Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : UK Minister for the Middle East visits Israel and the West Bank [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

Lord Ahmad will meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Israel and the West Bank over the next 2 days to discuss the crisis in the Middle East.
- Lord Ahmad set to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Israel and the West Bank over the next 2 days to discuss the crisis in the Middle East
- he will advocate for immediate humanitarian pauses to help aid reach Gaza, for British nationals to leave Gaza, and steps towards a political resolution which provides justice and security to both Israelis and Palestinians
- visit follows announcement that the UK will provide an additional £30 million in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza
Minister for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, is travelling to Israel and the West Bank as a part of the UK’s diplomatic efforts to get aid into Gaza, secure the release of hostages, recognise Israel’s security concerns and prevent regional escalation.

The UK continues close work with partners and allies in the region to ensure vital lifesaving aid, including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, reaches Gaza as fast as possible. Lord Ahmad will stress this point in his engagements with Israeli leaders, including advocating for an immediate humanitarian pause to allow aid to enter and for steps towards allowing British nationals to leave Gaza as soon as possible.

Lord Ahmad will also be discussing with leaders from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories efforts to prevent regional escalation and move closer towards achieving a two-state solution, as part of a political resolution which provides justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Lord Ahmad said:

I am travelling to the Middle East to further efforts to get lifesaving aid into Gaza, to help ensure British nationals can leave Gaza and prevent regional escalation.

We need a collective effort to get aid into Gaza as quickly as possible – including food, water, fuel and medical supplies.  The UK has contributed another £30 million in aid to this end and I’ll be discussing what more action must be taken.

I will raise with Israeli and Palestinian leaders the urgent need to avoid regional escalation following Hamas’s terrorist attack and push for a two-state solution as part of a political resolution to this conflict, which provides justice and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

The minister’s visit comes off the back of a raft of senior diplomatic engagement. On 20 October the Prime Minister visited Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to speak with the Prime Minister Netanyahu, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

The Foreign Secretary was in the United Arab Emirates on Monday for discussions on the crisis, following recent talks in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, and calls with his Egyptian and Israeli counterparts over the weekend. He was also the first Foreign Minister to visit communities affected by Hamas’ terror attack in the south of Israel.

The UK’s diplomatic efforts are supported by an additional £30 million of humanitarian aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year (£27 million). The funding will include support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) in responding to critical food, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 October 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of rapidly increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and welcomed Israel’s commitment to facilitate significantly more deliveries. He said the UK would support all efforts to ensure life-saving aid reaches those in need, including temporary humanitarian pauses.

The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s resolute backing for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, while emphasising the importance of taking all possible measures to minimise civilian casualties.

He said the UK is focused on securing the safe return of hostages and urgently ensuring British nationals and others can leave Gaza, via the Rafah crossing or other routes.

The leaders also discussed the situation in the West Bank and the long-term goal of a two-state solution. The Prime Minister noted the importance of all sides avoiding actions that would inflame tensions and keeping hope alive for a more secure and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to remain in close contact on the next steps.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New emergencies are pushing the limits of an already strained humanitarian system – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

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

Thank you Mr President, and thank you High Commissioner Grandi for your sobering briefing. This meeting comes at a crucial time. As we’ve heard, the number of people who have been forced from their homes has reached a record high of 110 million. Sadly, this trend is set to continue.

New emergencies are pushing the limits of an already strained humanitarian system, including the crisis in Gaza. We are committed to responding to humanitarian needs. It is also vital that regional stability is maintained, not least given the already high number of refugees in the region.

This Council has a role in tackling rising displacement. And I’ll make four points in this regard.

First, we need to shine a light on neglected crises. In 2017, over 740,000 Rohingya fled horrific ethnic cleansing in Myanmar and sought refuge in Bangladesh. They remain vulnerable and reliant on dwindling aid. This is why this month, the UK, with UNHCR and the US, co-convened a high-level event on Rohingya refugees, where we announced an extra $5.5 million of UK humanitarian support.

Second, we need to establish conditions that enable refugees to return in a safe, voluntary and dignified way. In Syria many refugees in the region want to return home, but report that they do not feel safe to do so. This Council, and all those with influence, must insist that these conditions are in place.

