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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK, US and Australia sanction key figures in Hamas’s financial network [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK, US and Australia sanction key figures in Hamas’s financial network [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2024.

    The UK, US and Australia have announced new sanctions on key figures in the financial networks of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

    • UK, US and Australia have today sanctioned key figures in the financial networks of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
    • targets include a key Hamas financier who has used his money exchange and cryptocurrencies to move Iranian funding to terrorist groups
    • coordinated sanctions show “there is no place to hide” for Hamas financiers, says the Foreign Secretary

    The UK, US and Australia have imposed coordinated sanctions on Hamas today to disrupt the terrorist group’s financial networks.

    Five key figures and an entity involved in the leadership and financial networks of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) are the subject of the UK’s new sanctions, which will help to cut off the flow of funding that supports these terrorist groups, including from Iran.

    Today’s announcement is the third round of sanctions imposed on Hamas and PIJ by the UK following the 7 October attacks on Israel, which build on existing sanctions against the groups.

    Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

    These sanctions send a clear message to Hamas – the UK and our partners are committed to ensuring there is no hiding place for those financing terrorist activities.

    To reach a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas can no longer be in power and able to threaten Israel. By disrupting the financial networks which sustain Hamas’ operation, including from Iran, these sanctions support that crucial aim.

    The UK is committed to working with partners to tackle Iran’s destabilising activities in the Middle East, including its long-term support to terrorist and militant groups. Today’s sanctions target Zuheir Shamlakh, a man with an infamous reputation as Hamas’s ‘main money changer’ since 2019, and a key figure in the group’s shift towards cryptocurrencies.

    Shamlakh exploited digital currencies and existing systems of informal money transfers to move large sums of money from Iran to Hamas ahead of the tragic 7 October attacks. This underground financial network uses legitimate businesses as a front to conceal the flow of terrorist funding.

    Those now subject to UK asset freezes and targeted arms embargoes include:

    • Zuheir Shamlakh: a key Hamas financier including through his company Al Mutahadun for Exchange
    • Ahmed Sharif Abdallah Odeh: a key operator in Hamas’s financial network who previously ran their international portfolio of companies
    • Ismail Barhoum: a member of Hamas’s Political Bureau in Gaza and the group’s governing Shura Council
    • Hassan Al-Wardian: a senior leader of Hamas in the Bethlehem/West Bank region
    • Jamil Yusuf Ahmad Aliyan: a senior PIJ official and representative based in Gaza

    The individuals are also subject to a travel ban, and will be unable to enter the UK.

    The UK, along with our G7 partners, has committed to take action to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out atrocities. The EU announced on Friday 19 January 2024 a new EU sanctions regime against Hamas and sanctioned 6 targets which had previously been sanctioned by the UK and US.

    This is the third tranche of sanctions the UK has imposed against Hamas and its associates since 7 October under the UK’s International Counter-Terrorism sanctions regime. Previous packages have targeted other top-ranking officials and financiers of Hamas.

    The Foreign Secretary continues to work with allies and partners to find a peaceful resolution to this conflict. During his visit to Davos last week the Foreign Secretary spoke with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Masrour Barzani.

    View the full UK Sanctions List.

    Background

    • Hamas and PIJ themselves are already sanctioned by the UK, and are subject to an asset freeze and arms embargo
    • membership and expressing support for Hamas or PIJ is an illegal act in the UK, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, United States and the European Union, have designated Hamas and PIJ as terrorist groups
    • an asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person. It also prevents funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person. UK financial sanctions apply to all persons within the territory and territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they are in the world
    • a travel ban means that the designated person must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom, providing the individual is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971
    • this follows 2 previous rounds of UK-US coordinated sanctions action against Hamas following the 7 October attacks on Israel:
    • on 14 December 2023 the Foreign Secretary announced a new Iran sanctions regime, giving the UK extensive new powers to hold Iran to account. Further information on this and the first round of sanctions under this regime: New Iranian sanction regime comes in to force
  • PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on China [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on China [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2024.

