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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Section 40 determination from the Northern Ireland Secretary [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Section 40 determination from the Northern Ireland Secretary [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 12 October 2023.

    Notice of Determination by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to the Chair of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry under section 40(4) of the Inquiries Act 2005.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has determined under section 40(4) of the Inquiries Act 2005 (“the Act”) that the power of the Chair of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry (“the Inquiry”) to award amounts in respect of legal representation under section 40(1) and (2) of the Act to persons eligible for an award under section 40(3) shall be subject to the qualifications and conditions set out below.

    The qualifications and conditions are:

    Given the exceptional nature and gravity of the Omagh bombing, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland recognises that it will be in the public interest for certain applicants to be provided with funding for legal representation, without investigation as to the financial resources otherwise available to them.

    Accordingly, Rule 21 of the Inquiry Rules 2006 is qualified to the extent that the general criteria in Rule 21(2)(a) (financial resources) is satisfied without further enquiry as to means.

    The Chair shall only make an award relating to a person’s costs of legal representation (which includes the legal costs referred to at paragraph 2.5 below) where he considers it necessary, fair, reasonable and proportionate to make an award.

    An award shall be subject to the condition that payment will only be made for work that is properly evidenced, directly related to the work of the Inquiry as determined by any costs protocol issued by the Chair, and can be identified as having been done in an efficient and effective manner, avoiding unnecessary duplication and making the best use of public funds.

    Expenditure incurred by an applicant in respect of legal representation before an award is made by a Chair shall not be recoverable except in respect of any reasonable and proportionate costs incurred responding to the Inquiry’s consultation on the terms of reference prior to the setting up date of the Inquiry, and any such prior expenditure shall be recoverable only in accordance with the rates expressed in paragraph 3 below.

    An award shall be made only in respect of legal work undertaken by an applicant’s legal representative whom the Chair has designated under either Rule 6 or Rule 7 of the Inquiry Rules 2006 to be that person’s recognised legal representative in relation to the Inquiry.

    The Chair shall approve the size and composition of any legal team to be engaged by an applicant’s recognised legal representative including the number and seniority of counsel whose retention he agrees to be necessary.

    In determining whether to make an award the Chair shall specify the broad areas of work that are to be covered by the award and the hourly rates applicable to all members of the applicant’s approved legal team subject to the maximum hourly rates specified at paragraph 3 below.

    Having regard to the inquisitorial nature of the Inquiry, an award shall not be made in respect of investigative work undertaken by an applicant’s recognised legal representative or in relation to obtaining an expert’s report, save in exceptional circumstances.

    An award shall limit the maximum number of hours that can be charged by any member of a legal team in connection with Inquiry work to 40 hours per week save that exceptionally, the Solicitor to the Inquiry may authorise an increase to a maximum of 60 hours during the eight-week period immediately preceding the commencement of the oral hearings and during the oral hearings where they are satisfied that such increase is justified in all the circumstances. For the purposes of this paragraph a week shall be taken to commence on a Monday and end on the following Sunday, and no unused hours below the maximum in any one week may be set-off against any other week.

    The maximum hourly rates for legal work by the members of an applicant’s legal team shall be:

    Leading Counsel

    Whether a member of the Bar or a Solicitor acting in the role of advocate – £180.00 plus VAT

    Junior Counsel

    Whether a member of the Bar or a Solicitor acting in the role of advocate – £110.00 plus VAT

    Solicitors

    • Solicitors with over 7 years post qualification experience – £120.00 plus VAT
    • Solicitor Partner – £150.00 per hour
    • Assistant Solicitor – £130.00 per hour
    • Trainee Solicitor or Paralegal – £60.00 per hour

    The maximum hourly rates for travel and waiting time by the members of an applicant’s legal team shall be half of the applicable maximum hourly rate relating to legal work specified in paragraph 3.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement by contributors to the International Fund for Ukraine [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement by contributors to the International Fund for Ukraine [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 October 2023.

