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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK businesses lead the way with record numbers of female leaders [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK businesses lead the way with record numbers of female leaders [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 25 February 2025.

    FTSE Women Leaders Review and UK Government publish latest report on women in leadership roles at FTSE350 companies.

    • UK leads the world in drive to increase the number of women on boards and in leadership at the top of firms.
    • More than 60% of FTSE350 companies within striking distance of the 40% target for women’s representation in boardrooms
    • Supporting women into leadership roles could unlock billions in economic growth and deliver on Plan for Change

    Top British companies are continuing to lead the way for gender equality in boardrooms with women occupying over 43% of roles on company boards according to a new report published today (Tuesday 25 February).

    The FTSE Women Leaders Review report for 2025, backed by the government and sponsored by sector giants Lloyds Banking Group and KPMG LLP, shows that women now occupy 1,275 or 43% of roles on company boards and 6,743 (35%) of leadership roles at the 350 FTSE companies.

    This marks a year-on-year increase and means the target of 40% women’s representation by the end of this year continues to be achieved by FTSE350 businesses. The results of this review show the progress being made to break down barriers to opportunity at the highest levels, within some of the most innovative and important companies in the UK.

    Delivering equal opportunities for women is at the heart of the government’s growth mission as part of the Plan for Change, by ensuring they have fair access to a stable, well-paid jobs which will also help drive up living standards.

    At a London event this evening, business leaders, ministers and the leaders of the Review will come together to reflect upon and celebrate this progress as well as the contribution it is making to creating a stronger, more dynamic economy.

    But the government recognises there is still more to do to bring more women into roles such as company Chairs and CEOs and to increase the number of women on boards and in leadership who hold executive roles. The government will work with FTSE companies and other organisations to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential based on their talent.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The UK is leading the charge for gender equality in boardrooms, but we cannot rest on our laurels.

    We must break down the barriers that stop many women being represented in decision-making roles, so that top talent reaches the highest levels of leadership in businesses driving economic growth across Britain.

    Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson OBE said:

    I know from founding my own business how strong female voices inspire positive change throughout an organisation, bringing new ideas and adding greater value.

    Today’s report shows that whilst the momentum is with us, we have so much further to go. Working with business leaders and investors, we will do everything we can to unlock more opportunities for women at the highest levels as we go for growth and deliver our Plan for Change.

    The UK’s approach to gender equality in boardrooms is setting an international precedent for inclusive business, coming second only to France in the G7, with 43.4% representation compared to 45.4%.

    Whilst France and many other countries employ the use of quotas, the action taken by British companies has been entirely voluntary demonstrating the ability of the private sector to lead the way, alongside government support, but without overburdening regulation.

    By leading the way and committing to improving gender equality companies are demonstrating the market value of increased representation of women in senior roles and the diversity of thinking that this brings, trickling down into small and medium sized businesses who look to replicate this success.

    The government’s flagship Employment Rights Bill and Plan to Make Work Pay will further strengthen women’s rights in the workplace and increase protections for women going through the menopause, as well as protections from dismissal whilst pregnant or on maternity leave.

    Vivienne Artz, CEO of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, said:

    In an increasingly disruptive world in which companies are faced with a combination of economic, geo-political and technological change British businesses are setting an international standard for balanced and inclusive leadership.

    With its unique Government-backed and business-led voluntary approach, the UK has spearheaded a world-leading transformation in the highest ranks of industry. Whilst FTSE 350 company boards are now gender-balanced, sustained effort and determination is required to achieve the 40% target for women in leadership by the end of this year.

    We look forward to working with businesses to deliver on this ambition.

    Penny James and Nimesh Patel, Co-Chairs of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, said:

    The UK is nothing short of world-leading in driving gender balance at the top of business with business leaders delivering change through voluntary action rather than quotas. Despite many competing priorities companies continue to see equality of opportunity as key to improving productivity and achieving growth.

