Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : UK and U.S. to clamp down harder on the trade of Russian metals [April 2024]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 12 April 2024.

Today’s action brings the world’s two largest metal exchanges into the scope of existing bans.
- Russian metal producers blocked from profits from the London Metal Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, reducing a crucial source of revenue for the Kremlin.
- Joint UK and U.S. action builds on ban of metal imports, targeting $40 billion of Russian exports of aluminium, copper and nickel.
The UK and the U.S. have together announced joint action to clamp down harder on prohibited Russian metal exports, by today bringing the world’s two largest metal exchanges into the scope of the existing bans.

The London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) will no longer trade new aluminium, copper and nickel produced by Russia. Metals are Russia’s largest export commodity after energy, though their value has been decreasing since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2022 they were $25 billion, dropping to $15 billion in 2023 due to the efforts of the G7 and allies to curtail the market. Today’s action will go further to constrain Russia’s ability to make money from its shrinking metals exports, dealing another blow to President Vladimir Putin’s funding for his illegal war in Ukraine.

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

Disabling Putin’s capacity to wage his illegal war in Ukraine is better achieved when we act alongside our allies. Thanks to Britain’s leadership in this area, our decisive action with the U.S. to jointly ban Russian metals from the two largest exchanges will prevent the Kremlin funnelling more cash into its war machine.

Janet L. Yellen, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, said:

Our new prohibitions on key metals, in coordination with our partners in the United Kingdom, will continue to target the revenue Russia can earn to continue its brutal war against Ukraine.

By taking this action in a targeted and responsible manner, we will reduce Russia’s earnings while protecting our partners and allies from unwanted spillover effects.

The Prime Minister first announced the intention to act on banning Russian metals in May 2023. UK legislation to directly ban imports of Russian metals, including aluminium, copper and nickel was introduced in December. Separately, the U.S. put in place tariffs on various Russian metal imports.

Together, the UK and the U.S. have today gone one step further and brought both metal exchanges into the scope of these measures – reinforcing a shared commitment to constrain Russia and support Ukraine. This follows a dialogue between the two countries to maximise the impact of the policy, which is a technically complex measure requiring time to work through the details to ensure its effectiveness and minimise the risk of market disruption.

Metal exchanges provide a central role in facilitating the trading of industrial metals around the globe. The London Metal Exchange and Chicago Mercantile Exchange both have warehouses all over the world. Together, they are the world’s two largest metal exchanges and set global benchmark prices for the trade of base metals.

Both the UK and U.S. measures will exempt the existing stock of Russian metal on these global exchanges so they can still be traded and withdrawn. This is to minimise the risk to market stability.

Today’s announcement to strengthen the UK’s existing ban on Russian metals builds on ongoing work to support Ukraine. Since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has introduced the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on any major economy. Over 2,000 individuals and entities have now been sanctioned, and it is estimated that without sanctions, Russia would have over $400 billion more to fund its war – which could be enough to do so for an additional four years. The UK has also provided almost £12 billion in military, humanitarian and economic support to Ukraine and has often been the first mover on vital lethal aid.

Sanctions Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

Today’s action ratches up economic pressure on Putin, further depriving him of the key resources and revenue streams he needs to fund his illegal war in Ukraine.

We have now imposed extensive trade sanctions on Russian-origin oil, gas, gold, diamonds, iron, steel, and base metals, dealing a heavy blow to Putin’s war economy. But we must continue to work with our allies to further tighten the screws on the Kremlin.

Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said:

The UK has already imposed the most severe package of bans that we’ve ever seen on a major economy, including on Russian metals which is Russia’s largest export commodity after oil and gas.

Now, we’re going even further. By strengthening our sanctions on Russian metals, alongside the U.S., we will reduce Russian revenue which it uses to fund Putin’s war machine.

Further information
- There are no restrictions on acquiring existing stockpiles of Russian metals already on exchange, in order to prevent disruption to markets.
- This action does not cover titanium or platinum group metals, such as platinum and palladium, which were not included in the UK’s prohibition in December due to supply chain sensitivities.
April 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New procurement rules help rapid fitting of military laser to Royal Navy ships [April 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 April 2024.

