Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister tells US investors “Britain is open for business” as he secured major £10 billion deal to drive growth and create jobs [September 2024]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 25 September 2024.

A major £10 billion investment which will create thousands of jobs in the North East of England has been announced by the Prime Minister in New York today.
- Major U.S. company Blackstone has confirmed a £10 billion investment in the North East of England to create one of the largest artificial intelligence data centres in Europe
- Move will create 4,000 jobs for British people and benefit the local community in Blyth
- Prime Minister continues his international drive to boost the UK’s reputation on the global stage, unlock new opportunities to drive growth at home and improve the lives of British people
A major £10 billion investment which will create thousands of jobs in the North East of England has been announced by the Prime Minister in New York today.

The deal with US investment company Blackstone, facilitated by the Office for Investment, will create the biggest AI data centre in Europe, boosting the UK’s world leading capabilities in the AI sector and driving growth in the local community.

Over 4,000 jobs will be created as a result, including 1,200 roles dedicated to the construction of the site in Blyth, Northumberland. Construction on the site is expected to begin next year, with the data centres set to store the vast amount of data needed to power AI, and to store the information generated by AI systems.

The Prime Minister’s number one mission for government is economic growth, and foreign investment will be a key part of driving it – by creating jobs which will put money into the pockets of hard-working British people.

The local community in Blyth – which suffered as a result of the failure of BritishVolt – will also directly benefit from the investment, with Blackstone confirming it will invest £110 million into a fund – supporting further skills training and transport infrastructure in the area.

The UK is already home to the highest number of data centres in Western Europe and just last month, the government classed data centres as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’ in the first designation in almost a decade to provide greater reassurance to businesses that the UK is a secure place to invest in and develop data centres.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

The number one mission of my government is to grow our economy, so that hard-working British people reap the benefits – and more foreign investment is a crucial part of that plan.

New investment such as the one we’ve announced with Blackstone today is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and it proves that Britain is back as a major player on the global stage and we’re open for business.

Jon Gray, President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone, said:

The UK is a top investment market for Blackstone because of its powerful combination of talent and innovation along with a highly transparent legal system. We are making significant commitments to building social housing, facilitating the energy transition, growing life sciences companies and developing critical infrastructure needed to fuel the digital economy. This includes a projected £10 billion investment to build one of Europe’s largest hyperscale data centres supporting 4,000 jobs. Blackstone is committed to Britain.

The Prime Minister will meet Blackstone President Jon Gray in New York this morning, as he seeks to rebuild Britain’s reputation as an investment destination in order to drive growth and create opportunities for British people.

This comes ahead of the UK’s International Investment Summit in October, which is set to bring together hundreds of leading CEOs and investors set to attend representing the best of business across the globe, with an ambitious programme to showcase the UK’s economic strengths.

The summit will rebuild Britain’s reputation as an investment destination to drive growth and create opportunities for British people and cement the government’s enduring partnership with businesses to give them the certainty they need to invest and grow in the UK.

Today’s investment also bolsters the UK’s bilateral trading relationship with the US which is already worth over £340 billion – making the US our largest single trading partner.

Every day, 1.2 million Americans go to work for UK-owned businesses and 1.3 million Brits work for US owned companies. Just last year the UK and US together invested over $1.2 trillion in each other’s economies, across key sectors like financial services, green infrastructure, real estate and technology.
October 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK provides essential humanitarian supplies to civilians in Lebanon as the situation deteriorates [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 September 2024.

Government re-opens portal for British nationals in Lebanon to register their presence following deployment.
- government re-opens portal for British nationals in Lebanon to register their presence
- follows deployment of military, Border Force and Foreign office officials to Cyprus to support contingency planning
- £5 million humanitarian package will support thousands of people who have been displaced or forced to flee
The UK is sending £5 million to Lebanon to support humanitarian response efforts, where the United Nations [UNICEF] will distribute supplies to those in need.

It comes as the UK also re-opens the register your presence service to support British nationals and provide vital updates.

The UK has been calling for British nationals to leave Lebanon since October 2023. Yesterday, 700 troops, alongside Border Force and Foreign Office officials, also deployed to Cyprus to continue contingency planning for a range of scenarios in the region.

The essential humanitarian support comes after further civilian casualties following air strikes in recent hours. Thousands more have been displaced or forced to flee their homes.

The package includes essential medical supplies, hygiene kits and fuel for water stations, to help thousands of displaced civilians across Lebanon meet their basic needs.

It will also help emergency teams respond to urgent health and nutrition needs, and provide a series of training sessions for key delivery partners and frontline workers to ensure an effective emergency response.

Anneliese Dodds, Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Women and Equalities, said:

The situation in Lebanon is deeply concerning. While we continue to urge British nationals to leave and have launched our ‘register your presence’ portal to aid their departure, the UK will always be a strong supporter of the Lebanese people. That is why we are providing £5 million to UNICEF to support civilians who have been displaced and are facing a humanitarian emergency.