Third, we must recognise that as well as conflict, climate change is also driving displacement. The UK is partnering with the UAE at COP28 to increase access to climate finance for the most vulnerable, including displaced people. We aim to ensure that they have the means to manage the impacts of climate change, to help reduce climate-driven displacement and instability.

Finally, the Global Refugee Forum in December will be a key moment for us to tackle rising displacement together. The UK will be making several pledges to drive initiatives on education, inclusion and protection, and help deliver long-term solutions for refugees and host countries.

We hope other Members will join us in these pledges. To conclude, President, in the face of unprecedented need we agree with the High Commissioner: now is the crucial time to collectively deliver meaningful change for displaced people.

I thank you.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK-Bahrain inaugural Strategic Dialogue 2023 – joint statement [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

The Minister of State for the Middle East and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain co-chaired the first session of the UK–Bahrain Strategic Dialogue on 31 October 2023.

Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain, today in London co-chaired the first session of the UK – Bahrain Strategic Dialogue, formerly known as the Bahrain-UK Joint Working Group. This renaming reflects the significant relationship, strategic nature and importance of the Ministerial biannual forum between our two countries.

In their meeting, the two Ministers reviewed key areas of collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Bahrain, and noted the shared history and strong people-to-people links which underpin this. Ministers welcomed and reviewed the outcomes of the visit in July 2023 of HRH Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, which included the signing of a Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership to facilitate additional investment of more than £1 billion into the UK, support the diversification of Bahrain’s economy and drive greater cooperation between our countries in clean technology, business services and manufacturing.

Discussions in the Strategic Dialogue covered a range of bilateral and regional issues including human rights, security and defence cooperation, and mutual trade and investment opportunities. A number of foreign policy issues were also discussed.

On the current crisis in Israel and Gaza, Ministers called for the immediate release of all hostages and condemned all violence against civilians. Ministers stressed the importance of all parties complying with International Humanitarian Law, including by taking every feasible precaution to minimise harm to civilians. Ministers also called for a humanitarian pause to facilitate the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to those civilians who need it the most in Gaza, and welcomed the GCC’s announcement of an additional $100m, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Humanitarian Campaign’s announcement of over $18m in aid, and the UK’s £30m of additional humanitarian aid. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a political solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict which provides justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and that they are working urgently with partners to support adherence to International Humanitarian Law and regional stability.

On Russia/Ukraine, Ministers underlined the need to reach a just and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the protection of Ukraine’s ports and grain infrastructure to ensure that Ukraine can continue to export its agricultural produce. They expressed support for all efforts aimed at facilitating the export of grains and all food and humanitarian items to ensure food security for the wider world.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We call on Russia to allow humanitarians to operate safely in Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

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

Thank you President, and can I start by thanking Mr Rajasingham for his briefing today and through you to your colleagues in OCHA for their work.

Russia’s brutal, illegal and full scale invasion of Ukraine has shattered lives, families and livelihoods. As we’ve heard, the humanitarian needs are most acute around the front lines and in the temporarily Russian controlled territories. Reporting indicates that civilians face significant hardship with shortages of food, fuel and water. We call on Russia to allow humanitarians to operate safely in these areas. To deliver aid to people who desperately need it. But no Ukrainian is unaffected. Over 5 million Ukrainians are internally displaced and over 17 million need humanitarian assistance.

And here, I want to echo the concerns expressed by Ecuador and by the executive director of UNICEF for the harm that Russia’s invasion is doing to Ukrainian children. Ukrainian organisations and volunteer networks remain the primary humanitarian responders in these parts of Ukraine. Their work is critical and the UK commends them for their courage and their commitment. And it is vital that the international community, including the UN, continue to support them.

And as we’ve heard from Mr Rajasingham and as we have discussed before, Russia’s attacks on Ukraines ports and grain infrastructure destroyed over 280,000 tonnes of grain in a month. Enough to feed well over a million people for a year. These attacks are clearly intended to block Ukrainian grain exports, which are crucial to global food security and the World Food Programme’s work.

So as winter approaches, I want to underline two points.

First, we repeat our call on Russia to comply fully with its obligations under international humanitarian law. To act in line with their statements in other contexts in recent days, and allow humanitarians to operate safely and to stop using food as a weapon of war.

