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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Willingness to collaborate and bridge differences for the greater good underpins Security Council negotiations

    PRESS RELEASE : Willingness to collaborate and bridge differences for the greater good underpins Security Council negotiations

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 August 2022.

    The United Kingdom remains open to discussions on improving penholding. We welcome these discussions being taken forward shortly within the Informal Working Group on documentation and other procedural matters.

    Colleagues, the penholding convention we know today is still relatively new. As mandated missions grew and files became more complex, the current approach evolved to provide efficiency, continuity and predictability.

    This flexible and informal approach means that anyone can penhold and there are different ways of doing it. Indeed we have seen many valuable products initiated by elected members, particularly during their presidencies – such as on peacekeeping, WPS, climate security and protection of civilians.

    We have also been open to co-penholding to enhance the process and have done so recently with Germany on Sudan and Libya sanctions and with Gabon on UNOCA.

    The UK’s approach to penholding reflects a deep sense of responsibility for the Council’s role of addressing conflict and human suffering through proactive and practical action, and its mandate to address threats to international peace and security.

    We strive to balance differing views. To reach consensus the UK has to go against our own national position. For example the fourth 3 month extension of the UNSMIL mandate last month; and the technical rollover of UNITAMS/Sudan mandate in June. The last time a UK-drafted resolution did not reach nine positive votes was in 1976.

    Colleagues, the objective of improving working methods is surely for improving better outcomes, including Council products.

    What underpins penholding it is what underpins all Council negotiations: the willingness of all of us to collaborate, listen and bridge national positions for the greater good.

    But there is another approach pursued by the Russian Federation. Not engaging in negotiations, then tabling alternative texts for a vote, without taking into account the views of most Council members, is not consistent with this spirit of collaboration. Such showdowns are not best practice.

    We note that the Russian Federation has initiated texts themselves, on Libya, WPS and on the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. These were not successful because they refused to take account of other views to reach consensus.

    Colleagues, Note 507 – agreed recently in 2017 – sets out helpful guidance for enhancing ‘the full participation of Council members in the preparation of Council documents’.

    The UK strives to take a professional, transparent, consensus-based, collaborative approach to enable all stakeholders time to articulate their views. Consulting the host government and the region early is critical for us. For example, the two technical rollovers of AMISOM in 2021 and 2022 ensured African partners and the African Union were ready to engage on a substantive reconfiguration of the mission.

    We welcome further suggestions for how the process can be improved further and look forward to constructive discussions in the IWG.

    Finally colleagues, it needs no reminding that Russia has convened this discussion today on working methods while their invasion of Ukraine – now six months in – remains in flagrant breach of the UN Charter – the very foundation that underpins everything the Council does and how it functions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Calling on Russia to return full control of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities to their rightful sovereign owner: UK statement to UN Security Council

    PRESS RELEASE : Calling on Russia to return full control of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities to their rightful sovereign owner: UK statement to UN Security Council

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 August 2022.

    Thank you President, and thank you to Director-General Grossi for briefing us once again on the situation in Ukraine.

    The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the ongoing impacts of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and, in the context of today’s meeting, its effects on nuclear safety.

    The Council discussed Russia’s reckless actions at the Ukrainian nuclear facilities, including the Chernobyl nuclear site and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant at the start of the invasion.

    On 3 March, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution calling for Russia to cease all actions against and at all nuclear facilities in Ukraine, so that the competent Ukrainian authorities could regain full control and ensure their safe and secure operation, and the IAEA could resume their important safeguards verification activities.

    Now, over five months later, Russia’s control of the Zaporizhzhia Plant continues. The competent Ukrainian authorities and IAEA inspectors are still prevented from properly carrying out their essential duties.

    As IAEA Director General Grossi has said, Russia’s actions have violated almost all of his seven pillars of nuclear safety and security. Russia’s actions are contrary to the principles of the Convention of Nuclear Safety and other international nuclear safety conventions, and put at jeopardy the safety of millions who would be affected by a nuclear incident in Ukraine.

