Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : UK and Singapore Enhance Cooperation in Sustainable Finance and FinTech [July 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 27 July 2023.

HM Treasury and Monetary Authority of Singapore joint statement on the eighth meeting of the UK-Singapore Financial Dialogue.

London, 27 July 2023… The United Kingdom (UK) and Singapore held the 8th UK-Singapore Financial Dialogue in London yesterday. The Dialogue facilitated a useful exchange of views, and identified opportunities for further collaboration on joint projects, in priority areas such as sustainable finance and FinTech and innovation.

Sustainable Finance

Both countries agreed on the urgent need to develop approaches that facilitate and scale financing to support the transition of economies to net zero.

A. Transition Finance:

The UK and Singapore agreed that globally comparable and transparent transition plans that include credible forward-looking information can help reduce fragmentation, scale transition finance, and support sustainability in finance more generally. Both countries recognised the value of increased cooperation on transition plans to mobilise real economy emission reductions. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) provided updates on Singapore’s focus on scaling blended finance and addressing energy transition needs in Asia, MAS’ Finance for Net Zero Action Plan (FiNZ Action Plan) and initiatives to mobilise green and transition financing to catalyse Asia’s net zero transition. The UK provided updates on the Transition Plan Taskforce’s (TPT) work to finalise its disclosure framework and the TPT’s international engagement with governments and regulators on the international applicability of the framework alongside the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) final standards.

B. International standards:

The UK and Singapore re-affirmed their continued support for a global framework of sustainability disclosures based on the ISSB final standards for general reporting on sustainability and for climate-related disclosures. Both countries are committed to implementing globally interoperable sustainability disclosures. Both sides also welcomed the International Organization of Securities Commissions’ (IOSCO) endorsement of the ISSB’s standards. It was recognised that a global framework for transition and sustainability disclosure standards is necessary to promote a simple, consistent, and effective regulatory environment for firms, regulators, and financial authorities. Both the UK and Singapore agreed to support the ISSB in implementing the standards and reaching its goal of achieving globally interoperable disclosure standards by, for example, supporting capacity building efforts and sharing experiences. Both countries also exchanged views on their respective Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data and ratings codes of conduct which have been published for consultation[1]. The UK and Singapore agreed to explore how to deepen bilateral cooperation and promote global coordination and common expectations.

C. Nature and Biodiversity:

The UK and Singapore re-affirmed the need to deepen the understanding of nature and biodiversity loss and its impact on the financial sector. Both countries welcomed an upcoming joint research project on nature-related financial risks in Southeast Asia involving the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and the Singapore Green Finance Centre, which is co-managed by Imperial College Business School and Singapore Management University (SMU). The UK shared its efforts to quantify UK’s financial and economic risks from exposure to nature degradation through the work by the UK’s Green Finance Institute with support of the Bank of England (BoE) and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK provided an update on the latest developments from the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), ahead of the final publication of the TNFD framework in September 2023.

FinTech and Innovation

The UK and Singapore exchanged views on the latest developments on their respective work in the digital space.

A. Crypto and Digital Assets:

The UK and Singapore agreed to contribute to efforts to develop global regulatory standards for crypto and digital assets as part of international standard setting bodies such as IOSCO, and working groups under the Financial Stability Board (FSB), and welcomed the FSB recommendations on crypto-assets including stablecoins. The UK provided an update on its approach and industry feedback on the Future Financial Services Regulatory Regime for Crypto-assets consultation[2], and the regulatory rules for marketing crypto-assets[3]. Singapore shared its perspectives on regulatory developments on stablecoins and consumer protection measures for Digital Payment Token Services[4].

B. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC):

The UK and Singapore held a productive discussion on their respective approaches towards CBDC, with the UK updating on the “Digital Pound” consultation and plans for the current design phase. Singapore shared its approach towards exploring use cases for a digital Singapore Dollar, and efforts that are being undertaken to foster interoperability[5]. Singapore also provided an update on its exploration of wholesale CBDC[6] for cross-border foreign exchange settlement. Both countries will continue discussions and share insights and experiences.

C. Project Guardian:

Singapore shared the latest developments on its private-public sector collaborative initiative to test the potential and feasibility of asset tokenisation. Both countries agreed to consider future collaboration opportunities in this area.

D. E-Wallets:

The UK welcomed the outcome of MAS’ review of e-wallet caps, including the increase to the relevant limits imposed on e-wallets[7].

