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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reconstruction efforts following floods must be unified across eastern and western Libya – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reconstruction efforts following floods must be unified across eastern and western Libya – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

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

    Thank you, President,

    I thank SRSG Bathily for his briefing and the Permanent Representative of Japan for his update on the 1970 committee. I also welcome the participation of the Representative of Libya in this meeting.

    Firstly, I want to express the UK’s deep condolences to the people of Libya following the devastating flooding in Derna. The UK is committed to supporting those affected by the flooding. We have mobilised over $6 million in support, contributing to the UN Flash Appeal, deploying UK emergency medical teams, and technical engineering support. We will continue to coordinate closely with the UN and Libyan authorities on further support required.

    We welcome SRSG Bathily’s statement on the need for a national mechanism to direct recovery and reconstruction efforts. To be effective, any reconstruction efforts must be unified across eastern and western Libya, and coordinated with local, national and international partners. There must be full transparency, effective oversight, and accountability to the Libyan people.

    President, the devastating floods simply reinforce our assessment that the status quo is unsustainable and will not deliver what the Libyan people need. Libya’s citizens continue to suffer from the lack of political progress. A unified and democratically-elected government is needed to respond effectively to citizen’s needs.

    In this regard, we note UNSMIL’s assessment that the updated electoral laws constitute a working basis to hold elections and require the commitment of all major parties to implement. However, as SRSG has made clear, contentious issues remain. These need to be resolved through an inclusive political agreement.

    Therefore, Libya’s leaders must urgently engage with SRSG Bathily, in a constructive manner, to give this process a chance of success. They should attend any UN convened meetings and make concessions in order to move Libya towards elections.

    We look forward to working with Council Members on the renewal of the UNSMIL’s mandate later this month. UNSMIL is an essential partner in Libya and vital to efforts to help create a path towards free, fair and inclusive Presidential and Parliamentary elections. We hope this renewal will provide the continuity that SRSG Bathily needs to lead the Mission and steer international support towards an inclusive political settlement for Libya.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye [October 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 October 2023.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, this afternoon about the conflict in Gaza following Hamas’ terror attack.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the opportunity to speak to President Erdoğan at this critical time, as an influential regional partner and NATO ally. The leaders shared their concerns about the risk of violence spreading in the region and agreed to work together to mitigate against further escalation.

    The Prime Minister updated on the UK’s military deployments to the region, which provide surveillance capabilities and offer a platform to support humanitarian operations if needed.

    The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself following last week’s abhorrent attack, noting that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. They discussed the importance of facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza and taking all reasonable measures to protect civilians caught up in the violence.

    The leaders also agreed to work together with international partners to reinvigorate the Middle East Peace Process and bring about a peaceful and lasting resolution to this conflict.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Burdensome legislation withdrawn in latest move to cut red tape for businesses [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Burdensome legislation withdrawn in latest move to cut red tape for businesses [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 October 2023.

    The Government has withdrawn draft regulations after consultation with companies raised concerns about imposing additional reporting requirements.

    • Government withdraws draft new reporting regulations following a consultation with businesses on wider reporting regime.
    • New reform package will deliver a more targeted, simpler and effective framework for both business and investors.
    • Announcement welcomed by leading industry voices including the London Stock Exchange, Capital Markets Industry Taskforce, UK Finance, Lloyds and CityUK.
    • Changes will ensure the UK remains one of the best places in the world for firms to list and to do business.

    The Government has today [16 October] withdrawn draft regulations after consultation with companies raised concerns about imposing additional reporting requirements.

    Instead, the Government will pursue options to reduce the burden of red tape to ensure the UK is one of the best places in the world to do business.

    Draft regulations published in July would have added certain additional corporate and company reporting requirements to large UK listed and private companies, including an annual resilience statement, distributable profits figure, material fraud statement and triennial audit and assurance policy statement.

    This would have incurred additional costs for companies by requiring them to include additional layers of corporate information in their annual reports.

    Since July, the Government has completed a call for evidence on existing non-financial reporting requirements, which has identified a strong appetite from businesses and investors for reform, including to simplify and streamline existing reporting.

    The Business Secretary has now decided to withdraw these regulations, and will be setting out options to reform the wider framework shortly to reduce the burden of red tape on businesses.