The rollout of laser weapons systems far quicker than expected, following defence procurement reforms, with DragonFire to be on Royal Navy warships from 2027.

The cutting-edge DragonFire laser will be installed on Royal Navy warships for the first time from 2027 – far quicker than previously envisaged thanks to new defence procurement model which came into force this week.

Able to fire at any target visible in the air at around £10 a shot and with an accuracy equivalent to hitting a pound coin from a kilometre away, the powerful DragonFire weapon will provide highly effective defence against drone and missile threats.

Laser weapons were originally expected to be rolled out to UK armed forces in 2032.

But under a raft of reforms to defence procurement that came into effect this week and prioritisation within defence, the weapon will now be operational around five years earlier than planned.

A key part of the new reforms is delivering a minimum deployable capability quickly to personnel and finalising development once in-service, ensuring that personnel can access the tools they need for an evolving threat.

Under contract from Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), on behalf of the UK MOD, DragonFire has been developed in collaboration with UK industry partners MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ.

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

In a more dangerous world, our approach to procurement is shifting with it. We need to be more urgent, more critical and more global.

Our widespread reforms will deliver the latest kit and weaponry for our Armed Forces faster and help identify export opportunities that can boost the UK economy.

DragonFire shows the best of the UK at the forefront of military technology, and we will not delay in getting it in the hands of our military to face down the threats we’re facing.

The reforms will ensure more consistent delivery for the UK’s Armed Forces, helping avoid previous challenges where programmes have been over-complex, over-budget, and over time.

In addition to the minimum deployable capability, the new reforms include:
- New checks and balances such as the UK Strategic Command-based Integration Design Authority providing expert advice on integration. This will improve coherence and avoid some of the challenges faced in previous procurements.
- Greater empowerment of defence scientists, government export leads, finance experts and industry partners to challenge and shape proposals before they receive the go-ahead.
- The new model will set programmes up for success by consulting a wide range of experts early in the acquisition process. This will enable the MOD to take the right, expert-informed decisions from the start, saving time later on.
- Increased focus on exportability at the start of a new programme, to prioritise developing kit that can be sold to allies globally.
- Earlier engagement with the UK defence industry to ensure quicker delivery of kit into the hands of our Armed Forces.
Laser-directed energy weapons can engage targets at the speed of light and use an intense beam of light to cut through the target, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted.

DragonFire has the potential to be a long-term low-cost alternative to certain tasks missiles currently carry out, such as shooting down attack drones.Investing in this cutting edge laser technology puts the UK at the forefront of defence capabilities. Moreover, playing a significant part in reducing the challenges faced by traditional stockpiles.

Dstl’s Chief Executive Paul Hollinshead said:

This is excellent news, and a real step forward in enabling operational advantage at pace for UK Defence.

Dstl is all about preparing for the future and the DragonFire technology is a great example of that.

Our scientists along with industry partners have worked tirelessly to bring laser technology to where it is today, one which I am proud to say is a UK sovereign capability.

The new procurement model approach is in addition to avoiding competition between the military services for programmes to be approved and encouraging people to speak up in the face of emerging challenges for delivery – a key recommendation of Clive Sheldon KC’s report into the AJAX programme.

DE&S, the MOD’s procurement arm, has recently redesigned the way it operates so it can get equipment into the hands of our armed forces faster. Its new operating model features a single-entry point which will engage with the military earlier in the process, to help set up projects for success.
April 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New multi-million pound action plan launched to protect the River Wye [April 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 April 2024.

River Wye Action Plan launched to preserve the long-term health of the river.

The Farming Minister today (12th April 2024) has announced a new plan to better protect and preserve the River Wye for future generations, including up to £35 million in funding and the appointment of a new ‘River Champion’ and taskforce.

The River Wye and its surrounding area is cherished by residents and visitors, however, the condition of the river is declining due to pressures including climate change, invasive species, and pollution from various sources, including from farms across the catchment area. The government is working at pace to intervene after the condition of the River Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which covers the stretch of the river in England, was downgraded to ‘Unfavourable – Declining’ last year.

