything!

    Luhansk region – with battles yet little by little we are strengthening our position and moving forward little by little.

    Kherson region and other territories of the south – we are doing everything to reduce the combat potential of the occupiers and eliminate their ability to carry out shelling of our cities.

    Step by step, we will bring the Russian army to new defeats, and no shelling of Kherson or any of our cities will help the occupiers.

    The sea… On our United24 fundraising platform, we are actively raising funds for naval drones. Unity, as always, gives a great result. Ordinary people. More than 50 Ukrainian companies. International businesses. Plus our Lithuanian friends. Plus the IT community. In total, people from 93 countries joined this initiative of ours! We are gradually building the Ukrainian fleet of naval drones!

    I thank everyone who supports us!

    Thank you to everyone who fights and works for Ukraine!

    Thank you to everyone who helps loved ones get through this difficult time!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (23/11/2022)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (23/11/2022)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 23 November 2022.

    Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians!

    First of all, it should be said that today is the professional holiday of our paratroopers – the Day of Airborne Assault Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

    I’m in a relevant gift. The boys handed it over and asked to wear it. It’s my pleasure!

    In particular, this is the day of the 25th Sicheslav Separate Airborne Brigade, the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade, the 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade and the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade, which distinguished themselves during the liberation of the Kharkiv region and our other lands.

    This is the day of the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade, which took part in the liberation of Kherson and the occupied territories of the left bank of Ukraine. The day of the 79th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade, which extremely bravely defends our state in the Luhansk region and the Donetsk region.

    This is the day of units of the 132nd Іeparate Reconnaissance Battalion, which took part in the liberation of the Zhytomyr region and Kyiv region together with other units of the Airborne Assault Troops.

    The day of the warriors of the 148th Separate Artillery Division who every day accurately “subtract” the enemy in the most threatening areas of the front.

    This is the day of the 71st Separate Hunting Brigade, which became part of the Airborne Assault Troops recently, but has already proven itself well.

    I thank you all, warriors! Thank you to all Ukrainian paratroopers!

    In the morning, in the White Hall of the Heroes of Ukraine in the Mariyinsky Palace, I had the honor of presenting awards on the occasion of the professional holiday to the best fighters. I handed over the Gold Star Orders to the relatives of our Heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine.

    Our Airborne Assault Troops, like all the Defense Forces of Ukraine, pay an extremely high price for our people to preserve their freedom. Thousands of Ukrainian men and women died fighting for our country. We should always remember them. We must always honor their courage and self-sacrifice.

    I spoke today about Ukraine’s contribution to the protection of freedom and European values in an address to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

    I called on the countries of the Alliance to take specific actions to implement the Ukrainian Peace Formula, which can reliably guarantee peace and justice for Ukraine and the entire Euro-Atlantic community.

    I also called on all parliaments of NATO member states to finally adopt a decision on designating Russia as a terrorist state. I believe that gradually we will reach this result – this is how Russia will be perceived in the world. Exactly what it has become. A terrorist state.

    And I thank all the members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, who today adopted the relevant resolution to confirm this and our other positions.

    Today I spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron about the implementation of several points of our Peace Formula at once. Namely, about radiation safety and the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, as well as about the energy security of Ukraine and Europe.

    We are working to ensure the implementation of the IAEA order to stop any hostile activity against Ukrainian nuclear facilities. And for this, the demilitarization of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is extremely important. Russia must withdraw all its militants from there and stop shelling the station.

    I am grateful to Mr. President Macron for his willingness to support the protection of our energy facilities. We are also doing everything to make the conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine and the implementation of our Fast Recovery Plan, in which France is ready to show leadership, as effective as possible.

    Today, our energy workers had to apply not only stabilizing shutdowns, but also unscheduled ones. This is caused by a higher level of consumption than the country can provide at this time.

    Therefore, I would like to appeal to all representatives of regional authorities and local communities: please do not stop communicating about the rational consumption of electricity.

    Of course, energy workers, utility workers, rescuers and everyone involved are working at their maximum. But the systemic damage to our energy sphere by the attacks of Russian terrorists is so significant that all our people and businesses should be very frugal and spread consumption by hours of the day.