    The UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, delivered a statement during China’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    The UK has four recommendations:

    1. Cease the persecution and arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and Tibetans, and allow genuine freedom of religion or belief and cultural expression without fear of surveillance, torture, forced labour, or sexual violence, and implement OHCHR recommendations on Xinjiang.
    2. Repeal the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong as recommended by the UN and cease prosecutions, including of Jimmy Lai.
    3. Guarantee an impartial judiciary and cease the harassment of lawyers, the use of the death penalty, and ‘residential surveillance in a designated location’.
    4. Cease the restriction of civil society and independent media, end forced repatriations, and stop targeting human rights defenders.

    Thank you Mr. President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Singapore becomes second country to ratify UK membership to CPTPP [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Singapore becomes second country to ratify UK membership to CPTPP [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2024.

    Singapore has formally ratified the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), becoming the second existing member to do so after Japan late last year.

    The UK signed up to the vast Indo-Pacific trade group in July 2023, with our accession bolstering the trade bloc’s combined worth to £12 trillion, or 15 percent of global GDP. Under the deal, over 99% of UK goods exports to CPTPP countries will face zero tariffs, including British whisky and cars.

    Accession will also upgrade the UK-Singapore bilateral relationship, providing opportunities to deepen participation in each other’s supply chains, diversify trade, grow investment into our economies, and collaborate on shared priorities, all while supporting greater access and opportunities for business.

    British High Commissioner to Singapore, Kara Owen, said:

    It is great to see Singapore ratify the UK’s accession to CPTPP, taking us a step closer to UK business accessing the benefits of the agreement. Accession will connect the UK to a group of economies that are the most dynamic and ambitious on free trade. It provides opportunities for our business to build on the strong £21 billion bilateral trade relationship with Singapore.

    We look forward to growing our trading partnerships with all members through the ambitious liberalisation commitments, enabling new rules of origin arrangements and opportunities for investment and collaboration.

    Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, said:

    I’m delighted that Singapore has ratified the UK’s accession to CPTPP. UK accession to CPTPP highlights our commitment to deepening our £124bn trade relationship across the Asia Pacific, one of the most dynamic and fast-growing trading areas in the world. I look forward to working with partners across the region to help businesses make the most of the CPTPP.

    To bring the deal into force for the UK, the government has introduced the Trade (CPTPP) Bill in parliament. Entry into force is expected in the second half of 2024 once the UK and CPTPP Parties have finished their legislative processes.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business leaders urged to toughen up cyber attack protections [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business leaders urged to toughen up cyber attack protections [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 23 January 2024.

    New guidelines to help directors and business leaders boost their resilience against cyber threats.

    • New guidelines will help directors and business leaders boost their cyber resilience, as UK government says cyber threats should be prioritised as a key business risk like financial and legal challenges
    • The proposed Code sets out key actions for Directors to take to strengthen their cyber resilience and help them take full advantage of digital technologies which can fuel innovation and drive competitiveness
    • UK government also acting to empower organisations to reduce risks associated with business software, protecting organisations, supply chains, staff, and customers

    A draft Code of Practice on cyber security governance published today will help directors and senior leaders shore up their defences from cyber threats, as the government launches a new call for views from business leaders.

    Aimed at executive and non-executive directors and other senior leaders, the measures look to establish cyber security issues as a key focus for businesses, putting them on an equal footing with other threats like financial and legal pitfalls. As part of this, the Code recommends that directors set out clear roles and responsibilities across their organisations, boosting protections for customers and safeguarding their ability to operate safely and securely.

    A key focus of the Code, designed in partnership with industry directors, cyber and governance experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is making sure companies have detailed plans in place to respond to and recover from any potential cyber incidents. The plan should be regularly tested so it’s as robust as possible, with a formal system for reporting incidents also in place.

    Organisations are also encouraged to equip employees with adequate skills and awareness of cyber issues so they can work alongside new technologies in confidence. Today, the government is calling on businesses of all sizes from all sectors with an interest in cyber and governance issues to share their opinions on the draft Code, helping shape and deliver the future of improved cyber security in the UK.

    Viscount Camrose, Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, said:

    Cyber attacks are as damaging to organisations as financial and legal pitfalls, so it’s crucial that bosses and directors take a firm grip of their organisation’s cyber security regimes – protecting their customers, workforce, business operations and our wider economy.

