Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the third Edition of the UK Colombia Trade Dialogue [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 October 2023.

On October 9, 2023, the UK Minister of State for International Trade, Nigel Huddleston MP, and the Colombian Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Germán Umaña, met in Bogotá, Colombia, for the third edition of UK-Colombia trade dialogues.

Ministers welcomed the longstanding and deep bilateral trade relations enjoyed between Colombia and the United Kingdom and committed to promote inclusive and sustainable trade that drives economic growth, business opportunity and job creation.

Ministers agreed on the importance of promoting sustainable foreign investment that, through value chains, can result in the development of new technologies and enhance each country’s competitiveness.

Ministers agreed to work together to increase support for the improvement of regulatory policy of mutual interest to Colombia and the United Kingdom. In addition, the ministers agreed to develop a joint road map as a mechanism to establish a methodology for holding annual UK-Colombia trade dialogues and assessing delivery of joint initiatives and collaboration.

Minister Huddleston set out the United Kingdom’s world-class offer in the renewable energy, infrastructure, and life sciences sectors, and the potential for closer working to help deliver Colombia’ economic, environmental and social ambitions. He highlighted the United Kingdom’s willingness to exchange experiences and best practices in harnessing innovation and creating enabling environments to deliver for citizens in these sectors.

Minister Umaña expressed Colombia’s desire to modernise the international and bilateral frameworks governing investments.

Ministers celebrated the recent success in delivering joint objectives in key sectors of future growth:
- Renewable Energy: Ministers agreed to co-ordinate strategies for the regulatory development of hydrogen and offshore wind energy in Colombia to help develop the market.
- Life Sciences: Ministers welcomed the practical measures recently taken to support innovation on the sector and agreed that further co-operation can help deliver Colombia deliver its healthcare objectives.
- Infrastructure: Ministers welcomed the close working on sustainable transport infrastructure, which will be of benefit to Colombian citizens and help meet climate commitments. Ministers encouraged the implementation of the railway master plan.
- Agribusiness: Ministers expressed their pleasure in progress promoting sustainable land use and urged continued collaboration to open new market opportunities for agricultural products.
Ministers emphasized the importance of working together on the global stage, including in the WTO. They agreed to continue discussions in the run up to next year’s MC13 to ensure that Ministers are able deliver tangible progress in areas such as services and climate change and safeguard the organisation’s effectiveness.

Ministers recalled the deep bond of friendship between the two countries, symbolised by the levels of cooperation in trade and investment discussed during the Dialogue. Minister Huddleston welcomed the progress that Colombia had made in its peace process and offered United Kingdom continued support in helping build sustainable and prosperous communities in former conflict areas.
October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Negotiations on an enhanced UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 October 2023.

Update on the second round of negotiations for an enhanced UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement.

The second round of negotiations on a UK-Switzerland Enhanced Free Trade Agreement took place from 18 September to 6 October 2023.

During the round, which was virtual, UK officials held discussions with their Swiss counterparts across all negotiation areas outlined in the UK’s strategic approach to talks, published earlier this year to coincide with the launch of talks.

Discussions continue to be constructive and collaborative, and we have made good progress in starting to agree draft treaty text in several chapters.

These negotiations demonstrate our shared ambition to agree a modern, comprehensive agreement that reflects the current and future UK-Swiss trade relationship.

The UK is working to negotiate an agreement that delivers modern services and investment provisions, while further removing tariff barriers to create mutually beneficial commercially meaningful opportunities for our world class producers and exporters.

The Government will make its next statement on progress following the third round of talks scheduled for later this year.

His Majesty’s Government remains clear that any deal we sign will be in the best interests of the British people and the United Kingdom economy.

Any organisations or individuals interested in speaking to the Department for Business and Trade about negotiations with Switzerland should do so by emailing: ch.fta.engagement@trade.gov.uk.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Peter Freeman reappointed as Chair of Homes England [October 2023]

The press release issued by Homes England on 17 October 2023.