    The Government remains committed to wider audit and corporate governance reform, including establishing a new Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority to replace the existing Financial Reporting Council. We will bring forward legislation to deliver these reforms when Parliamentary time allows.

    Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

    Since the Government first published these draft regulations in July, discussions with businesses and stakeholders have highlighted a strong appetite for existing reporting requirements to be simplified.

    The Government has decided not to implement the draft regulations at this time, while we continue at pace with our plans to reform the wider non-financial reporting framework.

    This will deliver a more targeted, simpler and effective framework for both business and investors, reinforcing that the UK is one of the best places in the world for firms to list and to do business.

    This move will form part of a wider package of reform from the Government to streamline and simplify regulation for businesses.

    It also builds on the 12-week call for evidence launched earlier this month to carry out an in-depth review of all regulators across the UK, in a campaign to bring about smarter regulation and make companies’ lives easier.

    Julia Hoggett, CEO, London Stock Exchange plc, said:

    This is a welcome step and will boost the competitiveness of the UK. Good corporate governance should be an enabler for companies to grow and reach their full potential in the interests of all stakeholders. However, founders, company boards and, increasingly, shareholders have highlighted that the UK’s approach of ever-increasing corporate governance processes has, however well-intentioned, impacted the effectiveness of listed companies and the standing of the UK over other capital markets.

    Releasing listed companies from the additional reporting burdens that were proposed is another step toward the level playing field UK companies need to compete and drive the growth economy to the benefit of all stakeholders. If companies are to have the certainty they need, it is vital that this reform and steps to enhance the competitiveness of the UK, are backed by political consensus.

    The Capital Markets Industry Taskforce said:

    This decision is an important sign that the Government does listen to business and that the Business Secretary is prepared to remove incremental burdens on business.

    We are committed to continuing to work with the Government on more steps to ensure the UK remains a competitive environment for business and investment, including in the area of corporate governance.

    David Postings, CEO, UK Finance, said:

    I welcome the news that the Department for Business and Trade has listened to feedback and withdrawn these regulations.

    This is an important step in terms of making the UK an attractive place for businesses to grow and list. The government now has the opportunity to make further reforms to create a simpler, streamlined and more effective reporting and corporate governance regime.

    Burkhard Keese, Chief Financial Officer, Lloyd’s said:

    Lloyd’s appreciates the close and productive engagement we have had with Government on corporate governance reform.

    We welcome this first step that the government is taking to ensure that the UK has a proportionate and competitive corporate governance framework and look forward to ongoing collaboration as its work continues in this area.

    Miles Celic, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK:

    The government’s decision to withdraw this proposal is a significant step which will reaffirm the UK’s reputation as a business-friendly destination.

    We welcome the government’s support for fostering a growth environment in the UK and our industry remains committed to working with the public sector to increase the attractiveness of the UK as a public equity listing market and to send a strong signal globally that the UK is an ideal destination for business and investment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Interim Victims’ Commissioner appointed [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Interim Victims’ Commissioner appointed [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 16 October 2023.

    The Lord Chancellor, Alex Chalk, has today (16 October 2023) confirmed plans to appoint Baroness Newlove as the government’s interim Victim’s Commissioner.

    • Baroness Newlove reappointed as Interim Victims Commissioner for one-year term
    • Interim appointment ensures victims will have direct line to government
    • Permanent recruitment campaign to be launched to reflect new responsibilities of the role following the Victims and Prisoners bill

    The Interim Commissioner, who has been appointed for a term of 12 months, will play a vital role in scrutinising the Victims and Prisoners Bill as it progresses through Parliament, ensuring it serves its purpose to improve victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system.

    Baroness Newlove brings a wealth of experience having previously served as Victims’ Commissioner between 2013 and 2019. During that time she laid the groundwork to enshrine victims’ rights in law through the Victims Strategy, improved their experiences in court and led important reviews on anti-social behaviour, the Victim’s Code, and reforms to the Parole system.

    The Victims’ Commissioner promotes the interests of victims and witnesses, encourages good practice in their treatment, and regularly reviews the Code of Practice for Victims which sets out the services victims can expect to receive.

    The decision to appoint a temporary Commissioner has been made to enable a new recruitment campaign to be launched which better reflects the new responsibilities the role will have once the Victims and Prisoners Bill is passed.

    Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Alex Chalk said:

    As a tireless advocate and campaigner for victims’ rights, there is no safer pair of hands than Baroness Newlove to hold this position as we recruit a permanent Victims’ Commissioner.

    This role is vital in holding the Government and criminal justice agencies to account and being the voice for those affected by crime, and I very much look forward to working with her.

    Interim Victims Commissioner, Baroness Newlove said:

    I am honoured and it is a privilege to be re-appointed Victims’ Commissioner for the coming year.

    I know first-hand the emotions and the pain victims experience on their journey through the criminal justice system.  I am also aware of the many challenges they have faced in recent years. That’s why I am so passionate about championing their cause. I want to see their needs and rights at the forefront of our criminal justice system.

    My priority this year is to ensure the Victims and Prisoners Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, truly delivers for all victims. I want to see this Bill transform the victim experience so that victims feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the criminal justice process. This has long been my aspiration and this Bill is an opportunity to make it a reality.

    I look forward to continuing my work as the voice of victims, working with Ministers, criminal justice agencies and the organisations supporting victims to promote best practice in victims’ services.

    Baroness Newlove has relentlessly campaigned for victims since the tragic death of her husband Garry in 2007 who was murdered outside of their family home in an attack fuelled by alcohol and drugs. Following her 2 terms as Victims’ Commissioner, she has continued to promote the voices of victims in the House of Lords.

    The Victims and Prisoners Bill which will shortly return to the House of Commons enshrines the principles of the Victims’ Code in law, meaning that where appropriate, victims will have the right to:

    • challenge decisions which directly impact them, for example getting the CPS or police to review why their case has been dropped in the most serious cases like rape and domestic abuse
    • receive information to help them understand the criminal justice process, such as on claiming compensation, how their case is progressing and its outcome
    • access vital support services such as Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors
    • have the opportunity to make their views heard, for example being able to ask to read out their Victim Personal Statements in court

    The Victims and Prisoners Bill also bolsters the role of the Victims’ Commissioner by requiring authorities within their remit to publicly respond to their recommendations and set out the rationale for accepting or rejecting them.

    A recruitment campaign has been launched to re-appoint the role of Independent Advisor to the Rape Review who will work alongside the Victims Commissioner.

    Notes to editors

    Biography of the Victims’ Commissioner:

    • Baroness Helen Newlove is a community reform campaigner and activist. She came to prominence after her husband Garry Newlove was murdered outside the family home by a gang of youths, all alcohol and drug-fuelled, in 2007. After his death she campaigned to tackle anti-social behaviour and the underage and binge drinking culture.
    • Helen was given a peerage in the 2010 Dissolution Honours list and sits in the House of Lords as Baroness Newlove of Warrington in the County of Cheshire.
    • She originally took up the post of Victims’ Commissioner on 4 March 2013, was reappointed for a second term in March 2016, and stepped down on 31 May 2019. She was succeeded by Dame Vera Baird.
    • On 5 March 2021, Baroness Newlove took up the office of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords.
  • PRESS RELEASE : New wine reforms to boost investment and ease burdens on industry [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New wine reforms to boost investment and ease burdens on industry [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 16 October 2023.

    Following a public consultation, the government has set out reforms for the wine sector which will begin in 2024.

    New reforms to the UK’s wine industry will drive investment, growth and jobs, Food and Drink Minister Mark Spencer announced today.

    Following a public consultation, Wine: reforms to retained EU law, the government has set out reforms for the wine sector which will begin in 2024 and take advantage of our freedoms outside of the EU. These reforms are made possible by powers under the Retained EU Law Act which are being used to remove constraints from our economy whilst ensuring our high standards are not compromised.

    Feedback from the wine industry has shown that certain regulations within the current 400-page rulebook have been stifling innovation and preventing the introduction of more efficient and sustainable practices.

    Changes will include removing expensive and cumbersome packaging requirements – such as ending the mandatory requirement that certain sparkling wines must have foil caps and mushroom-shaped stoppers. This will reduce unnecessary waste and packaging costs for businesses. Outdated rules around bottle shapes will also be scrapped, freeing up producers to use different shapes.

    The government will also remove the requirement for imported wines to have an importer address on the label – the Food Business Operator (FBO) responsible for ensuring all legal requirements are met will still need to be identified on the label, as is the standard requirement for food products. This will create more frictionless trade and reduce administrative burdens.

