Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Access to veteran-specific supported housing and health care services at all-time high [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 24 August 2023.

The Government has worked with NHS England, housing providers and charities to provide record levels of dedicated support for veterans, as outlined in the latest six monthly report published by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs has today published the latest six monthly report

The UK Government is working to improve veteran care with dedicated support pathways, including the newly launch housing hotline – Op FORTITUDE

Dedicated health support has reached an all-time high, with at least one veteran-friendly GP practice in 71% of Primary Care Networks

The Government has worked with NHS England, housing providers and charities to provide record levels of dedicated support for veterans, as outlined in the latest six monthly report published by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) today.

Op FORTITUDE is a first-of-its-kind, central referral pathway for veterans facing homelessness. The £8.55 million programme aims to eliminate veteran homelessness by matching vulnerable former service personnel with supported housing across the country. It will be rolled out across 14 housing providers and hundreds of housing units by September and brings together Local Authorities and charities.

The Government is also working with NHS England to ensure all veterans can access mental and physical health care that caters to their unique needs. Access to accredited healthcare settings is at an all-time high. 71% of Primary Care Networks have at least one practice accredited as ‘veteran friendly’ and 75% of NHS trusts in England were accredited as ‘veteran aware’.

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

This six-monthly report shows the incredible work done here at OVA and by our partners, which I’m immensely proud of. We’ve taken massive strides to making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran by making sure the right support is available.

We’ve made clear pathways for health care and housing, and are recognising the contributions and sacrifices veterans have made to national security and our local communities.

Going forward, this report sets out the OVA’s plans to publish a Women Veterans’ Strategy, roll out veterans ID cards and support veterans into employment.

Recognising the role of nuclear test veterans, many of whom will receive their dedicated medal ahead of Remembrance Sunday, is just one example of the many ways that the OVA recognises the positive contributions and challenges faced by veteran communities.

Another example is the historic review into the impact of the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the military prior to 2000 has been published, and was followed up with an official apology from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The Government also recently concluded a review investigating the effectiveness and efficiency of welfare services for Armed Forces Veterans. The Veterans’ Gateway, which has already supported over a million veterans and which provides information on financial matters such as pensions and compensation, in addition to other areas, will be transferred to the OVA in 2024.
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Language and employment courses for Ukrainians [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 24 August 2023.

Free English language and employment courses announced as Ukrainians celebrate their Independence Day.
- Up to 10,000 Ukrainians will receive support to learn English and advance their careers
- £11.5 million of Government support is being provided to support Ukrainians arrivals to rebuild their lives
- On Ukrainian Independence Day, UK Government reaffirms ongoing support for the people of Ukraine
Free English lessons and help to improve their job prospects are on offer to up to 10,000 Ukrainians to help them rebuild their lives in the UK, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced.

The £11.5m support package – announced on Ukrainian Independence Day (August 24) – will help more Ukrainian arrivals across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland integrate further into their communities whilst in the UK and help them progress their careers here.

The intensive language programme will include nearly 20 hours of online English learning a week over a period of 10 weeks, while additional employment support over 12 weeks will include advice on how to find jobs, CV writing and application support, as well as one-to-one interview practice.

Half of Ukrainian adults have already found employment since arriving and this support aims to increase the number of people in work and help those in employment to enter higher-skilled and better paid jobs, in turn helping to grow the workforce and the UK economy. When the time comes to return to Ukraine, the language skills, experience of working in the UK and workplace training will also assist with rebuilding their home country.

This is part of a wider package of support including £150m funding for local authorities to house Ukrainians in long-term accommodation, and increased ‘thank you’ payments of over £650m for Homes for Ukraine British hosts.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said:

Ukrainian Independence Day is a time to celebrate Ukrainian culture and traditions, as well as our shared values. It is also a sombre reminder of the need to continue to support our Ukrainian friends in their fight against Putin’s barbaric invasion. We continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

These new English Language and Employment support courses add to the package of wider government support in place to help Ukrainians find work and settle into our communities while it’s not safe to return to Ukraine.

Charity World Jewish Relief in partnership with the British Council, has been chosen to run the ‘STEP Ukraine’ courses and tailored employment support sessions. They are aiming to train up to 10,000 Ukrainians within a year – making it easier for them to live independent lives in the UK.

