Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to travel to Switzerland for major peace summit on Ukraine [June 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 15 June 2024.

The Prime Minister will travel to Switzerland today to reiterate the UK’s support for Ukraine, as the first leader level peace summit focused on the future of the country gets underway.

More than 50 heads of state and governments are expected to attend the summit near Lucerne, making it the largest world leader gathering solely focused on Ukraine since the invasion began.

Speaking at the summit this evening, the Prime Minister will say:

Those who aid Russia by providing the weapons of war, or components for those weapons should look at this summit today. They should look at Bucha, Mariupol, Kharkiv, and they should reflect on the choice they have made.

They are placing themselves on the side of the aggressor – and on the wrong side of history. Putin has no interest in a genuine peace. He has launched a sustained diplomatic campaign against this summit ordering countries to stay away, spinning a phoney narrative about his willingness to negotiate.

We should ask Russia why they feel so threatened by a summit discussing the basic principles of territorial integrity, food security and nuclear safety.

He will add:

From a position of strength, we must work with President Zelenskyy to set out the principles for a just and lasting peace, based on international law and the UN Charter.

That is the path to a permanent cessation of hostilities. It will show Ukraine that we’ll stand by them when they are ready for negotiations.

And it will show Putin’s allies in North Korea, Iran and elsewhere that we will protect the right of all nations to determine their own future.

While at the summit, the Prime Minister is expected to meet President Zelenskyy to reiterate the UK’s support for Ukraine, including ensuring any future peace deal is sustainable, and crucially, on Ukraine’s terms.

The summit follows the meeting of the G7 in Italy this week, where the UK, alongside G7 partners, announced 50 new sanctions designations and specifications to degrade Putin’s war machine, and committed to providing £242m in bilateral assistance to Ukraine, to support immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs.

The UK also agreed with the G7 to provide a new loan for Ukraine worth $50bn, which will be repaid by the extraordinary revenues that come from the frozen assets of Russia’s central bank, both in Europe and around the world.

National Security Advisor Sir Tim Barrow is also expected to attend the two-day Swiss summit.

June 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Iran: joint statement by France, Germany and United Kingdom [June 2024]

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

Joint statement by the spokespeople for the Foreign Ministries of France, Germany and the United Kingdom on the Iranian nuclear programme.

Statement by the governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom:

We, the governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, condemn Iran’s latest steps, as reported by the IAEA, to further expand its nuclear programme.

Iran has taken further steps in hollowing out the JCPoA, by operating dozens of additional advanced centrifuges at the Natanz enrichment site as well as announcing it will install thousands more centrifuges at both its Fordow and Natanz sites. These steps will further increase Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment capacity, which already significantly exceed JCPoA limits. This decision is a further escalation of Iran’s nuclear programme, which carries significant proliferation risks. Iran’s decision to substantially increase its production capacity at the underground Fordow facility is especially concerning.

Presenting such steps as a reaction to the IAEA Board of Governors’ adoption of a resolution calling for Iran’s long overdue cooperation on safeguards is not acceptable. Iran is legally obliged under the Non-Proliferation Treaty to fully implement its safeguards agreement, which is separate to the JCPoA.

We remain committed to a diplomatic solution preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

June 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Alan Bates, top business executives and leading innovators honoured for King’s Birthday [June 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 June 2024.

List of endorsed recipients includes current and former leaders of FTSE 100 companies.
- Post Office campaigner Alan Bates knighted for his twenty-year campaign for justice for postmasters
- FTSE executives also honoured for services to business and growing the UK economy
- Leading innovators and change makers are the theme of this year’s awards
Alan Bates, who led a 20-year campaign for justice for sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal, has been made a Knight Bachelor (KT) as the King’s Birthday Honours are announced today.

Top business leaders, entrepreneurs and pioneers have also been recognised for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the UK economy.

This includes current and former leaders of FTSE 100 companies such as Unilever and Taylor Wimpey, the head of the London Stock Exchange and a series of other outstanding business leaders who have championed a wide range of sectors at home and overseas and been at the forefront of innovation and change.

Endorsed by the Department for Business and Trade, the list of recipients also includes several individuals who have faced adversity but who have used their experience to deliver significant community impact.

Alan Jope has received a CBE for services to business.

