Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Areas urged to ‘go for growth’ as Investment Zone applications open [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 2 October 2022.

Pushing ahead with its mission to level up, the government is encouraging councils to take full advantage of its offer to lower taxes and streamline planning rules

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is inviting expressions of interest for Investment Zones from all local areas in England from today

Investment Zones will boost growth, deliver homes, spread opportunity and create jobs across the country.

Local areas wanting to turbocharge economic growth can apply to host a new Investment Zone from today (2 October 2022).

The government is encouraging councils to take full advantage of its offer of lower taxes and streamlined planning rules for specific sites to boost investment and development – both commercial and residential.

These offers will, as part of the government’s wider levelling up measures, drive serious economic growth that will be transformational for towns and cities across the country. They will create jobs, deliver new homes and spread opportunity.

Investment Zones could benefit from a range of tax incentives over the next 10 years, such as reliefs on business rates, stamp duty land tax and employer national insurance contributions.

Through Investment Zones, the government will also empower local places to deliver planning that is right for their area, while maintaining high environmental outcomes and keeping national Green Belt protections in place. To ensure this, local areas must agree in the EOI process to require mitigation of any adverse environmental impacts of the proposed development.

The government has been working with local areas to identify bureaucratic requirements, processes and red tape that needlessly slow down development or make it more complex than it should be – with Investment Zones set to benefit from simplified planning rules. This includes reviewing ineffective EU requirements, lengthy consultations with statutory bodies and onerous national and local policy rules.

The government has had encouraging discussions with 38 councils, from Cornwall to Cumbria, about proposals for specific, defined areas within the local authority that could become an Investment Zone. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is now inviting expressions of interest from those initial places and all other Mayoral Combined Authorities or Upper Tier Local Authorities and Freeports in England by Friday 14 October.

To ensure Zones have the infrastructure and skilled workforce that they need, the government will give greater control over local growth funding to local leaders.

Local authorities are being asked to keep growth at the front and centre of their plans by setting out the potential economic opportunities of an Investment Zone in their area, how they fit into the area’s wider economic strategy and how they will support long-term UK economic growth.

Investment Zones will be open to all but the government will set a high bar for establishing them, honing in on areas where they will have the greatest impact on growth and housing supply.

Bids will also be considered on the pace at which development can be delivered and should set out any live or potential, public, private or foreign direct investment that is likely to come forward.

Freeport governing bodies will be able to convert their existing tax sites to Investment Zones, should they wish to.

The UK Government wants the offer of Investment Zones to be extended across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and is working with the devolved administrations on the best way to do this.

The deadline for expressions of interests is noon on Friday 14 October, and successful areas will be announced within weeks.

October 2, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary statement on the truce in Yemen [October 2022]

The press release issued by 1 October 2022.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Yemen must not return to conflict. The truce expires tomorrow, but the Houthis continue to endanger the talks and deny Yemenis a peaceful future.

The truce has brought tangible benefits to both Yemenis and regional security and we welcome the Government of Yemen’s commitment to extend it further if an extension can be agreed.

We call on the Houthis to engage constructively with UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts to broker an extension to the truce, so that serious dialogue about achieving a peaceful, inclusive and Yemeni-led future can take place.

During the truce period, civilian casualties have fallen dramatically in Yemen and cross-border attacks by the Houthis into Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have stopped.

The UK commends the Government of Yemen’s commitment to continue delivering the benefits of the truce through enabling Yemeni people to move more freely and safely around Yemen, to access fuel throughout the country, to fly in and out of Yemen to visit families and access healthcare, and through restarting payments for civil servants. The Yemeni people will only experience these benefits beyond Sunday if the parties agree to extend.

October 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Liz Truss Meeting with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen [October 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2022.

The Prime Minister welcomed Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to Downing Street today.

The leaders stressed the need to stay united in the face of Russia’s despicable actions in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Frederiksen updated the Prime Minister on the damage caused to the Nord Stream pipelines last week. They agreed the incidents were clearly an act of sabotage. The Prime Minister offered the UK’s support for the ongoing investigation.

