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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : How much more of Russia’s nonsense do we have to endure – UK Statement at the Security Council [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : How much more of Russia’s nonsense do we have to endure – UK Statement at the Security Council [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 October 2022.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Ukraine and Biological Weapons.

    Thank you President, and thank you Mr Ebo for your very clear briefing. I’d like to start by reaffirming the United Kingdom’s deep commitment to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.

    On 24 February, Russia invaded Ukraine, an act of aggression in clear violation of international law, which the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to condemn.

    Since then, the Russian Federation has repeatedly spread disinformation, including wild claims involving dirty bombs, chemical weapons, and offensive biological research.

    How much more of this nonsense do we have to endure?

    As we’ve heard, Russia’s allegations were given a full hearing last month, according to the processes set out under Article 5 of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.

    89 States Parties attended that meeting, and listened as Russia delivered nothing but misrepresentations of assorted public documents and copy-and-pasted images from Wikipedia.

    The response from the other States Parties was clear and overwhelming:

    that Russia must end its aggression and disinformation campaign against Ukraine; and
    that Russia must stop demonising legitimate peaceful scientific and technical cooperation, which all BTWC States Parties have a right to participate in under Article 10 of the Convention, and which is rightly valued by many States Parties.
    That process has now concluded. Russia’s claims have been heard, considered, and rejected. The bar has not been met for further investigation and proposals for further action would be a waste of this Council’s time. This Council is a serious body and risks being brought into disrepute by Russia’s actions.

    There are plenty of issues that demand our attention but Russia is clogging up the agenda with conspiracy theories.

    Instead of attempting to smear Ukraine, Russia should focus on its own obligations, including the UN Charter, and end this war.

    Thank you President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau [27 October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau [27 October 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 October 2022.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this evening, committing to continue the strong partnership between our two countries.

    The leaders welcomed the close alignment between the UK and Canada’s values and priorities, noting the important role of free market democracies in promoting global economic growth and stability.

    They discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and agreed to continue working together to provide unequivocal support for Ukraine and ensure Vladimir Putin’s actions do not go unpunished or undeterred.

    The Prime Minister also welcomed Canada’s support for the UK’s accession to the CPTPP Pacific trade bloc, and the leaders committed to deepen collaboration in trade and energy security.

    They looked forward to working closely together through the G7 and bilaterally, and to meeting at the G20 in Indonesia next month.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Time to seize this momentum and deliver positive change for the people of Abyei [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Time to seize this momentum and deliver positive change for the people of Abyei [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 October 2022.

    Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Abyei and UNISFA.

    Thank you President and thank you to the Assistant Secretary-General and the Special Envoy for their very helpful briefings. I would also like to welcome the representatives of Sudan and South Sudan to this meeting. We would like to make three brief points today.

    First, the United Kingdom commends UNISFA’s tireless efforts to deliver its mandate under such challenging circumstances and we thank the troop-contributing countries. We fully support the extension of the Mission’s mandate for twelve months.

    We join our fellow Council members in reiterating the call on the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to remove the longstanding obstacles that limit the full implementation of UNISFA’s mandate.

    In particular, we are concerned by the restrictions on the Mission’s freedom of movement and by attacks on UNISFA personnel during the reporting period.

    We urge the Government of South Sudan to ensure the re-operationalisation of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism Headquarters in Gok Machar.

    Second, we must continue to watch carefully the situation on the ground in Abyei. Civilians continue to suffer due to the absence of basic services and limited rule of law.

    We are concerned about the ongoing intercommunal violence across Abyei, including the worrying increase in tensions between Dinka communities.

    Recent flooding has compounded the worsening humanitarian situation too. On top of insecurity and a lack of infrastructure, this is putting huge pressure on the humanitarian response. In these circumstances, ensuring unrestricted access is vital.

    The United Kingdom urges all parties fully to respect International Humanitarian Law and protect and enable humanitarian staff, assets and operations to deliver aid to those in need in all parts of Abyei, without hindrance.

    Third, we remain concerned by the lack of progress on a political solution for Abyei. We therefore welcome the increased focus on this from Sudan and from South Sudan. We call on both Governments to seize this momentum and deliver measurable positive change for the people of Abyei.

    As a next step, we urge both countries to organise a further meeting of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee as a sign of their recommitment to reaching an agreement.