The River Wye Action Plan sets out a range of measures to begin protecting the river immediately from pollution and establish long-term plans to restore it for future generations. This includes requiring large poultry farms to export manure away from areas where they would otherwise cause excess pollution and providing up to £35m in grant support for on-farm poultry manure combustors in the Wye Special Area of Conservation catchment to facilitate the export of poultry litter to where it is needed.

Combusting poultry manure provides a source of renewable energy and converts manure to a nutrient rich ash, which is a valuable fertiliser that is easier to transport and use on farms – reducing risk to the environment. Any new combustion units will need approval and we will work with local stakeholders and regulators to ensure robust assessments for protection of the environment and human health.

The Farming Minister has also appointed former Member of European Parliament, Anthea McIntyre CBE, as ‘River Champion’ in the Wye catchment. As a resident of the Wye Catchment and having represented the West Midlands Region as an MEP for eight years, Anthea will bring a deep understanding and appreciation for local issues – particularly in the water and agricultural sectors.

In this role, she will bring together key organisations and partners to protect and restore the Wye, including by supporting a long-term catchment plan. This will involve working alongside the local Catchment Partnership and citizen scientists, who have already made great progress in bringing together farmers and other land managers around a long-term plan to restore the river.

The River Wye Action Plan builds on significant measures already in place under our Plan for Water and farming schemes to help farmers speed up their transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

The River Wye is facing real challenges, which is why the government is taking action to restore this important landscape and ensure it is better protected for future generations.

Our plan will dramatically reduce the amount of nutrients entering the river, mostly by helping farmers transition to more sustainable practices. This will include providing up to £35m for on farm poultry litter combustors and trialling the use of emerging technology to help farmers share organic nutrients with their neighbours.

I’m also pleased to announce the appointment of Anthea McIntyre, who as a local and a former West Midlands region MEP will spearhead government action on the ground to improve the health of the river.

River Champion Anthea McIntyre CBE said:

I’m very honoured to be appointed as the River Wye Champion and look forward to working with all the committed partners in the Wye Catchment to improve the quality of our vitally important river.

Having lived close to the River Wye since my teens, and represented this area over many years, I am determined to work collaboratively with all the interested parties to ensure the river is restored and protected for future generations.

Marc Lidderth, Area Director for the West Midlands, Environment Agency said:

The River Wye is a beautiful and important part of our landscape, our resources and community wellbeing. The introduction of this wide-ranging plan allows the Environment Agency to capitalise on its work already underway with partners, local farmers and environmental groups to tackle the decline in water quality in the catchment. Together we can progress the long-term solutions needed to restore this vital waterway.

Since April 2023, the Environment Agency has carried out over 500 farm inspections across the Wye catchment, helping farmers comply with legal requirements and resulting in more than 315 actions identified to improve farm practices. These range from improving slurry storage to better management of nutrients. Our regulatory work will continue across the Wye, with Environment Agency officers inspecting farms as well as using technology such as satellite images and drone footage.

Emma Johnson, Deputy Director for the West Midlands, Natural England said:

A healthy and thriving River Wye and the catchment is key to recovering nature in Herefordshire, so benefiting wildlife and people. We are pleased to see further action being implemented by the government to support the wide range of partners working to restore the Wye.

Natural England is delivering nature positive advice supporting hundreds of farms within the Wye catchment as part of the Catchment Sensitive Farming programme and backing the Wyescapes and Wye Valley – Ridge to River – Landscape Recovery Projects in the area, as well development of Herefordshire’s local nature recovery strategy.