    Further reforms will also give producers more freedom to use hybrid varieties of grapes. This will enable growers to choose the variety that works best for them and reduce vine loss due to disease or climate change, while also providing greater choice to consumers.

    Food and Drink Minister Mark Spencer said:

    We have a diverse and dynamic wine sector here in the UK – but for too long our producers and traders have been held back by red tape inherited from the EU.

    The reforms we’ve announced today scrap outdated and burdensome rules so that our wineries, vineyards and traders can continue to innovate and help grow our economy.

    Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the UK’s Wine and Spirit Trade Association said:

    We welcome the measures announced by the Government today, many of which the WSTA has been calling for for a number of years.

    Removing the restrictive rules on importer labelling will significantly reduce the post-Brexit impact of having to have a unique UK label. Moving to labelling Food Business Operator should allow one common label for both UK and EU markets, which will maintain the UK as an attractive destination market and support our aim for UK consumers continue to have access to the widest possible choice of wine from around the world.

    And at a time when businesses are doing all they can to minimise packaging waste, changes to packaging rules will be good for business, the environment and consumers.

    Ned Awty, Director and Interim CEO of Wines of Great Britain said:

    Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our domestic wine industry, WineGB welcomes any measures that supports these values.

    We also look forward to any future legislation changes that will help Britain’s fastest growing agricultural sector thrive.

    In addition to the UK’s status as a global wine trading hub, England and Wales has a thriving and fast-growing domestic winemaking industry which has seen a 74% growth in hectarage of vines in the last five years. These reforms will modernise regulations and encourage investment in all areas of the wine sector, from the domestic wine trade to our thriving vineyards and wineries.

    The consultation response, Wine: reforms to retained EU law can be read in full on gov.uk.(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/wine-reforms-to-retained-eu-law)

  • PRESS RELEASE : Jacquie Nnochiri and Deborah Tavana reappointed as Board Members of the National Citizen Service Trust [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Jacquie Nnochiri and Deborah Tavana reappointed as Board Members of the National Citizen Service Trust [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 16 October 2023.

    Jacquie Nnochiri and Deborah Tavana have been reappointed by HM The King as Board Members of the National Citizen Service Trust for three years from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2027

    Jacquie Nnochiri

    Reappointed from 01 January 2024 until 31 December 2027.

    Jacquie has had an influential career in mainstream education and Pupil Referral Unit setting. She has had numerous roles in mainstream education including Head of Year & Head of Department. Jacquie is passionate about giving young people, especially vulnerable students the knowledge, opportunity, and the exposure to networks and to give them the tools to improve their further education and future work opportunities. Jacquie has consistently championed the cause of young people, especially those who are most vulnerable and the most marginalised.

    Jacquie has extensive knowledge of the education sector, she is capable of identifying and advising on new challenges, initiatives, and opportunities and to bring a broader perspective to the decision-making processes.

    Jacquie has collaborated with many external stakeholders. Her role as academic lead brings her into close contact with parents and carers, local authorities, social workers and other outside agencies.

    Jacquie is a mentor for students @QMUL- the School of Business & Management. Jacquie is a Volunteer for the Youth Offending Team as a Referral Order Community Panel Member. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the IMB board.

    Deborah Tavana

    Reappointed from 01 January 2024 until 31 December 2027.

    Deborah started her career with Legal & General and has held executive roles in Williams & Glyn Bank, Resolution, Swiss Re and General Electric. She has experience in a range of leadership roles covering Human Resources, Communications, Governance, Legal and Operations and has also undertaken consulting and advisory work on both a regional and global basis. In addition, Deborah served for 13 years as a member of the Employment Tribunals.

    Her career has always been guided by a belief in the importance of creating organisation cultures that value the whole person, whether colleague, customer or client. Deborah now works independently as an executive coach and management consultant. She joined the board of NCS in 2021 and is Chair of the People & Remuneration Committee. She also serves as a trustee on the board of United Response, and sits on the board of Kore Labs, a UK based fintech firm.

