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  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (02/08/2023)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (02/08/2023)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 2 August 2023.

    I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

    It was a long and very busy day.

    In the morning, we received reports from our warriors, from air defense on the downing of “Shaheds”. There were 37 “Shaheds” in total during this one night. Some of them were shot down. But only part of them. Fortunately, people were not injured. There were hits in the southern areas – Odesa region, our ports.

    We are doing our best with our partners to increase the supply of air defense systems. It is very important for the world not to get used to this Russian terror. Every hit is a common problem. Not only for Ukraine, but also for all those in the world whose stability Russia is trying to destroy by attacking our ports and infrastructure.

    Now, for the Russian state, this is a battle not only against our freedom, not only against our state. Moscow is fighting a battle for a global catastrophe: these lunatics need the world food market to collapse – they need price crises, supply disruptions. Someone in Moscow thinks they can make money on this… Someone in Moscow hopes they will be able to bargain for something… These are very, very dangerous hopes.

    In particular, we talked about food security today with our ambassadors – I held an extraordinary large meeting with all the heads of Ukrainian diplomatic missions.

    We gathered in Zakarpattia. On the eve of a new political season in our partner countries. For 16 months of full-scale war, we have been working together – the entire diplomatic team of Ukraine, everyone who works in the field of our foreign policy – to make sure that the world sees events in a completely truthful way. The way they are happening, not the way Russian propaganda wants to depict them. Most countries in the world stand with Ukraine. We have achieved extremely significant results in supplying weapons to our troops. There are powerful sanctions against Russia for terror. Now there are new tasks for Ukrainian diplomats – to attract defense production to Ukraine… equipment, artillery, shells. To expand training missions for our warriors. To ensure the supply of F-16s. Long-range missiles for Ukraine.

    And always – absolutely always – political decisions in favor of our country, our freedom. The Crimea Platform, the UN General Assembly, the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, the Global Food Summit, and the very important Peace Formula Summit, to which we are inviting the world’s majority, are ahead. The launch of accession negotiations with the European Union is a task for this year. Preparing more in our relations with NATO is also a task that our diplomats have to fulfill. Today we talked about all this in great detail.

    Ukrainian diplomacy has very clear, significant accomplishments. In all areas. We do not forget about the sphere of national memory, our history. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, and we are constantly active in communicating with partners to recognize the historical truth – to recognize the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people. Already 28 states have recognized the Holodomor as genocide – this is at the state level. In four more countries, one of the chambers of national parliaments has adopted a decision. And during the full-scale war alone, 17 such recognition decisions were made. This is a very high pace. And all Ukrainian diplomats should maintain this pace – remain that active in the interests of Ukraine. Every day, every week, every month, they should prove with concrete results for Ukraine that our diplomacy can and will be a global leader.

    I held a meeting on the security and social situation in Zakarpattia. General Deyneko, Head of the State Border Guard Service, reported on border issues, which are strategic for the region. A thorough report by head of the regional administration Mykyta – it is clear that the region has the necessary results. Well done!

    Relocation of business and creation of new jobs in different communities of the region is an important area of work. Facilities for the rehabilitation of our warriors are the right projects. Many initiatives to develop the economy of Zakarpattia – those opportunities that have not been used for decades.

    In particular, the development of a salt deposit has already begun here in the region, which can provide all of Ukraine with table and industrial salt. There are other projects that we will discuss with government officials.

    Zakarpattia will definitely be one of the drivers of development for the whole of Ukraine, economic and social growth.

    I am finishing this day in Berehove with a meeting with representatives of the Hungarian community in Ukraine. It is an important meeting. Educators, doctors, representatives of public and religious organizations and, of course, our warriors, whom I had the honor to award. Brave and courageous warriors whom we are proud of – all of them. All of us, Ukrainians, all of us, citizens of Ukraine. Everyone defends our country and freedom, everyone strives for victory for Ukraine, to live in Ukraine and develop life here – for the sake of their families, for the sake of their children.

    I thank everyone who defends freedom! I thank everyone who is fighting for Ukraine! The 128th separate mountain assault brigade of Zakarpattia and the 101st separate brigade of the Territorial Defense… Thank you, warriors. Today – especially!

    Thank you all – Berehove, Uzhhorod, Mukachevo and all of Zakarpattia!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (01/08/2023)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (01/08/2023)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 1 August 2023.

