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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister confirms nearly half a billion pounds of Italian investment into the UK to support jobs and drive growth [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister confirms nearly half a billion pounds of Italian investment into the UK to support jobs and drive growth [September 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 September 2024.

    More jobs for British people will be created thanks to nearly half a billion pounds worth of investment by Italian businesses into the UK, the PM has announced today.

    • Prime Minister announces £485 million of Italian investment into the UK following a meeting in Rome with Italian CEOs this morning
    • He also met his Italian counterpart, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to strengthen the UK-Italy partnership across migration, trade and defence
    • Part of Prime Minister’s drive to deliver results for hardworking British people by resetting the UK’s relationship with key international partners

    More jobs for British people will be created thanks to nearly half a billion pounds worth of investment by Italian businesses into the UK, the Prime Minister has announced today.

    In a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this afternoon, he confirmed £485 million of investment into UK defence, clean growth and innovation by two major Italian companies – Leonardo and Marcegaglia.

    This follows a business roundtable with leading Italian CEOs in Rome this morning, who collectively support over 20,000 jobs in every part of the UK.

    The Prime Minister has been continuing his drive to reset the UK’s relationship with its closest European partners to deepen co-operation on shared challenges, boost bilateral trade and investment and drive economic growth at home.

    Italy is one of the UK’s top ten trading partners, with annual bilateral trade between us worth £50 billion. It is also a pivotal NATO, G7 and EU player, and a key aim of the Prime Minister’s visit today was to unlock deeper co-operation across security, defence and migration.

    Today’s visit follows trips to Berlin, Paris and Dublin in the last month as the Prime Minister strives to move beyond Brexit, improve our international partnerships and unlock tangible results for British people.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    I am in Italy with a clear message for one of our closest international friends and partners: Britain is a place to do business.

    It is only by resetting our relationships around the world that we can break down the barriers that have been holding the UK back for so long.

    It means we can attract investment such as the significant sum I’m announcing today, create jobs for hardworking British people and deliver on my ultimate mission for the UK – economic growth.

    Today’s confirmed investments include:

    • Leonardo, one of the world’s leading defence, aerospace and security companies, will invest £435 million in 2024, to be spent at their Yeovil site, and in technology development and research programmes across the UK. It operates 8 major sites in the UK, supporting 8,000 employees.
    • Marcegaglia, a steel manufacturer, will invest £50 million in Sheffield to build a new clean steel electric arc furnace, 50 new jobs directly and indirectly.

    Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo said:

    It was a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister Starmer and discuss our new £435 million investment in the growth of Leonardo in the UK. This investment will support advanced research, thousands of highly skilled jobs and outstanding early careers opportunities at our eight UK sites as well as the resilience of our nationwide supply chain.

    It is clear that the Prime Minister represents a pronounced change in approach for the UK and its relationship with the European Union. Leonardo’s presence in the UK is underpinned by transnational collaboration at a governmental level, which also supports cooperation at an industrial level. I look forward to working closely with the Prime Minister as we continue to invest in the UK and support the defence of Europe.

    The Prime Minister also visited Italy’s National Coordination Centre earlier today with the newly appointed Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt CBE QPM. While there, they heard how Italy has successfully reduced irregular migration by 60% compared to last year, thanks to its innovative upstream work.

    In a joint statement issued after his meeting with Prime Minister Meloni, he has also confirmed that the UK will contribute £4 million to the Rome Process, the Italian government’s project to tackle the root causes of irregular migration.

    The UK and Italy have also agreed to work more closely to tackle illicit financial flows linked to organised immigration crime and share intelligence to disrupt the maritime equipment supply chains used by vile people smuggling gangs.

    The two leaders also agreed to deepen their defence co-operation by confirming that Italian Army and Navy will participate in UK Carrier Strike Group Operations in the Indo-Pacific next year.

    Notes to Editors:

    Attendees of the roundtable, hosted at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Rome, were as follows:

    • Claudio Descalzi, CEO, Eni
    • Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman, Leonardo
    • Lady Suzanne Heywood, COO, Exor and Chair, CNH Industrial N.V. and Iveco Group
    • Stefano Venier, CEO, Snam
    • Emma Marcegaglia, Chairman and CEO, Marcegaglia
    • Filippo Modulo, Partner, Chiomenti
    • Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice Chairman, Pirelli
    • Andrea Bonomi, Founder and Chairman, Investindustrial

    Further business quotes:

    Emma Marcegaglia, Chair and CEO of Marcegaglia Holding, said:

    The announced investments are evidence of Marcegaglia’s willingness and ability to invest to grow the UK business, which is beneficial also to Marcegaglia Italy to reduce the carbon footprint of the whole group by insourcing primary steelmaking for stainless steel.”

    Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, said:

    Eni sees the UK as a primary destination for its investments. The Government is establishing a favourable regulatory environment and promoting a clear strategy towards an orderly and fast energy transition. Eni believes a close cooperation with the public sector will be critical to develop the kind of groundbreaking projects we need to address the climate challenge. The recent award Green Volt, participated by Plenitude through the JV Vårgrønn – and set to become the biggest floating offshore wind project in the world with up to 560 MW capacity – in the Government’s annual green energy auction this month, is a clear testament of how Government and industry can work together to develop one of the most promising technologies of the future.

    Marco Trochetti Provera, Executive Vice-Chairman of Pirelli, said:

    We are honoured to be here today to welcome Prime Minister Starmer on a visit that strengthens the ties between Italy and the UK. Pirelli has been present in the UK for almost a century and it is a Country which represents a strategic market for us in terms of presiding over high-end car manufacturers.

    The collaboration between the public and private sectors, together with the professionalism and passion of the people who work there, has allowed us to gradually consolidate our presence in the British market, where today we are the sole tyre producer and which includes our factories in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent where our headquarters are also located.

    Lady Suzanne Heywood, Chair of CNH, said:

    CNH announces its intention to further develop its leading role of capturing fugitive methane from farm operations as alternative fuel with its investment in Bennamann in UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Junior doctors accept government pay deal [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Junior doctors accept government pay deal [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 16 September 2024.

    Devastating strikes come to an end as junior doctors accept pay offer by 66%.

    Junior doctors have accepted the government’s pay offer by 66%, after the most prolonged industrial dispute in the NHS’s history.

    Under the deal – which the Health Secretary agreed with BMA leadership within 3 weeks of coming into office – the government and junior doctors will work together to turn the health service around and resolve wider issues affecting the workforce, including training and rotational placements.

    As Lord Ara Darzi set out in his probe into the NHS, this government inherited a broken NHS which is in a critical condition. This is a sentiment shared by doctors, and has been seriously compounded by the impact of strikes.

    The deal comes days after the Prime Minister delivered a major speech on NHS reform, saying the government has a profound responsibility to do the hard work required to fix the NHS with long-term reform, and the NHS workforce will play an integral part in both designing and delivering the government’s 10-year health plan to deliver the necessary reform.

    The price of not settling the pay dispute has seen catastrophic impacts not just on the country’s economy – with NHS strikes costing the taxpayer almost £1.7 billion since April last year – but to patients and the nation’s health, with over 1.5 million appointments cancelled. Ending this chaos is a necessary first step in turning around the NHS.

    Doctors can now focus on treating their patients, and work with the government to recover and reform the NHS. The government has already taken action to remove red tape preventing general practices from hiring doctors – ensuring more than 1,000 newly qualified GPs can be recruited by the end of the year.

    NHS patients will have earlier access to new treatments and the UK will become the home of cutting-edge health research after the launch of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme last month – a joint public-private investment programme worth up to £400 million.

    The Darzi report has also been welcomed by NHS England and health organisations who have pledged to work closely with the government on its mission to rebuild the NHS.

    The Health and Social Care Secretary made reaching a deal his top priority on coming into office, and first spoke with the BMA’s junior doctors committee on his first day, ahead of the offer being agreed within weeks.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    We inherited a broken NHS, the most devastating dispute in the health service’s history, and negotiations hadn’t taken place with the previous ministers since March.

    Things should never have been allowed to get this bad. That’s why I made ending the strikes a priority, and we negotiated an end to them in just three weeks.

    I am pleased that our offer has been accepted, ending the strikes ahead of looming winter pressures on the NHS.

    This marks the necessary first step in our mission to cut waiting lists, reform the broken health service, and make it fit for the future.

    The cumulative impact of the uplifts mean a doctor starting foundation training in the NHS will see their basic pay increase to £36,600, compared to around £32,400 before the deal.

    Recognising how disruptive the system of rotations can be for junior doctors, their partners and families, the department will lead a review of the current system, with the intention of reforming the number and frequency of rotations.

    We will also be working with NHS England on a review of training numbers, both to address the training bottlenecks which already exist and the planned expansion of medical school places, to ensure patients have access to the junior doctors they need today, and the consultants and GPs they will need in the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK ministers visit Gulf to boost trade and investment [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK ministers visit Gulf to boost trade and investment [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 September 2024.

    • Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander choose the Gulf for first joint international visit since election
    • Trade deal with the Gulf part of Government drive to deliver economic growth
    • Ministers to showcase UK as exciting and innovative investment destination ahead of International Investment Summit next month

    UK Ministers are in the Gulf this week on a joint visit to boost trade and investment, one month out from the International Investment Summit.

    Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander will meet counterparts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) today [Mon 16 September] in Riyadh to discuss how to grow the UK economy by boosting trade with the region.

    The GCC is made up of six countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UK’s trade relationship with the group is already worth £57 billion.