Peter Freeman will continue in role for further two years.

The Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has reappointed Peter Freeman as Chair of Homes England, for two years from 23 October 2023 to 22 October 2025.

Homes England Chief Executive Peter Denton said:

I’m very happy Peter is to continue as Chair of Homes England for another term, leading an organisation equipped with a huge range of skills and expertise, but with a single laser focus on supporting local housing and regeneration visions to become a reality.

His experience, leadership, and dedication is a huge asset for the Agency, our partners, and the sector as we work together to build thriving places for communities across the country. I look forward to our continued collaboration as Peter embarks on his new term.

The Chair will be responsible for the proper running of the Board, and guiding and influencing the Agency at a strategic level, providing confident, clear and consistent leadership, and act as an ambassador for Homes England.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Two Board Members appointed to the British Tourism Authority [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 17 October 2023.

The Secretary of State has appointed William Burton and Beth Knight as Board Members of the British Tourism Authority for five year terms commencing 18 September 2023.

William Burton

Appointed for a 5 year term commencing 18 September 2023.

William Burton has spent more than 25 years in the travel and tourism sector, starting at British Airways Group, where he went on to become Head of Strategic Analysis; through Thomson Travel Group (now TUI) where he was Director of Sales, eCommerce and Distribution; through Thistle Hotels Group (now GLH Hotels) as Global Sales and Marketing Director.

He went on to senior commercial executive roles at Kuoni UK and Bourne Leisure Group, and government COO roles at The British Library and The Rural Payments Agency, before becoming Chief Executive of Page & Moy Travel Group, the UK’s largest outbound group tours operator. He has subsequently been Chief Executive of both the Construction Industries Training Board (CITB) and Cambridge University’s OCR Exam Board, before founding online travel company, Awesome Experiences.

In addition, he is also a Director of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and sits on its ARC committee. In the past he has also sat on the Councils of ABTA, Federation of Tour Operators; and London & Partners and on the Senate of the University of London.

Beth Knight

Appointed for a 5 year term commencing 18 September 2023.

Winner of the Great British Business Woman Award 2022, Beth Knight is a leading figure in social impact and sustainability – an experienced business transformation and systems change strategist. She has spent over fifteen years applying her expertise to help global companies evolve as purpose-led businesses. She is a working mother of two and is passionate about equal rights and diversity, tackling climate change, and innovating through technology.

Beth is currently an independent consultant and board director – with positions ranging from Chair of Save the Children’s corporate advisory board, to Domain Expert for Carbon13’s venture builder in climate tech. Alongside this, Beth is a Senior Associate at the University of Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and is Head Tutor for the Business Sustainability Management executive education program.

Beth’s prior roles have included: Head of ‘Amazon in the Community’ Leader for Europe, Global Markets Associate Director at EY, Head of Corporate Sustainability for EY’s Financial Services business.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members of the British Tourism Authority are remunerated £320 per month for two days a month. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. William Burton and Beth Knight has not declared any significant political activity.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Courts increase sentences for child sex offenders [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 17 October 2023.

Child sex offence cases saw the greatest number of prison sentence increases by the Court of Appeal last year the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has announced.

Figures released as part the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme annual statistics for 2022 show there were 23 child sex offence sentence increases. This was followed by 10 sentences increased for rape offences and 7 for cases involving grievous bodily harm.

Under the ULS scheme, anybody can ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed if they believe it is too low.

However, there is a strict criteria as only certain offences are considered and referrals to AGO must be made within 28 days of the sentence.

In 2022, the Law Officers received 1,179 cases to review and referred 139 cases to the Court of Appeal. In total, 95 cases (68 per cent) saw the sentence increased.

The Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP said:

Being a victim of crime can leave life-long emotional scars and some of society’s most dangerous offenders – including child sexual predators and violent criminals – saw their sentences increased in 2022.

