Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls for collective international action to end the bloodshed in Sudan – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [September 2023]

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

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

Thank you President. I also thank SRSG Perthes and Ms Wosornu for their briefings, and Ms Adil for her powerful story. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Ghana for his report on the work of the 5091 Committee.

I would like to begin by paying tribute to SRSG Perthes, and through him, the UN staff in Sudan and the region for all their work under extremely challenging circumstances. This includes strenuous efforts towards a political solution. Volker Perthes has been a tireless advocate of peace and a true friend of Sudan. We thank him for his service.

President, the conflict is now entering its sixth month. During that time, neither the Sudanese Armed Forces [SAF] nor the Rapid Support Forces [RSF] have acted in the interests of the Sudanese people.

In urban areas, civilians are trapped without access to food, water, or basic services due to continued aerial bombardments, largely, as we have heard, by the SAF.

While in Darfur, reports of widespread sexual violence, ethnically motivated killings, forced recruitment of child soldiers and the burning of villages by the RSF and its allied militia are truly abhorrent.

President, the bloodshed needs to end. We call on the SAF and RSF to negotiate in good faith in the interests of the people of Sudan.

The rich tapestry of Sudan’s civilian groups, supported by its neighbours and the UN, can play a vital role in support of the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a better future.

And we need collective international action to help end the violence, secure humanitarian access and establish a credible political process. In this regard, we support a leading role for regional actors, including IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development], the AU [African Union] and Sudan’s neighbours.

Mr. President, the United Kingdom remains committed to the Sudanese people. We will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that those responsible for this brutal conflict are held to account.

Thank you.

September 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Nature recovery to be accelerated in England’s Protected Landscapes [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 13 September 2023.

New legislation to be introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

Recovery of nature in England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) is to be accelerated through a package of measures, including new legislation through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey, announced today (Wednesday 13th September).

National Parks and AONBs (Protected Landscapes) are the country’s most iconic and beautiful places – representing our shared heritage and national identity. These characteristic landscapes contain swathes of ancient woodland, deep peat and grassland, and many of our most threatened species.

Home to a long tradition of farming in tune with the landscape, government has invested £25 million in thriving farming businesses which are crucial to these areas through our successful Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme which has been extended to 2025 with additional funding.

The government intends to introduce amendments to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill at Third Reading, enhancing Protected Landscape management plans and placing a stronger requirement on partners such as local authorities and public bodies to contribute to their delivery.

The measures come as the sector today marks ‘Back British Farming day’ and will ensure that Protected Landscapes organisations and their partners collaborate effectively, creating a national network of beautiful, nature-rich spaces that can be enjoyed by all parts of society.

Thérèse Coffey, Environment Secretary, said:

Our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are home to some of our most iconic and beautiful places and these new measures will help ensure that they play an enhanced role in the recovery of nature in our country.

We anticipate that through these measures, Protected Landscapes will be able to make a major contribution to meeting our international commitment to protect 30% of land for biodiversity by 2030, as well as our Environment Act targets to halt and then reverse the decline in nature.

Neil Heseltine, Chair of National Parks England said:

Today’s announcement by Government that it will come forward with new legislation via the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill to strengthen the requirements on partners to contribute to protected landscape management plans is very welcome news.

As a family of National Parks we have campaigned for these changes, which are critical to driving co-ordinated action across partners in conserving and enhancing the environment and beauty of our National Parks. Government acknowledged the weakness of the current provisions in its response to Julian Glover’s Landscapes Review last year. We look forward to seeing the new Outcomes Framework and working with government to ensure that National Parks play a significant part in meeting our target to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.

Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, said:

As the country’s official national advisory body on Protected Landscapes Natural England very much welcomes this important step to more strongly integrate efforts to protect and enhance beautiful places with work to protect and recover Nature.

The new Protected Landscapes Partnership offers more opportunity to give practical effect to this mission and we look forward to working with everyone in driving forward with enhanced ambition and confidence in meeting national environmental targets.