Following feedback from Ukrainian guests, the courses are online so that people with young children, caring responsibilities, or shift workers, can take part from anywhere in the UK.

Paul Anticoni, CEO of World Jewish Relief, said:

We are proud of the difference that World Jewish Relief has made, and will continue to make, in providing essential support for those forced to flee by war.

This much-needed programme will enable us to offer transformative language and employment support in partnership with the British Council to thousands more Ukrainians seeking to rebuild their lives in the UK.

The new English and employment courses come as the Government reaffirms its commitment to helping Ukrainians settle and rebuild their lives in the UK on Ukrainian Independence Day.

In honour of their Independence Day, the Ukrainian community has organised festivities in cities across the UK. Groups such as the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain held traditional music concerts, prepared traditional meals, and arranged family events to celebrate their heritage and culture. This is a time to celebrate our shared values and show our enduring support for the people of Ukraine.

Petro Rewko, Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), said:

On 24th of August, we will celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine. Although Russian aggression and the invasion of Ukraine continues, we will still celebrate Ukraine’s independence to mark the occasion.

We once again wish to thank the UK and, most of all, the UK public for their kind generosity in opening their doors as sponsors, and for the humanitarian aid, the millions they have given to help Ukraine.
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointments made to National Park and AONB boards [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 24 August 2023.

Appointments have been made to England’s National Park Authorities and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Conservation Boards.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has made a series of appointments and reappointments to England’s National Park Authorities (NPAs) and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Conservation Boards.

NPA board members have a primary responsibility to ensure that the Authority furthers the statutory purposes of the Park – specifically, to preserve and enhance its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, as well as to provide opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy their unique attributes. Eight members have recently been appointed for four-year terms (ending June 2027):

Broads Authority: Sian Limpenny

Dartmoor NPA: Mark Owen

Exmoor NPA: Laura Williams

North York Moors NPA: Jane Harper, Janet Waggott

Peak District: Ruth Swetnam, Stephen Thompson

South Downs NPA: Antonia Cox

Members on AONB Conservation Boards are responsible for ensuring that the Conservation Board advances the statutory purposes set out in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 – specifically, to conserve and improve the natural beauty of their designated area. Gemma Harper and Simon Mortimer were recently appointed for three-year terms (ending June 2026) on the Chilterns AONB Conservation Board.

In addition, the following reappointments have now also been made:

Broads Authority: Tristram Hilborn and Timothy Jickells for four years.

Lake District: Tiffany Hunt and Sabine Mosner for four years.

New Forest NPA: George Meyrick and Stephen Trow for four years.

Peak District NPA: Janet Haddock-Fraser, Lydia Slack and Yvonne Witter for four years.

Cotswolds AONB Conservation Board: Brendan McCarthy, Susan Crawford, Benjamin Dent and John Swanton for three years.

The third term of the following member has been extended to 31 March 2024:

Northumberland NPA: Fiona Gough

The third term of the following member has been extended to 9 June 2024:

Northumberland NPA: Jean Davidson

Appointments are made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Swindon [August 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 August 2023.

The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Neil Warwick, Archdeacon of Bristol, for appointment to the Suffragan See of Swindon, in the Diocese of Bristol, in succession to The Right Reverend Dr Lee Rayfield, following his retirement.

Background

Neil was educated at Nottingham University and trained for ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He served his title at St Lawrence, Towcester, in the Diocese of Peterborough, and was ordained Priest in 2006. Neil was appointed Vicar of Earley St Nicolas, in the Diocese of Oxford, in 2009.

In 2019, Neil took up his current role as Archdeacon of Bristol, in the Diocese of Bristol.

August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New flood warning services launched in Leicestershire and Derby [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 24 August 2023.

The flood warning service in Leicestershire and Derby has been extended to ensure more people than ever are warned about an imminent risk of flooding.
New flood warnings added at nine locations across Leicestershire and Derby

Hundreds more property owners will now get alerts if they are at risk of flooding

Part of national investment to extend the flood warning service

The Environment Agency has launched eight new flood warning services at locations across Leicestershire and one new warning in Derby that will help to warn hundreds more homeowners of the risk of flooding.

