Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by Downing Street on 7 September 2022.

The Prime Minister spoke to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The leaders discussed the energy challenges faced by the UK and its European partners as a result of Putin’s illegal war. Both agreed on the importance of energy resilience and independence.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of ensuring democracy and freedom were upheld in Europe, and of protecting countries made vulnerable by Russia’s economic blackmail.

The UK and Germany were important economic partners, and the Prime Minister said she was keen to expand defence cooperation between the two countries.

Discussing the Northern Ireland Protocol, the Prime Minister was clear that her priority is protecting peace and stability in Northern Ireland and upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. She stressed the importance of finding a solution to the fundamental problems with the text of the Protocol as it stands.

The Prime Minister said she looked forward to working closely with Chancellor Scholz in the coming months.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2022.

The UK has condemned the Iranian state for a cyber attack against Albania’s government that destroyed data and disrupted essential government services.

The UK has today (Wednesday 7 September) condemned the Iranian state for a cyber attack against Albania’s government that destroyed data and disrupted essential government services, including paying utilities, booking medical appointments and enrolling schoolchildren.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) assesses that Iranian state-linked cyber actors are almost certainly responsible for the series of cyber attacks against Albanian government infrastructure from 15 July, which caused significant impact to online public services and other government websites.

The websites of the Albanian Parliament and the Prime Minister’s office, as well as ‘e-Albania’, a portal that Albanians use to access a number of public services, were attacked and subject to a shut down. The attackers also leaked Albanian government data, including details of emails from the Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Iran’s reckless actions showed a blatant disregard for the Albanian people, severely restricting their ability to access essential public services.

The UK is supporting our valuable partner and NATO ally. We join Albania and other allies in exposing Iran’s unacceptable actions.

Background

NCSC assesses that Iran is an aggressive and capable cyber actor. Cyber operations are likely conducted by a complex and fluid network of groups, with differing degrees of association to the Iranian state, the workforces of which are highly likely a mix of departmental and contractual staff.

These cyber attacks are the latest in an increasingly reckless pattern of behaviour by Iran. Iranian-linked cyber actors have a number of powerful disruptive and destructive tools at their disposal. The UK has previously attributed and advised on a number of cyber incident by Iranian actors:

• 22 March 2018: The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre assessed with high confidence that the MABNA Institute were almost certainly responsible for a multi-year Computer Network Exploitation (CNE) campaign targeting universities in the UK, the US, as well as other Western nations, primarily for the purposes of intellectual property (IP) theft
• 24 February 2022: CISA, FBI, CNMF, NCSC and NSA released a joint Cybersecurity Advisory highlighting a group of Iranian government-sponsored advanced persistent threat (APT) actors, known as MuddyWater, conducting cyber espionage and other malicious cyber operations targeting a range of government and private-sector organisations across sectors in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America
• 17 November 2021: CISA, FBI, ACSC and NCSC released a joint Cyber Security Advisory on Iranian government-sponsored APT actors exploiting Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet vulnerabilities to gain initial access in advance of follow-on operations. The Iranian government-sponsored APT actors are actively targeting a broad range of multiple US critical infrastructure sectors as well as Australian organisations

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2022.

At the BTWC meeting to discuss Russia’s unfounded allegations against the US and Ukraine, Ambassador Aidan Liddle gave the UK’s national statement debunking Russia’s claims.

Mr Chair, this process, as instigated by the Russian Federation, concerns issues at the very heart of this Convention. I’d like to start by reaffirming the United Kingdom’s longstanding and deeply-held commitment to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, to actively strengthening this Convention, and to safeguarding against efforts to undermine it. We are committed to following the process for this Formal Consultative Meeting under Article V, fully and in good faith.

We must look at the wider context to Russia’s request. On 24 February Russia invaded Ukraine, an act of aggression in violation of international law, which the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to deplore in the strongest terms. Since then the Russian Federation has repeatedly spread false narratives and disinformation to try and justify its illegal aggression, including wild and inconsistent claims involving dirty bombs, chemical weapons, and offensive biological research. It is against that backdrop that the credibility of Russia’s claims must be evaluated.

Mr Chair, Russia’s allegations refer to Articles I and IV of the BTWC. Many delegations have recalled precisely what these Articles require. But it is also worth recalling the first few lines of Article X: that “the States Parties to this Convention undertake to facilitate, and have the right to participate in, the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technical information for the use of bacteriological (biological) agents and toxins for peaceful purposes.”

