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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – UK statement on human rights situation in Afghanistan [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – UK statement on human rights situation in Afghanistan [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 June 2023.

    Enhanced Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights situation in Afghanistan. Delivered by UK’s Ambassador to the WTO & UN, Simon Manley.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    It has been more than 600 days since schools for girls were shut down across Afghanistan. 600 days. Two years of lost schooling, lost opportunities. To the girls of Afghanistan: I know that many of you are here today or listening online and we stand with you.

    Since their takeover in August 2021, the Taliban have continued their campaign of repression and violence against Afghan women and girls. Due to the Taliban’s restrictions on female workers in the humanitarian aid and development sector, they are unable to provide life-saving support to women and girls in their own country. This is taking place at a time when over 28 million Afghans are in need of humanitarian aid, more than half of whom are women and children. These decisions have life-threatening consequences.

    So let me repeat our call to the Taliban: Re-open the schools. Let girls learn. Let women work. End the violence and discrimination against women and girls.

    Special Rapporteur, Members of the Working Group,

    We thank you for your steadfast efforts. How can we better support civil society in Afghanistan, particularly women’s rights organisations?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : HPV vaccination programme moves to single dose from September 2023 [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : HPV vaccination programme moves to single dose from September 2023 [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 19 June 2023.

    Teenagers and eligible GBMSM under the age of 25 will only require a single HPV jab from September, following updated advice from JCVI.

    The change reflects evidence building up over recent years from a range of studies from around the world that shows that a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offers robust protection that is comparable to 2 doses. Based on the evidence, other countries, such as Australia and Scotland, have already made the move to one dose.

    The HPV vaccine helps to prevent HPV related cancers from developing in boys and girls. While most types of HPV are harmless, some high-risk types can lead to the development of cancers, including cervical cancer, cancers of the head and neck (mouth and throat) and cancers of the anus and genital areas.

    The HPV vaccine has been part of the NHS routine vaccination schedule since 2008 and is one of the most successful in the world, with high uptake and millions of doses given.

    From September 2023:

    • routine adolescent HPV immunisation programme for all children in school year 8 (aged 12 to 13 years) will move from 2 doses to one dose, offered mainly in secondary schools – this includes children not in mainstream school via a community clinic delivery model
    • eligible gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) under the age of 25 will move from 2 doses to one dose, offered through sexual health clinics
    • eligible GBMSM aged 25 to 45 years will remain on a 2-dose schedule, offered through sexual health clinics
    • eligible individuals who are immunosuppressed or those known to be HIV-positive will remain on a 3-dose schedule
    • catch-up: eligible individuals who started their HPV vaccination schedule and have already received one dose of the vaccine by September 2023 will be considered fully vaccinated – those who missed out on their one dose HPV vaccine can catch up until their 25th birthday via their GP practice

    The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) reviewed evidence gathered over several years and ran a public consultation, with their final advice to health ministers on changes to the programme published in August 2022.

    Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) published a review in April 2022 which concluded that a single-dose of HPV vaccine ‘delivers solid protection against HPV’ that is comparable to a 2-dose schedule.

    The reviews also concluded that immunocompromised individuals, including those who are HIV positive, should continue to receive 3 doses as there is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of a single dose in this group.

    Dr Vanessa Saliba, Immunisation Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

    The HPV vaccination programme is one of the most successful in the world and has dramatically lowered the rates of cervical cancer and harmful infections in both women and men – preventing many cancers and saving lives.

    The latest evidence shows that one dose provides protection as robust as 2 doses. This is excellent news for young people.

    If you missed your HPV vaccine, it is vital you get protected. Contact your school nurse, school immunisation team or GP practice to arrange an appointment – you remain eligible to receive the vaccine until your 25th birthday.

    National Director for Screening and Vaccinations Steve Russell said:

    This is another step forward for our world-leading HPV vaccination programme, which saves lives by significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

    With one quick HPV jab now making it simpler than ever to reduce your risk of cancers caused by the virus, it’s so important that people come forward when invited. Along with getting your HPV vaccine, it is also still vital to book in for your cervical screening appointment, which checks for high-risk HPV and remains one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

    The NHS HPV vaccination programme in England has been shown to have dramatically lowered HPV infections and rates of cervical cancer in vaccine-eligible women, with the strongest effects seen in those offered vaccination at younger ages. HPV vaccination also protects men and women against genital warts and other cancers of the genital areas and anus, as well as some mouth and throat (head and neck) cancers. Reductions in diagnoses of genital warts to the end of 2022 have been recently reported by UKHSA.