    As of this evening, the situation is particularly difficult in Kyiv and the region, as well as in the Vinnytsia, Sumy, Ternopil, Cherkasy, Odesa regions and some other cities and districts.

    Please try to limit your personal use of electricity in areas where there is the most difficulty on a daily basis, and especially during peak consumption hours. Of course, there should be a very frugal approach in public places as well.

    And one more thing.

    Today is the ninth anniversary of the beginning of Maidan – the Revolution of Dignity. Ninth… But the freedom and dignity of the Ukrainian people is more than a thousand years old. It is worth remembering this.

    There were many threats to the freedom of our people and the very existence of Ukrainians. But the people got through it. And now we have a historic opportunity to defend Ukrainian freedom once and for all.

    I believe that it will be so.

    I thank everyone who supports our country! Thank you to everyone who fights and works for Ukraine! Eternal glory and honor to all those who gave their lives for the freedom of our people!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (22/11/2022)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (22/11/2022)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 22 November 2022.

    Fellow Ukrainians!

    Today we celebrate the Day of Dignity and Freedom. A holiday that shows that for us dignity and freedom is a holiday. The answer to the question of who Ukrainians are and what is most important to them.

    Dear people!

    I said these words in the same place on the same day exactly one year ago. What has changed since then? A lot. In our country, Europe and the whole world. But something remains unchanged. This is the answer to the question of who Ukrainians are and what is most important to us. Two values, inextricably intertwined, like the right and left banks of the Dnipro River. Like blue and yellow colors. Like Chubynsky’s words and Verbytsky’s music. Like two threads of a pattern on a vyshyvanka where our genetic code is encrypted. This is dignity and freedom.

    We always remembered this and have no right to forget. We always valued this and are not afraid to defend this. We always knew what we wanted. And this year, everyone found out what we are capable of. Friends and enemies saw it. Allies and partners. We saw for ourselves. Someone – once again. Someone – for the first time. But all together we proved and continue to prove that dignity and freedom are a holiday for us. This remained unchanged. And everyone saw what Ukrainians are capable of.

    Everyone saw what defenders we have. How to hold out against one of the greatest armies in the world and become one of the best armies in the world. Someone will say: it sounds loud. Yes. Our army sounds loud. For the last eight years. And for the last nine months. When hardened fighters are joined by musicians, actors, Olympic champions, IT specialists, scientists, businessmen. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who did not get on the plane, but stood in line at the military commissariat. And side by side they stood up for our dream. Free Ukraine forever.

    And everyone saw what our civilians are capable of. Everyone saw what kind of citizens we have! How can you become a living wall on the path of the occupier’s military columns, stop and turn around enemy tanks and armored personnel carriers with bare hands. Go to rallies under the occupation despite the gunshots and stun grenades. Preserve the Ukrainian flag and wait to finally meet the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Flood your village to prevent the orcs from entering Kyiv.

    Shoot down a Russian drone with a can. Give seeds to the occupiers so that sunflowers sprout in the place where they perish.

    And everyone saw what kind of doctors, firefighters, rescuers, railway workers, energy workers, and farmers we have. How can you be on duty for several weeks in a row. Pull dozens of wounded from the battlefield. Carry out surgeries under bombs and bullets. Sow a crop and gather it as a harvest under bombs and bullets. Give lectures to students online, in the trenches. Get a bachelor’s degree online, in the trenches.

    Everyone saw what kind of volunteers and caring people we have. How can you raise funds for drones, ambulance vehicles, optics, thermal imagers in a matter of hours. How to get everything. Buy everything. Bring everything. And then get, buy and bring again, because that wasn’t all. And in every village, people canned borscht and stewed meat for the frontline, because we would go red with embarrassment if our warriors ate expired dry ration, like orcs.