The United Kingdom’s experts have analysed the supporting evidence Russia has provided. I will share some key points from our assessment.

Firstly, Russia claims the culture collections held by Ukraine at the Mechnikov Anti-Plague Research Institute are inconsistent with peaceful, protective or prophylactic purposes, and are therefore evidence of a breach of Article I. This allegation is based on specific reference to 422 cholera ‘storage units’ and 32 anthrax ‘storage units’ and a lack of mass outbreaks of these diseases in Ukraine in recent years. The term ‘storage unit’ is ambiguous and misleading. These numbers of samples are to be expected given the presence of these pathogens in Ukraine and the surrounding region. Open source scientific research shows 32 incidents of anthrax infections in Ukraine between 1997 and 2022, and a cholera epidemic in Ukraine between 1994 and 1995. Such strain collections are relevant for research aimed at understanding outbreaks and combatting infectious diseases, not only for the benefit of Ukraine but also for global preparedness and response. Most importantly, the endemic status and previous outbreak history are not the only reason determining whether a research programme on a particular biological agent should take place. Other reasons could include responses to global health security, international research collaboration, infectious disease preparedness, prevention and response, and disease surveillance and monitoring.

All of these are relevant to the provisions of the BTWC, particularly Article X. The evidence that Russia has presented is not indicative of offensive biological warfare activities. Irrespective of the size of the cholera and anthrax culture collections at the Mechnikov Institute, their retention is justifiable and we assess that research in Ukraine in fact, supports the provisions of the BTWC, including Article X.

Secondly, Russia claims a scientific pre-proposal from the Kharkov Institute of Veterinary Medicine, to investigate the potential transmission of avian influenza in wild birds in Europe, and a presentation slide titled ‘Risk of Emerging Infections from Insectivorous Bats in Ukraine and Georgia’ are evidence that the United States and Ukraine were studying the spread of dangerous infections as a means of biological weapons agent delivery. These documents provide no evidence supporting those claims. The proposed projects are consistent with investigations, for peaceful purposes, of wildlife that transmit pathogens. These documents relate to scientific research designed to better understand disease transmission and contribute ultimately to mitigating these pathogens. There are many examples of these types of studies being conducted internationally, including by Russia. We assess this shows Ukraine and the United States upholding the provisions of the BTWC, including Article X.

Thirdly, Russia claims to have recovered drones with 30-litre reservoirs within Ukrainian territory that they allege can be used to spray ‘bioagents’. The only evidence Russia has provided is a letter from Baykar, a Turkish equipment manufacturer, in relation to export control regulations. The Russian claim that the drones have ‘the ability to be equipped with aerosol generating systems with a 20+ litre capacity’ is not actually supported by the documents provided. In fact, on the document, the manufacturer has explicitly written that the drones do not have this capacity. The drones referred to in the Russian documents appear to be of the type used for agriculture, manufactured by Chinese company DJI, supplied under the Chinese ‘Belt-and-Road’ initiative in collaboration with the Ukrainian government. Yet again, no evidence has been presented that demonstrates any non-compliance with the Convention by Ukraine.

Mr Chair, Russia has asked that we take their allegations seriously. It is hard to do so, when their presentation yesterday, delivered by a parade of nameless individuals, contains no more than misrepresentations of assorted public documents quoted incorrectly or out of context, and copy-pasted images from Wikipedia. This is not only an abuse of the time and resources States Parties have devoted to this meeting, in respect for the provisions of the Convention. It is a dangerous attempt to exploit the Convention for aggressive political purposes.

Nevertheless, we, along with all the delegations represented here, have listened carefully to the allegations presented by Russia, and to the exhaustive response given by the United States and Ukraine. We consider that Russia’s allegations have been duly heard, and that on considering their evidence no cause for ongoing concern about compliance with the Convention remains. In our view this process has served its proper purpose and should be concluded.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2022.

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

Thank you President,

I’d like to start by thanking SRSG Swan and our AU briefers today.

I congratulate Somalia on the successful completion of the electoral process, and the peaceful transition of power to President Hassan Sheikh.

The UK stands ready to support President Hassan Sheikh’s government to deliver its ambitious agenda and realise his vision of “a Somalia at peace with itself and the world”.