    The International Fund for Ukraine has announced a package worth over £100 million for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

    The International Fund for Ukraine has today announced a package worth over £100 million for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to provide maintenance and manoeuvre support. In recent weeks, the Ukrainians have made steady process against formidably defended Russian positions.  They are showing that Ukraine has the capability to defeat the Russian invasion if we continue to provide it with the equipment to do so. This package of critical capabilities will support vehicle rehabilitation and battlefield manoeuvre.

    The package includes tracks and engines for Armoured Fighting Vehicles; temporary bridges, and heavy equipment transporters for moving Main Battle Tanks; minefield breaching capabilities and portable mine clearance equipment to enable soldiers on foot to cross sections of mine fields and plant equipment for clearing obstacles such as anti-tank ditches.

    We are also delighted to announce that all capabilities from the Air Defence Package announced in June are now on contract. The first systems will be delivered by the end of the year and will bolster Ukraine’s ability to protect its critical national infrastructure over the winter months.

    The announcement was made today at a meeting of Defence Ministers at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and has been funded by contributions from the UK, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, and Iceland.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Veterans’ Minister attends National Day, deepening UK-Fiji ties [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Veterans’ Minister attends National Day, deepening UK-Fiji ties [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

    UK Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, met British Army veterans across Fiji during his trip and met senior Fijian ministers.

    A senior UK government minister has joined Fijian nationals in celebrating their national day (Tuesday, 10 October).

    The Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, the UK Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, met British Army veterans across Fiji during his trip and met senior Fijian Government Ministers.

    Mr Mercer is the first UK Minister to attend Fiji Day celebrations in recent history. The celebrations are the culmination of a week-long programme of religious and cultural events.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:

    It was an honour to attend Fiji Day and celebrate with the people of Fiji this significant day in your calendar.

    Fijian soldiers continue to play a vital role in the British Armed Forces. I’m here to recognise that, and their service, and learn something about their country. It was a pleasure meeting Fijian veteran during this trip, and personally express my gratitude for their service.

    There remains a terrible stigma around mental health. On my trip I met a range of Fijian mental health professionals to discuss the landscape here, particularly around providing support to those who have experienced stress and trauma in combat. I am keen that the UK and Fiji share experience and expertise in this area, to ensure better support to those who need it the most.

    It was an honour for me to meet veterans of the 1950s nuclear tests. I was able to listen to their experience and discuss the Nuclear Test Medal which will recognise their service.

    During his time in Fiji, the Minister will also visit Momi Bay Battery Historical Park, which was tasked with defending the Navula passage in World War II from a Japanese coastal invasion.

    Further information

    The Nuclear Test medal was announced by the Prime Minister in November 2022, 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon, and recognises military, civilian, and overseas staff and personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme. The medal will recognise the contribution made by veterans and civilian staff from across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati and includes scientists and local employees.

    The Ministry of Defence Medal Office has begun to dispatch medals to Commonwealth veterans, where their applications have already been received and approved. The British High Commissioner will arrange for medals to be passed to Commonwealth recipients.

    The medal will also be awarded posthumously. Veterans, civilian staff and next of kin from across the UK and Commonwealth can apply for the commemorative medal through the MOD’s Medal Office, which will be free of charge.

    Sharing best practice and working with like-minded international counterparts are part of the UK Government’s wider efforts to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran. The UK now has a dedicated Office for Veterans’ Affairs sitting outside of the Ministry of Defence and under the direction of a Minister who attends Cabinet, following in the footsteps of other Five Eyes allies.

    Eligible veterans, civilians and their next of kin can now submit an application to the MOD Medal Office.

    See full eligibility to receive the Nuclear Test Medal.

    The qualifying period for the medal is defined as “service of any length”. Priority will be given to issuing medals to veterans and civilians involved in the nuclear tests before those sent to next of kin.

    A copy of the eligibility criteria for the medal has been deposited in the Libraries of the Houses of Parliament.

    The Nuclear Test Medal was first announced by the Prime Minister in November 2022.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on LGBT+ Rights visits Bangkok [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on LGBT+ Rights visits Bangkok [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

    Lord Nick Herbert, the UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on LGBT+ Rights, made a visit to Thailand from 2 to 4 October 2023. The visit demonstrates the UK’s commitment to working with Thailand and allies in promoting greater LGBT+ rights and inclusion.