Further actions outlined in the plan include:
- Creating a level playing field for the export of poultry manure from intensive poultry farms with over 40,000 birds by reforming Environmental Permitting Regulations.
- Proving the concept of a circular economy in manure nutrients with the potential added benefit of boosting rural renewable energy, through a carefully supported Pilot Farm Trial of Micro Anaerobic Digesters (AD).
- Promoting soil and nutrient retention in local fields with new actions in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) in Summer 2024, including No Till arable farming.
- Providing £1.5 million of development funding to the local Wyescapes and Wye Valley – Ridge to River – Landscape Recovery Projects over the next two years (subject to the projects passing enrolment checks).
- Providing funding for the Restoring our Rivers project and Arrow Valley Diversity Project, delivered with local partners in the next financial year.
- Working with partners in academia, agriculture and the third sector (both in England and Wales) to produce new evidence on how farmers can mitigate pollution, including from legacy phosphate deeper in the soil structure.
The excellent work of citizen scientists has helped the government better understand the challenges the river is facing, and this Plan aims to build on their efforts to prevent and reverse damage.

Improved nutrient management will also deliver benefits for farmers, such as reducing reliance on inorganic fertilisers, a major input cost for farmers. We will continue to work closely with the community and partners in England and Wales to ensure we are taking the necessary steps to best protect the river.
April 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Progress of UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar – Joint statement [April 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 April 2024.

A joint statement from the European Commission, Spain, UK and Gibraltar following talks today (12 April) in Brussels.

European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, together with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, met in Brussels on Friday 12 April.

This was the first meeting in this format. Discussions took place in a constructive atmosphere, with significant progress achieved. General political lines have been agreed, including on airport, goods and mobility. Negotiations will continue over the coming weeks to conclude the UK-EU Agreement.

The participants agreed that this was a productive day. The meeting reaffirmed their shared commitment to concluding an UK-EU Agreement to secure the future prosperity of the whole region. This Agreement will bring confidence, legal certainty and stability to the lives and livelihoods of the people of the whole region, without prejudice to the parties’ legal positions.

April 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints first blind ambassador to serve overseas [April 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 April 2024.

Victoria Harrison will become UK ambassador to Slovenia in August 2024, accompanied by her guide dog Otto.
- Victoria Harrison will become the UK’s first totally blind ambassador, leading the UK government’s relationship with Slovenia from August 2024
- she will be the first ambassador to be accompanied by a guide dog, her 2-year-old labrador golden retriever cross ‘Otto’
- approximately 15% of the Foreign Office’s UK-based workforce has a declared disability, as the government department aims to become more representative of the UK
In a historic milestone for the UK Diplomatic Service, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has appointed the first totally blind British ambassador, the most senior position within a British Embassy overseas.

Victoria Harrison, born in Dumfries, will become His Majesty’s Ambassador to Slovenia from August 2024, charged with leading the UK government’s work to promote UK interests in the country.

Victoria also becomes the first ambassador to serve in the position with a guide dog. She will be accompanied by 2-year-old labrador golden retriever cross Otto, matched to her by British charity Guide Dogs.

Following the appointment, Victoria Harrison said:

It’s an honour to represent the UK as our next ambassador to Slovenia. During my career I’m pleased to have witnessed the Diplomatic Service become much more reflective of the diversity of the country we serve and I’m proud to be part of this change.

Thanks to Guide Dogs for providing me with my second life-changing guide dog, Otto, who will be accompanying me, and my colleagues who have supported me on this journey. I can’t wait to get started in Slovenia later this year, with Otto in tow!

Deputy Chief Executive at Guide Dogs, Pete Osborne said:

Victoria has had an incredible career so far and we’re thrilled that she will have her guide dog Otto by her side on this next step as the UK ambassador to Slovenia.

It’s clear they have an extraordinary bond and have achieved remarkable things together. Our guide dogs not only help people with a vision impairment to live the life they choose but can truly change a person’s life. We wish Victoria all the very best.

Joining the UK Diplomatic Service in 1997, Victoria was the first person with a declared disability to be recruited by the Foreign Office following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act putting into law equality for those with disabilities.

Her career has included postings to Helsinki and Sarajevo, as well as working on the Ukraine response and Afghanistan on her path to reaching the senior rank today.

Today, approximately 15% of UK-based Foreign Office staff have a declared disability, which includes 10% of those serving in senior positions. The FCDO is committed to having a workforce which reflects the diversity of the UK.
April 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government opens fund to support farmers affected by flooding [April 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 April 2024.

