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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Funding to help developing countries phase out use of damaging climate gases announced [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Funding to help developing countries phase out use of damaging climate gases announced [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 20 April 2023.

    Environment Secretary announces developing countries will receive £4 million to phase out the use of chemicals found in refrigeration and cold supply chains.

    • £4 million dedicated to phase out the use of chemicals found in refrigeration and cold supply chains
    • Funding will support climate-friendly technologies in developing countries that help reduce food and vaccine loss, as well as increase farming productivity
    • Announcement made as a delegation of scientists visit London for talks and attend No10 reception

    Developing countries will receive £4 million to drive down the emissions of harmful hydrofluorocarbons generated by outdated air conditioning units, cooling refrigeration and cold supply chains, the government has announced today (20th April).

    Hydrofluorocarbons are industrial chemicals primarily used for cooling and refrigeration. They are amongst the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, and when emitted have a global warming potential thousands of times that of carbon dioxide.

    The funding will help deliver an African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain – based in Kigali, Rwanda – which delivers training to farmers, healthcare workers and technicians to uptake more climate friendly and energy-efficient cooling.

    As well as reducing emissions, developing nations will be better placed to store food and medicines more efficiently with the use of more efficient technologies. These will also help to improve farming productivity and reduce poverty, as for many crops up to 40% of the harvested produce is lost before being sold.

    The Environment Secretary has made the announcement as she is set to welcome a delegation of climate scientists from the UN Montreal Protocol’s Assessment Panels to a reception in No.10 Downing Street later today.

    The scientists will discuss the next steps of the Montreal Protocol, designed to protect the earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of harmful ozone-depleting substances and then extended to cover hydrofluorocarbons through the Kigali Amendment.

    The UK is a global leader in the fight against climate change, integral to the agreement of the Protocol and leading the world in the ambition to keep global warming under 1.5 °C through our presidency of COP26 and leadership at COP15 placed nature at the heart of tackling the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

    The Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

    The UN Montreal Protocol has played a vital part in protecting our ozone layer from harmful depleting substances and, as a global leader in the fight against climate change, I am delighted to be able to welcome the scientists leading the charge on this to Downing Street.

    This funding will help developing countries to play their part in tackling climate change and communities across the world with storing food and medicines more efficiently – as well as support farmers to increase their productivity.

    Alongside improvements to cooling equipment efficiency, UK leadership for early action on hydrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol could avoid up to a degree of warming by the end of the century. The UK continues to cut consumption of hydrofluorocarbons at a faster pace than required under the Kigali Amendment to the UN Montreal Protocol – since 2015, levels have been reduced by 55% and by 2030 this will have phased down by 79% under existing legislation.

    On top of today’s announcement, a further £1.2 million is being allocated towards the development of a roadmap and virtual modelling tools to help developing countries pilot techniques before they are implemented – enabling them to deploy the most efficient and cost-effective approach to more sustainable cooling.

    The UK is a global leader in supporting efforts to halt the decline in nature and restore the natural world, with UK leadership helping to deliver an ambitious new global deal for nature to protect 30% of our land and ocean by 2030 at the UN Nature Summit COP15 in December.

    Through UK programmes such as the Darwin Initiative, the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, and the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund the UK is supporting developing countries around the world to restore habitats, tackle the trade in illegal wildlife and deal with the drivers of habitat loss that put the environment at risk.

    Professor Toby Peters, Professor in Cold Economy at University of Birmingham and Heriot-Watt University, and leading the collaboration of UK Universities supporting the work in Africa and India, said:

    Sustainable and equitable cooling and cold-chain is now more than ever critical infrastructure in a warming world. This programme for the first time delivers in an integrated approach that includes on the ground training and support for subsistence farmers and their communities, financeable business models and the network of skilled engineers needed to support equipment installation and maintenance. This work is underpinned by the evidence strategies required to increase investment into the development of sustainable cold-chain and community cooling.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Landowner John Price sentenced for destruction of River Lugg, Herefordshire [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Landowner John Price sentenced for destruction of River Lugg, Herefordshire [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 20 April 2023.

    Natural England and Environment Agency see justice delivered for nature as landowner sentenced for destruction of part of the River Lugg in Herefordshire.