    Lastly, we welcome the African Union’s recent Communiqué regarding Abyei, and we encourage the AU to intensify their mediation efforts to help reach an agreement on its final status.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz [27 October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz [27 October 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 October 2022.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, this afternoon.

    The pair reflected on their strong relationship as finance ministers and said they hoped to build on that friendship as leaders.

    Discussing Russia’s abhorrent attacks in Ukraine, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor agreed on the need to continue supporting Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Putin through robust sanctions.

    The leaders also discussed their desire to build on the close collaboration between the UK and European Union on shared challenges, including Russia and global energy security.

    Both said they looked forward to seeing each other in Indonesia next month.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Call with Prime Minister Modi [27 October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Call with Prime Minister Modi [27 October 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 October 2022.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, this afternoon.

    Prime Minister Modi conveyed his best wishes on the Prime Minister’s appointment on behalf of 1.6 billion Indians.

    The Prime Minister said he was a visual representation of the historic links between the UK and India, and intended to build on this relationship to develop ever closer ties between our two countries.

    Discussing shared global challenges, the Prime Minister praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership on tackling climate change and the leaders welcomed opportunities to bolster our security, defence and economic partnership.

    The Prime Minister hoped the UK and India could continue to make good progress in negotiations to finalise a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

    The leaders also agreed to work together as two great democracies to strengthen the developing economies of the world, and looked forward to meeting in person at the G20 in Indonesia.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Record numbers of staff working in the NHS [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Record numbers of staff working in the NHS [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 27 October 2022.

    • Data also shows record numbers of doctors working in NHS hospitals

    There are over 1.2 million full-time equivalent staff working in NHS trusts and clinical commissioning groups in England – over 31,000 more people compared to a year ago, up by over 2.5%.

    Latest data published by NHS Digital shows that, compared to August 2021, there are also over 3,700 more doctors and over 9,100 more nurses working in the NHS.

    Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Steve Barclay said:

    More healthcare staff means better care for patients, which is why it’s fantastic to see a record number of over 1.2 million staff working hard in the NHS.

    With over 3,700 more doctors and 9,100 more nurses, we are really putting patients first and NHS England is developing a long term workforce plan so we can continue to recruit and retain more NHS staff.

    Thanks to all our doctors, nurses and NHS healthcare staff who work tirelessly to look after us and our loved ones and continue to inspire future generations to join this rewarding career.

    The government continues to deliver on its commitment to recruit 50,000 more nurses by 2024, with 29,000 more nurses since September 2019.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK national statement to the IAEA International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK national statement to the IAEA International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 27 October 2022.

    UK national statement delivered at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 5th Ministerial Conference on nuclear power in the 21st century, Washington DC, US.

    Madam President,

    It is a pleasure to be here today. On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, the United Kingdom expresses its gratitude to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and Secretary Granholm for hosting this important event.

    Madam President, a secure and affordable supply of energy is the foundation of economic growth and prosperity. Without energy security, societies are less resilient and more exposed to sudden shocks affecting global energy markets, as the current crisis demonstrates. Sixty years ago, the United Kingdom was the first nation to harness the reliability of civil nuclear electricity to power our homes and businesses. Earlier this year, we put nuclear power right at the core of our Energy Security Strategy with an ambition to deliver 24 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2050.

    The United Kingdom is committed to nuclear not just because the energy supply which it provides is reliable – it is low-carbon, too. I’m proud of the United Kingdom’s leadership of COP26, where we ensured that nuclear energy and its contribution to achieving net zero were front and centre. Next month, at COP27, it will feature again at the UK Pavilion. The United Kingdom applauds the Director General and the IAEA for their role in promoting nuclear energy, and their commitment to championing the vast potential of nuclear technologies.

    However, Madam President, it would be wholly wrong to ignore the situation at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. The United Kingdom continues to condemn the Russian Federation’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine and its wicked actions against nuclear facilities. This includes the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, where each week we see flagrant disregard for core principles of nuclear safety and security by the Russian occupying forces, threatening the safety of millions. Their illegal and reckless actions include the abuse and mistreatment of the Ukrainian staff working at the site, raising the risk of human error in a potential nuclear incident.

    The facts are clear – the only way to ensure the safety and security of Ukrainian nuclear facilities is for the Russian Federation to end its unprovoked invasion, unconditionally withdrawing all its troops and personnel both from Ukraine’s nuclear facilities and its internationally recognised borders.