    I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

    This day began with very informative reports from representatives of the defense and security forces of our country.

    Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Malyuk and Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko on the liquidation of the consequences of Russian terrorists’ attacks on our cities: Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Kherson, and our other cities.

    General Zaluzhny reported on the general situation in the defense. Generals Syrsky and Tarnavsky reported on the front and specific directions. Commander of the Air Force Oleshchuk reported on the results of the use of air defense. “We are constantly working with our partners on a daily basis to bolster our sky shield, step by step we are adding protection.

    There was also a separate detailed report by Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate Budanov – the occupiers will definitely feel the consequences of our work. They will feel it strongly.

    We are preparing a number of international events – this week will be very important for Ukraine and our foreign policy.

    A month remains before the start of the new political season in our partner countries. And we will do everything possible to make this season as conducive as possible to our movement forward, to victory, to our desire to restore peace for the whole of Ukraine – without exception. More political support for Ukraine. More weapons for our warriors. Full responsibility of the terrorist state for everything it has done against Ukraine, against our cities, villages, and people.

    And today I would like to honor our warriors from the areas in Donbas and the south of our country more specifically, by name. Warriors whose bravery and courage are special. The story of each of them is a true heroism!

    Soldier Andriy Kalkutin, the 56th separate motorized infantry brigade of Mariupol. Soldier Pavlo Karasiov, the 28th separate mechanized brigade. Soldier Viktor Konstantiuk, the 30th separate mechanized brigade. Soldier Roman Sydorchuk, the 33rd separate mechanized brigade.

    Senior Soldier Andriy Hora, the 5th separate assault brigade. Senior Soldier Dmytro Humeniuk, the 214th separate special battalion. Senior Soldier Mykola Zaruchevskyi, the 55th separate artillery brigade. Senior Soldier Yaroslav Ilkiv, the 24th separate mechanized brigade.

    Junior Sergeant Taras Vozniuk, the 3rd separate assault brigade. Junior Sergeant Serhiy Savchuk, the 36th separate marine brigade. Well done, guys!

    Junior Sergeants Mykola Paytsan and Mykhailo Shcherban, Sergeant Ihor Apolitov – all three are from the 65th separate mechanized brigade. Junior Sergeant Ruslan Kryvalets, the 110th separate mechanized brigade.

    Sergeant Serhiy Datskiv, the 25th Sicheslav separate airborne brigade. Sergeant Oleksandr Pshenychuk, the 47th separate mechanized brigade. Senior Sergeant Andriy Samohalskyi, the 22nd separate mechanized brigade. Lieutenant Ihor Lytvyn, the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade. Major Yaroslav Volianskyi, the 44th separate artillery brigade.

    I thank you, guys, for the enemies you destroyed and for the brothers you saved! I am proud of your results! You are our pride, you are the pride of Ukraine.

    Glory to all our warriors!

    Glory to everyone who is fighting for Ukraine, who is helping us bring our victory closer!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • List of Foreign Secretaries