    This new Code will help them take the lead in safely navigating potential cyber threats, ensuring businesses across the country can take full advantage of the emerging technologies which are revolutionising how we work.

    It is vital the people at the heart of this issue take the lead in shaping how we can improve cyber security in every part of our economy, which is why we want to see industry and business professionals from all walks coming forward to share their views.”

    The benefits of the UK’s rapidly growing cyber landscape are sizeable, unlocking new opportunities and ways of working, and creating new jobs to grow every sector of the UK economy – a key priority for the government. This means the risks associated with growing an increasingly digital economy need to be addressed with practical action and robust safeguards. The introduction of the Cyber Governance Code of Practice marks a pivotal step in how the leaders and directors of all organisations approach cyber risk, underpinning the UK’s credentials as a cyber power and protecting our economy.

    The guidance comes as figures show almost one in three (32%) firms have suffered a cyber breach or attack in the past year, with a rise in damaging ransomware attacks and malicious actors posing significant threats as they look to take advantage of cyber security vulnerabilities.

    New statistics and analysis showing the positive impact of the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme, which helps organisations protect against common cyber attacks, are also published today. Through this scheme, organisations which demonstrate they have vital cyber security controls in place, including effective management of security updates, having suitable anti-virus software and removing default passwords, are awarded a “Cyber Essentials certificate”. 38,113 certificates have been awarded to organisations in the past year, and two in five (39%) of the UK’s largest businesses now hold the accolade.

    New analysis of the Cyber Security Breaches Survey also shows that around two thirds (66%) of businesses which adhere to Cyber Essentials have a formal cyber incident response plan, compared to just 18% of those who don’t follow its guidance.

    Lindy Cameron, National Cyber Security Centre CEO, said:

    Cyber security is no longer a niche subject or just the responsibility of the IT department, so it is vital that CEOs and directors understand the risks to their organisation and how to mitigate potential threats.

    This new Cyber Governance Code of Practice will help ensure cyber resilience is put at the top of the agenda for organisations and I’d encourage all directors, non-executive directors, and senior leaders to share their views.

    Senior leaders can also access the NCSC’s Cyber Security Board Toolkit which provides practical guidance on how to implement the actions outlined in the Code, to ensure effective management of cyber risks.

    To further support organisations to improve their cyber security and provide more clarity on best practice, the government is also publishing its response to a call for views on software resilience and security today, to help address software risks and make organisations more resilient to cyber threats.

    A number of recent, high-profile cyber incidents, including one which took the NHS 111 service offline, have demonstrated the severe impacts attacks on software and digital supply chains can have. The response to the call for views proposes steps to empower those who develop, buy and sell software to better understand how they can reduce risk, prioritising the protection of businesses and other organisations that are reliant on software for their day-to-day operations.  Software is fundamental to virtually all technology used by businesses, from programmes for managing payroll, to essential operating systems and more advanced and emerging technologies such as AI. Protecting software is therefore crucial to protecting businesses and organisations and is a critical part of the government’s work to improve UK cyber resilience.

    The plans include measures to ensure software is developed and maintained securely, with risks better managed and communicated throughout supply chains. The government is working with industry to develop these proposals further, from developing a code of practice for software vendors, which will form the crux of this proposed package, to cyber security training for professionals.

    The call for views, which will be open until 19 March 2024, will help ensure this new Code is straightforward to understand and roll out, and will also help to identify any potential barriers organisations could face in bringing it into force.

    The work is part of the government’s £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy to protect and promote the UK online.

  • PRESS RELEASE : John Glen sets out plan for modern Civil Service to deliver stronger public services [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : John Glen sets out plan for modern Civil Service to deliver stronger public services [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 January 2024.

    In his keynote address at the Institute for Government’s annual conference, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, John Glen, will outline his long-term priorities to modernise the Civil Service into a more productive institution so it can deliver stronger public services.

