Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister accelerates military support to Northern Europe following visit to Sweden [October 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 October 2023.

The Prime Minister has vowed to step up the UK’s presence in Northern Europe, deepen cooperation on tackling hybrid threats and protect Critical National Infrastructure with Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners as he met fellow leaders today.
- More than 20,000 British troops to be deployed across Northern Europe next year
- Comes as the Prime Minister warns we must not be complacent after Putin’s embarrassing failures in Ukraine embolden his disruptive behaviour elsewhere
- Prime Minister meets Joint Expeditionary Force leaders in Gotland after staying on board Royal Navy warship – the first Prime Minister to do so in more than 50 years
The Prime Minister has vowed to step up the UK’s presence in northern Europe, deepen cooperation on tackling hybrid threats and protect Critical National Infrastructure with Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners as he met fellow leaders today.

More than 20,000 British troops will be deployed to the region next year, which is vital for the protection of Critical National Infrastructure, as the exploitation of hybrid activities and strategic competition in the area accelerates.

Meeting northern European leaders today on the strategically important island of Gotland to discuss the challenges facing the region, as well as the situation in Israel, the Prime Minister warned that Putin’s failures in Ukraine were emboldening Russia’s irresponsible behaviour in other parts of Europe.

He told leaders that while Putin had lost significant ground in Ukraine since he launched his barbaric invasion, allies and partners should not be lulled into a false sense of security. The Kremlin was reinvesting in military capability and turning to a diminishing number of malevolent and marginalised partners to try and rebuild its strength and undermine global stability.

His warning came after damage was detected earlier this week to two pipelines between Estonia and Finland, and HMS Queen Elizabeth was forced to launch fast jets from her deck in the Arctic last week to escort Russian Maritime Patrol Aircraft that flew close to the Carrier Strike Group operating in the region.

JEF leaders discussed today how they can address Russia’s sabotaging behaviour in the region, both through stronger defence collaboration and increasing industrial cooperation.

The Prime Minister outlined how accelerating defence industrial cooperation within Europe and across the Atlantic was vital to ensuring nations maintain a technological advantage over Russia and protect partners from Russian attacks for generations to come.

As part of that ambition, the Prime Minister also set out how the UK will accelerate its military cooperation in the region to help detect, deter and defuse traditional and hybrid threats.

That acceleration will include sending more than 20,000 soldiers, sailors, marines and air men and women to the region next year, alongside 8 Royal Navy ships, 25 fast jets and an aviation task force of Apache, Chinook and Wildcat helicopters. They will take part in large-scale, multi-country exercises, as well as carrying out air policing and cold weather training.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

This week, we have seen yet again that our security cannot be taken for granted. It is vital that we stand united against those with malign intent.

As the international order continues to be challenged by desperate dictators, rogue states, and terrorist organisations – like Hamas – we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our international friends and partners to defend our values, security and prosperity.

Northern Europe is vital to our national security, which is why it’s more important than ever that we work with our Joint Expeditionary Force neighbours to protect our backyard and deter damaging hybrid threats.

The UK’s Carrier Strike Group is already in the region for its autumn deployment, underlining the UK’s commitment to the area. The group is led by flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth and accompanied by five British ships, F35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets and Wildcat helicopters.

The Prime Minister stayed on destroyer HMS Diamond, which is docked in Visby, last night, before having breakfast with British sailors this morning. According to Royal Navy archives, he is the first Prime Minister to overnight on a Royal Navy warship since the late Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1968.

The ship is a vital component of the strike group, providing state-of-the-art air and missile defence capabilities. It is docked in Visby as part of the group’s work with Sweden during their autumn deployment.

The carrier group, including HMS Queen Elizabeth, will return early next year to lead the UK’s contribution to the first phase of NATO’s most ambitious military drill since the Cold War, Exercise Steadfast Defender.

The operation will span almost six months and see 16,000 UK soldiers deploy to Estonia and Norway.

The deployments come as the Prime Minister deepened the UK’s relationship with Sweden today, signing a strategic partnership with the Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

The partnership will expand cooperation on security and defence, innovation, science, energy, trade and investment. It builds on the UK’s security assurances to Sweden, which were signed last year ahead of the country’s accession to NATO.

