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PRESS RELEASE : Laws passed to reduce strike disruption and protect public services [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 December 2023.

New laws to reduce the impact of industrial action on rail, border security and ambulance services while balancing the ability of workers to strike.
- minimum service level laws to come into force for rail, border security and ambulance services to mitigate disruption if strikes are called
- delivers on manifesto commitment to introduce minimum service levels for rail strikes
- government also consulting on plans to introduce minimum service levels to cover children’s education
The government is taking strides towards ensuring key services remain accessible during strikes, as the first minimum service levels (MSL) regulations came into force from today (8 December 2023). Following Parliamentary approval, the regulations are set to apply in the rail sector and border security and ambulance services.

For the rail sector, MSLs will provide an additional tool for train operators to reduce the impact of strike action, meaning that rail operators can aim to run 40% of their normal timetable during any strike.

For a strike affecting infrastructure services, certain key routes will also be able to stay open and for longer than is normally the case during strikes.

MSLs are already in force in countries such as France, Spain and the US, and the new UK regulations have been carefully designed to help reduce the impact of industrial action by balancing the ability of workers to strike and the rights of the public to get to work and access key services.

The statutory code of practice has also come into force, which sets out the reasonable steps trade unions should take to ensure their members comply with work notices and help ensure minimum service levels are met, following a public consultation. Where MSL regulations are in place and strike action is called, employers can issue work notices to identify people who are reasonably required to work to ensure MSLs are met.

The law requires unions to take reasonable steps and ensure their members who are identified with a work notice comply and if a union fails to do this, they will lose their legal protection from damages claims. Last year, we raised the maximum damages that courts can award against a union for unlawful strike action. For the biggest unions, the maximum award has risen from £250,000 to £1 million.

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, said:

Strikes cause stress and disruption to passengers and businesses and, while there is no silver bullet to mitigating the disruption from strikes, these regulations deliver a manifesto promise and will enable employers to reduce the impact from strikes.

As the government, we have a duty to ensure the public can access key services and, while it is important workers maintain their ability to strike, this must not come at the cost of people getting to work, accessing healthcare or education.

Strikes have had significant impact across industries and the economy. To date, over 1.1 million appointments have been rescheduled by acute NHS Trusts due to strike action since December 2022. And since 2019, there has not been a single day without either a strike happening on the railways or mandates for strikes outstanding.

This is why the government is delivering on its 2019 manifesto commitment through these MSL regulations to help protect the public from unnecessary disruption.

The government will continue to work with industry, and today the Department for Transport published non-statutory guidance for train operators on how to implement the regulations. This supplements existing non-statutory guidance for employers, trade unions and workers on the issuing of work notices.

The government has also launched a consultation on introducing MSLs to cover children’s education. The planned measures will provide greater reassurance and certainty for children and parents.
10/12/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary statement on Court of Session judgment [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 8 December 2023.

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack’s statement on the Court of Session judgment.

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon Alister Jack MP said:

I welcome the Court’s judgment, which upholds my decision to prevent the Scottish Government’s gender recognition legislation from becoming law.

I was clear that this legislation would have had adverse effects on the operation of the law as it applies to reserved matters, including on important Great Britain-wide equality protections.

Following this latest Court defeat for the Scottish Government, their ministers need to stop wasting taxpayers’ money pursuing needless legal action and focus on the real issues which matter to people in Scotland – such as growing the economy and cutting waiting lists.

Judiciary of Scotland Judgment Summary

10/12/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Defence Minister travels to Estonia to thank troops [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 December 2023.

Minister for Defence People and Families, Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP visited troops at Tapa Camp to thank them for their part in protecting NATO’s borders.

Minister for Defence People and Families, Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP, has met UK Armed Forces during a visit to Estonia to personally thank soldiers for their work in upholding European security.

The Minister also met Estonia’s Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur to discuss the UK’s commitment to protecting European security through our joint work to support the NATO alliance.