The leaders agreed that the safety and security of the Baltic Sea is in everyone’s interest, and welcomed increased cooperation through the Joint Expeditionary Force.

On energy security more widely, the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Frederiksen agreed on the need for likeminded democracies to work together to increase our energy independence.

The Prime Minister outlined the steps the UK has taken to decrease energy bills in the short-term and bolster our energy supply in the longer term. The leaders agreed to further UK-Danish cooperation in areas like wind power, where our countries are global pioneers.

October 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Government support for energy bills begins for households and businesses [September 2022]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2022.
- The Energy Price Guarantee reduces household energy bills over the next two years, with a typical family paying around £2,500, saving £1,000 per year
- Businesses, charities and public sector organisations will pay less than half the expected prices this winter under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme from October
- Government energy support makes up the largest single component of the Growth Plan, protecting jobs and livelihoods and curbing inflation by 5 percentage points
Households, businesses and public sector organisations across the country will be protected from significant rises in energy bills, thanks to new government support taking effect from today (Saturday 1 October).

Without Government action, average household energy bills under the energy price cap had been due to rise to around £3,500 a year in October – a rise of 80% on current bills. Next year, they were estimated to increase even further to as high as £6,500.

From today, the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee will limit the price households pay per unit of gas and electricity they use.

It means a typical household in Great Britain will pay around £2,500 per year, starting this month for the next two years – saving an average £1,000 a year on their energy bills.

Households will also see the first instalment of the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme in their October electricity bill. The discount will be automatically applied monthly in six instalments between October 2022 and March 2023.

Thanks to the government’s support, energy bills will now be close to where they’ve been for the past six months – and it will curb inflation by 5 percentage points, boosting economic growth, controlling the rising cost of goods, and reducing the cost of servicing the national debt.

This necessary intervention makes up the biggest proportion the Government’s fiscal package set out in the Growth Plan.

Prime Minister Liz Truss said:

I know people across the country are anxious about their energy bills, which is why we have acted quickly to help them.

Livelihoods and businesses were at stake. The government’s energy support limits the price they pay for gas and electricity, shields them from massive bill increases, and is expected to curb inflation too.

The cost of not acting would have been enormous. To make sure the British public is not left in this position again, we are also fixing the problem at its source by scaling up home-grown energy and reducing reliance on foreign supplies to boost our energy security and independence.

The UK Government is also urging people today to stay alert to scams and fraudulent messages. There is no need to apply for the schemes, with most customers receiving today’s support automatically through their electricity bill.

Households in Northern Ireland will also receive the same support through the Energy Price Guarantee from November, with support for October bills backdated so they see the same benefit overall.

Those who might live in an area of the UK that is not served by the gas grid or use alternative fuels such as heating oil to heat their home will receive a £100 payment to support them with their energy bills.

Business and Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said:

While Putin’s weaponisation of energy has driven energy prices to record highs, we will not let his regime harm this country’s businesses and households.

Unprecedented government support is beginning this weekend, protecting families and businesses across the country from what was going to be an 80% increase in energy bills this winter.

“I also urge people today to stay alert to scams. This support will reach people automatically and there is no need to apply.”

British businesses have also been experiencing significant increases in energy costs, with some reports of more than 500%. Businesses, charities and public sector organisations will also be protected through the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme from October over the next six months.

This support is equivalent to the Energy Price Guarantee put in place for households and similarly discounts price per unit of gas and electricity, meaning businesses and others will pay wholesale energy costs well below half of expected prices for this winter.

In parallel, the Government is also taking decisive steps to tackle the root cause of the issues in the UK energy market through boosting British energy supply and increasing independence to ensure this doesn’t happen again. This includes the work of our Energy Supply Taskforce, a new oil and gas licensing round, lifting the moratorium on UK shale gas production, and driving forward progress on nuclear and renewables.
October 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s veto doesn’t change the facts – UK statement at the UN Security Council vote to condemn illegal referenda in Ukraine [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2022.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward speaking after Russia used its veto to block a Security Council resolution condemning its illegal referenda in Ukraine.