The Prime Minister also agreed a new ambitious Green Industrial Partnership with Norway, which will seek to drive both countries’ transition to more clean and secure energy by enabling deeper cooperation on areas like offshore wind, low emission transport and critical minerals.

The agreement will benefit supply chains and support skills in low carbon sectors, as well as improving the security and resilience of critical infrastructure.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister Støre of Norway [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 October 2023.

The Prime Minister met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Summit in Gotland today.

The leaders reflected on the discussions over the course of the JEF summit, including on the tragic situation in Israel and the grouping’s steadfast support for Ukraine.

The leaders welcomed the launch of the new Green Industrial Partnership between the UK and Norway.

The ambitious partnership would reinforce energy security and Critical National Infrastructure resilience in the region and bring real benefits to supply chains and economies in both countries, the Prime Minister added.

Discussing recent events in the region, the leaders agreed on the vital need to reinforce security around subsea infrastructure.

They agreed to stay in close touch.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Amplifying civil society voices – UK closing statement at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown reiterates UK support for OSCE’s Human Dimension institutions and commitments.

Thank you, Chair. Good morning.

With the closing of the second Chair’s Warsaw Human Dimension Conference in two years, we have much to consider. I would first like to thank North Macedonian as our Chair in Office, for its determination to hold this meeting in the face of Russian obstructionism. I also express our appreciation and thanks to ODIHR Director Mecacci and his entire team for preparing and delivering this conference.

Over the past two weeks we have we heard countless examples of the most egregious human rights violations committed by Russia at home and through its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As we have listened, we have considered the question, what more can we do to support civil society and those impacted by Putin’s war of choice.

We recall that the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting the agenda of which was blocked again by Russia this year, is one of our OSCE commitments. It was established so that participating States could hold each other to account. We have always valued the opportunity this offered. However, in addition to trampling over the most basic human dimension commitments through its actions in Ukraine, Russia chooses not to engage or to explain its behaviour.

Civil society participation has always been a high point of Human Dimension Implementation Meetings. We are grateful to those who have again told their stories this year. Your input greatly enriches our discussions. Through the thematic plenary sessions and brilliant side events, we have heard the challenges faced by the most vulnerable. We have also seen clear examples of what the Moscow Mechanism report told us last year. Namely that internal repression enables external aggression. We have heard from those and about those, including Vladimir Kara-Murza who are paying the price for challenge and dissent. Your participation and understanding these lived experiences are paramount. Thank you for being with us.

We remind those participating States that constantly seek to undermine the work and block the mandates of the OSCE’s human dimension institutions that we established these institutions together to assist us in the implementation of our commitments.  Let the institutions do their work.

The UK Government is committed to continuing to support and amplify the voices from those in civil society and holding Russia to account. We will challenge and accept challenge of our own actions against the commitments we have made. We hope that all participating States will join us, so we can work together to stand united against the violence and repression that remains present across the OSCE region.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointments to Parades Commission for Northern Ireland [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 13 October 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland invites applications for the appointment of chair and five new members to the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland.

The appointment of the Chair and four of the Commissioners will be made with effect from 1 January 2024 and a further appointment will be made with effect from 1 April 2024.

Further details of the positions and application pack can be found at:

https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles

Alternatively, the application can be obtained by email to PCNI2023@nio.gov.uk. This information can be made available, on request, in other formats.

The closing date for applications is 29 October 2023. Completed applications should be sent by email to: PCNI2023@nio.gov.uk.

Equality of Opportunity

Appointments will be made on merit and with regard to the equality provisions set out in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Sex offender Michael King ordered to spend longer in prison [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 13 October 2023.

A convicted sex offender has been ordered to spend longer in prison after his case was reviewed by the Court of Appeal.

Michael King (57), from East London, has seen his prison sentence for multiple sexual offences increase to 19 years after the Solicitor General referred his conviction as being unduly lenient.

King was sentenced on 14 July 2023 at St Albans Crown Court to 16 years, plus an extended licence period of 4 years.

He was convicted of having sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, attempted sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, indecency with a child, and indecent assault.