    Government announced in July it plans to deliver a high-quality trade deal with the bloc, along with other countries including India, Switzerland and South Korea.

    A GCC trade deal could boost the UK economy by £1.6 billion in the long run, while allowing UK companies to take advantage of this booming market and giving British consumers access to more high-quality goods and services. Ministers will emphasise to GCC leaders that securing the deal is a top priority for the UK.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    “Economic growth is this government’s driving mission and boosting trade and investment with some of the world’s biggest economies is crucial to that.

    “I want to see a high-quality trade deal that supports jobs, helps UK companies sell their products to the region and increases choice for consumers – so it’s great to be here to discuss exactly that.”

    Ahead of the International Investment Summit on 14 October, the Trade Secretary and Minister will make clear that Britain is back as a prime investment destination. They will highlight the UK’s expertise as a world leader across a wide variety of industries including technology, life sciences, creative industries, financial services and renewable energy.

    The GCC has long been a valued investment partner for the UK, with a £19 billion strong investment relationship as of 2021. A new trade deal will boost that even further.

    Following his visit to Riyadh, Minister Alexander will travel onto Oman to meet counterparts, including the Minister of Commerce, and some of the UK businesses who are already enjoying great success in the country.

    Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander said:

    “We are excited about the opportunities this vibrant region has to offer UK business and consumers.

    “We want our trading partners in the Gulf and around the world to know that the UK is open for business and keen to negotiate trade deals that help businesses across sectors and all parts of the UK to prosper.”

    According to Oman’s official data, the UK accounts for more than half of the entire foreign direct investment in Oman creating jobs and opportunities on both sides.

    Oman is a valued investor in the UK in turn, signing major deals in areas like green energy with UK companies.

    British investment in the Gulf also supports thousands of jobs back in the UK. Across the Middle East and particularly in Saudi Arabia, UK Export Finance (UKEF) is providing British businesses with the resources they need to win contracts abroad.

    One example is Kiverco, a Northern Ireland-based family business which designs, manufactures and installs recycling plants globally. Through a £350,000 export insurance package from UKEF, they recently announced taking on multimillion pound contracts to export recycling machinery to Saudi Arabia, supporting over 100 UK jobs and the Saudi Vision 2040 goal of diverting 90% of waste away from landfills.

    Adam Gagen, Global Head of Government Affairs at Revolut, said:

    “We see the UK GCC FTA as a potential game changer for fintechs, enabling UK companies to expand into the fast-growing region whilst also making the UK the natural place for the innovative companies emerging across the Gulf to begin to go global.

    “The GCC and the UK are leading the way in a number of key areas – notably open banking, AI and blockchain – and an FTA can only serve to reinforce cooperation and supercharge growth.”

    Adam Sopher, Co-Founder & CEO for Joe & Seph’s said:

    “We see our recent £1m annual contract in the region as a game changer for Joe & Seph’s, a fast growing, family business which manufactures gourmet popcorn in a range of over 70 flavours.

    “This contract will enable us to expand into this fast-growing region while supporting over 70 UK-based jobs. Our collaboration with our International Trade Advisor and DBT support at GulFoods has been instrumental in this success.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK convenes global coalition to boost cyber skills and tackle growing threats [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK convenes global coalition to boost cyber skills and tackle growing threats [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 16 September 2024.

    Three days of talks begin with like-minded nations as the UK calls for a renewed focus on tackling global cyber threats and boosting cyber skills.

    • Three days of talks begin with like-minded nations as the UK calls for a renewed focus on tackling global cyber threats and boosting cyber skills
    • To plug skills gap, a new scheme will be launched to fund cyber training in England and Northern Ireland
    • Comes ahead of new laws to better protect the UK from cyber-attacks and follows decision to classify data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI)

    The UK will convene leading nations including the US and EU for talks on how to tackle the growing threat of cyber-attacks, as new figures show nearly half of British businesses do not have the skills needed to protect against cyber-crime.

    Taking place at Wilton Park in West Sussex, the discussions come at a critical time following recent high-profile incidents – including the global IT outage, an attack impacting NHS service providers, and attempts to disrupt London’s transport network.

    Over the next three days countries including the EU member states, Canada, Japan and international organisations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will discuss how global cyber security workforces can be strengthened, from agreeing ways to boost cyber skills to developing new professional standards.

    To help this effort, the UK will commission a new report, with attendees set to agree key areas it should focus on. The recommendations are expected to be published by the end of the year and will advance international collaboration to improve cyber skills and face down cyber-crime.

    Taking more immediate action, the UK government is also launching a new scheme to deliver tailored support across regions of England and Northern Ireland. By tapping into local know how, the move will fund initiatives which will directly address the cyber skills needs of individual areas – whether it’s through apprenticeships or companies developing new forms of cyber security.

