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  • Rishi Sunak – 2023 Statement on Armistice Day protests

    Rishi Sunak – 2023 Statement on Armistice Day protests

    The statement made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on 11 November 2023.

    I condemn the violent, wholly unacceptable scenes we have seen today from the EDL and associated groups and Hamas sympathisers attending the National March for Palestine. The despicable actions of a minority of people undermine those who have chosen to express their views peacefully.

    Remembrance weekend is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms. What we have seen today does not defend the honour of our Armed Forces, but utterly disrespects them.

    That is true for EDL thugs attacking police officers and trespassing on the Cenotaph, and it is true for those singing antisemitic chants and brandishing pro-Hamas signs and clothing on today’s protest. The fear and intimidation the Jewish Community have experienced over the weekend is deplorable.

    All criminality must be met with the full and swift force of the law. That is what I told the Met Police Commissioner on Wednesday, that is what they are accountable for and that is what I expect.

    I will be meeting the Met Police Commissioner in the coming days.

  • Rishi Sunak – 2023 Message for Diwali

    Rishi Sunak – 2023 Message for Diwali

    The message issued by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on 11 November 2023.

    Happy Diwali to all those celebrating around the world and across the UK, and a very happy Bandi Chhor Divas to our friends in the Sikh community.

    With the lighting of the Diyas, let this be a moment we can look to the future with hope. My guiding light as Prime Minister is the determination to change things for the better, and as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness, I believe Diwali is a poignant representation of the endeavour for a brighter tomorrow.

    As your first British Asian Prime Minister, and a devout Hindu, I also hope this can be a celebration of the fantastic ethnic and cultural diversity which makes the UK the place it is today.

  • PRESS RELEASE : His Majesty The King to unite nation in annual two-minute silence to remember fallen heroes [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : His Majesty The King to unite nation in annual two-minute silence to remember fallen heroes [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 November 2023.

    His Majesty The King will lead the nation, alongside the Prime Minister and defence chiefs, in a two-minute silence to remember those who died in conflict.

    • Almost 10,000 veterans will march past Cenotaph in tribute to servicemen and women that made the ultimate sacrifice
    • For the first time veterans of Britain’s nuclear testing programme will wear new medals announced by the Prime Minister to recognise their special service

    In the first Remembrance Sunday service since the Coronation in May of this year, His Majesty The King will be joined by Members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians, defence chiefs and faith leaders to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.

    Around 10,000 veterans and 800 Armed Forces personnel members from all three services will march past the Cenotaph on Sunday, with thousands more members of the public expected to line Whitehall in London to pay their respects.

    Remembrance Sunday is a time of extraordinary unity as communities gather to remember all those who have died on our behalf and tens of thousands of Armed Forces personnel will take part in Remembrance services and events across the country and around the world, including on operations overseas. The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph will be broadcast live by the BBC and Sky News.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    The courage and commitment shown by our servicemen and women, both today and throughout the generations that came before them, is humbling and I know many across the country will be honouring their memory today in quiet reflection.

    Recent events have served as a stark reminder that we cannot take the hard-earned peace we live in for granted, which is why I am honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the nation in the memory of all those that have lost their lives defending our country and the values we hold so close.

    I am determined to ensure we never forget the ultimate sacrifice they have made.

    Of the 9,910 individuals marching this year, 304 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations will be represented, as well as around 300 veterans not affiliated with an association, who have been invited by The Royal British Legion to march for the first time. Those marching will also include Nuclear Test Veterans who for the first time, will wear a medal acknowledging their important service. The Nuclear Test Medal was announced by the Prime Minister in November 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon, and recognises military, civilian, and overseas staff and personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s.

    Among those marching will be people of all ages – from 100-year-old Second World War veterans through to children of servicemen and women who have died in conflict, with the youngest marcher being just eight years old.

    Many of those marching will reflect particularly on conflicts which mark a major anniversary this year, such as the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement and the 20th anniversary of the start of the UK’s military operations in Iraq.

    Among the hundreds of Armed Forces personnel on parade at the Cenotaph will be Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and the service chiefs of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    As the nation comes together to remember all those who died serving their country, we remember with gratitude the sacrifices of the entire Armed Forces community and thank all those in uniform who protect our country and its way of life.”

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    For the men and women that gave their today for our tomorrow. For the generations before that fought for the freedom of the generation after. For those who stood up, fought for and died to protect our values – today we thank and remember them. I encourage everyone, no matter where you are, to join us in a national two-minute silence in memory of those who served our country.