The court heard the offences were committed in the early 1990s when the offender was 25 and the victim was nine or 10.

Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson KC MP, said:

The offender is a dangerous predator who preyed on a child for his own sexual gratification. I was appalled by this case and the court has rightfully concluded that he should serve longer behind bars.

On Thursday 12 October 2023, the Court of Appeal increased King’s sentence to 19 years after it was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. His four-year extended license remained unchanged

On 16 May 2023, King was convicted after a trial of seven counts of having sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, contrary to section 5 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956; attempting to commit such an offence; four counts of indecency with a child, contrary to section 1 of the Indecency with Children Act 1960; and three counts of indecent assault, contrary to section 14 of the 1956 Act.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 October 2023.

The Prime Minister met with the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Sweden today.

Discussing the situation in Israel, the leaders condemned the barbaric terror attacks and reflected on the profound implication they had for Israel and the region.

They also underscored the importance of avoiding wider regional escalation and taking steps to ensure that humanitarian concerns were addressed.

It was vital to ensure Jewish communities across Europe felt supported and safe following the recent events, the leaders added.

Discussing Ukraine, the Prime Minister updated on UK support and welcomed Denmark’s strong contribution to the fast jet coalition. They reiterated the importance of continuing to work together to deliver fast jet capability to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

Reflecting on the strength of the UK – Denmark relationship, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to deepening ties between the two countries.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Homes England’s Director of Affordable Housing Grants to retire after 32-year housing career [October 2023]
The press release issued by Housing England on 13 October 2023.

Jackie Jacob has played a critical role in the provision of affordable homes across the country.

Jackie Jacob, Homes England’s Director of Affordable Housing Grants, is to retire in December following a 32-year career with the Agency and its predecessor organisations.

Throughout her career Jackie has worked tirelessly to drive and improve the provision of affordable housing across England, supporting local authorities, housing associations and the wider housing sector including a considerable period in the late 90s with the regulator.

She has played a key part in the delivery of hundreds of thousands of quality, safe, permanent homes to help people in temporary or challenging accommodation conditions.

Jackie has stewarded more than £20 billion in grant funding over the last 15 years alone, delivering thousands of much needed affordable homes each year, with over 90,000 since the beginning of 2020 alone.

Homes England Chief Executive Peter Denton said:

Jackie’s unsurpassed passion and dedication to the sector has translated into a life changing impact on countless individuals and families. Over many years I have seen first-hand her skill in translating policy and strategy into the human, delivering social justice by providing more homes for more people where they are most needed.

I am sad she is leaving, but I wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement. What is wonderful is her approach is infectious and she leaves behind an excellent team who share her dedication. We have now commenced the search for the right person to take on Jackie’s mantle, one of the most important roles in housing.

Jackie added:

After an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career in the affordable housing sector and 32 years at Homes England I am announcing my retirement. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved at Homes England and look forward to seeing the work of the Agency, in the years ahead.

I would like to thank my team for their hard work and dedication in providing the tools our partners need to deliver more affordable homes for those who need them, and I have no doubt they will continue their fantastic work. It has been a pleasure and a privilege working with a wide range of talented people from across the sector.

Notes to Editors:
- In the late 90s and early 2000s Jackie held senior roles in the affordable housing sector with a focus on housing regulation and investment in London, delivering major housing projects in the capital. In the lead up to devolution in London, she stayed in the region to help support the transition as the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) powers In London transferred to the Greater London Authority
- During the 2008 market downturn, Jackie played a key role in advising the government and the wider sector on possible interventions and helping to deliver the Agency’s response to stabilise the housing market.
- Throughout her career Jackie has been involved in the design and management of multiple Affordable Homes Programmes and other grant and loan programmes. Alongside the main AHP this includes Help to Buy, Custom Build, Affordable Housing Guarantees, Community Led Housing, Move On Fund, and more recently the Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme, her input has been instrumental.
- Recruitment for the new Director for Affordable Housing Grant is now underway.
About Homes England

As the government’s housing and regeneration agency we believe that affordable, quality homes in well-designed places are key to improving people’s lives. We make this happen by using our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to both – bring investment to communities and get more quality homes built.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister deploys UK military to Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel [October 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 October 2023.

