Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Air Services Agreement signed between UK and Mongolia [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 February 2024.

The agreement opens up opportunities for direct flights between the two countries.

On 23 January 2024, the Minister of Roads and Transport Development of Mongolia, Sandag Byambatsogt, and His Majesty’s Ambassador to Mongolia Fiona Blyth, signed an air services agreement between the government of Mongolia and the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The agreement opens up opportunities for direct flights between the two countries.

An agreement on air services between the governments of Mongolia and the UK was established on March 1, 2000. However, with the departure of the UK from the European Union, the agreement has been renewed with the UK. During the signature meeting, the two parties discussed ways to strengthen mutual co-operation in air, road and railway transportation.

The newly signed agreement on air transport includes new provisions:
- compliance with laws and regulations
- fair competition
- flight safety
- code sharing
- lease
- take-off and landing slots
- ground services
- environmental protection
- registration with the international civil aviation organization
The agreement also includes an aviation security article which makes provision for In-Flight Security Officers.

“MIAT” the Mongolian flag carrier has been appointed to operate passenger flights from Mongolia to London while “Eznis Airways” LLC has been appointed to operate cargo flights.
February 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK research investment to boost UK semiconductor industry [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 7 February 2024.

Two new ‘Innovation and Knowledge Centres’ will receive £11 million each to help bring new chip technologies to market.
- Two new ‘Innovation and Knowledge Centres (IKC)’ will receive £11 million each to help bring new chip technologies to market.
- each focuses on an area of British leadership on the world stage – silicon photonics and compound chips – as DSIT delivers £1 billion semiconductor strategy.
- £4.8 million funding for semiconductor skills projects have also been announced.
New funding and support has been unveiled today to back British scientists working on world-leading chip development which could help to power advancements in AI and will underpin the technologies needed to reach net zero.

To coincide with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s one-year anniversary – two new research hubs in Southampton and Bristol have received a cash injection to boost research in silicon photonics and compound semiconductors.

Semiconductors are a key component in nearly every electrical device in the world from mobile phones to medical equipment. They underpin future technologies in net zero, AI and quantum and are increasingly recognised as an area of global strategic significance.

Visiting the Southampton centre, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Saqib Bhatti said:

This investment marks a crucial step in advancing our ambitions for the semiconductor industry, with these centres helping bring new technologies to market in areas like net zero and AI, rooting them right here in the UK.

Just nine months into delivering on the National Semiconductor Strategy, we’re already making rapid progress towards our goals. This isn’t just about fostering growth and creating high-skilled jobs, it’s about positioning the UK as a hub of global innovation, setting the stage for breakthroughs that have worldwide impact.

Each £11 million site will help convert scientific findings into business realities. They will support promising research and projects, offering researchers access to state-of-the-art prototyping technology essential for testing their complex designs, and nurturing early-stage companies. This includes empowering spin-outs with training, workshops, and vital industry contacts, ensuring they are fully equipped for when their products are market-ready.

The REWIRE facility at the University of Bristol will support chip companies across the South West and Wales, helping to accelerate the UK’s net zero ambition by advancing high-voltage electronic devices with cutting-edge compound semiconductors.

The “Cornerstone” Information and Knowledge Centre in Southampton will build on the University’s specialism in silicon photonics. This is an emerging area of research in semiconductors, where light is used to communicate information instead of electricity – meaning the chips that are made using this technology are much, much quicker than standard semiconductors.

World-leading silicon photonics researcher Professor Graham Reed, who will lead the Cornerstone facility, said:

The Cornerstone IKC will unite leading UK entrepreneurs and researchers, together with a network of support to improve the commercialisation of semiconductors and deliver a step-change in the silicon photonics industry.

A further funding of £4.8 million in 11 semiconductor skills projects nationwide aims to elevate talent across all educational tiers, from school through to university and beyond. This funding will not only raise awareness of the semiconductor industry but also help to address key gaps in the UK’s workforce talent and training framework.

The centres will help to deliver on the ambitions of the government’s £1 billion National Semiconductor Strategy, a 20-year plan detailing how the government will drive forward the UK’s strengths and skills in design, R&D and compound semiconductors.