    • Minister to outline value of Civil Service, with new measures to strengthen public sector delivery
    • Reform will focus on investing in technology, reducing unnecessary process and supporting talent attraction, retention and reducing staff churn
    • New line management standards across the Civil Service, underpinned by  reviewing staff performance management approach, to support career development and help tackle rare instances of unchecked poor performance or serious issues with agreed office attendance
    • New guidance on staff networks will safeguard civil service impartiality, alongside review of network spending

    In his keynote address at the Institute for Government’s annual conference this morning (Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024), the Minister for the Cabinet Office, John Glen, will outline his long-term priorities to modernise the Civil Service into a more productive institution so it can deliver stronger public services through three key priorities:

    First, unlocking the transformative potential of new technologies such as A.I. by increasing our ambition on the pace and scale of digital transformation in government. Second, unlocking new ways of working by streamlining and simplifying how government operates. Third, leveraging workforce potential by addressing problems of talent attraction, retention and churn through a smaller, skilled workforce that is better rewarded, with stronger performance management.

    The Minister will highlight new line management standards, underpinned by reviewing staff performance management across Government, building on the good practice in place across most of the Civil Service. Line managers will be supported to work with their teams to develop civil servants’ expertise and skills with a more consistent approach across departments, while also addressing rare instances of unchecked poor performance.

    He will also make clear that he believes face-to-face working and making full use of Government offices are the right way to deliver for the taxpayer and develop new talent. Data from surveying 30,700 civil servants shows that ‘learning from others’ and staff interaction has consistently been found to be better supported in the office compared to at home.

    Ministers will look at performance management guidance for senior civil servants to ensure that making full use of offices is factored into their yearly reviews.

    Setting out the vital role the Civil Service plays up and down the country and emphasising the importance of ensuring it works as effectively and efficiently as possible, he will tell the audience that the Civil Service has to learn to do more with less.

    He will also welcome recent successes like the £7.8 billion in efficiencies secured between 2020 and 2022 through central functional teams, like commercial, finance and project delivery – focusing on how to replicate these across the civil service.

    Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Rt Hon John Glen MP said:

    The Civil Service and the work it does impacts all of our lives in so many ways, we must therefore ensure it is fit for purpose for the long term, and delivers efficiently and effectively.

    It is clear we have to do more with less. To do this, we must embrace new technology, empower those around us by working collaboratively in offices, and ensure performance management standards enable line managers to provide the best possible feedback and tackle consistent poor performance.

    The Civil Service must adapt today to prepare for the urgent challenges of tomorrow. Our citizens deserve nothing less, and I know our committed civil servants are up for the challenge.

    The Minister will also reaffirm the government’s long-term commitment to implementing cutting-edge new AI technologies across the organisation. He will endorse the development of bespoke AI products designed to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, improve the speed of public service delivery, and enhance how the government communicates with the public.

    New guidance on civil service staff networks will also be issued shortly as part of wider plans to improve productivity and provide clearer advice on acting with impartiality in relation to diversity and inclusion.

    The guidance will ensure civil servants have a better understanding of how best to balance staff network activity with their primary responsibilities and impartiality commitments under the civil service code.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is leading on reforms to the UN’s NGO Committee – UK statement at the UN [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is leading on reforms to the UN’s NGO Committee – UK statement at the UN [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 January 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador Archie Young at the opening session of the UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

    Thank you Madam Chair, I echo the congratulations expressed by distinguished colleagues.

    As we begin our work this year, we recognise the pivotal role of civil society in debate, understanding and decision making. In a world marked by escalating challenges, civil society organisations are a key pillar of open societies and often emerge as the frontline defenders. They play a critical role in protecting and promoting human rights, tackling global issues from climate change to conflict, and holding those in power to account. Inclusive multilateralism lies at the heart of our work and civil society inclusion at the UN remains vital.

    This Committee exists because we, as Member States, recognise that collaboration with civil society is essential to the UN’s functioning. They bring valuable perspectives, amplifying the voices of those directly affected. Their efforts enrich the evidence base at our disposal, making our meetings more effective and substantial. Civil Society contributions ensure we make informed decisions, paving the way for us to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and achieve a more equitable and just future.

    It is for these reasons that the UK remains committed to championing civil society participation, and ensuring that all channels for civil society to engage with governments and those in power remain open.