    It follows the government’s decision to designate data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) alongside energy and water systems, which will bolster the UK’s security and allow the government to support the sector in the event of critical incidents. Supporting UK cyber skills will also boost the £11.9 billion cyber security industry and help protect growth in the UK economy.

    Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said:

    The UK needs a significant improvement in its cyber defences after the previous government failed to strengthen our cyber laws – we’re fixing that.

    Later this year, we’ll bring forward new measures to better protect the nation from cyber-crime and our new regional skills programme will support the next generation of cyber talent and innovators.

    But this is a shared challenge, which is why we’re bringing together global allies to discuss and agree steps to keep us safe online, improve cyber skills and protect our economy and public services.

    A total of £1.3 million is being made available for organisations such as universities, local councils and businesses to provide cyber skills training, and fund organisations developing new innovations in cyber defence across Northern Ireland and England. Delivered by Innovate UK, applications for the scheme open today and will see grants of up to £150,000 awarded to winning applicants by March 2025.

    Alongside this, the UK government has also launched a competition to find the best young cyber talent to represent the UK on the international stage.

    The event demonstrates the UK’s leadership in bringing likeminded countries together to discuss one of the biggest threats facing nations around the world today. It’s hoped it will firmly place cyber on the global agenda and become a regular fixture – with other nations expected to host going forward.

    To mark the opening, the UK has published the latest figures from its Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labour Market Survey. The findings show that while the estimated annual shortfall for jobs in the UK’s cyber workforce has reduced – down from 11,200 last year to just 3,500 this year – 44% of UK businesses do not have the fundamental skills to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.

    The figures highlight the need for further targeted action to ensure the UK’s cyber security workforce can continue to develop a rich pipeline of diverse talent to help keep the nation safe online in the years to come – which the new regional skills programme will help to address.

    To further bridge the global cyber skills gap, the UK is also teaming up with CREST International – a non-profit organisation representing standards in the global cyber security community – to launch the CREST Cyber Accelerated Maturity Programme (CAMP).

    This Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) sponsored scheme will provide mentoring to cyber service providers to develop their capabilities, experience and skills in line with CREST’s standards, and bolster training. Countries in Europe, Africa, South-East Asia, and the Middle East have been invited to join as founding partners.

    The UK government is taking swift action to address vulnerabilities and protect the nation’s digital economy to deliver growth, by bringing forward the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. This will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences, ensure that critical infrastructure and the digital services that companies rely on are secure.

    Wilton Park CEO Tom Cargill said:

    Cyber security is becoming harder, but also ever more essential. That’s why it’s vital that we have a strong international framework of standards for cyber professionals.

    Wilton Park plays a discreet but critical role in supporting the skills & knowledge required to protect and advance global freedoms, both on & offline, so we’re delighted to be hosting this dialogue aimed at building an effective and internationalised cyber security profession.

    Notes to editors

    Countries and organisations in attendance

    • Australia (Australian Public Service Commission)
    • Canada (Canadian Centre for Cyber Security)
    • Government of Dubai (Dubai Electronic Security Center)
    • European Union (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity)
    • Ghana (Cyber Security Authority)
    • India (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology)
    • Italy (National Cybersecurity Agency)
    • Ireland (National Cyber Security Centre is a government computer security organisation in Ireland)
    • Japan (Embassy)
    • Oman (Advanced Cybersecurity Academy, Cyber Defense Centre)
    • Singapore (Cyber Security Agency of Singapore)
    • United States (National Institute of Standards and Technology, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)
    • Republic of Korea (Ministry of Science and ICT)
    • African Union
    • United Kingdom (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, National Cyber Security Centre)

    Other organisations involved

    • BAE Systems
    • BT Security
    • CyberSafe Foundation
    • World Economic Forum (WEF)
    • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
    • Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE)
    • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
    • Protection Group International (PGI)
    • TechUK
    • UK Cyber Security Council

    Certification bodies

    • International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2)
    • Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
    • CREST
    • SANS
    • Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
    • Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

    Representatives from the academic community such as University of Manchester, Southampton and Oxford.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister visits West Africa to bolster partnerships for growth [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister visits West Africa to bolster partnerships for growth [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 September 2024.

    Minister for Africa Lord Collins of Highbury embarks on a week-long visit to Ghana and Senegal to bolster partnerships for growth.

    • UK support to boost growth, clean energy, food security and women’s empowerment announced as Minister for Africa Lord Collins begins week-long visit to West African regional powers, Ghana and Senegal
    • in Ghana, UK funds will help small businesses to access clean energy sources and in Senegal, the minister will lead a delegation of 40 companies to explore opportunities to deepen trade and investment ties
    • new funding will also improve access to reproductive health services for women and girls in Senegal

    Modern economic partnerships are high on the agenda as UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins for Highbury, embarks on a week-long visit to Ghana and Senegal to drive mutual growth and prosperity.

