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PRESS RELEASE : Sheffield deli boss Philip John Mottram sentenced for running business while banned [November 2022]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 15 November 2022.

Philip John Mottram, 55, from Sheffield, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court on 10 November 2022 where he was sentenced before District Judge Redhouse to a 12-month Community Order requiring 80 hours of unpaid work in the community and up to 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He also had to pay costs of £2,000 and Victim Surcharge of £60.

The court heard that Mottram was the sole director of Urbandeli Ltd, which traded as a café called Urban Deli on Campo Lane in Sheffield, until the business went into liquidation in March 2017.

But liquidators discovered that Mottram had been banned as a director for a year in April 2016, after a case had been brought against him by Companies House for failing to provide a copy of the company accounts.

Disqualified directors are banned from forming, managing or promoting companies for the duration of their ban. People who breach the terms of the disqualification are committing a criminal offence and could be fined and/or go to prison for up to 2 years.

Mottram also ignored requests by Urbandeli’s liquidators to hand over company books and records – a legal requirement during a company’s liquidation.

The liquidators shared their findings with the Insolvency Service, which triggered an investigation. But Mottram failed to answer investigators’ questions about his role in the company while he was banned as a director.

Following the investigation Mottram was charged with four separate offences, but twice failed to turn up to court hearings, which led to his arrest.

He previously pleaded guilty at Sheffield Magistrates Court to failing to hand over company books to liquidators, and to being in charge of a company during his one-year ban as a director.

Julie Barnes, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

Philip Mottram had scant regard for his disqualification as a company director, didn’t cooperate with investigators and showed little respect for the courts.

This type of criminality has a huge impact on the confidence of the UK Business community. Mottram’s sentencing will be a warning to others that the Insolvency Service is committed to bringing lawbreakers to justice.

15/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian and global human rights organizations should receive operational information about human rights violations by the Russian aggressor – Andriy Yermak [November 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 9 November 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a video conference meeting with representatives of Ukrainian and international human rights organizations devoted to the issue of ensuring the rights of Ukrainian military and civilian prisoners held by the Russian Federation.

Andriy Yermak emphasized that Russia’s forced detention of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians in inhumane conditions is the most acute human rights issue in Europe since World War II.

“In the XXI century, we lived to the point where there are concentration camps in the center of Europe. I mean not only Olenivka, but also other terrible places,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

He noted that the International Committee of the Red Cross did not agree to delegate its representatives to the mission, which was supposed to go to the delimitation line and demand from Russia access to places of detention of Ukrainian prisoners.

At the suggestion of Andriy Yermak, the meeting participants decided to create an information human rights headquarters, which will regularly publish data on human rights violations during Russian aggression that are important for the global human rights community and the media.

The Head of the Office of the President called on Ukrainian and international human rights organizations to join the work of the headquarters.

It will work continuously and will become a platform for information support of Ukrainian prisoners held by the Russian aggressor.

“We have to put pressure on the Russian Federation from all sides, keep this issue in focus at all international platforms and do everything that depends on us to get information and work on the emergence of an international mission,” emphasized Andriy Yermak.

The Head of the Office of the President also proposed to create an interactive exhibition dedicated to the issue of Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia. According to Andriy Yermak, Ukrainians released from captivity and relatives of prisoners will be able to participate in the exhibition.

“When people see what is happening today, in the XXI century, in the center of Europe, it is better than any political tools,” he said.

Human Rights Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets expressed his belief that the International Committee of the Red Cross has demonstrated its inefficiency and even unwillingness to monitor Russia’s compliance with the norms of humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention.

“As human rights defenders, we must look for new platforms, new mechanisms to cope with this challenge. Therefore, I invite everyone to join this initiative and involve colleagues from all over the world,” said Dmytro Lubinets.

The commissioner also reported that the international community of ombudsmen supports the creation of new missions and platforms where the issues of the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages, as well as deported children, whom Russia continues to take from the temporarily occupied territories, will be raised.

As noted by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova, joining the efforts of state and non-governmental human rights organizations will make it possible to develop new approaches to protecting the rights of Ukrainian prisoners.

“Only when we join forces can we have a result,” she said.

Head of the board of the Crimean human rights group Olga Skrypnyk also called for attention to the protection of the rights of Ukrainian activists and Crimean Tatars who are subjected to constant repression by the Russian occupiers in Crimea. She supported the initiative to constantly inform the international community about the issues of Ukrainian prisoners held by the aggressor.

