Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Securing sustainable peace across Colombia will require continued investment – UK Statement at the Security Council [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 April 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council briefing on Colombia.

Thank you, President. I’d like to start by thanking SRSG Ruiz Massieu, Mr Šimonović, and Mr Londoño for their briefings and welcome Foreign Minister Leyva to our meeting today. I’ll make three points.

First, I’d like to recognise President Petro’s restated commitment to putting comprehensive implementation of the Peace Agreement at the heart of his Government’s approach to building sustainable peace. We welcome the strengthened peace architecture in Colombia, including the recent mandate extension of the Committee for the Follow-Up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement.

Second, colleagues, violence and weak state presence in many areas of the country continues to have a serious impact on the daily lives of too many Colombians, particularly in rural, afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. It also frustrates implementation of many aspects of the peace agreement including the safety of former combatants.

The Government’s efforts to secure a reduction in violence across the country – including over the course of the upcoming round of talks between the Government and the ELN – are therefore crucial.

In this context, we thank Foreign Minister Leyva for his recent letter inviting the Council to consider an expanded role for the UN Mission, and we look forward to the Secretary-General’s advice on possible outcomes.

Colleagues, it is also clear that much of the ongoing violence is driven by criminality, particularly the drug trade. It is essential that we bear down on those who are profiting from misery and destruction – together. We look forward to working with the Colombian authorities to tackle this shared problem with renewed vigour.

Third, on the issue of rural reform, we welcome progress on the restitution of land to indigenous communities and the Government’s ambition to expand access to land further. We urge further momentum in implementation, including through the agreement and delivery of the National Development Plan and support to former combatants living outside reintegration areas. We commend wider reintegration efforts including to promote greater political participation.

Colombia remains an example to the world of the transformative power of peace. But realising the full benefits of the peace agreement and securing sustainable peace across the country will require continued investment. The UK remains committed to supporting Colombia through that process.

Thank you.

April 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Economic Secretary announces new Financial Conduct Authority Board appointment [April 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 13 April 2023.

HM Treasury has today (13 April) announced the appointment of Sophie Hutcherson to the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority alongside the reappointment of Bernadette Conroy for a second term.
- Sophie Hutcherson has been appointed to the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Non-Executive Director.
- Sophie has 30 years’ experience in financial services having been a senior advisor to the CEO at Wells Fargo and having held various senior positions at Deutsche Bank UK.
- Bernadette Conroy has also been reappointed to the FCA Board as a Non-Executive Director for a second three-year term.
- Ben Broadbent has been reappointed for a third term to the Prudential Regulation Committee, the Board of the Prudential Regulation Authority.
HM Treasury has today (13 April) announced the appointment of Sophie Hutcherson to the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) alongside the reappointment of Bernadette Conroy for a second term.

Sophie Hutcherson will join the Board on 17 April. Sophie has 30 years’ experience in financial services having worked as senior advisor to the CEO at Wells Fargo and held various senior positions at Deutsche Bank UK.

Bernadette Conroy’s executive career was spent in the financial services sector, where she gained 29 years’ experience at HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Booz Allen Hamilton.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, said:

“I am delighted with the appointment of Sophie Hutcherson to the Board of the FCA, and I am pleased to be able to reappoint Bernadette Conroy to her role on the FCA’s Board.

“Their wealth of commercial experience within the financial services sector will strengthen the FCA’s Board and ensure the UK’s regulatory framework supports the Government’s vision at a time when Parliament is adding an important new duty on growth and international competitiveness.”

Chair of the FCA, Ashley Alder, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Sophie to the Board of the FCA, bringing a wealth of commercial experience from her more than 30 years as a leader in the financial sector, and with the reappointment of Bernadette, so we can continue to benefit from her strong focus on strategic delivery.

“As the remit of the FCA continues to grow, it is vital our Board can draw on a range of experiences.”

In addition, Ben Broadbent has been reappointed for a third term to the Prudential Regulation Committee, the Board of the Prudential Regulation Authority. This will align to conclude on 30 June 2024 when his second term as Deputy Governor for Monetary Policy at the Bank of England is also due to end.
April 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government to celebrate Tartan Week in New York City [April 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 April 2023.