Troops based at Tapa Camp consist of the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers alongside other units from the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers. This is further bolstered by personnel located in the Estonian Defence Forces HQ in Talinn. The UK has been the Framework Nation for NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence mission in Estonia since 2017.

As part of our commitment to enhance the experience of our Armed Forces, the Minister reviewed improvements to camp facilities including the introduction of a NAAFI Welfare facility, improved catering options, entertainment, and an expanded training offer.

Minister for Defence People and Families, Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP said:

I want to thank our Armed Forces, stationed in Estonia, who are on the frontline in reinforcing the NATO alliance. Their hard work and commitment is critical to protecting peace and reinforcing our commitment to Estonia.

Our service personnel, and their families, make huge sacrifices especially when stationed away from home to defend our nation. I am committed to continue driving forward improvements to the support we provide them, ensuring they have the best possible experience.

10/12/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Anniversary of Edinburgh Reforms marks further progress [December 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 8 December 2023.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Bim Afolami is today announcing further changes to financial services as he marks the anniversary of the Edinburgh Reforms.
- Proposals to help provide support to consumers with their financial decision-making to be the next step in Edinburgh reforms, as Economic Secretary Bim Afolami visits the city to mark a year since their launch.
- Building on the progress made this marks the delivery of the 22nd of the 31 reforms, with plans in place to deliver on the last nine reforms.
- The inaugural Scottish-London Financial Services Forum takes place as Minister also meets with Morgan Stanley in Glasgow.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Bim Afolami is today (8th December) announcing further changes to financial services as he marks the anniversary of the Edinburgh Reforms with a two-day trip to Scotland.

In the year since the launch of the Edinburgh reforms, the government has already delivered 22 of the 31 reforms including legislation which will overhaul the UK’s regulation of prospectuses, the information available to investors when a firm raises capital and bringing forward secondary legislation to take advantage of the UK’s newfound regulatory freedoms since leaving the EU through the implementation of the Wholesale Markets Review reforms. These changes mean the government is taking forward its ambition for the UK to be the world’s most innovative and competitive global financial centre.

Building on the reforms, the government and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today published a policy paper as part of the joint Advice Guidance Boundary Review, outlining initial proposals for reform to help improve consumer access to support with financial decision making. Currently, there is an ‘advice gap’ between holistic financial advice that is unaffordable for many, and guidance that is free to access but not personal to the consumer. This excludes people with modest investments, leaving them without the tools necessary to reap the significant benefits offered by our world-leading financial services sector.

The government has also today published its response to the Call for Proposals, which sought views on the additional metrics that the FCA and the Prudential Regulation Authority should report against, as part of work to embed their new growth and competitiveness objectives. The regulators have agreed to publish a series of new metrics, which will support scrutiny of their work.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Bim Afolami today said:

“My number one priority in this role is to deliver on The Edinburgh Reforms. The reforms have shown the UK’s dedication to fostering a sensible, innovative and robust financial landscape – over the past year we’ve made significant strides towards creating an environment that supports economic growth, openness, and the well-being of savers.

“Already companies worldwide are taking note of the UK’s approach, and we will continue to deliver on our reforms as we make the UK the best place in the world to create and grow a business.”

Miles Celic, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK, said:

“The Edinburgh Reforms – and the subsequent Mansion House Reforms – were a positive signal of the government’s commitment to maintaining the UK’s competitiveness as a leading international financial centre. As we progress this important reform agenda, it is critical that government, industry and regulators work together to drive forward the implementation of the reforms and to deliver nationwide economic growth by bolstering the attractiveness of the UK as a place to list, invest, innovate and scale.”

The Minister also held a series of roundtables on asset management and fintech in Edinburgh and visited Morgan Stanley offices in Glasgow. Since 2000 Morgan Stanley’s office has grown from just six people to now employing more than 1,400 people. Edinburgh is currently the largest financial services hub in the UK outside of London, worth more than £14 billion to the UK economy and employing around 136,000 people.