President, yet again, Russia has abused its veto to defend its illegal actions.

Council members have voted in different ways. But one thing is clear. Not a single other member of this Council recognises Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory. Russia’s veto doesn’t change that fact.

The announcement by President Putin today of the accession of the Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Zaporizhyzhya, Luhansk and Donetsk into the Russian Federation has no legal effect. It is a fantasy.

Russia’s invasion needs to end. The world has made this clear for 7 months. Yet Russia’s response has been further escalation, further mobilisation, nuclear threats, and today another callous attack on a civilian convoy in Zaporizhzhya.

The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is under attack. The international system is being assaulted in front of our eyes. Russia will not succeed in this illegal imperialist war. The only question is how much damage they do, how many lives they waste, before they realise that.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward before the UN Security Council vote on Russia’s illegal referenda
Colleagues, Russia’s annexations further jeopardise the prospects for peace, and fundamentally undermine the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations.

The area Russia is claiming to annex is more than 90,000 square km. This is the largest forcible annexation since the Second World War.

There is no middle ground on this. It is in the end a very simple question of principle, as the Secretary General has said.

As members of the Security Council with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security and upholding the UN Charter, we must condemn Russia’s actions, and vote in favour of this resolution.

October 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : We will continue to work alongside our partners to protect Europe’s energy security [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2022.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the Nord Stream gas pipeline.

I’d like to thank our briefers for setting out what we know so far about this case, which is still clearly very limited.

Once again in this chamber, we have heard some absurd Russian claims and conspiracy theories this afternoon.

Russia’s request for this meeting was a cynical attempt to distract from President Putin’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory today.

The damage to the Nordstream 1 and Nordstream 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea is of deep concern.

These leaks are not only causing risks to shipping but also substantial environmental damage in the Baltic Sea. They are releasing enormous amounts of methane into the earth’s atmosphere.

We agree with the assessment that all currently available information indicates this damage is the result of sabotage. We strongly support the investigations by Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

Intentional damage to civilian infrastructure is reckless and irresponsible, wherever it takes place. We must establish clear international norms that such damage is utterly unacceptable.

For NATO’s part, as set out in yesterday’s statement of the North Atlantic Council, Allies remain committed to prepare for, deter and defend against any hybrid tactics by state and non-state actors including coercive approaches to energy.

We are clear that any deliberate attack against Allies’ critical infrastructure would be met with a united and determined response.

The UK will continue to work alongside our partners to protect Europe’s energy security.

Thank you, President.

October 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Katherine Jenkins OBE Performs God Save The King On Board The HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier Against The New York Skyline [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2022.

The fifth Atlantic Future Forum (AFF) took place in New York Harbour, on board HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier. At the business reception hosted by the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign, Welsh mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins, the UK’s biggest selling classical artist of the century and GREAT Ambassador, performed against the New York skyline alongside the Royal Marines Band.

The audience of over 500 distinguished high-profile business and political figures included Dame Karen Pierce, Britain’s Ambassador to the United States, Kemi Badenoch, the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade, and Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Secretary of State for Transport for the UK.

The AFF is a conference hosted by the Royal Navy and led by the Department for International Trade. It brought senior politicians, business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and military leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to tackle the biggest issues facing the world.

Both the AFF and GREAT celebrate the United Kingdom’s special relationship with the United States – as exemplified by Katherine’s rendition of both nations’ anthems at the beginning of her performance.

Katherine says, > As a proud Welsh woman and Brit, it was wonderful to sing on board HMS Queen Elizabeth II in such an iconic setting. With family now on both sides of the pond, I loved seeing the UK and the US coming together in this truly amazing way.