    We are willing to give the last we have so that the Ukrainian warrior looks decently. Fights decently. Wins decently. And everyone saw what kind of business we have. Not oligarchs, but a modern, creative, humane and responsible business. How to turn your office, hotel or gym into a shelter for IDPs. How fashion shoe brands manufacture army boots. Designers of women’s dresses manufacture body armor. A garden furniture manufacturer makes anti-tank hedgehogs. A famous model cooks food for warriors and refugees. A TV presenter makes a “Bandera smoothie”. A doctor of science sorts humanitarian aid in Poland. And an opera singer evacuates hundreds of people in his car.

    Everyone saw what kind of children we have. How they give up smartphones and gadgets to donate money to the army. How they wash cars and sell drawings, collecting money for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. How a boy runs away from home to enroll in the territorial defense. How a girl with shot legs drives a car 15 kilometers to take out four wounded adults.

    Everyone saw what kind of people we have! Willing to give the last. Willing to stand to the last. They did not lose dignity. Bravery. Faith in themselves. And they united. In order not to lose freedom. Not to lose independence. Not to lose Ukraine.

    We can be left without money. Without gasoline. Without hot water. Without light. But not without freedom. And it remains unchanged.

    Yes, we have paid and continue to pay a very high price for freedom. And we will never forget all those who gave their lives for Ukraine. And we will never forgive everyone who took away their lives and wanted to take away our freedom. But the main thing is that no one succeeded and no one will ever succeed.

    Dear people!

    I said these words in the same place on the same day exactly one year ago. What has changed since then? A lot. Craters appeared on our land. There are roadblocks and anti-tank hedgehogs in our cities and villages. It may be dark on our streets. It may be cold in our homes. There are many changes, but they have not changed the most important thing. Because the most important thing is not outside, but inside. And it remains unchanged. And that’s why we will hold out. We will endure.

    Everyone. Different. But Ukrainian men and women. Defenders. Everyone who knows: we must be worthy, we must not give up. Because Ukrainians are not used to giving up. Because they have dignity. And therefore – freedom!

    This remains unchanged. We will overcome everything. Endure. Survive. Prevail!

    And on the Day of Dignity and Freedom, we will gather on Maidan Nezalezhnosti. Where dignity and freedom have always been protected. On the granite, on the barricades during the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity. Where we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. And where we will celebrate the Victory Day of Ukraine. In a peaceful Kyiv, in a peaceful Ukraine, I will speak about the important. About the main thing. What remained unchanged. And will remain unchanged.

    Glory to Ukraine!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (21/11/2022)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (21/11/2022)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 21 November 2022.

    Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians!

    This day is coming to an end – already the 270th day of the full-scale war. I will report briefly.

    The first topic is the frontline. The fiercest battles, as before, are in the Donetsk region. Although there are fewer attacks today due to the deterioration of the weather, the number of Russian shelling occasions remains, unfortunately, extremely high.

    Luhansk region – little by little we are moving forward with battles. As of now, there have been almost 400 shelling occasions in the east since the beginning of the day. Thank you to each and everyone who holds positions and helps our defense forces.

    South – we are holding the line, consistently and very calculatedly destroying the potential of the occupiers.

    The second topic is energy. Restoration of networks and technical supply capabilities, demining of power transmission lines, repairs – everything goes on round the clock.

    We managed to alleviate the situation in some regions where there were a lot of real problems yesterday. This evening there are stabilization shutdowns in 15 regions and in Kyiv as well. The largest are Vinnytsia, Sumy, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv regions and the capital. We are doing everything possible and impossible to return normal life to Odesa, Kharkiv and all our cities and communities.

    And I thank all energy workers, utility workers, regional administrations – everyone who works for the sake of Ukrainians.

    The third topic is foreign policy. Today I addressed the participants of the summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie. These are more than 50 participating countries, and more than 20 observer countries. Africa, Asia, America, Europe – everywhere they hear Ukraine, everywhere they know our proposals on how to restore peace to Ukraine and how to restore stability to the world.

    I will say right away that the Ukrainian peace formula is perceived extremely positively in the world. It is quite constructive and realistic – in contrast to the empty and mendacious Russian rhetoric about their alleged readiness for some kind of negotiations.