Flood warnings inform the public about an imminent risk of flooding to their home or business and help people make informed decisions about how to respond.

New flood warnings are being introduced at the following communities:

Leicester City

Bushby Brook at Thurncourt, Evington and North Evington.

Bushby Brook at Thurnby.

Melton Brook.

Evington Brook at North Evington and Spinney Hills.

Willow Brook at North Evington and Belgrave.

Braunstone Brook.

Thurnby Brook at Thurnby.

Leicestershire

Lubbesthorpe and Thorpe Astley Brooks at Braunstone Town.

Derby City

Markeaton and Bramble Brooks

By signing up for flood warnings, property owners will be alerted by phone, email or text when flooding is expected.

There are three types of messages – Flood Alert, Flood Warning and Severe Flood Warning. Each type can be triggered by particular weather or river conditions which cause flooding. Flood warnings and alerts are not available in all areas.

Residents are encouraged to prepare if they receive a Flood Alert which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents and anything else they wouldn’t want to lose if flooding were to take place. A Flood Warning calls on people to act now which means turning off gas, water and electricity and moving family and pets to safety. A Severe Flood Warning means you are in immediate danger and to follow advice from emergency services.

Paul Lockhart, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the East Midlands, said:

“We want to ensure that everyone has as much time as possible to prepare for flooding which is why we’re pleased that there are more communities across Leicestershire and Derby which will now be able to receive our free flood warning service.”

Additional funding from the Government has enabled the Environment Agency to invest in the latest technology and infrastructure needed to provide a flood warning service in more than 200 communities across England. In total, an additional 62,000 properties at risk of flooding will receive flood warnings between now and the end of 2023.

To check whether your home is located in this new flood warning area visit https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/. If your home does lie within the flood warning area it is vital that you sign up to flood warnings to better protect yourselves and loved ones.

To sign up to the flood warning service, the Environment Agency is encouraging people to register directly with them by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188, or visit https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings where you can register yourself or vulnerable family members/friends.

Background information

5.2 million properties in England are at risk of flooding

The average cost of flood damage to a home is £30,000

The average cost of flooding to a business is £82,000

If you are flooded, temporary accommodation costs on average £10,000

If you are flooded you are likely to be out of your home for an average of 5 months

Know what to do when you receive a flood warning and download our three point flood plan – https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/what-to-do-in-a-flood
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Trade Secretary launches UK-India campaign on G20 visit to Jaipur [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 August 2023.

The Secretary of State launches Alive with Opportunity, a campaign designed to build on the UK and India’s strong relationship, and boost trade and investment.
New £1.5m GREAT marketing blitz will go beyond UK and India’s strong business and trade links to highlight shared cultural interests – from football and cricket, to food and film

Kicking off today, ‘Alive with Opportunity’ campaign will help double trade with India by 2030 with a series of targeted trade missions for UK firms in high growth sectors

Comes as Kemi Badenoch visits India for G20 Trade talks, and key meetings with Tata Chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

Higher education, agri-tech, and e-sports will feature as prominent sectors in a revamped series of modern, targeted UK trade missions to India over the coming year.

The Department for Business and Trade is launching Alive with Opportunity, a £1.5 million marketing campaign designed to build on the UK and India’s strong and enduring relationship, boost trade and investment, and promote the two nations’ powerful cultural links.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will launch the campaign on a three-day visit to India starting today [Thursday 24 August]. She will first attend the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting in Jaipur before flying to New Delhi for a parallel business-focused Business 20 summit, plus meetings with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Tata Chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

I’m delighted to be returning to India to support their G20 Presidency, further our trade talks and meet key business leaders. The UK and India have a thriving relationship and we both share an ambition to deepen our cultural and trading ties.

India is the UK’s second biggest source of investment projects and I’m confident this new campaign will help boost interest in and demand for UK goods and services even further.

As part of the UK’s ambitions to double trade with India by 2030, the campaign aims to stimulate interest and demand for UK goods and services and attract new Indian inward investment.

New DBT data shows India is the UK’s 2nd largest source of investment projects, with 118 new projects in the last financial year creating 8,384 new jobs.