We need to see an immediate ceasefire from both sides to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure that displaced people can return to their homes.

At UNGA this week the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah when he met G7 ministers. The UK was the first G7 country to call for an immediate ceasefire. The Foreign Secretary will deliver the UK’s intervention at the UN Security Council session on Lebanon.

Flights from Beirut continue to run, and British nationals should depart on the first available carrier.

The military teams have joined the already significant UK diplomatic and military footprint in the region, including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and Royal Navy ships RFA Mounts Bay and HMS Duncan, which have remained in the eastern Mediterranean to support British nationals and allies over the summer.

The Royal Air Force also have aircraft and transport helicopters on standby to provide support if necessary.

Background
- today’s funding announcement comes from pre-existing Official Development Assistance budgets and is already accounted for
- the UK is committed to supporting the most vulnerable in Lebanon, including refugees and Lebanese communities, with timely, flexible assistance to address basic needs and reduce suffering
- the UK’s bilateral humanitarian support to Lebanon this financial year (up to £21 million through the Lebanon Humanitarian Programme, including this £5 million for UNICEF) is focussed on:
  - supporting the most vulnerable refugee and Lebanese communities to meet their basic needs
  - providing essential education and child protection services to over 5,000 of the most vulnerable and marginalised out of school children and
  - supporting the Government of Lebanon to develop more inclusive, sustainable, and accountable social protection systems
- through the Lebanon Humanitarian Programme, the UK is one of the largest donors to OCHA’s Lebanon Humanitarian Fund which has allocated $14.7 million to a range of non-governmental organisations for preparedness and response to displacement
- earlier this year, a Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocation of $9 million was released to support UN partners response to the rising needs in Southern Lebanon. The UK is one of the largest donors to the CERF globally
- $2.2 million Education Cannot Wait (ECW) funding has been released to support 5,000 children affected by the crisis. The UK is the second largest donor to ECW
October 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : This government will show global leadership on the climate crisis – UK statement at the UN [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 September 2024.

Statement by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP at the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise.

Can I say what a privilege it is to address this incredibly important session here at the United Nations.

I want to start by saying that in the new United Kingdom government, you have a partner that wants to show global leadership on these critical issues around the climate crisis.

And we want to show that global leadership in three ways.

First of all, we have come to this session to show solidarity with all of those states around the world that are threatened by sea-level rise.

We know the combined threats of sea-level rise, climate change and increasing extreme weather events, which disproportionately impact Small Island Developing States, and indeed other coastal states.

You are on the front line of the crisis and are leading the way to protect our oceans, and we must listen and learn from your experiences, and indeed come together to address the challenges you face.

Secondly, we have a government in the UK that is willing to tell the truth about where we are, as we all must do.

We are way off-track from where we need to be to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees, and this is something we must confront in the months and years ahead.

And thirdly, a government in the UK that is determined to lead by example, and then use that to show international leadership too.

It might interest this session to know that we won a general election on the basis of bold climate action –

a pledge not to issue new oil and gas licenses,

a pledge to decarbonise our power system by 2030,

a pledge to ensure that we had a Nationally Determined Contribution consistent with 1.5 degrees.

My pledge to you on the global stage is that we will act with the boldness that the situation demands.

We will publish our NDC well ahead of COP30 in Brazil, and it will be bold, and it will be consistent with 1.5 degrees.

We will be participants that argue for a strong and scaled-up finance goal as part of the NCQG; reform of the Multilateral Development Banks; and indeed, operationalising the Fund for Loss and Damage that was agreed last year at COP28.

The world has been waiting for too long. Now is not simply the time for bold words, it is the time for bold action.

And in the new United Kingdom government, you have a government committed to take that action in partnership with states around the world, particularly those states threatened by sea-level rise.

Thank you very much.

October 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Britain’s return to responsible global leadership will help drive growth at home, Prime Minister to tell United Nations [September 2024]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 September 2024.

Britain will return to responsible global leadership under my watch, the Prime Minister will tell the UN General Assembly in New York this week.
- Prime Minister will travel to New York today to participate in United General Assembly meetings with important international partners.
- He will contribute to sessions on major global challenges such as the situation in Ukraine, the Middle East and climate change.
- PM will pledge to return the UK to responsible global leadership to tackle the issues that rebound on British people at home.
Britain will return to responsible global leadership under my watch, the Prime Minister will tell the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

He will use several interventions across his two-day visit to argue that our participation and reputation abroad is directly linked to our security, stability and prosperity at home.

In a speech to the UN General Assembly on Thursday, he will say that it is only by being a reliable and trusted international partner, working together to solve global problems such as war, poverty and climate change – that we can build a safer and more prosperous UK.

