Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – Statement on Arbitrary Detention [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 September 2023.

The UK’s Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Delivered during the 54th UN Human Rights Council.

Thank you, Mr President. The United Kingdom thanks the Working Group for their report and for the insights provided.

The UK Government reaffirms our condemnation of arbitrary detention in all forms and calls for perpetrators to be held to account. Arbitrarily detaining individuals is unacceptable, unjust, and contrary to States’ obligations under international law.

Persons in marginalised and vulnerable situations, including human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists, face disproportionate levels of arbitrary detention. Like others, we welcome the report’s emphasis on concerns relating to an increased number of human rights defenders working on environmental issues being arbitrarily detained.

Whether globally or locally, human rights defenders contribute towards the realisation of human rights and the strengthening of the rule of law. We call on all States here today to ensure that human rights defenders can operate openly and safely, including being free from risk of arbitrary detention.

Working Group,

What examples of best practice to protect and safeguard human rights defenders from arbitrary detention can you share today?

Thank you.

September 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial appointments [18 September 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 September 2023.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
- Jacob Young MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities;
- Gagan Mohindra MP as an Assistant Government Whip.
This follows the departure from Government of Dehenna Davison MP.
September 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints new HM Trade Commissioner to lead UK-China & Hong Kong trade and investment relationship [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 September 2023.

The Department for Business and Trade has appointed Lewis Neal as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for China & Hong Kong.
- Lewis Neal appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for China & Hong Kong
- With total UK-China & Hong Kong trade worth more than £137 billion, the region offers huge potential for UK businesses
- Lewis joins department’s team of nine HM Trade Commissioners encouraging UK trade and investment and promoting Global Britain across the world
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has today [18th September] appointed Lewis Neal as the new HMTC for China & Hong Kong. The appointment comes after UK Minister for Investment Lord Dominic Johnson visited Beijing to open the UK pavilion at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

As the new Trade Commissioner for China & Hong Kong, Lewis’ priorities will be to secure inward investment in sectors such as low carbon, automotive and financial services, remove market access barriers that hinder UK-China & Hong Kong exports, increase the exports to the region and make the UK the educational system of choice for China & Hong Kong.

Prior to joining the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, Lewis was Director for Economic Diplomacy at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Lewis brings a wealth and breadth of experience across economic, trade and security issues and has worked across key sectors for UK-China & Hong Kong trade such as financial services, infrastructure, and international regulatory issues.

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

Our network of HMTCs bang the drum for Britain across the world, promoting UK trade, investment, and export finance.

I am delighted to welcome Lewis to this role and am confident he will build on our outstanding track record on trade in China and Hong Kong, expanding opportunities for British businesses in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.

The UK has a significant trade and investment relationship with China & Hong Kong, with more than £137bn of trade over the twelve months to the end of March 2023, making the region equivalent to the UK’s 3rd largest trading partner.

HMTCs represent and promote the UK in important markets across the world, leading on export promotion, inward and outward investment, and trade policy overseas on behalf of the UK government. Their work includes developing and delivering a regional trade plan setting out the Department for Business and Trade’s priorities in important global markets.

HM Trade Commissioner for China & Hong Kong, Lewis Neal, said:

I am excited to be joining the Embassy in Beijing and the UK’s China and Hong Kong network.

With recent visits from the Foreign Secretary and Minster of State for Investment for the first time in several years, my priority is to keep that momentum going by continuing to support growth for both UK businesses as well as Chinese and Hong Kong investors in key sectors in the UK.

There are great potential areas of UK strength including: education, low carbon, automotive sector, financial services, and health sectors where we can deepen trade and collaboration to deliver greater economic security and prosperity and global challenges such as climate change.
September 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New taskforce to tackle teacher workload [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 18 September 2023.

Government announces membership of taskforce working towards reducing teacher and leader workload, alongside support to embed flexible working.

Work is underway to support teachers and leaders to tackle unnecessary workload, as the government establishes a new taskforce of unions, teachers, and sector leaders. The taskforce will help support the government’s wider ambition to reduce working hours for teachers and leaders by 5 hours per week within 3 years.

The launch of the workload reduction taskforce follows the 6.5% pay award announced in July when the Education Secretary committed to reducing teacher and leader workload.

The group of 14 includes representatives from all 4 teaching unions, as well as teachers, leaders, academics and other sector experts. The variety of expertise within the group will provide insight from across all parts of the education sector, from on the ground perspectives to those in positions of management and leadership. The first meeting will take place later this week.