Second, Russia must end its illegal invasion of Ukraine. This is the only way to protect global food markets and end the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

I thank you, President.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : British Embassy statement on the conclusion of the Electoral Process [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

The British Ambassador to Guatemala, Nick Whittingham, made a statement on the conclusion of the Guatemalan General Election Process 2023.

The Ambassador said:

I commend the work of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal for concluding a General Election Process that was transparent and counted with the support of many citizens and institutions who contributed to safeguard democracy and the transition of power. The United Kingdom looks forward to work with the elected authorities as a long-term partner in Guatemala’s prosperity and stability.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : XL Bully type dogs to be banned [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 31 October 2023.

From 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal.

New laws banning XL Bully type dogs have been laid in Parliament today, as the Government adds the breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The announcement fulfils the Government’s pledge to put in place laws to ban the breed by the end of the year and protect the public following a concerning rise in fatal attacks.

Under the new rules, which come into force at the end of the year, it will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales.

From this date, these dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Owners of XL Bully dogs are recommended to start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force.

Breeders have also been told to stop mating these types of dogs from now in preparation of it being a criminal offence to sell or rehome these dogs.

From 1 February 2024 , it will then become illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. By staggering these two dates, current owners of this breed will have time to prepare for these new rules.

Owners who wish to keep their dogs will have until the end of January to register them and will be forced to comply with strict requirements. As well as being muzzled and kept on a lead in public, these dogs must also be microchipped and neutered.

Dogs under one year when the ban comes in must be neutered by the end of the year, older dogs must be neutered by the end of June.

From 1 February, owners without a Certificate of Exemption face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully type, and their dog could be seized.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. In due course it will also be illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.

We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.

Owners may choose to have their dog put to sleep by a vet, with compensation provided to help with these costs. Further details on how to apply for compensation and the evidence required to make a claim will be provided soon.

As part of the process, the definition of the ‘XL Bully’ breed type has also been published today. This follows meetings of an expert group, convened by the Environment Secretary and made up of police, local authority, vets and other animal welfare experts to help define the breed. The definition provides clear assessment criteria for owners and enforcement authorities and is a requirement under the Dangerous Dogs Act in order to deliver the ban.

Owners can access the most up to date information on what action they need to take and when on this dedicated page, Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already breaking the law, and the enforcement authorities have a full range of powers to apply penalties to them. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs can be euthanised.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : AI set to revolutionise military engineering capabilities [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 31 October 2023.

An artificially intelligent tool will be able to solve engineering problems in seconds by identifying faults with equipment before they become problematic.
- AI software modernises Royal Navy helicopter support.
- Smarter logistical and engineering decisions offered to personnel in seconds.
- Faults with equipment will be raised before issues become problematic and costly.
A new AI tool could produce solutions to military engineering problems in seconds, helping keep more vehicles at readiness for deployment.

At Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, a collaborative project between 1710 Naval Air Squadron (based in HMNB Portsmouth), DE&S Digital AI Team and Royal Navy Engineers is showcasing pioneering new capabilities to innovative defence software tool, ‘Motherlode’ which now utilises artificial intelligence.

‘Motherlode’ is now an artificially intelligent software that processes aircraft maintenance data at a rapid pace, reducing lengthy problem-solving tasks down to seconds. This cutting-edge software ensures that engineering problems are detected at the earliest possible point, rather than when the fault becomes problematic, allowing personnel to order spares ahead of issues arising.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, visited RNAS Yeovilton to witness first-hand the capabilities the new technology, which will be used across multiple platforms including the Wildcat Maritime Attack helicopters.

The Minister’s visit comes ahead of the UK government’s AI Summit at Bletchley Park on 1 and 2 November. Investing in artificial intelligence is paramount to the continued modernisation of our Armed Forces and is a priority for the government.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

By investing in the power of artificial intelligence, we are ensuring that our defensive assets are not only technologically superior, but also operate with precision, efficiency, and amplified safety.

We should be proud to harness the UK’s exceptional AI talent and foster the collaboration between our brightest minds in technology and the future of defence capabilities.

The AI-enabled software will be capable of analysing historical data tailored to environmental and aircraft specific conditions to predict failures within equipment more accurately, allowing smarter decision making from the back office to the frontline.