Government is also set to publish its response to the Landscapes Review consultation and a new Outcomes Framework. These measures will set out our plan of action for these special places and define the contribution that our Protected Landscapes should make to national environmental targets. This will be a landmark step forward in achieving our global goal to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.

A new Protected Landscapes Partnership backed by over £2 million of funding will bring together national organisations representing England’s National Parks, AONBs, National Trails and Natural England to collaborate, share knowledge and tackle common objectives such as nature recovery and improved public access.

Together, this package of measures delivers government commitments following the Landscapes Review, which set out how we can support our landscapes to deliver more for people and nature.

This comes as the government confirms it has extended funding to boost access and support those farming in national parks and AONBs through the Farming in Protected Landscape programme, extending it by a further year until March 2025 with £10 million additional funding each year.

To date it has supported more than 2,500 projects including over 400 to make the landscape more inclusive for visitors and the planting of over 100 miles of hedgerows.

As we approach the 75th Anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which legally safeguarded these precious landscapes this announcement forms part of the government’s wider action to recover and restore nature, delivering on the pledge to protect 30% of the UK’s land by 2030, Environment Act targets to halt and then restore the decline of nature and commitments to achieve net zero by 2050.

September 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State commends PEACE PLUS programme progress [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 12 September 2023.

After addressing the PEACE PLUS launch hosted by SEUPB at Newforge Sports Centre, the Secretary of State visited Youth Action NI in Belfast.

PEACE PLUS is a new programme focused on supporting social, economic and regional stability, in particular by promoting cohesion between communities. A financing agreement for the programme was agreed between the UK Government, Irish Government and European Commission.

The biggest PEACE programme to date, PEACE PLUS has a total budget of almost £1 billion. The UK Government is providing more than £730 million to the programme, which includes match funding contribution from the Northern Ireland Executive.

This will be the fifth PEACE programme implemented by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Relevant community organisations are encouraged to apply to PEACE PLUS funding calls which are now open. More information on how to apply is available here on SEUPB’s website.

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Nitrous oxide to be illegal by end of the year [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 12 September 2023.

Secondary legislation brought forward to control nitrous oxide as a Class C substance.

Possession of nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, will be illegal by the end of the year, with users facing up to two years in prison, under a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.

The ban was promised as part of the government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, with the Home Secretary urging police forces to get tougher on flagrant drug taking in the streets, which blights communities.

Secondary legislation was brought forward on Tuesday 5 September which will control nitrous oxide as a Class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The new measures are expected to come into force by the end of the year.

Nitrous oxide is the third most used drug among 16 to 24-year-olds in England and police have reported links to anti-social behaviour – intimidating gatherings on high streets and in children’s parks, and empty canisters strewn across public spaces. Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can also lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12, a form of anaemia and in more severe cases, nerve damage or paralysis.

Those found in unlawful possession of the drug could face up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine, and up to 14 years for supply or production. There will be exemptions for legitimate uses of nitrous oxide, for example in medical or catering industries.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

The British people are fed up with yobs abusing drugs in public spaces and leaving behind a disgraceful mess for others to clean up.

Earlier this year the Prime Minister and I promised a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour and that is what we are delivering. If you are caught using ‘laughing gas’ as a drug, you could be hit with a hefty fine or face jail time.

New schemes are already underway to increase police patrols in hotspot areas of antisocial behaviour and dish out punishments for perpetrators more quickly, and police will soon be able to drug test people arrested for a wider range of illegal drugs.

Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp said:

We cannot allow young people to think there are no consequences to misusing drugs.

There is no question that abusing laughing gas is dangerous to people’s health and it is paramount we take decisive action before the situation gets worse.

Not only are we making possession an offence for the first time, we are also doubling the maximum sentence for supply to 14 years, so the dealers profiting off this trade have no place to hide.