Scotland Office Minister John Lamont’s US trip promotes culture, investment and trade.

The UK Government will be represented at New York’s Tartan Week, when Scotland Minister John Lamont attends the Tartan Day Parade this weekend on Saturday 15 April.

Marking its 25th anniversary this year, Tartan Week is an annual celebration of Scottish heritage in the Big Apple. It celebrates the deep cultural ties between Scotland and the United States, and features a bagpipe parade through the streets of Manhattan.

Minister Lamont will be accompanied on the parade by performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The all-female troop is made up of two pipers, a fiddle player and four dancers. They will be representing the internationally-renowned Tattoo at Tartan Week for the first time.

In addition to the parade, Minister Lamont will take part in a number of other events, including:
- Attending a recreation of the first Tartan Week parade 25 years ago, which went from the British Consulate to the UN Plaza. This will include performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- Hosting a reception with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, showcasing the best in Scottish arts and culture. Refreshments at the event will be provided courtesy of Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky.
- Taking part in a panel discussion on renewable energy and the drive to Net Zero, hosted by the Scottish North American Business Council and involving representatives from both sides of the Atlantic.
- Attending a roundtable event with members of the financial services industry hosted by EY and the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade.
The Minister’s presence at Tartan Week highlights the importance of the relationship between Scotland and the United States, the significant contributions that Scottish-Americans have made to American society, as well as our many trade links. The USA is Scotland’s top exports market, with latest figures showing services exports worth £5 billion and goods exports worth £4 billion, and with beverages alone counting for more than £1 billion.

UK Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

I am very pleased to be representing the UK Government at New York’s Tartan Week. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Scotland and our world class exports – be they financial services, Scotch or ceilidh dancing. The ties between Scotland and the United States are strong and enduring, and events like this showcase the lasting and important friendship between our two countries.

Business and Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston said:

Our trading relationship with the US is a hugely important one, with Scottish businesses exporting billions of pounds worth of high-quality goods and services each year.

Events such as Tartan Week help us to celebrate these links, but also to further strengthen ties with US buyers.

We’ve already made encouraging progress in removing trade barriers at state and federal level, and the UK Government will continue to do all it can to deliver for Scottish businesses and consumers.

Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:

We are delighted to be invited by the Scotland Office to New York’s 25th Tartan Week celebrations. The opportunity to share Scottish and military traditions as our Tattoo performers march alongside other extraordinary local and international Scottish organisations highlights our ambition to share our rich heritage with the world.

Allan Hogarth, Executive Director of the Scottish North American Business Council, said:

We are delighted to have assembled a panel of experts for the 25th Anniversary of Tartan Week. They will showcase Scotland’s strengths in the renewable energy sector and also explore the challenges on both sides of the Atlantic on key issues including climate mitigation and adaptation and city operations, sharing best practice in New York and Scotland.

The UK Government works tirelessly around the world to promote and protect the interests of Scotland. Through our network of 282 missions in 180 countries and territories, British diplomats represent the interests of the whole United Kingdom, generating trade and investment and proudly promoting Scotland’s rich culture and heritage.

The UK Government has been seeking to remove trade barriers with the United States through a series of state-level MoUs, with more expected in the coming months. There have also been major trade breakthroughs at the federal level, including the removal of restrictions preventing high-quality Scottish beef from being sold in the US and resolving the Section 232 tariff dispute, resulting in the removal of 25 per cent tariffs on British steel.

The Tartan Parade, which takes place on Saturday 15 April is a highly anticipated event in New York City, drawing thousands of spectators each year. The parade features marching bands, traditional Scottish dancers and a procession of bagpipers. The event has become a beloved tradition in the Big Apple, and is a testament to the enduring cultural legacy of Scotland in the United States.
April 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands [April 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 April 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte this morning.

Discussing the latest situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked the Dutch leader for the Netherlands’ ongoing support to the country, both militarily and in pursuit of justice for alleged war crimes.