    List of Foreign Secretaries

    21st century


    Elizabeth Truss

    2021 to 2022

    Dominic Raab

    2019 to 2021

    Jeremy Hunt

    2018 to 2019

    Boris Johnson

    2016 to 2018

    Philip Hammond

    2014 to 2016

    William Hague

    2010 to 2014

    David Miliband

    2007 to 2010

    Margaret Beckett

    2006 to 2007

    Jack Straw

    2001 to 2006

    20th century


    Robin Cook

    1997 to 2001

    Sir Malcolm Rifkind

    1995 to 1997

    Douglas Hurd, Lord Hurd of Westwell

    1989 to 1995

    Sir John Major

    1989

    Sir Geoffrey Howe, Lord Howe of Aberavon

    1983 to 1989

    Francis Pym, Lord Pym of Sandy

    1982 to 1983

    Lord Peter Carrington, Baron Carrington

    1979 to 1982

    Dr David Owen, Lord Owen of the City of Plymouth

    1977 to 1979

    Anthony Crosland

    1976 to 1977

    James Callaghan, Lord Callaghan of Cardiff

    1974 to 1976

    Sir Alec Douglas-Home, Lord Home of the Hirsel

    1970 to 1974

    1960 to 1963

    Michael Stewart, Lord Stewart of Fulham

    1968 to 1970

    1965 to 1966

    George Brown, Lord George-Brown of Jevington

    1966 to 1968

    Patrick Gordon Walker

    1964 to 1965

    Richard Austen Butler, Lord Butler of Saffron Walden

    1963 to 1964

    John Selwyn Brooke Lloyd, Lord Selwyn-Lloyd

    1955 to 1960

    Harold Macmillan, Earl of Stockton

    1955

    Sir Anthony Eden, Earl of Avon

    1951 to 1955

    1940 to 1945

    1935 to 1938

    Herbert Morrison, Lord Morrison of Lambeth

    1951

    Ernest Bevin

    1945 to 1951

    Edward Frederick Lindley Wood, Viscount Halifax

    1938 to 1940

    Sir Samuel Hoare, Viscount Templewood

    1935

    Sir John Simon, Viscount Simon

    1931 to 1935

    Rufus Isaacs , Marquess of Reading

    1931

    Arthur Henderson

    1929 to 1931

    Sir Austen Chamberlain

    1924 to 1929

    James Ramsay MacDonald

    1924

    George Nathaniel Curzon, Marquess of Kedlesto

    1919 to 1924

    Arthur James Balfour, Earl of Balfour

    1916 to 1919

    Sir Edward Grey, Viscount Grey of Fallodon

    1905 to 1916

    Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marquess of Lansdowne

    1900 to 1905

    19th century


    Robert Cecil, Marquess of Salisbury

    1895 to 1900

    1887 to 1892

    1885 to 1886

    1878 to 1880

    John Wodehouse, Earl of Kimberley

    1894 to 1895

    Archibald Primrose, Earl of Rosebery

    1892 to 1894

    1886

    Stafford Northcote, Earl of Iddesleigh

    1886 to 1887

    George Leveson Gower, Earl Granville

    1880 to 1885

    1870 to 1874

    1851 to 1852

    Lord Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby

    1874 to 1878

    1866 to 1868

    George Villiers, Earl of Clarendon

    1868 to 1870

    1865 to 1866

    1853 to 1858

    Lord John Russell, Earl Russell

    1859 to 1865

    1852 to 1853

    James Harris, Earl of Malmesbury

    1858 to 1859

    1852

    Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerston

    1846 to 1851

    1835 to 1841

    1830 to 1834

    George Hamilton Gordon, Earl of Aberdeen

    1841 to 1846

    1828 to 1830

    Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

    1834 to 1835

    John William Ward, Viscount Dudley and Ward

    1827 to 1828

    Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh

    1812 to 1822

    Richard Wellesley, Marquess Wellesley

    1809 to 1812

    Henry Bathurst, Earl Bathurst

    1809

    Charles Grey, Lord Howick

    1806 to 1807

    Charles James Fox

    1806

    1783

    and 1783

    Henry Phipps, Lord Mulgrave

    1805 to 1806

    Robert Banks Jenkinson, Lord Hawkesbury

    1804 to 1805

    Dudley Ryder, Lord Harrowby

    1804

    18th century


    William Wyndham Grenville, Lord Grenville

    1791 to 1801

    Francis Godolphin Osborne, Marquess of Carmarthen

    1783 to 1791

    George Nugent Temple Grenville, Earl Temple

    1783

    Thomas Robinson, Lord Grantham

    1782 to 1783

  • NEWS STORY : Mayor of West Midlands Demands Crooked House Pub is Rebuilt

    NEWS STORY : Mayor of West Midlands Demands Crooked House Pub is Rebuilt

    STORY

    Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, has called for the rebuilding of the Crooked House pub in Himley following its surprise demolition. The building caught fire just days after it was taken over by new owners, with allegations that the access road to the property was blocked to prevent the fire brigade from being able to tackle the blaze.

    Street said in a letter to Roger Lees, the Leader of South Staffordshire Council:

    “We ask that you consider ensuring the property is rebuilt brick by brick (using as much original material as possible) before any further discussions about the future of the site take place.”

    The pub had been built in 1765 to be used as a farmhouse, but part of the building sank in the nineteenth century due to coal mining subsidence. It was turned into a pub and was sold earlier this year by Marston’s who said in a statement:

    “We are shocked and disappointed to learn about the fire which has caused so much damage to a landmark building which is so well known in the area”.