As the statistics show, the vast majority of offenders are sentenced appropriately. However, the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme provides a vital safeguard to ensure that there is confidence in our sentence regime.

The scheme is a vital pillar of criminal justice and shows there is a robust system to make sure criminals are suitably punished for their actions.”

Other offences which saw sentence increases in 2022 included, kidnapping, robbery, child cruelty and murder.

Semi Lave’s 15-year sentence saw the biggest increase in 2022 when his jail term was extended by nine years, totalling 24 years with a licence extension of six years.

Lave was found to have raped and sexually abused two children between 2015 and 2020. Both children were threatened with violence and were physically abused.

Other cases in 2022 that saw sentence increases after the Law Officers intervened included:
- Convicted child sex offender Lee Gibson saw his prison sentence increased from 16-and-a-half years to 23 years in January 2022. Derby’s Gibson subjected his young victim to a campaign of sexual abuse which began when she was under 13 years of age.
- Former radio DJ, Mark Page, was convicted of trying to arrange sexual encounters with children in the Philippines and had his sentence extended from 12 years to 18 in June 2022.
- Zachary Jagger saw his prison term increase from six years to 13 years, with a licence extension of three years, after he deliberately drove his car into a group of people he had been fighting with after he was refused entry into a party. He left one victim with a double leg fracture.
- Lorna and Chris Dennington were sentenced in 2022 for child cruelty offences. Their campaign of cruelty was conducted over 11 years where victims were physically and emotionally abused. Lorna’s sentence was increased to four years and 10 months’, while Chris was ordered to serve a new sentence of six years.
October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We cannot support a resolution which fails to condemn Hamas’ terror attacks – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2023.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

Thank you President.

The United Kingdom is outraged at Hamas’ terror attacks in Israel, and supports Israel’s right to self defence, in line with international law.

We are also working urgently to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

We have voted no on the draft resolution put forward by the Russian delegation.

We cannot support a resolution which fails to condemn Hamas’ terror attacks.

As my Prime Minister said earlier today: Hamas actions were an existential strike at the very idea of Israel as a safe homeland for the Jewish people. It is unconscionable for this Council to ignore the largest terror attack in Israel’s history.

We remain clear, too, that all possible measures on the ground must be taken to ensure civilian casualties are minimised and to facilitate humanitarian aid.

President, the gravity of the situation requires serious Council discussion. This draft, and this process, was not a serious attempt to find Council consensus. So, we look forward to continuing consultations on the basis of the Presidency’s proposals.

I thank you.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New support for NHS to treat gambling addiction [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 17 October 2023.

The NHS is set to benefit as new levy will raise an estimated £100 million of new funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.
- NHS to become main commissioner of treatment as a result of gambling levy – providing estimated £100 million per year for research, prevention and treatment
- Government to take action to put funding for treatment, prevention and research on a long term footing from the existing voluntary set up
- Consultation launched to gather views from industry, clinicians, practitioners academics, those who have experienced of harmful gambling and the wider public
The NHS is set to benefit as new levy will raise an estimated £100 million of new funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.

Following publication of the gambling white paper in April, the Government is now taking the next step in mandating payments from the sector by launching a consultation on the design of the proposed gambling operator levy.

Currently, not all gambling companies contribute equally towards the existing voluntary levy, with some operators paying as little as £1 towards research, prevention and treatment. The Government is therefore acting to ensure all operators contribute their fair share.

In order to improve research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm, the Government is minded to set the levy as a new 1% fee on gross gambling yield for online gambling operators, while traditional betting shops and casinos will pay a proposed fee of around 0.4%.

The white paper has proposed a fair and proportionate approach to levy rates between various operators, taking into account the difference, for example, in operating costs and the levels of harmful gambling associated with different gambling activities.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

We are taking the next step in our plan to protect those most at risk of gambling harm with a new levy on gambling operators to pay for treatment and research.

