Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Update to Lebanon travel advice – FCDO statement [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 August 2024.

Lebanon travel advice has been updated to reflect the fact that dependants of British Embassy Beirut staff have been temporarily withdrawn.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson, said:

We are deeply concerned with the highly volatile security situation in Lebanon. The safety of British nationals is our top priority, which is why we have deployed additional consular officials, Border Force and UK military personnel to the region.

We have also temporarily withdrawn the families of officials working at the British Embassy Beirut. The embassy continues to provide support to British nationals. The situation will continue to be monitored closely.

All British nationals should leave Lebanon now, while commercial routes are still available.

August 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Situation in the Middle East – G7 foreign ministers’ statement [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 August 2024.

Statement by G7 foreign ministers 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, express our deep concern at the heightened level of tension in the Middle East which threatens to ignite a broader conflict in the region.

We urge all involved parties once again to refrain from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence, to lower tensions and engage constructively toward de-escalation. No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.

August 20, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Britain set for growth with International Investment Summit [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 3 August 2024.

The government has announced the date of the International Investment Summit as it drives forward national mission for growth.
- UK will host major International Investment Summit on 14 October 2024 as it drives forward national mission for growth.
- Prime Minister to bring together up to 300 industry leaders to catalyse investment in the UK.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will confirm UK is open for business.
The UK will host a major International Investment Summit on 14 October 2024, advancing opportunities for investment and growth across the country.

Economic growth is the government’s top priority, and investment is one of the key pillars of the Chancellor’s growth strategy. The summit will make clear that the UK is “open for business” as the government resets relations with trading partners around the globe and creates a pro-business environment that supports innovation and high-quality jobs at home.

October’s summit will be a celebration of modern Britain and will allow global business leaders to hear directly from the PM and Cabinet ministers on how this government will drive future investment.

It comes as business confidence jumped in July to the highest level shown for eight years. Just last week, leading savings and retirement firm Phoenix Group, and global investment manager Schroders announced they will launch a new private markets investment manager, deploying up to £2.5 billion over three years with an initial commitment of £1 billion – further evidence of investor confidence in the UK.

The UK is also Europe’s leading tech ecosystem, with the highest number of ‘unicorn’ companies in Europe and venture capital investment worth £860 million in 2023 to 2024. This strong economic landscape, with clear growth potential for new technologies, makes the UK an attractive location for investors.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Long-term, sustainable and inclusive economic growth is this government’s central mission. That’s why we’re taking immediate steps to increase investment right across the UK, support local skilled jobs and raise living standards in all our communities. Whether it is new film studios, cutting-edge technologies, or green energy, it is clear every part of the UK has the potential to benefit from private sector investment.

The summit is an opportunity to meaningfully engage with the world’s leading businesses and investors, and to continue to build long-term relationships that will drive investment into the UK in the months and years ahead.

The chaos of the last 14 years is no more. Britain is open for business, and we are the investment destination of choice.

Reynolds is also expected to set out to investors that a new level-headed approach on the world stage not only shows how the UK is a mature trading partner but will allow UK businesses to plan for sustained investment and economic growth over the next decade.

As the Chancellor outlined in a speech last month, Treasury analysis shows that had the UK economy grown at the average rate of other OECD economies over the last 13 years, it would have been over £140 billion larger.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

Growth built on stability, investment and reform is our number one priority and we have moved at speed to fix the foundations of our economy.

In just one month we have launched a National Wealth Fund to catalyse investment in our world-leading green and growth industries, ended the ill-advised ban on onshore wind and reformed a planning system that has frustrated investors for so long.

We are not resting on our laurels as work continues to rebuild Britain. October’s International Investment Summit will showcase Britain is back as a stable place to do business, helping to secure the private investment needed to make every part of our country better off.

The National Wealth Fund will simplify the UK’s fragmented landscape of support for businesses and investors and make transformative investments across the UK.

The summit is a key milestone in the government’s growth mission and will underpin a modern Industrial Strategy. It builds on the UK’s ambition to maintain the highest sustained growth in the G7, working in partnership with the private sector to get the very best out of British industries.

Coming two weeks ahead of the budget, it will build on the UK’s strong reputation as a global trading centre, and ensure investment is at the heart of the UK’s economic vision.
August 20, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with senior ministers [August 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 August 2024.

