Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Deaf jurors supported by sign language interpreter for first time [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 28 September 2022.
- First Deaf jurors complete jury service with British Sign Language interpreter support
- Law change allows interpreters in the jury deliberation room as the thirteenth person
- Move opens jury service up to thousands more people
This summer, Karen – a volunteer at charity DeafCOG in London – became the first Deaf person to complete jury service with a BSL interpreter at Croydon Crown Court, deliberating over a racially aggravated harassment case. Karen was also chosen by the other members of the jury to act as the jury foreperson – the spokesperson responsible for announcing the verdict.

Others are now following in Karen’s footsteps, including Paul who served on a serious sexual assault case at Norwich Crown Court last month. Both jurors had three interpreters who rotated every 20 minutes to assist them, as well as the full support of the judge and HM Courts and Tribunals Service staff.

The move follows changes brought in through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which allow BSL interpreters into the jury deliberation room. It is expected that this will open up jury service to over 80,000 Deaf people across England and Wales.

Speaking about her experiences in court, Karen said:

My jury experience at Croydon Crown Court went smoothly and exceeded my expectations.

The staff, from the jury manager, ushers, clerks and judges were extremely aware of the needs of myself and the BSL interpreting team. I was made to feel included every step of the way.

An excellent and amazing opportunity for me and what a great start to leading the way for other Deaf jurors in the future, now that BSL is recognised as a language.

Paul said:

Being on jury duty has been a dream of mine and I believe the Deaf/BSL community has so much to offer. When the law changed to allow the Deaf/BSL community to sit on a jury, and I received my summons, naturally I was excited but nervous as I did not know what to expect.

Upon arriving at Norwich Crown Court, I was made to feel very welcome and there were three BSL interpreters ready. It was surreal experience and the whole process was streamlined and smooth. The training was clear and easy to follow, then the trial began, and I was amazed that I was treated equally to other jurors. This give me a sense of respect as the other jurors were keen to work with me and make me feel involved.

The trial ran over and the interpreters I had been working with were now unavailable. However, I was pleased to see the judge and court staff went above and beyond to find alternative interpreters for the rest of the trial. It was sorted without a hinderance. The judge requested feedback from me on how to improve for future cases and expressed a strong desire to make sure Norwich Crown Court is accessible and fair for all. I was deeply touched by this.

I was so honoured to be selected as the foreperson by other members of the jury, making me the first Deaf/BSL foreperson at Norwich Crown Court! It was a very empowering experience and I want to say thank you to everyone at the court and in the jury for making this possible. I look forward to seeing more of the Deaf/BSL community being part of the justice system, as it should be.

Guidance on working with jurors supported by BSL interpreters was provided to court staff, judges and other jury members to ensure they could communicate effectively with Karen and Paul, as well as the interpreters. Printed oaths for the interpreters were also placed in the courtrooms which contained new wording specific to not influencing, interfering or disclosing the deliberation of the jury.

Justice Minister Gareth Johnson said:

We are breaking down the barriers for Deaf people carrying out jury service, ensuring they can fully and equally participate in court proceedings.

I am delighted that the door is now open to thousands more potential jurors as we establish a more accessible and inclusive justice system for all.

Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith said:

The first Deaf juror completing jury service is an historic moment on our path towards a more inclusive and accessible society. I am so glad to hear of Karen and Paul’s positive experiences while undertaking an important act of public service.

Earlier this year the British Sign Language Act became law, and I’m delighted to see that our work to recognise BSL as a language is fulfilling its promise to help remove barriers faced by the D/deaf community.

The move has been well-received within the Deaf community.

Mark Atkinson, Chief Executive at RNID, said:

RNID and our supporters are delighted that deaf BSL users can now serve on juries and are no longer excluded from this act of citizenship. This move will allow tens of thousands of deaf people who use BSL as their first language to take part in jury service, a duty which all of us should have a responsibility to undertake.

We are pleased to see another step forward towards inclusion for the Deaf community, yet there are still many barriers which exist for deaf BSL users in society. We’re pleased to see this positive step, and eagerly anticipate many more barriers being broken as Government works towards the delivery of the British Sign Language Act.

David Buxton, British Deaf Association Chair, said:

After decades of campaigning, the 87,000 Deaf people in the UK whose first or preferred language is BSL are now finally able to serve as jurors alongside their hearing fellow citizens.