Today is also the first Scottish-London FS forum – chaired by the Economic Secretary in Edinburgh – emphasising the government’s commitment to economic growth and the importance of the Scottish financial sector in supporting this.

At the recent Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced further advancements in delivering on the Edinburgh Reforms and Mansion House commitments including ambitious steps to increase the flow of capital to promising growth companies while simultaneously improving outcomes for savers and measures to enhance the UK’s financial services regulatory environment.

The trip is the Economic Secretary’s first trip to Scotland since his appointment, he said:

“Edinburgh is a key part of our financial services landscape, and it was really important to me to come and see some of the great work being done here within the first month of my appointment. Scotland is known for its innovation and ingenuity and I’m sure this will be the first of many such visits.”

Sandy Begbie CBE FRSE, Chief Executive, Scottish Financial Enterprise, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the Economic Secretary to the Treasury to Edinburgh for the launch our new UK Government forum – another important recognition of the vital contribution of Scotland’s financial services industry to the UK economy.

“The forum will be an opportunity to discuss our new sector growth strategy, which aims to harness our global leadership in areas like asset management, fintech, and green and sustainable finance, build on our strong foundations in banking, life and pensions and wealth, and unlock our expertise in data, AI and emerging technologies.

“It is also an opportunity to share our insights on the Edinburgh Reforms, a year since they were announced here. The reforms aim to build on the government’s vision for UK financial services to be an open, sustainable, and technologically advanced global centre that delivers for all parts of the UK and its communities.

“Our sector growth strategy is very much aligned with this vision and recognises the UK’s globally respected regulatory environment as an asset we must leverage to attract more investment and jobs to Scotland.”
10/12/2023
Anne-Marie Trevelyan – 2023 Speech to the Western Australia Defence Conference
The speech made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Foreign Office Minister, in Perth, Australia on 8 December 2023.

Thank you, Rebecca, for your kind introduction.

Firstly, I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Whadjuk Noongar people, and I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and future.

I am delighted to join you all today – my fourth trip to Australia this year, and my third to Perth.

It is not just the beauty of this vibrant city, your family of black swans on the river, or your wonderful climate, that keep bringing me back. Although my friend Stephen Smith, Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK and fiercely proud former Federal Member for Perth, often teases me that it is!

The reason I keep coming back is Perth’s significance to AUKUS as the future home of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet. And, as you welcomed USS North Carolina into port in August, it was clear for all to see that the ‘Optimal Pathway’ is now underway.

The Royal Navy is looking forward to joining our American navy colleagues here more frequently from 2026, as our fleet of Astute class nuclear-powered submarines visits regularly, to strengthen our naval partnership to protect the region’s freedom of navigation across Indo-Pacific waters.

Your recent visitor USS North Carolina was a demonstration of the continuing steps forward in the long journey towards SSN-AUKUS become reality.

So what was the rationale for AUKUS?

AUKUS is a security partnership of global significance.

Events in Israel and Gaza, and Russia’s continuing attack against Ukraine, remind us how events far from our shores reverberate at home, with implications for our security, our economy, and our society.

The UK government is under no illusion about the risks to global economic security if stability in the Indo-Pacific is shattered.

As an island nation and a global trading power, like Australia, the UK depends on open shipping routes and unimpeded sea lanes.

Free flows of trade, energy and data – above and below the surface – must be our continuing focus. Because the security of Indo-Pacific waters has a direct impact on my constituents in Northumberland as well as households across the UK and around the world.

That is why we recommitted our support to a free and open Indo-Pacific in our foreign and defence policy refresh.

AUKUS is the UK’s biggest investment in the stability of the Indo-Pacific, and broader global security, for half a century.

Its positive impact will be felt in the region, in our relationships with two of our oldest and closest allies – but also across defence, industry and academia in all three partner countries.

That is why I, and the UK Government, will do all we can to support you, bringing UK industrial and academic expertise honed over 60 years.

Taking on a nuclear-powered fleet is an enormous endeavour, and Western Australia is critical to delivering the availability and sustainment of this new generation of submarines for the Australian Navy, the workforce to support them and the infrastructure to underpin their requirements.