This afternoon the Prime Minister convened senior Ministers including the Deputy Prime Minister, Home Secretary, Justice Secretary and the Policing Minister to discuss the incidents of public disorder and unrest we have seen in towns and cities in recent days.

The Prime Minister began by thanking the police who responded to the violence committed by a small minority of thugs in Sunderland last night which injured four officers. Addressing the scenes of disorder we have seen today, the Prime Minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities.

The Home Secretary updated on the ongoing police response to outbreaks of disorder. She said we will work with them to ensure there are consequences, arrests and prosecutions for those responsible. The Justice Secretary added that already offenders who have committed violence over the last few days have been remanded in custody and the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible.

The Deputy Prime Minister said we are working with local authorities to ensure members of the community who have been targeted by thuggish extremists have the support they need.

The Prime Minister ended by saying the right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things. He said there is no excuse for violence of any kind and reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe.

August 20, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer sets out support package for Southport [August 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 August 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with local leaders in Southport today to confirm a package of support for the local community, following the appalling killings and violent disorder that rocked the area earlier this week.

The package will equip local leaders and agencies so that the right support is in place for victims, ensure the needs of bereaved families are at the heart of the response, and drive longer term efforts to bring the community together.

During his visit to Southport the prime minister took part in a meeting with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and other leaders drawn from local policing, faith groups, healthcare providers and voluntary and education sectors, where they discussed next steps and the importance of working together to help Southport recover from these horrific events. The Prime Minister also travelled to Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool to thank staff for their hard work and enduring professionalism.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

As a nation, we stand with those who tragically have lost loved ones in the heinous attack in Southport, which ripped through the very fabric of this community and left us all in shock.

It is truly inspiring to hear of all the ways in which people have come together in the face of such horrors to demonstrate true bravery, resilience and solidarity.

I cannot begin to imagine the pain that people are going through right now, but I am determined to make sure that Southport and its leaders have all the support they need to preserve and nurture this strength of community spirit – not just in the immediate aftermath, but also in the years to come.

Government and local partners are working together to coordinate a comprehensive multi-agency support offer for bereaved families and all those affected across Southport – this could include access to vital mental health and psychological services; effective communication with those affected; and a programme of engagement with the community on how to best recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the horrific events.

In order to support the long term recovery of the area, government will work with local partners on new ways to equip local leaders to help bolster community cohesion and build local resilience, including by setting up a programme of local community events and activities to help bring people together and create long lasting support networks drawing from local schools, businesses, faith groups, sports clubs and other key partners.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:

The horrendous events of Tuesday have caused untold shock and horror across the whole country but has left Southport struggling to come to terms with such a tragedy on its doorstep.

Once the glare of the national media has moved on, it leaves behind a community that needs to come together and rebuild. This is a tight knit area and we have already seen that inclusivity and community on full display in the town’s response to the mindless violence on Tuesday night.

It will not happen overnight, but we are determined to restore trust, build on that remarkable resilience – and, above all, ensure that Bebe, Elsie and Alice, and the victims and those traumatised, are never forgotten.

On behalf of the Liverpool City Region, I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for the personal commitment he has given to supporting Southport through this extraordinarily difficult time.

The package will also help support local leaders’ efforts to honour the memory of those tragically killed or injured, working with schools and others affected to commemorate them in line with the local community’s wishes.

It comes alongside extensive care delivered through the NHS for anyone affected by the terrible incidents, including specialist psychological and bereavement support services tailored to individuals’ needs and access to 24/7 crisis support. Local hospitals and healthcare services delivering support to victims, bereaved families and other people affected are also being provided with advice in order to make sure staff are best equipped to give people the help and expert care they need.

Today’s measures follow wider efforts by government to prevent further violence and unrest on our streets through a new National Violent Disorder Programme. This will bring together expert policing capabilities from across the country, drive better intelligence sharing and deploy innovative technologies more effectively to stamp out criminal behaviour and bring those responsible for violence to justice.

Government will continue to work closely with community leaders over the weeks and months ahead to ensure people, businesses and the local economy all receive ongoing support in order to drive recovery and local growth, including sustaining Southport’s thriving tourism sector and cultural attractions.