    During his visit, Lord Herbert met representatives from the Royal Thai Government, Civil Society, and Parliament, though a variety of activities, including:

    • Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) roundtable: Lord Herbert heard from CSOs working on LGBT+ rights in Thailand, about their experiences, challenges facing their communities, and perspectives on equal marriage legislation.
    • Meetings with government: Lord Herbert met officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to exchange views on LGBT+ developments in the UK and Thailand. He also discussed future cooperation on rights and inclusion.
    • Visiting SWING clinic: Lord Herbert visited Service Workers in Group Foundation (SWING) Thailand to learn about their work and gain insight into challenges faced in accessing health care services for sex-workers and the LGBT+ community in Thailand.
    • Media interview: The Special Envoy gave an interview to a local media about the UK’s experience of the passage of equal marriage legislation, and the UK’s role in championing LGBT+ rights across the globe.
    • Speaking to parliamentarians: As a parliamentarian, Lord Herbert had meetings with likeminded MPs as well as members of a Senate Standing Committee to discuss legislative frameworks to achieve greater LGBT+ rights in both countries.
    • Reception with Equal Rights Coalition partners: The British Embassy Bangkok hosted a reception for LGBT+ allies in Thailand to exchange views. The attendees include the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC)’s current and former co-chairs (UK, Argentina, Germany and Mexico), Thai authorities and CSOs.

    Lord Herbert said :

    The UK is a global champion of LGBT+ rights. I am delighted to be in Thailand to exchange views with representatives from the Royal Thai Government, Parliament and civil society. Together, we can strengthen global allyship and protect the rights of LGBT+ people worldwide.

    My visit to Thailand serves as a testament to the shared commitment between the UK and Thailand in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion for all. As the UK special envoy on LGBT+ rights, I am proud to stand alongside our partners in achieving this goal.

    Note for editors

    • Lord Nick Herbert was appointed the UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on LGBT+ Rights in May 2021. The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on LGBT+ Rights leads efforts to champion LGBT+ equality in the UK and abroad.
    • The Equal Rights Coalition is a network of governments, intergovernmental organisations, and civil society groups dedicated to the protection and promotion of the human rights of LGBT+ persons around the world.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Helping Parkinson’s patients and optimising AI – the UK chip start-ups changing the future [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Helping Parkinson’s patients and optimising AI – the UK chip start-ups changing the future [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 October 2023.

    ChipStart is a two-year pilot programme backed by the government providing start-ups with the technical and commercial help they need to help bring new products to market.

    • Twelve semiconductor design start-ups have joined government-backed incubator – ChipStart – launched through the National Semiconductor Strategy
    • two-year programme will give companies support to get innovative semiconductors to the global market
    • the cohort are working to design chips that are better for brain implants, can improve online user security through transformative quantum computing, and that will reduce the computing resource and energy needed to train AI models

    British start-ups solving complex global issues through the design of semiconductor chips have today (Thursday 12 October) been named as members of a new government-backed incubator that will provide support as they grow into future global chip leaders.

    Nearly every piece of technology in the world depends on semiconductor chips. Companies chosen for the pilot are already innovating in a range of exciting areas, including developing chips for brain implants that will address debilitating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, groundbreaking chips that could boost the capability and efficiency of AI and new ways of reducing vast energy use in data centres across the world, helping to tackle climate change.

    ChipStart is a two-year pilot programme backed by the government that will provide early-stage companies involved in the design of semiconductors with the technical and commercial help they need to help bring new products to market – and ultimately improve lives and livelihoods in the long-term.

    The £1.3 million programme will be delivered by SiliconCatalyst.UK, the world’s most experienced start-up accelerator, which has engaged with hundreds of chip companies on scaling up and growing. It will give companies access to bespoke chip design tools, commercial expertise, specialised mentorship, and networking opportunities with prospective investors and partners.

    Minister for Technology Paul Scully said:

    Semiconductors are the bedrock of our modern economy and an increasingly integral part of our lives. These firms are building on Britain’s research leadership to open doors to innovation and growth, while designing chips that could truly change the way we live our lives.