Last month another statutory instrument was laid which expands police ability to test people arrested for all Class A drugs, including ecstasy.

Over 50,000 drug tests for cocaine and opiates have been conducted on suspects arrested in the past year following government funding, with over half of these coming back positive – a clear indicator of the connection between drug misuse and crime.

We are also expanding the powers for police to test for specified Class B drugs, such as cannabis and ketamine, as well as expanding the list of suspected crimes which can trigger a drugs test to include offences linked to antisocial behaviour, along with others, when parliamentary time allows.

This testing is crucial for preventing further crime, as people are diverted towards life-changing intervention and treatment services.

CEO of Night-time Industries Association Michael Kill said:

We welcome the announcement by the government that nitrous oxide is set to be banned under new government legislation by the end of the year, but recognise that this must work hand in hand with a much broader education and harm reduction strategy on drugs across the country.

Over the years, the industry has grappled with the persistent issue of nitrous oxide’s sale and consumption, which has been exacerbated by existing regulations that have rendered licensees and authorities ill-equipped to combat this problem effectively.

The burden on businesses has been substantial, as they’ve contended with mounting pressure from authorities and residents due to the proliferation of discarded silver canisters on the streets.

This predicament has not only posed risks to the well-being of both staff and patrons but has also fostered an environment conducive to petty crime, anti-social behaviour, and the activities of organised crime syndicates.

The government’s intervention comes at a pivotal juncture, given that businesses in major cities across the United Kingdom have witnessed a significant escalation in the challenges associated with nitrous oxide over the past 6-12 months.

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – High Commissioner’s report on Afghanistan [September 2023]

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

Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on Afghanistan, as delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

Thank you, Mr President.

High Commissioner,

Let me begin by echoing your opening remarks: human rights across Afghanistan are in a state of collapse.

The Taliban’s draconian measures in education, in health, in employment, have invoked further violations of women’s and girls’ rights including women being beaten, harassed or ordered to return home if exercising their freedom of movement.

We continue to stand in solidarity with Afghan women and girls courageously fighting for their rights in the face of the Taliban’s shocking tactics to erase them from all spheres of public life. The international community must not remain silent. This Council must not be silent. And as the Afghan youth orchestra so powerfully demonstrated last night, Afghans will not remain silent.

The UK condemns the numerous documented human rights violations against former government officials and members of the security forces since August 2021. We call again on the Taliban to honour the amnesty it previously announced and to investigate the allegations of targeted killings and disappearances.

High Commissioner,

In your view, how can we ensure the implementation of your recommendations, including for the Taliban to promptly rescind discriminatory edicts and decrees which curtail women’s and girls’ human rights?

Thank you.

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : High-risk but high-reward research tackling hardest-to-treat cancers receives £2 million funding boost [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 12 September 2023.

Innovative researchers working to tackle some of the hardest-to-treat cancers, including through the use of AI, have received a £2 million funding boost.
- Four projects exploring pioneering techniques – including artificial intelligence – to tackle cancers with poor survival rates
- each team granted £500,000 to drive forward ambitious plans that could save more lives
- announcement comes as Science and Technology addresses top AI and tech festival
Innovative researchers working to tackle some of the hardest-to-treat cancers, including through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), have received a £2 million funding boost, Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, has announced today (Tuesday 12 September).

Four teams from across the UK will receive £500,000 each to drive forward high-risk but high-reward projects that could prove key to curing cancers with poor survival rates, including that of the brain, lungs and oesophagus.

Among the teams to receive government-backed Medical Research Council (MRC) funding is King’s College London, to determine how artificial intelligence could read lung scans and more accurately predict whether a cancer is resistant to treatment. The data will then be used to create targeted drugs that selectively kill treatment-resistant cancer cells.

The investment follows last month’s announcement of £13 million towards research for AI innovation in healthcare and comes ahead of the Science and Technology Secretary’s address to the CogX conference in London today, where she will outline the wider potential for AI to transform the UK’s economy, society and public services.

Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s speech, Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

While pioneering treatments have progressed enormously over the years thanks to world class researchers, cancer continues to impact on so many lives – whether through diagnoses or experiencing the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one.

By investing in high-risk but high-reward techniques – including artificial intelligence – we are backing our ambitious, world class researchers to build on generations of discoveries and give more people a fighting chance to live long and healthy lives.

The four projects were selected following a two-day ‘sandpit’ event – an interactive workshop – to promote new conversations and create teams of researchers across scientific disciplines from clinical, biomedical, engineering, physical and data sciences. The teams co-developed ideas and solutions to advance cancer research including for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Among the other projects receiving today’s funding is work by Imperial College London to develop techniques for the precision removal of brain cancer cells using a laser. The technique could reduce the impact of treatment on normal cells as well as provide real-time data on the nature of the cancer, which can then be used to inform post-operative treatment.

Elsewhere, Cardiff University and Brain Tumour Research are exploring the potential for a cryogel placed at the site of a brain tumour to deliver drugs directly to the site, in turn overcoming the blood-brain barrier and reducing the effects of drugs on non-targeted areas.

Meanwhile the University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust will explore ways to optimise engineered nanoparticle therapeutics for oesophageal cancer. Researchers hope to target cells that hinder effectiveness of medicines that boost the immune system against cancer.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said:

Research and technology are crucial in the fight against cancer, with AI already transforming the way we deliver healthcare in some settings by diagnosing cancer earlier, meaning people can be treated more quickly.

Cancer survival rates are improving and more people are being seen and treated than ever before.

We are looking at how new technology can help provide the best possible treatments for patients and this £2 million investment will be vital in supporting researchers to understand and treat those cancers with lower survival rates.

Doctor Megan Dowie, MRC Head of Molecular and Cellular Medicine:

We look forward to supporting the teams towards achieving real-world impacts, both in a clinical setting and the real hope they may ultimately be able to offer to those suffering from some of the most challenging cancer diagnoses.

We were inspired by the success of the sandpit event. The many new interdisciplinary connections formed over the two-days will have a lasting legacy of future collaboration of life and physical sciences researchers. This will help achieve the step change we need to address hard-to-treat cancers with potential for translation to other types of cancer too.

In August, the Technology Secretary visited University College London (UCL) where she announced £13 million for research that will deliver cutting-edge AI innovation in healthcare, with 22 winning university and NHS trust projects stretching from Edinburgh to Surrey to receive a share.

The boost will support everything from the development of a semi-autonomous surgical robotics platform for the removal of tumours, to the ability to predict the likelihood of a person’s future health problems based on their existing conditions – showcasing the real-world impact artificial intelligence is having.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ongoing disruption to Lachin corridor and humanitarian consequences – UK statement at the OSCE [September 2023]

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

Ambassador Neil Holland expresses concern regarding disruption to the Lachin Corridor and urges all parties to allow the ICRC access along all available routes.

Thank you, Deputy Foreign Minister, for your report to the Permanent Council.

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences for the local population, particularly with regard to the supply of medicine, health care, and other essential goods and services. It is therefore crucial that the ICJ Order of February 2023 is respected to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions.

The UK also strongly urges all parties to allow the ICRC access along all available routes – such as via the Aghdam road – for the organisation to be able to undertake its vital work. All parties must refrain from the further politicisation of humanitarian aid in order to meet the needs of the civilian population.

The United Kingdom notes with concern the heightened tensions following a recent increase in border violations and military manoeuvres on both sides. We are clear that there is no military solution to this conflict and urge both sides to redouble their efforts to make progress in internationally mediated negotiations, including by making provisions to protect the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.

It is only through diplomacy and in line with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act that we will see a lasting resolution to this conflict and an historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Fijian businesses showcase products at the Rugby World Cup [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 September 2023.