The leaders reflected on the close collaboration between the UK and the Netherlands on supplying new capabilities to Ukraine in the coming months, and agreed on the importance of increasing operability between NATO and Ukrainian forces.

Looking ahead to the NATO summit in July, the leaders said it was important Sweden formally joined the alliance before the meeting.

Discussing the shared challenges faced by the UK and the Netherlands, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together across Europe to tackle illegal migration.

The Prime Minister said he was also pleased the UK and the Netherlands were working so closely through the North Sea Summit to harness the potential of offshore energy in the region and further shore up energy security.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

April 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Police given more time to focus on solving crimes and protecting public [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 13 April 2023.

National Police Chiefs’ Council estimates changes to recording processes will save 443,000 hours of police time a year.

Police will have more time to prioritise victims of crime and bring criminals to justice under new rules announced today to cut unnecessary red tape when recording crime.

Victims reporting multiple offences will have more support from police, as officer time is freed up to focus on bringing justice rather than on duplicative record keeping. It follows a National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) review which found that 443,000 officer hours are spent filling in unnecessary forms and burdensome administrative tasks – time that could be better spent cutting crime and keeping our streets safe.

All reported crimes for a single incident will now consistently be recorded under the ‘principal offence’, rather than as multiple entries on a database that effectively re-records the same incident. The police will continue to pursue all offences involved, understanding how they are linked, as part of their thorough investigative work.

This will bring a consistent approach to the recording of all offences, seeing crime recorded more accurately. It also aims to drive up charge rates for crimes and make sure perpetrators face the highest penalties. For example, under these changes, where a victim has experienced stalking with criminal damage occurring to their property, police will now put stalking at the forefront of their investigation.

Today’s changes will be accompanied by training for officers in how to investigate such offences, to get the best results for victims.

Minister for Crime and Policing Chris Philp said:

Overall crime, excluding fraud and computer misuse, has halved since 2010, but we are determined to go further.

Victims must always be at the centre of our response to crime. Listening to forces and cutting unnecessary red tape will mean police officers can focus on solving crime and delivering justice for victims, as well as preventing it from happening in the first place.

We are confident that we will reach our target to have most police officers in history. With less unnecessary admin, we want them to be our most effective police officers in history too.

The changes will:

standardise counting rules with the ‘principal offence’ approach across the board, to record the crime which has the most impact on a victim
save police time by no longer recording cases of messages that might offend someone or where a public disturbance occurred but has been resolved. This will require sign-off by a supervisor such as a Police Sergeant
make it easier to cancel recording of a crime where there’s enough evidence that none was committed. The sign-off required will vary on the gravity of the offence
The changes will take effect in the coming weeks, following recommendations from an in-depth review by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Crime Data Integrity, Chris Rowley.

Gavin Stephens, Chair of the NPCC, said:

Police officers must be totally focused on keeping people safe and ensuring they feel safe. We want to provide the best possible policing to the public and the work of the Police Productivity Review is aimed at removing barriers and improving effectiveness.

The review has already identified that 443,000 officer hours are spent filling in forms and dealing with unnecessary administrative tasks. These equate to the equivalent of attendance at 220,000 domestic abuse incidents, 270,000 burglaries, or almost 740,000 antisocial behaviour incidents.

Any move to free up our frontline to serve our communities is welcome.

Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, said:

We all want to see the police spending as much time as possible catching criminals and keeping the communities they serve safe.

Officers and staff must be able to maintain high standards and properly record and investigate reported crimes whilst not becoming bogged down in unnecessary bureaucracy. Anything that helps policing focus on its core mission, including this change, is to be welcomed.

Marc Jones, Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said:

As the public’s representatives to policing we have long called for changes to the way crime is recorded, to ensure it is more transparent and less bureaucratic.

We welcome these changes which will simplify recording, enable the police to focus on cutting crime and allow Police and Crime Commissioners to better hold our Chief Constables to account on behalf of victims and the public.

Spearheaded by the Home Secretary’s common-sense policing campaign, posting messages that may offend someone but where no victim has actually been identified should no longer be considered a crime.