    • Natural England and the Environment Agency welcome the sentencing of John Price for the destruction of 1.5km of the protected River Lugg in 2020
    • Habitats of otters, kingfishers, trout and salmon were among those destroyed
    • The damage is the worst case of riverside destruction seen by the organisations and could take several decades to be fully restored
    • This is the first prosecution under Farming Rules for Water

    Natural England and the Environment Agency have today welcomed the seriousness with which the Court has treated the severe and lasting damage to the River Lugg, which destroyed habitats and wildlife on a stretch of one of the country’s most unspoiled rivers.

    John Price appeared today at Kidderminster Magistrates Court where he was sentenced to 12 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £600,000 and disqualified from being a director of a limited company for three years. In addition, a Restoration Order under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 was imposed requiring Mr Price to carry out a number of actions to restore the river.

    The sentence is the result of legal action launched last year by Natural England and the Environment Agency following a joint in-depth investigation into environmental harm caused by the work in 2020 and 2021.

    The River Lugg before destruction by the landowner

    Mr Price used heavy machinery including bulldozers and excavators to dredge and reprofile a 1.5km stretch of the River Lugg at Kingsland, Herefordshire, destroying the riverbed and banks. The unconsented works were in breach of several regulations, including the Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018, also known as the Farming Rules for Water; and operations prohibited in the notification of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which persisted despite Mr Price being issued with a Stop Notice.

    Due to the exceptionally high diversity of wildlife, the River Lugg is a designated SSSI, with 121 river plant species that live in the river and provide habitat for invertebrates, fish and birds. The damage to the river and banks removed the habitats of hundreds of these species including otters, kingfishers and salmon as well as destroying trees, aquatic plant life and invertebrates. It is predicted to take decades to re-establish mature trees to provide the stability, cover and shade to restore the diversity of the river. Fish, plants, native crayfish and birds may take years to make a gradual return to previous populations.

    In sentencing Mr Price, the Judge noted that neither the Environment Agency nor Natural England did anything to encourage these works.

    Speaking after the verdict, Emma Johnson, Area Manager for Natural England said:

    “The destruction of this section of the River Lugg was devastating for the abundance and range of species which thrived in this river. The River Lugg is one of the most iconic rivers in the UK and to see this wanton destruction take place was devastating. This is why we have used our powers as regulators to see that justice was done and to act as a stark warning to others that we will take the strongest action against those who do not respect the laws that protect the environment and wildlife we all cherish. “We want to ensure that Mr Price now takes the necessary actions which we hope, in time will restore this much-loved stretch of river to its former condition.”

    Martin Quine, Environment Agency Place Manager for Herefordshire added:

    “We welcome the outcome of this prosecution for the unconsented works on the River Lugg.

    “The Environment Agency is working hard to restore the health of our rivers. It is a complex task that can only be achieved in partnership with landowners. We provide advice and guidance but will impose sanctions or prosecute where appropriate to protect the environment and ensure those who breach regulations are held to account. The vast majority of landowners and users fully cooperate with this process.

    “While Mr Price’s justification for the works was to help prevent flooding to local properties, his actions did not have any flood prevention benefit. The destruction of river banks is not appropriate flood management. It is important that the Judge recognised that the works significantly weakened flood prevention measures rather than improved them.“We urge landowners never to take extreme measure such as this and instead to always work closely with the Environment Agency around river management to agree the best solutions for both landowners and the environment.”

    As a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Lugg is afforded the highest level of environmental protection. Works to SSSIs or any watercourses must be done in such a way that protects the environment and does not cause any impact on flooding. Such works can only be undertaken after securing permits from the Environment Agency.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government launches new cyber security measures to tackle ever growing threats [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government launches new cyber security measures to tackle ever growing threats [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 20 April 2023.

    New and enhanced cyber security measures will better protect the UK government’s IT systems, which run key services for the public, from growing cyber threats.

    • All government departments and a select number of arm’s length bodies to have their cyber security reviewed under new, more stringent measures.
    • The new cyber security regime, known as GovAssure, will be run by the Government Security Group, part of the Cabinet Office.
    • GovAssure delivers on a key part of the Government Cyber Security Strategy by improving cyber resilience and help government organisations protect themselves from growing hostile cyber threats.

    New cyber security measures will increase the UK’s cyber resilience and protect the UK government’s essential IT functions from ever growing threats. Under the new rules, all central government departments will have their cyber health reviewed annually through new, more robust criteria.