Alongside measures to tackle workload, the Department for Education is also planning an update to its teacher recruitment and retention strategy to continue to attract, support and develop the highly skilled teachers needed to inspire the next generation.

Schools Minister, Nick Gibb said:

We’ve seen rising schools standards over the last decade, and that wouldn’t be possible without the work of great teachers. We do, however, continue to hear the concerns of teachers and school leaders about workload, which is why we want to build on the past successes in reducing workloads and continue to remove additional burdens, so that teachers can focus on what they do best: teach.

This builds on the generous pay rise agreed earlier this year, as part of the government’s continued commitment to building a highly skilled, well supported teaching profession.

This builds on a report from earlier this year that found two-thirds of teachers reported that they spent over half of their working time on tasks other than teaching, rising to 77% of secondary teachers.

School leaders will also receive support to embed flexible working in their schools, as a new toolkit is set to be launched later this month with practical resources to help them implement practices including job shares, part-time working and ad-hoc flexibility such as the occasional personal day. A further 5 new flexible working ambassador multi-academy trusts and schools (FWAMS) have today been announced, complementing the 7 announced in June this year.

The FWAMS appointed are Lapal Primary School of Hales Valley Trust, Newport Girls’ High School Academy Trust, Aspire Alternative Provision School, the Halifax Academy of Impact Education Multi-Academy Trust, and the Reach Academy Feltham of the Reach Academy Trust.

Michael Scott, of Newport Girls’ High School said:

Newport Girls’ High School is delighted to be re-designated as the flexible working ambassador multi academy trust and school for the west midlands region. Having helped a number of trusts to improve their flexible working offer during phase one of the project in 2021-2022, we look forward to spreading the word further and wider over the next 2 years.

The FWAMS will champion flexible working and provide bespoke peer support in how to implement it within the profession. This delivers on the commitments in the teacher recruitment and retention strategy.

Since its launch nearly 5 years ago, the department has made considerable progress in delivering its teacher recruitment and retention strategy to attract, retain and develop the highly skilled teachers needed to inspire the next generation. This includes implementing a ‘golden thread’ of professional development, ensuring all teachers have access to high-quality training and support at every stage of their career.

This winter, the department will publish a strategy update that builds upon its commitment to give every child a world class education delivered by great teachers. The update will provide an update on delivery of previous commitments, and set out priorities for the coming years.

September 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints new HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific to strengthen trade and investment links [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 September 2023.

The Department for Business and Trade has appointed Martin Kent as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Asia Pacific.
- Martin Kent appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific
- With total UK-Asia Pacific trade worth more than £120 billion, the region offers huge potential for UK businesses
- Kent joins department’s team of nine HM Trade Commissioners encouraging UK trade and investment and promoting Global Britain across the world
Martin Kent has today [18th September] been appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, succeeding Natalie Black CBE.

As the new Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, he will generate business opportunities for the UK while contributing to the growth of sustainable, resilient, and productive economies across the region.

Prior to his new role, Martin Kent was the Minister and Deputy Head of Mission in the British Embassy Tokyo, a Director within the Department for Business and Trade, and also HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for Africa. He started his career with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and has worked across the Asia Pacific region, including in BCG’s Singapore and Australia offices.

Alongside trade and investment, Kent will pursue regional security priorities in his new position, protecting free trade and supply chains and continuing the progression already made by the AUKUS security pact.

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

Our network of HMTCs bang the drum for Britain across the world, promoting UK trade, investment, and export finance.

I am delighted to welcome Martin to this role and am confident he will build on our outstanding track record on trade in Asia Pacific, expanding opportunities for British businesses in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.

With total UK-Asia Pacific trade worth more than £120 billion, the region offers huge potential for UK businesses.

The recently signed trade deals with Australia and New Zealand are set to deliver an economic boost by driving trade up by 53% with Australia and 59% with New Zealand and could also mean reduced prices for UK consumers on favourites such as wine, Tim Tams and kiwi fruit and lowered costs on machinery parts for UK manufacturers.

Further benefits are to be expected following the signing of the UK’s assession to CPTPP in July. Being part of the bloc will mean that more than 99 per cent of UK goods exports to CPTPP countries will be eligible for zero tariffs.

HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent, said:

I am delighted to be appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific. The region is the engine room of the global economy and is a major driver of global economic growth and opportunity for UK businesses.

I will be focused on securing and implementing high-quality Free Trade Agreements, attracting investment to all parts of the UK, opening markets for UK exporters, and positioning the UK as a beacon for free trade in the Asia Pacific region.
September 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Commission recommends how Covid pandemic should be remembered across the UK [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 18 September 2023.

The UK Commission on Covid Commemoration’s final report on how the Covid pandemic should be remembered across the UK has been published.

The Commission has made 10 recommendations to the Government on how to make sure the events of the pandemic and the experiences we all went through are not forgotten.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will now work with other government departments and the Devolved Administrations to consider carefully the Commission’s wide-ranging recommendations and respond in due course.

The Commission’s recommendations include preserving existing memorials, including the National Covid Memorial Wall in central London, holding a national day of reflection every year and identifying green spaces across the UK to serve as Covid memorial spaces.

The Chair of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, Nicky Morgan, said:

The Covid pandemic changed the lives of everyone across the UK and its impact is still felt very deeply by those who lost loved ones and those who are still suffering from the effect of the virus.

That’s why it is so important that we don’t let this vitally important period in our history be forgotten and we hope our recommendations will mean that the loved ones we have lost and the sacrifices made by so many during the pandemic will be remembered for years to come.

The Commission made their recommendations following a period of public consultation which saw thousands of people from across the UK give their views on how the pandemic should be remembered.

Groups consulted included bereaved families, young people, the scientific community and the social care, transport and retail sectors.

The Commission has also recommended that a national symbol be created to represent the pandemic, and a Covid commemoration website be set up to promote the proposed day of reflection and provide details of local memorials.

Cabinet Office Minister, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, said:

It is right that we mark the extraordinary sacrifices made during the pandemic and continue to recognise the contributions of all those who helped shape the UK’s response. I want to thank the Commissioners and the Chair for their important work.

Communities across the UK have already started to find ways of commemorating those unprecedented times, and the Government looks forward to considering the Commission’s wide-ranging recommendations and how we may support these efforts going forward.

Education also sits at the heart of the Commission’s recommendations, with the suggestion that schools and colleges teach future generations about the pandemic, highlighting people’s experiences, the role of science and the importance of a resilient society. Oral histories would also continue to be collected from groups including bereaved families, frontline workers, volunteers, the scientific community and young people.

Further recommendations include creating a funding scheme for local authorities to establish commemorative spaces in existing parks or green spaces, the creation of a specific body to coordinate a day of reflection and other Covid commemoration activities, and the development of a postdoctoral fellowship to enable researchers to support preparedness for risks posed by natural hazards.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

The impact of Covid will never be forgotten and we must find a fitting way to remember and reflect on the pandemic for generations to come.

The Commission has made a number of valuable recommendations and my department will now consider the best ways to commemorate this unprecedented period in our history.

September 20, 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Portugal [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 September 2023.

Ms Lisa Bandari has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic in succession to Mr Chris Sainty.

Ms Lisa Bandari has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic in succession to Mr Chris Sainty. Ms Bandari will take up her appointment during January 2024.

Curriculum vitae

Dates	Role
2021 to 2022	FCDO, Deputy Director for India and HMG India Coordinator
2017 to 2020	Department for Exiting the EU, Deputy Director for Ongoing EU Business and Third Country Preparation
2014 to 2016	Nairobi, Director of Corporate Services
2011 to 2014	FCO, Policy Planners, Team Leader for Asia Pacific and Africa Strategy
2010 to 2011	Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan, Director of Policy and External Relations
2008 to 2010	Kabul, Head of Internal Political Section
2007	Pre-posting training (including Farsi language training)
2005 to 2006	FCO/Home Office, Head of UK Government Forced Marriage Unit
2004 to 2005	FCO, Bosnia & Herzegovina Desk Officer

September 20, 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Sizewell C starts private investment process [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 18 September 2023.

Government opens process for partners to express interest in investing in nuclear revival.
- Prospective partners can register interest in Sizewell C from today
- Sizewell C is at the heart of the UK’s civil nuclear revival and will house 2 of the most powerful reactors in the world
- When finished, Sizewell C could power as many as 6 million homes and create 10,000 jobs across the country
Private investors will have their first chance to come forward and qualify to invest in Sizewell C power station, a key component of the UK’s nuclear revival, from today (Monday 18 September).