    Balance on FTSE 350 boards has been achieved and women’s representation on executive teams is steadily increasing but a step-up in commitment is required to deliver parity in the key leadership roles.

    Over the coming year we urge UK business to remain focused on sustaining momentum, harnessing all of the available talent and driving towards a business environment that offers opportunity for all.

    NOTES TO EDITORS:

    • The FTSE Women Leaders Review (the Review) is sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group and KPMG LLP.

    Sir Robin Budenberg, Chair of Lloyds Banking Group, said:

    As proud co-sponsor of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, we applaud the significant progress made over the years in increasing gender balance on both the boards and leadership teams of the UK’s biggest companies.

    A strong, diverse workforce is fundamental to business success. When leadership reflects the society it serves, companies are better equipped to understand their customers, drive innovation and deliver long-term sustainable growth. And if business does not employ the full breadth of society, it will not benefit from all the talent available.

    At Lloyds Banking Group we have a gender-balanced board and over 45% representation of women at leadership level but we recognise that progress is neither linear nor inevitable. The responsibility lies with all of us to lead inclusively and to keep gender equality at the top of the agenda. By doing so, we strengthen our businesses and help build a more dynamic, successful economy.

    Bina Mehta, Chair of KPMG LLP, said:

    With the final year of the FTSE Women Leaders Review ahead, I’m delighted we have continued to make substantial progress in achieving greater gender balance in senior roles, something that reflects many years of voluntary effort and collective action.

    It’s particularly encouraging to see the progress made by the UK’s Top 50 Private companies in their first three years of reporting. These companies are keeping pace with the FTSE100 and are currently reporting 35% of Executive Committee roles are held by women.

    As Chair of KPMG UK, I am proud that our firm continues to grow the number of women in leadership roles, maintaining our position in the ‘Top Ten Best Performers’. As a firm we recognise the importance of creating an environment where everyone can succeed and thrive.

    With the country’s renewed focused on economic growth, if businesses continue to work together, we can help to deliver long term prosperous and sustainable growth.

    The Review

    The FTSE Women Leaders Review is the independent, business-led framework supported by the Government, which sets recommendations for Britain’s biggest companies to improve the representation of women on their boards and leadership teams. The scope of the Review covers the FTSE 350 and 50 of the UK’s biggest private companies.

    Adopting a voluntary approach, the Review captures and publishes progress on 26,000 roles on boards and in leadership two layers below the board, across all sectors of British business on an annual basis.

    Women on Boards: 2024

    1. Reported numbers for Women on Boards of FTSE 350, as of 10th January 2025, show:

    Source – BoardEx:

    • FTSE 100 is at 44.7%, up from 42.6% in 2023
    • FTSE 250 is at 42.6%, up from 41.8% in 2023
    • FTSE 350 is at 43.4.%, up from 42.1% in 2023
    • 50 largest UK private companies are at 30.5% (30.6% in 2023)
    1. Almost three quarters of FTSE 350 Boards (73.4%) have met or exceeded the current 40% target with that number now standing at 257 up from 235 in 2023.
    2. The UK FTSE 350 is in 2nd place when compared internationally to the G7 countries but this is being achieved at a greater scale and through entirely voluntary action as opposed to mandatory quota systems. In the UK 350 companies are in scope compared with 40 in France which has quota legislation in place.
    3. FTSE 100 companies top the rankings for women on boards compared with other international indices (excluding the G7) including the Euronext 100, IBEX and S&P ASK FTSE 100: 44.7% v Euronext 100: 42.2%, IBEX: 40.9% S&P ASX: 40.2%

    Women in Leadership: 2024

    1. Reported numbers for Women in Leadership (defined as the Executive Committee & Direct Reports to the Executive Committee on a combined basis) show:

    Source – FTSE Women Leaders, Leadership Data Collection Portal as at 31 October 2024:

    • FTSE 100 is at 36.6% up from 35.2% in 2023
    • FTSE 250 is at 34.2% up from 33.9% in 2023
    • FTSE 350 is at 35.3% up from in 34.5% in 2023
    • 50 largest UK private companies are at 36.8% up from 35.6% in 2023

    Four Key Roles: 2024

    1.   Women continue to be appointed to the Chair role with a gain of seven FTSE 350 women Chairs in 2024. As a result, the number of women in the Chair role in the FTSE 350 has increased from to 53 in 2023 to 60 in 2024 (17%).