August 20, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Passenger trapped in doors and dragged at Enfield Town station [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 2 August 2024.

At around 18:07 hrs on 17 July 2024, a passenger attempted to board a train at Enfield Town station as the doors were closing. This resulted in their hand becoming trapped in the closed doors of the train. The train subsequently departed from the platform with the passenger’s hand still trapped in the doors. This forced the passenger to run alongside the train, eventually losing their footing. Passengers on the train alerted the driver who then stopped the train and released the doors, allowing the passenger to free their hand. During the accident, the train travelled approximately 60 metres and reached a speed of 11 mph (18 km/h). The passenger sustained minor physical injuries and psychological distress from the accident.

We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

August 18, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Heinous killers banned from marrying in prison [August 2024]
The press release issued on Ministry of Justice on 2 August 2024.

The worst murderers serving whole life sentences no longer have the right to get married behind bars as a new law comes into force today (2 August 2024).
- Whole Life Order prisoners now blocked from marrying behind bars
- Government enacts new law to end torment for victims and their families
- Marriage and civil partnership ban comes into force today
Prisoners serving whole life orders – which means they will never be released – will now be automatically blocked from getting married or entering a civil partnership after the new Lord Chancellor signed a measure in the Victims and Prisoners Act into law.

This will deny the most heinous criminals from enjoying the important life events they callously took from their victims, while preventing families from the trauma of seeing them getting married or entering civil partnerships.

It will also ensure that their horrific crimes are treated with the severity they deserve and maintain confidence in the justice system.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:

Victims should not be tormented by seeing those who commit the most depraved crimes enjoy the moments in life that were stolen from their loved ones.

That is why I have acted as soon as possible to stop these marriages and give victims the support they deserve.

Prior to these new laws coming into force, these prisoners could make a formal application for marriage or a civil partnership and could only be refused by a prison Governor on the grounds of security concerns.

The measure is part of the Victims and Prisoners Act which strengthens oversight of how criminal justice agencies treat victims and enshrines the principles of the Victims’ Code into law.

The Lord Chancellor will retain the right to permit ceremonies in the most exceptional circumstances.

Whole life orders are reserved for exceptionally serious offences, such as serial or child murders which involved a substantial degree of premeditation or sexual or sadistic conduct.

Note to editors

The prisoner marriage provisions of the Victims and Prisoners Act were commenced via a statutory instrument.
August 18, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK Foreign and Defence Secretaries push for peace and stability in the Middle East [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 August 2024.

David Lammy and John Healey visited Israel to push for an immediate ceasefire and drive de-escalation in the Middle East, after their joint visits to the region this week.
- meetings in Qatar, Lebanon and Israel this week aimed to drive de-escalation
- Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary pushed calls for peace and stability on a visit to the Middle East
- the joint visit demonstrates UK’s commitment to keeping the UK safe at home and secure abroad
Defence Secretary John Healey visited Israel today to push for an immediate ceasefire and drive de-escalation in the Middle East, following joint Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visits to the region this week.

The meeting in Tel Aviv with Israeli Defence Minister Gallant follows a call that John Healey had with the Palestinian Authority earlier this week.

The UK is pushing for an end to fighting, and the Defence Secretary spoke in Tel Aviv on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and to get more aid to Palestinians. He also stressed the importance of a path to a two-state solution.

The visit comes less than a month into the new government, and follows the Foreign and Defence Secretaries first joint visit this week, meeting leaders in the Qatar and Lebanon to encourage de-escalation in the Middle East amid rising tensions.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This is a critical moment, there’s no doubt about it.

In Lebanon, I had discussions with counterparts on the urgent need for de-escalation. It is in no one’s interest for this conflict to spread across the region.

The risk that the situation on the ground could deteriorate rapidly is rising. My message to British nationals in Lebanon is clear – you should leave while commercial flights are running.

We also need to see an immediate ceasefire, hostages released and aid getting in in sufficient quantity to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

De-escalation must be the first focus in the Middle East.

Meeting with senior leaders across the region, including today in Israel, we urged all sides to show restraint and dial down the tension at this critical moment.

Our government is determined to lead a renewed push for peace. The loss of life we have seen in the region is unbearable and thousands remain in the crossfire.