I will focus my remarks today on three subjects: the humanitarian situation; security; and reconciliation.

First, President, urgent action is needed to meet Somalia’s acute humanitarian needs. As Under-Secretary-General Griffiths has warned, after four consecutive failed rains, Somalia faces famine on a scale greater than we last saw a decade ago. The window to prevent it is closing rapidly.

We recognise the efforts of Somalia’s Drought Envoy and of the “system-wide scale up,” but the response must be sustained and prioritised.

On our part this financial year, the United Kingdom has contributed $180 million to respond to drought in the Horn of Africa. We call on all partners to do what they can to step up their humanitarian support to prevent famine.

Secondly, President, the UK welcomes the high priority that the new Somali government has placed on security and on the fight against Al-Shabaab. We join others in extending our condolences to those who suffered and were killed as a result of the Hyatt hotel attack.

We are also proud to provide funding to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and the Somalia Trust Fund. We encourage other Member States to join us in this, so that Somali forces can develop the capacity and capabilities they need to end the threat of Al-Shabaab.

However, military effort on its own will not be enough. The upcoming renewal of the mandate of UN Assistance Mission in Somalia and the 751 sanctions regime will be an opportunity for this Council to set out how these tools can work most effectively alongside ATMIS to support Somalia and defeat Al-Shabaab.

Finally, President, we urge Somalia’s political leaders to work together to agree and implement national priorities and solve shared problems. Working together, and with support from their partners, we are confident that Somalia can defeat Al-Shabaab and advance peace, stability and prosperity for the benefit of all Somalis and the region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2022.

UK Ambassador Bush thanks Belgium as incoming Forum for Security Co-operation chair for their planned focus on Russia’s unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack on Ukraine.

I would like to thank you Mr Chair for your clear opening statement and for outlining Belgium’s priorities for the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) this trimester.

Mr Chair, Belgium assumes the FSC Chair just over six months since Russia’s unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack on Ukraine. An invasion that was and continues to be in blatant violation of OSCE principles and commitments. Russia’s indiscriminate attacks have had a disproportionate impact on children and civilians. So it is timely and appropriate for the FSC’s Security Dialogues to shine a spotlight on such aspects of Russia’s invasion, including on Children in Armed Conflict and the Women Peace and Security Agenda.

Children in Armed Conflict is not an issue commonly discussed at the FSC, but these are not normal circumstances. President Putin’s war of choice has had a harrowing impact on Ukraine’s 7.5 million children – on their health, education and family life. There is ample evidence that Russia is committing at least four of the six Grave Violations against children, as set out in UNSCR 1261. According to UNICEF, the war has killed or injured nearly a thousand children – an average of five per day. For those remaining, UNICEF estimates that one in ten schools have been damaged or destroyed – often through deliberate attacks. Evidence suggests that many Ukrainians – including children – have been forcibly deported against their will to Russia. Those fleeing violence are at significant risk of family separation, violence, abuse, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. Countless people will bear the social and psychological trauma for years to come.

Mr Chair, the conflict in Ukraine has served to further demonstrate the continued importance and relevance of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. The women – and men – of the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to fight bravely to defend their homeland. Civilians caught up in the invasion, a large majority of whom are women, have been victims of heart-wrenching crimes against humanity. Many of them have been displaced from their homes and left with an uncertain future. Despite this, in times of war, women are also often the first responders to a crisis, stepping up to serve their communities. This is true in Ukraine, where women have been instrumental to the humanitarian, political, and security efforts in the defence of their country including the collection of evidence, to help bring the perpetrators of war crimes to account. We look forward to discussing how women’s full, equal and meaningful participation can support better outcomes, including in Ukraine. This issue continues to have the overwhelming support of participating States.

Mr Chair, on day 196 of an invasion which President Putin seemingly thought would be over in a handful of days, Russia has yet to achieve any of its strategic objectives and has suffered such significant military attrition that there will be a long-lasting impact on Russia’s armed forces and its future combat effectiveness – one that will last for years. At the same time, it is Russia’s own aggressive actions that have directly resulted in NATO growing stronger: welcoming new members; strengthening its forward presence; transforming the NATO Response Force – boosting its ability to defend every inch of Allied territory.