Alan was responsible for leading one of the world’s largest and geographically diverse companies with operations in 190 countries. He instigated important changes, simplifying Unilever’s legal structure, streamlining the company’s portfolio to focus on growth, and undertaking reform of the company’s operating model. His leadership was crucial to Unilever’s turnover exceeding £60b for the first time, up from £50b five years prior. Under his leadership, Unilever was the first major company to voluntarily put a Climate Transition Action Plan to a shareholder vote in 2021.

Alan Jope, Lately Chief Executive Officer of Unilever said:

It was an enormous privilege to lead Unilever as CEO for almost five years. I am extremely grateful for this recognition in His Royal Highness’s Birthday Honours list.

Jennifer Daly has received a CBE for services to Business and to the Housing Sector.

Jennie Daly is the first woman to lead a FTSE 100 housebuilding company in the UK, having been appointed in April 2022. She has built a successful career in the housebuilding sector, starting in the public sector in local authority planning roles before moving into the private sector. She is an active member of the industry federation, a non-executive director on the New Homes Quality Board and has also previously served as a Board member on a not-for-profit housing trust. She is also a strong advocate for women in the industry and has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her career.

Jennifer Daly, Chief Executive of Taylor Wimpey said:

I have a real passion for housebuilding and the social and economic benefits it brings to communities across the UK, and I am deeply honoured to have been recognised in the King’s Birthday list for services to business and the industry.

Julia Hoggett has received a DBE for services to business and to finance.

Julia has provided inspirational leadership in helping to restore the role of the UK capital markets and the London Stock Exchange as a major provider of capital to fund innovation, productivity, growth, jobs and to support investors’ returns. She set up and chairs the UK Capital Markets Industry Taskforce to support the modernisation of the UK capital markets.

She has also sought to ensure that the London Stock Exchange (LSE) remained strong through challenging times including during Covid and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She has influenced quoted companies to embrace Net Zero targets and the wider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda and under her leadership the LSE is now the leading provider of green and transition finance. She is a pioneer for women and the LBGTQ+ community in financial services.

Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive Officer of the London Stock Exchange said:

I am deeply humbled to be included in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List. Whilst I recognise that this is an individual honour, I feel it is very much for the team of people at the London Stock Exchange who do such remarkable work to support the companies, investors and intermediaries in our markets.

It is also a recognition of the even broader community, most notably my colleagues on the Capital Markets Industry Taskforce, who are so dedicated to the task of ensuring our capital markets truly serve all stakeholders up and down the UK. This honour inspires me to work even harder on this agenda.”

Lady Suzanne Heywood of Whitehall has received a CBE for services to business leadership.

Suzanne is the COO of Exor, a multi-billion dollar holding company, where she uses her knowledge and experience to build and grow great companies. Suzanne is also the Executive Chair of CNH and Iveco Group and a Non-Executive Director of Louboutin and The Economist. Lady Heywood established The Heywood Foundation in 2018, which she chairs in memory of her husband Lord Heywood of Whitehall.

The Foundation champions innovation in public policy and increasing diversity within the public sector and has recently launched the “Heywood Quarterly”, a new publication. Suzanne has written a best-selling biography of her late husband (What Does Jeremy think) and a best-selling account of her own childhood at sea (Wavewalker), which meant she was unable to have normal schooling.

Suzanne Heywood, Chief Operating Officer at Exor, Chair of CNH and Chair of Iveco said:

I am humbled to receive this, and grateful to my family and the many colleagues who have supported me throughout my career. It’s been a long journey – from a girl on a boat in the South Pacific with no education to here – and I owe a lot of thanks to those who made it possible.

Kenny Imafidon has received an MBE for services to the social and market research professions.

Kenny has overcome extreme challenges to co-found a thriving research and insights agency that counts Starbucks, Uber, the Houses of Parliament and UNICEF UK amongst its clients.

The agency, ClearView Research, specialises in research, strategy and engagement projects, focused on diverse and underrepresented communities. Prior to founding ClearView at 22, Kenny used his limited platform to initiate The Kenny Reports, a series of reports delivered to the House of Commons, to raise awareness and articulate the challenges young people and disadvantaged communities face today.