On each of my visits over the last year, I have met with critical stakeholders. And I am excited to say that on this visit I am really starting to feel the momentum picking up on real partnership building and the investment picture needed.

During this visit, I have met with leaders from Defence West, the Australian Submarine Agency, and Curtin University’s new AUKUS Workforce Alliance.

We have hosted Western Australian leaders in the UK, including the Honourable Paul Papalia, to share our knowledge and discuss the most effective relationships which can help you build this new, hugely complex, enterprise with the help of our experienced industrial enterprise.

And, of course, AUKUS isn’t only about submarines.

I’ve seen for myself the expertise and advanced capabilities within Western Australia’s defence sector.

From cyber to AI to remote operations, this region is well-positioned to do well from AUKUS Pillar Two. And from increasing collaboration with your UK and US counterparts.

Last week, AUKUS Defence Ministers made a series of major announcements on Pillar Two that will build our mutual deterrence posture to make us stronger and create lots of opportunities for our defence industries.

Joint exercises will continue to improve our ability to offset an opponent’s advantage, and increase the sophistication and impact of our autonomous naval systems.

We will accelerate the development of quantum technologies for positioning, navigation, and timing in military capabilities. This will bolster the resilience of our forces in the most challenging environments, and enhance stealth in undersea capabilities, which will also support SSN-AUKUS.

We will collaborate on the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability programme, which will use sites in all three countries to help identify emerging threats in space.

And finally, we are working on cyber security with critical suppliers to the naval supply chain, which will give us greater insight into the threats to AUKUS and how to address them.

The progress we are making proves that pooling resources and expertise, and focussing on interoperability, makes us stronger than we ever could be alone in tackling the present geopolitical strains.

The delivery of AUKUS

AUKUS has global significance. But its impacts are also in our local communities. AUKUS will be delivered by Australian, British, and American workers, civilian and uniformed. It will create and sustain thousands of jobs, and boost and regenerate industrial heartlands.

The submarine enterprise – Pillar 1 – will bring together world-leading British design, with the very best technology, skills and industrial heft from all three partners.

In the UK we have now committed £4bn of contracts to design and manufacture the first components for SSN-AUKUS. Rolls Royce is expanding its nuclear reactor manufacturing site in Derby, and BAe Systems is working with the town of Barrow to expand its site and skills. Babcock is continuing to invest in modernising their delivery of submarine sustainment and maintenance, which you will want to tap into in order to save time re-inventing the proverbial wheel.

It’s good to see a few of the first cohort of workers from Australia embedded with UK and US counterparts, learning from the best and brightest in our defence industry.

But let’s be under no illusion the scale of the challenge, especially in relation to the pace required to get to the start line.

The scale and ambition of AUKUS is exciting for the defence industry. But at a time of heightened demand from Ukraine and Israel, and from other states who are bolstering their defences in light of Putin’s aggression, it will test the capability and capacity of defence sectors in all three partner nations.

So, we must work together to build the next generations of designers, project managers, engineers, welders, and technicians. As well as the nuclear, cyber and digital experts, who will play a vital role in delivering AUKUS.

These jobs demand unique skills and qualifications. Many require years of training. Developing the required workforce growth, without draining the existing skills bases, needs planning and investment.

We also need to ensure our people can move easily between the three countries, to enable them to exchange knowledge, skills and experience. I know that the mobility agreement we agreed as part of our UK- Australia FTA last year will be important in supporting that flow.

AUKUS is a multi-generational as well as multi-national endeavour, which will require us to adapt in order to continue to pull in the same direction.

For the partnership to work to best effect, we need to ensure legal and regulatory frameworks are complementary. US ITAR controls being reviewed and legislated at the moment by US legislators, will enable us to navigate a path through export control regimes, so our industries can work more closely together.

AUKUS is already changing how we work together, and we are working to overcome the challenges that arise from it.