    In light of this, and despite Russia’s continued lies and obfuscation in this chamber about its brutal and irresponsible assault on Ukraine, we should be clear. It is Russia’s continued invasion and military presence that is putting the plant at risk and thereby endangering the local population, the wider region and the entire international community.

    President,

    We welcome Director General Grossi’s efforts to strengthen nuclear safety and security in Ukraine in challenging circumstances, and the tireless, heroic efforts of the Ukrainian nuclear facilities staff, despite the immense pressure they are under.

    We reiterate our call for IAEA inspectors to be permitted access to all nuclear facilities in Ukraine to address nuclear safety, security and safeguard concerns, in a manner that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty over its territory and infrastructure.

    In this regard, we note with appreciation Foreign Minister Kuleba’s letter to Mr Grossi and the Secretary-General on this issue.

    And we once again call on Russia immediately to withdraw its forces from Ukraine, and return full control of all Ukraine’s nuclear facilities to their rightful sovereign owner to ensure their safe and secure operation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New National Trail status awarded for popular Coast to Coast route

    PRESS RELEASE : New National Trail status awarded for popular Coast to Coast route

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 August 2022.

    The Coast to Coast route stretching from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hoods Bay in the North York Moors National Park will become a new National Trail, it was announced today (Friday 12 August).

    Natural England will work alongside partners to improve the popular route, with £5.6 million committed to upgrade the 197-mile path. This includes funding set aside to develop a community engagement programme, and maximise economic and health benefits for local people and businesses.

    Today’s announcement, which delivers on a Government commitment to develop the route, will also ensure long-term support for the National Trail.

    There are significant benefits to the Coast to Coast becoming a part of the internationally recognised National Trails family, including meeting the National Trail Quality Standards with investment to ensure:

    The path is made more accessible for people of different abilities. This could include measures to remove stiles and using accessible gates where possible

    High quality signage, waymarking, path surfaces and infrastructure are provided consistently across the whole route

    Circular paths and link routes are developed to make the trail more accessible for those interested in taking shorter walks

    The route is well promoted including being featured on the Visit Britain and National Trail’s website to create new opportunities for international and domestic tourism

    Work with local businesses to ensure they are aware of the potential economic opportunities of the route

    A long term commitment to funding to help the local authorities maintain the path

    Natural England will work alongside the Lake District, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks as well as Cumbria and North Yorkshire County Councils to improve the path. Enhancements will be undertaken over three years with the upgraded path expected to open in 2025. It is intended that the new National Trail will closely follow the existing route.

    Lord Benyon, Minister for Rural Affairs, said:

    “The Coast to Coast route passes through some of our most spectacular countryside, villages and natural habitats so I’m delighted to approve these plans and deliver on our manifesto commitment to develop the route into a new National Trail.

    With over £5 million of new funding to upgrade the path, local business and communities will be able to secure real benefits from the sustainable tourism this route offers. I look forward to seeing the route go from strength to strength and leave a lasting legacy across the North of England.”

    Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:

    “The way we will now develop the Coast to Coast into a National Trail is a turning point for national trail development as it will be the first national trail where delivery of the social and economic benefits for users and communities will be built in from the start.

    Once established the Coast to Coast National Trail will allow many different types of users, with a range of abilities and backgrounds, to connect with nature on this iconic walking route whilst also bringing the benefits of tourism and other business to communities along the trail.”

    Those who live nearby but may not currently access the countryside on their doorsteps will also have the chance to use the Trail for local and longer circular walks. Natural England looks forward to working hard with our partners to make this vision a reality within the next 3 years.

    With seven towns within 5 km of the route: Cleator Moor, Egremont, Kirkby Stephen, Northallerton, Richmond, Whitby and Whitehaven, as well as seaside fishing villages, investment in the path will promote levelling up through improved health, wellbeing and public access opportunities for local communities close by.

    A programme of work to boost the economic and social benefits for local areas will help ensure local businesses are aware of new opportunities from further developing tour guiding services, to improved accommodation and hospitality.