    I commend the bravery and resilience of the Director General, his team, and Ukrainian staff in their efforts to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine.

    We must also recognise, Madam President, that it is absolutely essential for the international community to work together to strengthen our nuclear safety frameworks. The United Kingdom recognises the Agency’s global leadership for nuclear energy and remains committed to supporting these efforts.

    The United Kingdom will continue to work closely with the IAEA to ensure that the robust and effective standards which underpin the use of nuclear energy and nuclear technologies continue to deliver for all IAEA member states.

    A secure and resilient supply of nuclear fuel will also be vital to the successful deployments of new nuclear projects. The United Kingdom is committed to working with likeminded and reliable international partners to ensure the supply of nuclear fuel to enable energy security through nuclear power. To support this, we are investing in our nuclear fuel supply chain, developing our longstanding capability built through many decades of expertise, to support current and future nuclear fuel technologies.

    Madam President, for Nuclear Energy to flourish, we must create an environment which allows us to harness its potential. Safety, standards, and security of supply are all of paramount importance. And investment matters, too. Great British Nuclear will be the UK’s flagship vehicle for delivering our nuclear energy ambitions. It will work closely with the nuclear industry to help projects through every stage of the development process, enabling a resilient pipeline of new build projects, including megawatt and gigawatt scale reactors.

    We must also ensure innovative regulation creates confidence for investors. That it is why, in March this year, the United Kingdom also passed The Nuclear Energy Financing Act. This establishes a new Regulated Asset Base (RAB) funding model as an option to finance small, large, and advanced nuclear projects. This model has successfully supported the development of large-scale infrastructure and we are confident that it will do the same for future nuclear projects.

    As we do this, we cannot lose sight of the opportunities that Advanced Nuclear Technologies can offer. From the development of small modular reactors to meet our energy demands, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of safety and security, to pioneering nuclear techniques which promise to solve the most pressing global development challenges such as tackling plastic pollution, the United Kingdom will work with its international partners and the IAEA to make these opportunities a reality. In doing so, we are also exploring opportunities for regulatory harmonization, including through the IAEA’s ‘Nuclear Harmonisation and Standardisation Initiative’ (NHSI).

    However, Madam President, the decision to include nuclear within a nation’s energy mix is not just for politicians and industry to take. Public acceptance is crucial and their views must be considered. In the United Kingdom, we fully recognise that early engagement with local communities is essential to build public support and inform policy making.

    To that end, we are working with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to identify a location for a Geological Disposal Facility for nuclear waste. We have taken a consent-based approach, which requires a willing community to be a partner in the project’s development.

    And it is the community that will have the final say. This is an integral part of the United Kingdom’s commitment to safe, secure and responsible management of radioactive waste.

    Finally, Madam President, allow me to me reiterate. We know that the nuclear technologies of today, and indeed those of the future, will help to deliver the secure supply of low-carbon energy that is so vital to our collective interest. The Director General, and the Secretariat can count on the United Kingdom’s full and wholehearted support to achieve this vision.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Report by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly – UK response [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly – UK response [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 October 2022.

    Ambassador Bush commends efforts by OSCE’s Parliamentary Assembly, and stresses that parliamentarians play a crucial role in ensuring sustained support for Ukraine.

    Madam President, thank you for your address and welcome back to the Permanent Council.

    It was a great honour for the United Kingdom to host the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Annual Session this year. I was proud to join Professor Ibrahim and Dr Elliott on the panel for preventing and prosecuting war crimes, and speak to the UK’s support for the Murad Code. I look forward to continued engagement on this important initiative, which will help to ensure justice for survivors of sexual violence.

    I also congratulate you and OSCE parliamentarians on the successful adoption of the Birmingham Declaration, which was approved with overwhelming support. We strongly endorse the Declaration’s core tenet – that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, facilitated by the Belarusian regime, constitutes a gross violation of the fundamentals of international law, as well as a severe breach of the OSCE’s commitments and principles. It jeopardizes the security architecture of Europe and the whole OSCE region.

    In response to my Russian colleague’s tired accusations on access in July, may I remind them that it is Russia’s actions alone that led to their exclusion.

    Unfortunately, since the Annual Session we have seen the Kremlin’s war rage on. In the last few weeks alone we have witnessed Russian military attacks on both civilians and critical infrastructure in Kyiv and across Ukraine, with the intention of cutting off Ukrainian people from energy, heating, and water. Sham referenda have been cynically deployed to facilitate attempted illegal land grabs. And the Russian military’s bombing of Ukraine’s agricultural and transport infrastructure continues to exacerbate global food insecurity.