    2.   The number of women SIDs has increased to 192 across the FTSE 350 in 2024, up from 162 in 2023. Now over half of FTSE 350 companies (56%) have a woman SID.

    3.   The percentage of women Finance Directors in the FTSE 350 has increased from 48 in 2023 to 57 in 2024 (22%).

    4.   FTSE 350 women CEOs have reduced from 20 in 2023 to 19 in 2024.

    The Recommendations for the Review

    There are four Recommendations that were announced in February 2022 to fuel further progress in delivering gender balance at the top of British business:

    • The voluntary target for FTSE 350 Boards and Leadership teams was increased to a minimum of 40% women’s representation by the end of 2025.
    • Companies should have at least one woman in the Chair, Senior Independent Director role on the board and/or one woman in the Chief Executive Officer or Finance Director role by the end of 2025.
    • Key stakeholders should continue to set best-practice guidelines or use alternative mechanisms to encourage any FTSE 350 Board that has not yet achieved the previous 33% target for the end of 2020, to do so.
    • The scope of the Review is extended beyond FTSE 350 companies to include 50 of the UK’s largest private companies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Statement on response to the situation in Eastern DRC [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 February 2025.

    The UK has issued a statement in response to the situation in Eastern DRC.

    A UK Government spokesperson said:

    The UK is deeply concerned by the situation in eastern DRC. The Foreign Secretary met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and President Kagame in Kigali on 21 and 22 February.

    In his meetings, he was clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities. The recent offensives by M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, are an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of the UN Charter.

    The Foreign Secretary urged both leaders to engage meaningfully and in good faith with African led peace processes to find a lasting political solution. They must honour all commitments made at the Joint EAC-SADC Summit on 8 February. The UK will continue to discuss with African and other partners what more it can do to support these efforts.

    The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical. Close to a million people have been recently displaced in eastern DRC and hundreds of thousands are in desperate need of lifesaving support. There is a responsibility on all parties to protect the people of eastern DRC who have suffered so much in this conflict.

    The Foreign Secretary has been clear that there would be a strong response from the international community in response to the escalating conflict. In recent weeks, the UK has coordinated closely with international partners, including those from the G7 and the International Contact Group on the Great Lakes, on that response. We have also used every appropriate opportunity at the United Nations Security Council and the Human Rights Council to call for a resolution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.

    During the Foreign Secretary’s visit, he announced an additional package of £14.6 million of humanitarian support to help those in Eastern DRC who are suffering most.

    The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory.

    Until significant progress is made, the UK will take the following measures:

    1. Cease high-level attendance at events hosted by the Government of Rwanda.
    2. Limit trade promotion activity with Rwanda.
    3. Pause direct bilateral financial aid to the Government of Rwanda, excluding support to the poorest and most vulnerable.
    4. Coordinate with partners on potential new sanctions designations.
    5. Suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda.
    6. Review export licences for the Rwanda Defence Force.

    Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict. We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue.

    We will continue to keep our policy under review.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Extra energy bill support for the country [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Extra energy bill support for the country [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 25 February 2025.

    The government is bringing forward strengthened support for millions of households to help pay their energy bills next winter.

    • Nearly 3 million more families would be eligible to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount next winter under new proposals to help people with their energy bills
    • 1 in 5 families in Britain would get help with their bills through these proposals, giving households a helping hand to deal with an unpredictable international energy market
    • comes alongside plans to accelerate a debt relief scheme which will help tackle debt and reduce households’ energy costs

    Almost 3 million more households, including almost 1 million households with children, would get support to pay their energy bills next winter, as the government consults on proposals to offer more support to consumers across the country.