    Known as GovAssure, the new cyber security scheme will be run by the Cabinet Office’s Government Security Group (GSG), with input from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

    GovAssure was announced by Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, at a speech to CyberUK in Belfast.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden said:

    Cyber threats are growing, which is why we are committed to overhauling our defences to better protect government from attacks. Today’s stepped up cyber assurance will strengthen government systems, which run vital services for the public, from attacks. It will also improve the country’s resilience; a key part of our recent Integrated Review Refresh.

    GovAssure introduces a number of changes in the way government protects itself from cyber threats. These include:

    • Using NCSC’s Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) to review the assurance measures all government departments have. The framework includes measures such as setting out indicators of good practice for managing security risk and protecting against a cyber attack and was designed for making critical national services resilient to attack.
    • Departments will also be assessed by third parties to increase standardisation and validate results.
    • Centralised cyber security policy and guidance to help government organisations identify best practice.

    In January 2022, the UK government launched the first ever Government Cyber Security Strategy (GCSS) which laid out the significant challenges facing government security and a clear vision for improving resilience. Today’s announcement delivers on a key part of the aim of the strategy of significantly hardening government systems from  cyber attack.

    Government Chief Security Officer, Vincent Devine said:

    This is a transformative change in government cyber security. GovAssure will give us far greater visibility of the common cyber security challenges facing government. It will set clear expectations for departments, empower hard-working cyber security professionals to strengthen the case for security change and investment, and will be a powerful tool for security advocacy.

    Lindy Cameron, CEO, National Cyber Security Centre said:

    We are committed to ensuring the UK continues to be a leading global cyber nation, which is why we have supported the development of the Cyber Assessment Framework to improve the security of our most critical information systems.

    The government’s adoption of the Cyber Assessment Framework through GovAssure will significantly improve resilience.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government ramps up supply chain work with first independent Critical Minerals Taskforce meeting [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government ramps up supply chain work with first independent Critical Minerals Taskforce meeting [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 April 2023.

    The Department for Business and Trade launches new independent Critical Minerals Taskforce.

    • Department for Business and Trade launches new independent Critical Minerals Taskforce
    • Taskforce will guarantee supply of critical minerals as production of all kinds is expected to rise sharply – some as much as 500% by 2050
    • Government work will ensure UK has strong foothold in this growing market by supporting key investments in related industries

    Today (Thursday 20 April) the independent Task & Finish Group on Industry Resilience for Critical Minerals had its inaugural meeting. The group brings together independent experts to advise the government on where dependencies exist in the UK’s critical mineral supply chains, and how industry can protect its supply.

    Certain minerals are essential for the technologies we depend on for jobs, economic growth, and everyday life, from mobile phones to wind turbines. Minerals like graphite, lithium and silicon are vital to the economy as they are irreplaceable components in products ranging from laptops to aircraft. “Critical” minerals are defined as those that are important and have high levels of supply risk.

    Attending the meeting today, Business and Trade Minister Nusrat Ghani said:

    “We rely on critical minerals far more than people realise. They’re essential to much of what keeps society going, from medical equipment saving lives in hospitals to wind turbines keeping our economy powered up.

    “In an increasingly uncertain world, it’s clear we must do more to safeguard our supply chains – because as the name suggests, these minerals really are critical to our future. This group of experts will help us build resilient supply chains that will make a strong foundation for the new, green industries we’re backing to deliver jobs and growth for decades to come.”

    The Task & Finish Group was commissioned by Minister Ghani and announced in the recent Critical Minerals Refresh publication. Members of the independent group have been drawn from key industry sectors that depend on critical minerals, as well as experts with insights into the supply vulnerabilities of UK industry. The group will deliver an independent report to government later this year.

    Katherine Bennett CBE, Chair of the Critical Minerals Task & Finish Group and CEO High Value Manufacturing Catapult said:

    “Ground-breaking innovations need a reliable supply of raw materials to have real-world impact.

    “We need to be able to trust in our critical mineral supplies. Whether it’s more efficient batteries for electric vehicles or next-generation communications systems, the cutting-edge technologies of today and the innovations of tomorrow are only possible we have secure supply chains.

    “Collaboration is key, and I look forward to working with our panel of cross-industry experts to help put the UK in the best position to grow and thrive.”

    In July 2022, HMG published the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy to promote resilience in critical mineral supply chains, safeguarding UK industry, supporting the clean energy transition and protecting national security and defence capability.