In the UK we are investing in our new Nuclear Skills Taskforce, to boost the capacity of our sector. We have appointed a cross-government Director-General of AUKUS, to provide leadership and enhance coordination.

We must now work trilaterally to ramp up our engagement and delivery of urgent activity with industry. That’s why I was so pleased to hear about the brilliant Aukus Workforce Alliance created between HII, the US industrial maintenance lead for Virginias, Babcock, the UK’s industrial sustainment lead for UK Astutes and three Australian universities – Curtin, University of New South Wales and University of Adelaide. Forward thinking for the long-term skills challenge.

We have established an AUKUS Defence Industry Forum, which will bring together governments and industry from all three countries to help drive forward delivery of advanced capabilities. And we have initiated the AUKUS Defence Investors Network to strengthen financing.

To conclude, the scale of our ambition for the trilateral AUKUS partnership is vast, and there are enormous opportunities and responsibilities for government to enable industry to deliver the policy aims needed.

Delivering across both Pillars of the partnership will be an exceptionally complex challenge. But it is a challenge we can overcome by working together.

We must keep at the front of our minds at all times why we are doing this – we have a responsibility together to provide defence capabilities which will be capable of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific – not just for our trading and security interests, but for our neighbours, friends and allies.

Global maritime security is under pressure – our challenge is to assure it in order to:
- facilitate those flows of trade, goods moved about seamlessly day in day out from so many Indo-Pacific nations to the world;
- assure flows of energy, by ship and by pipeline and undersea cables;
- and ensure the safety of undersea data cables which underpin our global financial services.
These conversations are critically important to helping policy makers set this enormous project on the right road. So, thank you firstly to Senator Linda Reynolds for asking whether I would support this – of course!; and to Gordon Flake and the US Asia Centre and Business News for making it a reality.

So – please do tell me what you think we need to do to deliver our shared ambitions for AUKUS, drawing on the rich talents of the people and businesses of Western Australia. The simple question is are we going fast enough to enable you to deliver the requirements to sustain and maintain a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines here in Western Australia? Our mission is to reassure allies – and that will be achieved if we assure ourselves we are going hard and fast enough to meet delivery of the challenge.

I know you won’t be shy in sharing your views, that’s one of the wonderful characteristics of Australians!

Thank you.
10/12/2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and allies sanction human rights abusers [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 December 2023.

UK and allies have sanctioned human rights abusers 75 years after Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- UK, US and Canada lead coordinated action against human rights abusers and accessories to authoritarian governments around the world, 75 years after Universal Declaration of Human Rights was ratified
- UK targets forced labour operations in Southeast Asia, and government-linked officials in Belarus, Haiti, Iran, and Syria complicit in repressing individual freedoms
- these sanctions underline the UK’s continued commitment to deterring malign activity around the world
The UK, US and Canada are today announcing a sweeping package of sanctions targeting individuals linked to human rights abuses around the world, ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December.

Today the UK is announcing 46 sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, in 2 categories.

The first set targets 9 individuals and 5 entities for their involvement in trafficking people in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, forcing them to work for online ‘scam farms’ which enable large-scale fraud. Victims are promised well-paid jobs but are subject to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The UN estimates at least 120,000 people in Myanmar alone are being forced to work for such schemes. The FCDO has helped a small number of British nationals return to the UK who had become victims.

The second is aimed at a number of individuals linked to the governments, judiciaries and prosecuting authorities of Belarus, Haiti, Iran, and Syria, for their involvement in the repression of citizens solely for exercising fundamental freedoms in those countries. This includes:
- 17 members of the Belarusian judiciary including judges, prosecutors and an investigator involved in politically-motivated cases against political activists, independent journalists and human rights defenders
- 5 individuals in the Iranian judiciary, security forces and Tehran public transport system for their involvement in imposing and enforcing the mandatory hijab law
- 8 individuals for complicity in atrocities against the Syrian people by Assad’s regime and
- 2 individuals in Haiti for their involvement in the 2018 La Saline attacks
The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, said:

We will not tolerate criminals and repressive regimes trampling on the fundamental rights and freedoms of ordinary people around the world.