    Due to global gas price spikes this winter and the continued impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the energy regulator Ofgem has announced today (Tuesday 25 February) an increase in the energy price cap for April to June 2025. This price is set independently of the government, reflecting changes in wholesale prices and global markets.

    In response, the government is acting to protect billpayers by consulting on the expansion of the Warm Home Discount, giving eligible households £150 off their energy bills. This would bring around 2.7 million households into the scheme – pushing the total number of households that would receive the discount next winter up to an estimated 6.1 million.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    This is worrying news for many families.

    This government is determined to do everything we can to protect people from the grip of fossil fuel markets. Expanding the Warm Home Discount can help protect millions of families from rising energy bills, offering support to consumers across the country.

    Alongside this, the way to deliver energy security and bring down bills for good is to deliver our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower- with homegrown clean power that we in Britain control.

    The government will also work closely with Ofgem to accelerate proposals on a potential debt relief scheme, first consulted on last year, to target unsustainable debt built up during the energy crisis.

    The proposed debt support scheme, alongside the Warm Home Discount, is an important first step to cut the costs of servicing bad debt, which is currently contributing to higher bills for all billpayers. Under these plans, the target would be to reduce the debt allowance to pre-crisis levels, with Ofgem estimating that these plans could lower these costs by £25 to £30 per year.

    This additional support for households complements the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, delivering energy security and bringing down bills for good. The expected rise in the price cap shows once again the cost of remaining reliant on the unstable global fossil fuel markets that are driving price increases. Three years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, wholesale gas prices have now risen by 15% compared to the previous price cap period, which is directly affecting the cost of generating power and heating of homes. Moving to a power system based on homegrown, clean energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on volatile markets and protect billpayers.

    To achieve this, government has set out the most ambitious reforms of the UK’s energy system in a generation. Within its first 8 months in office, the government has lifted the onshore wind ban, established Great British Energy, approved nearly 3 GW of solar, delivered a record-breaking renewables auction and kickstarted the carbon capture and hydrogen industries in the UK. Reforms to nuclear planning rules have also been introduced to clear a path for smaller, and easier to build nuclear reactors – helping to deliver energy security, grow the economy and deliver clean, cheap energy.

    Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley said:

    Energy debts that began during the energy crisis have reached record levels and without intervention will continue to grow. This puts families under huge stress and increases costs for all customers.

    We’re developing plans that could give households with unmanageable debt the clean slate they need to move forward. We welcome the government’s support for these plans, and their plans to expand the Warm Home Discount, which will also offer financial help to nearly 3 million more households that need it most.

    While the government presses on with the clean power mission, swift action has already been taken to shield energy consumers from high prices. These measures include:

    • extended the Household Support Fund to provide help through local councils to struggling households with essential costs, including energy bills
    • worked with energy suppliers to negotiate a £500 million winter support package for consumers
    • rolled out the next steps of the Warm Homes Plan, which will upgrade 300,000 homes this financial year
    • consulting on boosting living standards in the private rented sector by requiring all private landlords in England and Wales to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C or equivalent in their properties by 2030, which will help a million renters out of fuel poverty
    • announced a comprehensive review of the energy regulator Ofgem, empowering it to facilitate growth and innovation and become a stronger champion for consumers
    • driving forward with pro-consumer reforms:
      • challenging unlawful back billing; taking action on inaccurate bills
      • driving the smart meter rollout
      • giving every family the option of a zero standing charge tariff, so they have more choice in how they pay for their energy
      • ensuring compensation for wrongful installation of prepayment meters

    In addition, government has also moved quickly to protect working people from wider cost of living pressures, including:

    • helping to keep prices down at the pumps by freezing fuel duty for an additional 12 months, saving motorists £3 billion in 2025 to 2026
    • targeting support with the largest increase to the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit since it was introduced in 1976 – worth £41 a week
    • capping the amount that can be deducted cut from Universal Credit payments when repaying short-term loans and debts, saving 1.2 million of the poorest families in the UK £420 a year on average
    • through the government’s commitment to the Triple Lock, millions will see their State Pension rise by up to £1,900 over this parliament

    Taken together, these reforms will help to improve the lives of working people and put more money in their pockets, secure home-grown energy and kickstart economic growth, as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Through this ambitious programme, the government will deliver a decade of national renewal and fix the foundations of the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : There needs to be a lasting and just peace with Ukraine’s voice at the heart of any talks – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : There needs to be a lasting and just peace with Ukraine’s voice at the heart of any talks – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 February 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    Today marks the third year of President Putin’s full-scale invasion, forced on the Ukrainian and Russian people, in clear breach of the UN Charter.

    So first of all today, of all days, we pause to remember and honour the victims of this war. Those who have lost their lives, their homes, their futures, their limbs, their childhoods, family members and friends. Millions who have been displaced, tens of thousands who have lost their lives.

    They’ve lost schools, playgrounds, farms, churches, hospitals.

    While Russian forces have used rape, torture and execution as weapons of war and put nuclear safety at risk.

    This is a war that Putin said would take three days.

    Three years on, Ukrainians have paid a terrible price.

    And the impact of this war is not limited to Ukraine.

    Hunger, poverty and energy insecurity have increased worldwide.

    So second, as we look forward to peace, let’s be clear, no country wants peace more than Ukraine. Ukraine is more than ready for this war to end.

    But there needs to be a lasting and a just peace, with Ukraine’s voice at the heart of any talks.

    A peace that is not just a pause in fighting but a peace that leaves Ukraine secure and free from Russian attack. A peace that shows that aggression does not pay. And a peace that ends forever Putin’s imperialist ambitions.

    And we have to remember that Putin by contrast, only wants capitulation.

    So if Russia is allowed to win, we will live in a world where might is right, where borders can be redrawn by force, where aggressors think they can act with impunity. The consequences for peace and security around the world are dire.

    So third then, a lasting peace must come from strength.

    Strength and courage that Ukraine has shown abundantly in the last three years.

    But that strength and courage needs to be underpinned by robust security agreements from the outset because Putin has repeatedly shown that he will break a weak deal.

    He has long denied Ukraine’s right to exist as a free state.

    So the UK, with our European partners and the United States, will work closely together for Ukraine and Europe will continue to take responsibility for our continent’s security.

    The UK is ready to play a leading role to support Ukraine in its right to self-defence. To support the negotiation and implementation of a peace agreement, a just and lasting peace agreement, which protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, its internationally recognised borders, in line with the UN Charter.

  • PRESS RELEASE : There can be no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine in how this Council refers to this war – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : There can be no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine in how this Council refers to this war – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 February 2025.

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council Resolution 2774 on Ukraine.

    Today marks three years since Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Today, we remember the millions of Ukrainians displaced, the tens of thousands of civilians killed, the lives destroyed by President Putin’s imperial ambition.

    As the Secretary-General said again yesterday, this war is illegal, a clear violation of the UN Charter and a threat to the core principles of the UN.

    No-one wants peace more than Ukraine.

    But the terms of that peace matter.

    Only a just peace, one that honours the terms of our Charter, will endure.

    And the terms of the peace must send a message that aggression does not pay.

    This is why there can be no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine in how this Council refers to this war.

    If we are to find a path to sustainable peace, the Council must be clear on the war’s origins.

    We also owe it to the people of Ukraine who have suffered so much.

    Russia chose to launch a war of aggression against a sovereign state, but again today is seeking to obfuscate that fact.

    We must also insist on respect for the UN Charter, and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognised borders.

    Upholding the Charter is the responsibility of every member of the UN, and especially every member of this Council.