As Chair of the Board of Trustees of City Gateway, he was involved in the £1 million Skill Up Step Up campaign which benefited from funding from Barclays Life Skills.

Additionally, as a Trustee of BBC Children in Need, he was instrumental in bringing about the pledge of £10m funding over 10 years, and development of a new funding programme dedicated to supporting young Black talent to achieve their full potential in partnership with BBC Radio 1Xtra.

Kenny Imafidon, Co-founder of ClearView Research said:

I am grateful for the recognition of my services to the research industry. My journey began with The Kenny Reports at 18 years old, it then transitioned into the building of ClearView Research at 22, to where it is today.

I am proud that in just under a decade, ClearView has conducted hundreds of projects engaging diverse communities from all four corners of the UK; from Cornwall to Armagh; from Edinburgh to London whether online or offline; ClearView has amplified the voices of diverse and underrepresented communities in both social and market research.

Although I am personally being recognised, my success is a team effort, and would not have been possible without my amazing team members, co-founders, support system, mentors and those who have believed in me on this journey.

Full list of individuals endorsed in the 2024 Birthday Honours List by the Department for Business and Trade:

Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive Officer, London Stock Exchange. For services to Business and to Finance

Knights Bachelor (KT)

Alan Bates, Founder, Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance. For services to Justice

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

John Burns, Lately Chief Executive Officer and Chair, Derwent London plc. For services to Property, to Investment and to Development

Graham Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer, Brambles. For services to Sustainable Business

Jennifer Daly, Chief Executive, Taylor Wimpey. For services to Business and to the Housing Sector

Lady Suzanne Heywood of Whitehall, Chief Operating Officer, Exor, Chair, CNH and Chair, Iveco. For services to Business Leadership

Professor Michael Izza, Lately Chief Executive, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. For services to Accounting, Audit and to Sustainability.

Alan Jope, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Unilever. For services to Business

Brian Kingham, Founder and Chairman, Reliance Security Group. For services to Business, to the Economy and Charity

Professor Elizabeth Varga, Director, Infrastructure Systems Institute. For services to Critical Infrastructure

Lesley Wild, Lately Chair, Bettys and Taylors. For services to Business and Trade

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Christopher Berridge, Managing Director, Paneltex. For services to Business, to Exports and to the Environment

Alexandra Bolton, Director, Climate Governance Initiative. For services to the Built and Natural Environment

Elaine Clark, Chief Executive, Rail Forum. For services to the Rail Supply Industry

Jacqueline Gedman, Lately Chief Executive, Kirklees Council. For services to Business and to the community in Kirklees, West Yorkshire.

Michael Hawes, Chief Executive Officer, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. For services to the Automotive Industry

John Heffernan, Managing Director, Fern Innovation Ltd. For services to Business and to Technology

John Hill, Director, Technology and Strategy, The Welding Institute. For services to SMEs, to the Research Institutes Sector, to Local Economic Development and to Higher Education

Sharon Kemp, Chief Executive, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. For services to Business and to the community in Rotherham, South Yorkshire

Lucy Lytle, Founder and Creative Director, Soane Britain Ltd. For services to British Manufacturing and Craftsmanship

Peter McCrea, Lately Chair, LionHeart RICS. For services to the Profession of Chartered Surveyors

Suzannah Nichol MBE, Chief Executive Officer, Build UK. For services to the Construction Industry

Professor Henry Overman, Professor of Economic Geography, London School of Economics and Director, What Works Centre. For services to Local Growth

John Stone, Entrepreneur. For services to Philanthropy

Subhash Thakrar, Lately Chair, London Chamber of Commerce. For services to British Trade and Investment in Africa

Kate Tinsley, Chief Executive, MKM Building Supplies. For services to the Construction Sector and to Diversity

Kimberly Wiehl, Board member, UK Export Finance. For services to Export Credit Finance and to International Trade

Carl Woollins, Managing Director UK and Ireland, Nippon Gases. For services to the Chemicals Industry

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Andrew Beddows, Managing Director, Ideas Network UK Community Interest Company. For services to Innovation and Business

Victoria Brownlie, Chief, Policy, British Beauty Council. For services to the Hair and Beauty Industry

Emma Degg, Chief Executive, North West Business Leadership Team. For services to Business and to the community in North West England