Police will also be empowered to make decisions on cases where communications, such as text messages or letters, are malicious or rude, but not threatening. Officers should be on our streets investigating crimes like burglary, not comments made online. As such, they will consider if such issues should be dealt with by social media companies instead.

This follows new statutory guidance on the recording of so-called non-crime hate incidents, which will ensure police are prioritising the freedom of expression that our nation is built on.

And police will no longer need to record public disturbances that have already been dealt with or are quiet once the police arrive at the scene.

The improvements will give a clearer picture of police caseload and better hold them to account for their response. Reviews of the counting rules are regularly undertaken, with significant changes previously made in 1998, 2002, 2015 and 2017. The Crime Survey for England and Wales is the best measure of trends in crime experienced by the general public according to the Office for National Statistics and remains unaffected by the changes.

We are determined to bring all offenders to justice. Together with policing and the Crown Prosecution Service, we are looking at best practice models across England and Wales, and ensuring processes are proportionate. We will make sure the criminal justice system can work as one, reducing burdens such as unnecessary redactions, while maintaining victim and witness confidence.

Frontline public services must also match community and individuals’ needs. A new agreement between policing and health partners is being developed to deliver better care for people in a mental health crisis and free up police officers’ time to focus on fighting crime. This addresses concerns raised by Chief Constables over the amount of resource being diverted away from police work to respond to mental health emergencies.

The new National Partnership Agreement will be underpinned by the principle that mental health incidents should receive a health response first – while recognising some situations may still require police presence. Following this Agreement, local police and health partners need to work together to deliver improvements to triage methods used by the police, to ensure the right agency responds to a mental health incident, removing police involvement earlier in the process where it isn’t needed.

Further changes are expected following the NPCC’s review of police productivity, which intends to provide clear, practice and deliverable recommendations to improve the efficiency of policing.

April 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Father and son who operated illegal waste business in court [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 13 April 2023.

A father and son who ran a waste business at their then home in Sticker, Cornwall appeared in court on Tuesday.

Michael Joseph Richards, 59, now living at Menorca Lane, Bugle and his son, also called Michael, aged 31 now of Ocean Rise, Scredda pleaded guilty at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court. Richards Junior, who admitted three offences, was ordered to pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £4,443. In the case of Richards Senior, magistrates decided that the offences, together with a similar previous conviction, was too serious for a fine and ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He will now be sentenced on 18 May.

Magistrates noted that reoffending was unlikely as the land has since been sold.

In a case brought by the Environment Agency both men admitted offences relating to running a waste site at their former home at The Paddocks, St Stephen’s Road, Sticker, without a permit. In addition, Richards Junior was also charged with transferring waste without a written description and with not being registered to carry controlled waste.

The court heard that in September 2020 the Environment Agency was informed that waste was being taken to the site and burned. A month later the fire service was called to a fire at the site where they found building and household waste including plasterboard, timber, cement bags, rigid insulation, electrical appliances, furniture and plastic household objects. Surrounding the fire was more waste debris including radiators, fridges and a caravan. The fire was close to a gas tank and the main A390 road which meant there was the potential for causing a smoke hazard.

Environment officer Stephen Clark went to the site soon after where he found more household waste, car tyres and a caravan full of building waste. Richards Junior was served a notice to provide waste transfer notes within a week, but he did not respond. At a later meeting at the site with Richards Junior he agreed to remove the waste and admitted that he had taken much of it there when he was not registered to do so.

Richards Junior failed to comply with a notice to remove the waste and by June 2021 it was still there, with more waste having been taken to the site.

Following the hearing, Stephen Clark from the Environment Agency said: “This was both an environmental and fire hazard as well as being a blight on the village, added to which, such illegal waste activities undermine the work of legitimate businesses in the sector.”

Notes to editors

Michael Richards Senior pleaded guilty to two charges:

Between 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, permitted the carrying on of a waste operation, on land known as The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell in respect of which no environmental permit was in force.

Contrary to regulations 38(1)(b) and 12(1)(b) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016

Between the 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, deposited, or knowingly caused or knowingly permitted the deposit of controlled waste including mixed building and household waste on land, namely The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell, in respect of which no environmental permit was in force.

