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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Student protests in Bangladesh – Foreign Office Reaction [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Student protests in Bangladesh – Foreign Office Reaction [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2024.

    Following the escalating violence during the student protests about quota reforms in Bangladesh, FCDO Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Catherine West gave a statement.

    “The UK government is deeply concerned by the violence following protests in Bangladesh.

    The UK supports fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights, including the right to protest and peaceful assembly.

    We urge all sides to end the violence and find a peaceful way forward.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement between UK and France [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement between UK and France [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the President of the French Republic met today at Blenheim Palace.

    In this, the 120th anniversary year of the Entente Cordiale, the two leaders discussed the full spectrum of the bilateral relationship between the UK and France, the UK’s intention to reset its relationship with the EU and wider Europe, as well as international and global issues. 80 years on from the D-Day landings and the Liberation of France the leaders remembered the immense common sacrifices that both countries have made to defend their shared values and to protect their societies. And 30 years on from the opening of the Channel Tunnel, they recalled what the UK and France can build together when they do not constrain their ambitions, allowing their economies to flourish and their people to connect.

    As fellow members of the G7, G20, NATO and permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UK and France will continue to work together to provide global leadership in an era of renewed geopolitical instability. They are committed to continuing to invest in the European Political Community format to bring together Europe’s democracies and contribute to regional stability and security through political dialogue and concrete cooperation.

    Looking to the future France and the UK will pursue their cooperation across the full spectrum of the relationship, at both a bilateral and at a global level. This will include through a focus on sustainable economic growth, international development, energy security and driving low carbon solutions to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. They will embrace the opportunities presented by supporting the clean energy transition, reform of the international financial system and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

    The UK and France reaffirm their deep commitment to Europe’s defence and security. This includes their steadfast support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal war of aggression, for as long as it takes, and for Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO membership. Fourteen years on from the Lancaster House Treaty, the UK and France share the ambition to reinvigorate their defence cooperation to reflect the complex challenges of the modern era and the range of threats from hostile state and non-state actors to our shared values and interests.

    The UK and France agree the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza along with the release of all hostages, unfettered access to humanitarian aid, the upholding of international law, and progress towards establishing a Palestinian State living in peace and security alongside a safe and secure Israel. They also agree on the importance of maintaining stability and security in the wider region.

    The Prime Minister and President expressed their condolences for the victims of the tragic events in the channel yesterday and last week. They committed to strengthening their cooperation on irregular migration and the fight against criminal gangs responsible for this tragic loss of life through small boat crossings. The Prime Minister presented the UK’s new Border Security Command and the vital role it will play in this mission.

    As a sign of the ever deeper cooperation between the UK and France, the Prime Minister and President welcomed UK support for the staging of the Olympics. They agreed to hold the next bilateral summit in the UK in 2025.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Støre of Norway [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Støre of Norway [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister met Jonas Støre , the Prime Minister of Norway at Blenheim Palace today, as part of the European Political Community meeting.

    The Prime Minister reflected on the close friendship between the UK and Norway, which was built on historic ties and a shared outlook.

    The Prime Minister said he was also proud of the close defence partnership between the two countries, and said he hoped the UK and Norway could go further in the coming years to uphold stability in the High North

    The leaders also discussed the importance of energy security, including how both countries could work together on green energy and renewables. The leaders agreed that they should initiate a Norwegian-UK partnership on security and energy transition.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Sánchez of Spain [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Sánchez of Spain [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister welcomed Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, to Oxfordshire this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister set out his plan to reset the United Kingdom’s position on the international stage and said he hoped the change in approach would forge the way for an agreement on Gibraltar that worked for all parties.

    The leaders also discussed the generational challenges facing Europe, including Russian disinformation, the climate crisis and illegal migration.

    The Prime Minister said he hoped the UK and Spain could work even closer together to tackle such issues in the coming months.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer’s meeting with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer’s meeting with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at Blenheim Palace today, as part of the European Political Community meeting.