Angela Farrugia, Founder and Group Managing Director, Brand X Society. For services to business and licensing

Warren Ginsberg, Chair, HiB Ltd. For services to the Home Improvement and Bathroom Industries

Steven Gould, Council Member, General Chiropractic Council. For services to Consumers

David Happy, Managing Director, Telint. For services to Telecommunications and to Technology

Jennifer Hartley, Director, Invest Newcastle and Head of Economic Development, Newcastle City Council. For services to Business and Trade

Kenny Imafidon, Co-Founder, ClearView Research. For services to the Social and Market Research Professions

Dean Jackson, Managing Director, HUUB Ltd. For services to Business and to Innovation

Samantha Mackintosh (Claire Cullens), Chief Executive Officer, Norfolk Community Foundation. For services to Business Development and to Charity

Victoria Moorby, Head, Marketing, Oxley Group. For services to the Defence and Aerospace Industry

Susan Nicholls, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice Staffordshire South-West. For services to the community in Staffordshire

Maria Sarkar, Co-Founder and Vice-President of DriveWorks. For services to Manufacturing

Helen Tonks, Founder and Director, Hydraulics Online Ltd. For services to Business and to Exports

Harold Wilson, Owner and Group Chair, UK Docks Marine Services. For services to the Marine Engineering Industry

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Sally Bourton, Postmistress. For services to the community in Trewoon, Cornwall

Sellathurai Chandrakumar, Postmaster. For services to the community in Notting Hill, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Geppino Dammone, Director, Salvo’s Restaurant, Leeds. For services to Hospitality

Gianfranco Dammone, Managing Director, Salvo’s Restaurant, Leeds. For services to Hospitality

Maureen Rickard, Lately Postmistress, St Minver Post Office. For services to the community in St. Minver, Cornwall

Matthew Tyrrell, Postmaster. For services to the community in Penllergaer, West Glamorgan

Staff from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) recognised in the 2024 Birthday Honours List include:

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Dr Barry Blackwell, Head, UK Building Information Modelling and National Digital Twin Programmes, Department for Business and Trade.

Dr Joanne Bray, Deputy Director, Automotive Unit, Department for Business and Trade.

Kate Davies, Deputy Director, Security and Business Continuity, Department for Business and Trade.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Richard Boyd, Senior Policy Advisor, Department for Business and Trade.
June 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Biden of the United States [June 2024]

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

The Prime Minister met with Joe Biden, President of the United States, at the G7 Summit in Italy today.

They discussed the strength of the US-UK relationship and their shared commitment to international security.

The leaders welcomed the progress at the G7 on making Russia pay for its illegal war in Ukraine.

They discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed that Hamas should accept the deal and release the hostages.

June 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Change-makers and innovators recognised in HM The King’s Birthday 2024 Honours list [June 2024]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 14 June 2024.

HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 recognises selfless and innovative service to others from people across the UK.

Over 1,000 people from across the UK have received honours in HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024, published today by the Cabinet Office.

The focus of this List is individuals who have had an immeasurable impact on the lives of people across the country – such as by creating innovative solutions or driving real change in public life.

Many are active community champions, innovative social entrepreneurs, pioneering scientists, passionate health workers and dedicated volunteers.

Alan Bates, founder of Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, receives a Knighthood for services to justice. Tracey Emin receives an DBE for services to art, as does Imelda Staunton for services to drama and to charity.

The youngest recipient in the List is Shamza Butt, who is 20 years old and receives a BEM for her work as a Member of the National Citizens’ Service Trust Youth Voice Forum. Harold Jones is the oldest recipient, who at 100 years old receives a BEM for his fundraising for charities relating to Motor Neurone Disease and the community in Sutton Coldfield.

Innovators and change makers

Michael Palmer, Andrew Airey and Timothy Owen, who founded the 3 Dads Walking campaign after losing their young daughters to suicide, each receive an MBE for services to the prevention of young suicide. The three dads have walked all across the UK to raise awareness of suicide in young people and raise funds for charity Papyrus UK.

Eight people are recognised for their contributions to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Angus Heddle from the Orkney Islands receives an MBE for 73 years of voluntary service to the RNLI, and David Nicoll from Cornwall receives a BEM for his 43 years of service, having started volunteering at the age of 18.