    Every member.

    What, how and on what terms this war ends can only be decided by negotiations with Ukraine.

    No peace will be sustainable without Ukraine’s consent.

    We regret that our proposals making these points clear were not taken on board, and as such we could not support this resolution.

    But we share the ambition to find a lasting end to this war, supported by robust security arrangements that ensure Ukraine never again has to face Russia’s attack.

    As my Prime Minister has made clear – the UK remains ready to play its part.

    We will continue to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to protect and defend itself and its people.

    We remind the Council that Russia could achieve this tomorrow – by ceasing its aggression and withdrawing its forces from all of Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : A peace that rewards aggression is not real peace – UK Statement in the UN General Assembly [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : A peace that rewards aggression is not real peace – UK Statement in the UN General Assembly [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 February 2025.

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, in the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine.

    The United Kingdom welcomes the resumption of this Special Session on Ukraine.

    Three years on, Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion has caused untold suffering, most recently in the massive wave of drone attacks over the weekend, reportedly the largest in a single night in three years.

    Millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed.

    Children forcibly deported.

    Schools, homes, hospitals, places of worship destroyed.

    And Russia’s forces have committed the most appalling crimes – summary executions, torture, rape.

    Enough is enough, as the Secretary-General reminded us.

    Russia’s aggression did not begin three years ago, but long before that.

    When my Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this week, he was clear that any outcome to the war must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    A peace that rewards aggression is not a real peace.

    And a peace that rewards aggression will not last.

    Because Putin has a long track record of making deals with his fingers crossed behind his back.

    Well, not this time.

    We must not make the mistake of weak deals of the past.

    This time, there must be peace through strength.

    And that is why there can be no negotiations about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

    Colleagues, it is not just Ukraine’s security that is at stake.

    It is Britain’s too.

    But it is the security of all of us.

    Every single Member State who does not want to see tanks driving over their border, killing their people, stealing their children and redrawing their borders on a whim.

    Today 93 countries again stood with Ukraine, voting to reaffirm our respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the UN Charter.

    We all want an end to this war.

    No country more so than Ukraine and its people.

    As my Prime Minister has said, the UK is ready to play its part to support efforts for peace.

    We will continue to support Ukraine to defend itself and to have its voice heard.

    But let us not forget a simple truth: that Russia could end this war tomorrow, by ceasing its aggression and withdrawing its forces from Ukraine.

    But the Kremlin shows no more sign of that than they have done at any point in the last three years.

    So today, as for the last three years and for the future, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and with our allies for as long as it takes.

    Until Ukraine wins a peace that respects the UN Charter and delivers a secure future for its people and for all of us.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 February 2025.

    Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel. As delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at the 58th HRC session in Geneva.

    Thank you Mr President,

    In this 30th anniversary year for gender equality, let me reaffirm the British government’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

    My government’s dedication to advancing gender equality at home has led to a narrowing of the gender pay gap, more women on the boards of the largest companies than ever before and stronger action to protect women and girls from violence and abuse. And we have put women and girls at the heart of our international work, from our diplomacy to our development spend.

    But while it is important to acknowledge the progress made, quite clearly no country – the UK included – has achieved or even got close to achieving gender equality. Indeed, we are seeing a growing international trend of efforts to undermine and roll back the rights of women, girls and other marginalised groups.

    We must resist that roll back, take concerted action to build on the progress we have made both at home and overseas. That is why we are putting women’s voices at the heart of everything we do and will make the changes needed so gender equality can, at last, become a reality.

    We call on all Members of the Council and states to use this landmark year to accelerate action towards empowering all women and girls.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Boost for UK economy as Arbitration Act receives Royal Assent [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Boost for UK economy as Arbitration Act receives Royal Assent [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 24 February 2025.

    A new law to help the UK’s legal services sector maintain pole position and which will deliver millions more to grow the economy and help implement our Plan for Change.