    A study published in The Lancet in 2021 found that cervical cancer rates were 87% lower in young women who had been eligible for HPV vaccination when they were aged 12 to 13 years, compared to young women who had not been offered vaccination, providing strong evidence the programme is preventing cervical cancers. Overall, the study estimated that the HPV programme had prevented about 450 cancers and 17,200 pre-cancers up to mid-2019.

    The latest UKHSA report published in December 2022 on the routine adolescent HPV vaccination programme for 2021 to 2022, which is primarily delivered in schools, shows that coverage in year 8 and year 9 pupils is yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson [June 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 June 2023.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson to Downing Street this afternoon.

    The leaders discussed the strong friendship between the UK and Sweden, including across defence, security, trade and technology.

    The Swedish Prime Minister updated on the country’s accession to NATO, and the Prime Minister reiterated that Sweden had the UK’s total support for its full membership of the Alliance.

    Reflecting on the situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister said it was clear they were making progress and thanked Prime Minister Kristersson for his country’s ongoing support to Ukraine.

    Discussing wider global challenges, the leaders agreed on the indivisibility of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security and discussed the importance of increasing our cooperation with the Indo-Pacific region.

    On illegal migration, the leaders discussed the tragedy in Greece, and the Prime Minister said the incident illustrated the gravity of the problem and the enormous misery it was causing. It underlined why it was important to deter migrants from using unsafe and illegal routes, the Prime Minister said.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Lord Chancellor meets French Justice Minster in Paris [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Lord Chancellor meets French Justice Minster in Paris [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 June 2023.

    The Rt Hon Alex Chalk MP KC, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, was in Paris today (19 June) where he held meetings with his counterpart Éric Dupond-Moretti, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals of France.

    Following highly productive and wide-ranging conversations, the two Ministers issued a joint statement (below) emphasising their shared determination to ensure accountability for war crimes in Ukraine and to work together to strengthen justice cooperation and meet shared challenges.

    Joint statement

    We, the Justice Ministers of the United Kingdom and the Republic of France, met in Paris today 19 June 2023 to further strengthen the close relationship between our two countries in the field of justice. As neighbours with shared values and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, our discussions today offered an opportunity to reflect upon a relationship that is both broad and deep, and consider areas of mutual interest and future cooperation. Today’s challenges to justice and rule of law are international in nature, and we are united as friends and allies in our efforts to address them.

    In our wide-ranging and productive discussions we were pleased to cover a number of important issues that face both of our countries, and on which we are committed to working collaboratively.

    • We are determined to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, and to work together and with our allies to ensure those responsible for committing alleged atrocities are held to account.
    • We noted the vital role the International Criminal Court plays in global efforts to end impunity for war crimes and we are proud to support the court’s investigations across the world including in Ukraine. Maintaining joint support for the International Criminal Court is one of the primary mechanisms to achieve accountability for war crimes and crimes of the gravest concern to the international community, ensuring that justice is delivered for victims.
    • We are determined to strengthen the positive relationship between our two countries in the field of civil and judicial cooperation, reflecting the close ties between our two countries and ensuring that our legal systems work for the businesses and citizens of both countries, in particular the most vulnerable ones, as they live, work and do business between France and the United Kingdom.
    • We have committed to sharing valuable knowledge and best practice in various areas, in particular regarding the fight against radicalisation in prison and the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation.
    • We re-commit to agreements made by our leaders at the UK-France Summit of 10 March: and we will continue to enhance our cooperation in order to fight organised crime, in particular human trafficking and facilitation of illegal migration.

    We look forward to working together to ensure that rule of law prevails internationally, and our justice systems work together to meet shared challenges and meet the needs of the citizens of our two great countries.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK public bodies banned from imposing their own boycotts against foreign countries [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK public bodies banned from imposing their own boycotts against foreign countries [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 19 June 2023.

    New Bill will ban UK public bodies from imposing their own boycotts.

    UK public bodies will be banned from imposing their own boycott or divestment campaigns against foreign countries and territories, Michael Gove has announced today (Monday 19 June) fulfilling a 2019 manifesto pledge.

    The Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill – introduced in parliament today – sends a clear message to councils and other publicly-funded institutions that they need to focus on delivering for the public and not spending tax-payers’ money pursuing their own foreign policy agenda.

    Those who break the rules will face significant fines with Ministers among those able to conduct investigations into suspected breaches.

    Today’s Bill will stop businesses and organisations – including those affiliated with Israel – being targeted through ongoing boycotts by public bodies – leading to community tensions and, in the case of Israel, a rise in antisemitism.

