Category: Press Releases

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.

June 22, 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.
June 22, 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.

June 22, 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.

June 22, 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.

June 22, 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.

June 22, 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.
June 22, 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.

June 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : NATO welcomes innovators to help tackle security challenges [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 June 2023.

Applications have today opened for world-class innovators from the UK and across NATO with novel ideas to help solve critical defence and security problems.
- Applications open for world-class innovators to help solve security challenges
- Work to take place with leading innovators and entrepreneurs – from early-stage start-ups to more mature companies.
- NATO has selected accelerators for the 2023 pilot challenge programme.
NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) aims to support the best and brightest innovators to develop innovative technologies which could have defence and security benefits.

Staffed by experts in innovation, working with universities, industry and governments across NATO’s 31 member countries, DIANA will work to deter and defend against future threats.

The first pilot challenge call, which will run until late August, focuses on three areas:
- Energy resilience – providing resilient power in disaster or conflict
- Sensing and surveillance – gathering information from underwater
- Secure information sharing – providing trusted data anywhere
In the face of continually evolving threats across the globe and rapid technological development, NATO has recognised that the Alliance must work hard to understand and keep pace with this changing environment. DIANA will identify, develop and support the adoption of the dual-use emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs), such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

In line with the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, the DIANA programme aims to support the foundation, growth and success of start-ups working to drive innovation and forward-thinking in Defence.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

We cannot underestimate the importance of prioritising technological innovation to tackle global security challenges.

The launch of the DIANA work is a key step for NATO and will help harness the expertise that can be found across the Alliance. The UK is proud to be working closely with our Estonian counterparts and other NATO Allies.

The European Regional Office is based at Imperial College London and will work in lock-step with our Estonian partners, based in Tallinn, who will soon open a regional hub. In May, President of Estonia, Alar Karis, joined Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, on a visit to the White City site to see how it had become home to some of the world’s most innovative organisations. A regional office for North America will open in Halifax, Canada.

Having achieved initial operating capability today, and expected to be fully operational by 2025, DIANA has access to NATO resources including grant funding, accelerator programming, and pathways for innovators to adapt their solutions for defence and security needs. DIANA will work very closely with the NATO Innovation Fund, a separate body, which will invest in start-ups developing dual-use technologies. The NATO Innovation Fund is the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund, backed by 23 NATO Allies and €1 billion.

NATO has selected five accelerators, in the US, Estonia, Italy, and Denmark, to take part in the pilot challenge, with the UK supporting our partners in Estonia. These accelerators will help equip businesses with the skills and knowledge to navigate the world of deep tech and dual-use innovation.
June 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam – UK statement to OSCE committee [June 2023]

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

Justin Addison (UK Delegation to the OSCE) tells the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Committee that intentionally attacking exclusively civilian infrastructure is a war crime.

The UK Delegation would like to thank the Austrian Chair of the Economic and Environmental Committee for convening a special meeting on the consequences of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.

The dam was the region’s main hydroelectric infrastructure and provided cities, towns, and villages across Southern Ukraine with much of their water supply. The loss of this water supply, as well as the direct impact of widespread flooding, will result in environmental, economic, humanitarian and development consequences that will be felt well into the future.

The extent of damage to the environment will likely take two years to fully understand. But we know that significant contaminants have been released into the water and may spread into soil, rivers, and the Black Sea. The affected region may also revert to desertification without the benefit of irrigation.

The UK has commissioned a team of experts at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Hydraulics Research Station Wallingford to conduct a rapid environmental impact assessment into the scale and nature of impacts, using available data.  This will help future, more detailed environmental assessments and eventually the area’s reconstruction.

The destruction of the dam is a major catastrophe, and we would not be in this position if it was not for Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine. As my Foreign Secretary said recently, intentionally attacking exclusively civilian infrastructure is a war crime. Those responsible for such acts must be held accountable.

On Thursday an emergency convoy of lorries carrying donated flood equipment, including pumps and temporary barriers, left the UK for Ukraine. Equipment donated by the UK’s Environment Agency will offer a significant capability to pump water out of flooded areas and protect from further flooding.

Mr Chair, providing assistance is well within the OSCE’s mandate and responsibility, and we thank the organisation for its continued support to Ukraine on this issue.

June 21, 2023