Today, more than 900 Indian businesses operate in the UK, and more than 600 UK businesses are finding success in India supporting more than half a million jobs across both countries.

The Alive with Opportunity campaign will celebrate business, trade, cultural and sporting links between the UK and India, taking advantage of major moments such as India’s hosting of the Cricket World Cup and the England-India test series starting in January.

Adverts promoting the UK will feature across billboards, in airports and across social media channels backed by a series of targeted trade missions, promotional events and marketing activations in both countries.

The campaign aims to bring to life the concept of the ‘living bridge’, a phrase popularised by Indian PM Modi to describe the relationship between the two countries based on a continuous exchange of people, ideas and culture.

UK-India Business Council CEO, Richard McCallum, said:

With total trade growing 34% in current prices in the year to March 2023 and India remaining the 2nd largest source of FDI projects in the UK, there is no doubt that the economic relationship between our two countries is flourishing.

UK companies recognise that India is one of the fastest growing economies and one that is alive with opportunity in a range of sectors, including R&D, talent and manufacturing. Indian firms are also embracing UK technology and capital to grow internationally.

I’m encouraged to see the launch of this campaign, which showcases our countries’ symbiotic relationship and the many cultural and trading opportunities both have to offer.

While at the G20, Secretary Badenoch will pitch for greater deployment of digital trade, which will cut red tape and make it easier for UK businesses of all sizes to buy and sell internationally.

In New Delhi, she will meet some of India’s major businesses across a range of sectors, including BP, HSBC, Vodafone, Rolls Royce and Confederation of Indian Industry on Friday. She will also hold a bilateral with Tata Chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran, following their announcement last month of a new £4billion gigafactory in the UK.

Her visit coincides with Round 12 of talks for an ambitious and comprehensive trade deal with India. She will meet with her counterpart Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to take stock of negotiations and agree how to progress a deal which could boost our bilateral trade, already worth £36 billion last year.
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK companies explore clean energy opportunities in Australia [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 24 August 2023.

The UK government has today begun its first Clean Energy Trade Mission to Australia.

Ten UK companies are travelling to Western Australia and Victoria to explore and engage with Australian business and partners as Australia moves towards net zero.

The Mission will showcase the technology, companies and research projects that are redefining the energy sector. Representatives from ten organisations which between them cover a range of specialisms including wind power and support, resilience consulting, fuel cell technologies, hydrogen system integration and deep sea robotics and engineering. Attendees will have the chance to connect with like-minded companies and explore avenues for joint ventures, investment opportunities, collaboration and innovation.

With COP28 just a few months away, the Clean Energy Trade Mission is another example of the UK and Australia working together on the shared challenge to limit the Earth’s warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It comes as the UK continues to invest in the industries of tomorrow. £600 billion has been committed to the Green Industrial Revolution. The UK continues its climate leadership through the Plan for Growth.

At the same time, our new UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement offers smoother trade and investment between our countries – zero tariffs, easier business travel and reduced red tape. This generates enormous opportunities for business and investors in our two markets.

Louise Cantillon, HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for Australia said:

I’m delighted to welcome the first UK Clean Energy Trade Mission to Australia. This mission showcases phenomenal UK companies who are using the latest technology to deliver cleaner, greener energy and support the transition needed to reach net zero.

Clean Energy continues to be a key priority of the UK government with significant opportunities for investment in flagship projects and exporting key innovation and technology expertise. Together we can usher in a new era of renewables that will reduce the cost of going green and expedite a low carbon economy.

The Australian Government has recently committed to investing $4 billion to become a renewable energy superpower and invested $2 billion in Hydrogen Headstart, a new program to support hydrogen production.

There will be sessions with leaders in clean energy sectors, such as off-shore wind specialists, environmental consultants, marine technology companies and several more. The wealth of knowledge and opportunity offered by the Clean Energy Trade Mission marks our excitement for what can be a cleaner, more sustainable future.