We are pleased that the Ministry of Justice has recognised that a BSL interpreter is there to support the Deaf juror, rather than to act as a thirteenth juror. Interpreters follow a strict professional Code of Conduct which prevents them from influencing the judicial process in any way.

This represents a crucial and long overdue step forward in the equality, inclusion and participation of Deaf people in our democracy, combined with the BSL Act – which passed on the same day in April 2022 – recognising British Sign Language as a language of Great Britain in law for the first time.

Barriers to Deaf people’s full democratic participation remain – we have yet to see the election of a Deaf MP – but we hope that this important step demonstrates the potentially huge contribution that the Deaf community in the UK can make to our society when reasonable adjustments such as BSL interpreters are provided as standard.

We look forward to continue working with the Government to break down further unnecessary barriers and challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices in future.
September 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary calls for international action to decarbonise global aviation [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 28 September 2022.
- Transport Secretary will call on countries worldwide to agree long-term goal for reducing aviation carbon emissions
- earlier this week, the UK led a meeting of 56 states pushing for higher ambition to tackle aviation’s climate impacts
- government continues to deliver on COP26 commitments
Decarbonising the aviation sector requires global action, new Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will tell the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal today (28 September 2022).

The UK is attending the assembly with the aim of reaching agreements that help secure the sustainability and resilience of global aviation.

During the Transport Secretary’s opening statement, ICAO – the United Nations’ body in charge of ensuring aviation is safe, secure and environmentally friendly – will be urged to adopt a long-term goal to clean up the sector and reduce its emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

The Secretary of State for Transport will also highlight the need for countries around the world to learn lessons from the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the global aviation sector is better prepared for future threats, such as public health crises.

Her intervention comes after the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition, launched by the UK at COP26, met on Monday in Montreal.

Now bringing together governments from 56 countries across the world, the coalition calls for ambitious action by ICAO and is committed to promoting the use of new fuels and technologies to tackle aviation’s contribution to climate change.

Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan is expected to say:

We value international aviation’s important contribution to global commerce, travel and tourism and to economic growth globally. Now it must do so sustainably. Failure here puts the future of aviation itself at risk.

We cannot ignore the threat that rising temperatures pose to our planet. This year alone we have seen extreme weather events affect all of our regions.

As one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, aviation has an important role to play in tackling climate change.

Suzi Kerr, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Environmental Defense Fund, said:

There’s a bright future ahead where we can all thrive in a stable climate and where we can chart a more sustainable flight path while protecting ecosystems and supporting communities.

Now is the time for countries to set a long-term path, define waypoints and ambition in the short term and enhance transparency and cooperation. Coordination and cooperation, such as through the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition and engagement with civil society are critical to this effort.

The assembly will be asked to agree to focus on new aircraft technologies and unlocking the full potential of sustainable aviation fuels on a global scale.

The push for stronger international action comes after the government published its Jet Zero strategy in July, which set out how UK aviation will achieve net zero emissions by 2050 through new fuels, technologies and other measures, and made clear how crucial international action and collaboration through ICAO is to effectively address aviation’s emissions.

The UK has also committed to introduce a sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) mandate from 2025, requiring at least 10% of jet fuel to be from sustainable sources by 2030, with increasing proportions of SAF blended from 2025.

Turning to support for Ukraine, the Transport Secretary will reaffirm the UK’s continued condemnation of the Russian government’s reprehensible actions which violate international law, the UN Charter and global aviation rules.
September 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : HMT response to Bank of England financial stability intervention [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Treasury on 28 September 2022.
The Bank of England, in line with its financial stability objective, carefully monitors financial markets and any potential risk to the flow of credit to the real economy, and subsequent effects on UK households and businesses.

Global financial markets have seen significant volatility in recent days.

The Bank has identified a risk from recent dysfunction in gilt markets, so the Bank will temporarily carry out purchases of long-dated UK government bonds from today (28 September) in order to restore orderly market conditions. These purchases will be strictly time limited, and completed in the next two weeks. To enable the Bank to conduct this financial stability intervention, this operation has been fully indemnified by HM Treasury.

The Chancellor is committed to the Bank of England’s independence. The Government will continue to work closely with the Bank in support of its financial stability and inflation objectives.

Further information

There has been significant repricing of UK and global financial assets, which has become more significant in the past days such that it is now affecting the functioning of core financial markets.

This is particularly true of long-dated UK government debt.

This intervention has been undertaken by the Bank Executive, having carried out engagement with the Financial Policy Committee and Monetary Policy Committee, in line with their respective Concordats regarding the Sterling Monetary Framework.