    However, we do so in the face of opposition, within a mechanism that is in urgent need of reform. Politicised deferrals and repeated questions from a small group of Member States obstruct civil society access to the UN platform. This Committee’s role is to facilitate NGO access, not impede it through bureaucracy. This session, the Committee will review 214 new applications, alongside a backlog of 294 deferred applications. Deferred applications are often held back for years, despite detailed responses to questions. This practice of arbitrary blocking over a sustained period stands in contradiction to the spirit of Resolution 1996/31, which aims to foster meaningful collaboration between NGOs and the UN Member States.

    We intend to seek approval of all applications from all legitimate NGOs. Therefore our scrutiny of NGOs will be only on the following categories in line with 1996/31.

    The NGO must exist and be currently active. The NGO is independent of government, with a majority of positions filled by individuals without government connection. The NGO does not cause harm to people, property, or the environment.

    The NGO and its staff are in adherence to the UN Charter, in that it does not engage in politically motivated attacks against Member States, nor verifiably benefit from proceeds of criminal activity.

    In joining the Committee in 2023, the United Kingdom made clear our desire to improve working methods, to allow for a transparent, effective and fair system. This year, alongside Costa Rica, we will table a decision in ECOSOC with the intention to improve some of the Committee’s working methods. The current working methods have hindered the Committee’s transparency, efficiency, and ability to fulfil its mandate, as set out in 1996/31. We have debated these reforms within the Committee, some for several years, but we have been unable to make progress. Therefore, it is time to bring the decision to ECOSOC, the parent body for this Committee.  We look forward to discussing the proposal with the wider membership.

    We urge all Committee Members to promote and facilitate a safe and welcoming space for civil society participation at the UN.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Further steps to prepare Sizewell C for construction [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Further steps to prepare Sizewell C for construction [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 22 January 2024.

    £1.3 billion additional investment in the nuclear plant, key to expanding nuclear energy in the UK and providing stable, cheaper and more secure power in the long-term.

    • Government announces further funding to support construction at Sizewell C after Development Consent Order was triggered in January
    • money comes ahead of a final investment decision expected later this year
    • Sizewell C will support thousands of jobs and provide enough power for up to 6 million homes

    The government has made an additional £1.3 billion available to support the construction of Sizewell C, which will create thousands of jobs and enough stable, cheaper and more secure power for up to 6 million homes. The largest funding package to date will allow early construction works to continue ahead of a final investment decision later this year.

    The funding – made available from existing budgets – will support ongoing preparatory works such as improvements to roads and rail lines around the Suffolk site, ensuring the necessary local infrastructure is in place before full construction begins. Committing further government support at this stage will help the project stay on schedule and keep down overall costs.

    The Development Consent Order (DCO) triggered by Sizewell C on 15 January gave the formal green light for construction to begin and released £250 million funding for initiatives for the local community and environment.

    Investing an additional £1.3 billion consolidates the government’s position as the majority shareholder in the project, reached in December 2023. It follows a £700 million funding pledge in November 2022 and a further £511 million agreed last summer.

    Earlier this month the government announced the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years, with the Civil Nuclear Roadmap setting out how the UK will quadruple nuclear power generation to up to 24GW by 2050. It commits to exploring another GW-scale power plant similar in scale to Sizewell C, simplifying regulation and building a fleet of Small Modular Reactors.

    Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie said:

    We are making fantastic progress on the next GW-scale power plant in the UK’s nuclear pipeline.

    This investment injection means we can steam ahead with work on Sizewell C ahead of the final investment decision targeted later this year.

    It’s a win for our energy security and sends a strong message to investors that Britain is serious about its low-carbon, homegrown nuclear-powered future, providing reliable, cheaper power for British families.

    Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Joint Managing Directors at Sizewell C, said:

    This significant investment underlines the importance of Sizewell C for Britain and is a further sign of confidence in our team to deliver it. With the project now in construction, the funding means we can step up activity in Suffolk and deliver on our commitments to local communities.