This investment is a clear example of the government’s commitment to working in partnership with industry to support the semiconductor sector and achieve the goals of the National Semiconductor Strategy, building on our strengths to grow the UK’s sector
February 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Egypt sign sustainable cities and infrastructure pact [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 7 February 2024.

The UK and Egypt signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation in infrastructure development.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt Gareth Bayley and Deputy Chairman of The New Urban Communities Authority Eng. Amin Ghoneim signed a Sustainable Cities and Infrastructure Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday 6th February 2024 in Cairo.

The new partnership between the UK and the Government of Egypt will boost cooperation in the development of sustainable cities and infrastructure in Egypt by establishing a joint working group that will meet twice a year in London and Cairo.

This working group will bring together government bodies and industry representatives from both countries to exchange technical knowledge, training, expertise and best practice in the prioritisation, financing, and management of infrastructure projects.

The MoU aims to position both countries to draw on their strengths to support the delivery of infrastructure projects in Egypt. It will seek to grow the bilateral trading relationship and increase foreign investment into the Egyptian construction sector. Projects will be identified by the working group and delivered in accordance with international quality and sustainability standards.

British Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley said:
This agreement reinforces our commitment to sustainable development, fostering economic growth, and attracting foreign investment into the Egyptian infrastructure sector.

It sets yet another example of a stronger and growing green partnership between both our countries, while boosting bilateral trade relations.

I am confident this collaboration will pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for Egypt.

The two countries already share a strong trading relationship. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Egypt was £4.8 billion in the 12 months to September 2023, of which total UK exports to Egypt amounted to £2.6 billion.

The MoU also builds upon the UK and Egypt’s commitment to the UN’s sustainable development goals and action on climate change. In November 2022, Egypt, as COP27 President, developed the Sustainable Urban Resilience for the Next Generation Initiative in collaboration with the UN.

The initiative is committed to achieving sustainable and resilient urban cities, which the UK and Egypt are dedicated to delivering via this MoU.

The new agreement commits both countries to making progress on the sustainable development goals and climate change mitigation and adaption, including by deploying innovative climate technologies.

February 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The quickest path to peace is for President Putin to end his illegal invasion of Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 February 2024.

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Thank you Madam President, and thank you to Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for your briefing. And we welcome the representative of Ukraine to the Chamber for this meeting. The UK deeply regrets all loss of life in this war wherever it occurs. But perhaps we should start with a few facts which Russia tries to hide from the world and its own people.

In the 700 days since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine began, many, many thousands of people have been killed or injured at the hands of Russian forces.

Russia has carried out relentless attacks on civilian infrastructure, homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Russian forces are reported to be responsible for large-scale atrocities, including torture, sexual violence, forced deportations and summary executions.

In the process, staggering numbers of Russian soldiers have themselves been killed and Russian families bereaved. It is the Russian Government alone that is responsible for the death and suffering caused by this war.

No amount of disinformation can obscure the very basic fact that it was Russia who invaded Ukraine unprovoked, and in clear violation of the UN Charter. It is a war that President Putin refuses to end, despite all the damage that it has done to Russia’s standing in the world, and despite the enormous numbers of Russian men and women who have been killed. He has instead chosen to double down on an imperialist fantasy.

Russian strikes continue to rain down on Ukraine using weapons procured from Kim Jong Un in violation of Security Council Resolutions. So, when Russia comes to this Council, intent on disseminating their propaganda, let us instead all remember who is responsible for this war and its terrible human cost; who continues to trample all over the principles of this organisation; and who has the power to immediately bring this war to an end.

And when Russia campaigns to undermine the supply of Western weapons, as they do again today, let us instead be proud to stand resolutely with Ukraine in defence of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. The quickest path to peace is for President Putin to end his illegal invasion. We repeat our call for Russia to respect the UN Charter and to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

Thank you.

February 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Iraq has the potential to play a strong stabilising role in the region: UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 February 2024.

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Iraq.

Thank you, Madam President, I would like to welcome the representatives of Iraq and Kuwait to the chamber.