    In Senegal, Lord Collins will meet Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Leading a delegation of 40 companies, he will explore opportunities for increasing trade and investment between the UK and Senegal with a focus on partnerships that deliver mutually beneficial, sustainable growth.

    He will also highlight new UK Export Finance-backed investment in infrastructure worth hundreds of millions of pounds, and commit UK support for Senegal’s new industrial strategy.

    Visiting the Port of Dakar, Lord Collins will see first-hand how UK investment will support Senegalese and intra-African growth and trade and create jobs; and ride the UK-funded Dakar Bus Rapid Transit System, the first electric bus network in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Approximately £7.24 million of UK funding has also been announced to empower women and girls to have greater voice, choice and control over their reproductive health and rights in Senegal, through the new Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Dividend programme.

    Subject to contract, the programme will be delivered by MSI Senegal, alongside Senegalese and international partners, the programme is expected to prevent almost 400,000 unintended pregnancies, 92,000 unsafe abortions, and over 550 maternal deaths. It is also estimated to save approximately £24.3 million in direct healthcare costs that would otherwise be paid for by families or the healthcare system.

    Ahead of his visit, Lord Collins of Highbury said:

    The UK is reconnecting with the world. We are deepening our relationships with our African counterparts based on genuine respect, focusing on partnerships that deliver mutually beneficial and sustainable investment and growth.

    In Senegal, I’m leading a UK trade mission of 40 companies and announcing support to their flagship connectivity programme and their new industrial strategy. In Ghana, we’re unlocking access to a network of clean, green energy for small businesses through an innovative partnership with the private sector. These are the growth initiatives of the future.

    But a country cannot grow sustainably without empowering its women. That’s why I’m also announcing new funding to empower women and adolescents to have more freedom to control their bodies and their future and to contribute economically.

    Alain Christian Mbengue, MSI Senegal’s Country Director, said:

    I want to thank the UK government, not only for this important investment, but for their longstanding partnership and support.

    Through this funding we and our partners will be able to expand access to lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services that will support the Ministry of Health and Social Action to reach its ambitious targets and give women and girls from the poorest and most vulnerable communities the opportunity to follow their dreams and become our next generation of leaders.

    During his time in Ghana, Lord Collins will meet with the President Nana Akufo-Addo and political leaders ahead of the country’s election in December 2024. The minister will also meet with the World Food Programme (WFP) to understand more about how climate change is contributing to food insecurity, launching a £500,000 food fortification programme, alongside new funding of at least £1 million to support Ghanaian communities suffering from drought and crop deprivation.

    The UK, together with Shell Foundation, will also announce support for innovative energy firms Kofa and PASH Global to accelerate the green energy transition in Ghana. Backed by a commitment of £3.8 million, Kofa and PASH will help small businesses switch from petrol generators to sustainable batteries for powering appliances like refrigerators. The initiative also promotes the use of electric motorbikes, providing green energy solutions for everyday mobility.

    The project is part of the UK’s Transforming Energy Access programme which works with countries to provide sustainable energy for millions of people, creating jobs and supporting livelihoods.

    Background

    • during his visit to Senegal, Lord Collins will also launch the British Council’s English Connects programme for 2024 to 2025 to increase access to learning English in Senegalese secondary schools
    • subject to contract, MSI Senegal will lead a consortium, building on longstanding collaboration with international partners like IPAS, Options and Sightsavers. They will also bring in vital local knowledge and expertise from African organisations including RAES, Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) to improve women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services in Senegal, with a focus on reaching the poor, vulnerable and hard-to-reach, such as women living with disabilities
    • during his visit to Ghana, Lord Collins will launch a food fortification programme alongside new funding of at least £1 million to support Ghanaian communities suffering from drought and crop deprivation
    • he will also launch a new £1.9 million Sankore call for proposals to support research and innovation in Ghana and Nigeria. Sankore is part of the UK’s Africa Technology and Innovation Partnership (ATIP) Programme
  • PRESS RELEASE : New Border Security Commander appointed as Prime Minister’s European reset continues in Italy [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Border Security Commander appointed as Prime Minister’s European reset continues in Italy [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 September 2024.

    Martin Hewitt CBE QPM has been appointed to lead the UK’s new Border Security Command – marking a significant step forward in the fight against illegal migration and criminal smuggling gangs.

    • Martin Hewitt CBE QPM appointed as new Border Security Commander
    • Prime Minister announces former NPCC Chair with “unique expertise” ahead of Rome visit
    • Commander will lead a new international effort to destroy criminal smuggling gangs

    Martin Hewitt CBE QPM has been appointed to lead the UK’s new Border Security Command – marking a significant step forward in the fight against illegal migration and criminal smuggling gangs.

    Signalling a new approach to securing our borders, the Border Security Command will be armed with enhanced powers and will coordinate the work of all our law enforcement and intelligence agencies to lead joint investigations with European counterparts to address organised immigration crime.