    Deborah is a graduate of the University of Bristol, holds an MSc from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. She balances her work alongside a busy family life with four children, enjoys swimming, photography and learning to play the piano.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Trustees of the National Citizens Service Trust are not remunerated. 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. Jacquie Nnochiri and Deborah Tavana have not declared any significant political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British businesses celebrate as rules of origin to South Korea extended [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : British businesses celebrate as rules of origin to South Korea extended [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 October 2023.

    The UK has secured a two-year extension to rules which help British companies to access lower or zero tariffs when selling goods to South Korea.

    • UK goods exports to South Korea remain eligible for reduced or zero tariffs after UK secures extension
    • Manufacturing sector expected to benefit, including automotive and food and drink, keeping British goods competitive in Korea
    • Negotiations for enhanced UK-South Korea trade deal to launch later this year

    The UK has secured a two-year extension to rules which help British companies to access lower or zero tariffs when selling goods to South Korea.

    The extension has been secured under the UK-South Korea free trade agreement and comes as welcome news for businesses who can continue to avoid the high tariffs imposed by South Korea on products entering the country.

    It also comes ahead of the launch of negotiations on a new, modernised trade deal between the UK and South Korea which will cover new sectors like digital, expected before the end of the year.

    South Korea is the 13th largest economy in the world and set to grow rapidly. Thanks to a burgeoning middle class, its import market is expected to grow 45% by 2035. The UK’s trade with Korea has more than doubled since the original FTA was negotiated.

    Goods make up the majority of UK exports to South Korea, with £7.3 billion worth exported last year. A broad range of British manufacturing sectors are expected to benefit from the extension, including food and drink and automotive, which is the second largest British export to South Korea.

    Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston said:

    This is fantastic news for UK businesses who can continue selling their brilliant goods with confidence to South Korea, a fast-growing market of the future with a high demand for quality British products.

    It provides welcome certainty as we prepare to kickstart negotiations on an exciting new trade deal set to turbocharge our already thriving £18 billion trading relationship and boost British exports.

    When the UK negotiated the original trade agreement with South Korea, rolled over from our membership of the EU, time-restricted clauses were agreed to allow for the use of EU content in UK products in meeting the EU-South Korea rules of origin and on shipping goods via the EU. Both clauses were set to expire on 1 January 2024.

    The extensions will apply for a further two years while the UK and South Korea work on new, permanent rules as part of an enhanced free trade agreement. Today’s agreement allows for both parties to extend this period further, if needed.

    Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: 

    We welcome this announcement as it avoids the re-imposition of duties from January 2024. In the first half of the year, South Korea was our seventh biggest car export market and the third biggest supplier of new passenger cars for UK buyers – so duty liabilities would have been bad for both sides.

    We look forward to the start of negotiations and swift conclusion of a modernised trade deal that delivers more benefits to our respective automotive sectors, in particular boosting trade in EVs and related technologies.

    Food and Drink Federation Director of Sustainability and Growth Balwinder Dhoot said:

    This is welcome news for food and drink manufacturers and gives continued certainty to exporters until a new and ambitious agreement is negotiated. This will help businesses to export more products and ensures continued flexibility to use seasonal imported ingredients that complement our industry’s use of domestic produce.

    Talks for a new trade deal are anticipated to kick off this year. A public consultation was completed earlier this year to identify business priorities for the deal.

    The new deal will upgrade our trading agreement with South Korea, ensuring a more modern and fit-for-purpose deal that meets the specific needs of the UK. This is expected to include provisions for digital trade and dedicated help for smaller businesses, which will support economic growth and jobs.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Commander of the National Cyber Force appointed [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Commander of the National Cyber Force appointed [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 October 2023.

    Air Vice-Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes OBE has been appointed as the second Commander of the National Cyber Force (NCF).

    Established in 2020, the NCF is a partnership between defence and intelligence which carries out cyber operations daily to protect against threats to the UK, further the UK’s foreign policy, support military operations, and prevent serious crime.

    The NCF is committed to demonstrating responsible cyber behaviour, including through strict adherence to robust legal and ethical frameworks and robust oversight and accountability. This is illustrated in ‘National Cyber Force: Responsible Cyber Power in Practice’ in a move to greater transparency in this space.

    Most recently, Tim served as Director Cyber, Intelligence and Information Integration within UK Strategic Command and will be the first member of the Armed Forces to hold the position.