Let me start by thanking the Special Representative for her briefing, and for the important work of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq. I would like to highlight three points of particular importance for the UK.

First, we commend the progress being made by Iraq across the breadth of political and economic issues set out by the Special Representative. UNAMI’s contribution to that progress is deeply valued by the United Kingdom. We look forward to discussing the outcome of the Strategic Review being led by Volker Perthes and the future shape and function of UNAMI, in discussion with relevant parties, including of course the sovereign state of Iraq.

Second, Iraq has the potential to play a strong stabilising role in the region. To do so, it is critical that its territory not be used by Iranian proxies to destabilise the region. We offer our condolences to the families of those killed in Iran’s 15 January strike on Erbil. We urge Iran to deescalate tensions in the region. We reiterate our commitment to the Global Coalition against Daesh, which operates within Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government, as well as our commitment to a secure and sovereign Iraq.

Third, we congratulate Iraq on holding its first provincial elections for a decade. We look forward to the holding of elections in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq without further delay and encourage all relevant actors to take steps to ensure necessary preparations are made to ensure they are free, fair and timely. We hope a sustainable outcome on the transfer of budget allocations from Baghdad to Erbil can be agreed and we encourage relevant political parties to play a constructive role to support that.

Finally, Madam President, we welcome the Special Representative’s update on missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property and reiterate the UK’s commitment to the work of the Tripartite Commission. We urge further progress to resolve this long-standing issue.

In closing, can I express the UK’s sincere thanks to you, Special Representative, for your outstanding work in Iraq since 2018 and we commend your powerful and hopeful words as you depart about the future of a stable and prosperous Iraq.

I thank you.

February 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Monaco [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 February 2024.

The UK’s statement during Monaco’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered on 29 January 2024.

Thank you, Mr President,

The UK welcomes Monaco’s commitment to the protection of human rights, and its longstanding guarantees on the freedom of religion and belief within the Principality.

We commend Monaco’s efforts to improve women’s rights, and welcome the repeal of the civil code provisions which prohibit women from remarrying within 310 days of the dissolution of a previous marriage.

We note, however, that there is still work to be done to ensure the protection of women, and provision of equal rights for same-sex couples.

We recommend:
1. Improvements to conditions inside prisons, such as access to daylight, and increasing space for activities, including those outdoors.
2. Reviewing legislation concerning same-sex couples to ensure continuity with rights and recognitions afforded to opposite-sex couples.
3. Conducting an official review of legislative barriers to justice for victims of sexual crimes and domestic violence, including adopting a broader definition of domestic violence in line with the Istanbul Convention.
Thank you.
February 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Belize [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 February 2024.

The UK’s statement during Belize’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered on 29 January 2024.
Thank you, Ms Vice-President,

The United Kingdom welcomes Belize’s progress on the draft Disability Bill, which would, if implemented, provide for greater protection and rights for those with disabilities in Belize.

We also welcome the establishment of a Women Parliamentarians Caucus, progress in the number of women appointed to senior positions in public service, and efforts to empower women through supporting entrepreneurship.

Nonetheless, we are concerned by the very high instances of violence and abuse against women and girls, and call on the authorities to ensure that cases are investigated and where appropriate, prosecuted.

We recommend that Belize:

Significantly steps up efforts to combat violence and abuse against women and girls, in consultation with local women’s right organisations, and provide support to victims.

Abolishes the death penalty and removes it from its legislation.

Adopts and implements inclusive preventative laws and policies that protect vulnerable groups from violence, discrimination and hate.

Thank you.
February 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New standards to improve service for all social housing tenants [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 6 February 2024.

Social housing staff will be upskilled to deliver high quality and professional services for tenants in response to evidence heard at the Grenfell Inquiry.

Social housing tenants will receive a fairer and better service from their housing provider, under new plans unveiled by the Government today.

Through new standards set by Government, providers will need to arm their staff with the skills, experience and knowledge to deliver the excellent service that tenants want and deserve.

This comes after a recent survey of social housing residents showed that a quarter were not satisfied that their landlord listens to their views and acts upon them, while a third of the Severe Maladministration findings from the Ombudsman related to poor complaint handling from landlords.