The GREAT Campaign is delighted to return to New York, building on the success of its earlier GREAT Calling New York Campaign. GREAT Calling saw the campaign partner with dynamic UK companies and famous faces to deliver events on sport, music, food and AI, inviting US audiences to ‘See Things Differently’ and to see a fresh side of the UK.

October 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Finucane calls on British government to enter talks with EU [September 2022]

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 30 September 2022.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has said the British government must enter talks in good faith with the EU to find solutions and give certainty to local businesses.

And the North Belfast MP called on British Prime Minister Liz Truss to prioritise restoring the political institutions and stop pandering to the DUP.

Speaking after a preliminary meeting between European Commission vice president Maroš Šefčovič and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly today, John Finucane said:

“Talks between the EU and British government must resume urgently in good faith to deliver solutions and give certainty to local businesses.

“For seven months now, the Tories have refused to engage, sabre-rattled with reckless threats and carried out solo runs in clear breach of international law.

“The Protocol provides huge opportunities for our economy, and it is helping our businesses to create jobs and attract investment. It must be protected.

“If Liz Truss is serious about restoring the Executive and Assembly, she will stop facilitating the DUP’s destructive and self-serving boycott of government.

“People are struggling, and they are worried about the weeks ahead. That will only get worse when the new gas and electricity bills land on the mat next week.

“None of that is helped by the fact the Tories have done nothing to cut ordinary people’s bills and prioritised lining the pockets of the super-rich with their scandalous budget.

“The refusal of one party to form an Executive is further punishing workers, families and small businesses here, who are struggling to pay their bills and facing a bleak winter.

“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today and get stuck in to help people who are struggling in every community across the north and invest £1 billion in our health service.”

September 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor appoints industry experts to ensure London markets flourish [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 30 September 2022.
- Mayor announces updated London Markets Board, a team of industry experts and experienced business leaders who will support London markets and help them to thrive
- Sadiq makes it easier for traders to book market pitches by streamlining application process
- Sadiq visits the Blue Market in Bermondsey, which has gained a new lease of life, thanks to £2m from the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund (GGF)
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced an updated group of experts that will help support markets across London to flourish as places of entrepreneurship and innovation.

The group of 19 business leaders, traders and entrepreneurs have all been appointed to the Mayor’s London Markets Board and will advise the Mayor on action to support and promote the capital’s wholesale, street and covered markets and help to deliver a London markets strategy.

The Mayor also today launched Openmarkets.london – a new website which will make it easier for young people and new traders to access pitches on markets right across London by streamlining the licence application process.

With more and more Londoners struggling as a result of the cost of living crisis, markets have never been more important in the capital.

These latest experts will build on the work of the Mayor’s first London Markets Board, which was set up in 2017 to help ensure that markets across London thrive.

The new board will devise a new action plan to support street markets to realise their full potential. Key priorities for the board include working with the sector to –
- - Showcase and test new ideas
  - Attract new traders and trades to the sector
  - Explore circular economy practices being tested across London
  - Explore tools and data that help markets to demonstrate their impact within local communities, economies and London
The Mayor announced the new Board members today as he visited the Blue Market, Bermondsey, which has been completely regenerated thanks to £2m of funding from his Good Growth Fund. The Blue Market has a long, rich history in the capital and this funding has built on The Blue Market’s identity as the ‘Larder of London’. While at the market, Sadiq met with local market traders and young people who have participated in the regeneration of the site.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted to appoint 19 experts to the London Markets Board. They will help ensure that markets like The Blue Market in Bermondsey can continue to thrive and serve the community in the best way possible.

“Markets in London play a crucial role in the capital. Not only do they enable people to buy goods and services from others in their community, they are also great hubs where people from all backgrounds and ages can socialise and connect.

“As the cost of living continues to rise I want to ensure that markets remain a key staple in the local community. The new members of the London Markets Board will help to build a better London for everyone – a safe, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.”