Clodagh Dunlop from Northern Ireland receives an MBE for services to stroke survivors and the reform of stroke services. In 2015 Clodagh suffered from a brain stem stroke, leaving her with locked in syndrome. She has made an incredible recovery over recent years and has returned to work as a serving detective. She is a Stroke Association ambassador and has educated and inspired many stroke survivors in the UK and worldwide.

Patrick and Karen McCourt from Larne, County Antrim, both receive BEMs for services to foster care in Northern Ireland. Both over 70 years old, together they have fostered more than 331 children in the last 45 years.

Rebecca Redfern from Droitwich receives an MBE for her services to young people and to the community in Worcestershire. She was diagnosed aged 7 with Retinitis Pigmentosa, and at the age of 14 was discovered as a para swimmer by British Swimming. She has since won medals at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics as a GB paralympic swimmer and has visited hundreds of schools throughout Worcestershire speaking to children about overcoming obstacles to achieve success.

Deborah Pezzani from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, receives a BEM for services to teenagers and young adults with cancer. In 2007, she set up Teens Unite to bring together young people aged 13-24 who are living with cancer. The charity hosts over 100 beneficiary activities and events annually, has almost 100 volunteers and has raised just over £1 million.

Sally Bourton receives a BEM for services to the community in Cornwall. She is the Postmistress for Trewoon and has been at the heart of her community for 24 years. She runs her Post Office alongside local fundraising activities and, during the pandemic, she was instrumental in rallying local volunteers who were willing to help the community. For the Coronation of HM King Charles, she organised for every child in the village to receive a mint coin with The King’s head on it.

Dean Jackson from Derbyshire receives an MBE for services to business and innovation through setting up his own wetsuit company, HUUB. This first came about in 2011 when Dean noticed a gap in the market after seeing little advancement in wetsuit design and performance. HUUB has since expanded its products into cycling gear as well, and is now worn by many of the world’s top athletes, including the Brownlee brothers.

Alison Baverstock from Kingston upon Thames receives an MBE for charitable services to families in the British Armed Forces community. She created the charity Reading Force in 2011, developing a scheme that supports parents in the military read with their children while on deployment or during training. The scope of the scheme has since expanded across the whole of the UK as well as UK Armed Forces overseas. To date, over 250,000 people have requested reading scrapbooks or received reading books, improving children’s reading ability.

Anyone can freely nominate someone for an honour.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The honours system strives to be inclusive of all of the UK society. Of the 1,077 people who receive an award:
- 948 candidates have been selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level:
- 300 at BEM
- 425 at MBE
- 223 at OBE- 692 (64%) of the recipients are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity;
- 713 (66%) of the recipients live outside of London and the South East
- 509 women are recognised in the List, representing 48% of the total:
  - 40% of recipients at CBE level and above are women;
- 10% of the successful candidates come from an ethnic minority background:
- 4.6% of recipients are from an Asian ethnic group;
- 3% of recipients are from a black ethnic group;
- 1.6% of recipients with a mixed ethnic background;
- 0.4% of recipients come from another ethnic background;
The full Birthday Honours List 2024 on gov.uk.
June 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Outstanding contributions by British nationals abroad recognised on King’s Birthday 2024 Overseas and International honours list [June 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2024.

The King’s Birthday Honours List recognises people who have given exceptional service to the UK abroad and internationally.
- Campaigner Bill Browder is knighted for his contribution to human rights and anti-corruption
- Keith Palmer and Andrew Steer are knighted for exceptional contributions to international development
- several awards recognise British nationals for outstanding voluntary and charitable work overseas
Eighty-four people have received awards for their exceptional service to the UK overseas or internationally in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List, including for contributions to British foreign policy and international development, as well as voluntary and charitable work.

Bill Browder, Chief Executive Officer of Hermitage Capital Management, and Head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign is appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in recognition of his significant and sustained contribution to human rights and anti-corruption. Following the mistreatment and death of Mr Browder’s colleague, Sergei Magnitsky, in Russia in 2009, Mr Browder campaigned for the US Congress to introduce the Magnitsky Act, which allowed them to impose sanctions on Russians involved in human rights violations. Thanks to his work, the EU, the UK, Canada and Australia all have similar legislation that allows them to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in serious corruption or human rights violations or abuses.