Contrary to section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Michael Richards Junior pleaded guilty to three charges:

Between the 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, deposited, or knowingly caused or knowingly permitted the deposit of controlled waste including mixed building and household waste on land, namely The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell, in respect of which no environmental permit was in force.

Contrary to section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

On dates unknown between 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, when transferring waste, including mixed building and household waste, between places unknown and to The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell, failed to secure that there was transferred such a written description of the waste as would enable other persons to avoid a contravention of Section 33 Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Contrary to Section 34(1)(c) and 34(6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990

On dates unknown between 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021 being a person who is not a registered carrier of controlled waste, did in the course of your business or otherwise with a view to profit, transport controlled waste, namely mixed building and household waste to The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell, being a place in Great Britain.

Contrary to section 1(1) of the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989.

April 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Martin Egan appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Debt Management Office Advisory Board [April 2023]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 13 April 2023.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith MP, has appointed Martin Egan as a Non-Executive Director of the Debt Management Office (DMO) Advisory Board.

Martin has extensive experience in financial markets, including as former Global Co-Head of Primary and Secondary Credit at BNP Paribas.

In this role Martin will support the DMO’s Chief Executive and senior team and bring considerable experience, skills and judgement to the full array of Advisory Board issues.

Martin will be appointed for a three-year term. He will replace Paul Richards whose term on the DMO Advisory Board has come to an end.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith said:

“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Egan. He will bring a vast amount of knowledge, skill and experience to the Advisory Board, helping the DMO to continue delivering its critical role.

“I would also like to thank Paul Richards for his excellent contribution to the work of the DMO.”

Sir Robert Stheeman, Chief Executive of the DMO, said:

“I am delighted that Martin Egan has been appointed to join our Advisory Board as a Non-Executive Director.

“Martin’s extensive knowledge and experience of fixed income markets means that he will be well placed to support the DMO in continuing to deliver its critical objectives, including meeting the government’s financing requirements, to the highest standards.”

Martin Egan said:

“It is an immense privilege to act in an Advisory Role for the UK DMO in an incredibly exciting but also challenging environment. The UK DMO is recognised globally for its expertise and best in class standards and I hope my experience can assist the evolution of the DMO as we embrace the financial markets of the future.”

About Martin Egan

Martin Egan has 37 years of experience in financial markets. Most of his career was spent at BNP Paribas in various roles including Managing Director Global Co-Head Primary and Secondary Credit, Vice Chairman of the Global Markets Client Board, and Chair of BNPP UK Ltd. He was also Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Network at BNPP UK. Earlier in his career he held roles at JP Morgan Ltd., UBS Investment Bank and Credit Suisse First Boston.

Martin was also the Chair of the Board of the International Capital Market Association from May 2017 to May 2018, and a member of the Board for another 5 years before that.

Martin confirmed he has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

About the appointment process

The DMO is an executive agency of HM Treasury which is responsible for debt and cash management for the UK Government, lending to local authorities and managing certain public sector funds.

Martin Egan has been appointed following an open recruitment process run by HM Treasury. A panel comprising of Dame Sue Owen (Non-Executive Chair, DMO Advisory Board), Ruth Curtice (Director of Fiscal, HM Treasury) and Kevin Parry OBE (independent panel member) interviewed a number of candidates and made recommendations to the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, which informed his decision.

April 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK bolsters support for Ukraine and low-income countries [April 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 13 April 2023.

Chancellor confirms UK stands ready to provide additional $500 million in UK guaranteed loans for Ukraine, plus $670 million in new loan funding for developing nations.
- New money brings total UK funding for IMF’s trusts to $5.3 billion to help reduce poverty and boost energy security, plus $1 billion for Ukraine this year
- Funding confirmed as Chancellor reaffirms his plan to get the U.K. economy growing to global finance ministers meeting in Washington D.C. this week
Today, Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has confirmed the UK stands ready to provide an additional $500m in UK guaranteed loans for Ukraine, taking this year’s total to $1 billion and the total amount pledged by the UK in support of Ukraine to £6.5 billion. This comes as he attends the International Monetary Fund’s Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., alongside fellow supporters of Ukraine, and today took part in a roundtable on support for the country.