Cross-border Arrangement for selected Trading Venues

The UK provided an update on the cross-border arrangements between the UK and Singapore for exchanging information in relation to derivatives trading venues, which concerns (i) the UK’s and Singapore’s derivatives trading obligations; and (ii) the classification of regulated markets for the purpose of Exchange Traded Derivatives trading. Both countries acknowledged the value of continued cooperation to support the G20 OTC derivatives reforms.

The UK and Singapore renewed their commitment to engagement beyond the Dialogue through a series of roadmap engagements. Further cooperation was agreed on Sustainable Finance and FinTech and Innovation ahead of the next Financial Dialogue due to be held in Singapore in 2024.

An industry-led UK-Singapore business roundtable on sustainable finance took place on 25 July 2023. Industry participants discussed the financing opportunities and challenges in meeting net zero targets, and how the financial industry could help to address these.

The Dialogue was jointly chaired by Deputy Managing Director (Markets and Development) of MAS, Mr Leong Sing Chiong, and Director General (Financial Services) of HM Treasury (HMT), Ms Gwyneth Nurse. The Dialogue was attended by senior officials from MAS, HMT, BoE, Financial Conduct Authority, the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in London, and the British High Commission in Singapore.

About the Monetary Authority of Singapore

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is Singapore’s central bank and integrated financial regulator. As a central bank, MAS promotes sustained, non-inflationary economic growth through the conduct of monetary policy and close macroeconomic surveillance and analysis. It manages Singapore’s exchange rate, official foreign reserves, and liquidity in the banking sector. As an integrated financial supervisor, MAS fosters a sound financial services sector through its prudential oversight of all financial institutions in Singapore – banks, insurers, capital market intermediaries, financial advisors and financial market infrastructures. It is also responsible for well-functioning financial markets, sound conduct, and investor education. MAS also works with the financial industry to promote Singapore as a dynamic international financial centre. It facilitates the development of infrastructures, adoption of technology, and upgrading of skills in the financial industry.

About HM Treasury

HM Treasury is the UK government’s economic and finance ministry, maintaining control over public spending, setting the direction of the UK’s economic policy and working to achieve strong and sustainable economic growth.

The department is responsible for:
- public spending: including departmental spending, public sector pay and pension, annually managed expenditure (AME) and welfare policy, and capital investment;
- financial services policy: including banking and financial services regulation, financial stability, and ensuring competitiveness in the City;
- strategic oversight of the UK tax system: including direct, indirect, business, property, personal tax, and corporation tax;
- the delivery of infrastructure projects across the public sector and facilitating private sector investment into UK infrastructure; and
- ensuring the economy is growing sustainably
27/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s atrocities against Ukrainian civilians continue – UK Statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 July 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland says that Russia must cease its inhumane practices of detaining and deporting Ukrainian civilians, including children.

Thank you, Mr Chair. As we approach recess, I want to reflect on the scale of Russia’s aggression in the short time since the Easter recess. Russia has killed civilians in missile strikes on Kyiv, Odesa, Kramatorsk, and across Ukraine. They have targeted grain facilities and cargo infrastructure, including in Odesa last night it seems. They have bombarded a cathedral. They bear the ultimate responsibility for the destruction of Kakhovka dam, which was under their control, and the subsequent damage to the surrounding area. Russia has shown blatant disregard for International Law. And while attacking civilian infrastructure and killing innocent people, Russia has spread lies and disinformation, in a desperate attempt to justify Putin’s intention to subjugate its sovereign and democratic neighbour. And for what? None of the war aims stated at the outset have been remotely met.

In the areas that Russia temporarily controls in Ukraine, Russia’s brutality is also evident. Vast numbers of Ukrainian civilians have been subjected to Russia’s calculated so-called “filtration” process. We have all seen the reports. Innocent civilians are being detained and violently interrogated. Many of those are forcibly transferred to other locations and detention centres. Families often have no idea where they are and may never see them again.

According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, more than 91% of civilian detainees held by Russia experience torture and ill-treatment. This includes sexual violence. And since 24 February last year, the UN has recorded the summary execution of 77 Ukrainian civilians arbitrarily detained by Russian forces. Russia’s so-called “filtration” process is part of a wider strategy to suppress resistance, destroy Ukrainian cultural and national identity, and erase Ukraine’s future.