    As well as delivering cyber operations to keep the country safe, Tim will be responsible for overseeing the NCF’s continued growth as part of the UK’s broader national cyber enterprise, including the opening of NCF’s headquarters in Samlesbury in 2025. Tim will also continue scaling NCF’s integration with other parts of Government, partners, and a growing number of international allies.

    Tim replaces the NCF’s first Commander, James Babbage, who has taken up post as Director General Threats (Economic and Organised Crime) at the National Crime Agency.

    Announcing the appointment, Commander Strategic Command, General Sir Jim Hockenhull said:

    I am delighted to congratulate Air Vice-Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes OBE on his appointment to Commander of the National Cyber Force. Tim’s experience in cyber and intelligence has repeatedly been proven throughout a distinguished military career, and most recently serving at the heart of Defence Intelligence. I am confident the NCF will benefit greatly from his knowledge, experience, and leadership.

    This is an important time for the NCF. The array of threats that we collectively face through cyberspace is becoming ever more complex and persistent, and the cyber and electromagnetic domain increasingly decisive. Tim will also oversee the move of the NCF headquarters to Samlesbury – an exciting time for the young organisation and its people. Establishing NCF in the North West will open up a great number of fulfilling and interesting roles and careers to a whole range of talent in the region.

    I look forward to working with Tim in his new role and wish him well in this endeavour.

    Director GCHQ, Anne Keast-Butler said:

    I am delighted to welcome Air Vice-Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes OBE as the new Commander of the NCF. Tim brings a wealth of experience in intelligence, engineering, and cyber – and he has the vision to lead our dynamic partnership, which is countering state threats, supporting military operations, and disrupting terrorist cells and serious criminals.

    Commander of the NCF, Air Vice-Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes OBE said:

    The last two decades of my life have been invested in supporting the evolution of the UK’s cyber power, and so I am immensely proud to take on the role of Commander. The NCF has a clear vision to be a vital tool of the UK’s statecraft, delivering increasing impact for the nation and exemplifying globally the responsible projection of cyber power.

    Nearly four years on from its creation, NCF’s impact has been felt across all facets of the UK’s national security, from supporting and protecting military operations, to countering state threats and disrupting criminal activity.

    It is a privilege to be working with such diverse and talented people. NCF’s blend of skills and expertise in its workforce is an absolute strength and unlike anywhere else because of its unique defence and intelligence partnership. I am committed to realising the vision for the NCF and building a force that truly represents the nation we serve.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK announces £10 million humanitarian aid for civilians in Occupied Palestinian Territories [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK announces £10 million humanitarian aid for civilians in Occupied Palestinian Territories [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

    £10 million of humanitarian aid announced by the Prime Minister to support civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in response to escalating conflict.

    • Prime Minister announces £10 million package of support for Palestinian civilians in response to escalating conflict
    • funding is an increase of a third on existing aid and will provide essential relief items and services, such as food, water and emergency shelter to meet needs on the ground
    • in statement to Parliament, PM makes clear the UK’s unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ actions and support for Israel’s right to self-defence in line with international law

    Today [Monday 16 October] the Prime Minister has announced a further £10 million in humanitarian aid funding for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), in response to the escalating conflict.

    He made the announcement in a statement to the House of Commons, in which he also reiterated the UK’s condemnation of Hamas’ actions in both Israel and Gaza, and called for immediate access for humanitarian organisations to be allowed to deliver life-saving aid.

    This latest commitment is in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, including shortages of key goods and widespread displacement due to the conflict.

    This funding will allow trusted partners, including key UN agencies to provide essential relief items and services. These could include food, water and emergency shelter, depending on the needs on the ground.

    The UK is also exploring options for moving humanitarian supplies closer to the region and is liaising with aid agencies in the region to ensure relief supplies can be distributed as quickly and effectively as possible.

    Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    I’m proud that we are a longstanding and significant provider of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. And I can announce today that we are increasing our aid by a third, with an additional £10 million of support.

    An acute humanitarian crisis is unfolding, to which we must respond. We must support the Palestinian people – because they’re victims of Hamas too.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    We are committed to supporting the Palestinian people – they are victims of Hamas too.

    This funding will provide vital, lifesaving support to Palestinian civilians who are caught up in this conflict and are in desperate need of help.