    Martin Hewitt has over 30 years’ experience tackling serious crime and protecting national security. As former Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council he led strategic coordination across all UK police forces and played a critical role in shaping national responses to major security threats, including terrorism, organised crime and illegal migration.

    His ability to bring together policing, law enforcement, intelligence agencies and government bodies in response to major security threats was key to his appointment. His leadership was most visibly demonstrated in managing the UK’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating policing efforts.

    The announcement comes as part of the Prime Minister’s visit to Italy, where he is continuing his drive to reset relations with key international partners and deliver tangible results for the British people on migration, trade and security for the UK.

    As part of the visit Keir Starmer will discuss with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni her country’s success in tackling irregular migration. Italy has seen a 60 per cent drop in irregular migration by sea over the past year thanks to tough enforcement and international cooperation.

    The Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “No more gimmicks. This government will tackle the smuggling gangs who trade the lives of men, women and children across borders.

    “Martin Hewitt’s unique expertise will lead a new era of international enforcement to dismantle these networks, protect our shores and bring order to the asylum system.”

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    “I am delighted to welcome Martin to this role. Following decades working at the top of law enforcement on national security, public safety and serious organised crime he has the experience and track record we need to lead our Border Security Command.

    “Dangerous criminal smuggling gangs have been making millions out of small boat crossings, undermining our border security and putting lives at risk, and getting away with it for far too long.

    Under this Government we have taken early action against the smuggler gangs including increasing British officers stationed at Europol and commencing recruitment of 100 specialist investigators to go after these criminal networks and their supply chains, including seizing boats and engines.

    “With the Border Security Command we can go much further – building new law enforcement partnerships across Europe and getting new powers into place, to go after the gangs, tackle dangerous boat crossings and save lives.”

    Newly appointed Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said:

    “I am honoured and excited to lead this new and groundbreaking Command. I am under no illusions of the challenges that lie ahead, but I am determined to face them head-on.

    “For too long, the criminal gangs who smuggle people through Europe have abused our borders in the name of profit, and they are responsible for the deaths of scores of vulnerable, innocent people. We will dismantle them, bring them to justice and prevent them from using exploitation and deceit to fill their pockets.

    “It is great to see that progress has been made in recent weeks, and we will build on this to forge deeper relationships with all of the organisations within Border Security Command, as well as our friends and partners across the world.”

    The Prime Minister will be joined in Rome by the new Commander and will outline the UK’s strategy to work more closely with European partners to pursue, disrupt and arrest those responsible for this vile trade.

    During the visit the Prime Minister and Mr Hewitt will tour the National Coordination Centre for Migration to see first-hand how Italy responds to irregular migration and discuss future cooperation.

    The Prime Minister is leading a reset in the relationship with Europe, with work to increase security co-operation already leading to a 50 per cent uplift in the number of National Crime Agency officers stationed in Europol, working on organised immigration crime.

    This month the National Crime Agency (NCA) hosted a summit of Cabinet ministers and law enforcement partners that discussed plans for further collaboration with European partners.

    This renewed cooperation has already led to success, including co-operation with Bulgaria seeing more than 40 small boats and engines being intercepted in recent weeks – enough to have enabled 2,400 people to attempt the deadly crossing. This work is among 70 live operations the NCA is currently running with international partners.

    The planned Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will bring forward intrusive state powers mirroring Counter Terror legislation, to allow law enforcement partners to disrupt, investigate and prosecute those facilitating organised immigration crime.

    The Prime Minister is visiting Italy to forge stronger ties with one of the UK’s key European partners following productive trips to Berlin, Paris and Dublin.

    Italy is a pivotal NATO, G7 and EU player and the UK’s 9th largest trading partner with bilateral trade flows worth over £50 billion.

    While in Rome the Prime Minister will focus on building an ambitious partnership with Italy that will deliver for the British and Italian people. He will meet with business leaders to explore ways to unlock further trade potential between the two countries and discuss closer co-operation with Prime Minister Meloni on defence and security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Biden of the United States [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Biden of the United States [September 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 September 2024.

    The Prime Minister and U.S. President Joe Biden held talks at the White House this afternoon.

    The leaders both welcomed the opportunity for an in-depth discussion on a wide range of foreign policy issues, including the situation in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.

    With both conflicts continuing, they agreed that now was the time for a more detailed discussion focused on immediate co-operation as well as long-term strategy over the next few months.

    On Ukraine, they heard from the Foreign Secretary and the U.S. Secretary of State about their recent visit to Kyiv. They updated on the courageous campaign of the Ukrainians to defend their territory and deter Russian aggression. They strongly condemned the transfer of lethal weapons to Russia from North Korea and Iran.

    Both leaders agreed on the importance of sustaining support to Ukraine in all aspects, including military, economic and diplomatic, for as long as it takes for Russia to withdraw.