Fund will support farmers who suffered uninsurable damage to their land due to flooding earlier this year with grants of between £500 and £25,000.

The government has today (9 April) opened the Farming Recovery Fund to support farmers who suffered uninsurable damage to their land due to flooding this winter.

Under the scheme, eligible farmers can access grants of between £500 and £25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk.

Eligible farmers are being contacted directly by Rural Payments Agency (RPA) outlining the support available to them through the Farming Recovery Fund and how they can make a claim.

The fund forms part of a broader scheme called the Flood Recovery Framework which is activated in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.

The fund will initially be open in those local authority areas where the Flood Recovery Framework has already been activated to help farms which have experienced the highest levels of flooding. These are Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, West Northamptonshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.

Eligibility for the fund will remain under review by Defra to ensure it is supporting areas where farmland is most impacted. The further counties under review are Berkshire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and Derbyshire.

Farming Minster Mark Spencer said:

I know how difficult this winter has been for farmers, with extreme weather such as Storm Henk having a devastating impact on both cropping and grazing, as well as damaging property and equipment.

The Farming Recovery Fund will support farmers who suffered uninsurable damage with grants of up to £25,000, and sits alongside broader support in our farming schemes to improve flood resilience.

In January, the government announced its intention to open the fund and have consulted with stakeholders and developed an eligibility criteria. This analysis has identified fields that are eligible. This means the RPA can write to eligible farmers directly to invite them to claim and will allow payments to be made more quickly once a claim has been received.

Farmers are already eligible for support through the Flood Recovery Framework, including a grant of up to £2,500 as part of the Business Recovery Grant.

The last year has seen exceptionally heavy rainfall across the UK, with 2023 named by the Met Office as the 6th wettest year since its records began in 1836.

Since 2015, the government has protected over 900,000 acres of agricultural land from the impacts of flooding and are investing £5.6 billion to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties in communities, including many in rural areas.

Update – 11 April

Following feedback from farmers, the eligibility criteria for the scheme has been updated to fully remove the 150m limit. This means that farmers will be able to receive payments for all land parcels which are flooded contiguous to an eligible river.

April 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Russia has procured ballistic missiles and artillery shells from North Korea for direct use against Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 April 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN General Assembly meeting on North Korea’s illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

On 28 March, Russia vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution to renew the mandate for the important work of the 1718 committee’s Panel of Experts, which upholds the global non-proliferation regime. This veto completely disregards resolutions Russia has previously voted for; resolutions which protect the non-proliferation regime and international peace and security.

As a result of Russia’s veto, the UN membership will no longer receive reports from the Panel about North Korea’s accelerating nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. It will not receive Panel updates about North Korea’s and Russia’s sanction evasion practices, which now risk going unreported.

This veto was designed to conceal Russia’s partnership with North Korea and make it easier for North Korea to escalate its unlawful weapons programmes. In turn, this enables Russia to breach and evade UN sanctions to get arms and ammunition from North Korea for its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The Security Council, and this Assembly, know Russia has procured several dozen ballistic missiles and millions of artillery shells from North Korea, for direct use against Ukraine, Ukraine’s people, and civilian infrastructure.

So with this veto, Russia has abused its position as a permanent member of this Council to undermine the global non-proliferation regime and global security.

But let’s be clear to Russia: the UN sanctions regime remains in place. And the UK remains committed to holding North Korea to account for its attempts to evade UN sanctions.

In conclusion, President, I wish to extend our deep gratitude to the 1718 Panel of Experts, and to the United States for their work as penholder in the Security Council. The Panel’s credible, objective, and independent reporting enabled the international community to monitor the implementation of UN sanctions and helped to prevent North Korea’s unlawful and dangerous development of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

We will continue to work with all Member States to ensure oversight and implementation of UN sanctions on North Korea in support of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and to uphold international peace and security.

April 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the UK-Australia Strategic Innovation Dialogue [April 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 11 April 2024.

Following the inaugural Strategic Innovation Dialogue in London, the UK and Australia have issued a Joint Statement.