    Natural England will also work with local communities and local authorities boost access to nature for all abilities. This will include working with disabled user groups and developing circular paths: to make more of the route accessible for shorter day or part-day circular walks/ rides, these could start in towns and villages or car parks, shops or pubs.

    Julia Bradbury said:

    “I’m so pleased that this well-trodden route is to become an official national trail.

    Having walked the walk (and talked the talk!), and promoted its virtues on TV and in print, I know exactly why it is one of the great Alfred Wainwright’s most popular routes. Taking in the magical Lake District, to the heights of the peaks and the rolling landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors – it is just stunning.

    Through our website – The Outdoor Guide – we are passionate about encouraging more people to explore our countryside, connecting body with mind and feeling the benefits of nature. I hope that this improved path and more local routes will inspire everyone to get walking and enjoy it in all its glory!”

    Eric Robson OBE DL, Chairman, The Wainwright Society:

    “The designation of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk as a National Trail has long been one of the Society’s ambitions. The Walk is one of the country’s most popular long-distance routes, and helps support businesses and jobs from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay, including in some of the north’s most sparsely populated rural communities. We very much welcome, therefore, the news that the route will become a new National Trail. This is the start, of course, of bringing the project to successful fruition. But this is a very exciting and important step and we look forward to working with partners along the route to establish the C2C Walk as one of the UK’s great National Trails. As Alfred Wainwright said of the walk he devised: “Surely there cannot be a finer itinerary for a long-distance walk!”

    The upgrade to National Trail status will see the route recorded on Ordnance Survey maps in its entirety for the first time. The route was first devised by Alfred Wainwright, a renowned fell walker and author, with his guidebook to the route published in 1973. The route immediately gained a strong following, becoming one of the UK’s most popular long-distance walks.

    Today, the long-distance route noted by Wainwright for its scenic beauty passes through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors crossing through three National Parks and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The path remains popular with walkers and international tourists and is currently walked in its entirety by around 6,000 people every year, generating approximately £7 million for the local economy, despite its unofficial status.

    On the Coast to Coast path walkers can traverse through high fells, heather moorland and heath. The route also encompasses some of England’s richest history – from iron age hillforts to medieval castles and the village of Ingleby Cross, which is thought to date back to the 10th century.

    Natural England has worked closely with the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Park authorities and Cumbria and North Yorkshire County Councils to develop proposals and secure approval for the National Trail.

    Natural England and partners will begin to engage with local communities as work begins on the path. It is estimated that work will be completed by 2025.

    Natural England proposed the trail under section 51 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and approval is made on behalf of the Environment Secretary under section 52 of the Act.

    While 85% of the existing route is a public right of way or on land with existing legal access rights there are some locations where changes to the existing rights of way or new paths are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the trail. Natural England will now begin to discuss the proposals to create:

    9.7 miles of new public footpath
    9 miles of new public bridleway
    5 miles of realignment of existing rights of way

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government to consider further relief for energy intensive industries

    PRESS RELEASE : Government to consider further relief for energy intensive industries

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 12 August 2022.

    High electricity using businesses like steel and paper mills could see further relief under new proposals to help subsidise their electricity costs.

    The UK government is consulting on the option to increase the level of exemption for certain environmental and policy costs from 85% of costs up to 100%.

    This reflects higher UK industrial electricity prices than those of other countries including in Europe, which could hamper investment, competition and commercial viability for hundreds of businesses in industries including steel, paper, glass, ceramics, and cement, and risk them relocating from the UK.

    The proposal would help around 300 businesses supporting 60,000 jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands. Looking at ways to reduce the cost of doing business for key industries would help secure the future of domestic manufacturing and maintain a competitive business environment in the UK, ensuring economic growth and protecting thousands of jobs across the country.

    The Energy Intensive Industries Exemption Scheme provides businesses with relief for the costs of renewable levies, including Contracts for Difference, the Renewable Obligation and Feed in Tariffs, in their energy bills.

    Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

    “British manufacturers are the lifeblood of our economy and central to our plans to overcome this period of economic uncertainty.

    With global energy prices at record highs, it is essential we explore what more we can do to deliver a competitive future for those strategic industries so we can cut production costs and protect jobs across the UK.”