    We will do everything to make the world accept the Ukrainian peace formula.

    There will be several important international addresses in the upcoming week. And we are already preparing.

    And one more thing.

    Traditionally, the Day of Agricultural Workers is celebrated in Ukraine on the third Sunday of November. Was there ever an international context to this day? This year it’s definitely there.

    This year, many people in the world saw how important the contribution of Ukrainians to global food security is. The lives of millions of people in different countries directly depend on our agricultural sector.

    I thank all our people who work on the ground, who provide Ukraine and the world with the essentials. Thanks to you and your work, we can find support for our state in those countries with which we do not yet have traditional relations. But we will have them, trust me.

    Glory to all who fight for Ukraine!

    Glory to everyone who works and helps!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Liz Twist – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Economic Crime

    Liz Twist – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Economic Crime

    The parliamentary question asked by Liz Twist, the Labour MP for Blaydon, in the House of Commons on 7 December 2022.

    Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)

    What steps she is taking to improve the effectiveness of the (a) Serious Fraud Office and (b) Crown Prosecution Service in prosecuting cases of fraud and economic crime.

    Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab)

    What steps she is taking to improve the effectiveness of the (a) Serious Fraud Office and (b) Crown Prosecution Service in prosecuting cases of fraud and economic crime.

    The Solicitor General (Michael Tomlinson)

    Last year the Crown Prosecution Service prosecuted 7,200 defendants where fraud and forgery were the principal offence, and the conviction rate was 84.1%. This financial year, the Serious Fraud Office has successfully prosecuted four fraudsters, as well as Glencore, which resulted in the highest ever order in a corporate criminal conviction in the UK.

    Liz Twist

    There were almost 940,000 fraud offences in the latest Home Office data, but only around 4,800 of those offences resulted in charges or summonses. The exact charge rate was just 0.51%, which is even lower than the rate of the previous year. Why does the Attorney General think the charge rate for fraud is so abysmally low? What does she plan to do about it?

    The Solicitor General

    The figures show that, last year, the CPS prosecuted 7,200 defendants where fraud and forgery were the principal offence, and the conviction rate was 84.1%. In April 2022, the CPS launched a united team, and a new serious economic, organised crime and international directorate has been set up to help in that regard.

    Mr Sharma

    It is a simple fact of life that we cannot tackle a problem if we do not know the scale and nature of that problem. Does the Attorney General agree that the Government need urgent answers to three basic questions, “What is the total scale of fraud in the UK? How much of it is perpetrated from overseas? And how much of it is perpetrated by organised crime?”? Can we have an answer to any of those questions today?

    The Solicitor General

    Both the CPS and the SFO play a significant role in tackling fraud and economic crime, and we should not gloss over the successes that there have been. Once again, I pay tribute to the SFO for its successful prosecution of Glencore, which resulted in a £280 million total payment, the highest ever that has been ordered in a corporate criminal conviction in the United Kingdom.

  • David Duguid – 2022 Parliamentary Question on War Crimes Investigation in Ukraine

    David Duguid – 2022 Parliamentary Question on War Crimes Investigation in Ukraine

    The parliamentary question asked by David Duguid, the Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan, in the House of Commons on 7 December 2022.

    David Duguid (Banff and Buchan) (Con)

    What steps she has taken to support the investigation of potential war crimes in Ukraine.

    The Attorney General (Victoria Prentis)

    The Government stand with Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion. I am personally extremely committed to this and, frankly, my home life would not be worth living if I were not. We are working closely with the Ukrainian prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, as he prosecutes Russia’s crimes in the Ukrainian courts. The UK, US and EU Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group is helping him, as is Sir Howard Morrison. We have provided a package of financial support for the International Criminal Court, and we stand ready to do whatever else is required.

    David Duguid

    I join others in welcoming my right hon. Friend to her post. What is her assessment of the international community’s response to the alleged war crimes being committed in Ukraine?

    The Attorney General

    The international community is determined to support Ukraine’s search for justice. Last week I attended a meeting of G7 Justice Ministers in Berlin, which focused on this. These are difficult issues to address, and it will take time and careful international working to overcome the perspectives and preferences of individual states.

    Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD)

    It is clearly hugely important that those who commit war crimes are brought to justice. Does the Attorney General agree it is hugely important that maximum publicity is given, perhaps via social media, to shame those who have committed these crimes?

    The Attorney General

    The hon. Gentleman makes an important point, and this is a very unusual situation. The Ukrainians are prosecuting war crimes in real time, and we hope the news of those prosecutions, and of the 13 Russian soldiers who have already been convicted and imprisoned as a result, will permeate through the Russian ranks and stop them committing war crimes in this terrible war.

  • Alan Brown – 2022 Parliamentary Question on the Supreme Court Decision on the Scottish Independence Referendum

    Alan Brown – 2022 Parliamentary Question on the Supreme Court Decision on the Scottish Independence Referendum

    The parliamentary question asked by Alan Brown, the SNP MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, in the House of Commons on 7 December 2022.

    Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)

    Whether she has made an assessment of the implications for her policies of the findings of the Supreme Court on the reference by the Lord Advocate of devolution issues under paragraph 34 of schedule 6 to the Scotland Act 1998.

    Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (SNP)

    Whether she has made an assessment of the implications for her policies of the findings of the Supreme Court on the reference by the Lord Advocate of devolution issues under paragraph 34 of schedule 6 to the Scotland Act 1998.

    The Attorney General (Victoria Prentis)

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Opposition Front Bench and the Chairman of the Justice Committee for their extremely kind comments. I welcome the ruling of the Supreme Court. The Court was very clear—it was a unanimous decision—that a Bill legislating for a referendum on Scottish independence is not within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

    Alan Brown

    That might be the case in the Supreme Court, but if we look back, we see that John Major said of Scotland that

    “no nation could be held irrevocably in a Union against its will”,

    so will the Attorney General confirm that Scotland is in a voluntary Union, and if so, what is the legal mechanism to affirm that or, more importantly, the legal means by which Scotland can voluntarily leave the Union?

    The Attorney General

    The UK Supreme Court was very clear that an independence referendum was related to reserved matters, and the Government welcome the Court’s confirmation of this point. What the people of Scotland want is to see the Government working with them to solve the issues that matter to them.

    Allan Dorans

    Following the recent Supreme Court judgment, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland have been asked on numerous occasions what is the democratic route available to Scotland to leave the Union. Neither has been able to provide an answer. If the people of England wanted to leave this alleged voluntary Union of equals, what democratic process would be available to them?

    The Attorney General

    I believe that I have answered this question already, and I have heard the Prime Minister answer it several times in the course of Prime Minister’s questions. The Supreme Court rejected the Lord Advocate’s submission that an advisory referendum would have only an indirect and consequential effect on the reserved matter. This matter is reserved.

    Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)

    Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Supreme Court’s judgment will also have an unexpected side effect in that it will force the Scottish Government to concentrate on domestic policy for once?

    The Attorney General

    I agree that the people of Scotland want us to work together to fix the challenges we face collectively. Now is the time to make sure we work together, and that is what this Government will do.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government awards £45 million to maintain flagship scientific research vessels including RRS Sir David Attenborough [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government awards £45 million to maintain flagship scientific research vessels including RRS Sir David Attenborough [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 10 December 2022.

    Industry and Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani announces £45 million in funding to maintain the UK’s state-of-the-art fleet of research vessels.

    • Babcock International’s Rosyth shipyard today has been awarded £45 million to maintain the UK’s fleet of scientific research vessels – RRS Sir David Attenborough, RRS Discovery and RRS James Cook.
    • the three vessels involved in some of the most pressing global research across the globe, visiting polar regions and depths of tropical oceans
    • this investment is a boost for UK shipbuilding and will support highly-skilled jobs and suppliers in Scotland and across the UK, and a key step in the government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

    £45 million in funding to maintain the UK’s state-of-the-art fleet of research vessels has been announced today (Saturday 10 December) by Industry and Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani.

    The £45 million contract, awarded to Babcock International by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is a key component of the government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, boosting investment in the prestigious UK shipbuilding industry.