Above all, Russia’s invasion has demonstrated the strength, resolve and determination of the courageous Ukrainian people as they defend their homeland. Whilst the FSC took a pause over the summer period, our Ukrainian friends – fighting for their freedom – could not. The UK’s military assistance, along with that of our Allies and partners, continued in earnest to support Ukraine as they fight a war they did not choose, against an enemy who has demonstrated a total disregard for international law, sovereignty, independence, and fundamental human rights.

I would like to conclude by welcoming our Belgian colleagues as FSC Chair in this trimester. It is vital now more than ever to ensure the integrity of this Forum so that it remains able to fulfil its mandate. Conventional Arms Control, and Confidence and Security Building Measures remain crucial for security in the OSCE area. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that the instruments were not the issue – political will was. The UK remains committed to all Confidence and Security Building Measures, including the Vienna Document, provided that all participating States fully abide by their commitments under international law, including the Helsinki Final Act and UN Charter. In this regard, we also note that whilst Belarus remains a member of the troika during this trimester, one cannot hide from the fact that it remains an active supporter and enabler of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. I wish you, Mr Chair, and your able team here in Vienna and in Brussels the best of luck in the coming months and assure you of the full support of the UK Delegation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 September 2022.

He the Governor’s address at a joint press conference with the Hon Premier and Hon Minister of Education in response to tragic events over the weekend.

Good evening Turks and Caicos.

For those listening on radio I’m speaking to you from the Premier’s Office. With me I have: the Premier, Hon Charles Washington Misick; the Commissioner of Police and the Minister of Education, Hon Rachel Taylor, in whose Constituency the tragic events of this weekend unfolded. Many members of Cabinet are with us in the room.

The tragic events, of the weekend, that the Commissioner will talk to in some detail don’t, for the moment need any further description from me other than to say that this weekend, the historic community of Five Cays, at the hands of a small number of criminals, degenerated into a lawless place of gang and gun violence and lethal retribution. Fear stalked a community where citizens should be able to go about their lives feeling safe in the streets that most grew up in.

The Premier, Commissioner, Honourable Taylor and myself, were in Five Cays this morning talking to residents, shop keepers and school aged children. It didn’t take them long to tell us they were frightened. We promised them we would deal with this, and we promise you. We do that against a back-drop – and we shouldn’t hide the fact – that we know there are those determined to continue this cycle of violence and that for some, they are beyond reason.

We therefore stand together as one team determined to deal with this. We have different responsibilities and different powers that overlap and these powers are best deployed in concert – be that operational command of the Police, the ability to fund different branches of government and pass laws, the opportunity to bring in international support and provide oversight and the need to work closely with the community.

Along with all members of Cabinet and the NSC we also have the ability to bring multiple arms of Government together – often convened through the NSS. When she speaks, Honourable Taylor may touch on such longer term initiatives that she champions in her crucial role of Minister for Education. Whatever, a National Security Council meeting convenes tomorrow, that will develop and strengthen the immediate response we are going to collectively describe to you now.

Before I say anything further, let me say this. Those who are intimidating a whole community are small in number. They can think no further than their ego, reputation or their wallet. While they seemingly live in the moment, unthinking of the consequences to themselves or others, all that will eventually happen, and faster than many imagine, is that they will die at the hands of a rival, or be imprisoned.

One of our media outlets talked about these young men walking with a metaphorical target on their backs and that is right. It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ one of these two outcomes occur. We all have enough evidence, in terms of what is happening to the young men who choose this way of life, to know that this is true.

For today though, I’m going to keep my intervention short and describe the immediate action that is underway to bring in strategic support to our overall enforcement posture.

I will end with an action that you can take that may well be more important than anything I say today. I thank the Beckles and Cox family for alerting the Territory to this, in their plea, over the weekend, a weekend that saw them bury Justin. Channelling the families voice, of a wholly innocent victim of gun crime, is where I want to end my intervention.

First, lest there be any doubt whatsoever, and addressing this particularly to the Residents of Five Cays, there is only going to be one outcome to the immediate problem we face – it is going to be dealt with – firmly – because it has to be dealt with. If it isn’t, chaos reigns. This result isn’t discretionary – it has to happen.

Second: The Tactical Unit of the Police were in Five Cays in the early hours of this morning. They were there again around midday. Over coming days, they will be making arrests against a list of individuals that we believe are responsible for this mayhem. If this is ‘you’ I strongly suggest that, if and when the Tactical Unit confront you, you immediately lie down with your arms out-stretched showing beyond any doubt that you are not armed. If a Police Officer fears for his life, or another’s life, his rules of engagement are very clear and unfortunately very final. They are well trained, well-armed, and you won’t win.