    • New law to turbocharge UK’s position as the world-leader in arbitration
    • Modernised dispute resolution to attract more international business
    • Sector already worth £2.5bn boosted as part of Plan for Change to support growth

    The Arbitration Act, which received Royal Assent today (Monday 24 February), will help attract even more businesses from around the world to invest in the UK. It will re-enforce Britain’s position as the best place to resolve disputes without having to go to court.

    This arbitration process saves companies significant costs in legal fees by providing a quicker alternative to court and reducing acrimony between the parties. Every year there are at least 5,000 domestic and international arbitrations in England and Wales – contributing at least £2.5 billion to the UK economy annually in fees alone.

    Modernising arbitration law will ensure the UK remains the global destination of choice for the legal sector, outstripping competitors such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Paris. This will help generate greater employment in the sector to bring even more investment into the UK.

    Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC MP, said:

    The UK’s legal sector contributes billions to the economy and employs hundreds of thousands across the country.

    Companies from across the world look to the UK for our legal services and dispute resolution. This new Act ensures that arbitration law keeps this country ahead of the rest and supports economic growth as part of this government’s Plan for Change.

    Today’s new law makes arbitration fairer and more efficient by simplifying procedures to reduce costs and protecting arbitrators from unreasonable lawsuits. It also strengthens the courts’ powers to support emergency arbitration so time-sensitive decisions can be made more easily.

    International arbitration is a major and growing area of activity. Industry estimates suggest the sector grew by around 26% between 2016 and 2020, and in the past 10 years, UK exports of legal services have risen by more than 80%.

    Cristen Bauer, Head of Policy, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, said:

    As the leading professional body globally for dispute resolvers, we are delighted to see the Arbitration Act reach Royal Assent. We worked closely with the UK Law Commission and other officials during the review of the Arbitration Act 1996, and were pleased that the majority of our recommendations were included in the final report, and that all of the review’s recommendations were adopted.

    The Arbitration Act will strengthen London’s position as an arbitration seat, and continue to set a high standard internationally. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of the Arbitration Act 2025 for many years ahead.

    This Act supports economic growth in a multi-billion-pound sector – the UK is the largest legal market in Europe and is second only to the US globally.

    The new laws are the latest step in the government’s work to support the sector to grow. This includes the GREAT Legal Services campaign which was launched in 2017 to promote the strength of English and Welsh Law, the UK’s world-renowned independent judiciary, and our legal expertise to the global market.

    The latest figures from 2022 show that the UK’s legal sector generated £34 billion. This will be enhanced by key agreements in recent months including with Japan, Greece and Malaysia to allow UK lawyers to practise abroad.

    The government asked the Law Commission to review the law to ensure the UK remains ahead of the curve when it comes to dispute resolution. They consulted extensively before making recommendations which have been accepted in full.

    Once in force, the Arbitration Act will:

    • Clarify which law underpins individual arbitration agreements thereby improving legal certainty and speeding up arbitrations.
    • Empower arbitrators to speed-up decisions on issues that have no real prospect of success to make arbitration more efficient.
    • Introduce a duty on arbitrators to tell parties any circumstances which could cast reasonable doubt on their impartiality in deciding an outcome of a dispute.
    • Empower the court to better support arbitration through orders supporting the actions of emergency arbitrators to enhance their effectiveness, and orders against third parties (those not involved in the proceedings) to for example preserve evidence or take witness evidence.
    • Extend arbitrator immunity against liability for resignations and the costs of the application to court for their removal, to support arbitrators to make impartial decisions.
    • Simplify court procedures related to arbitration to increase clarity as well as reduce delays and costs for parties.

    The new law will be commenced through regulations as soon as practicable.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the resumption of India-UK trade negotiations [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the resumption of India-UK trade negotiations [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 February 2025.

    Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries.

    The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November 2024 to underline the importance of resuming trade negotiations at an early date.

    Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries. This announcement has been made by Minister for Commerce and Industry of India Shri Piyush Goyal and Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds in Delhi. This announcement is an outcome of the above stated discussions held at the level of Prime Ministers of the two countries.

    India and the United Kingdom have a close partnership, built through collaboration on security and defence, new and emerging technologies, climate, health, education, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. At the centre of this relationship is the collective aspiration to deliver economic growth and sustainable development.

    Both sides have agreed to resume negotiations towards a balanced, mutually beneficial and a forward-looking deal that delivers mutual growth and builds on the strengths of the two complementary economies. The strengthening of the trading relationship between our two countries has the potential to unlock opportunities for business and consumers across both our nations and build further on our already deep ties.

    The two leaders directed the negotiators to work together to resolve the outstanding issues in the agreement to ensure a fair and equitable trade deal for shared success.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Kremlin-linked elites face exclusion from UK [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Kremlin-linked elites face exclusion from UK [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 24 February 2025.

    Elites with known links to the Kremlin may be subject to exclusion from the UK in show of steadfast support for Ukraine on 3 year anniversary of invasion.

    Elites linked to the Russian state can be excluded from entering the UK under new measures announced by the Home Secretary today.

    Under the new measures, the government will expand the criteria for exclusion to cover Kremlin-linked elites. This will ensure that, while Russia remains an acute national security threat, elites linked to the Russian state can be prevented from entering the UK.

    Those who could be barred from the UK include anyone who:

    • provides significant support to the Russian state
    • owes their significant status or wealth to the Russian state
    • enjoy access to the highest levels of the Russian state

    Kremlin-linked elites can pose a real and present danger to our way of life. They denounce our values in public while enjoying the benefits of the UK in private – benefits which they look to deprive Ukraine of through their support of Russia’s war.  They can act as tools for the Russian state, enabling the continuation and expansion of Russia’s aggression.

    The move will bolster both UK national interest and national security, one of the key priorities underpinning the government’s Plan for Change, by blocking the physical access of those who undermine UK national security. These new measures will complement the UK’s existing sanctions regime against Russian elites who are supporting Putin’s war effort, which will remain in place as long as Russia threatens Ukraine’s sovereignty.

    The move follows continued action from the UK to respond to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine including through imposing extensive sanctions on elites linked to the Russian state, strengthening law enforcement capabilities through the National Crime Agency’s (NCA’s) Combatting Kleptocracy Cell and closing the legislative loopholes open to money laundering by criminal actors.

    These measures also follow ramped up efforts to tackle Russian illicit finance through the NCA’s Operation Destabilise, successfully disrupting 2 Russian money laundering networks which provided services to Russian oligarchs and helped fund Russian state espionage operations. The NCA-led action led to 84 arrests and over £20 million in illicit funds seized. This work continues and since the disruption, a further £1 million of cash has been seized and a further 6 arrests made.

    This change builds on the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership signed in January, which commits both countries to work together to tackle the malign influence of elites linked to the Russian state.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    Border security is national security, and we will use all the tools at our disposal to protect our country against the threat from Russia.

    The measures announced today slam the door shut to the oligarchs who have enriched themselves at the expense of the Russian people whilst bankrolling this illegal and unjustifiable war.

    My message to Putin’s friends in Moscow is simple: you are not welcome in the UK.

    Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the UK’s total military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts to £12.8 billion. We remain committed to the provision of £3 billion of military support a year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible.

    Earlier this month, the Defence Secretary led the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group for the first time and announced a further £150 million firepower package for Ukraine, including drones, tanks and air defence systems.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

    As we mark the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion, Putin is still waging a war he thought he would win in three days, because of fierce resistance from the Ukrainians. Our support for them is unshakeable.

    I am proud of the UK’s leadership and unity on Ukraine. Keeping the Ukrainians in their fight and as strong as possible at any negotiating table is critical not only for them, but for the security of the UK. These new measures send a powerful message that we will do what it takes to turn the tables on Putin’s aggression.