August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Production of Nuclear Test Medals underway ahead of Remembrance Sunday [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 23 August 2023.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer visited Worcestershire Medal Services in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter this morning to see the first Nuclear Test Medals in production.
- First Nuclear Test medals start rolling off the production lines and will be ready for Remembrance Sunday Parades.
- Medal recognises the significant contribution of veterans and civilian staff in the development of the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme.
- Veterans Minister and nuclear test veteran visit medal production in Birmingham to see the first medals being made
The first Nuclear Test Medals have started rolling off the production lines, ahead of being issued to veterans before Remembrance Sunday.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer visited Worcestershire Medal Services in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter this morning to see the first medals in production.

In November 2022 the Prime Minister announced that military, civilian, and overseas staff and personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s would have their service recognised with the medal, 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon.

The design for the medal was unveiled last month, and features an atom surrounded by olive branches and bears the words “Nuclear Test Medal”. The design was chosen to reflect the multitude of different roles that were carried out by the broad range of recipients.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs visited the medal factory to see the first batch of medals being printed, and stamped a medal and attached a ribbon, ready to be presented to nuclear test veterans in the Autumn.

Worcestershire Medal Services is a leading supplier of medals, honours and orders in the United Kingdom, supporting over 60 jobs in the Birmingham area since 2004. The company has a dedicated team producing many of the UKs most well known medals and honours including OBEs and the recent Coronation Medal.

Nuclear Test Veteran, John Robinson, visited the factory with the Minister to see the medals being produced, ahead of receiving his own later this year.

Many veterans of Britain’s nuclear tests will receive a new medal in time for Remembrance Sunday.

Defence Secretary, Rt Hon. Ben Wallace MP, said:

From the inception to the launch of this medal, Defence has been focused on ensuring that this important group of veterans and their crucial work is recognised.

I am delighted that this medal acknowledges their vital contribution to keeping our nation safe.

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

It is only right that we recognise the sacrifices of our Nuclear Test Veterans.

It was fantastic to see first-hand the progress made to ensure that as many veterans as possible can proudly wear their medal on Remembrance Sunday.

Squadron Leader John B Robinson, AFC*, RAF (Retd), a Nuclear Test Veteran, who flew Canberra sampling aircraft on Operations Mosaic, Buffalo, Grapple and Antler said:

The news that I will be presented with a medal for my role in the Nuclear Testing means a lot to me and I have been keenly anticipating the arrival since the Prime Minister’s announcement last year.

I will proudly accept this medal on behalf of my co-members of 76 Squadron RAF, aircrew and ground crew, who are sadly no longer with us to receive the acknowledgement themselves.

I am very much looking forward to receiving my medal later this year and enjoyed seeing the first medals in production alongside the Minister today.

Phil McDermott, Managing Director and CEO, Worcestershire Medal Service Ltd said:

The UK medal system is the envy of the world, hard earned which gives them great meaning to the individual recipients. We are immensely proud to be the sole manufacturers of decorations and medals to the UK MoD.

Medals are a vital part of recognition within the armed services. Our part in designing some of these awards and particularly the new portraits of His Majesty The King only build on the pride we all feel within the company.

As part of the government’s efforts to champion nuclear test veterans’ contributions, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is also funding a £250,000 oral history project. Work by the University of South Wales and University of Liverpool is currently underway to identify and record the life stories of 40 nuclear veterans.

Education organisation Big Ideas, also a benefactor of the OVA’s £200,000 Nuclear Test Community Fund, is working this summer with four secondary schools. The students are meeting with veterans across the UK to produce learning resources centred around their stories.
August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Security Minister visits Iraq to strengthen security partnership [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 23 August 2023.

Tom Tugendhat visits Iraq and Kurdistan region for talks on serious and organised crime, narcotics and terrorism.

The Security Minister Tom Tugendhat visited Iraq from 21 to 23 August to strengthen the security of the UK, Iraq and the wider region, and build on the existing relationship between our 2 countries.

During his time in Baghdad, the minister met with Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Fuad Hussein, and Minister of Interior, Lt Gen Abdul-Amir Al-Shammeri.

He also travelled to Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq, where he was welcomed by the region’s President Nechirvan Barzani, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Qubad Talabani, and the Minister of Interior, Mr Rebar Ahmed.