    On the Middle East, they discussed the urgent need for a ceasefire deal, the imperative of ensuring much greater flows of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the deeply concerning escalation in the West Bank – including settlement expansion and increasing settler violence. They agreed to work together to tackle these concerns. The Prime Minister reiterated his view that the only viable long-term solution to this conflict is the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, that provides security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

    They moved on to discuss the Indo-Pacific region and agreed on the vital importance of our global defence partnerships, including AUKUS.

    They agreed to continue their discussions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK funding for those impacted by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK funding for those impacted by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 September 2024.

    The UK government has announced £1 million of humanitarian assistance to Vietnam to support the initial phase of the response to the impact of Typhoon Yagi.

    • the UK government is providing £1 million of humanitarian assistance in response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam. It will provide emergency supplies, cash assistance and critical services, such as health, water and sanitation to those affected
    • Typhoon Yagi is the most powerful storm to hit the South China Sea in 30 years and has caused widespread damage and loss of life in multiple provinces
    • this vital humanitarian assistance will support the initial phase of the response, including life-saving interventions and early recovery via humanitarian partners

    The UK government has today announced £1 million of humanitarian assistance to Vietnam to support the initial phase of the response to the impact of Typhoon Yagi. The vital assistance will be allocated to humanitarian partners and will reach individuals directly through providing emergency supplies, cash assistance and critical services, such as health, water and sanitation.

    Typhoon Yagi hit Vietnam with sustained winds of 142 mph and heavy rainfall. [As of 14 September] 351 people are reported to be dead or missing, and over 800 people have reported injuries following landslides, falling trees, and widespread flooding. Furthermore, over 188,000 houses are damaged, destroyed or flooded and there has been significant damage to power infrastructure, bridges, and educational facilities.

    Vietnam is one of the world’s most climate vulnerable states. The UK is at the forefront of climate cooperation with Vietnam as co-leaders of the Just Energy Transition Partnership. In addition to supporting the initial phase of the typhoon response, this funding will help to boost Vietnam’s ongoing resilience to climate change.

    Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

    The UK government stands beside the people affected by the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam.

    We have coordinated closely with the Vietnamese government and humanitarian partners to identify where our support can have greatest impact.

    The funding announced today will reach those most in need, providing emergency supplies, cash assistance and critical services, such as health, water and sanitation to those in the worst affected areas.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles – G7 foreign ministers’ statement [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles – G7 foreign ministers’ statement [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 September 2024.

    Statement by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the EU.

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the EU, condemn in the strongest possible terms Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles.

    Evidence that Iran has continued to transfer weaponry to Russia despite repeated international calls to stop represents a further escalation of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia has used Iranian weaponry such as UAVs to kill Ukrainian civilians and strike their critical infrastructure. Russia’s aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of international law including the UN Charter.

    Iran must immediately cease all support to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine and halt such transfers of ballistic missiles, UAVs and related technology, which constitute a direct threat to the Ukrainian people as well as European and international security more broadly.

    We remain steadfast in our commitment to hold Iran to account for its unacceptable support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine that further undermines global security. In line with our previous statements on the matter, we are already responding with new and significant measures.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK-US Strategic Dialogue – Joint statement [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK-US Strategic Dialogue – Joint statement [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 September 2024.

    Joint statement by the governments of the United Kingdom and United States on the occasion of the UK-US Strategic Dialogue in London.

    United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in London to open the UK-US Strategic Dialogue.

    The Strategic Dialogue – led by the Secretaries of State of the United Kingdom and United States – celebrates and deepens the long-standing and special relationship between the United Kingdom and United States.

    The dialogue, held 10 to 11 September 2024, covered the key elements of the UK-US partnership, including unwavering support for Ukraine, the promotion of peace and security in the Middle East including through a ceasefire in Gaza, cooperation towards a free and open Indo-Pacific, and alignment on secure, resilient and sustainable growth.

    At the dialogue, the United Kingdom and United States emphasised the interconnectedness of the security and economies of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific.

    Foreign Secretary Lammy and Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the enduring support of the United Kingdom and United States for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    They discussed next steps to mobilise military and financial resources for Ukraine, restrict Russian revenues, put pressure on the Kremlin’s war machine, and restore Ukraine’s energy networks. They condemned strongly Russia’s recent air strikes that devastated Ukrainian civilians.

    They decided to work together to support the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans, highlighting Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO membership. The dialogue expressed particular concern about China’s support to Russia’s defence industrial base.

    Both leaders noted the importance of addressing security and stability in Europe; addressing threats from foreign disinformation, malicious cyber actors, and organised crime; and encouraging stable, inclusive, and prosperous societies.

    Secretary Blinken confirmed intelligence findings that Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran. Both Foreign Secretary Lammy and Secretary Blinken recognised the significance of this escalation and the concerning trend of Iran’s ever closer military support to Russia.