This new money will help to meet Ukraine’s economic needs including covering the costs of vital government services, such as running hospitals and schools as well as supporting the most vulnerable Ukrainians.

The Chancellor has also committed a further $670 million to reduce poverty and drive growth, going above and beyond previous commitments to boost financial support for developing nations through the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust. With this pledge the UK has fulfilled the commitment made during its G7 Presidency to deliver multi-billion-dollar funding to fight poverty and boost growth.

This funding brings the total given by the UK to the Trust to $2 billion and comes alongside the UK’s delivery of a $3.3 billion pledge to the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust, which provides affordable long-term financing to low-income countries and vulnerable middle-income countries to address challenges such as climate change, energy security and pandemic preparedness.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

The $1 billion of budget support we have committed to Ukraine this year will ensure that the country has the financing to keep the lights on, hospitals running and schools open. This, alongside UK military support, will help defeat Putin.

But our efforts for a fairer world don’t end there. We are also making good on our G7 Presidency commitments and delivering a multi-billion-pound package of support to reduce poverty and bolster energy security across developing countries.

The UK’s financial commitment to Ukraine has helped unlock the IMF’s provision of a $15.6 billion 4-year programme for the country.

In total, the UK has pledged £6.5 billion in support of Ukraine, including $1 billion in loans guaranteed by the UK to support Ukraine’s economy in 2023 – meaning that it can continue to pay pensions and public sector pay – and £2.3 billion in military support for 2023. This June the UK will also host the Ukraine Recovery Conference, focussing on mobilising further private sector investment.

At the IMF Spring Meetings, the Chancellor will also highlight the impact of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine on the global economy and push for action in addressing developing country needs on debt. The economic impacts from Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine are being felt across the globe, with developing nations particularly affected by increases in food prices. The latest $670 million commitment to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust adds to the UK’s previous agreement to the fund of $1.3 billion, with the total now standing at $2 billion.

The Chancellor signed this commitment on Wednesday alongside IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. In this meeting, he also finalised a $3.3 billion pledge on behalf of the UK to the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust. Funding for this Trust will play a vital role in providing financing to bolster energy and combat climate change, including for Ukraine and other countries worst affected by the war.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Russia continues to bombard Ukraine’s people and destroy Ukrainian infrastructure. The UK is resolute in its commitment to support Ukraine until peace is agreed on Ukrainian terms.

This funding will boost Ukraine’s economic resilience and bolster its resistance against Russia. Working with the IMF and international partners, I am proud of the UK’s contribution to unlocking vital finance for Ukraine.

Ensuring Ukraine’s fiscal, humanitarian and recovery needs is a core part of our long-term commitment to Ukraine. That’s why the UK is proud to be co-hosting – jointly with Ukraine – the Ukraine Recovery Conference.

A challenging World Economic Outlook published by the IMF earlier this week predicted a ‘rocky road’ for global economies, including the U.K., however Britain is still forecast to see faster growth than Germany, France and Italy in each of years from 2025 to 2028. The UK avoided recession in 2022 and is now expected to avoid recession this year. According to the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, the UK is on track to more than halve inflation this year and reduce debt by the end of the forecast period.

The Chancellor is currently attending his first IMF meeting in Washington D.C., discussing how his Autumn Statement and Spring Budget have set the UK on a stable path to growth. He will attend IMF Committee meetings, G7 and G20 finance minister meetings and a series of bilateral engagements.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

Our support for other countries comes at a time when I am deeply focussed on getting the UK’s economy growing, and our plan for that is working as we’re on track to halve inflation this year.

A strong UK economy, creating jobs and raising living standards for all will benefit citizens at home as well as having knock on positive impact around the world.
April 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New holiday let rules to protect local people and support tourism [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 12 April 2023.

New proposals will introduce a requirement for planning permissions for short term lets in tourist hot spots.