15/11/2022
Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech at 27th UN Conference on Climate Change in Sharm el-Sheikh

The speech made by Volodymdr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 8 November 2022.

Dear colleagues!

Dear Mr. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi!

Ladies and Gentlemen!

At this Conference, like at other summits and high level meetings on catastrophic climate change, there is no lack of words. There is no lack of good definitions and no shortage of prescriptions for what the world should do. I listened to some of the speeches today – and I agree with many of the assessments.

The world is on the brink. And beyond this limit – devastating changes that will forever change the usual life on all continents. Colleagues have described well what this means. No one can stay aside.

And the poorer the person, the poorer the family, the poorer the country – the more painful the effects of climate change will be for them. However, this also applies to all rich nations – it is impossible to buy off the destruction of the climate.

But why do we keep talking about it every year? Why instead of reports on what has been done, the same forecasts and appeals are made every year?

I will be honest – there are still many who do not take the climate agenda seriously. And not only in politics, but also in big business.

There are still many for whom climate change is just rhetoric or marketing or political ritual – whatever, but not real action.

They are the ones who hamper the implementation of climate goals. They are the ones in their offices who make fun of those who fight to save life on the planet, although in public they seem to support the work for the sake of nature in every possible way. They are the ones who start wars of aggression when the planet cannot afford a single gunshot, because it needs global joint actions.

You all know about the war that Russia started in Europe, trying to destroy the independence of my country. But what does this war mean?

This Russian war has brought about an energy crisis that has forced dozens of countries to resume coal-fired power generation in order to lower energy prices for their people at least a little… To lower prices that are shockingly rising due to deliberate Russian actions.

The Russian war brought an acute food crisis to the world, which hit worst those countries suffering from the existing manifestations of climate change – catastrophic droughts, large-scale floods.

The Russian war destroyed 5 million acres of forests in Ukraine in less than six months! Not every country in the world has such an area of forests that were burned in Ukraine by Russian shelling.

We have to check every day the situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe. If there is no radiation leaks? The Russian army has turned this nuclear power plant de-facto into a military training ground. They are constantly “playing” with connecting and disconnecting the plant and nuclear reactors from the power grid. This is a direct risk of a radiation disaster.

Who will care, for example, about the amount of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere if part of Europe or the Middle East, and possibly northern Africa, God forbid, are covered by a radiation cloud after an accident in Zaporizhzhia? Last year we could not even imagine that kind of question, but this year Russia has posed dozens of such questions to the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

World needs honesty.We must tell those who do not take the climate agenda seriously that they are making a catastrophic mistake.

We must stop those who, with their insane and illegal war, are destroying the world’s ability to work united for a common goal.

There can be no effective climate policy without peace on the Earth. Because, in fact, nations are thinking only about how to protect themselves here and now from the threats created in particular by the Russian aggression.

Russia needs to shut the guns and hide its missiles so the world finally hears what we can all really do together to save ourselves from the climate disaster. All of us – in Europe, Africa, Asia, America, Australia.

I invite you all to support our initiative presented here at the Conference – creation of a global platform to assess the Impact of military actions on climate and environment.

We are all thinking about how to generate hundreds of billions of dollars to help developing countries protect themselves from the climate change. Under these conditions, how can anyone cause additional insane damage to the nature with their invasive military ambitions? Such ambitions deserve only punishment.

Mr. President of Egypt said an important thing in his speech: we must meet expectations of the people all over the world – people who are suffering more than ever. I absolutely support this goal.

We must ensure that suffering does not multiply because the world does not have time to respond to climate challenges. But to do this, we need joint effective actions. And for them to be, we need peace.

And I thank everyone who works for peace! I thank everyone who takes seriously the need to protect life on the Earth for the benefit of all people – all nations, all classes, all cultures.

I thank you for your attention.

Слава Україні!

15/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : A deal with the current President of the Russian Federation is a ticket to a world where international law is no longer valid – Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview with La Repubblica [November 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 8 November 2022.

Dialogue with the Russian Federation will become possible when the Russian army leaves Ukrainian territory, otherwise the ceasefire agreement will become only a tactical pause to strengthen Russian positions and lead to the loss of Ukrainian territories. Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated this in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

He noted that every military success and every meter of liberated land strengthens Ukraine. At the same time, he believes that dialogue with Russia will become possible when the Russian army leaves Ukrainian territory.