The Prime Minister will say:

We are returning the UK to responsible global leadership. This is the moment to reassert fundamental principles and our willingness to defend them. To recommit to the UN, to internationalism, to the rule of law.

Because I know that this matters to the British people. War, poverty and climate change all rebound on us at home. They make us less secure, they harm our economy, and they create migration flows on an unprecedented scale.

The British people are safer and more prosperous when we work internationally to solve these problems, instead of merely trying to manage their effects. So, the responsible global leadership that we will pursue is undeniably in our self-interest.

He will use his speech to set out how the UK will step up to play its part, guided by the rule of law, in tackling these challenges in a world that is increasingly dominated by conflicts – including those in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan.

It follows a major drive by the Prime Minister in his first few months in office to reset the UK’s relationship with its key allies and prove that Britain is back as a major player on the world stage – a key part of his ambition to drive growth and improve the lives of hardworking British people.
October 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Statement – Meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom and Argentina [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 September 2024.

The Foreign Secretary and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina made progress on different issues regarding the South Atlantic.

Looking forward to a new era of constructive cooperation within the bilateral relationship, characterised by improved dialogue and confidence-building measures, the UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina, Diana Mondino, met in New York on 24 September and made progress towards a broad agenda covering different issues relating to the South Atlantic. It is agreed that the formula on the safeguards of sovereignty in paragraph 2 of the Joint Statement of 19 October 1989 applies to this agenda and its outcomes.

The Parties have agreed to resume negotiations to complete the third phase of the Humanitarian Project Plan together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, and to organise a trip to the Islands by next-of-kin of fallen soldiers before the end of 2024, so that they can visit the graves of the soldiers laid there to rest.

They also agreed on the need to take concrete steps in the area of fisheries conservation and towards improved connectivity, according to the agreements reached in 2018, including the resumption of the weekly Sao Paulo flight to the Islands that stopped once a month in Cordoba.

These steps will enable progress towards a more ambitious agenda for co-operation in different areas, under the sovereignty formula, aimed at promoting human and economic development and strengthening links between the Islands and the continent.

Both the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Mondino welcomed the steps being taken to establish an improved bilateral relationship and agreed to speak again when opportunity allowed.

October 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New measures set out to reduce net migration [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 24 September 2024.

New measures to cut historically high levels of net migration have been announced today, bolstering the Home Secretary’s approach to tackle the root causes behind the UK’s long-term reliance on international recruitment.

Sectors most reliant on overseas workers will be targeted to ensure they are addressing their failure to invest in skills here in the UK.

The government will task the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) with monitoring and proactively highlighting key sectors where skills shortages have led to surges in overseas recruitment and provide a yearly assessment to ministers to inform policy decision making.

Rules around visa sponsorship of migrant workers will also be strengthened so that strong action can be taken against employers who flout employment laws, restricting their ability to hire workers from abroad. This is in addition to work already underway to clamp down on existing sponsor licence holders and to stop visa abuse, such as the ramping up of investigation visits by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and suspending and revoking licenses where employers abuse the immigration system and exploit migrant workers.

This follows plans already set out by the Home Secretary to link migration policy with skills and wider labour market policy, so that international recruitment is no longer the default choice for employers filling skills shortages, as well as the government’s confirmation that changes made by the previous administration to the immigration system will remain in place.

The new joined-up approach across government, set out by the Home Secretary in July, establishes a framework in which the newly formed Skills England, the Industrial Strategy Council, together with input from the Department for Work and Pensions, will work closely with the MAC so that migration is not used as an alternative to tackling training or skills shortages in the UK.

The MAC’s annual assessment will help industries respond swiftly to skills gaps and take necessary steps to reduce their dependency on migrant workers and invest in training, workforce plans, and higher quality jobs for workers here at home.

The expanded role for the MAC will be bolstered by additional capacity and includes work to assess the root causes of why certain sectors are so reliant on overseas workers. It has already been commissioned by the Home Secretary to look at IT and engineering – key sectors which have consistently relied on the international workforce, rather than sourcing the workers and skills they need here in the UK.

October 6, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Recruitment campaign launched for new champion to support victims of major incidents [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 24 September 2024.

Victims and bereaved families of any future major incident will be better supported with the launch of a new permanent bespoke position.

Recruitment for the Independent Public Advocate (IPA) has begun today (Tuesday 24 September).

The person selected for this important role will help victims of a major incident understand the actions of public authorities in relation to the incident.

They will ensure that victims’ views are taken into account during proceedings, speak to public authorities on their behalf, point them to any support and advice services and help them access information they are entitled to as part of any investigation, inquest or inquiry. They will also advise other advocates who may be appointed for individual incidents.

Meeting a key recommendation of Bishop James Jones’ 2017 report into the experience of the Hillsborough families, the government has also confirmed it will legislate to introduce a bill placing a duty of candour on public servants and public authorities.