    The UN estimates that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced so far. Prior to the recent escalation of hostilities, the UN estimated that nearly 60% of people in Gaza already needed humanitarian assistance, including over 1.5 million people in need of food assistance and 1.6 million in need of health and nutrition assistance.

    Today’s announcement is a 37% uplift to the existing £27 million of UK funding this year which is already providing critical support to the region, including an extra £10 million announced by the Foreign Secretary during his visit last month. We will consider further support depending on the changing humanitarian needs on the ground.

    The UK remains committed to mitigating the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza while standing alongside the people of Israel against the terrorist group Hamas.

    The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have spoken to Israel, Egypt and other international partners about opening the Rafah crossing to allow urgent humanitarian aid into Gaza.

    All UK aid funding to the OPTs undergoes rigorous oversight, and no funding goes to Hamas.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK government urges big business to tackle global hunger [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK government urges big business to tackle global hunger [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

    On World Food Day (Monday 16 October) UK announces a partnership to encourage major food companies to improve the impact of their products on consumers’ health.

    The UK has teamed up with a leading global nutrition charity to push the private sector to produce food which is good for people and the planet, Development Minister Andrew Mitchell announced today on World Food Day.

    The partnership with the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) will encourage some of the largest food companies to help people at risk of malnutrition make healthier choices, particularly vulnerable populations in lower-income countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, and Tanzania.

    The UK’s £2 million package of support will allow ATNI to carry out assessments of the world’s largest food and drink companies, over a 2-year period, gathering data on factors including how healthy and sustainable their products are. They will also aim to capture for the first time how well they support and meet the needs of communities that are at risk of malnutrition and preventable deaths, specifically of women and children.

    The announcement comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today announced a further £10 million in humanitarian aid for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). This is in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, including shortages of key goods and widespread displacement due to the conflict.

    The funding will allow trusted partners, including key UN agencies to provide essential relief items and services including food, water and emergency shelter.

    The UK will partner with the UAE and Somalia to host a global food security summit on 20 November sponsored by and developed with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) to galvanize action to tackle hunger and malnutrition, including through cutting edge UK funded science and technology. On the same day, the UK will publish the International Development White Paper.

    Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said:

    As many as 60 million children around the world suffered from severe malnutrition last year – but their pain is entirely preventable. We must act now using all the tech, science, and other tools at our disposal to stop hunger harming future generations.

    Newly published statistics show that FCDO has reached 13.8 million people with food aid, cash and vouchers through bilateral humanitarian support since 2022. This helped millions of marginalised people affected by humanitarian crises such as earthquakes, famines and conflict in countries including Syria, Ukraine, Uganda, and Bangladesh. The support has provided nutritious food for children and pregnant women, vouchers that can be exchanged for things like sanitary products or household items at designated vendors, and cash that allows people to buy food.

    The UK-hosted summit will explore how innovation, partnerships and the latest technological advances can ensure long-term food security and improved nutrition for people in the hardest-hit countries.

    Through FCDO’s partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the UK is helping to find solutions to address global food and climate challenges – including developing more nutritious, resilient crop varieties and innovating to tackle pests and diseases.

    Rodger Voorhies, President of the Global Growth and Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said:

    We must find new ways of responding to climate shocks and humanitarian crises, while accelerating innovations to prevent these crises in the future. UK leadership, including the upcoming summit on food security, will be critical to advancing solutions to prevent hunger and malnutrition, while building a climate resilient agriculture sector that can support a healthier, more equitable future for all.

    The Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) is an innovative way of tackling child wasting and famine in some of the most vulnerable countries in the world through match funding that doubles every Naira or Rupee that governments in those countries spend on preventing and treating child wasting. This allows countries to double their investment in essential services and supplies for the prevention, detection and treatment of child wasting.

    Severe wasting, the most severe form of malnutrition, is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths of children under 5. The CNF is scaling up prevention and treatment services in countries with the greatest need such as Nigeria and Pakistan.

    Anna Hakobyan, chief impact officer at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, said:

    Hunger and malnutrition are devastating for children. There is an urgent need to scale up known solutions for prevention and treatment of child malnutrition through sustainable and concerted action from governments, civil society, and the private sector.

    This needs to be coupled with systemic approaches to food systems that are fit for supporting a healthy planet and thriving children. We are looking forward to this important summit to galvanize action and innovations for turning the tide against rising hunger and malnutrition.