    The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Tusk for attending the summit, and said he was looking forward to advancing the UK and Poland’s close friendship.

    That relationship was not just based on historic ties but also shared values, the leaders agreed.

    The Prime Minister said he hoped the UK and Poland could do more together on sectors of national importance, such as energy and defence.

    Turning to Ukraine, the leaders discussed the situation on the battlefield and agreed on the need to never relent in the face of Russian aggression.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer’s press conference remarks at the European Political Community summit [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer’s press conference remarks at the European Political Community summit [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 July 2024.

    Hello everyone, thanks for being here.

    We’ve had a very successful and productive summit…

    Bringing together 46 European leaders – including President Zelenskyy who addressed the EPC this morning.

    We discussed once again our commitment to stand with Ukraine…

    Including supporting their energy needs ahead of winter…

    And cracking down on the ships that are helping Russia to evade sanctions.

    We need to be clear that Ukraine is fighting not just for the Ukrainian people – and of course it is – But for the European people…

    For freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

    Our security therefore starts in Ukraine.

    So we pledged to President Zelenskyy, once again, that we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    We also had productive discussions on wider European security…

    Defending our democracies against Russian interference…

    And supporting countries like Moldova who are dealing with more direct threats.

    It’s not just a good idea to work with our partners, it’s essential.

    I said on the steps of Downing Street, that I would govern for the whole country – including those who didn’t vote for us.

    And I meant it.

    We can only make progress on the issues that so many people care about…

    Like illegal migration and national security…

    If we have the maturity and leadership to reach out a hand to our European friends.

    And I want to congratulate Ursula von der Leyen on her re-election today as President of the European Commission.

    So we are going to deepen our cooperation…

    On defence and security…

    And on illegal migration, where we are resetting our approach and that’s been central today.

    We are going to smash the gangs, break their business model, and secure our borders.

    We will do this, not by committing taxpayer money to gimmicks…

    But with practical solutions, that are in line with international law.

    As Director of Public Prosecutions, I saw the work that can be done, across borders…

    To bring terrorists to justice and break up their networks.

    I simply do not accept that we can’t do the same with organised migration crime.

    We started that work here today.

    We’re increasing the UK presence at Europol in The Hague…

    To play our full part in the European Migrant Smuggling Centre.

    We’ve agreed new cooperation arrangements with partners like Slovenia and Slovakia, to disrupt organised crime.

    And with our new Border Security Command…

    We are going to work with our European partners to share intelligence, data and expertise and put the gangs out of business.

    To stop illegal migration, we must also tackle it at source.

    So today I am announcing £84 million of new funding for projects across Africa and the Middle East.

    That includes humanitarian and health support, skills training, help with job opportunities, and access to education.

    This is a vital part of gripping the migration crisis.

    And it shows how we are going to do business on the world stage.

    We are facing up to the huge problems beyond our shores…

    Because these problems echo at home.

    The effects play out on our streets.

    In a dangerous world, we serve no-one and solve nothing by turning inward.

    We have to step forward and lead.

    That’s what we’re doing – that’s what we’ve shown here today.

    Because it’s the best way to uphold our values…

    And keep our people safe.

    So, I’m proud to leave this summit with stronger relationships across Europe…

    And to leave the EPC in a stronger position as well.

    With a clear agenda for the coming months…

    And the next summits confirmed in Hungary this year…

    And Albania and Denmark in 2025.

    Thank you very much.

  • PRESS RELEASE : A Britain secure at home and strong abroad – UK defence a key focus during King’s Speech [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : A Britain secure at home and strong abroad – UK defence a key focus during King’s Speech [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 July 2024.

    The King’s Speech announces the Armed Forces Commissioner who will be a strong, independent champion to improve life for UK service personnel and their families, while the Government reinforces the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO.

    The new Government’s commitment to defence and Armed Forces personnel has been strengthened in the King’s Speech, with the announcement of a new, independent Armed Forces Commissioner.