    To deliver these ambitions, collaboration between government, industry, academia and other stakeholders is vital. The Task & Finish Group will harness the wealth of expertise across UK industry – those that depend on a secure supply of critical minerals – to identify supply chain vulnerabilities and promote resilience and diversity, strengthening the competitiveness of the UK and helping grow the economy.

    Membership list:

    • Jeff Townsend, Critical Minerals Association
    • Stephen Hall, Minor Metals Trade Association
    • Helen Kennett, Rolls Royce
    • Kevin Craven, ADS
    • Gabby Costigan, BAE Systems
    • Nathan Earland, Jaguar Land Rover
    • Mike Hawes, SMMT
    • Julian Hetherington, Advanced Propulsion Centre
    • Andy Walker, Johnson Matthey
    • Thomas Birk, BASF
    • Steve Elliott, Chemical Industry Association
    • Dr Cristina Garcia-Duffy,Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
    • Ben Hirst, ITM Power
    • James Robottom, RenewableUK
    • Chris Hewett, Solar Energy UK
    • Tom Greatrex, Nuclear Industry Association
    • Peter Ellingworth, ABHI
    • Gerry Thurgood, National Microelectronics Institute
    • Matthew Evans, Tech UK
    • Andrew Willman, BEAMA
    • Mark Richards, Rio Tinto
    • Ben Jones, Anglo American
    • Guy Platten, International Chamber of Shipping
    • Simon Moores, Benchmark
    • Paul Lusty, Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre
    • Allan Walton, Birmingham Centre for Strategic Elements and Critical Minerals
    • Colin Church, IOM3
    • Amber Rudd, Advisor in energy and security
    • Cherilyn Mackrory MP, APPG for Critical Minerals
  • PRESS RELEASE : OSCE Co-operation with Council of Europe – UK Statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : OSCE Co-operation with Council of Europe – UK Statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

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

    Ambassador Bush welcomes the OSCE’s co-operation with the Council of Europe, an important institution to the UK’s foreign policy agenda.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. On behalf of the UK, I warmly welcome you, Secretary General Buric, back to the Permanent Council. Thank you for outlining your priorities at the Council of Europe and your collaboration with the OSCE. The Council of Europe is, and will continue to be, important to the UK’s human rights and foreign policy agenda.

    The promotion of human rights, rule of law, and democracy across our region and beyond characterises the longstanding and steadfast relationship between the OSCE and the Council of Europe. These common principles continue to define our shared ventures in Vienna and in Strasbourg.

    Both the OSCE and the Council of Europe face a series of common challenges this year. To make progress together we should continue to recognise each organisation’s merits and distinctiveness – working in a coordinated way to engage the unique sets of tools.  The Council of Europe and the OSCE continue to share much common ground, including work on electoral reform; media freedom; anti-trafficking; anti-corruption; protection of national minorities; counter terrorism; inclusive education and protecting cultural heritage.

    Today we meet at an especially challenging time for European Security. As President Putin’s unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine goes on, we continue to see reports of violations of international human rights law and of international humanitarian law by Russia’s forces. Every day we see reminders that the common principles and commitments on which our organisations are founded are being transgressed. The launch of the Council of Europe’s Ukraine Action Plan 2023-26 underscores the international community’s united support for Ukraine.

    The Council of Europe’s fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government next month provides a welcome opportunity to re-affirm and promote our shared commitment to democracy, human rights and the Rule of Law and to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine. The UK will engage fully in the proceedings, including by calling for strong support for Ukraine, a united response to Russia’s aggression, and strengthening multilateralism in Europe.

    Secretary General Buric – in the face of war in Europe and regression of human rights and fundamental freedoms across the region, the work of the Council of Europe and the OSCE remains of the upmost importance. The UK is, and will remain, a steadfast supporter of this work and looks forward to working with the Council of Europe and the OSCE throughout 2023 and beyond.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New data reveals record amounts of cocaine and ketamine seized [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New data reveals record amounts of cocaine and ketamine seized [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 20 April 2023.

    New data released today (20 April) reveals the largest quantity of cocaine and ketamine seized by Border Force and police forces since records began.

    Record amounts of cocaine and ketamine have been seized by Border Force and police forces, new data released today (20 April) shows.