Also recognised with knighthoods are 2 significant figures who have made major long-term contributions in the field of international development. Dr Andrew Steer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bezos Earth Fund, has been recognised for his leadership in sustainable development, spanning decades of service to the UK and internationally in multiple senior roles including with the World Bank and the World Resources Institute. Keith Palmer, the founder of AgDevCo, is recognised for his work on economic development in the poorest parts of the world, but particularly in Africa over a number of years.

Further information about recipients receiving knighthood level awards on the Overseas and International List can be found alongside the lists published on GOV.UK.

Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said:

At a time of intense global challenge, I am as ever deeply impressed by the exceptional work being done by individuals around the world.

I congratulate the recipients of His Majesty’s Birthday Honours this year and thank them for their dedication and service. They are a shining example of the impact the UK can have internationally.

The International and Overseas Birthday Honours list also recognises several other contributions, including awards to:

Professor Melita Gordon

Professor of Global Health, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi, and University of Liverpool, receives a CMG [Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George] for services to Global Health.

Professor Melita Gordon is recognised for her outstanding contribution as an expert in the speciality of Gastroenterology and General Medicine, who has made ground-breaking advancements with a profound impact on global health, particularly in Africa. Her career spans over 25 years, during which she has led a multidisciplinary programme in Malawi, focused on understanding Invasive Salmonella Disease. Her pioneering research has accelerated the development and deployment of critical salmonella vaccines in Africa, protecting millions of vulnerable children.

Professor Gordon’s commitment to capacity building in Africa is remarkable, particularly in training scientists and clinicians. She has initiated and led several equitable partnerships, including an international gastrointestinal endoscopy network creating sustainable training-centres in Africa, supported by UK trust hospitals and professional organisations. This has saved lives through the implementation of therapeutic interventions.

On learning of her award, Professor Melita Gordon said:

I am both humbled and delighted to learn of this honour. The theme of Companionship feels very fitting – I am grateful for the many students, colleagues, and team-members, and for my family, who have been alongside as my companions in this work.

Jeremy Green

Founder and Managing Partner of the Redmile Group, receives a CBE [Commander of the Order of the British Empire] for services to Business, Philanthropy and Support to the King’s Trust.

Jeremy Green is recognised for his outstanding contribution in 2 different areas: his impact in the UK life sciences sector; and his sustained service in support of the King’s Trust. Mr Green founded Redmile Group in 2007 which has grown into one of the largest life science investment firms in the world. While Mr Green’s outlook is global, Redmile is a significant investor in the UK sector, including leading financing rounds for some of the UK’s most impactful life sciences companies. He has also served on multiple taskforces focused on fostering growth of the life science sector and ensuring the UK becomes a hub for investment. Mr Green has also served The King’s Trust for over 2 decades and remains heavily engaged as a Trustee of King’s Trust Group and the Chair of the King’s Trust USA, helping to lead its programme and fundraising work.

On learning of his award, Jeremy Green said:

It is a privilege to work with both the scientists and entrepreneurs doing vital work in the life science sector and our team at the King’s Trust who ensure young people from around the world have a chance to succeed. An honour such as this is really recognition of their work, and I am grateful to be part of both communities.

Dr Simon Batchelor

Director, Gamos Ltd receives an OBE [Officer of the Order of the British Empire] for services to Technological Innovation in the Developing World.

Dr Simon Batchelor, Director, Gamos Ltd, is recognised for his exceptional contribution to international development and innovation. Over 4 decades, Dr Batchelor’s imaginative, often out-of-the-box thinking, has driven the development of transformative new ways to tackle some of the key challenges facing poor people in developing countries. Through his research, policy influence and community action, Dr Batchelor has been the driving force behind multiple transformations that have changed the prospects of some of the most vulnerable people.  This has included leading innovations to provide low-cost electric cooking, develop and use mobile money to drive economic growth, and the scale up of low-cost renewable energy, ensuring clean energy access to many.

On learning of his award, Dr Simon Batchelor said:

I am grateful that this award honours the small contributions that I have made, alongside various colleagues, to addressing the enduring problem of climate change and poverty injustice. I especially appreciate that it acknowledges the need for forward-thinking and creativity if we are to achieve a just energy transition to net zero.