This will require those covered by the duty to cooperate fully with inquiries and investigations, placing sanctions on those found to have lied, mislead or withheld information. The government also intends to include the prospect of criminal convictions for the most egregious breaches.

The government will also provide legal aid to victims of disasters or state-related deaths to support bereaved families at an incredibly difficult time following the loss of their loved ones.

The Independent Public Advocate role was created in Part 2 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.

The advocate is expected to be in post next summer.

October 6, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK Statement for Item 4 General Debate [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 September 2024.

Item 4: General Debate on the human rights situations that require the Council’s attention. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO & UN, Simon Manley.

Mr President,

Upholding the international rule of law lies at the heart of this Council, and we must call out violations wherever they occur.

The situation in Afghanistan is intolerable. The Taliban are imposing draconian controls on women and girls.

In Iran, executions have surged. Women, girls and minority groups face repression. Journalists are silenced. The Fact-Finding Mission has said violations against protestors amount to crimes against humanity. Accountability for these violations is essential.

We are of course deeply concerned over escalating human rights violations in the West Bank and Gaza, including the rights to life, health and free movement. We call for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages and protection of civilians.

In Xinjiang, we echo the statement made earlier by the US, while in Hong Kong, we call on the authorities to end politically motivated prosecutions, immediately release Jimmy Lai and cease attempts to apply Hong Kong law extra-territorially, including to individuals in the UK. China must uphold its human rights obligations.

Reports of continuing Russian atrocities against Ukrainians are horrifying – not least the systematic and widespread use of torture against detainees. There must be no impunity. The rule of law must prevail.

October 6, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New laws to be introduced to crack down on fraud [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 24 September 2024.

The government will bring forward a new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill in this parliamentary session to crack down on fraud in the social security system.
- Fraud, Error and Debt Bill brought forward to tackle fraud in social security system
- New laws to give DWP more powers to catch fraudsters faster and prevent customers from getting into debt sooner
- Bill to include measures to protect vulnerable customers and ensure support goes to those who need it most
The Bill is expected to save £1.6 billion over the next five years and will extend and modernise DWP’s powers to stop fraud in its tracks, recover money lost to fraud and protect vulnerable customers from racking up debt.

Fraud and error in the social security system currently costs the taxpayer almost £10 billion a year and since the pandemic a total of £35 billion of taxpayers’ money has been taken away from those who need it most.

The nature of fraud has also become more sophisticated, meaning without new legal powers, DWP cannot properly keep pace with the changing nature of fraud to tackle it robustly enough.

This legislation will give DWP powers to:
- Better investigate suspected fraud and new powers of search and seizure so DWP can take greater control investigations into criminal gangs defrauding the taxpayer.
- Allow DWP to recover debts from individuals who can pay money back but have avoided doing so, bringing greater fairness to debt recoveries.
- Require banks and financial institutions to share data that may show indications of potential benefit overpayments
The Bill will also include safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable customers. Staff will be trained to the highest standards on the appropriate use of any new powers, and we will introduce new oversight and reporting mechanisms, to monitor these new powers. DWP will not have access to people’s bank accounts and will not share their personal information with third parties.

We will also bring forward a Code of Practice which will be consulted on during the passage of the Bill to provide further assurance on the safe use of the powers.

This legislation delivers on the government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money and demonstrates the government’s commitment to not tolerate fraud, error or waste anywhere in public services, including the social security system.

Further details on the scope of the legislation will be set out when the Bill is introduced.
October 6, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK Statement on the Russian Federation [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 September 2024.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Merci Monsieur President, and welcome to the Special Rapporteur.

Let me thank her for her report this morning. It’s a sobering picture in which she depicts a worsening human rights situation.

And it’s clear what we’ve seen over the last year is a widespread and systemic application of oppressive legislation to further strengthen the Russian state’s oppressive hold over its own population and society. Just over that last year, it’s intensified its persecution of anyone it deems to be a political opponent. And it seems to be seeing enemies everywhere in Russian society, creating a climate of fear and making examples of specific individuals to intimidate the wider population.

Special Rapporteur, you noted in particular the deterioration of treatment of political prisoners. Of course, Alexei Navalny’s tragic death was a stark reminder to us all of the risks faced by those brave individuals who speak out against the Kremlin. The Russian state has to meet its international obligations and we in the UK will continue to hold those responsible for the violations of such obligations to account.

Mr President, Russia’s repression domestically both enables and is driven by its aggression abroad, and the international community must hold Russia to account for violations of human rights both domestically and internationally.

Evidencing the scale of human rights violations is key. So we support your request, Special Rapporteur, to travel to Russia as part of your mandate and we welcome your suggestions this afternoon in how we might support you.

October 6, 2024