Amongst Russia’s appalling atrocities is their treatment of Ukrainian children. The Ukrainian authorities have recorded the forcible deportation of over 19,000 Ukrainian children by Russian forces. The true figure is likely to be much higher. Many deported children have been relocated to a network of re-education camps in illegally annexed Crimea and deep within Russia. Other children find themselves in social care institutions of the Russian Federation. Among the victims are thousands of orphans. Children have been removed from their homes in Ukraine without the consent of their parents, legal guardians, or the directors of their institutions. Russian authorities are not registering these children or sharing information with the relevant authorities, which is in violation of Russia’s obligations under International Law.

The OSCE’s third Moscow Mechanism report exposed the violations of the rights of children deported to the Russian Federation, including denying their right to identity, their right to family, and their right to unite with their family. We are determined to hold to account those responsible. So, on 17 July the UK announced new sanctions, including ten individuals and one entity involved in the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children. These individuals have played an insidious role in Russia’s calculated programme of deportation.

Mr Chair, last week, we were encouraged to engage in more ‘dialogue’ in this room. And yet the pace of Russia’s appalling behaviour is as high, if not higher, than ever. What kind of dialogue is possible against this backdrop of unprovoked aggression, widespread human rights abuses and violations, and the manifestly absurd pretence that Ukraine is somehow to blame or has provoked such treatment? We all know that during the course of Russia’s campaign of aggression, the Helsinki principles have been comprehensively undermined. We as diplomats are trained to find solutions. But there cannot be dialogue as usual under these conditions. Putin must end this illegal invasion and withdraw all Russian forces from all of Ukraine.

Mr Chair, over this summer, the UK will continue to monitor Russia’s actions closely. There is no respite for the people of Ukraine, who continue to sacrifice their lives in pursuit of peace, freedom, and the integrity of their country. Principles that the OSCE is built to protect. We stand with them, and they will win. Thank you.

27/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Cultural Trustee appointed to the National Portrait Gallery [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 27 July 2023.

The Prime Minister has appointed Victoria Siddall as Cultural Trustee to the National Portrait Gallery for a term of four years.

Victoria Siddall

Appointed for a 4-year term from 3 July 2023.

Victoria Siddall is a strategic advisor to museums and businesses, and an international advocate for a more sustainable art world. She was previously Global Director of Frieze, founding Frieze Masters and then leading art fairs across London, New York, Los Angeles and Seoul.

In 2020, Victoria co-founded Gallery Climate Coalition – a charity and membership organisation for the art world which has over 900 members in 42 countries, all of whom have committed to a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. She is a trustee of Gallery Climate Coalition and works with environmental charities on strategy, advocacy and fundraising.

Victoria is Chair of the Board of Studio Voltaire, a non-profit gallery and artist studio complex in London that has recently reopened after major capital redevelopment. She is also a Trustee of the Ampersand Foundation and a member of the Board of Frieze.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees of the National Portrait Gallery are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.

Victoria Siddall has not declared any significant political activity.

27/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Review into the number of prisoners who died on Alderney during the Nazi occupation [July 2023]
The press release issued by the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation on 27 July 2023.

Lord Pickles announces a review of evidence into the number of prisoners who died on the Channel Island of Alderney during the Nazi occupation.

Today (27 July 2023), the United Kingdom’s Post Holocaust Issues Envoy and Head of UK Delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Lord Eric Pickles announced a review of evidence into the number of prisoners who died on the Channel Island of Alderney during the Nazi occupation.

The camps in Alderney were significant in the history of the Holocaust not just because they were sited on British soil, but because they provide evidence of ‘extermination through labour’ (Vernichtung durch Arbeit) in the construction of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall.

There has been considerable speculation in recent years over numbers of individuals murdered by the conditions in the camps.

Lord Pickles said:

Numbers matter because the truth matters. The dead deserve the dignity of the truth; the residents of Alderney deserve accurate numbers to free them from the distortion of conspiracy theorists. Exaggerating the numbers of the dead, or even minimising them, is in itself a form of Holocaust distortion and a critical threat to Holocaust memory and to fostering a world without genocide.

The review will give historians, journalists, residents, and anyone with a theory an opportunity to explore their thoughts with eleven of the world’s leading experts, in an atmosphere that combines openness with academic rigour. All are welcome.