Orysia Lutsevych

Deputy Director of the Russia and Eurasia Programme and Head of the Ukraine Forum in Chatham House, also receives an OBE for services to International Relations.

Orysia Lutsevych is recognised for her exceptional contribution to helping policy makers understand the evolving situation in Ukraine since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and the start of the conflict in the Donbas, as well as her work in establishing the Chatham House Ukraine Forum. The Ukraine Forum is a unique platform providing insight on internal Ukrainian dynamics in key policy areas. The Forum brings together politicians, practitioners, civil society leaders, academics and journalists to examine the political situation in Ukraine and has played a key role in supporting the response of the UK and the wider international community to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Orysia’s leadership has ensured the Ukraine Forum has had a significant impact with a systematic and energetic programme of research, round tables, talks and an innovative library of online digital material.

On learning of her award, Orysia Lutsevych said:

It is an honour to have the opportunity to bring better understanding of Ukraine to the UK and global audiences. I want to express my gratitude to Chatham House for making such an initiative possible.

Anna Cavell

Owner, Fire Tree Hotel, Juba, South Sudan, and Chair of the South Sudan British Business Association, is recognised with an MBE [Member of the Order of the British Empire] for services to Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in South Sudan.

Anna Cavell worked with tenacity and persistence for more than 2 years, unpaid and risking her own safety, to bring to justice perpetrators of conflict related sexual violence in the South Sudanese civil war of 2016. Her moral courage and refusal to give up in the face of resistance from dangerous vested interests and a sceptical international community, ensured that government soldiers were held accountable for their crimes. Her work set a precedent which continues to help address impunity for sexual violence committed by the South Sudanese armed forces. Her ongoing investment in South Sudan, philanthropy and entrepreneurial drive has had a significant impact on the people of South Sudan and brought great credit to the UK.

On learning of her award, Anna Cavell said:

Few believed the South Sudanese government would hold a credible trial, but an unlikely partnership between them and the survivors of the attack made it possible. I’m happy to receive this award in honour of all the people who must remain anonymous.

Peter and Stephen Fleming

Co-Founders, Kick4Life, are also recognised with MBEs for services to Sport for Social Change in Lesotho.

Peter and Stephen Fleming, Co-Founders of Kick4Life in Lesotho, are recognised for their outstanding contribution to social development and sport in Lesotho. The pair founded the charity in 2005 having completed a 250-mile sponsored dribble across Malawi, before launching operations in Lesotho in 2007. Kick4Life has since reached over 250,000 children and young people, with an exceptional track record of delivering health education and life-skills training, supporting and empowering vulnerable girls to end violence and exploitation, and building pathways into education, training, and sporting careers. As a charity, a social enterprise and a football club, Kick4Life now employs 50 people, with Peter and Stephen leading a range of innovative, high impact initiatives which provide young people in Lesotho with opportunities to transform their lives and contribute to the development of their communities.

On learning of their awards, Peter and Stephen Fleming said:

It has been a privilege to dedicate ourselves to building and running an organisation using sport to transform lives in Lesotho. We are thrilled to receive this award and we would like to thank the many people who have made vital contributions towards the success and social impact of Kick4Life.

View the full King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Overseas and International List.
June 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the Recent Detentions by the Houthis [June 2024]

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

The text of the following is a joint statement by the Governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

We, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, condemn in the strongest terms the recent detentions by the Houthis of United Nations, diplomatic, and non-governmental organization staff.

We reiterate and support UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for the immediate release of all United Nations staff held in Yemen by the Houthis. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained and urge the Houthis to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian, diplomatic, and United Nations personnel. These detentions represent an escalation by the Houthis, and jeopardize a sensitive peace process. They are an affront to international peace and security. All detainees should be released immediately.

We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen, and our commitment to stand by the people of Yemen.

June 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine has every right to defend itself from Russian attacks – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2024]

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

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

My Russian colleague has asked for this debate in order to obscure a simple truth.

The situation we face today has one sole cause: President Putin’s illegal and unprovoked invasion. The problem is the presence of Russian weapons in Ukraine, not the reverse.