The Chancellor authorised the Governor’s request for an indemnity for the operation, which will in turn ensure that financial conditions remain accessible for households and businesses.
September 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : RSH publishes regulatory notice for the London Borough of Redbridge [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Regulator of Social Housing on 28 September 2022.

In a regulatory notice published today (Wednesday 28 September), the Regulator of Social Housing has concluded that the London Borough of Redbridge has breached the Home Standard and, as a result, there was potential for serious detriment to tenants.

Following a self-referral, RSH concluded that the council failed to meet statutory health and safety requirements across thousands of its homes. This included checks for fire, electrical, asbestos and water safety. The council has started to put in place a programme to rectify these issues.

Kate Dodsworth, Director of Consumer Regulation at RSH, said:

We welcome the London Borough of Redbridge’s self-referral, which recognises that its failure to meet health and safety requirements has put tenants at potential risk.

We expect the council to put things right for tenants and return to compliance with our standards, and we will be monitoring them closely as they do this.

More information about our findings in this case are available in RSH’s regulatory notice.

September 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits Republic of Korea to boost trade and security [September 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 September 2022.

The Foreign Secretary’s visit will focus on boosting trade, increasing security and strengthening the ties of friendship between the UK and Korea. It is his first trip to Korea since his appointment as Foreign Secretary earlier this month.

Speaking from Seoul, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

South Korea is a trusted friend in the region and important trading partner for the UK. We have a shared understanding of global threats and a commitment to work together to increase security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.

The bilateral framework sets our ambition to elevate our relationship to a new level on our shared values and mutual interests, benefiting both countries.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet President Yoon Suk-yeol, reaffirming the close ties of friendship between the UK and Korea. He is expected to express thanks on behalf of the British people for the recent attendance of the President and First Lady at the funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

As part of the existing bilateral framework, Cleverly will engage in a Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Minister Park Jin, covering UK-Republic of Korea cooperation on global security and economic issues including Ukraine, Russia and China.

The Foreign Secretary will also tour the Joint Security Area of the Demilitarized Zone with Lt Gen Andy Harrison, Deputy Commander of UN Command in Korea.

After concluding his visit to Korea, the Foreign Secretary will travel to Singapore for the final leg of his trip.

September 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Trade Secretary hails role of free trade in global security at transatlantic defence summit [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 28 September 2022.
UK hosts fifth Atlantic Future Forum aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth in New York Harbour

Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will deliver a keynote speech and the Prime Minister has recorded the opening address

Trade Secretary will promote transatlantic trade and investment, telling audience of US investors why the UK is the best place in the world to invest

The UK today [28 September] kicks off the fifth annual Atlantic Future Forum (AFF), bringing together British and American captains of industry aboard the UK’s largest and most powerful warship, the HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The two-day event will focus on new approaches to global security and future technologies to tackle everything from the war in Ukraine to climate change, with UK businesses across the defence, cyber and tech industries able to network with potential investors.

Addressing over 450 government and business leaders, the Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will highlight the role of free trade in delivering global economic security and economic growth. She will say our two likeminded democracies must continue working together to defend the rules-based international order.

Trade Secretary Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP said:

“The US is our single most important trade, defence and security partner. We share the same values – freedom, free trade and the rule of law. Our special relationship means together we are a force for progress as we face down countries who threaten these values.

“The Atlantic Future Forum represents an incredible opportunity for our two nations to exchange skills, ideas and technology. Every morning, over a million people get up and go to work for British companies in America, and over a million do the same for American companies in the UK.

“The UK is a low-tax, high-talent, innovation nation and I will show America’s biggest companies that we are ready to be their investment partner of choice.”

The US has been the UK’s largest single inward investment partner country for the last two decades. US businesses employed almost 1.5 million people in the UK in 2019, up three quarters since 1997. US investment is also supporting the UK’s levelling up agenda with 60% of these jobs based outside of London and the South East.

Following her speech, Badenoch will use her two-day visit to New York to capitalise on growing investor interest in the UK by meeting New York-based investors to promote the UK as a defence, cyber and tech superpower and a source of unmatched talent. She will visit Mastercard’s new “Experience Centre” at their “Tech Hub” in the Flatiron District of Manhattan and meet with some of the biggest US and UK companies at a British American Business roundtable to discuss investment opportunities that can help grow the UK economy.

Badenoch will speak to her counterpart in the Biden administration, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, to discuss how our two countries can further our already thriving trading relationship.