    Border Force and police forces’ record seizures of tonnes of illicit drugs helps to break criminal gangs’ supply chains, keep our borders secure and communities safe.

    In the year ending March 2022, 188,929 drug seizures were made in England and Wales with so-called party drugs cocaine and ketamine reaching the highest levels of seizures on record.

    The quantity of cocaine seized rose by 68% to 18,767kg, while the quantity of ketamine confiscated rose by 884% to 1,837kg.

    The record amounts seized were driven by an increase in the number of high-quantity and intelligence-led seizures by Border Force. Although police forces accounted for 89% of the number of seizures, Border Force seized a much a higher proportion of drugs in terms of quantity.

    Border Force is often involved in operations where large quantities of drugs are seized, for example at airports or maritime ports.

    In the year ending March 2022, law enforcement action by Border Force made up 91% of the quantity of all cocaine and ketamine seizures, 97% of anabolic steroids and 79% of heroin.

    Working in partnership, Border Force, police forces the National Crime Agency and international partners use intelligence and technology to keep our borders safe, prevent drug trafficking and bring those responsible to justice.

    Expert staff use a range of methods including high-tech search equipment and visual checks to detect illegal and restricted goods that criminals attempt to bring into the country.

    These statistics are the first to be published which cover a period following the announcement of the government’s 10-year Drug Strategy to tackle the harms caused by drug misuse in December 2021.

    Securing the border to crack down on supply chains and criminal gangs profiting from the trade in illegal drugs forms a key part of the strategy, which will see £300 million invested in pursuing and closing down the ruthless gangs who exploit and threaten our most vulnerable in society for financial gain. A further £780 million will be invested in treatment and recovery.

    Today, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick is visiting Border Force officials at Heathrow Airport, to commend to their commitment to tackle and break drug supply chains and stop these harmful substances from entering the UK.

    Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:

    We will continue to back Border Force and the police to use every available power to stop dangerous drugs from coming into our country and enforce the law.

    Data released today, which includes a record amount of cocaine and ketamine seized, shows the effectiveness of our approach as we continue to go after the criminals who blight so many communities and destroy lives with these harmful substances.

    Steve Dann, Border Force Chief Operating Officer said:

    These seizures send a clear message to anyone prepared to smuggle illegal drugs into the country that we remain committed to tackle often violent and exploitative drug supply chains.

    Border Force Officers involved in these seizures can be proud of their work in stopping these dangerous drugs from entering our communities.

    In the year ending March 2022, Border Force and the police seized the following quantities:

    • for Class A seizures, 18,767kg of cocaine, 1,412kg of heroin and 43kg of crack cocaine
    • for Class B seizures, 35,436kg of herbal cannabis, 1,837kg of ketamine and 243kg of amphetamines
    • for Class C seizures, 2.5 million doses of anabolic steroids and 21kg of GHB

    In the year ending March 2022, 188,929 drug seizures were made in England and Wales. Although this is a 14% decrease on the previous year, this is likely due to increased drug enforcement activity during COVID-19 lockdowns that has since returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. Nevertheless, the total number of seizures remains the second-highest number of seizures since the year ending March 2014.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We need accountability, not more lies, disinformation and destruction from the Kremlin – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : We need accountability, not more lies, disinformation and destruction from the Kremlin – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

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

    Ambassador Bush says there can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, such as Russia’s attacks against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure.

    Thank you Mr Chair. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and has shown blatant disregard for OSCE principles. This statement will focus on Russia’s failure to adhere to international law, including international humanitarian law. The same laws that Russia helped to create and to which it voluntarily signed up.

    Two Moscow Mechanism Reports, ODIHR’s Interim Reports, and weekly statements at this Council have documented a clear pattern of human rights abuses and violations of international law. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said last month, “severe violations” of international humanitarian law have become “shockingly routine” in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I will focus today on three specific areas of international law: safeguarding civilians; the treatment of prisoners of war; and protection of places of worship.

    Firstly, as Russia is well aware, international humanitarian law prohibits attacks that do not distinguish between military and civilian targets. It also forbids the infliction of suffering, injury, or destruction not actually necessary for military purposes. Attacks like the one on the residential buildings in Sloviansk on Saturday, which reportedly left at least 15 civilians dead – including a two-year-old – and at least 24 others injured. And attacks like the one in Suihurivka, on Orthodox Easter Sunday, which reportedly killed two teenagers.