    Director General of UK Steel Gareth Stace said:

    “The publication of this consultation is a significant step forward in delivering competitive electricity prices for the UK steel sector and should provide some much-needed relief in the face of extremely challenging circumstances at the current time. While there remain difficulties, this announcement demonstrates that UK government understands the challenges of British industry and continues to support steelmakers and steel communities across the country.”

    This is a consultation on a targeted support scheme for energy intensive industries, as announced in the British Energy Security Strategy. Launching this consultation now provides the future government with the option to introduce this scheme given current high electricity prices.

    The government has provided more than £2 billion to support businesses in energy intensive sectors with the price of electricity bills since 2013.

    The launch of the consultation follows the extension of the separate but similar Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme for a further 3 years and a more than doubling of its budget.

    The compensation scheme provides businesses with relief for the costs of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Carbon Price Support mechanism in their electricity bills.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government seeks to further improve diversity of energy supply by boosting biomass

    PRESS RELEASE : Government seeks to further improve diversity of energy supply by boosting biomass

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 11 August 2022.

    The government has today (11 August 2022) launched a consultation on how to support the development of biomass energy generation with associated carbon captured in the UK over the next decade.

    Known as BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage), this technology generates energy from biomass, sustainable plant material, while storing the carbon released in the process through carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) technology. This uniquely offers the potential to produce home-grown energy with ‘negative emissions’ – removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as the CO2 absorbed during the growth of the biomass can then be permanently removed from the atmosphere using carbon capture technologies.

    The consultation launched today seeks views on how the government can help attract private investment to accelerate the development of this nascent industry, to help boost Britain’s energy security, while also supporting new job opportunities across the country including industrial clusters developing carbon capture networks.

    Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

    “The government is fully behind biomass energy to provide more power in Britain, for Britain.

    The more clean power we generate within the UK, the less exposed we’ll all be to volatile gas markets that are pushing up bills.

    Today’s plans could create an entirely new industry in our country, using sustainable biomass in a way that absorbs harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

    With these reforms, we will boost domestically-produced, cheaper and cleaner sources of energy to power Britain into the future.”

    The consultation launched today follows £37 million government funding awarded earlier this month to innovative biomass projects across the UK.

    Biomass refers to sustainably derived plant material that can be used as fuel to produce energy for heating and powering homes and businesses. Backed by the independent Climate Change Committee, biomass will form an important part of the UK’s future renewable energy mix, which will be vital for ensuring the UK’s energy security and reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels. Biomass generates enough renewable energy to power 4 million homes

    The consultation launched today follows a commitment set out in the Net Zero Strategy to support the role of Greenhouse Gas Removal technology, including the ambition to remove 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases per year from the atmosphere by 2030. It also builds on the Expression of Interest for greenhouse gas removal projects launched earlier this year as part of the government’s carbon capture and storage programme.

    Power BECCS provides a significant opportunity to deliver negative emissions that will be crucial to offset emissions from some of the most difficult to decarbonise sectors, such as agriculture and aviation industries. It can also bolster energy security and support the delivery of a fully decarbonised power system by 2035.

    The consultation, which will run until October, will seek views on our early proposals including the main design elements of the business model and actions the government can take to enable deployment of this technology at scale, including steps to encourage the development of this industry, and address any possible barriers to investment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister appoints an Interim Chair of Senior Salaries Review Body

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister appoints an Interim Chair of Senior Salaries Review Body

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 August 2022.

    Ms Pippa Lambert has been appointed as the Interim Chair to the Senior Salaries Review Body. The SSRB provides independent advice to the Prime Minister and senior ministers on the pay of many of the nation’s top public servants. The appointment is for 12 months ending on 27 July 2023.

    Pippa Lambert was Global Head of HR for the Deutsche Bank, with responsibility for the Bank’s worldwide Human Resources organisation from 2013-2020. Previous roles include Director of Global Reward at the Royal Bank of Scotland from 2011-2013 and Global Head of Reward at Deutsche Bank from 2005-2011. She is currently a trustee for Breast Cancer Haven and a member of the Aviva Board.