1710 Naval Air Squadron, Commanding Officer Commander, Nicholas Almond, said:

This is just the beginning of the AI journey for the Fleet Air Arm. There are multiple use cases being explored, leveraging AI to enhance our data exploitation capabilities to maximise aircraft availability for frontline operations.

By implementing smarter logistical and engineering decisions, Motherlode will also help to ensure key defence equipment will be optimised, whilst remaining cost effective.

The full capability will be rolled out by the end of 2023 across all Royal Navy helicopters, and we are exploring its use on other Defence equipment like land-based vehicles such as the Foxhound.

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak recently announced the creation of the Frontier AI Taskforce with an initial £100 million of funding to spearhead the UK’s leadership in this area. The UK spends more money on AI safety research than any other government in the world, with the AI industry in the UK employing more than 50,000 people and contributes £3.7 billion to our economy.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK’s leading legal expertise promoted at world’s largest law conference [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 31 October 2023.

The future of the UK’s legal services in an era of artificial intelligence (AI) were at the heart of discussions at the world’s largest gathering of legal professionals in Paris this week.
Justice Minister at world’s biggest legal services event to promote UK expertise

Supporting UK-France legal services trade worth almost £400 million annually

Expert discussions on future of sector including potential of AI and lawtech

Justice Minister Mike Freer has spoken about the benefits of AI which is set to transform the work of lawyers and is being spear-headed by the UK’s thriving lawtech industry.

He took part in sessions during the International Bar Association annual conference to discuss collaboration between UK lawyers and their counterparts around the world.

The UK legal sector generated over £41 billion in revenue in 2021 and is a key UK export industry.

This event comes as the UK Government hosts the first global AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park putting the country at the forefront of promoting action on the safe and responsible development of AI. The UK’s twin role leading on lawtech and AI regulation will help futureproof the country’s world-leading legal services sector without compromising on ethics, accuracy, and quality.

Minister Freer also met Julie Couturier, President of the Paris Bar, and hold talks to help boost trade in legal services between the UK and France which totalled close to £400 million in 2021.

Justice Minister Mike Freer said:

Our thriving legal services market allows us to take our expertise to countries all over the world and brings in billions of pounds to our economy every year.

It is a hugely important area alongside our trailblazing lawtech sector and the conference offers a fantastic opportunity show the world how the UK is harnessing AI technology in law.

Minister Freer spoke at the conference, highlighting the continued importance of using English and Welsh law in contracts around the world, the benefits of international legal collaboration, and how to improve global partnerships between legal firms, governments, and regulatory bodies.

He was accompanied by a delegation of UK legal experts organised by the Ministry of Justice’s GREAT Legal Services campaign, marking the latest in a series of events to promote the UK’s thriving legal services sector internationally.

This engagement follows a meeting between Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk and French Justice Minister, Eric Dupond Moretti, this summer and wider work to promote UK legal services through GREAT activity.

The GREAT Legal Services campaign was launched in 2017 to promote and support the strength of English and Welsh Law, the UK’s world-renowned independent judiciary, and our legal expertise to the global market.

The International Bar Association conference is the legal sector’s largest international event, with more than 5,000 attendees expected from law firms, governments, and regulators globally.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Seven Commissioners appointed to the Gambling Commission [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 31 October 2023.

The Secretary of State has appointed seven Commissioners to the Gambling Commission commencing 11 September 2023.

Charles Counsell, Helen Dodds, Sheree Howard and Claudia Mortimore have been appointed for terms of 5 years. Lloydette Bai-Marrow, Helen Philips and David Rossington have been appointed for terms of 4 years.

Lloydette Bai-Marrow

Lloydette is an anti-corruption expert and economic crime lawyer. She is the Founding Partner of Parametric Global Consulting, an economic crime investigations consultancy.

Lloydette is the Chair of the Board of Spotlight on Corruption, a UK based anti-corruption charity, she sits on the Legal Panel for WhistleblowersUK and is a trustee for the Unite Foundation. She is a Member of the Conduct Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Lloydette is a Senior Visiting Lecturer at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Vienna, Austria. She is a Co-Founder and Director of the Black Women in Leadership Network (BWIL), a non-profit network committed to increasing the representation of black women in leadership and decision-making positions.