    They condemned the transfer and made clear that, alongside international partners, they would take coordinated action to respond with new and significant measures for Iran and Russia.

    The United Kingdom and United States also noted that Iran continued to bring instability to the region through its proliferation of advanced weaponry, alongside providing financial and political support to its partners, including Lebanese Hizballah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other groups in Iraq and Syria.

    Both agreed that Iran’s nuclear programme had never been more advanced and posed a clear threat to regional and global peace and security.

    Foreign Secretary Lammy expressed the United Kingdom’s clear support for the ongoing mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

    Both the United Kingdom and United States underlined their support for Israel’s security and the importance of avoiding any escalatory action in the region which would undermine the prospect for peace and progress towards a two-state solution.

    In that regard, they affirmed their shared commitment to securing a political agreement for a lasting security solution along the Blue Line that will allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians on both sides to return to their homes with safety and security.

    They discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated calls for all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and for Israel to facilitate the flow of aid, including ensuring the UN and humanitarian partners can deliver their operations safely.

    They welcomed the ongoing polio vaccination campaign and underlined the importance of cooperation from all parties with the WHO and health agencies to ensure that all children who need to be are vaccinated.

    The United Kingdom and United States reaffirmed their commitment to continue their Indo-Pacific Dialogue and pledged to explore new opportunities to coordinate approaches, work with others to support a free and open region, and oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.

    Both nations recognised that their partnership with Australia, through AUKUS, is a demonstration of that continued collective commitment to the region. They welcomed last month’s publication of the United Kingdom’s AUKUS Nations Open General Licence, alongside an International Traffic in Arms Regulations exemption granted by the United States and looked forward to implementation.

    These changes will enable enhanced collaboration and the rapid development of some of the most advanced capabilities in the world – revolutionising AUKUS partners’ defence trade sectors and unlocking growth and export opportunities for all of our industries.

    The United Kingdom and United States affirmed the importance of close coordination to advance shared objectives and common values and interests with respect to the Indo-Pacific.

    On China, the two sides confirmed our shared commitment to upholding international law and the rules based international system and noted with concern dangerous and destabilising actions in the South China Sea by Chinese vessels towards Philippines vessels.

    The United Kingdom and United States emphasised the need to respect the law of the sea as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They restated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as indispensable to the security and prosperity of the international community and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.

    The dialogue discussed the United Kingdom and United States’ shared priorities in Africa.  This includes efforts to end the conflict and promote expanded humanitarian access in Sudan and supporting Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term stability, including through the transition to a new African Union led security mission.

    In the dialogue, the United Kingdom and United States reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening the resilience of democracies around the world.  Both noted longstanding US-UK collaboration on anti-corruption issues, and the United States welcomed increased UK focus on countering corruption – specifically kleptocracy – including by addressing illicit finance, beneficial ownership transparency, and enablers of corruption.

    The United States and United Kingdom look forward to building on our cooperation in these areas, including through measures such as sanctions, multilateral and bilateral diplomacy, law enforcement, and foreign assistance.

    Recognising the threat foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) poses to democracies, the United Kingdom and United States decided to increase the pace and scale of our joint efforts to disrupt Kremlin and other state-sponsored FIMI and to advance joint capabilities among our closest partners.

    This effort was bolstered by a commitment from the United Kingdom and United States to take joint action to expose and disrupt covert foreign information operations around the world, which seek to spread lies and discord to undermine free and open societies.

    The United Kingdom and United States affirm our ambition to deliver through the G7 Collective Response Framework in 2025. These efforts will include as special focus joint assistance to Ukraine to counter Kremlin disinformation and propaganda seeking to justify an unjustifiable invasion.

    This work will build on and support both the United Kingdom and United States’ intention to continue bilateral cooperation on the five key action areas in the US Department of State’s Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation.

    Drawing on Prime Minister Starmer and President Biden’s recent commitment to aligned ambitions for greater economic growth, Foreign Secretary Lammy and Secretary Blinken noted how the UK-US security partnership underpinned the prosperity that allows both economies to grow, while working on a suite of tools to protect our critical technologies at the same time.

    They highlighted the centrality of the clean energy transition to economic security and growth and the criticality of strong climate leadership, as well as key domestic policies, such as the UK Clean Energy Superpower Mission and the US Inflation Reduction Act, and noted the considerable existing bilateral energy co-operation, including through the United Kingdom-United States Energy Dialogue.

    The United Kingdom and United States committed to work together ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan, including on global climate finance goals and driving progress on the effort to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030. They also committed to continue working through the G7 and other multilateral fora to enhance economic security and resilience.

    Foreign Secretary Lammy and Secretary Blinken expressed their enthusiasm for continuing to build on the steadfast relationship between the United Kingdom and United States. They affirmed the importance of Prime Minister Starmer’s September 13 meeting with President Biden in Washington DC and decided to continue discussions across the full range of foreign and security policy priorities.