Markets are crucial to London’s economy, providing opportunities for new businesses to set up and grow, and routes into work for Londoners of all backgrounds. They also offer affordable options for Londoners, providing low-cost options for food, clothes and other goods, which is more important than ever in the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The Board will continue to support the sector to raise the profile and value of London’s markets as well as lobby for the resources and tools they need to remain a thriving and vital part of our city.

During the pandemic the Mayor has supported the recovery of street markets through programmes including his Good Growth Fund and High Streets for All scheme.

Helen Evans, co-chair of the London Markets Board said: “There has never been a more important time to support and raise the profile of markets in London and that is why I am delighted to co-chair the London Markets Board for its second time. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the sector to ensure that London’s markets continue to bring vibrancy, opportunity and diversity to the capital’s high streets. “

Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Mayor of London to Bermondsey today to see the fantastic work the local community, businesses and council have been doing together to bring the buzz back to The Blue.

“Thanks to the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund we’ve been able to invest £2m into renewing the heart of Bermondsey’s historic town centre. Providing a real boost for local businesses.

“With the cost of living soaring, good value, vibrant street markets like this one have a vital role to play in making our borough and city affordable for all.”

Russell Dryden, local resident and market trader said: “The completion of the ‘Made in Bermondsey’ community led regeneration project represents a turning point in the area’s history and offers a once in a generation opportunity to empower and strengthen the community.

“We now have a solid foundation to build a more positive perception of the area and drive forward the rebirth of the ‘Blue’ to fulfil the projects long term vision for a modern, cosmopolitan, multicultural, community with a thriving business economy and a vibrant market at its heart.”
September 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : A credible and legitimate political process needs to be the foundation of any lasting settlement in DRC [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2022.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on MONUSCO.

Thank you Mr President,

I thank SRSG Keita and Professor Mudinga for their briefings. We commend SRSG Keita and MONUSCO for their continued efforts in what is increasingly challenging and sometimes deadly circumstances. I also thank the Representative of Gabon for his briefing on the behalf of the 1533 Committee and I welcome the participation of the representatives from the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi in this meeting.

I will focus on the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, regional efforts, and MONUSCO.

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the security situation in eastern DRC. The redeployment of resources to tackle M23 has undermined the protection of civilians and created a vacuum that armed groups, like the Allied Democratic Forces, have exploited. We again call for the withdrawal of M23 from their current positions.

Since 2017 UK funding has provided over 2.5 million people with humanitarian assistance in the DRC. We urge all actors to address humanitarian impacts of the violence, ensuring those affected, including the 1.29 million newly displaced this year, receive the assistance they need.

President, we condemn recent violent protests against MONUSCO, which undermine its ability to implement its mandate, including civilian protection. We call on MONUSCO and the Government of DRC to engage in a structured dialogue which clarifies roles and responsibilities for a responsible, conditions-based drawdown of MONUSCO.

A military solution alone cannot bring peace. A credible and legitimate political process needs to be the foundation of any lasting settlement. Diplomatic efforts and dialogue through existing regional processes should continue, to help de-escalate tensions and end violence in the East.

Whilst military pressure has a role, it is important that international and domestic efforts complement, rather than contradict each other. The East African Community Force and DRC Armed Forces must substantively engage with MONUSCO on de-confliction of forces to ensure the protection of civilians, safety of peacekeepers and effectiveness of operations.

Implementation of the Government of DRC’s Demobilization, Disarmament, Community Reintegration and Stabilization Programme (P-DDRCS) should be accelerated to ensure willing armed groups are disarmed, to protect civilians, and bring stability to the East. We call on MONUSCO to continue supporting P-DDRCS to overcome internal coordination issues and agree appropriate fiduciary arrangements to facilitate donor funding.

Finally President, as Professor Mudinga has reminded us, the DRC and the Congo Basin are central to tackling climate change. At COP26 in Glasgow, the UK committed £200 million to the Congo Basin Pledge and will become chair of the Central African Forests Initiative in June 2023.

Thank you.

September 30, 2022