Today, the Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho confirmed the next stage for the investment process – opening applications for partners to register their interest in being part of the project.

The government, the Sizewell C Company and EDF, the project’s lead developer, are looking for companies with substantial experience in the delivery of major infrastructure projects. This builds on engagement undertaken as the Sizewell C project has developed.

Any investment will also be subject to strict national security checks.

Sizewell C is expected to house 2 of the most powerful nuclear reactors in the world. It will generate reliable, low-carbon power for up to 6 million homes over 60 years, avoiding 9 million tonnes of carbon each year. At peak construction, it is expected to support 10,000 jobs across the country.

In a show of support, the government has already invested £700 million in the project – the first such direct public investment in a nuclear project for a generation. Ministers have also made £511 million available to continue project development and prepare the Suffolk site for construction, ahead of the planned private equity raise for the project in advance.

The government is delivering a revival of nuclear power by investing in large scale reactors as well as emerging technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors, with the ambition of having up to a quarter of the UK’s electricity generated by nuclear by 2050.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, said:

Investing in Sizewell C is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the UK’s nuclear revival – delivering clean, reliable, and affordable power for generations to come.

This project will create thousands of jobs, power 6 million homes and will boost our energy security.

We are focused on securing good value for taxpayers and look forward to seeing strong and competitive bids to be a part of this exciting project.

Sizewell C Company Joint Managing Director, Julia Pyke, said:

The launch of the formal equity raise opens another exciting phase for the project, following a positive response from investors during market testing.

Investors who participate in Sizewell C would be contributing to one of the biggest clean energy projects in the UK. They should feel confident in our proposals as we are building a replica project with government backing, a mature reactor design and a workforce ready to build it.

We look forward to starting the main site construction and delivering this vital project which will reduce costs for consumers and help to create a future-proof low-carbon energy system for Britain.

The initial process launched today invites partners to complete a pre-qualification assessment. Companies will have to demonstrate that they meet the key criteria for entering negotiations on a potential equity stake in Sizewell C, including experience in delivering major infrastructure projects.

The process has been designed following market testing with a cross-section of partners.

While details of the investors who come forward and get involved cannot be provided at this stage given the need for commercial confidentiality, ministers will be looking for private investors who can add value to the project and will only accept private investment if it provides value for money, while bolstering energy security.

Minister for Nuclear and Networks, Andrew Bowie, said:

Sizewell C is at the heart of the UK’s nuclear revival and our ambition to provide up to a quarter of the UK’s electricity from homegrown nuclear energy by 2050.

This will provide reliable and abundant energy, boost economic growth and jobs across the country and underpin the UK’s path to Net Zero.

Following the first government direct public investment in a nuclear project for a generation, I look forward to seeing strong and competitive bids from potential investors to bring new expertise and experience into the company to help deliver this critical piece of national infrastructure.

CEO of EDF Energy, Simone Rossi, said:

EDF is pleased to support the development of the Sizewell C nuclear plant and the launch of this equity raise.

The very significant investment that EDF continues to make in Britain at Hinkley Point C benefits Sizewell C through replication of the design and construction, and a proven UK supply chain.

Together, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will be the bedrock of Britain’s new nuclear fleet, a critical part of ensuring Britain has the clean, affordable energy it needs.

Alongside support for Sizewell C at Suffolk, and Hinkley Point C in Somerset, the government has also launched Great British Nuclear, which will further drive the UK’s nuclear revival through the development of new and emerging technologies.

This includes Small Modular Reactors, which can be constructed more quickly having been partially built in factories; and Advanced Modular Reactors, which are also smaller and can generate high temperatures which can help power industry.
September 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK sets out “AI for Development” vision at UN General Assembly [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 September 2023.

Foreign Secretary to outline vision at UNGA for using Artificial Intelligence to speed up development in the world’s poorest nations.
Foreign Secretary to outline vision at UNGA of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help increase the impact of international development

“AI for Development” programme will boost skills, innovation and computing power in Africa and will launch around the UK-hosted AI Safety Summit this November

UK also announces at UNGA over £1 million to harness the power of AI to help predict conflicts and humanitarian crises, accelerating delivery of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

The UK will set out an ambitious vision for how the enormous potential of AI technology can be harnessed to speed up development in the world’s poorest nations at UNGA today.