Mykhailo Podolyak emphasized that there is no consensus among the leaders of Western countries on the issue of removing the President of the Russian Federation from office, but any agreement with the current Russian leader will lead to the loss of the territories of Ukraine and the strengthening of other autocracies.

“A deal with Putin is a one-way ticket to a world where international law is no longer valid, where law is determined by force, and force is nuclear weapons. And why pay such a price if Putin does not give up the goal of destroying us? The ceasefire for Russia is a tactical pause for reinforcement. Is it worth making such a gift to Moscow?” said the Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President.

Answering a question about whether Ukraine would continue to fight if Western countries refused us new military aid, Mykhailo Podolyak said: “Ask the Ukrainians. Those whose homes were hit by Russian missiles. Those whose loved ones were killed or raped. Those who spend the night in cold, wet trenches. Ask those who will stay here for the winter, knowing that Russia will try to deprive us of light, water and communication. Ask, looking these people in the eyes.”

“We have no choice. Russia invaded us with mobile crematoria and half a million body bags. If we cease to defend ourselves, we cease to exist. Literally. Physically. We will continue to fight, even if they stab us in the back,” added the Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President.

At the same time, he urged not to speculate on the topic of negotiations among representatives of the Pentagon and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

“The armed forces of both countries can communicate with each other even to receive warnings about the consequences of using weapons of mass destruction. But there are no negotiations between Russia and Western countries regarding Ukraine. Our partners adhere to the principle “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine”. No party will be able to ensure the implementation of agreements without the endorsement of the Ukrainian people,” Mykhailo Podolyak summarized.

15/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : President met with a member of the US President’s Cabinet, United States Ambassador to the United Nations [November 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 8 November 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with member of the US President’s Cabinet, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who arrived on a visit to our country.

The Head of State thanked the entire American people, US President Joseph Biden and his administration, the US Congress for the strong bipartisan and bicameral support of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war waged against our country by the Russian Federation.

“It is important that this support is fully manifested in the UN as well,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized, highly appreciating Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s personal role.

The United States delegation was briefed on the situation at the front and the escalation of Russian air terror against critical civilian infrastructure of Ukraine using cruise missiles and Iranian drones. It was emphasized separately that targeted Russian attacks damaged almost 40% of energy infrastructure facilities, as a result of which more than 4.5 million consumers remain without electricity in Ukraine.

“Given the continuation of Russia’s missile terror, our first priority is the urgent creation of an air shield over Ukraine,” the Head of State emphasized.

The President noted that the Russian Federation supplements the missile terror with cynical accusations against Ukraine of creating a “dirty bomb”, which have already been officially denied by the IAEA, and the continuation of open nuclear blackmail at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

In this regard, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for the United Nations to take a number of immediate steps, including the immediate dispatch of a mission of UN experts initiated by our state to Ukraine to investigate Iran’s supply of UAVs to Russia in violation of UN Security Council sanctions; sending competent representatives of the UN to the objects of critical infrastructure of Ukraine to assess the destruction and the need for restoration; maximum involvement of the capabilities of the United Nations in the restoration of the Ukrainian energy industry.

“It is also necessary to limit the membership and privileges of the terrorist state in the IAEA. There is a clear and understandable algorithm for this,” said the President of Ukraine.

During the meeting, the parties focused on supporting Ukraine’s initiatives at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. First of all, regarding the creation of a compensation mechanism for the consequences of Russian aggression, the initiation of a special tribunal regarding the crime of Russian aggression against our country, as well as the human rights situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, with an emphasis on Crimea and Sevastopol.

Special attention was paid to the pressing issue of Russia’s forced detention of Ukrainian military and civilian prisoners. The President reminded that more than a thousand prisoners have already been released, but a large number of Ukrainians are still living in terrible conditions on the territory of Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In this regard, the Head of State emphasized the importance of international pressure in order to resolve the issue of access of UN representatives and the International Committee of the Red Cross to these persons as soon as possible.

A separate topic of the meeting was global food security. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the role of the UN and the Secretary-General personally in the implementation of the “grain initiative”, which provides food to millions of people in Africa, Asia and Europe. The interlocutors emphasized the need to extend the grain agreement after November 19.

“The last few days show that it is possible. Yes, Russia slows down this process in every possible way in order to blackmail the world. But I think that we will cope with this problem together,” he is convinced.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that despite the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation, Ukraine is ready to remain the guarantor of world food security.