    We also condemn the ongoing attacks and endangerment of critical civilian infrastructure. The recent landmine explosions near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) are a reminder of the potentially severe consequences for nuclear safety and security. We support the International Atomic Energy Agency’s efforts to help strengthen nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, including the Director General’s leadership on efforts at the ZNPP.

    Secondly, as Russia knows, under international humanitarian law, all prisoners of war should be treated humanely. They should be afforded appropriate medical treatment and basic necessities, and be protected from humiliating and degrading treatment. We welcome the exchanges last week of over 300 prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russia. We are appalled by the recent video, which appears to depict Russian forces executing a prisoner of war. Executing prisoners of war is a war crime.

    We also call on Russia to immediately release all illegally detained persons, including the Special Monitoring Mission national staff. These individuals remain detained simply for carrying out their official duties, mandated by all participating States including Russia.

    And thirdly, international humanitarian law provides extra protection to places of worship and other cultural property. Attacks like the ones on Orthodox Easter Sunday, on three churches in the suburbs of Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and Kherson. As the governor of Dnipro oblast said, it seems that “nothing is sacred” for the Russian armed forces.

    Mr Chair, we need accountability, not more lies, disinformation and destruction from the Kremlin. No matter what the Russian leadership says, obligations under international humanitarian law are non-negotiable. G7 Foreign Ministers reasserted our position earlier this week: there can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, such as Russia’s attacks against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure. We remain committed to holding those responsible to account, including through support to the International Criminal Court.

    Mr Chair, the Russian force’s barbarity has only strengthened Ukrainian resolve and UK support. The way to end this war remains simple. Russia must withdraw all Russian forces and equipment from Ukraine immediately and unconditionally. Those responsible for violations of international law must be held to account. We will not forget. We will not tire. We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace. Thank you Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Paul Lincoln appointed as Ministry of Defence Second Permanent Secretary [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Paul Lincoln appointed as Ministry of Defence Second Permanent Secretary [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 April 2023.

    Paul Lincoln has been appointed as the new Second Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

    The MOD Permanent Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has today (20 April 2023) announced that Paul Lincoln has been appointed as the new Second Permanent Secretary at the MOD.

    The Second Permanent Secretary’s current portfolio covers leadership of a number of high-profile areas across MOD including Defence Strategy, transformation and reform, security and resilience, space policy, science and technology, net assessment and challenge, trade and economic security and strategic relationships with industry. The Permanent Secretary portfolios are subject to change.

    Paul’s career has covered a broad range of leadership roles in the MOD, the Home Office and the Cabinet Office.

    Prior to his current role in industry, Paul was Director General Border Force in the Home Office, with responsibility for protecting border security and overseeing immigration and customs checks. Other senior roles have included Director General of the Home Office’s Crime, Policing and Fire Group and Acting Director General of the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism, covering the full spectrum of responsibilities for countering terrorism and organised crime.

    The Secretary of State for Defence said:

    I am delighted to hear that Paul Lincoln has been appointed as the MOD’s Second Permanent Secretary. Having had the pleasure of working with him before at the Home Office, I know he brings with him enormous experience not just from that department but from previous service in Defence and from working on national security at the Cabinet Office. With the threats rising all the time, Defence faces a particularly challenging period, so Paul’s expertise will be invaluable in helping us navigate the way ahead.

    Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence David Williams said:

    Paul’s appointment as Second Permanent Secretary comes at a crucial time for Defence. The Integrated Review Refresh, and the upcoming Defence Command Paper Refresh are setting the direction and laying out the ways that Defence needs to reform. Agile transformation programmes that embrace digital, innovation and science and technology will be critical to maintaining and enhancing our competitive advantage. Paul’s wide experience, not to mention his time in MOD, makes him a great fit for the challenges we face. I and the rest of the senior team are looking forward to working with him.

    Paul Lincoln said:

    I am delighted to be returning to the Ministry of Defence, where I started my Civil Service career. I look forward to working with the Defence Secretary, the Ministerial team and the excellent people in Defence – both civilian and military colleagues alike – in delivering the Government’s plans at this critically important time for Defence.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces the reappointment of the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces the reappointment of the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 20 April 2023.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the reappointment of Danny Kinahan as the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland.

    Background

    The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioners Office was established in September 2020 to provide a voice for veterans living in Northern Ireland to ensure fairness and safe access to services.