I hope this review will put to rest conspiracy theories on numbers and provide lasting dignity to the dead and some peace to the residents of Alderney who continue to remember them at the Hammond War Memorial every year in May.

Lord Pickles has now appointed a team of eleven independent, experienced, and internationally recognised experts to build on pre-existing knowledge and come together to examine files from archives across Europe to identify what they consider to be the most accurate number of people who died under the occupation.

We are also pleased to be receiving expert assistance from the Archives at Yad Vashem, the world’s preeminent Holocaust Centre, in order to locate relevant documentation related to Alderney.

The expert group will announce their findings in a report to be published in March 2024.

They are:
- Project chair: Dr Paul Sanders (NEOMA Business School, Reims, France)
- Professor Marc Buggeln (Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany)
- Dr Gilly Carr (University of Cambridge, UK)
- Dr Daria Cherkaska (Staffordshire University, UK)
- Mr Kevin Colls, MSc (Staffordshire University, UK)
- Dr Karola Fings (Heidelberg University, Germany)
- Professor Fabian Lemmes (Universität des Saarlandes, Germany)
- Benoit Luc, MA (Directeur du Service Départemental de l’Office National des Combattants et Victimes de Guerre de Loire-Atlantique, France)
- Jurat Colin Partridge OBE (Alderney)
- Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls (Staffordshire University, UK)
- Professor Robert Jan Van Pelt (University of Waterloo, Canada)
The terms of reference for the expert group are:

1. To review knowledge and records to identify the number of prisoners who died in Alderney during the Nazi occupation.

2. To review knowledge and records to identify the number of prisoners / forced / slave labourers (of all categories / nationalities / places of origin) who passed through Alderney.

3. To evaluate submissions from the public, noting that the evidence obtained may be relevant to points (1) and (2) above and may be included feeds in the final report.

4. To produce a report on the findings of the enquiry.

As this is an open and transparent exercise we would like to invite members of the public to take part in this review of evidence.

If anybody wishes to submit their own evidence, files, or calculations of the number of the dead or of the number of forced and slave labourers / prisoners who passed through Alderney, they should do so using the instructions provided below. Submissions will be reviewed by the expert panel as part of their research.
27/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK remembers the sacrifice of the armed forces in the Korean War [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 July 2023.

Commemorations are being held across the country to remember the sacrifice of British soldiers in the Korean War, with more than 1,000 killed in action.

Across the country today, commemorations are being held to remember the sacrifice of British personnel who fought and died in the Korean War to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended military conflict.

In London, Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Defence Minister Baroness Goldie will lead the UK in remembering the 81,084 UK men and women who served in the conflict, including more than 1,000 British servicemen who were killed in action, at a Royal British Legion national memorial service on Horse Guards Parade in London.

Up to 1,000 people, including His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Yoon Yeocheol, and Korean war veterans, are expected to pay their respects at the ceremony outside the British Army’s Headquarters in London, where the Chief of the Defence Staff and Baroness Goldie will each lay a wreath.

Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, said:

It’s an honour to be in the Republic of Korea to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice alongside the veterans from the conflict.

81,000 British Troops fought alongside the UN and Korea, with 1,108 paying the ultimate price. This anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect with pride on the role that all played in securing freedom for South Korea, on which a vibrant, dynamic and democratic society has been built.

The anniversary is also an opportunity to celebrate the successes of our long enduring friendship and to reiterate the UK’s commitment to upholding peace and security in the Indo Pacific, and around the world.

In the Republic of Korea, Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey yesterday (Wednesday 26 July) and the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders laid wreaths at the Battle of Imjin Memorial, also known as the Gloster Hill Memorial, in memory of personnel from The Gloucestershire Regiment who died in one of the conflict’s deadliest battles.

Today, tribute will also be paid by the Minister to the UN partner forces who came from around the world to repel the North Korean invasion.

The Minister will attend a special commemoration ceremony hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans to mark UN Forces Participation Day.

Joining the Minister will be 11 British veterans of the conflict and four who served in Korea after the war, who have travelled to the nation with their families for the anniversary.

Elsewhere across the UK, commemorations will be held at the Scottish Korean War Memorial in West Lothian, with all three services represented by senior and junior ranks.

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire hosted an early morning ceremony attended by representatives of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force, who laid wreaths at the Korea Memorial and Armed Forces Memorial. A Piper from F Company Scots Guards also performed.