    Whether they’re innovating how we support patients with Parkinson’s or are on the cusp of supercharging how AI is used, these firms are the brightest sparks in the UK’s thriving semiconductor industry. This incubator will make sure they have the skills they need to revolutionise the lives of people not only in the UK, but across the world.

    Among the companies that have been announced as joining the pilot today are MintNeuro, which is pioneering the use of semiconductor technology to support patients with neurological conditions by developing physical neural implants that can reduce the need for surgery.

    Mignon and Vaire Computing have also joined the pilot, both design hardware that is built to run large-scale AI models using more efficient chips – allowing AI models to use less energy and computer resource, leading to more efficient training and research.

    Silicon Catalyst.UK CEO Sean Redmond said:

    This is one of the most exciting times to start and grow a globally successful semiconductor company from the UK. The first group of 12 UK semiconductor startups to enter ChipStart UK incubator have been selected from 27 applications following two rounds of intensive panel interviews made up of semiconductor startup experts from the UK and Silicon Valley. Over the next 9 months we will shape and mould these outstanding new innovative companies into the next generation of semiconductor leaders.

    The UK’s established, world-leading capability in semiconductor design is at the heart of the programme, with five of the firms initially founded as ‘spinouts’ from the UK’s leading universities, and two more originating from research carried out at Oxford and Cambridge universities.

    The launch of the pilot delivers on a key commitment made in the National Semiconductor Strategy, detailing how the government will drive forward the UK’s strengths and skills in design, R&D and compound semiconductors, while helping to grow domestic chip firms across the UK.

    On completion, the pilot will provide the UK’s semiconductor industry with a pipeline of new startups that have an innovative product, route to market and are a foundation for their forward growth, including routes to future seed funding.

    The pilot is a clear example of the government’s commitment to working in partnership with the semiconductor industry to support the competitiveness of UK businesses, and to achieve the wider goals of the National Semiconductor Strategy by growing the UK sector through building on our strengths.

    The programme will run two consecutive cohorts and end in March 2025. Start-ups that have been chosen will be provided with:

    • access to, and support for, commercial design capability. This includes the full Silicon Catalyst ecosystem, access to design tools, IP, and prototyping capability
    • commercial expertise and bespoke mentorship. Startups will be mentored by experienced semiconductor industry executives and connected into Silicon Catalyst’s global network
    • exposure to private capital. Participant companies will also have access to the 270+ Silicon Catalyst advisors, Strategic Partners, and an extensive network of investment groups

    Notes to editors

    The full list of incubator members is:

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President el-Sisi of Egypt [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President el-Sisi of Egypt [October 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 October 2023.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi this morning, following the terrorist atrocity carried out by Hamas in Israel.

    He expressed his condolences for the Egyptians who have lost their lives, along with so many others. The Prime Minister said that terrorism is an evil which must be confronted, wherever we find it. It was also important that the conflict did not spread further. He noted the importance of Egypt’s historic role in the region, including in seeking de-escalation.

    The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenging security situation at the Rafah border crossing. He offered the UK’s support to try to manage this situation and keep the route open for humanitarian and consular reasons, including for British nationals.

    The leaders agreed to remain in contact as the situation develops.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Marrakech for IMF Annual Meetings [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Marrakech for IMF Annual Meetings [October 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 12 October 2023.

    The Chancellor will attend key multilateral meetings, as well as hold talks with economic partners from around the world.

    • Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, is in Marrakech, Morocco, for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings
    • Chancellor will attend key multilateral meetings, as well as hold talks with economic partners from around the world
    • Chancellor to reaffirm UK’s commitment to fiscal responsibility ahead of Autumn Statement next month

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt is in Marrakech, Morocco, today and tomorrow (Thursday 12 and Friday 13 October) for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings. He will discuss global economic issues and how to ensure international financial institutions are delivering for all member states, including the most vulnerable, as well as showcase the UK’s leadership on international development.