  • PRESS RELEASE : London Mayor announces latest recipients of £1m fund to address inequalities

    PRESS RELEASE : London Mayor announces latest recipients of £1m fund to address inequalities

    The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 11 August 2022.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced the latest recipients of a funding programme for community-led organisations that are supporting Londoners most affected by the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

    The Civil Society Roots programme – a partnership between City Hall, the City of London Corporation’s charity funder, City Bridge Trust, and The National Lottery Community Fund – is providing grants of between £1,000 and £50,000 to organisations across 10 London boroughs.

    The third round of grants from the £1m programme are designed to increase collaboration, commission research, recruit new staff, and invest in the resources the organisations need to support those across the capital most impacted by social inequalities, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Londoners, disabled Londoners, LGBTQ+ Londoners, women and older Londoners.

    Impact grants of up to £50,000 have been awarded to ten organisations to enable them to improve the reach and impact of their work.

    They include Money A+E UK in Newham, an organisation that works with community groups to provide accessible, independent, and effective money advice and education. They will use some of the £49,999 funding they have been awarded to employ a Partnerships Manager so that more people affected by the rising cost of living can access immediate support and financial advice.

    Empowering Deaf Society in Redbridge, an organisation which provides services to meet the needs of d/Deaf Londoners, will receive £49,874 to enable them to train staff in BSL, develop d/Deaf empowerment networks in the borough, and ultimately help more people in need.

    Development grants of between £1,000 to £5,000 have been awarded to 21 organisations to allow them to research and test ideas, and build partnerships with other community groups.

    They include Enfield Women’s Centre, who will research how a network of women’s groups in the borough could collaborate to amplify the voices of disadvantaged women and girls, and better reach decision makers.

    The first two funding rounds have helped 24 organisations.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Structural inequalities have long existed in the capital, but these have been exacerbated as Londoners contend with the dual impact of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis. I’m delighted that City Hall has partnered with the City Bridge Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund to fund community organisations supporting Londoners who are persistently disadvantaged in all major areas of life, including education, the labour market, housing, the environment, criminal justice, culture and health. By working together, we can build a better London for everyone – a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all.”

    Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes Bernard said: “The Civil Society Roots programme is one of many interventions City Hall is making to improve the lives of people impacted by inequalities across the capital. By funding community-led organisations, we can ensure those most in need of help are better able to access support especially as so many are struggling as a result of the rising cost of living. Every Londoner should have the opportunity to thrive.”

    CEO and Co-Founder of Money A+E, Jerry During MBE, said: “We’re excited to have been awarded a grant under the Civil Society Roots 3 Programme, and look forward to starting work on it soon. The grant comes at a particularly busy time for us as we are facing an increase in the number of people approaching us for support and advice due to the Cost of Living Crisis and the after effects of COVID-19. Money A+E provides money advice & education to disadvantaged groups, Diverse Ethnic Communities (DEC) and young people-all of whom are disproportionately affected by the current situation as well as facing historic disadvantage. With this funding, we will hire a Partnership Manager to help us pull together a big partnership project in Newham. The aim is to be able to offer both accommodation and wrap around support for young people, ex-offenders, migrants and care leaver as well as a business hub space. Alongside financial capability and capacity building, we want to offer service users employability and personal wellbeing support to ensure that those we work with can develop independent living skills and realise their ambitions.”

    Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund for England, John Mothersole, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside the Greater London Authority and City Bridge Trust to award this vital funding to community-led organisations in London, supporting them to develop their networks, increase their reach, and strengthen their voice.

    “Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding – which builds on the previous two rounds of the Civil Society Roots programme – will help to build a stronger civil society in the capital, with a focus on supporting groups that are led by and for marginalised communities, enabling them to prosper and thrive.”