Defence Minister Baroness Goldie said:

As the UK marks 140 years of relations with the Republic of Korea, we come together to remember all the thousands of people who fought for freedom in the Korean War 70 years ago. Those who sacrificed their lives will never be forgotten. Freedom is one of our most precious global attributes and those who died in the Korean War remind us that freedom is never free.

At Horse Guards, three currently serving personnel will deliver readings and serving personnel will also build a Drumhead – a traditional Army service where Regimental drums are placed on top of each other to form an altar, before an Army Bugler will sound The Last Post and lead into a two-minute silence. The silence will be broken by the Bugler playing the Reveille.

British Army Band Colchester will play the National Anthem and contribute to a performance of a Korean folk song.

The Korean War

The Korean War began on June 25 1950 when the Northern Korean People’s Army, backed by the Soviet Union, launched a military operation to conquer South Korea and unify the territories of the Peninsula under the North Korean communist regime.

The UK and the United States were among several nations that heeded the United Nations’ call to take up arms in defence of South Korea, with 81,084 British personnel serving in the theatre of operations. 1,106 British troops died in action.

Armistice negotiations began in July 1951, but it wasn’t until two years later that a peace agreement was signed at Panmunjom and hostilities between the two nations finally ceased.

The conflict is often referred to as the ‘forgotten war’ because of the relatively scant attention it receives in comparison to other conflicts of the era, namely the Second World War and the Cold War.

The Korean War Memorial in Victoria Embankment Gardens, which takes the form of a bronze statue of a British soldier, was gifted by the Republic of Korea to the UK in 2014 to honour the British troops that served in the conflict.

The UK and South Korea

2023 marks 140 years of UK-Korea relations, with South Korea remaining a critical partner for the UK as both countries seek to uphold a rules-based international system, promote peace in the region and protect freedom of navigation.

The UK has made a clear commitment to enhancing Indo-Pacific security, by shifting greater resource to the region and developing nations’ ability to police and protect their waters.

Two Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessels are deployed to the Indo-Pacific on a permanent basis, and in their first year of operation succeeded in enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea, helping the Fijian government to combat illegal fishing and providing humanitarian assistance to Tonga following the January 2022 Tsunami.

The UK’s Carrier Strike Group will return to the Indo-Pacific in 2025, representing our commitment to exercise the best capabilities our Armed Forces have to offer alongside partners in the region.

27/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Support for Bucharest Pride 2023 – joint statement [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 July 2023.

British Embassy Bucharest and other diplomatic missions and international organisations signed a statement supporting Pride 2023 and the LGBTIQ+ community in Romania.

Joint statement signed by 31 countries and international organisations, Bucharest, 27 July 2023:

We, the undersigned diplomatic missions and international organisations in Bucharest, express our support for Bucharest Pride 2023. This is the 18th edition of this annual event celebrating the diversity and dignity of the LGBTIQ+ community in Romania.

Bucharest Pride, and all Pride events across Romania, are important occasions to stand up for LGBTIQ+ rights and inclusion. We commend the organisers, volunteers and participants for their work and commitment to achieve equality. We reaffirm our commitment to respecting, promoting and protecting the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics.

We firmly support the LGBTIQ+ community in Romania in its pursuit of equal rights, in accordance with international human rights law and the principle of universal human rights. The European Court of Human Rights has established a strong framework for protecting the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. The Court has set out obligations to ensure equality under national laws, such as the establishment of effective hate crime response mechanisms, legal protection for same-sex families and a transparent, consistent, and accessible legal gender recognition procedure for transgender people.

In this context, we encourage the Romanian authorities to address any current legal gaps for the full realisation of LGBTIQ+ rights.

Equality, diversity, non-discrimination and respect for universal human rights are part of our core values, and we must act to defend these values, both at home and globally. We recognise that more needs to be done to achieve full equality for LGBTIQ+ persons.

We will continue to work with Romanian authorities and civil society to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Signed by the following diplomatic missions and international organisations in Bucharest, listed in alphabetical order:

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, European Commission Representation in Romania, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Romania and UNHCR Representation in Romania

27/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Lord Chancellor calls for lawyers in Mail investigation to face “full force of sanctions” [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 27 July 2023.