    Remembrance also reminds us of our solemn responsibility to support the entire Armed Forces community all year round. The Office for Veterans’ Affairs has been leading government efforts to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran. This includes launching Op FORTITUDE, a new housing pathway earlier this year, and Op COURAGE, a dedicated mental healthcare pathway.

    The Defence Secretary has also made it his personal priority to ensure serving personnel are properly supported during their time on active duty. This week the Ministry of Defence will announce the roll out of more than £400 million of improvements to living accommodation for service personnel, including upgrades to more than 4,000 military homes.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:

    Today we remember those who sacrificed so much for our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

    20 years after the start of the Iraq War, I know that during the two minute’s silence at eleven o’clock, I will be remembering in particular those veterans of that conflict, and the contribution they made.

    This year is also particularly poignant, as it is the first year our Nuclear Test Veterans will march past the Cenotaph with their new medal.

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    At the Cenotaph, around the country and on operations overseas, members of the Armed Forces will pause to remember all those who have died in service of their country. The legacy of the fallen lives on in the dedication and duty of today’s Armed Forces.

    Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said:

    Remembrance is about bringing communities and individuals together to honour the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community, past and present.

    This year, 60 years on, we are remembering the extraordinary contribution of the millions of National Servicemen conscripted during the post-war years, as well as the sacrifices made by those who served in the Korean War 70 years ago. We also mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and the contribution of the Windrush generation, who travelled from the Caribbean to help rebuild Britain after the Second World War.

    Our Armed Forces make sacrifices every day so we can enjoy our freedoms and way of life. This weekend we encourage people to take a moment to reflect and remember their service.

  • Supreme Court – 2023 Decision on Sending Asylum Seekers to Rwanda

    Supreme Court – 2023 Decision on Sending Asylum Seekers to Rwanda

    The text of the Supreme Court decision on sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, published on 15 November 2023.

    Judgement (in .pdf format)

  • NEWS STORY : Supreme Court Says Government’s Rwanda Plan is Unlawful

    NEWS STORY : Supreme Court Says Government’s Rwanda Plan is Unlawful

    STORY

    The Supreme Court has judged that the Government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful. The five judges said that asylum seekers sent to the African country were in danger of having their claims wrongly assessed or being placed in danger. Downing Street has yet to comment on the decision, with the policy having been delivered by Suella Braverman, who was sacked as Home Secretary earlier this week.

    RESOURCES

    Text of Judgement

  • PRESS RELEASE : We must see humanitarian pauses that allow enough time for aid into Gaza – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : We must see humanitarian pauses that allow enough time for aid into Gaza – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 November 2023.

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

    I thank the UAE and China for organising this session and our moment of silence earlier. I’d also like to thank Dr Tedros and Dr Jilani, not just for your briefings, but for the life saving work that you and your teams are doing.

    Colleagues, we are in no doubt: there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. And as Dr Tedros set out, that humanitarian crisis is deteriorating day by day. Of course, we welcome the opening of the Rafah border, and we thank partners for their work in allowing foreign nationals to leave. But it is essential and urgent that more aid flows in the other direction into Gaza.

    Access both through Rafah and other crossing points needs to improve so that aid can reach the people who so desperately need it. For this to happen, we must see humanitarian pauses that allow enough time for aid to be delivered to those who need it and for hostages to be released. Fuel must be allowed to enter Gaza so that hospitals and water desalination plants can operate and for aid to be delivered. The pauses in northern Gaza are a first step but any pauses in hostilities should allow sufficient time and security both for civilians to move and for humanitarian aid to be delivered.

    Since the 7th of October, the UK has been firm in its support for Israel’s right to self-defence following Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. In this context, international humanitarian law is not a nice to have. International humanitarian law is what keeps humanitarian workers and medical staff safe to assist those in need and protects civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, wherever possible. So we urge all parties to the conflict to take all possible steps to minimise harm to civilians, health and humanitarian workers and to protect its sites. And we express our condolences for each life lost.

    Finally, Mr President, we have been clear that Israel must do more to prevent escalation in the West Bank. We welcome statements, including that made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, condemning settler violence. But we must see tangible action to bring perpetrators to justice. We also condemn attacks against Israel emanating from armed groups in the region. The UK Foreign Secretary was in Riyadh yesterday where he discussed preventing regional escalation with the foreign ministers and representatives of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the Palestinian Authority. The Foreign Secretary also reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering commitment to a two-state solution.

    Thank you, President.

  • Therese Coffey – 2023 Speech to United for Wildlife

    Therese Coffey – 2023 Speech to United for Wildlife

    The speech made by Therese Coffey, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 November 2023.

    Morning, everyone, thank you to United for Wildlife for bringing us together here in dazzling Singapore, and for all the amazing work you do to build a safer, more sustainable future for communities that depend on the natural world so deeply, and threatened species right around the globe.