The Prime Minister has deployed UK military to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel and reinforce regional stability.
Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft to begin patrols today to help partners track emerging threats to regional security.

Royal Navy task group to deploy to eastern Mediterranean in coming days to help mitigate humanitarian crisis

Military teams bolstered across the region as cooperation with Israel is stepped up

The Prime Minister has directed UK military assets to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, reinforce regional stability and prevent escalation.

Maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft will begin flying in the region from Friday to track threats to regional stability such as the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups.

Meanwhile, a Royal Navy task group will be moved to the eastern Mediterranean next week as a contingency measure to support humanitarian efforts.

The military package, which includes P8 aircraft, surveillance assets, two Royal Navy ships – RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus – three merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines, will be on standby to deliver practical support to Israel and partners in the region, and offer deterrence and assurance.

The Prime Minister has also asked for all military teams in Israel, Cyprus and across the region to be bolstered to support contingency planning and the efforts of neighbouring countries to deal with any spill over from instability in Israel.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spoke to the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, today to understand the wider regional picture and underscore the importance of supporting civilians to leave Gaza.

He also thanked President al-Sisi for Egypt’s assistance in helping British nationals in the area.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

We must be unequivocal in making sure the types of horrific scenes we have seen this week will not be repeated. Alongside our allies, the deployment of our world class military will support efforts to ensure regional stability and prevent further escalation.

Our military and diplomatic teams across the region will also support international partners to re-establish security and ensure humanitarian aid reaches the thousands of innocent victims of this barbaric attack from Hamas terrorists.

The Prime Minister is due to speak to northern European leaders about the situation in Israel at the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Sweden on Friday. They are expected to discuss the vital need to work with partners across the Middle East to support stability, while simultaneously remaining focussed on backing Ukraine’s defence against Russia.

He will also visit British warship HMS Diamond while in Gotland, Sweden, which is on patrol in northern Europe to reinforce security in the region. While on board, the Prime Minister will hear about the capabilities of Diamond’s sister ship, HMS Duncan, which is deployed in the Mediterranean with NATO.

The package of military support, which will work alongside allies already in the region, is a significant demonstration of the UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence and will allow the UK to adapt to the needs of partners as the situation evolves over the coming weeks.

The step change comes after the Prime Minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, and the Defence Secretary discussed the situation with his NATO counterparts in Brussels.

The Foreign Secretary visited Israel to see first hand the destruction Hamas terrorists have caused and to understand how the UK can support the efforts of the Israeli Government to ensure the safety and security of the Israeli people.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

The monstrous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas in recent days have proven why the UK must support Israel’s absolute right to self-defence and deter malign external interference. No nation should stand alone in the face of such evil and today’s deployment will ensure Israel does not.

The Royal Navy Task Group, RAF operations and our wider military support will be an undeniable display of the UK’s resolve to ensure Hamas’s terrorist campaign fails, whilst reminding those who seek to inflame tensions that the forces of freedom stand with the Israeli people.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will facilitate commercial flights to help vulnerable British nationals wanting to leave Israel.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Indo-Pacific Minister boosts climate and technology collaboration with India [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

The focus is on climate and technology cooperation as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan visits India.
- Minister for the Indo-Pacific will unveil UK-India tech initiative in Chennai in boost to environmental collaboration
- Anne-Marie Trevelyan will launch new smart tech project and visit ocean technology centre, in trip focused on climate innovation
- visiting the state-of-the-art Larsen and Toubro (L&T) shipyard, Minister Trevelyan will discuss the electrification of naval fleets and closer maritime security ties
Announcing 2 new technology initiatives, aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing action on climate change, UK Minister for the Indo Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan will arrive in Chennai, Southern India today (13 October). The visit will strengthen the UK’s bilateral ties with India by deepening environmental cooperation and exploring cutting edge technologies, including on climate innovation.

During the 3-day trip from 13 to 15 October, the Minister will announce 2 new technology partnerships with India that respond to global sustainability challenges. The projects will boost joint UK-India business innovation, crucial to the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the UK’s economy.