I am clear that 75 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UK and our allies will continue to relentlessly pursue those who would deny people their freedom.

The Home Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK is actively rooting out all facilitators of large-scale fraud, both nationally and internationally, to protect public welfare.

Today’s announcement sends a clear warning: anyone attempting to gain from human rights abuses will be brought to justice.
10/12/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 December 2023.

The UK government and European Commission gave a joint statement following the 13th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights.

Joint statement from the UK government and European Commission following the thirteenth meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights on 4 December 2023:

The 13th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 4 December 2023 in London, co-chaired by officials from the UK Government and the European Commission. A number of representatives from EU Member States were also in attendance. The Committee was established by the Withdrawal Agreement to monitor the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Agreement, which protects EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU, and their eligible family members.

The UK and the EU discussed the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement. The meeting also allowed both sides to take stock of outstanding issues, as well as progress made. Both parties agreed that the Specialised Committee should focus on the most serious implementation concerns which have not been possible to resolve at a technical level.

The UK raised concerns around equal treatment and the inability of UK nationals in several EU Member States to purchase property on an equal basis to EU nationals, welcoming recent steps taken by some Member States to resolve this issue and encouraging others to do the same. Whilst welcoming the usefulness of the European Commission’s annual report, the UK suggested more consistent data be provided on the operation of the residency schemes in some Member States.

The UK highlighted their ongoing concern for those UK nationals who are unable to access their rights due to the fact that they cannot evidence their declaratory right of permanent residence due to challenges obtaining the right residency card. Family reunification was also discussed, with the lack of available guidance on free visas for joining family members arriving from outside the UK and how joining family members can evidence their status being primary concerns. The EU set out a number of positive steps being taken by Member States and the Commission to provide additional information for joining family members.

The EU discussed the implementation of the UK High Court’s ruling on the upgrade from pre-settled status to settled status within the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme and expressed ongoing concerns about the UK Government’s current plans for implementing the judicial review. The EU nevertheless welcomed the reassurances received so far and the willingness of the UK’s competent authorities to engage collaboratively to seek practical solutions. The 2 sides agreed that correct implementation is crucial for the beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement, reiterating their determination to work jointly and constructively on these topics. All beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement need to fully enjoy their rights through the implementation of the Agreement, including as regards their permanent right of residence.

The EU reiterated their concerns regarding EU citizens in the UK who received a refusal decision on their application between 27 June 2021 and 19 April 2022 but whose digital status did not accurately reflect this until 18 January 2023, due to the operation of the EU Settlement Scheme. The EU enquired about the UK’s plans to communicate with EU citizens affected by recovery of costs of some services and benefits, requesting transparency as to the cause for the overpayment. The EU also raised the lack of legal clarity for EU citizens, who hold a new UK residence status, as to whether their rights are guaranteed by the Withdrawal Agreement or solely by domestic law, with the UK providing reassurance that within the scope of Part 2 of the Withdrawal Agreement, they will continue to treat those who derive their EUSS status from domestic law equally. Joint statement following the thirteenth meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights

The UK’s Independent Monitoring Authority, established under Article 159 (1) of the Withdrawal Agreement, and the European Commission presented their respective Annual Reports for 2022, adopted in accordance with Article 159 (2) of the Withdrawal Agreement.

A part of the meeting was dedicated to engagement with external representatives from civil society organisations, representing EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU, who asked questions about the implementation and application of Part 2 of the Withdrawal Agreement in the EU and the UK, in conformity with the rules of procedure of the Specialised Committee.

The UK and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to protecting citizens’ rights in accordance with the obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement and agreed to meet again in Spring 2024.

10/12/2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas but Israel must be targeted in achieving that goal – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 December 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

Colleagues, these are dark days. The horror of the 7 October attacks hangs over us – including the shocking reports of sexual violence by Hamas against Israeli women and girls. And the terrible and heart-wrenching suffering of innocent Palestinians, including many women and young children, is a humanitarian tragedy unfolding before our eyes.