To set this region on the path to peace, all sides must step back from conflict and step-up diplomacy.

In Lebanon on Thursday, David Lammy and John Healey saw the work being done by British Embassy Beirut to deliver consular support to British nationals in Lebanon. British nationals should not travel to Lebanon and those who are already there should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available. The risks in the region are rising and the situation could deteriorate.

Consular teams are working to be prepared for all scenarios but if the conflict escalates, the government cannot guarantee evacuation immediately.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has launched Register Your Presence in Lebanon so we can communicate any important updates directly to British nationals in the country. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon. British nationals in Lebanon are advised to register their presence and follow travel advice for updates.
August 18, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government accepts advice on 2024 autumn COVID-19 vaccine programme [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 2 August 2024.

Minister Andrew Gwynne has accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The government has accepted advice from the JCVI for an autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme this year.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:

We are committed to protecting those most vulnerable from COVID and have accepted the independent advice from the JCVI for the autumn 2024 vaccination programme.

We will also continue to offer COVID vaccination to frontline NHS and social care workers and those working in care homes for older people this autumn.

I encourage anyone invited for a vaccine to get one as soon as possible to protect yourself and reduce pressure on the NHS during winter, helping to cut waiting times and get the health service back on its feet.

Background information

On the advice of the expert JCVI all those aged 65 or over, all those in care homes for older people, and those aged 6 months or over who are in a clinical risk group will be eligible for vaccination this autumn.

Vaccination offers the best protection for those at risk of serious outcomes through older age or clinical condition. Protection against serious disease wanes over time so it is important to top it up by getting an autumn dose if you are eligible.

The UK has one of the most extensive immunisation programmes in the world, with vaccine confidence and uptake rates among the highest globally.

The JCVI has not advised offering the vaccine to frontline health and social care workers, staff in care homes for older adults, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with immunosuppression as part of the national programme. The advice suggests health and social care service providers may wish to consider setting up an occupational health vaccination programme for frontline health and social care workers – as is the current situation for flu vaccines.

As setting up a new occupational health programme will not be possible before autumn this year, JCVI suggested health departments may choose to continue offering vaccination through the national programme this autumn. The government has decided to continue to offer vaccination to frontline health and social care staff, as well as staff working in care homes for older people in the autumn 2024 programme.

August 18, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary calls for de-escalation on the Blue Line [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 August 2024.

The Foreign Secretary called for de-escalation along the Blue Line and the need for a diplomatic solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, accompanied by Defence Secretary John Healey, ended a one-day visit to Lebanon yesterday.

This was David Lammy’s first official visit to Lebanon as Foreign Secretary, following his call with Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati in his first week of office.

The Foreign Secretary called for de-escalation along the Blue Line and the need for a diplomatic solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The visit comes following the Foreign Secretary’s condemnation of the strike in Golan Heights which tragically claimed at least 12 lives and raised deep concerns over the risk of further escalation and destabilisation.

The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander (LAF) General Joseph Aoun.

Their discussions focused on tensions across the Lebanese southern border with Israel and the wider situation in the region.

The visit is part of the Foreign Secretary’s regional visits over the past month, in which he reiterated the British government’s call for de-escalation in the region, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and getting humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This is a worrying time for people in Lebanon: they have been through a lot in the past 5 years, including the terrible port explosion that claimed so many lives.

I’m here on the ground meeting with influential figures to call for immediate de-escalation in the region.

I’ve raised my concerns about the on-going tensions between Lebanon and Israel and have highlighted the UK’s determination to avoid miscalculation.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

De-escalation must be our primary focus as this region stands at a crossroads. The loss of innocent life in recent weeks and months is unbearable. This has to end.

All sides must step back from conflict and step-up diplomacy. We will work with important partners like Qatar as our government leads a renewed push for peace.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell said:

This is a very important visit by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey, their first joint visit overseas since their appointments last month.

The situation across the Blue Line remains fragile and escalation is in no one’s interest. In his meetings, the Foreign Secretary stressed the need for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution based on UNSCR 1701.

The joint visit reaffirms the UK’s long-standing commitment and support for Lebanon’s security and stability, including as a steadfast partner to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

August 18, 2024