As the Rugby World Cup kicks off in France, proud Fijian businesses showcased their amazing products to the world and networked with global business leaders.

His Excellency The President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, with the support of the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme, met 4 companies which travelled from Fiji to bring a taste of the Pacific to Europe. Businesses that were part of the showcase include:
- Essence Fiji – Beauty Care
- Naturally Fiji/Punjas – Beauty Care and Biscuits
- Down-to-Earth – Hot sauces
- Daily Good – Healthy Ginger Shots
The trade event took place on 9 September, with Flying Fijians dropping in, and Fijian cultural and ceremonial festivities organised in collaboration with the French Fijians Support Association and the Fijian Permanent Mission in Geneva. H.E The President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, honoured the event and encouraged the business representatives.

The British High Commissioner to Fiji, Dr Brian Jones, said:

We were excited to use the platform of the Flying Fijians at the Rugby World Cup to promote Fijian businesses to UK and European buyers. With the support of H.E The President, the business representatives have done Fiji proud, just like the Flying Fijians. We are working hard to ensure this showcase results in solid business deals being signed for Fijian producers.

The business community had a chance to meet national rugby players in Bordeaux and interacted with a range of leading UK companies working in health care, hospitality, and food distribution, through one of the largest international sports gatherings, aim to expand Fiji’s export reach.

The Rugby World Cup is a unique opportunity for Fiji businesses to attract international recognition and to expand their global reach. This showcased that Fiji’s participation is not limited to the rugby field, but extends to the promotion of the culture, cuisine, and commerce of Fiji. Trade promotion and rugby – a match made in heaven.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £12.4 million to help change choices about work [September 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 12 September 2023.

Six ground-breaking projects including an investigation looking at how endometriosis impacts women in the workplace have been awarded £12.4 million, the government has announced today, Tuesday 12 September.
£12.4 million awarded to six innovative new projects to understand barriers to getting into work

projects include investigating the impact of endometriosis on women’s work choices and how programmes to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes can improve workforce participation

funding will help overcome barriers facing those who need the most support getting into work

The projects comprise the first round of the Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund, and take place over the next two years. The results will help to transform the government’s approach to the jobs market and drive forward research into best practice in employment.

While the UK’s employment rate is higher than a number of other advanced economies, the government is committed to ensure that those who most need help getting into the workplace are supported.

The Chancellor announced a range of interventions to address this at Spring Budget 2023 – including a significant expansion of childcare support, making 30 hours of free childcare a week available to parents from children aged 9 months. The Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund is part of that and will be used to test new approaches and generate better evidence to help specific groups back into work or to work longer hours.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, said:

“Our jobs record is incredibly strong, with high employment that means millions of people are benefiting from work. But for some, that’s not happening.

“We need to look for solutions that are tailored to help people thrive in the jobs market. This analysis is the first step towards that – looking at specific health conditions or living arrangements to find out what works to help people work.”

Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies MP said:

“The vital opportunities and confidence employment gives, helps to transform lives. This is why we are determined to support all those who want to progress to do so, while also driving down inactivity and importantly growing the economy.

“This key new funding for our pilots will enable us to support even more people to move forward in work, including vitally those in supported accommodation and more disadvantaged communities, to help people to break down any barriers to work, so more people can fulfil their employment potential.”

National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, said:

“The ONS welcomes the opportunity to shine light on this important area with these projects. This new analysis will provide crucial insight for decision makers in helping to understand how health conditions impact on people’s working lives and what interventions can help people stay in work.”

Minister for the Women’s Health Strategy Maria Caulfield said:

“Endometriosis can be a debilitating condition that stops women and girls from living their lives to their fullest potential.

“Through the Women’s Health Strategy we have set an ambition for all women and girls with severe endometriosis to experience better care, with reduced waiting times for diagnosis and providing funding for key research into the condition.

“The support doesn’t stop at health, and today’s announcement demonstrates how we’re taking a cross-government approach to help women with endometriosis get back to living their best lives.”