    I know just how much our own native species mean to us back in the UK so much in fact, that many of the species of flora and fauna we are working hard to support will be celebrated on the first coins being minted to mark the new reign of King Charles III, reflecting his the love of the natural world that he has nurtured over decades, and very clearly passed on to his son, the Prince of Wales, from whom we heard last night.

    We know that the love of nature, of flora and fauna is of course reflected around the world often being used with pride as national emblems.

    We all rely on the natural world for everything from food to water to the air we breathe, the functioning climate and weather systems, and the peace and prosperity we all want to see.

    And at a time when a quarter of plant and animal species are at risk of extinction, many within decades,

    we know that for some of the most endangered species in the world, the illegal wildlife trade is the gravest threat they face as transnational criminal trade to the tune of £23 billion dollars a year brings violence and corruption to countries and communities who are and must be at the forefront of finding solutions and more sustainable alternatives as well.

    This has been a personal priority for me over many years, previously I was an Environment Minister, I’m now back in the environment department as Secretary of State and tackling this illegal trade is very important for the UK government we’ve continued to build on work we have done since we hosted the first global Illegal Wildlife Trade conference back in 2014.

    We have committed over £51m to 157 projects through our IWT Challenge Fund and I think there are several organisations here who may have benefitted from that. That means working in over 60 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe,

    and protecting a broad range of threatened species, including pangolins, jaguar and orchids.

    In recent years, we’ve achieved 288 arrests, 482 cases for prosecution, 141 successful prosecutions, and millions of pounds worth of illegal-wildlife trade products seized in collaboration with many of you.

    We are continuing to support projects designed to help communities, from the Lower Mekong to the Amazon to build more sustainable livelihoods, including through our newly-established £100m Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, and we continue to back the Global Environment Facility’s ‘Global Wildlife Programme’.

    And by backing the work of the International Consortium for Combatting Wildlife Crime we are helping to bring key agencies together, to build the long-term capacity in law enforcement that we need around the world if we are to combat wildlife crime effectively.

    We all know we have to keep learning about about the major transnational syndicates and routes and tackling them is going to require a collective approach to targeting high-level criminals and deterring this crime.

    But what we do know is that the gangs who traffic natural capitalise on weak governance in our systems.

    And while vast flows of ill-gotten gains are moved on to massive markets across the region, too often criminal enterprises go unchallenged, and that is why the UK is supporting the efforts of countries at both ends of the Africa-Asia route, and tackling this in partnership wherever we can.

    We’re keen in the UK build on our work to date, focusing our efforts on the things where governments can achieve the greatest impact from making the most of the tools we already have, including CITES,  supporting the efforts of countries at both ends of the Africa-Asia route.

    to strengthen sharing intelligence and bolstering enforcement, helping communities build more sustainable livelihoods and disarm the criminal gangs, as well as building political will around the world. And in all this, working together, in partnership, across sectors is key to making it impossible for traffickers to transport, finance, or profit from illegal wildlife products,

    And that is why I am pleased that the UK is confirmed signing up to your new Statement of Principals, and that we will be encouraging others to join us to help us work together across jurisdictions and with all sectors

    Building that bigger picture and having quicker communication, we know that is needed to stay one step ahead of the criminals, to achieve further seizures, forfeitures, and arrests, and prevent, detect, and disrupt the financial activity of major transnational syndicates involved in wildlife crime so there is no place for them to hide.

    I know that the foundation has put on a packed schedule full of the real heroes making this happen on the ground. I know you’ve got a busy day ahead of you and I’m pleased that I’m here to support you and I wish you well as you scope out what happens next to help nature recover and communities thrive.

    Thank you very much.

     

  • PRESS RELEASE : Close defence ties with US reaffirmed as minister visits British aircraft carrier off the coast of Virginia [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Close defence ties with US reaffirmed as minister visits British aircraft carrier off the coast of Virginia [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 November 2023.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, met key figures in Washington DC to discuss bilateral defence cooperation.

    The Minister for the Armed Forces visited the United States of America this week (6 – 9 November) for talks with key officials and political leaders to reaffirm the UK’s deep defence and security relationship with the US – one of the closest such partnerships between any two nations in the world.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Rt Hon James Heappey MP, said:

    The UK’s defence and security relationship with the USA is uniquely close, and the sight of British and American aircraft landing on a British aircraft carrier stationed off America’s coastline is the perfect demonstration of the depth of that alliance.

    I have held productive discussions with senior administration officials and military chiefs to discuss the future of this relationship in the context of serious conflicts both in Ukraine, and now in the Middle East.