    RESOURCES

    Andy Street’s Comments

    Andy Street’s Letter to Staffordshire Fire Brigade

  • Andy Street – 2023 Comments on Crooked House Pub

    Andy Street – 2023 Comments on Crooked House Pub

    The comments made by Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, on Twitter on 8 August 2023.

    We’ve asked @south_staffs to ensure the Crooked House Pub is rebuilt brick by brick, & any attempt to change its use blocked 🚫.

    @alex__claridge & I have also asked to be kept informed of the Fire & Police’s investigation.

    We will not let the Crooked House be consigned to history.

  • Andy Street – 2023 Letter to Staffordshire Fire Brigade on Allegations of Blocked Access to Crooked House Fire

    Andy Street – 2023 Letter to Staffordshire Fire Brigade on Allegations of Blocked Access to Crooked House Fire

    The letter sent by Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, to Chris Noble (Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police) and Rob Barber (Chief Fire Officer in Staffordshire) on 7 August 2023.

    Dear Chris and Rob,

    We hope you are both keeping well.

    We are writing in regards to the fire at the Crooked House Pub in Himley over the weekend. As you will be aware, this historical pub is of real significance to the cultural heritage and history of the West Midlands, and so it is deeply upsetting to see it gutted in this way.

    Whilst we will avoid any speculation as to what has occurred, clearly there are major questions to be answered given how swiftly this fire happened following the sale of the pub to an unknown private developer. We are also intrigued by the fact that your officers faced blocked access when trying to get to the scene.

    Given the significance to the West Midlands, we would kindly ask that you keep us abreast of your investigation. If there is anything we can do to help, then please let us know.

    We are also copying the letter to Councillor Roger Lees, the leader of South Staffordshire District Council, who we have written to separately in regards to the future of the site.

    Many thanks and we look forward to hearing from you.

    Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands.

    Alex Claridge, West Midlands Night Time Economy Advisor.

  • Julie James – 2023 Statement on Renewable Energy Developer

    Julie James – 2023 Statement on Renewable Energy Developer

    The statement made by Julie James, the Welsh Minister for Climate Change, on 2 August 2023.

    When I announced that Welsh Government would establish a Welsh state developer to benefit Welsh citizens, I committed to updating the Siambr on progress. I am happy to say that we are making progress at pace towards our launch date of April 2024.

    One of the early questions is about how people see the company. The name is an important first step in making sure that it is an organisation people can recognise and understand the role it has in delivering for the people of Wales. Our new developer will be called Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, making it absolutely clear that its intent is to power Wales into a clean and more prosperous future.

    I am also very pleased that we have secured an excellent and highly skilled Chief Executive to lead the company, following an open and fair competition that attracted a strong and able field of candidates. We have appointed Richard Evans, who has both a strong professional background as a developer and has worked across the public sector helping us deliver our energy ambitions through the Welsh Government Energy Service. I look forward to working with Richard to deliver the ambitions I have for this company to make a real difference to our communities.

    Our recruitment campaign is continuing throughout this year, as we look to staff the company with people with experience in energy development who want be part of this new and exciting company. We will also be searching for a Chair for an independent Board, which will have the important role of steering the company as it establishes itself and its projects.

    A key focus of the company is supporting value creation for the people of Wales. Procurement is a hugely powerful tool in driving the changes we want to see. We have successfully contracted with some very skilled organisations to support the Trydan team in establishing well-designed renewable projects. We have focused on involving Welsh companies and delivering social value to Wales, and I look forward to reporting on how we realise these immediate benefits as the development process begins.

    Though this is just another step in a long-term process and there is still much to do, I hope you will welcome these milestones on the way to the birth of Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.

    This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Working together to save lives’ – Welsh Government teams up with police ahead of 20mph roll out [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Working together to save lives’ – Welsh Government teams up with police ahead of 20mph roll out [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 1 August 2023.

    On Sunday, September 17 Wales will become the first UK nation to introduce a new default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads.

    To prepare motorists for this significant change, the Welsh Government and the police are working with the fire service, Go Safe (Wales’ Road Casualty Reduction Partnership), local authorities and other community groups to educate motorists.

    At roadsides across Wales, fire service staff will work with partners, to stop speeding motorists in 20mph areas and offer them the opportunity to watch an educational video rather than face a fine of prosecution.