United Kingdom – Australia Co-chair Joint Statement

On 8-9 April 2024, Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) held the inaugural Strategic Innovation Dialogue (the Dialogue) in London. This put into practice the commitments made under the Innovation chapter of the Australia- UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first such chapter in the world.

Dr. Carolyn Patteson, Head of International, Trade and National Security, of the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources (DISR) and Dr Gaynor Jeffery OBE, Director for Core Policy, Delivery and European Region at Department for Business and Trade (DBT) co-chaired on behalf of Australia and the UK respectively.

Discussions focused on priority areas such as future health, future power, and standards and interoperability of emerging technologies, with a view to encouraging further science, research, commercialisation and trade collaboration in these key areas.

The Dialogue supports and facilitates trade between two of the world’s most pioneering economies in innovative goods and services, encouraging the development and adoption of emerging technologies and increasing engagement in science, innovation, technology and related sectors, opening a new chapter of cooperation that will shape our economies for years to come.

It comes at a significant juncture, when both countries are looking to strengthen and diversify global supply chains, manage a transition to net zero emissions and ensure robust systems of governance to support the responsible and safe use of critical technologies including Artificial Intelligence – all in support of economic growth and job creation.
- On Future Health, discussions focused on strategies for commercialising innovation in biotechnology, highlighting advances in complex precision medicines and materials technology. Both sides outlined their existing health research networks and agreed to explore the potential for a ‘biobridge’ between our countries to expedite new and innovative medicines, diagnostics, and therapeutics to market.
- On Battery manufacturing, a visit to the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) enabled direct learning on the opportunities and challenges in developing and trading these innovative goods. Following discussions over respective National approaches, both sides acknowledged further opportunities to deepen cooperation.
- On Offshore Wind, after comparing strategies and new innovations in floating offshore wind technology, there was joint commitment to identify collaborative opportunities to address supply chain constraints and to continue facilitating connections between policy makers to progress development of floating offshore wind policy.
- On standards and interoperability of emerging technologies, both countries acknowledged the importance of harmonising standards to bolster consumer trust, support sectoral growth and to facilitate trade in AI-enabled goods. Building on discussions hosted by the UK in 2023 at the AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park, Australia and the UK reaffirmed the importance of working together toward safe and responsible AI, including in key international forums, to develop the international standards necessary to secure consumer trust and industry confidence in emerging sectors.
Australia and the UK welcomed cooperation between respective standards bodies in support of trade outcomes and committed to monitor their regulatory frameworks for new technologies to ensure they do not emerge as technical barriers to trade. This includes facilitating alignment on the adoption of interoperable tools for trustworthy AI, such as assurance techniques and international technical standards. Both countries welcomed the work already underway between respective agencies on autonomous vehicles.

Australia and the UK look forward to the opportunity to continue to strengthen the relationship between both countries by supporting trade in innovative goods and services, improving the connections between our respective systems and progressing joint work programmes catalysed by the Dialogue.

The next Strategic Innovation Dialogue will be held in Australia in 2026.
April 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Former Royal Navy ships transferred to Ukraine’s Navy arrive in Portsmouth for multi-national exercise [April 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 April 2024.

Detecting and disabling sea mines will be critical to ensuring the security of the Black Sea in the long-term.

Two Ukrainian minehunter ships, recently transferred from the Royal Navy to Ukraine’s navy, have arrived in Portsmouth today ahead of a series of multi-national naval exercises.

The arrival of the ships, now named Cherkasy and Chernihiv, marks a significant step in the UK’s work to support the transformation and modernisation of Ukraine’s Navy.

Having sailed down from where they were previously based in Scotland, the two ships and their crew will start preparing for their first operational exercises since their transfer to the Ukrainian Navy was fully completed.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

The UK is leading the way in helping Ukraine to modernise its Navy. The transfer of these ships and the excellent training provided by the Royal Navy will have a real long-term impact on Ukraine’s ability to defend its waters.