The Trade Secretary will also use her time in the US to highlight the opportunities being unlocked at the state level, following signature of recent Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Indiana and North Carolina. The MoUs are designed to cut red tape and remove barriers facing UK businesses exporting to the US.

The UK is working towards further MoUs with Oklahoma and South Carolina in the coming months and seeking to progress talks with other states this year.

Background:

Now in its fifth year, the annual defence, security, trade and technology forum is convened by the UK Government with full funding from global industry partners.
September 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : We must all unequivocally reject Russian attempts to illegally annex Ukrainian territory – UK at the UN Security Council [September 2022]

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

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

Mr. President,

Russia’s holding of sham referenda in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine is an egregious violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and of the principles of the UN Charter.

As the UN told us today, this process is both illegal and illegitimate.

It is a shameless propaganda effort aimed at justifying Russia’s illegal presence on sovereign Ukrainian territory.

We have seen Russia’s referendum playbook before in Crimea. We see it playing out again now: disinformation, intimidation and fabrication.

As my Foreign Secretary told the Council last week, we know that President Putin is planning to rig the outcome.

These are regions that voted overwhelmingly to join an independent Ukraine in 1991 and to back President Zelenskyy in 2019.

When given a free vote, their choice has been clear: to be part of a free, independent, democratic Ukraine.

Since invading, Russia’s control in these regions has been through violence, torture, filtration and forced deportation.

We’ve all seen images of soldiers with automatic rifles accompanying the ballots as they move from door to door, forcing Ukrainians to take part.

Any referenda held under these conditions, at the barrel of a gun, can never be remotely close to free or fair.

And the very idea that a referendum on a fundamental question could be held at three days’ notice in the middle of a war zone is frankly farcical.

We must all unequivocally reject these illegitimate actions and Russian attempts to illegally annex Ukrainian territory. And support the draft resolution the US and Albania have brought forward today.

Colleagues, this is a critical moment. There is no middle ground. No member of the United Nations should turn a blind eye to Russia tearing up the principles of the UN Charter.

If we allow Russia to believe it can change sovereign borders by force, then the entire system on which we base our shared safety and security is under threat.

These Potemkin referenda, as well as Putin’s decision to mobilise Russian men to fight in his illegal war, are admissions that his invasion is failing.

Instead of sending thousands more of his own citizens to their death and inflicting further destruction on Ukraine, he should end this senseless war today.

Thank you.

September 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : The fundamental building blocks for stability in Afghanistan: UK statement at UN Security Council [September 2022]

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Afghanistan.

Thank you President,

I join others in thanking Deputy Special Representative Potzel, Ghada Waly, Executive Director, and Ms Fawzia Koofi for their sobering briefings and also UNAMA and the Secretary-General for his quarterly report.

As we’ve heard, nearly 60% of the population of Afghanistan officially requires humanitarian assistance, but the true need is much higher.

The World Bank predicts GDP will have contracted by one third by the end of this year, and the Taliban continues increased restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms.

I cannot speak more eloquently than Fawzia Koofi did about the restrictions on freedom of movement that women and girls face – the political, economic, educational and social exclusion that they face.

UNICEF estimates the ban on schooling for girls has cost the Afghan economy at least $500 million during the last year. But the human cost for each of these Afghan girls is immeasurable.

President,

Some Council Members appear determined to politicise the crisis in Afghanistan, and I think their assertions are neither accurate nor helpful.

The UK disbursed $306 million in humanitarian and development assistance for Afghanistan last financial year, and we have committed a further $306 million this financial year.

We are the second largest donor to the World Bank’s Afghanistan Reconstruction Fund, and we continue to work with the World Bank, IMF and others on economic stabilisation.

We recognise the importance of restoring liquidity to the banking system, including a functioning Central Bank able to access Afghanistan’s overseas reserves. But this requires an independent Central Bank operating transparently with professional leadership and proper controls in place to prevent funds being diverted to terrorism.

Calling for reserves simply to be returned before these essential steps are in place is neither responsible nor compatible with a genuine commitment to stopping terrorist financing.

President,

Humanitarian and financial support can help, but it will not resolve Afghanistan’s problems unless the fundamental building blocks for stability are put in place. To do this, the Taliban must uphold, rather than repress human rights, allow unhindered humanitarian access, meet counter-terrorism commitments made in the Doha Agreement, and they must take responsibility for stabilizing the economy.