    Sizewell C will build on the huge contribution of Hinkley Point C in restarting nuclear construction in Britain. It will bring another big boost to British nuclear skills and training, putting the industry in an even better position to deliver the other projects this country needs for its low carbon future.

    In addition to the 500 people employed so far, Sizewell C has plans to award 70% of the value of construction to UK businesses, helping to create thousands of jobs in Suffolk and nationwide. The project will also create 1,500 apprenticeships, helping to build the skills base to support the UK’s long-term plans for new nuclear.

    Once operational, the plant will generate 3.2GW of electricity, equating to 7% of the UK’s needs and enough to power up to 6 million British households for over 60 years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two years on from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and this war benefits no one – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two years on from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and this war benefits no one – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 January 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    Colleagues, two years ago, Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Since its illegal and unprovoked attack, over 300,000 Russian personnel have been killed or wounded. Mothers and wives of these soldiers have been arrested or ignored. Thousands of Russian anti-war protestors have been detained. Media organisations have been shut down, and many journalists are now in Russian prisons.

    Russian military modernisation has been set back eighteen years.

    Now Russia’s defence industry strips down fridges for parts. It orders its weapons from the DPRK, in violation of multiple resolutions agreed in this Chamber, under this Russian Foreign Minister’s instruction. Its purchase and use of Iranian drones involves both states violating a Security Council resolution.

    And for what? To lose more than half of the land it seized since February 2022 and a fifth of its Black Sea Fleet? To have its economy deprived of over $400 billion by sanctions, and hundreds of thousands of young Russians, who have emigrated for a better future?

    This war benefits no one, not Russians, and certainly not Ukrainians.

    Colleagues,

    Last time the Russian Foreign Minister was here, he spoke of protecting the rights of Russian-speakers in Ukraine.

    Yet the only threat to any civilian in Ukraine continues to come from Russia. Russia continues to impede access for humanitarian organisations to the millions of people in need.

    The UN Commission of Inquiry has reported a systematic pattern of torture against Ukrainian civilians by Russian authorities.

    Russian missile strikes continue to strike population centres, with some of the most intense waves yet falling during the New Year. And Russia says it wants peace.

    But while Ukraine, the UK and around 80 other countries were in Davos last week, discussing President Zelensky’s plans for peace, based on principles of the UN Charter that all here have signed up to, the deputy head of Russia’s National Security Council was proclaiming there could never be peace while an independent state of Ukraine existed.

    That is not peace. That is subjugation, which would threaten Ukraine’s very existence as a state and usher in a new era of global instability.

    This is why the UK will continue to replenish Ukraine’s air defences, to help it shield its civilians from these brutal attacks. This is why we have signed a new long term agreement on security cooperation, and announced £2.5bn more in military aid, and £18 million more in humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

    Because Ukraine’s security matters for global security.

    President, as my Prime Minister said on his recent visit to Kyiv, we remain unwavering in our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its borders, to ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, to resist future coercion, to choose its own future, and to prosper peacefully.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Solicitor General Robert Courts sworn in [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Solicitor General Robert Courts sworn in [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 22 January 2024.

    The Solicitor General was sworn in today during a ceremony attended by the Lord Chancellor.

    Robert Courts KC MP was today sworn in as His Majesty’s Solicitor General at a ceremony attended by the Lord Chancellor and Clerk to the Crown.

    The Solicitor General was also appointed to the rank and office of King’s Counsel (KC).

    Speaking after the ceremony, HM Solicitor General Robert Courts KC MP said:

    It is a great honour and privilege to be sworn-in today as Solicitor General for England and Wales.

    The Law Officers have an important and unique role advising the government and I look forward to working with the Attorney General, government lawyers, and the Civil Service upholding the rule of law at the heart of the UK constitution.

    The Solicitor General supports the Attorney General in her role as the Government’s chief legal adviser. Alongside the Attorney, the Solicitor General oversees the work of the Law Officers’ Departments: the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office, the Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

    The Solicitor General carries out important functions in the public interest, such as considering whether to refer unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal and taking action when there has been a contempt of court.

    These functions are carried out independently of the Solicitor’s role as a government minister.