“Ukraine saves the world” – under this slogan we will provide assistance to the poorest. The first ship in the framework of the initiative is to depart shortly. We offer the countries of the world to join this important initiative,” the President of Ukraine noted.

There was also an exchange of views on specific steps to limit the aggressor state’s ability to abuse UN membership.

15/11/2022
Sadiq Khan – 2021 Statement on the Removal of the Heathrow Free Travel Zone

The statement made by Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, on 17 March 2021.

I was disappointed by the decision by Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) to suspend the bulk of its support for public transport services, including the Heathrow Bus Free Travel Zone. As soon as Transport for London (TfL) and I became aware of HAL’s plan, our concerns were relayed, both verbally and in writing. On 3 December 2020, TfL’s Director of City Planning wrote to the HAL Surface Access Director citing concerns that these changes may encourage more staff to switch to making journeys to and from work by car.

15/11/2022
Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech at the 34th Award Ceremony of the National Constitution Center

The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 8 November 2022.

Dear Friends!

It is a great honor to be awarded with the Medal of Liberty, presented to me by senators Chris Coons and Rob Portman during their visit to Kyiv.

This award really demonstrates how and what Ukrainian people are fighting for. Liberty is the main word for us and what really unites all Ukrainians.

As in any democratic society, Ukrainians have different views on life and politics. As the case was in previous years, we felt divided arguing whether we would ever be able to stand together.

But when Russia decided to destroy our freedom and wipe Ukraine off the face of the earth, we immediately got united and we keep this unity.

All divisions are put aside. There is no place for political conflicts. Because when there is a mortal threat to freedom, everything else is not important.

Millions of people are fighting and working to protect Ukraine. They are very different people. After the Russian full-scale invasion started, they all decided – “we are here” and we will never give up our freedom.

And I believe that this Liberty Medal is for all men and women of Ukraine who, after the 24th of February, showed to the world’s largest autocracy that only defeat is what it can win in Ukraine.

These are our soldiers and officers. This is a massive wave of our volunteers – those who provide our defenders with everything they need. These are farmers who stopped Russian armored vehicles on the roads to their communities and helped the Army. These are IT specialists, who build defense against Russian cyberattacks. These are companies that work despite constant Russian terror and keep jobs for Ukrainians. These are doctors who help always everywhere. These are school teachers and university professors who can read lectures even in bomb shelters and distantly from the trenches on the front lines, but they do not give up and teach children – teach them to believe in themselves, in freedom and in Ukraine.

In less than nine months, more than thirty thousand Ukrainians have been honored state awards for their contribution to our national defense.

First of all, they are our heroic soldiers. These are rescuers who do away with the effects of Russian shelling. These are energy workers who return electricity to people after Russian missiles and Iranian drones hit power plants – Russia wants to leave millions of our people without energy in the winter. These are transport workers who supply our defense, economy and communities. These are different people of various jobs who are all equally fight against the invasion.

However, this Liberty Medal is an award not only for our people.

When this war began, Ukraine heard something very important from the world – we heard that “the democracies are here.” And we see now what democracies are capable of when they act in unity.

Every potential aggressor in the world sees the help that the United States and the free world is providing to us, and all the sanctions imposed against Russia – sees and believes that it is better not to start a war against freedom at all. In fact, this is one of the greatest contributions to the global peace and security during our lifetime.

Together with our partners, we are developing a new security architecture – these are security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe which will not only re-empower the principles of the UN Charter, but will also become a model for nations in other parts of the world – a model to avoid new cruel wars.

And that is why, I believe that this Liberty Medal is also to all friends of freedom in the United States and other countries. To all those, who are helping us to restore our territorial integrity, and thus to restore peace.

This Liberty Medal is to those who support us with weapons, air defense systems, finance and diplomacy. To those who are helping to rebuild after the Russian strikes. To those who impose sanctions against Russia and its accomplices such as the Iranian regime.

When after the beginning of the Russian invasion, I said – “the president is here”, when millions of Ukrainians decided at the same time – “we are here” and we will not surrender, and when the world supported us, saying – “democracies are here”, then it meant and still mean – “freedom is here “, “human dignity is here”, “law is here”. And one day it will definitely mean – “peace is here”.

I call on you to maintain unwavering unity, as it is now, until that very day when we all hear those important words we have been dreaming of… Until we hear that peace has finally been restored. Democracies must not stop on their way to the victory.

I thank you for your attention!

Thank you for your support – President Biden, both parties of the Congress, and every American citizen! Please know that you support not just a country or its leader, you support millions of people who, like you, cherish freedom.