    The Armed Forces Commissioner, the first of its kind in the UK, will act as a strong independent champion for our service personnel and their families, committed to improving service life and strengthening parliamentary oversight.

    The King’s Speech also:

    • Confirmed the launch of a root and branch Strategic Defence Review
    • Reinforced the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO and the UK’s leading role in the alliance

    Meanwhile, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, opening the first full day of debate following the King’s Speech yesterday, emphasised that a secure Britain – through strong defence – is essential for economic growth and prosperity in an increasingly volatile world.

    He also reaffirmed that the first duty of this new government is to keep its people safe. He committed to action, not words to ensure that the UK is secure at home and strong abroad.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey, said:

    I want Defence to be central to the future security of Britain and central to the country’s success in this new era. This is a government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country, and our Armed Forces will always have its full support.

    That’s why at the NATO summit in Washington the Prime Minister confirmed this Government’s unshakeable commitment to NATO. That’s why this week the Prime Minister launched a first-of-its-kind Strategic Defence Review.  And that’s why in the King’s Speech we announced legislation to create a new Armed Forces Commissioner.

    Together, we will make Britain more secure at home and strong abroad.

    The Armed Forces Commissioner is a step to renewing the moral contract with those who make extraordinary sacrifices to serve the nation, and the families who support them. The Commissioner will be a strong public voice for personnel and their families, committed to improving service life from basic training, throughout their military career and beyond.

    As a direct point of contact for serving personnel and their families, independent and outside their chains of command, they will be empowered to investigate individuals complaints and review issues which are affecting the lives of our serving personnel, further strengthening parliamentary oversight.

    Elsewhere in the speech, the King confirmed that a root and branch review of UK defence has been launched by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad for decades to come.

    The Strategic Defence Review, confirmed in the King’s Speech, will be done at pace and report in the first half of 2025, with work starting immediately in recognition of the urgency of the threats facing the UK.

    The review – headed by three external Reviewers in a first-of-its-kind for UK defence – is the next step following a successful NATO Summit in Washington, where the Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s unshakeable commitment to the alliance and the “serious commitment” to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.

    The Government will also continue to work with international allies and partners to step up support for Ukraine through the international Capability Coalitions and the £3bn pledge on military aid, whilst speeding up the delivery of equipment promised to Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework – joint statement [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework – joint statement [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 18 July 2024.

    The Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework held a meeting today, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

    The co-chairs took stock of the implementation of the Windsor Framework since the last meeting on 25 April 2024. In particular, they reviewed developments in the areas of agri-food, customs, medicines and trade.

    The co-chairs discussed the outstanding implementation issues as well as the upcoming milestones. They agreed to step up work with renewed determination to fulfil the joint commitment to the full, timely and faithful implementation of all the elements of the Framework, noting the importance and priority of concrete practical steps to this end.

    The Committee co-chairs also took stock of the work of the Joint Consultative Working Group and its structured sub-groups. They reiterated the importance of continued joint engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government introduces new Fiscal Lock Law to deliver economic stability and protect family finances [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government introduces new Fiscal Lock Law to deliver economic stability and protect family finances [July 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 18 July 2024.

    New law bringing economic stability introduced to the House of Commons following the King’s Speech.

    • New law to deliver economic stability by ensuring that no future Government can sideline the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
    • Future fiscal announcements making significant, permanent tax and spend changes will now be subject to an independent assessment by the OBR.
    • This “fiscal lock” will fix the foundations of the economy, helping protect family finances and creating the conditions for growth.

    A new law to bring economic stability and help protect family finances introduced to the House of Commons following the King’s Speech.

    The new law will mean the Office for Budget Responsibility – the independent watchdog for public finances – will be given the power to make an independent assessment of any single major tax and spending announcement, or series of announcements over the course of a single financial year, which make permanent tax or spending commitments worth more than 1.0% of the UK’s GDP, or around £30 billion.