Unacceptable behaviour will be rooted out as part of a cultural overhaul, with social landlords instructed to adopt strict code of conducts that set out how all staff should perform and act towards tenants.

Minister for Social Housing, Baroness Scott said:

Time and again we have seen tenants ignored, dismissed or not taken seriously. Our new competence and conduct standard sends a clear message to social landlords to treat tenants with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Our landmark Social Housing Act is introducing life-changing reforms – giving tenants a louder voice to challenge their landlord and this will allow us to go further, making sure staff are properly trained and qualified to deliver homes that are safe, warm and decent.

Evidence heard at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry exposed the concerning truth that residents did not always receive an acceptable service and were often treated with a lack of respect by members of staff.

Work to address these grievances is already underway as senior managers and executives will have their skills scrutinised closely under stricter measures and they must work towards required qualifications, with all existing staff enrolled within two years under proposed new timescales.

This could include a Chartered Institute of Housing Level 4 certificate, a Level 5 Housing Diploma or in some cases a foundation degree in housing studies.

Gavin Smart, CEO Chartered Institute of Housing said:

We welcome the government’s support for professionalism in the sector, with a focus on competency and conduct, including mandating qualifications for key senior roles. Qualifications are an effective way of ensuring professionals have the required knowledge and skills. But professionalism is more than a qualification; it’s about following a code of conduct and ethics, and displaying the right behaviours, attitudes, and empathy.

The Social Housing (Regulation) Act is now law, meaning the Regulator of Social Housing will have greater authority to undertake more vigorous inspections of providers, and those failing to comply could lose out on future funding under the Affordable Homes Programme.

As part of wider reforms in response to the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law will set strict time limits for landlords and force them to quickly fix dangerous, including damp and mould, identified in people’s homes – with emergency hazards to be repaired within 24 hours.

But the Government recognises there is more to do to improve quality social housing. That is why the Social Housing Quality Resident Panel will be extended to April 2025, bringing together around 250 residents to represent tenants’ views on forthcoming reforms.

A new competence and conduct standard is the latest step in addressing systemic issues identified following the Grenfell Tower fire – not just the safety and quality of social housing but how tenants are treated by their landlords.

February 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Deputy Prime Minister hosts first global conference targeting ‘hackers for hire’ and malicious use of commercial cyber tools [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 6 February 2024.

In a speech today, the Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, has called on governments and businesses to address the proliferation of commercial cyber intrusion tools and services by developing better safeguards and oversight.
UK, and France, hosting 35 nations at inaugural conference to tackle proliferation and irresponsible use of commercial cyber intrusion tools and services.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden will launch new international agreement, signed by participants, to take joint-action – the ‘Pall Mall Process’.

States will be joined by big tech leaders, legal experts, and human rights defenders, alongside vendors involved in developing and selling cyber intrusion tools and services.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, will today call on governments and businesses to address the proliferation of commercial cyber intrusion tools and services by developing better safeguards and oversight.

Concerned states, industry and civil society representatives will come together in an inaugural two-day conference. Over the course of the event participants will, for the first time, discuss joint action to address the commercial market for cyber intrusion tools and services and the threat they pose to international security, human rights and the stability of cyberspace.

As well as attendees from over 35 states, representatives from business and tech companies leading in cyber will also be in attendance. This includes companies such as Apple, BAE Systems, Google and Microsoft.

The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) assessment is that the commercial cyber intrusion sector is doubling every ten years. Where these tools are used maliciously, attacks can access victims’ devices, listen to calls, obtain photos and remotely operate a camera and microphone via ‘zero-click’ spyware, meaning no user interaction is needed. The NCSC estimates this is almost certainly happening at scale, with thousands of individuals targeted globally each year.

Further threats include hackers-for-hire carrying out corporate espionage or services and tools being accessed by hostile states and individuals who threaten UK national security.

Responding to this threat, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden will open the conference by announcing the launch of a new international initiative to be signed by participating states and businesses, the Pall Mall Process. Signing the declaration at the conference, states and other attendees will commit to taking joint-action on the issue, including meeting again in Paris in 2025.