    The video warns about the dangers of excessive speeds and highlights the benefits of slower speed. It is only offered to those motorists not driving excessively over the speed limit.

    Supt Leanne Brustad, Gwent Police said:

    “Engagement, education, and enforcement plays a huge part in the rollout.

    “We will continue to work closely with our partners to educate drivers as much as possible as the new speed limit comes into force and help deliver all of the benefits of this policy.” 

    South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Group Manager Richie Smart said:

    “Our fire fighters see the devastating impacts that road traffic collisions, including those in built up areas where people and vehicles mix closely, can have. We are therefore pleased to support our partners to raise awareness of the importance of speed limits to keep everyone safe.” 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Results Day in Scotland 2023 [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Results Day in Scotland 2023 [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 August 2023.

    Pass rates above pre-pandemic levels.

    Students getting their exam results today should be very proud of their achievements, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has said, with pass rates remaining above pre-pandemic levels.

    Data published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) showed the overall pass rate for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers has increased from the 2019 pre-pandemic level, with a record number of passes in an exam year achieved at National 5.

    The number of vocational and technical qualifications achieved has also grown to a record high this year – with more than 72,000 qualifications awarded in 2023, an increase of 12.3% from 2022.

    The poverty-related attainment gap remains narrower than it was in 2019 across National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

    “I want to offer my congratulations to all of you who have worked so hard and demonstrated so much resilience not just this year but over the course of your studies.  Today is all about celebrating your achievements and you should be incredibly proud of all you have accomplished.

    “I would also like to send my sincere thanks and gratitude for the continued dedication and commitment of those in our education system – thank you to all of Scotland’s teachers, lecturers, support staff as well as parents and carers for supporting our young people.

    “There is much to celebrate in what is another strong set of results showing a clear and continuing recovery from the pandemic – with pass rates at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher above the 2019 pre-pandemic level, a record number of passes at National 5 and the highest number of vocational and technical qualifications ever awarded.

    “While we know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds, these results show that the gap in attainment levels between the least and most deprived areas remains narrower than it was in 2019. We are determined to build on the progress that has been made and we are investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge during this parliamentary term.

    “For those who don’t get the results they were looking for, a free and direct appeals service will give all young people the right to request a review of their marked exam papers or coursework for their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results this year. Additionally, as you consider your next steps there is help available to guide you. The Skills Development Scotland Careers Helpline can offer practical information and careers advice as well as support for wellbeing. The SQA helpline is also open and can help students and their families with queries relating to the Scottish Qualifications Certificates.”

    Background

    SQA Results 2023

    ‘Pre-pandemic’ refers to 2019 results.

    Skills Development Scotland helpline 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Exam results support for pupils [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Exam results support for pupils [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 7 August 2023.

    Advice on next steps.

    More than 144,000 pupils across Scotland will be able to access a range of advice in the coming days, including a dedicated helpline, to assist them with their exam results.

    The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Results Helpline is staffed by more than 30 expert careers advisors and opens tomorrow (Tuesday 8th August) for four days. The service provides impartial careers advice and guidance on the next steps to students, and their parents and carers, following receipt of their exam results.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth met SDS staff at a Results Helpline centre in Edinburgh to learn more about their work and how it benefits pupils.

    Ms Gilruth said:

    “Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers. The opportunity to have a conversation with someone who is impartial and knowledgeable is so valuable.

    “Whatever a person’s results, there are options out there for everyone and I would encourage anyone with any concerns or uncertainty about future choices to contact the results helpline to speak with friendly, knowledgeable staff for advice about your next steps.”

    SDS Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations Sharon McIntyre said:

    “We are so pleased the Education Secretary took time out to come and visit the Results Helpline staff this year. It was very clear from the conversations we had that she recognises just how valuable our support is for worried pupils, parents and carers. We wish everyone all the very best with their results this year, but please don’t worry if you don’t get the outcome you hoped for, just phone 0808 100 8000 and we will help you find alternative options.”

    Background

    The SDS helpline can be reached on 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th August. It will then open from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th August. The SDS’ careers advisers will be on hand to offer advice about all post school options, including UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.

    Students can also access the SQA Candidate Advice Line (CAL) on 0345 279 1000. It offers support and information relating to the Scottish Qualification Certificates and is open from 8am-6pm on 8 August and 8.30am – 5pm on 9 August.