Charles Counsell OBE

Charles was Chief Executive Officer of The Pensions Regulator from April 2019 to March 2023. Prior to this he was CEO of the Money Advice Service and Executive Director of Automatic Enrolment at The Pensions Regulator.

As CEO of The Pensions Regulator, Charles developed the new corporate strategy to put the pension saver at the heart of the Regulator. He delivered their first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Climate Change strategies – both focused on driving change in the regulator and across the Pensions Sector.

Throughout his career, his roles have focused on setting up and delivering large change programmes requiring significant stakeholder relationship engagement: initially in the private sector and latterly in senior public sector appointments.

Helen Dodds OStJ

Helen Dodds is an international lawyer, consultant and board member. She is currently a board member of the Human Tissue Authority, a director and trustee of the St John’s Eye Hospital Group, a director of LegalUK, and an Honorary Senior Fellow of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law. Prior to this she was a board member of the London Court of International Arbitration.

She is a qualified (now non-practising) solicitor and in her executive career she was Global Head of Legal, Dispute Resolution at Standard Chartered Bank. She has a degree in Modern History from Oxford University.

Sheree Howard

Sheree has over 25 years’ experience in the UK financial services industry with knowledge of the process of regulation and a key focus on risk management, audit and controls. Sheree is currently the Executive Director of Risk and Compliance Oversight at the Financial Conduct Authority. She is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Sheree has held roles in banking in areas of risk and compliance including Director of Advisory (Compliance), Commercial and Private Banking for the Royal Bank of Scotland; and Chief Risk Officer at Direct Line Group.

Sheree has been a Governor, including Chair, for more than 10 years of a maintained Special Needs School and has provided pro bono advice to a number of other charities.

Claudia Mortimore

Claudia has over 25 years’ experience of criminal law and regulation. She spent the first 10 years of her career working as a barrister then, after a career break to raise three children, prosecuted drugs, tax and money-laundering offences for the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office and fraudulent trading offences for the Department for Business.

Since 2013 Claudia has worked in senior positions in the Enforcement Division of the Financial Reporting Council, the body which regulates accountants, auditors and actuaries in the public interest and which sets the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes. Claudia has led major investigations into serious and complex audit and accountancy failures.

Claudia has a particular interest in Diversity and Inclusion, she has also played a key role in promoting the importance of mental health and well-being at the Financial Reporting Council.

Helen Phillips

Dr Helen Phillips is an experienced executive and non-executive, with a career spanning the public, private and not for profit sectors. Helen’s current non-executive appointments include Chair of NHS Professionals Ltd and Chair of the Chartered Insurance Institute. Helen is concluding a nine year term as Chair of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

In 2015 she was appointed as a lay member of the Legal Services Board (LSB), she was appointed independent Chair in 2017, and served a six year term to 31 March 2023. She served as a non-executive director of Social Work England from 2018 to 2021. Helen has also held non-executive director roles in Higher Education and the schools sector. Previously Helen was Board Director of Yorkshire Water and Chair of Loop Customer Management Ltd, a Kelda Group subsidiary. Prior to that, her career as a regulator was as founding Chief Executive of Natural England and a Director of the Environment Agency.

Helen has a BSc in Zoology and a PhD in Environmental Science from University College Dublin. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Insurers.

David Rossington CB

David is a former senior civil servant. He has worked for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), including as Finance Director and acting Director General, and other Government departments including what is now the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Since stopping full time work, he has been a member of the Advisory Committee on National Records and Archives and currently serves as its Deputy Chair. He is Treasurer and Deputy Chair of Stoll, a charity for veterans and Treasurer of Arts at the Old Fire Station, an Oxford community arts charity.

David holds a degree in History and French from Oxford, a Masters in Public Policy from the Kennedy School, Harvard University, and an economics MSc from Birkbeck College, London. David took an accountancy qualification while a civil servant, although is no longer in practice.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Commissioners for the Gambling Commission are remunerated at £14,160 per annum. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

The Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared; this is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Lloydette Bai-Marrow, Charles Counsell, Helen Dodds, Sheree Howard, Claudia Mortimore, Helen Phillips and David Rossington have not declared any significant political activity.

November 4, 2023