The Lord Chancellor has written to the Chair of the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority following the Mail’s investigation.
calls for the use of “full force of sanctions available” if evidence found of wrongdoing

urges the SRA to undertake a review as “Ensuring public confidence in our immigration system is a top priority for the government”

The Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk has written to the Chair of the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA) to call for the “full force of sanctions” to be used against lawyers found guilty of breaching their professional obligations.

It follows an investigation by the Daily Mail which showed alleged wrongdoing by lawyers appearing to offer ways for potential clients to mislead immigration officials in exchange for payment.

While the vast majority of lawyers are upstanding individuals who work to the spirit and the letter of the law, anyone found guilty of abusing their position as legal professionals should face the consequences imposed by the independent regulator.

This is vital to ensuring that unscrupulous individuals do not undermine public trust in the immigration system.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

While the vast majority of lawyers take their professional responsibilities seriously, these allegations of exploitation and unscrupulous practice brought to light by the Mail are truly shocking and it is vital that those found to be abusing their position face the full consequences of their actions.

I am determined to rebuild the public’s confidence that it is their country and their government who should decide who comes here, not people looking to profit from undermining our laws. That’s why this government will continue to strain every sinew to end the abuse of our system and stop the boats.

In his letter, the Lord Chancellor said:

I would strongly encourage you to use the full force of sanctions available to you against solicitors where there is a finding of a breach.

Solicitors are critical to the operation of a fair immigration system. I know that the overwhelming majority take their professional duties and obligations extremely seriously.

However, any examples of practices which fall short of the high ethical standards we expect of solicitors risk serious disruption to the immigration system, tarnishing the reputation of those working in this area, and critically undermining public confidence.

The Lord Chancellor has also called for this incident to result in a follow up to the immigration advice review done by the SRA last year, which found there were no widespread or systemic failings or issues with quality.

It did, however, agree that firms needed to make more effort to put proper supervision in place. It also identified specific firms that were falling short and referred them into the SRA’s enforcement process.

The Lord Chancellor continued:

Ensuring public confidence in our immigration system is a top priority for the government. I was therefore appalled to read recent examples in the media of apparent abuse of the system by individuals relied upon to give legal advice.

In light of these recent allegations, I would urge you to undertake a targeted follow up to last year’s thematic review as soon as possible.

The SRA is independent from government and it regulates all solicitors and most law firms in England and Wales. It takes action against solicitors who don’t follow the rules – for instance, by taking someone’s money or acting dishonestly and last year the government gave the SRA new powers to fine rule-breakers up to £25,000.
27/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK statement on violence in Niger [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 July 2023.

The Minister for Africa Andrew Mitchell has made a statement following violence in Niger.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister for International Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said:

The UK is closely monitoring events taking place in Niger’s capital.

The UK condemns in the strongest possible terms any attempt to undermine stability and democracy in Niger.

The UK joins the African Union and Economic Community of West African States in their calls to end the unacceptable events seen today, and to ensure the full and swift restoration of Niger’s democratically elected institutions.

27/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE : The Russian attack on the Transfiguration Cathedral in Ukraine strikes at the heart of the civilian community – UK statement at the Security Council [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 July 2023.

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

I’d like to start by joining others in thanking ASG Khiari for your informative briefing.

Since it terminated the Black Sea Grain Initiative last week, Russia has unleashed a new barrage of strikes on Ukraine’s towns and cities.

On Sunday, Russia attacked Odesa’s UNESCO-listed city centre, injuring dozens, including four children.

Among the buildings badly damaged, as we’ve heard, was the Transfiguration Cathedral – Odesa’s largest Orthodox church.

The Transfiguration Cathedral has been bombed twice in 1936 on Stalin’s orders and now by Putin’s order.

This act of cultural and religious vandalism struck at the heart of the civilian community and was condemned by the Director-General of UNESCO.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has left a wide trail of destruction across the country. UNESCO has verified damage to over 270 cultural or historical sites, including libraries, churches, theatres, museums and memorials.

Thousands of artworks and other artefacts have been stolen.

Russia is imposing its laws and education systems in Ukraine, restricting Ukrainian media and indigenous languages and trying to indoctrinate Ukrainian children through forced transfers to Russia.

Russia is seeking to destroy Ukraine’s history, identity and cultural heritage.

With these strikes, Russia is also harming the world’s hungriest. By targeting Ukraine’s Black Sea and Danube ports, Russia is trying to damage Ukraine’s ability to export food.