And I decided to send the prize money of our Liberty Medal to help Ukrainian veterans – to rebuild and modernize the rehabilitation center for veterans in the city of Borodyanka, Kyiv region of Ukraine. Let everything bring our victory closer!

Слава Україні!

15/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : It is Ukraine that helps fight the food crisis created as a result of Russian aggression – Andriy Yermak [November 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 8 November 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held the first meeting of the working group formed by the decree of the Head of State on November 3, 2022, to prepare proposals for providing assistance to states suffering from an acute food crisis.

“Today, it is Ukraine that is the main force that helps fight the food crisis created as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This shows that even in such terrible conditions, our country continues to be responsible, continues to think not only about itself, but also about the people who are suffering in the world today as a result of this war,” Andriy Yermak emphasized.

According to him, at today’s meeting of the working group, the first developments regarding the humanitarian supply of Ukrainian grain to the countries that need it the most are outlined.

The Head of the President’s Office reminded that in November it will be 90 years since the Holodomor tragedy of 1932-1933 – the genocide of the Ukrainian people. Therefore, the Ukrainian nation has personally experienced what hunger is like, and understands the importance of implementing this initiative.

“It is symbolic that these days we are reminding the world of this tragedy, and we do not want something similar to happen again with other nations,” Andriy Yermak said.

According to him, Ukraine seeks to involve international partners in the implementation of this initiative, relevant consultations have already begun.

As Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov noted, with the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the world realized the important role played by Ukrainian grain in stabilizing the world food market. In particular, obstacles created by Russia in the export of Ukrainian grain cause fluctuations in the price of grain on the world market.

He stated: many countries, even with a working grain corridor, cannot afford to buy grain for their needs, therefore the humanitarian initiative of the President of Ukraine is necessary.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Sybiha noted: Russia has undermined global food security, but despite its full-scale aggression, Ukraine is still ready to be and acts as a guarantor of food security in the world.

Summarizing, the Head of the President’s Office emphasized that Ukraine is ready to help even at a time when it itself continues to fight the enemy and defend its independence and territorial integrity. “Today, the world must understand that Ukraine continues to fight, but also saves the world,” Andriy Yermak said.

15/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary comments on November 2022 Labour Market stats

The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 15 November 2022.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

Scotland’s labour market remains strong, with today’s figures showing unemployment still at near record lows and significantly more people on the payroll than at this time last year.

While the figures are encouraging, we appreciate the pressures on many families as we continue to face significant global economic challenges. That’s why we have put in place measures to help – including through our energy support scheme and a £1,200 package of support for the most vulnerable.

We will tackle any barriers faced by jobseekers, helping people find work and progress in work. The Chancellor will set out measures on Thursday to help put public finances on a stable footing and support growth.

Background

Figures from the ONS show unemployment at 3.5 per cent in Scotland, down 0.6 p.p. since the same time last year. Scotland’s employment rate is at 75.6 per cent, an increase of 0.6 p.p. over the last year.

15/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary signs new agreement with Cypriot Foreign Minister for closer UK-Cyprus relations [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 November 2022.
- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will sign new agreement with Cypriot Foreign Minister Kasoulides to enhance UK-Cyprus cooperation.
- The ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU) will boost collaboration on foreign policy, security, science, climate and trade.
- The UK and Cyprus will work together to respond to shared threats such as global warming and the Ukraine crisis.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will meet Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides of the Republic of Cyprus in London today (Tuesday 15 November) to sign a new agreement for closer bilateral relations between the two countries.

The ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ will increase foreign policy, security, economic and educational ties between the UK and Cyprus. It will support joint cooperation on urgent global challenges such as climate change and Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The modern UK-Cyprus relationship is defined by our shared history, our common values, and our mutual ambition for the future – underpinned by our close people-to-people links.

This agreement will boost research collaboration between our universities and increase opportunities for trade in professional services, shipping and green growth.

To ensure implementation of the agreement, the UK and the Republic of Cyprus will hold regular consultations to assess progress, exchange information and propose new areas for joint cooperation.

After the MOU signing, Foreign Minister Kasoulides will attend a lunch hosted by Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for the UN.

The UK and Cyprus have just celebrated 62 years of bilateral relations and share strong people-to-people links, with 300,000 Cypriots residing in the UK and approximately one million Brits visiting Cyprus every year.

Both countries will continue to work closely together for a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus settlement process within the UN parameters.
15/11/2022