The Secretary-General, who has our strong support, set out clearly the trajectory towards humanitarian catastrophe facing Palestinians in Gaza. We need to respond, and to respond with urgency. The sheer scale of civilians killed is shocking and the fact that 80% of the population has been displaced in Gaza cannot continue.

The UK continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism as it seeks the return of over 100 hostages who are still held in Gaza. But we are absolutely clear that Israel must be targeted and precise in achieving that goal. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary of the UK have delivered this message, and will continue to do so. Civilians must be protected.

In parallel, we need a marked increase in the provision of sustainable and unhindered delivery of life-saving aid and essential services to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe from taking place. This includes increasing the types of aid allowed. The sanitation and shelter picture, together with the lack of medical provision, in Gaza is dire and there is a desperate need for sanitation and shelter kits, and vital medicines.

It is welcome that Kerem Shalom will now be open for the screening of aid deliveries. We urge Israel to go further and to fully open Kerem Shalom to allow goods to cross, so that the huge volumes of aid that are needed can reach the people of Gaza. This should include at minimum the 200,000 litres of fuel per day for which the UN has called.

It is imperative that we work to agree further urgently needed humanitarian pauses, building on the pivotal work of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. President, as we work to halt the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, we need to also work to avoid escalation in the West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.

Israel’s announcement approving further settlements in the Lower Aqueduct area of East Jerusalem is alarming and serves only to raise the tensions in the West Bank when international effort is focusing on avoiding further conflict.

Let me be clear: settlements are illegal under international law, present an obstacle to peace, and threaten the physical viability and delivery of a two-state solution. This decision must be reversed with immediate effect. President, let us work together to deliver peace, dignity, and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Thank you.

10/12/2023
PRESS RELEASE : We call for further and longer pauses to get aid to Palestinians – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 December 2023.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

Thank you, President.

We are gravely concerned about the desperate situation in Gaza. The scale of civilian deaths and displacement in Gaza cannot continue. We welcomed the extended humanitarian pause last month and the release of hostages and humanitarian aid deliveries that took place during it. We call for further and longer pauses to get aid to Palestinians and allow space for further hostage releases.

But we cannot vote in favour of a resolution which does not condemn the atrocities Hamas committed against innocent Israeli civilians on the 7th of October. Calling for a ceasefire ignores the fact that Hamas has committed acts of terror and is still holding civilians hostage.

Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law, so that such an attack can never be carried out again. And so that we can work meaningfully towards a two-state solution, which delivers statehood for the Palestinians, security for Israel, and peace for people on both sides.

That’s why we abstained on this resolution.

Thank you, President.

10/12/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands [December 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 December 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, to Downing Street.

This evening the Prime Minister welcomed Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, to Downing Street.

The leaders discussed a range of geopolitical issues, including the situation in the Middle East. They expressed regret at the breakdown of the pause in fighting to release hostages and agreed that it was vital that more aid was able to get into Gaza, including by exploring new routes. They also agreed on the critical importance of preventing regional escalation and a unified effort to prevent attempts to threaten maritime security.

The Prime Minister reflected on his recent conversations with President Zelenskyy and reiterated that support for our Ukrainian allies must remain steadfast throughout the winter and beyond. The leaders remarked on their similar outlook on the situation and welcomed continued close cooperation in supporting the defence of Ukraine.

The leaders agreed on the vital importance of tackling the scourge of illegal migration. The Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Rutte on the recent steps the UK has taken on this, including our Rwanda policy and Illegal Migration Act. They agreed to continue to work together through the Calais Group and bilaterally to tackle the issue.

Noting the extensive British and Dutch contribution to European security, the leaders discussed the importance of keeping NATO strong and united as we look ahead to the 2024 Summit in Washington.

The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Rutte for his leadership over the last thirteen years as the Netherlands’ longest-serving Prime Minister.

10/12/2023