    Terms of Appointment

    The appointment is for a further term of three years, ending on 31 August 2026.

    • The position is a part-time appointment.
    • The position attracts a fixed remuneration of £306 per day plus expenses, with an expectation of a time requirement of 110 days per year.
    • The position is not pensionable.

    Biography

    Danny Kinahan was appointed to the position of Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland on 27 August 2020. He is a former Army Officer, who served as Ulster Unionist Party MP for South Antrim for two years from 7 May 2015 – 3 May 2017. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for six years prior to serving as an MP.

    Danny is also the co-ordinator and co-creator of the Westminster Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Group and is the Deputy Lieutenant for County Antrim.

    Regulation

    This appointment is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements.  Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public.  Danny Kinahan previously declared membership of the Ulster Unionist Party and worked as a district councillor. He stood down from political life prior to taking up the appointment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Vehicle tester and traffic examiner strike – April to June 2023 [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Vehicle tester and traffic examiner strike – April to June 2023 [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 20 April 2023.

    Some vehicle testing and enforcement services might be affected by strike action at times during April 2023, May 2023 and June 2023.

    Some Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) staff who are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) and Prospect unions are planning to take strike action during April 2023, May 2023 and June 2023. This includes:

    • vehicle standards assessors
    • specialist vehicle standards assessors
    • traffic examiners
    • vehicle examiners

    There is different guidance about driving examiner strikes in April 2023.

    The strike action is part of national industrial action by the PCS and Prospect unions over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms.

    When the strike will be held

    The strikes will affect different parts of Great Britain at different times.

    Dates Areas affected Unions taking strike action
    Monday 17 April and Tuesday 18 April North-east England and Scotland PCS
    Thursday 20 April and Friday 21 April North-west England and Yorkshire and the Humber PCS
    Monday 24 April and Tuesday 25 April East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands and parts of London PCS
    Thursday 27 April London, south-east England, south-west England and Wales PCS
    Friday 28 April All areas of Great Britain PCS
    Wednesday 10 May All areas of Great Britain Prospect
    Wednesday 7 June All areas of Great Britain Prospect

    The strike action on Wednesday 10 May and Wednesday 7 June 2023 is likely to affect DVSA’s vehicle services including:

    • MOTs for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses and trailers
    • MOT demonstration tests (specialist tests for people qualifying as an MOT tester)
    • vehicle approval tests

    DVSA does not expect the strike action on other days to affect MOTs for HGVs, buses and trailers, but will not know for certain until the strike action takes place.

    MOTs for cars, vans and motorcycles

    MOTs for cars, vans and motorcycles MOTs for cars, vans and motorcycles are not affected by the strike action. They will be taking place as planned.

    Services for MOT testers

    If you’re an MOT tester with an MOT demonstration test booked on the dates of the strike action, you should still go for your appointment, unless DVSA contacts you to tell you not to go.

    Not all vehicle examiners are union members, and even if they are, they might choose not to go on strike.

    DVSA will automatically rearrange your demonstration test if it cannot go ahead because of the strike action.

    MOTs for HGVs, buses and trailers

    You should go to your vehicle test appointment as planned if it’s on the date of strike action.

    Not all DVSA staff are union members, and even if they are, they might choose not to go on strike.

    If your MOT cannot go ahead

    You will need to book another appointment with an MOT centre if your test cannot go ahead because of the strike action.

    Find an MOT centre for HGVs, buses and trailers.

    Tell DVSA if you cannot book a new test if both of these apply to you:

    • you have contacted your local test centres and have been unable to book a test
    • your MOT expires this month or has already expired

    Report that you cannot book an HGV, bus or trailer MOT.

    If you manage an ATF

    Contact your network business manager if a vehicle standards assessor has not attended your site within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time.

    To help customers with a test booked, DVSA encourages you to contact them directly once you know if their test will be affected.

    Vehicle approval tests

    You should go to your vehicle approval test appointment as planned if it’s on the date of strike action, unless DVSA contacts you to tell you not to go.

    Not all specialist vehicle standards assessors are union members, and even if they are, they might choose not to go on strike.

    If your vehicle approval test cannot go ahead DVSA will automatically rebook your vehicle approval test for you if it cannot go ahead because of the strike action.

    You’ll be sent the new details. You do not need to contact DVSA.