Minister Trevelyan will visit the National Institute of Ocean Technology for insights into India’s deep-sea programs, marine systems, and vessel management. The Minister will then meet Tamil Nadu’s Environment Forest and Climate Change Secretary and learn about UK’s partnership with Tamil Nadu on climate, including the Climate Compatible Growth Programme. At Anna University’s Climate Studio, the Minister will see the unique climate modelling systems on weather forecasting and rainfall prediction.

To reaffirm the UK’s commitment to regional security, Minister Trevelyan will tour Indian manufacturing company Larsen and Toubro’s state-of-the art shipyard at Kattuppalli. Last year the UK and India formed an Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (EPCP), bringing together expertise from the Royal Navy and UK industry with that of the Indian Navy and Larsen and Toubro. The partnership will be at the centre of industry innovation on the electrification of warships.

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

The UK and India are close partners, joining together our unique expertise to work towards a shared goal: increasing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our collaboration on a range of issues, including climate change, technology and maritime security, is crucial for addressing global challenges and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Minister Trevelyan will launch the UK supported “Smart district” project, alongside Tamil Nadu’s IT Minister, Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. This initiative will help respond to global sustainability challenges, by piloting the placement of sensors throughout the district to collect real-time data on water and waste management, and environmental quality. These sensors will identify patterns and trends to help inform decision making on resource allocation and management.

Returning to Chennai, the Minister will speak to Chevening alumni working in gender and women’s participation.

Minister Trevelyan’s visit forms part of UK’s long-term commitment to the region. Ensuring a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific is a key priority for the UK, which is reflected in recent visits to the region by the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly.

During a visit to the G20 in India last month, the Prime Minister strengthened regional trade ties and forged new partnerships to deliver jobs, growth and security for the British people. In meetings with India’s Prime Minister Modi, the leaders reflected on the close and growing ties between the UK and India, exemplified in the ‘living bridge’ between our people.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new support to Morocco following earthquake [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

UK is supporting Morocco with a contribution of up to £1.45 million to support Moroccan–led recovery following last month’s earthquake.

FCDO Minister of State, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, has announced up to £1.45 million to support Moroccan-led recovery following the devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Marrakech–Safi region on 8 September.

The new funding will help address both immediate needs and support longer-term development in the communities most affected, in line with Morocco’s 5-year recovery plan.

In addition to support to health services and shelter, this will expand collaboration with farmers and cooperatives to bring high quality local agricultural products to market, whilst protecting local biodiversity.

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

Seeing first-hand how the Moroccan people have got back on their feet following the devastating earthquake last month, I’m full of admiration for their strength and resilience.

The UK is always willing to help our friends in need and the additional £1.45million announced today will help support Moroccans as they rebuild their lives.

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth said:

The UK is committed to supporting Morocco following the devastating earthquake last month and this new funding will help the Moroccan–led recovery.

The UK-Morocco partnership is thriving and we stand ready to provide further support.

Today’s announcement comes in the week that Marrakech hosts the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, with Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt both attending.

As part of his bilateral visit programme today, Minister Mitchell will meet UK and other NGOs supporting the Moroccan response including representatives from Global Diversity Foundation (GDF), a Lead Partner on Defra’s Darwin Initiative challenge fund.

GDF, in partnership with Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (MBLA), were already working in coordination with local authorities to support sustainable agriculture in the region. They will continue and expand this longstanding partnership, working with farmers and cooperatives in the affected areas to bring high quality local agricultural products to market, whilst conserving local biodiversity and enabling communities recover from the earthquake.

The Chancellor will visit Le Trou Au Mur, a British-run restaurant in Marrakech’s Medina, to meet with the owner and other British business people who have contributed to the earthquake relief effort.

The UK’s International Search and Rescue Team (UK-ISAR) were deployed immediately after the earthquake last month and supported the Moroccan’s authorities’ search and rescue efforts in remote areas of the Atlas Mountains, near the epicentre of the earthquake. The team provided a range of services, from searching for survivors among the rubble to helping vulnerable people to leave buildings at risk of collapse.

In addition to the ISAR team, the UK deployed the UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT) which assessed immediate and longer term needs to inform the response.

October 20, 2023