This means creating an enabling environment for greater investment, including ensuring transparency on revenue and budget, and enabling women – half of the population – to contribute to economic activity.

Finally President,

I take the opportunity to welcome the appointment of Special Representative Otunbayeva. It is vital for Afghanistan’s future that the Taliban cooperate with her and the UN, and we urge all members of the Council to support her as she implements UNAMA’s critical mandate.

Thank you.

September 27, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President held a meeting with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 27 September 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Catherine Colonna, who is in Ukraine on a visit.

The Head of State thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for the support of Ukraine expressed during his speech at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, as well as for his personal efforts in the negotiations regarding the visit of the IAEA mission to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

“In these days of various cynical provocations by the Russian Federation, sham “referenda”, etc., such clear signals from France, our reliable partner, are very important for us,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine expects the toughest reaction from international partners to the sham referenda held by Russia in the occupied territories.

The President emphasized: “We expect both powerful sanctions in the EU’s eighth sanctions package against Russia and separate clear signals about what will happen if the Russian Federation recognizes these artificial “referenda”.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that NATO countries should show the whole world that they guarantee the security of any state on the European continent.

The President emphasized the importance of strengthening defense support for Ukraine.

“This is a priority for us today. Progress in restoring our territorial integrity is impossible without modern weapons. Therefore, I would like to personally thank the French government for the help that has been provided all these months,” the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted France’s leadership in granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for joining the European Union and expressed confidence in our country’s further progress on this path.

For her part, Catherine Colonna conveyed greetings from President of France Emmanuel Macron to the President of Ukraine.

“The French people admire the courage of the Ukrainian people. France will stand by Ukraine’s side for as long as it takes,” she said.

The Head of State also thanked First Lady of France Brigitte Macron for humanitarian support to Ukraine and noted the important meeting of the first ladies of the two countries on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York.

September 27, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President’s Office presented the project of a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine to the ambassadors of 30 countries [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 26 September 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Smyrnov and Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anton Korynevych held a meeting with the ambassadors of 30 countries, during which the project of creating a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine was presented.

The special tribunal should have jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Russia’s top political and military leadership for committing the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

At the meeting with the ambassadors, Andriy Smyrnov, who, according to the President’s decree, is the coordinator of the working group on the creation of a special international tribunal, emphasized that Russia and its leadership are responsible for the war in Ukraine that began in 2014.

“Russian soldiers and their commanders who committed war crimes will be brought to justice. The crime of aggression is often called the “mother of all crimes” – the highest international crime. We are talking specifically about the President and other top officials of the Russian Federation, in particular the members of the National Security Council, who authorized military aggression against Ukraine,” said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

Over the past six months, Ukrainian law enforcement officers and international partners have registered and are investigating tens of thousands of criminal cases related to Russia’s war against Ukraine. Among them are hundreds of criminal proceedings in partner countries, but none of them is for the crime of aggression, the main crime from which other war crimes and crimes against humanity are derived.

However, as Andriy Smyrnov pointed out, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, which investigates the crimes of the Russian military in Ukraine, can prosecute for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. But it is quite difficult to establish a legal connection between specific crimes and the instructions of the Russian authorities, therefore it is important to prove the direct guilt of the President of the Russian Federation and other political leaders.

“Since the first day of the invasion – February 24 – we have been searching for an answer to the question of how to bring to justice those who unleashed aggression against Ukraine. We considered all available mechanisms, including UN resolutions, held consultations with the most famous international lawyers from around the world, and came to the conclusion that a special international tribunal should be established to hold to account for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, and the mandate of this tribunal will be limited exclusively to the investigation of the crime of aggression against Ukraine,” said the Deputy Head of the President’s Office.

According to him, the leadership of Russia must be held accountable for the crime of aggression in order to prevent future wars unleashed at the will of certain dictators. So this is a strategic necessity.

“Any evil must be punished, and international law, among other things, has a preventive function – prevention of unacceptable behavior and actions,” Andriy Smyrnov stressed.

He called on international partners to support Ukraine in establishing a special international tribunal.

“We want to create it with all the countries willing to give a legal assessment to the barbaric and cruel military policy of the Russian President and his regime. We really hope that, while Ukraine is fighting day and night for its right to exist, international law will also work,” said Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anton Korynevych.

Last week, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree № 661/2022, by which he established a working group on the creation of a special international tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The head of the working group is Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, and the coordinator is his deputy Andriy Smyrnov.

September 27, 2022