    The Attorney General, Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP, said:

    Congratulations to Robert Courts MP for being sworn in as Solicitor General for England and Wales. I look forward to working with you advising the Government, superintending government departments, and upholding the rule of law.

    Robert Courts KC MP was appointed as Solicitor General for England and Wales on 7 December 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to boost confidence in the BBC’s impartiality and complaints system set out in Mid-Term Review [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to boost confidence in the BBC’s impartiality and complaints system set out in Mid-Term Review [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 22 January 2024.

    Government recommends reforms to boost public trust in the BBC following a review at the mid-point of its 11 year Charter.

    • Review recommends greater independent scrutiny of complaints handling, improving transparency for commercial media organisations, and extending Ofcom oversight over more BBC online services
    • BBC urged to better reflect diverse views and opinions in decision-making and improve engagement with underserved audience groups, among other key recommendations

    The government has recommended major reforms to help boost audience confidence in the BBC’s  impartiality and complaints system, following the first Mid-Term Review published by the government today.

    Launched at the halfway point of the BBC’s 11 year Royal Charter, the Mid-Term Review evaluates the effectiveness of the governance and regulatory arrangements introduced by the Charter in 2017, with recommendations to ensure the best outcome for audiences.

    Audiences will be given greater certainty that their complaints about BBC TV, radio and on demand content – including concerns about bias – are dealt with fairly, through greater scrutiny of its complaints process, which is to be made more independent from programme makers. A new legally binding responsibility on the BBC Board will require it to actively oversee the BBC’s complaints process to assure audiences that their concerns are being fairly considered.

    In recognition that audiences are increasingly getting their news and watching content online, Ofcom oversight will be extended to parts of the BBC’s online public services, including the BBC News website, to enable Ofcom to hold the BBC to account in a more robust way. And Ofcom will be given a new legally binding responsibility to review more of the BBC’s complaints decisions, meaning audiences can have greater confidence that their complaints have been handled fairly.

    The Mid-Term Review stresses the need for the BBC to clearly demonstrate how it will meet its obligations on distinctiveness over the remainder of this Charter period, and for the BBC to meaningfully engage with its competitors, such as radio stations and local newspapers, when it is considering a change to its services.

    The government consulted the BBC and Ofcom closely on the recommendations and expects them to be implemented in a timely manner. The government has also identified some key issues as a result of the Mid-Term Review that need to be further considered at the next Charter Review before 2027.

    In particular, we will continue to place a strong emphasis on impartiality and complaints, including reviewing the effectiveness of the BBC’s new social media guidelines and whether the BBC First model – formally introduced by the Charter in 2017 – process remains the right model for complaints, as well as how distinctive BBC output and services are from those of commercial providers. The Government has highlighted these priorities for the next Charter in correspondence with the BBC.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    The Government wants to see a strong, independent BBC that can thrive in the years to come as a major contributor to the nation’s successful creative industries.

    In a rapidly changing media landscape the BBC needs to adapt or risk losing the trust of the audiences it relies on. Following constructive conservations with the BBC and Ofcom, we have recommended reforms that I believe will improve accountability while boosting public confidence in the BBC’s ability to be impartial and respond to concerns raised by licence fee payers.

    These changes will better set up the BBC to ask difficult questions of itself, and make sure Ofcom can continue to hold the broadcaster to account. We all rely on the BBC being the best it can be and this review will help ensure that is what the British public gets.

    Complaints and impartiality

    The Mid-Term Review has concluded that the BBC’s complaints process introduced at the last Charter Review in 2017, known as BBC First – where audience complaints are normally addressed by the BBC before they can be escalated to Ofcom – allows licence fee payers to hold the BBC directly accountable.

    However, impartiality continues to be an ongoing issue for audiences, with concerns about the broadcaster’s objectivity making up the majority of complaints about the BBC’s editorial content. The review highlights a lack of public confidence in the way the BBC currently handles complaints.

    Following challenging and constructive conversations with the government, the BBC will introduce reforms to enhance the independent scrutiny of its complaints handling and further improve the experience of viewers who make a complaint.