One of the projects includes a first-of-its-kind Office for National Statistics (ONS) evaluation which will investigate the impact of endometriosis on women’s participation and progression in the workforce. Endometriosis can affect around 1 in 10 women, with symptoms including chronic pain and fatigue which can disrupt daily routines, fertility and mental health and time off work may be needed for coping with symptoms. Previous work has shown that women with the condition often take this into consideration when making career choices, including the likelihood they will need to take significantly more sick leave. This project will improve understanding and help inform government plans to support women with the condition in their careers.

A second project by the ONS will evaluate whether programmes to reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes and obesity improve people’s ability to join the labour market. Around 3.8 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes and 2.4 million are at high risk of developing the disease which can have a strong effect on quality of life, including the ability to work. The evaluation will include reviewing the impact of the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP), a large scale nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme aimed at people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

There will also be a new pilot to address barriers to work faced by those aged 18-24 living in supported housing, which is accommodation provided alongside care, support or supervision to help people live as independently as possible in the community and can act as a pathway to transitioning into work.

To support young people in making that transition, DWP and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have developed a Proof of Concept that will test financial support and simplification of the benefits system for 18-24 year olds living in supported housing who move into work or increase their working hours. This will help them to build their employment prospects further, work towards becoming financially independent and progress into move on accommodation in a planned way.

Funding will also be allocated to two HMRC projects to evaluate the impact of Tax-Free Childcare on parents’ work choices and women’s return to work after maternity leave. In addition, funding will be provided to DWP to trial employment support and rent incentives to move people out of work or on low earnings into work or onto higher earnings.

Further information

At Spring Budget, the government announced a comprehensive employment package designed to remove the barriers preventing people from working and support them into the UK’s labour market, to boost economic growth, unlock the UK’s productive potential, and raise living standards. It is estimated to move 110,000 more individuals into the labour market by 2027-28, the largest supply-side policy adjustment the OBR have made to their forecast since 2010.

Bids for the first round of the Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund were assessed collaboratively by the joint HMT and Cabinet Office Evaluation Task Force.

Further rounds of funding will be allocated in due course to evaluate new and existing labour market measures, move people into work and increase productivity. The results of these projects will inform future labour market policy.

The Rent Simplification and Support Proof of Concept scheme is led by the Department for Work and Pensions and would mean young people in supported housing, who start work or increase their hours, would only have to pay up to a capped amount towards their rent (e.g. Local Housing Allowance equivalent rent amount) as opposed to the full rent liability.

For further information on government action to improve healthcare quality and access for women, please see the Women’s Health Strategy for England, and what we’ve achieved so far over the first year of the strategy.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK provides £3,000,000 of new humanitarian support for Rohingya refugees [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 September 2023.

This funding will help refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char access healthcare, clean water, hygiene and sanitation services, and cooking fuel.

Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), has announced that the UK will provide £3,000,000 (around 42 crore taka) of new funding through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.

Sir Philip Barton is visiting Bangladesh for the fifth UK-Bangladesh Strategic Dialogue. Building on the UK and Bangladesh’s historic links, the Strategic Dialogue reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to develop a modern economic, trade and security partnership.

Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton said

“I am pleased to announce a further UK contribution of £3,000,000 to UNHCR, which will help to ensure refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char are able to access healthcare, clean water, hygiene and sanitation services and cooking fuel.

“Six years since the atrocities of 2017, which forced Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, the UK continues to stand with the Rohingya, Bangladesh, and all those affected by this crisis. We continue to push for a long-term solution that will enable the refugees to return to Myanmar on a safe, voluntary and dignified basis, when the conditions there allow. Until that time, the UK is committed to supporting the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.”

Background Information
- Since 2017, the UK has provided £365 million (over 5,000 crore taka) to support the Rohingya and Bangladeshi host communities. This has included food, shelter, water and sanitation, healthcare and protection services.
September 13, 2023