President Putin’s illegal war has caused misery to millions of Ukrainian citizens. In the last few months, he has intensified his campaign still further. He has increased Russia’s use of glide bombs against major cities, 3,500 in May alone – a step change in the threat to civilians. He has opened a new front against Kharkiv, which is still recovering from the 2022 invasion. And he is seeking to destroy Ukraine’s power sector, depriving families of heat, light and electricity, in the hope of coercing Ukrainians into giving up.

We heard last week from ASG Msuya that civilian casualties in Ukraine last month were the highest for a year. Much of this campaign is planned and delivered from Russian territory. Glide bombs hitting Ukrainian cities and missiles hitting power stations are launched from aircraft inside Russian airspace. Russia is mustering, equipping and commanding forces for the Kharkiv offensive from inside its borders.

President, Ukraine has every right to defend itself from these attacks, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Ukraine striking military targets that are actively threatening its territory, infrastructure and civilian population is not ‘escalatory’, as Russia has claimed, but a reasonable step to protect itself. Every country in a similar situation would do the same.

We remain resolute in our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with the UN Charter. And we will continue to provide support for its self-defence.

President, tomorrow, dozens of world leaders will gather in Switzerland to express support for a lasting peace, in line with the UN Charter. Russia is straining every sinew to stop them from going. But they know that the Charter is the basis for global peace and security, and that we must uphold it in Ukraine.

If President Putin truly wants to protect his people, that is in his own hands.

He could end this war tomorrow if he stopped his aggression and withdrew his forces from Ukraine’s territory. Again, we urge him to do so.

June 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government confirms funding for TfL to procure new Elizabeth Line trains [June 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 June 2024.

The new trains will allow TfL to increase capacity on the network in the coming years.

The government has today (14 June 2024) confirmed funding for TfL to procure 10 new Elizabeth Line trains from the UK-based train manufacturer, Alstom.

Following careful consideration of TfL’s business case, the government has approved TfL’s request for funding for the additional trains.

The trains are needed due to strong passenger demand, expected growth on the Elizabeth Line, and will allow TfL to increase capacity on the network in the coming years.

The trains will be made at Alstom’s facility in Derby.

In accordance with section 101 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, the government will provide TfL with the capital funding requested for the additional trains only.

June 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : When freedom of religion or belief is respected we can build trust and secure sustainable peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2024]

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

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on tolerance and international peace and security.

Thank you, President, and thank you Special Adviser Nderitu, for your briefing.

Colleagues, we were very pleased to co-pen this landmark resolution with the UAE when they were on the Security Council, and we are also pleased that the Arab League welcomed the resolution.

I’ll make three points.

First, on the basis of the resolution. Resolution 2686 is underpinned by human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression and the promotion of gender equality. These rights are interdependent, mutually reinforcing and all play a role in promoting peace and security. As a Council, it’s important that we acknowledge that respect for human rights is vital to our work in preventing and addressing conflict.

Second, on the relevance of this resolution. In conflict situations, as we’ve seen, religious minorities too often face persecution and intolerance, as experienced by the Yazidis in Iraq and the Baha’i in Yemen. Religious intolerance and persecution fuels instability, impacting both conflict prevention and resolution. However, when freedom of religion or belief is respected, and interreligious dialogue is promoted, we can build trust and understanding between communities, helping to secure sustainable peace.

For example, the UK’s Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria programme aims to increase the safety of 1.5 million citizens by supporting national efforts to tackle the root causes of intercommunal conflict in a manner that promotes tolerance and is sensitive to the religious identities of local communities.

Third, on the role of women. President, we know that women’s participation is crucial to sustainable peace, yet women face continued threats and violence. The Secretary-General’s latest report on Women, Peace and Security stated that, between May 2021 and April 2022, 172 women human rights defenders were subjected to reprisals for engaging with the UN. This is unacceptable. I welcome the Special Adviser’s reference to women, and we must all follow-up on resolution 2686’s call on Member States to promote women’s ‘safe’ participation. Acknowledging risk of reprisals is a major barrier to women’s engagement in political life.

In conclusion, President, we are committed to defending freedom of religion and belief alongside freedom of expression and gender equality. To overcome the forces of division we face today, that lead to the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict, the international community must implement the ideals of this resolution, helping to promote and uphold all human rights.

June 17, 2024