Third: Police resources are presently being reconfigured to ensure the thin blue line that stands between the population and the criminals prevails. More Police will be visible. The Commissioner may say more on this but that operational planning has been done and is now being executed.

Fourth: I’ve requested Helicopter support – from the Cayman Islands – with night-time surveillance capability. This can provide an over-watch for Policing operations and for the community. I am grateful to the Governor, Premier and Commissioner in Cayman – and colleagues in London that this has been very quickly supported. It will arrive shortly and it will be in direct support of our police force. The surveillance it can provide (close in – or stood a long way off) is a very significant Force Multiplier to law enforcement.

Fifth: I was in a senior officials meeting this morning with UK Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence and Foreign Office colleagues laying out the challenge we faced in TCI over this weekend. In terms of the Overseas Territories it will be one of the first things new UK ministers will be briefed on. The officials are anyway familiar with the context because many have visited.

The UK has been building lines of capability within our Police Force. But as of my meeting today with UK officials, we are now working through how we can deliver a far more significant uplift to the UK’s direct support in terms of forming a unit focussed on ‘Gangs, Guns and Drugs’. The preparatory work has been done though a report the Commissioner and myself had already asked UK policing to prepare. In agreement with the Commissioner, a senior UK Police Officer will be making recommendations shortly that the UK can act on. My aim would be that they not only deliver results quickly but also build up the local forces capacity while being under local Police leadership.

Sixth, and this is slightly longer term, the procurement of a sophisticated surveillance aircraft by the UK – with state of the art collection capabilities, night and day, but with great persistence is now well underway with suppliers expressing their interest. It will make an enormous difference to securing our borders not just from the large people trafficking sloops – who we are now adept at intercepting – but also the fast boats that bring in guns, drugs and ammunition. Such fast boats will not know they are being observed until they are interdicted and the Police’s Marine Branch is doubling in terms of manpower with three new vessels procured this year. Such an aircraft can also provide the type of over-watch to our communities and Policing Operations that the helicopter we are bringing in from Cayman, will do quickly.

Seventh, we now have in place the agreements and technical capability to allow us to intercept, track and analyse those who are involved in gangs and serious organised crime including people smugglers and those bringing in arms, ammunition and drugs. To switch it on we have the legislation – best of breed in the Caribbean – in terms of democratic legitimacy and judicial oversight – is drafted, will come to Cabinet and the House shortly, and that will then enable this type of capability to protect the Islands not only from those who believe they have the free run of our streets, but also believe they can command, communicate and co-ordinate their illegal activities internally and internationally with impunity through the digital and telecommunications world.

Eighth: the Director of Public Prosecutions has been invited to ask for that support from the UK that he believes he needs to tackle these complex crimes. The UK’s Ministry of Justice will, they told me today, support.

Beyond these eight actions there is much more that can be said about how individuals can support the Police. Much of this has already been said and perhaps others will repeat it. There is though one thing you can do within your family, right now, wherever you are in TCI, that doesn’t involve the authorities, and in the long term it may be the most effective thing you can do.

If you are the father, the mother, the brother, the sister, the cousin, the uncle, a friend, of someone you love and someone who you believe risks being on the fringes of this activity, then say something very clearly to them, preferably tonight.

Which is, if you continue on this road, you are going to be drawn into a world where you either die or you go to prison. If, for example, you are found with a weapon – that is a mandatory seven years in gaol. It may well increase and that will form part of our discussion at the NSC. If you kill someone, that’s thirty years in gaol. If you kill two people, you die in gaol.

If the person you love as a member of family, or as a friend, has come into the possession of a firearm, tell them they have to give it up. Nothing good will come of it. The thoroughly decent young man, Justin, whose funeral I went to on Saturday, would be alive today, had a weapon not been so readily available. A trivial argument escalated beyond all reason.

So as a ninth action – done in memory of Justin Cox-Beckles – we will bring back the gun amnesty in the hope that the tragic events of the weekend, and the common sense and love of family members, can now prevail on those who are at the start, rather than the end of this journey. A press release will follow on this, with detail, after the National Security Meeting.

I now hand over to the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Premier Misick…