The Foreign Secretary will call on international partners to come together to coordinate efforts for AI development in Africa and accelerate progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In leading the way, the UK will launch the ‘AI for Development’ programme, in partnership with Canada’s International Development Research Centre to focus on helping developing countries, initially in Africa, build local AI skills and boost innovation.

The announcement coincides with the UK co-convening an event on AI in the margins of the UN General Assembly, where the Foreign Secretary will attend as part of our efforts to drive the global conversation on AI. The session, chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will bring together governments, tech firms and NGOs to discuss how AI can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals – a series of targets to make the world a healthier, fairer and more prosperous place by 2030.

Today the UK is also announcing £1 million of UK investment in a first-of-a kind fund that, working alongside international partners, will harness the power of AI to help countries and global organisations prevent crises before they happen. The Complex Risk Analytics Fund (‘CRAF’d’) will also respond to emergencies when they occur, and help countries recover onto the path of sustainable development.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The opportunity of AI is immense. It has already been shown to speed up drug discovery, help develop new treatments for common diseases, and predict food insecurity — to name only a few uses. The UK, alongside our allies and partners, is making sure that the fulfilment of this enormous potential is shared globally.

As AI continues to rapidly evolve, we need a global approach that seizes the opportunities that AI can bring to solving humanity’s shared challenges. The UK-hosted AI summit this November will be key to helping us achieve this.

Julie Delahanty, President of the International Development Research Centre President said:

IDRC is pleased to announce a new collaboration with FCDO, a key ally in tackling the most pressing development challenges. The AI for Development program will build on existing partnerships, leveraging AI’s capacity to reduce inequalities, address poverty, improve food systems, confront the challenges of climate change and make education more inclusive, while also mitigating risks.

This investment is also part of a wider UK commitment to use AI innovation to address global challenges, including the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

On 1 and 2 November the UK will host the first major global AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, building global consensus on the rapid, international action needed to advance safety at the cutting edge of AI technology.

Further information

The UK joins Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, the European Commission and Finland, as partners in investing in the Complex Risk Analytics Fund (‘CRAF’d’), working with the United Nations.
September 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Panel named for independent review into civil unrest in Leicester [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 18 September 2023.

Final 3 panellists named to work on review to establish the facts and identify the underlying causes of last year’s unrest and make recommendations.
Communities Secretary Michael Gove has appointed 3 expert panellists to sit on an independent review into the unrest that occurred in Leicester last year.

In September 2022 community tensions led to a spate of vandalism, assaults, and attacks on places of worship and other properties in Leicester, in some cases highlighting divisions between different groups across the city and beyond.

During the height of the unrest, the government worked closely with the local police force, Leicester City Council and other local partners to bring calm to the situation and protect communities from across the city.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove commissioned an Independent Review into the disorder appointed Lord Ian Austin as chair earlier this year. The following 3 expert panellists will work alongside Lord Austin:

Dr Samir Shah CBE: a former Commissioner for the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, former chair of the independent race equality think tank The Runnymede Trust for 10 years and was a member of the Holocaust Commission.

Professor Hilary Pilkington: Professor of Sociology at the University of Manchester and Fellow of the UK Academy of Social Sciences. She coordinated the H2020 DARE (Dialogue about Radicalisation and Equality) project, and her research includes focus to the study of youth participation, activism, stigmatisation and extremism in the UK.

Dr Shaaz Mahboob: Head of Digital Development NHS England and trustee of British Muslims for Secular Democracy for 10 years until 2018, including its Vice Chair for a number of years.

Lord Austin said:

Leicester has a proud history of diversity, tolerance and community cohesion which makes what happened last year all the more troubling.

We want to listen to people in Leicester to understand last year’s events, what can be learned from them and how communities in the city can work together to prevent problems in future.

It is therefore vital that the review is comprehensive and even-handed and that this aim is reflected in the panellists we appoint.

The diverse panel brings together a wealth of experience and knowledge, which should result in an honest, frank and productive review.

The panel will:

Establish the facts of what took place over the period of unrest, and a sequence of events.

Present an analysis of the causes of the unrest.

Make practical recommendations for how similar events that may arise in future could be prevented.

Set out proposals and ideas for strengthening social cohesion locally.

The panel is expected to publish the findings of the review next year.
September 19, 2023

Category: Press Releases

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

HM Trade Commissioner for China & Hong Kong, Lewis Neal, said:

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent, said:

Curriculum vitae

Further information