    The BBC Board previously had a responsibility to oversee only the establishment of a complaints handling process. We are now giving the entire Board the responsibility to oversee how that process is working in practice. Furthermore, the non-executive board directors and external advisors on the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee will be given greater powers to scrutinise and challenge how BBC senior management responds to complaints.

    The job role which has responsibility for complaints handling now reports directly to the Director General rather than the Director responsible for editorial policy, separating pre-broadcast editorial policy and post-broadcast complaints resolution.

    Currently Ofcom regulates the BBC’s TV, radio and on demand output, but not other elements of its online content. The government has committed to extending Ofcom regulation to other elements of the BBC’s online public service material in order to give audiences confidence that the BBC is being held to greater account across its digital services. The government expects this to apply to BBC branded content on third party websites, applications and other online interfaces over which the BBC has editorial control – including the BBC News website and the BBC’s YouTube channel.

    The review recommends the BBC materially improves the experience of audiences when lodging a complaint by giving clearer explanations of the process and the roles of the BBC and Ofcom, to ensure licence fee payers are not put off from sharing their views. The review also recommends Ofcom improves the transparency of its decision making when considering whether to open a formal investigation into content that the BBC has found has breached its own editorial standards. This will help audiences to better understand whether Ofcom is taking further regulatory action and why.

    At Charter Review, the government is committing to examining whether BBC First remains the right complaints model to enable the BBC to deliver against its responsibility to serve all audiences.

    To help the BBC go further to tackle perceptions of bias, the review also recommends that the BBC publishes more information about the work it is doing to strengthen the impartiality of its editorial content, including to illustrate the impact it’s having.

    The BBC’s impact on the wider market

    Looking at the BBC’s impact on the UK media landscape, the review sets out that the BBC must clearly demonstrate how it effectively balances delivering for licence fee payers and supporting the UK’s wider creative industries when making decisions about how its services and output are distinctive. This is increasingly important given broader structural trends in some of the markets in which the BBC operates, such as online local news, and will be an important question for the Charter Review.

    Meaningful engagement with competitors should be strengthened and the BBC must be more transparent when it seeks to make changes to its services. This higher standard of engagement and transparency should support other businesses operating in the same markets as the BBC, including commercial radio stations and local news publishers. The government has recommended that Ofcom publish an annual high-level view on the BBC’s position in the local news sector, as it does for other sectors, to provide further clarity.

    The government has also recommended that the BBC develop a public strategy outlining how it will partner with others, and provide competitors with greater clarity on how it will make decisions on partnerships.

    While the government supports the BBC’s ambitious plans to grow its commercial revenue, and has found that the governance and regulation of its commercial activities works effectively, the impact of  any changes, such as the introduction of a BBC Commercial Board in 2022, needs to be closely monitored.

    Diversity

    As a national broadcaster, the BBC has a duty in its Charter to accurately reflect, represent and serve diverse communities across the UK, both on and off the screen.

    While the BBC has said it is committed to improving representation, the review recommends it considers how diversity of thought and opinion could be better reflected in its decision-making. Some audience groups, for example, disabled viewers and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, feel underrepresented by the BBC. We recommend that the BBC works to ensure engagement with these groups is sufficient to best understand their specific needs and concerns.

    Notes to editors

    • Following the 2015/16 review of the BBC Royal Charter, new BBC governance and regulatory arrangements were established: the governance of the BBC is now conducted by a new unitary Board, and regulation passed to Ofcom, the BBC’s first independent, external regulator. Given the extent of these changes, the Charter provided for the government to conduct a Mid-Term Review by 2024.  The current BBC Charter began on 1 January 2017 and ends on 31 December 2027. A full Charter Review will take place in advance of the next Charter period starting in 2028.
    • The Mid-Term Review was launched in May 2022, with the publication of its Terms of Reference. As per the restrictions set out in the Charter, the review did not consider the BBC’s Mission, its Public Purposes or the BBC’s funding model for the Charter period. The World Service was not in scope as it is not regulated by Ofcom.
    • The review was conducted on the basis of targeted stakeholder consultation and consultation with the BBC, Ofcom and the Devolved Administrations.  A number of the review’s recommendations require amendments to the Framework Agreement. These will be published as soon as possible.