    The Budget Responsibility Bill will ensure that any major future fiscal announcement will be subject to an independent assessment, as a form of ‘fiscal lock’.

    The Growth plan set out in 2022, which announced £46bn worth of unfunded tax cuts, led to an unprecedented increase in borrowing costs.

    Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

    This Government’s defining mission is to deliver economic growth. However, growth can only come through economic stability and a commitment to sound public money so never again can a government play fast and loose with the public finances.

    This new law is part of our plan to fix the foundation of our economy so we can rebuild Britain and make every part of the country better off.

    Emergency, temporary measures lasting fewer than two years will not require an OBR assessment, such as the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    If the government wanted to announce fiscally significant measures but did not ask for an OBR forecast, the fiscal lock would be triggered.

    The legislation gives the OBR a new power to independently decide to produce a full fiscal forecast or assessment, at the OBR’s discretion, if they judge the lock has been triggered.

    The OBR would alert the Treasury Committee in the event of a breach and notify them of their intent to publish an assessment or updated forecast. Any fiscal event accompanied by an OBR forecast in the usual way will not be subject to the lock.

    Louise Hellem, Chief Economist, CBI said:

    Market stability is a key foundation to enabling economic growth and business investment. Ensuring large changes in tax and spending policy are always subject to an independent assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility will give businesses and investors additional confidence in the stability of the public finances.

    Growth is the urgent business of the day and fixing our economic foundations at home as well as strengthening the UK’s pitch to the world can rapidly shift UK growth and productivity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Report of the External Auditor, Audit Committee and Financial Report – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report of the External Auditor, Audit Committee and Financial Report – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2024.

    Ambassador Holland thanks Austria’s Court of Audit for their professional work as External Auditor, and underlines the importance of the urgent adoption of the 2024 Unified Budget.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.

    The United Kingdom thanks the Secretary General, and representatives of the Austrian Court of Audit and the Audit Committee for their presentations today and their comprehensive reports.

    The External Auditor and Audit Committee reports provide an important overview of the OSCE’s financial health, and a useful oversight of the organisation’s administration and internal controls. We recognise that the audit assessments have been made in the context of significant ongoing challenges, including the impact of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, the continued non-agreement of the OSCE Unified Budget, and the gap prior to the appointment of the current External Auditor.

    The UK welcomes the unqualified opinion of the External Auditor that the OSCE’s financial statements for 2023 presented fairly the financial position of the organisation. We appreciate the professional work of the Austrian Court of Audit in this role, particularly having taken this on at such short notice. We hope you will be able to consider an extension beyond September.

    Madam Chair, the Reports and presentations this morning further underline that approval of the Unified Budget remains one of the most pressing issues facing this organisation. As, the Financial Report states, the lack of budget approval is continuing to damage the reputation of the OSCE, and the lack of an updated and approved Post Table hampers the organisation’s ability to deliver its mandate.

    The United Kingdom deeply regrets that successive years of non-agreement of budgets have left the OSCE’s finances in such a parlous state – constrained by monthly allotments and uncertainty, amid high levels of inflation and rising costs. It is now almost three years since the agreement of the 2021 Unified Budget – which was itself agreed 8 months late. Such unacceptable delays are primarily due to political will, and the use of the budget as a political tool by some participating States.

    The UK again urges the swift adoption of the 2024 Unified Budget, and for participating States to engage constructively, pay their arrears, and ensure the OSCE is able to carry out its work effectively in line with the OSCE principles we have all signed up to.

    We commend the OSCE executive structures for your ongoing work to adapt to the financial challenges facing the organisation, and for helping to maintain continuity of business. We also appreciate the leadership and tireless efforts of successive Chairs-in-Office – North Macedonia and Malta – towards reaching agreement.

    Thank you again to the Austrian Court of Audit and the Audit Committee for the comprehensive reports. As always, the UK looks forward to engaging constructively on the report recommendations.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.