We continue to support Ukraine as they deliver major blows to Putin’s Black Sea Fleet. In doing so, they are securing vital corridors to export grain and other materials, supporting their economy in the face of Russia’s barbaric bombardment.

The transfer of the vessels to Ukraine’s Navy was announced to coincide with the launch of the Maritime Capability Coalition, which the UK jointly leads with Norway, to provide assistance to Ukraine’s navy – including training, equipment, and infrastructure, to bolster security in the Black Sea region.

Ukraine has sunk or disabled around a third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet since the start of the conflict through a series of precision-guided missile strikes and innovative use of maritime one-way attack drones. With support from the UK, Ukraine’s Black Sea activity has meant, despite ongoing Russian strikes against Odesa oblast, Ukraine has almost certainly exported more grain through its seaports in the first months of 2024 than at any time since the outbreak of the war.

Both ships will now be rebased in Portsmouth, where they will be prepared to take part in Exercise Sea Breeze 24, a joint countermeasure exercise between the Royal Navy, US Navy and Ukrainian Navy. This exercise will improve the ability of Ukraine’s navy to operate alongside NATO nations, increase agility amongst NATO navies, and demonstrates the UK and allies’ shared commitment to security and stability.

Transfer of the ships, previously named Shoreham and Grimsby, began last year – with both taking part in Exercise Joint Warrior 23 and Exercise Sea Breeze 23 in UK waters. Their transfer earlier this year was made possible by a buyer credit facility guarantee provided by the UK government’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance.

The ships are currently not able to enter the Black Sea due to the terms of the Montreux Convention, which restricts passage of military vessels through the Bosporus Strait at times of war. However, they will form a critical capability for Ukraine in its future defence of its coastlines as the UK looks to support the longer-term capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy, while they look to protect commercial shipping by detecting and disabling sea mines.

The UK’s dedication to supporting Ukraine has been unwavering since the illegal full-scale invasion in 2022. As one of the largest military donors to Ukraine, the UK has demonstrated its commitment through substantial military aid, committing more than £7 billion to supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine to date.

April 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : We urge the Russian authorities to release British national Vladimir Kara-Murza on humanitarian grounds immediately – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 April 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Thank you, President.

I would like to join others in thanking DPPA and OCHA for their informative briefings.

Colleagues, again, this Council meets following a brutal campaign of airstrikes by Russia, a permanent member of this Council, against Ukraine. Since 20 March, these attacks have intensified, with over 1,000 missiles, drones, and guided aerial bombs dropped in one week alone. Dozens of civilians, including children, have been injured or killed in the last days alone. As a result of Russia’s continued aggression, approximately 40% of Ukraine’s population will need humanitarian assistance this year.

I would like to make three points. First, Russia is deliberately targeting energy infrastructure. Just this morning, Russia’s strikes destroyed Trypillya power plant, one of Ukraine’s largest providers of electricity and heat to civilians. Russia’s attacks are leaving millions of people without power and water, cutting electricity to hospitals, threatening the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and delaying life-saving humanitarian operations. We urge Russia to immediately cease its targeting of civilian infrastructure and comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

Second, since Russia’s invasion, the international community has come together in support of the people of Ukraine. The UK has committed over £350 million in humanitarian aid since February 2022 to support the valiant efforts of the UN and international and local NGOs to help those people in the most dire humanitarian need. But millions of these people are currently living on the frontlines and in Ukrainian territory illegally controlled by Russia, where Russia continues to deny humanitarian access. Russia needs to heed the repeated calls of Council members, to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, so humanitarian aid can reach those who need it most.

Third, Russian aggression in Ukraine is enabled by repression at home. The Russian authorities are curtailing freedoms of association, assembly and expression. They also continue to disregard British national Vladimir Kara-Murza’s declining health in Russian prison. On today, the second anniversary of Vladimir’s arrest, we urge the Russian authorities to release him immediately on humanitarian grounds. Madam President, Ukraine is facing a protracted humanitarian emergency. There is an easy solution to this suffering: for Russia to end this war, withdraw from Ukrainian territory, and respect its commitments under international law and the UN Charter.

April 17, 2024