    Universities, too, have been pressured by groups that want to impose their own subjective views about foreign policy upon public institutions: the goal often being to shut down rather than open up debate, serving to undermine free speech and educational study.

    Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said:

    It is simply wrong that public bodies have been wasting taxpayers’ time and money pursuing their own foreign policy agenda. The UK must have a consistent approach to foreign policy, set by UK Government.

    These campaigns not only undermine the UK’s foreign policy but lead to appalling antisemitic rhetoric and abuse. That is why we have taken this decisive action to stop these disruptive policies once and for all.

    My message to these organisations, is to get on with your job and focus on delivering for the public.

    The President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews President Marie van der Zyl said:

    We are pleased to support the Government’s endeavours in the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill which will directly hinder the unnecessary and inappropriate targeting of Israel by local authorities and other public institutions.

    We appreciate how the Government is working to prevent these organisations from setting their own foreign policy, which all too often creates a deeply divisive local situation as well as being deeply unsettling to local Jewish communities.

    The UK has a well-established sanctions policy which remains in place. Organisations with links to Russia and Belarus will still be prevented from benefiting from taxpayers’ money with councils able to terminate existing contracts with those linked to Putin’s barbaric war machine.

    The changes announced today will ensure the UK is united in its foreign policy – stopping the harmful policies that are hampering our foreign diplomacy including those that are antisemitic.

    The Government remains strongly committed to the UK’s long and proud tradition of free speech. The ban will not apply to individuals or private organisations, where they are not carrying out public functions. It will also not change the UK’s approach to the Middle East Peace Process, or our position on settlements, which are illegal under international law.

    This Bill has been widely supported by the Jewish Leadership Council as is part of the Government’s wider commitment to combat antisemitism. This includes the Holocaust Memorial Bill which seeks to progress the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster to preserve the memory of what happened for ourselves and for all future generations as we seek to understand the lessons it teaches Britain today.

    The Government will work with relevant public bodies and enforcement authorities on the implementation of the ban.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The political process must move forward to deliver the stability and security the people of Libya want and deserve – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The political process must move forward to deliver the stability and security the people of Libya want and deserve – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

    President, I would like to start by thanking SRSG Bathily, Ambassador Ishikane, and Ms Imneina, for their briefings today.

    I visited Libya earlier this month, to meet the SRSG and the UNSMIL team. I want to thank them for their engagement and tireless efforts to support Libya on its path to peace and stability.

    During my visit, I also met Libyan people to hear and understand their concerns. The clear and consistent message was the urgency of moving the political process forward and for political leadership to deliver the stability and security the people of Libya want and deserve as we have heard so clearly from the SRSG.

    But this is not just an abstract point about politics and governance. I visited a World Health Organisation health centre project, to which the UK has contributed over two and a half million dollars of funding. I want to thank the WHO for facilitating my visit and for their work to bring physical and mental health support into primary healthcare services in Libya. This is important work but the point is that the political impasse directly impacts the healthcare system, and Libyans who need healthcare, antenatal checks, dental treatment, primary care and so on.

    Hospital services, healthcare provision and long-term investment, which Libya can well afford, are stalled because of the political impasse.

    President, I therefore return from my visit with clarity about the importance of Council Members and the international community supporting SRSG Bathily in his work to  facilitate an effective political process for positive change, through a clear roadmap to successful elections and beyond.

    In this context, the UK takes note of the 6+6 Committee’s hard work to agree draft electoral laws. However, the reception to their announcement demonstrates the need for broader political agreement between Libyan power-holders and we welcome the SRSG’s commitment to convene stakeholders to reach agreement to make the draft law implementable. Only in this way can we overcome the issues preventing elections and then make progress towards long-term stability.

    President during my visit, Libyan people told me they want to engage actively, freely and safely in the political sphere. They want to exercise their democratic right to vote, to work towards a better future, and move beyond, as the SRSG said, slogans which prolong the status quo and are detrimental to Libya people.

    The UK will continue our work to ensure these aspirations are fulfilled – including through our support to the SRSG and his efforts towards peace and stability.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – Statement on Sudan as read by US Ambassador Taylor [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – Statement on Sudan as read by US Ambassador Taylor [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2023.

    Statement by Quad members: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America on High Commissioner’s report on Sudan.

    Thank you, Mr. President.

    I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Quad members: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

    We express our deep concern about the catastrophic human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan. We urge the warring parties to fully respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law and to agree an effective and sustained ceasefire to ensure safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access.