    Maintenance and upgrades will be carried out on RRS Sir David Attenborough, RRS Discovery, and RRS James Cook, three ships which conduct innovative scientific research into our oceans and polar regions, and support scientists tackling global issues such as climate change and pollution.

    Industry and Maritime Minister, Nusrat Ghani said:

    RRS Sir David Attenborough and its maiden voyage to Antarctica inspired the explorer in all of us, venturing into some of the world’s most unforgiving climates, while conducting vital scientific research on pressing global issues like sea level rise and marine biodiversity.

    This research is invaluable, which is why we are committing the funding needed for the upkeep of these key research vessels, drawing on Rosyth Shipyard’s proven track record of excellent work maintaining UK ships.

    The shipbuilding industry supports more than 40,000 jobs across the UK. This investment will secure highly skilled jobs and suppliers to maintain the UK’s advanced fleet of research ships.

    The initial three-year contract, with additional two-year option, will see the large oceanographic and polar research vessels dock at Babcock’s state-of-the-art facilities in Rosyth, Scotland, for programmed maintenance and upgrade work.

    Babcock Rosyth is a leading provider of maritime support, and where maintenance, repairs and upgrades are also carried out on the UK Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers.

    Defence Secretary and Shipbuilding Tsar, Ben Wallace, said:

    This is another fantastic example of the National Shipbuilding Strategy delivering for British industry and boosting investment in UK yards.

    A cornerstone of British shipbuilding, Rosyth is already home to a number of major build and maintenance contracts, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience to the British shipbuilding sector.

    Professor Sir Duncan Wingham, Executive Chair of NERC, part of UK Research and Innovation, said:

    The UK’s fleet of advanced research ships provides state-of-the-art facilities for scientists to conduct research of our oceans and polar regions, building our understanding of the ice, atmosphere, and seas.

    We look forward to working with Babcock Rosyth to maintain these ships and onboard facilities, which are a key part of the UK’s scientific infrastructure.

    David Lockwood, Babcock CEO said:

    We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to maintain this important NERC fleet.

    Our flexible and efficient solution will ensure the fleet is maintained to exceptional standards and optimise vessel availability in support of NERC’s global footprint.

    Tom Chant, CEO of the Society of Maritime Industries, said:

    Congratulations to Babcock on this important business win.  The Rosyth base has already benefitted from the investment for the Type 31 project.  This has developed the workforce and their skill base and created a world beating shipyard.

    The skills and facilities at Rosyth will be a great match for the NERC vessels with their specialist requirements and tough expeditionary voyages.

    The RRS Sir David Attenborough is operated by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and is one of the world’s most advanced polar research vessels, having departed the UK for its maiden voyage in November 2021. The vessel recently left its UK home port on November 20th, for a six-month expedition to Antarctica. In the coming expedition, the RRS Sir David Attenborough will be testing a new artificial intelligence system which will help chart the most environmentally-friendly route at any given time.

    Measuring 129 metres in length and with a range of 19,000 nautical miles, it accommodates up to 90 crew, scientists, and support staff, and will enable research of the oceans, seafloor, ice and atmosphere.

    The RRS Discovery (2013) and RRS James Cook (2006) are operated by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and conduct oceanic exploration around the world, undertaking multi -disciplinary marine science to unlock the mysteries of the deep ocean.

    Following the refit, RRS Discovery will be heading to the Arctic to explore nitrogen fixation with the University of Liverpool and NERC, whilst RRS James Cook will continue its research expeditions to some of Earth’s most challenging environments, from tropical oceans to the edge of ice sheets.

    All three research ships use state-of-the-art technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles, including the famous NOC Autosub called Boaty McBoatface.

    Boaty, and other NOC-developed technologies have the ability to travel under ice and to depths of 6,000m to investigate the process driving change in the Polar Regions. The marine robot fleet at NOC is one of the most capable in the world and support the ships’ scientific research with environmentally-friendly marine observation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Pubs, clubs and shops across the UK saved for local communities by £6.7 million rescue package [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Pubs, clubs and shops across the UK saved for local communities by £6.7 million rescue package [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 10 December 2022.