    Not content with attacking another State, the Russian Government continues to inflict misery upon its own population. As the latest Moscow Mechanism report found, the Russian government continues to wage a systematic and repressive war against the freedoms of its own people. This has included cracking down on independent media and restricting civil society activities, all of which also serve to quell any internal dissent against its external aggression.

    So what role should the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly play in all of this?

    As you said, Madam President, during an interesting side event at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, the role of Civil Society Organisations is key in all OSCE participating States. You noted the importance of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly working with civil society organisations and that OSCE Parliamentarians should use their privileged positions wisely, to reach out to others and to influence beyond their own Parliaments.

    We agree that parliamentarians have a crucial role to play in harnessing their considerable political leverage to ensure sustained support for Ukraine. This includes pursuing accountability for war crimes and pushing for humanitarian, economic and military assistance to Ukraine. It also includes forcefully defending OSCE principles in all available fora, and supporting diplomatic efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, with full respect for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. I would also like to thank the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and its members for their ongoing efforts in this regard.

    Beyond the war, parliamentarians play a key role in continuing to support participating States to implement their OSCE principles and commitments. This includes defending human rights and democratic institutions, sharing knowledge and expertise on security challenges and military transparency, and performing the necessary checks and balances to hold our executives to account. I welcome the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s vital work in these areas.

    In conclusion – and ahead of your Autumn Meeting in Warsaw next month – the UK offers its full support to you and the Parliamentary Assembly and we look forward to continued co-operation and collaboration in 2023 and beyond.

     

  • PRESS RELEASE : Michael Tomlinson reappointed as Solicitor General [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Michael Tomlinson reappointed as Solicitor General [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General on 27 October 2022.

    The Prime Minister has reappointed Michael Tomlinson MP as Solicitor General for England and Wales.

    The Solicitor General supports the Attorney in her role as the Government’s chief legal adviser. Alongside the Attorney General, the Solicitor General oversees the work of the Law Officers’ Departments: the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office, the Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

    The Solicitor General also carries out a number of functions in the public interest—such as considering whether to refer unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal—and taking action when there has been a contempt of court. These functions are carried out independently of the Solicitor’s role as a Government Minister.

    Commenting on his reappointment, Michael said:

    I am honoured to have been reappointed as Solicitor General for England and Wales.

    One of my first priorities is to continue the Government’s work in rebuilding confidence in our criminal justice system—particularly for victims.

    I look forward to working with the Attorney General, Government lawyers and the Civil Service to play my part in making the law and politics work together at the heart of the UK constitution.

    Michael Tomlinson’s biography

    Michael Tomlinson was appointed Solicitor General on 7 September 2022. He was reappointed as Solicitor General on 27 October 2022.

    He was previously a Vice Chamberlain of HM Household (Government Whip) between 8 July 2022 and 7 September 2022, and Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury) between 14 February 2020 and 8 July 2022.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Non-judicial member Beverley Thompson-Brown appointment to the Sentencing Council [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Non-judicial member Beverley Thompson-Brown appointment to the Sentencing Council [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 27 October 2022.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of Beverley Thompson-Brown OBE, as a non-judicial member of the Sentencing Council, for a second term of 3 years from 15 June 2022.

    The Sentencing Council for England and Wales was established by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 to promote greater transparency and consistency in sentencing, whilst maintaining the independence of the judiciary. The Sentencing Council’s responsibilities include; developing sentencing guidelines and monitoring their use; assessing the impact of guidelines on sentencing practice; and promoting the understanding of and increasing public confidence in sentencing and the criminal justice system.

    Appointments to the Sentencing Council are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Beverley Thompson-Brown

    Beverley Thompson-Brown has spent over 30 years working in the criminal justice sector initially as a probation officer in London. She was Director for Race, Prisons and Resettlement Services at NACRO for 10 years and is currently an Independent consultant having recently worked on a Lammy-related project for HMPPS. She works across the UK, Australia, USA & Canada on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategies. Prior to this, she was a Senior Civil Servant at HMPS and was awarded an OBE for services to Race Equality in 2000. Furthermore, she has been the Chief Executive of Northampton Probation Service.