    The warring parties must uphold their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration to Protect the Civilians of Sudan. Their fighting endangers the lives, livelihoods, and human rights of the people of Sudan.  Many cannot access food, safe drinking water, health care, or reliable information. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable.  Sudan’s rich cultural patrimony is at risk.

    The Quad stands by the people of Sudan at this difficult time. We implore the warring parties to resolve their differences peacefully, protect civilians, return to an inclusive political dialogue process, and intensify coordination with Sudanese civilian stakeholders, who must be the authors of their country’s future.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – UK Statement on the human rights situation in Sudan [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – UK Statement on the human rights situation in Sudan [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2023.

    Statement on the report of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Sudan as delivered by UK’s Ambassador to the WTO & UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.

    Thank you, Mr President,

    Let me start by thanking the High Commissioner for his report, and both him and Mr Nouicer for their continued efforts to improve the human rights situation in Sudan, which are more important than ever given the current tragic conflict. You have our full and unequivocal support.

    Mr President, the situation in Sudan is a catastrophe. The behaviour of the two main parties to this wholly unnecessary conflict is unacceptable, with indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas in Khartoum, targeted civilian shootings in Darfur, and the repeated violation of every single agreed ceasefire by both sides.

    The UK continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and their demands for urgent humanitarian access, as well as for peace, democracy, justice and civilian government. We call on the entire international community to press the parties to the conflict to stop this senseless violence; agree and respect an immediate, unconditional ceasefire; come together to begin the hard work of rebuilding Sudan; and ensure, finally, the full respect for the human rights of all Sudanese people.

    High Commissioner,

    What opportunities do you and Mr Nouicer see for ensuring the various initiatives launched to address this conflict are inclusive, constructive and complementary?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and French Justice Ministers united in support for Ukraine [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and French Justice Ministers united in support for Ukraine [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2023.

    UK Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk was in Paris today (19 June 2023) to meet French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti.

    • Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk met with French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti
    • Discussed joint priorities including support for International Criminal Court and Ukraine ahead of next month’s G7 meeting
    • Justice Secretary to also meet legal firms and representatives to promote British and French joint legal services

    The pair discussed shared priorities including their ongoing commitment to Ukraine and how to ensure there is accountability for Russian atrocities.

    It follows an international Justice Ministers’ conference held in London earlier this year to boost support for the International Criminal Court’s vital investigations into war crimes.

    Over 40 nations were represented at the conference in March, hosted by the UK and the Netherlands, with over £4 million announced in support of the International Criminal Court, including a £1 million contribution from the UK to support of the most vulnerable witnesses and victims of war crimes.

    The support of over 50 national experts, including a number from France, has been offered to the Court – bringing their specialist knowledge in policing, forensics, and conflict-related sexual violence as well as crimes against children.

    Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk, said:

    The UK and France hold many shared values and we discussed how we can work together to help the International Criminal Court bring war criminals to justice.

    In close cooperation with our allies, we will continue to condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s aggression and help hold those responsible to account.

    While in Paris, the Lord Chancellor also met a number of legal firms and representatives to further promote British legal services internationally.

    It builds on the ‘GREAT Legal Services campaign’, dedicated to building the UK’s profile overseas and expanding our global networks.

    The meeting comes ahead of next month’s G7 Justice Ministers’ Meeting, hosted in Japan, where countries will determine how to assist Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts in the fields of law and justice.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – Statement on High Commissioner’s report on Sudan [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – Statement on High Commissioner’s report on Sudan [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2023.

    Statement on the report of the High Commissioner on human rights situation in Sudan, as delivered by Simon Manley, UK Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva.

    Thank you Mr President,

    This statement is on behalf of the Core Group on Sudan – Germany, Norway, the United States and the UK.

    We condemn the Sudanese authorities’ move to declare SRSG Volker Perthes persona non grata. We continue to support him, and urge Sudan to cooperate fully with his mandate.

    The human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan as a result of this conflict has deteriorated even further since the recent Special Session. Every day there are new allegations of human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law, by both parties to the conflict, that have driven mass displacement within and out of Sudan. We are particularly horrified at reports of increasing ethnic-related violence, and sexual and gender-based violence, in parts of Darfur.

    Mr President,

    We stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people, and condemn this conflict and the violations and abuses it has led to. We call again for an immediate, complete and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire.

    As Ministers meet today to pledge their support for the humanitarian response in Sudan and neighbouring countries, we urgently call for full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, protection of civilians and full respect for humanitarian principles. Sudan must return to peace, stability, and transition to civilian government through an inclusive political process. Anything less is a betrayal of the Sudanese people.