All gambling operators will be required to pay their fair share and this consultation is an opportunity for the industry, clinicians, those who have experienced gambling harm and the wider public to have their say on how the proposed gambling operator levy should work.

The introduction of this levy will strengthen the safety net and help deliver our long-term plan to help build stronger communities while allowing millions of people to continue to gamble safely.

Technology has reshaped where, when and how people gamble and there has been a significant rise in online gambling behaviour due to the ease of access on smartphones, with people able to gamble anytime and anywhere.

Figures from the NHS Digital Health Survey also indicate that some of these online products are associated with elevated levels of gambling-related addiction and harm with ‘problem gambling’ rates eight times higher for online slots and casino game players than in the population as a whole.

Under the proposed levy, the gambling industry will no longer have a say over how money for research, prevention and treatment is spent. Instead, the Gambling Commission will distribute funding directly to the NHS and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which coordinates research and innovation funding, under the strategic direction of government. The levy will be underpinned by legislation meaning firms will be required to pay.

The funding delivered through the levy, which will deliver substantial new investment for the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales, will increase access to treatment and support for those experiencing gambling-related harm. It will also help to develop a truly national approach to prevention and fund independent, high-quality research to inform policy and practice.

In July this year, the NHS announced that seven new specialist gambling addiction clinics will open in Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Derby, Bristol, Liverpool, Blackpool and Sheffield this year. This is in addition to the seven clinics already in operation in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, and Telford, as well as an additional national clinic, which treats both gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people, in London.

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said:

We know that gambling addiction can devastate lives, which is why we are working quickly to implement our bold plans for reform.

This consultation brings us a step closer to being able to provide £100 million of new funding for research, prevention and treatment, including ring fenced investment for the NHS to help gambling addicts.

Gambling firms should always pay their fair share and this new statutory levy will ensure that they are legally required to do just that.

Health Minister Neil O’Brien said:

Harmful gambling can affect people’s savings, ruin relationships, and devastate people’s lives and health.

Gambling companies should pay their fair share towards the costs of treatment services, but we want to hear from as many people as possible about how the new statutory levy should work.

We continue working to support those affected by gambling harms. Twelve of the planned fifteen NHS gambling addictions clinics have now opened across the country providing vital support services for thousands of people experiencing gambling-related harms as well as their loved ones. The remaining three are expected to open by the end of the year.”

Henrietta Bowden-Jones, National Clinical Advisor for Gambling Harms, said:

I welcome this Levy which reflects the government’s decision to fund gambling treatment, prevention, research and education in an independent and evidence- based way allowing us to continue our work of eradicating all gambling harms from society.”

NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch said:

Gambling addiction destroys people’s lives and with record numbers turning to the NHS for support, the health service has met this demand head on by opening four new specialist clinics in recent months, with a further three opening later this year.

The NHS has long called for a statutory levy because it is only right that this billion-pound industry steps up to support people suffering from gambling addiction and I am pleased that action is being taken to prevent people from coming to harm in the first place. It is now vital we continue working in partnership to ensure we provide effective prevention, education and treatment for this condition.

The Government’s gambling white paper, published in April 2023, set out a range of measures to improve player protections and reduce the risk of gambling addiction and harm in the smartphone era. Measures such as financial risk checks to better alert operators to risky behaviours, stake limits for online slots, tighter controls on marketing of bonuses and a new mandatory gambling operator levy are designed to reduce risk and improve player protections.

The Government and Gambling Commission continue to implement the measures set out in the white paper with a view to having key elements in place in summer 2024.
October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : A rushed departure of MONUSCO would create a significant security vacuum in eastern DRC – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2023.

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on the Great Lakes region.

Thank you, President, and thank you to the Special Envoy for his briefing. Thank you also to Mr. Caholo and Ms. Malimukono for their contributions.