During his visit, the minister made progress on negotiating a new agreement with the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government that will strengthen our efforts to tackle serious organised crime, including organised immigration crime, human trafficking and narcotics. Both nations are preparing to sign a statement of intent to tackle shared organised crime threats in the coming weeks.

In his meetings, Tom Tugendhat also reinforced the UK’s strong relationship with Iraq on counter-terrorism cooperation. He met Iraq’s Counter Terrorism Service and discussed with Iraq’s national security advisor ways to enable greater sharing of information between countries. As a result, both nations are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding to increase information sharing to enhance our counter-terrorism cooperation.

The Security Minister also promoted the UK’s continued support to mitigate the threat from Daesh, to ensure it can never again threaten the security of the UK and Iraq – including by pushing for implementation of the Yazidi Survivors Law, which provides compensation for the acts of genocide they suffered under Daesh.

He also delivered a speech on the growing regional narcotics trade, offering solidarity and partnership with Iraq and regional allies against the destabilising impact that drugs are having and denouncing the Syrian regime for its role in the Captagon trade.

In addition, he convened with non-governmental organisations, independent journalists, and the UN to discuss modern slavery and human trafficking of women and girls, and serious and organised crime and its links to illegal migration.

During his trip, the minister learned about the security risk posed by climate change in Iraq – as the fifth worst affected country according to the UN, where droughts and water shortages are becoming more severe – decimating the agricultural sector in some regions and forcing migration.

In conversations with the Iraqi political leadership, the minister also explored how the UK and Iraq can work together to better understand and address the drivers of irregular migration, to disrupt organised crime groups trafficking vulnerable people.

Speaking on the final day of his visit, the Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

It’s great to be back in Iraq for the first time in 20 years, and to see first-hand how this country has changed.

Iraq is a key partner in our fight against terrorism, as well as serious and organised crime. The Iraqi security forces are on the front lines of our fight against ISIS. Many of the criminal gangs who operate small boat crossings in the English Channel operate out of Iraq, which is why I’m working to with our partners in Baghdad to bring them to justice.

I’m pleased that we will boosting our joint efforts to crack down on human trafficking, narcotics and money laundering, and strengthening our important partnership in the fight against terror.

August 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The Syrian regime and its allies continue to profit whilst the Syrian people and the region suffer the consequences – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 August 2023.

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

Thank you, President, and I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms Alkanawati for their briefings.

President, 12 years ago, the Syrian people peacefully took to the streets to demand freedom, political reform, and a government that respects and upholds human rights. The Assad regime met those demands with brutality. The ensuing conflict has cost the lives of more than half a million and left over 12 million displaced.

With resolution 2254, this Council agreed unanimously on a political path out of the conflict that would protect the rights of all Syrians, with civil society, women and minorities playing a critical role.

Eight years on, there has been next to no political progress. The conditions that perpetuated the conflict, including the behaviour of the Asad Regime, have not changed. Regime complicity in the production and trafficking of Captagon is a recent example. As ever, the regime and its allies profit whilst the Syrian people and the region suffer the consequences.

President, as Lubna Alkanawati has clearly articulated, despite the untold hardship faced by women in Syria, many continue to play vital roles in the pursuit of justice, accountability, and peace, often in the face of harassment, intimidation and fears for their own safety. We commend them for their courage.

The UK recognises the enormous generosity of regional states hosting Syrian refugees, and will continue to support them to do so. Whilst we hope that Syrian refugees will ultimately be able to return home, we agree with the UN’s assessment that conditions in Syria do not currently allow this.

It is essential that international law is respected and that any refugee returns are voluntary, safe and dignified.

The onus must be on the Assad regime to substantively change its behaviour and provide verifiable protection assurances for prospective returnees, many of whom fear prosecution on their return.

If the regime wants to show its behaviour has changed, genuine engagement on the missing and detained would be an important step towards demonstrating a safe environment for refugee returns.

As the recent conclusions from the Arab Contact Group have noted, UN Security Council resolution 2254 remains the only viable route to a lasting and inclusive settlement in Syria. While we welcome recent efforts to make progress on the political track, proof of the regime’s good faith will be in concrete steps to guarantee the rights of the Syrian people and to engage substantially in meetings of the Constitutional Committee.

Thank you.

August 28, 2023