It’s already destroyed tens of thousands of tonnes of food and reduced Ukraine’s ability to store its upcoming harvest, pushing up global food prices.

We stand with the people of Ukraine as they rebuild after Russia’s attacks, and we fully support the UN’s continued efforts to bring food onto global markets.

Russia is not even trying to hide the cynicism and cruelty of its illegal war.

It is trying to bring Ukraine to its knees and to wear down the international community.

But Ukraine will not be subjugated and we will not relent in our support for Ukraine, including in this Council.

27/07/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Millions of children get access to life-saving defibrillators [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 25 July 2023.

The government has ensured every state school in England has a defibrillator with 20,376 devices delivered to 17,862 schools.

The government has confirmed today (25 July 2023) that all state-funded schools in England now have a life-saving defibrillator, drastically increasing the chances of surviving cardiac arrest for all state school pupils in England.

Following the government’s £19 million rollout, over 20,000 defibrillators have successfully been delivered to almost 18,000 schools since January.

In June, the Department for Education oversaw the successful completion of deliveries of defibrillators to secondary schools. Now, all eligible primary, special and alternative provision schools who did not already have a defibrillator have received deliveries, boosting their numbers in communities across the country.

Today’s milestone marks another step in the government’s commitment to delivering stronger, safer communities across the country.

In July 2022, the government committed to delivering these devices before the end of the 2022 to 2023 academic year to ensure that all state funded schools in England had access to a defibrillator, following the campaigning from Mark King of the Oliver King Foundation to ensure all schools have a defibrillator. Mark tragically lost his son, Oliver, after he suffered sudden cardiac arrest at school during a swimming lesson when he was 12-years-old.

Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan said:

Having access to defibrillators in schools drastically increases the chance of pupils, teachers and visitors surviving a cardiac arrest.

Thanks to the tireless campaigning of Mark King, Jamie Carragher and Nicola Carragher we are proud to say that every state-funded school in England now has access to a defibrillator.

Teachers and pupils across the country can now be reassured that they will have access to one on school grounds should tragedy strikes.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, said:

We know that quick access to a defibrillator can save someone’s life if they’re having a cardiac arrest.

I’m proud that the government has ensured all state schools have defibrillators, but we want to go even further.

That’s why we’ll be inviting organisations to bid for a share of £1 million of government funding to buy life-saving defibrillators for community spaces, like town halls and parks across England.

Oliver King Foundation founder, Mark King: > We as a family and foundation will continue to strive for change so no other family has to suffer as we are. > > We would like to say a massive thank you to Nadhim Zahawi, Lord Stuart Polak, Jamie Carragher and the DfE for helping us aim for legislation. > > Oliver’s memory will live on and lives will be saved!

Large schools have been provided with 2 or more defibrillators so that they can be strategically placed in areas of the schools where a cardiac arrest is more likely, such as sports halls.

A defibrillator is a machine that is placed externally on the body and is used to give an electric shock when a person is in cardiac arrest i.e. when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body. Prompt defibrillation can help save a person’s life.

The government is also supporting schools in making defibrillators available to the community, with 1,200 external heated defibrillator cabinets being provided to primary and special schools by the end of 2023 in areas of deprivation, where provision is generally lower.

The rollout will build on existing requirements for schools to teach first aid as part of the curriculum, with secondary school pupils being taught life-saving methods such as CPR and the purpose of defibrillators. This rollout will help protect schools and their local communities against cardiac arrest, delivering wider access to these devices.

George Woods, Chief Business Officer for Education and Enterprise at St John Ambulance, said:

It’s fantastic news that our eligible state schools will have this lifesaving technology at their fingertips should it be needed.

Defibrillators are an incredibly important piece of equipment and can often dramatically increase the chances of someone surviving a cardiac arrest.

We are delighted that pupils, staff and visitors to the school can benefit from these devices in the event of a medical emergency until further help arrives.

At St John Ambulance, we know that community first aid saves lives, and this is the perfect example of a whole community coming together to make it a safer place to be.

James Cant, Chief Executive at Resuscitation Council UK said:

It’s great news that 20,000 defibrillators have now been delivered to all state schools across England, it’s now essential that they are regularly checked, registered on the Circuit and always rescue ready.

We need to see more defibrillators placed outside school gates in high-risk areas so they are available to the community, so it’s encouraging to see that 1,200 community facing defibs will be rolled out by the end of the calendar year.

27/07/2023