The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the intensifying violence and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Great Lakes region and the recent escalation in fighting between armed groups in North Kivu. We also remain concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in the Great Lakes region, including large-scale displacement of people from their homes and high levels of sexual violence, including in IDP camps.

The UK fully supports the work carried out by MONUSCO, especially in protecting civilians. We acknowledge the DRC government’s request to bring forward MONUSCO’s withdrawal and we encourage it to engage constructively with MONUSCO to ensure a responsible, conditions-based withdrawal. A rushed departure of MONUSCO would create a significant security vacuum in eastern DRC, putting hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk, and risk further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

President, we welcome the reduction in incidents of cross-border violence between DRC and Rwanda, but we remain concerned by heightened confrontational rhetoric by both countries. We have engaged Kigali and Kinshasa to urge them to engage in dialogue and build trust, recognising the risk of miscalculation and the horrendous cost of further escalation.

The UK also welcomes the continued engagement of the Great Lakes region, in particular the leadership of Presidents Lourenço, Ndayishimiye, Geingob, and former President Kenyatta. We reiterate our support for the Nairobi and Luanda processes. We call upon countries in the region to revitalise these processes and turn commitments into tangible action to address the shared security challenges, improve humanitarian access, and to reduce violence.

President, the UK firmly believes that dialogue, not violence, is the only way to achieve lasting peace in the Great Lakes region. To this end, we will continue our regional diplomatic efforts and engage with all Council members to support peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK announces further assistance for Rohingya people in Bangladesh [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2023.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, has announced a further £4.5 million in humanitarian support at a UNHCR conference on Rohingya refugees.
- UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, announces further UK funding of £4.5 million to provide vital humanitarian services to Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh
- Minister Trevelyan is co-convening a UNHCR conference on the Rohingya crisis in Bangkok
- Minister Trevelyan will meet Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr A K Abdul Momen, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi during the conference
The UK has extended funding to support Rohingya refugees living in camps in Bangladesh, providing an additional £4.5 million for vital humanitarian services. UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, announced the funding at a UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) regional conference on the Rohingya crisis.

Minister Trevelyan is attending the conference alongside Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

The UK is committed to finding a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis. This includes their safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar, when the conditions there allow.

Until the Rohingya can safely return to their homeland, we are committed to providing ongoing humanitarian support. That is why we are announcing £4.5 million of further UK support for protection services, healthcare and clean energy to the refugees in Bangladesh.

Today’s conference is an important opportunity to discuss sustainable solutions in Myanmar, and support for the Rohingya and their host countries.

The package of £4.5 million funding includes:
- £2.1 million provided through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for healthcare and clean energy for the Rohingya refugees and host communities
- £2 million provided through NGOs for the protection of refugees and host communities. This includes the Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council, International Rescue Committee, and Humanity and Inclusion
- £450,000 provided through the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and provide sexual and reproductive health services
Since 2017, the UK has provided £370 million to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, and nearly £30 million to support Rohingya and other Muslim minorities in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. This has included food, water and sanitation, healthcare and protection services that are vital for women and girls in the camps.

The UK supports peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific and continues to stand with the people of Myanmar. We reiterate our call for an end to all violence and for the protection of civilians and safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need.

The UK’s sustained support for the Rohingya people demonstrates its long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, critical to the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy, in line with the Integrated Review Refresh published in March 2023.
October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with the Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 October 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, this afternoon.

Their discussions focused on the conflict in Gaza following Hamas’ terror attack, and the Prime Minister welcomed Saudi Arabia’s leadership in seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The leaders agreed on the importance of avoiding further destabilisation across the Middle East, including through Iranian proxies in the region, and committed to coordinate action to deescalate tensions.

The Prime Minister set out the UK’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terror and combat the threat from Hamas. He confirmed the UK would provide further humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and continue to support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to statehood, alongside regional partners like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.

The leaders also discussed wider cooperation between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, including in the areas of defence, trade and investment.

October 22, 2023