    More than 30 pubs, clubs, theatres and other venues at risk of closure have been saved and placed in the hands of local people thanks to £6.67 million of government levelling up funding.

    • Funding will help community groups take ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure
    • Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced second round allocations from £150 million Community Ownership Fund (COF)
    • Scheme will help restore Moor Pool Snooker Hall in Birmingham, refurbish changing pavilions in Falkirk and rescue an 180-year old village shop in Llandyrnog

    More than 30 pubs, clubs, theatres and other venues at risk of closure have been saved and placed in the hands of local people thanks to £6.67 million of government levelling up funding.

    The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has today announced allocations from the second round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund.

    The funding will help community groups take ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure and give them a new lease of life, ensuring they continue to provide vital services, create opportunities and boost local economies

    Successful projects include the Margaret Haes riding centre in Bury, which supports people with disabilities, historic pubs in Warrington and Limpley Stoke and grass-roots sports clubs in Falkirk and Devon.

    Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said:

    “We’re putting beloved pubs, clubs and heritage sites into the hands of local people to ensure these cherished institutions and the vital services they provide are guaranteed for future generations.

    “With the government backing announced today, these places will continue to thrive, make a difference to people’s lives and be run by the local community for the local community.”

    Combined with Round 1 projects, this additional funding takes the overall total to £16.74m for 70 projects, with £2.0m allocated to Scotland, £1.6m to Wales and £1.3m to Northern Ireland.

    Successful projects include:

    • The Margaret Haes riding centre in Bury will be saved from closure so it can continue to provide vital services to people with disabilities and their carers.
    • Grass-roots sports clubs in Falkirk and Devon will more than £249,000 to transform dilapidated changing pavilions into modern, inclusive, multi-purpose facilities for everyone in the community.
    • The Kingswood community centre in Southwark will receive £180,000 in funding to reopen the library and community space for weddings, birthdays and art classes.
    • The historic Albert Park in Glasgow’s Southside will also benefit from £100,000 of levelling up cash to restore the clubhouse and pavilion
    • The ‘Haverhub’ in Pembrokeshire, a social enterprise nestled in the heart of the historic Quay Street and Riverside Quarter, will take ownership of their building so they can provide a variety of educational courses for local people.
    • A village pub in Kent, The Honest Miller, has been saved from closure so it can return and serve food and drinks to locals overlooking the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
    • The Aberystwyth and District Hospice provides vital support to people with chronic and life limiting conditions and their carers. The grant will give the local community the funds they need to buy their premisses outright and make the building more accessible for its users.
    • On the Isle of Arran, Scotland the doors of the Lochranza Hotel Bar will open again to welcome locals to enjoy their selection of malt whiskies.
    • The Zion Community Arts centre in Bristol will retain its place in the community and provide space for local history groups and businesses.
    • The “Heart of Newhaven” in Edinburgh will be reinvented into a vibrant space for theatre groups, choirs and local enterprise.
    • In Northern Ireland, the Glór Uachtar Tíre community centre will be transformed into a multi-generational bedrock providing a café and office space, Irish language preschool, a youth radio station and creche facilities.

    Debra Batchelor, Trustee at the Margaret Haes Riding Centre said:

    “Thanks to this funding, the riding centre can secure the property for present and future generations to benefit from the experiences of being with horses – to empower children and adults with learning disabilities, physical and mental health disabilities, and emotional and social challenges, to lead active and fulfilling lives through equestrian activities. This would not have been possible without the award from the Community Ownership Fund . We can now unlock so many exciting opportunities to develop our facilities and experiences, and further benefit our community. Dreams can come true!”

    Cllr Steve Roche, Horrabridge Parish Council said:

    “Horrabridge’s King George V Memorial Sports Pavilion support’s the village’s 20 football teams, from age six to walking seniors, including four girls teams. This major grant is the key to providing a new pavilion, fit for purpose. The old pavilion has served us well, very basic, but in a bad state of repair and this grant will help us to save this valuable community asset.”