    Chairman of the City Corporation’s charity funder, City Bridge Trust, Giles Shilson, said: “We’re proud to be providing £720,000 funding for this project to help make London a fairer, more equitable place. This fund will help the communities in London that need it most and strengthen the organisations best placed to make a difference. All the grantees announced today are taking practical steps towards tackling the systemic inequalities that still deny to so many people the opportunities in life that others take for granted.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : £8 million levelling up boost for Grimsby to repair vital bridges and boost local industry

    PRESS RELEASE : £8 million levelling up boost for Grimsby to repair vital bridges and boost local industry

    The press release issue by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 11 August 2022.

    Vital bridges connecting Grimsby and Immingham will be repaired to boost the local key industries and tourism, prevent road closures and secure future jobs for the region, Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark announced today (11 August 2022).

    In the latest step to level up Grimsby, £8 million of funding has been confirmed to help fix damaged bridges along the A180 – a vital route that connects the region’s key ports, serves residents and tourists and provides an estimated £2.5 billion to the local economy’s Seafood Cluster each year.

    The funding will prevent months of disruption and closures for residents, as well as making sure local industries can continue to grow and helping to create more skilled jobs in the area.

    Grimsby was the pilot Town Deal area, and the government has awarded over £4 5million through the Pilot and its flagship Towns Fund and Future High Streets programmes to support plans to renew and reshape the town centre. This includes plans to build 129 new high quality, low carbon homes in the town.

    Secretary of State for Levelling up Greg Clark said:

    “The work to level up vital towns like Grimsby requires acting on what local people say is important and acting on what local people want – including local infrastructure.

    The funding we are announcing today will provide a vital lifeline for Grimsby’s industry now and in the future and I am looking forward to seeing how our investment is helping local communities to flourish and further unlock the area’s potential.”

    DLUHC arm’s length body, Homes England, will assist North East Lincolnshire council to develop plans to revitalise the town centre, including for the 129 homes on Garth Lane.

    Cllr Philip Jackson, the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

    “I am delighted that our collaboration with government on the levelling up agenda is bearing fruit. The key infrastructure investment announced today, as well as our work with Homes England, focused on Garth Lane and wider town centre regeneration, are essential elements of our drive to deliver sustainable local economic growth for our residents, our communities and our businesses. I look forward to our collaboration with Government continuing.”

    Benj Sykes from energy firm Orsted UK, which operates in the area, said:

    “The offshore wind industry in Grimsby relies on the skilled and committed workers who have helped to create a world-leading hub. As the industry grows, we need the government to continue to develop the infrastructure the region needs to thrive, and I’m delighted to see further investment in the region.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : FCDO summons Chinese Ambassador Zheng Zeguang over Beijing’s aggressive escalation against Taiwan

    PRESS RELEASE : FCDO summons Chinese Ambassador Zheng Zeguang over Beijing’s aggressive escalation against Taiwan

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 August 2022.

    The Foreign Secretary instructed Sir Tim Barrow, Second Permanent Under-Secretary for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, to summon China’s Ambassador to the UK, Zheng Zeguang. He was summoned over Beijing’s aggressive and wide-ranging escalation against Taiwan over the last week, in response to Speaker Pelosi’s visit on 2 August.

    Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

    “The UK and partners have condemned in the strongest terms China’s escalation in the region around Taiwan, as seen through our recent G7 statement.

    I instructed officials to summon the Chinese Ambassador to explain his country’s actions. We have seen increasingly aggressive behaviour and rhetoric from Beijing in recent months, which threaten peace and stability in the region. The United Kingdom urges China to resolve any differences by peaceful means, without the threat or use of force or coercion.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint outcome statement: India-UK round five FTA negotiations

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint outcome statement: India-UK round five FTA negotiations

    The press released issued by the Department for International Trade on 10 August 2022.

    On 29 July 2022, the Republic of India and the United Kingdom concluded the fifth round of talks for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

    Negotiation officials undertook these technical talks in a hybrid fashion – with some of the teams meeting in New Delhi, India, and the majority of officials joining virtually.

    For this round of negotiations, technical experts from both sides came together for detailed draft treaty text discussions in 85 separate sessions covering 15 policy areas.

    Indian and UK officials will continue to work intensively throughout the summer towards our target to conclude the majority of talks on a comprehensive and balanced Free Trade Agreement by the end of October 2022.