    The Chancellor will also discuss the UK’s economic strategy, highlighting the need to fight inflation and make fiscally responsible decisions. He will reiterate Britain’s backing of international humanitarian causes such as Morocco’s earthquake relief effort, in addition to support for Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion and for Israel in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

    “I’m in Marrakech to discuss the global fight against inflation, and how we are putting Britain back on the path to growth.

    “It is because of our solid economic foundation at home that we can support our friends around the world. I am full of admiration for the Moroccan people’s resilience following the terrible earthquake in September, and want to reiterate Britain’s backing to support the victims.”

    Also in attendance at this year’s IMF Annual Meetings are Andrew Mitchell, Minister for Development and Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England.

    The UK remains committed to supporting Morocco following the devastating earthquake in September, and has allocated a funding package worth up to £10m in response to this and the floods in Libya. A British search and rescue team, as well as a medical assessment team, were also deployed in the days immediately after the natural disaster to support the Moroccan authorities in the affected areas.

    The meetings are one of the IMF’s twice-yearly centre pieces for international economic policy. This year’s are the first set to be held outside of Washington D.C. since 2018, when they took place in Bali, Indonesia. They are also the first IMF Annuals held in Africa since 1973, which were in Nairobi, Kenya.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British Ambassador visits Chernihiv to see recovery after Russian occupation [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : British Ambassador visits Chernihiv to see recovery after Russian occupation [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

    British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris visited Chernihiv region in Northern Ukraine to witness how local communities return to peaceful life and rebuild after being occupied by Russian forces.

    The Ambassador started his visit in a village of Yahidne. During the occupation, Russians kept almost all villagers – 360 people, including a 6 week old child – in the basement of a former elementary school. The building has since been converted into a museum, which the Ambassador visited. Martin Harris spoke to the survivors and the head of the hromada (territorial community) about the experiences of living under occupation.

    In Ivanivka, hromada’s administrative centre, Martin Harris had a tour around the reconstructed sites once destroyed by shelling, including the administrative building, public services centre, and a local school. These reconstructions have been completed with the support of Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, where the UK is one of the leading donors.

    In Chernihiv region, PFRU selected 52 sites for early recovery based on the extent of damage and the priorities identified by the local government and communities. To date, 30 sites have been completed, including: eleven schools, four village governance institutions, two medical facilities, two shelters, four cultural development centres, five water and energy sites, a university, and a delivery of a CCTV system to aid in the preparedness for rapid evacuation in the case of incursions.

    In Chernihiv, Martin Harris met with governor of the region Vyacheslav Chaus and his team, civil society and local entrepreneurs to discuss their engagement in recovery. He also visited city hospital No 3 that PFRU helped to rebuild and equip after the siege of Chernihiv in March 2022.

    He also went to a local musical and drama theatre that was severely damaged by a Russian missile on 19 August, injuring 156 people and killing seven, including a six-year-old girl. He spoke to the theatre company and director and witnessed the outcomes of the damage and commemorated the victims of the strike.

    Martin Harris said:

    For me, Chernihiv’s theatre is a metaphor of resilience of the whole region. Despite substantial damage from a horrific Russian rocket attack in August, they have opened the autumn season just last Friday and performed to the public. I admire their spirit and determination to keep promoting Ukraine’s culture and inspiring the city’s residents.

    The UK is actively engaged in helping Ukraine rebuild, providing necessary aid with our partners via the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine to cover urgent needs of local communities. We will continue supporting Ukraine to be victorious and fully recover from Russia’s war.

    Note to the editors.

    Bordering Russia and Belarus, Chernihiv region was one of the key axes of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Parts of it were occupied between 24 February and 3 April 2022.

    The occupation of Yahidne started in early March 2022. Almost the entire population of Yahidne – more than 360 villagers – were ordered into the school basement. They received no adequate food, water, or air supply. They spent 27 days there, with 16 people dying as a result.  Now this site is turned into a museum.

    Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) is jointly funded by the UK, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. The project aims to coordinate and align stabilisation efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience against Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sir Martyn Oliver confirmed as the next Ofsted chief inspector [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sir Martyn Oliver confirmed as the next Ofsted chief inspector [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 12 October 2023.