    His visit began at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where he met the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, for discussions on the UN’s peacekeeping reforms and how the UK can contribute to them.

    He then visited the US Military Academy, West Point, to meet senior leaders and cadets to understand what the UK armed forces could learn from the US Army’s approach to training the next generation of leaders.

    In Washington DC, the minister held talks with senior officials, discussing areas for further strengthening the UK-US defence relationship, as well as support for both Israel and Ukraine. He then met senior politicians in Congress for further talks on defence cooperation and on continuing support for Ukraine has it fights to regain its sovereign territory.

    His visit to the US coincided with that of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales – the largest ship ever built for the Royal Navy – which has been conducting trials with US armed forces off the east coast to test the future of naval aviation. Visiting the ship off the coast of Virginia with the US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, the minister had the chance to speak to the ship’s company about their work and see first-hand the ability of British and American forces to operate alongside one another.

    While in Norfolk, he also met senior NATO commanders to discuss UK-NATO collaboration, and had a chance to meet the more than 100 UK personnel stationed there – just some of the thousands of British personnel based in the US.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointments of Commissioner to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointments of Commissioner to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 10 November 2023.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland invites applications for the appointment of a new member of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland invites applications for the appointment of a new member to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Further details about the role of Commissioner, including terms of appointment and an application pack are available for download at:

    https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/7904

    Alternatively, an application pack or alternative formats can be requested by email to ecni2023@nio.gov.uk

    All applications should be submitted via the Cabinet Office website at https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles

    The closing date for applications is  1 December 2023.

    Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

    Equality of Opportunity

    Appointments will be made on merit and with regard to the equality provisions set out in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Affordable housing in rural areas boosted by launch of new scheme [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Affordable housing in rural areas boosted by launch of new scheme [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 November 2023.

    New grant scheme will bring forward small-scale developments which meet the needs of the community.

    The £2.5m package will support a network of independent advisors who will work with communities to develop affordable housing schemes. The advisors will help identify suitable development opportunities in communities, and support site owners and community representatives to navigate the planning system and create developments in rural areas that meet the needs of local people.

    The scheme, which is being delivered in conjunction with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), will help boost the supply of new, affordable homes across England.

    The first payments have been awarded to local partners in Cambridgeshire and Northumberland, with other projects set to be announced across England next year.

    Rural Affairs Minister Lord Benyon said:

    All too often people are unable to live near to the village where they work or were brought up. We are making it a priority that rural communities have access to the housing they need.

    Our support for rural housing advisors will help develop small scale affordable housing schemes that fit in with the local area. Together with our policies to improve transport, connectivity and access to public services, this is another demonstration of our commitment to unleash opportunity in rural areas.”

    Richard Quallington, ACRE’s Executive Director, said:

    We’re thrilled to be delivering this programme for Defra. Many people in rural communities understand there’s a need for much more affordable housing but they are often opposed to unfettered commercial developments that neither fit in with the area, nor create homes that go to those who genuinely need it.

    The decision by the government to back Rural Housing Enablers is hugely positive news as it will mean many more communities across England can access independent support and advice to help them appraise the need for affordable homes locally, navigate complicated planning rules and work with more socially minded developers to bring forward suitable schemes.”

    The expansion of the Rural Housing Enablers scheme was first announced by Defra in the ‘Unleashing Rural Opportunity’ document earlier this summer, which sets out plans to unlock growth and potential in rural areas.

    Other government measures supporting the provision of rural homes for local people include the Rural Exception Sites policy, which facilitates the development of small affordable housing sites in rural areas, and the Affordable Homes Programme, which aims to create high-quality homes and thriving places across England.

    This new funding is part of a number of measures being implemented by the government to strengthen rural communities and invigorate the rural economy, including Project Gigabit, which aims to bring better internet access to rural areas, and Future of Transport Rural Strategy to tackle isolation and increase access to jobs in rural and remote areas.

    This builds on the Government’s manifesto commitment to build 1 million homes over this Parliament. Reaching this target would represent another important milestone in the Government’s housebuilding strategy with over 2.2 million new homes delivered since 2010, and millions of people being moved into home ownership.

    Notes to editors:

    • To learn more about the Rural Housing Enablers scheme, visit ACRE’s website: Action with Communities in Rural England – ACRE
    • In the first payments from the fund, £81,000 is being awarded in Northumberland to Community Action Northumberland and a payment of £93,000 is being made in Cambridgeshire to Cambridgeshire ACRE. This will enable the creation of a new Rural Housing Enabler scheme in Northumberland and the expansion of an existing Rural Housing Enabler project in Cambridgeshire.