While recognising the legitimate role cyber intrusion tools play in keeping the nation safe, such as supporting national security and law enforcement, attendees will consider measures to discourage irresponsible behaviour as well as ways for all parts of the ecosystem to improve accountability, transparency and oversight to protect our collective security and freedoms.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden commented on the event, “As the threat from malicious use of cyber tools grows, working with like-minded partners is essential to tackle an issue which does not respect borders. I am proud that the UK is building on its existing capabilities and taking action as a world-leader on cyber threats and innovation.”

The UK and France are longstanding security partners and have demonstrated their commitment to taking an international approach to the threats posed by developing technologies. At the 2023 UK-France Summit they committed to working together on cyber and later in 2024, France will host the second in-person AI Safety Summit, following the UK’s inaugural Summit in November 2023.

NCSC Director of Operations Paul Chichester said:

The proliferation of commercially available cyber intrusion tools is an enduring issue, with demand for capability to conduct malicious cyber operations growing all the time.

It’s powerful to see such a broad community come together to discuss how we can make the commercial intrusion sector work better for security and society.

We need a thriving global cyber security sector to maintain the integrity of our digital society, and by working together to improve oversight and transparency in how this capability is being developed, sold and used, we can reduce the impact of the threat to us all.
February 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK first major economy to halve emissions [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 6 February 2024.

New official statistics confirm UK has cut emissions by 50% between 1990 and 2022.
- The UK has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% between 1990 and 2022, while growing the economy by nearly 80%
- UK has over-achieved on the third carbon budget
The UK is the first major economy to halve its emissions – having cut them by 50% between 1990 and 2022, while also growing its economy by 79% – new official statistics released today confirm. This compares to a 23% reduction in France and no change in the USA between 1990 and 2021.

With renewables now accounting for more than 40% of the country’s electricity – up from just 7% in 2010, this shows the UK is leading the way on cleaner energy.

These reductions are largely due to cutting emissions from energy generation, through the shift away from using coal to using renewables. In 2012, coal provided almost 40% of UK electricity, but later this year, this will be zero.

The UK is over-delivering on its commitment to reduce emissions, having already slashed emissions by 50%. We have also cut emissions faster than any other G7 country over the last decade. This has allowed us to take a more realistic approach while reaching our green targets, to ease the burden on hardworking families.

But work isn’t stopping here – since September alone companies have announced plans for £30 billion of new investment across the energy sector, including to advance green technologies and support green industries of the future.

Not only has the UK cut emissions faster than any other major economy since 1990, but also has some of the most ambitious legally binding targets. We have also set more stretching targets for 2030 than most countries. We plan to cut emissions by 68% by 2030, which is more than the EU, Japan or the United States.

Today’s statistics also confirmed the UK has over-achieved on the third carbon budget – making this the third carbon budget target in a row for which the UK has over-achieved, as it did for the first and second carbon budgets.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

The UK is the first major economy – of the top 20 countries – to halve its emissions. This is an enormous achievement by itself but also because we have done this in a pragmatic way – growing our economy by 80% at the same time and protecting family finances.

We have also increased our renewables electricity generation from just 7% in 2010 to nearly 50% now.

With some of the most ambitious targets in the world, we should be proud that we’ve over-achieved on our carbon budget for the third time in a row. We will continue to meet out targets but in a pragmatic way that doesn’t clobber extra costs onto hard working families.

Today’s publication covers greenhouse gas emissions statistics up to 2022, and show total greenhouse gas emissions were 50% lower in 2022 than in 1990. Despite rises in some sectors from 2021 levels, as the UK continued to recover from COVID-19, 2022 saw an overall fall in greenhouse gas emissions in the UK – with a decrease of 3.5% from 2021, and 9.3% lower when compared to 2019, the most recent pre-pandemic year.

These statistics show the UK is making significant progress towards net zero. While statistics from recent years remain impacted by the unprecedented economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the long-term trend shows that UK is rapidly driving down emissions – meeting and exceeding its carbon targets.
February 7, 2024