    The privy council has confirmed today that they have approved Sir Martyn Oliver as the next HMCI for Ofsted.

    The education secretary today (12 October) announced the appointment of Sir Martyn Oliver as the next His Majesty’s chief inspector (HMCI) of education, children’s services and skills.

    The privy council has confirmed his appointment through an order in council, after a thorough recruitment process conducted in line with the requirements set by the commissioner for public appointments.

    Sir Martyn was recommended as the government’s preferred candidate by the education secretary earlier this year and was also endorsed by the education select committee following a pre-appointment hearing last month.

    He is an accomplished school and trust leader with a track record of driving up standards in areas with high levels of disadvantage. Sir Martyn is currently the chief executive of Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), a large multi-academy trust which has grown under Sir Martyn’s leadership from 17 academies to 41 primary, junior, secondary and alternative provision academies in the north of England. He was honoured for his services to education in the recent queen’s birthday honours list in 2022.

    Secretary of state for education Gillian Keegan said:

    Sir Martyn Oliver is an accomplished school and trust leader with a tremendous record of driving up standards and I’m delighted to announce that he has been confirmed as Ofsted’s next chief inspector.

    I want to thank Amanda Spielman for her work over the past seven years. She successfully led Ofsted through a series of significant reforms in education and children’s services, alongside championing a broad and balanced curriculum.

    We look forward to building on this vital work with Sir Martyn Oliver to ensure Ofsted continues to evolve.

    Sir Martyn Oliver, chief executive officer of Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said:

    I was deeply honoured and hugely privileged to be recommended for this role by the secretary of state, and am delighted that the privy council has today approved my appointment.

    I am looking forward to engaging with all parts of the sector that Ofsted regulates and inspects through a Big Listen, so that Ofsted is very much of the system and by the system for the benefit of children and parents.

    I promise to be empathetic, compassionate and understanding of the challenges that those of us working in education, children’s services and skills face, especially in terms of the recovery post-covid, and will ensure that we always take a holistic view for the good of all children, especially the most vulnerable and those who are disadvantaged.

    Sir Martyn will start his five-year term on January 1st 2024 after Amanda Spielman’s term ends on December 31st 2023 following seven years of service.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK government to arrange flights to get British nationals out of Israel [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK government to arrange flights to get British nationals out of Israel [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announces that the UK will facilitate flights to help British citizens wanting to leave Israel.

    • Foreign Secretary announces that the UK is set to facilitate flights to help British citizens wanting to leave Israel
    • the first flight is expected to leave Tel Aviv today (Thursday). Further flights are planned in the coming days, subject to the security situation on the ground
    • the UK has also sent a Rapid Deployment Team to Israel to assist British citizens on the ground

    The UK government will facilitate commercial flights to the UK to help British nationals wanting to leave Israel following the Hamas attack, the Foreign Secretary has announced.

    The first flight is due to depart from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv today (Thursday 12 October).

    Vulnerable British nationals will be prioritised for these flights. At this stage we will contact those who are eligible for the flights directly and British nationals should not make their way to the airport unless they are called.

    Since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, UK government officials have been working around the clock in London, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to support British citizens in the country. A Rapid Deployment Team has also been sent to Israel to bolster the efforts of British consular officials.

    The safety of all British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be our utmost priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our travel advice. Those in Israel and the OPTs, including Gaza, are advised to register their presence with the Foreign Office. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to advise against all but essential travel to all other parts.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited Israel yesterday (Wednesday) to reiterate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the Israeli people following Hamas’ terrorist attacks. He met senior Israeli leaders to outline UK support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

    Background

    • British nationals, including dual nationals, and dependants if travelling with a British national normally resident in the UK, will be invited to take up seats on the flights.
    • these are paid commercial flights – our standard procedure. Each ticket will cost £300. This reflects the costs of operating the flight only
    • the children and other dependants of British diplomats will also be given seats, as we have a duty of care to our staff
    • while it is our intention to run these flights, security considerations will always be paramount
    • in addition to our travel advice for Israel and the OPTs, we also advise against all travel to parts of Lebanon