New rules to give communities greater control over short-term lets in tourist hot spots, while also strengthening the tourism sector, have been unveiled by the Government today.

A consultation published today by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will propose introducing planning permission for an existing home to start to be used as a short term let – helping support local people in areas where high numbers of holiday lets are preventing them from finding affordable housing.

It will also consider whether to give owners flexibility to let out their home for up to a specified number of nights in a calendar year without the need for planning permission.

Short-term lets are now a significant part of the UK’s visitor economy.

They provide increased choice and flexibility for tourists and business travellers, and also those attending major sporting and cultural events.

The Government wants to ensure the country reaps the benefits of diverse and sustainable accommodation and support the visitor economy, while also protecting local communities and ensuring the availability of affordable housing to rent or buy.

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

Tourism brings many benefits to our economy but in too many communities we have seen local people pushed out of cherished towns, cities and villages by huge numbers of short-term lets.

I’m determined that we ensure that more people have access to local homes at affordable prices, and that we prioritise families desperate to rent or buy a home of their own close to where they work.

I have listened to representations from MPs in tourist hot spots and am pleased to launch this consultation to introduce a requirement for planning permissions for short term lets.

The new proposals come as the Department for Culture Media and Sport also launches a separate consultation on a new registration scheme for short-term lets.

The scheme aims to build a picture of how many short-term lets there are and where they are located, to help understand the impact of short-term lets on communities.

The DCMS consultation follows a call for evidence held earlier in the year, the results of which are published today and indicate broad support for a registration scheme across the sector.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

This new world of ultra-flexible short term lets gives tourists more choice than ever before, but it should not come at the expense of local people being able to own their own home and stay local.

The Government wants to help areas get the balance right, and today we have an incomplete picture of the size and spread of our short term lets market. This consultation on a national registration scheme will give us the data we need to assess the position and enable us to address the concerns communities face.

The government has listened to calls from local people in tourist hotspots that they are priced out of homes to rent or to buy and need housing that is more affordable so they can continue to work and live in the place they call home. The proposed planning changes would support sustainable communities, supporting local people and businesses and local services.

The proposed planning changes would see a planning use class created for short term lets not used as a sole or main home, alongside new permitted development rights, which will mean planning permission is not needed in areas where local authorities choose not to use these planning controls.

Both of these measures are focussed on short term lets, and therefore the planning changes and the register will not impact on hotels, hostels or B&Bs.

The register of short term lets is being introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the planning changes would be introduced through secondary legislation later in the year and would apply in England only.

April 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We want to see a world in which girls have access to education that enables them to protect their health, well-being and dignity – UK at the UN [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 April 2023.

Statement by UK ECOSOC Ambassador Tom Woodroffe at the UN General Assembly plenary session on the UN Commission on Population and Development (CPD).

Thank you very much, Chair, Excellencies, colleagues – good afternoon.

Please note that the UK aligns with the statement delivered by Argentina on behalf of a group of cross-regional Member States.

Let me start by thanking you, Chair, your team, and the other Members of Bureau for your efforts to date. This Commission offers an invaluable opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action, to recognise the important role that UNFPA plays in its implementation, and most importantly to increase our ambition to deliver on the Nairobi Summit commitments. All of that is crucial if we are to achieve the SDGs.

The UK welcomes the Commission’s focus this year on ‘Population, Education and Sustainable Development’. It comes at a key moment, as we build on the outcomes of the Secretary-General’s Transforming Education Summit and as we look ahead to the SDG Summit later this year.

Education, as others have said this morning, is a human right, a gateway to other rights, key to sustainable development, and one of the most effective and lasting investments that governments can make. But too many girls today continue to be denied this right.

We know that girls, in particular, face interlinked barriers to accessing and remaining in education – including adolescent pregnancy and parenthood. Indeed, in 2022, an estimated 50% of adolescent pregnancies in low- and middle-income countries were unintended, caused by a number of factors including early and forced child marriage, sexual abuse, and lack of access to contraceptives. That is a shocking statistic that should concern us all.

The UK is committed to working to address this – education, health and reproductive rights are at the heart of our new International Women and Girls Strategy. We want to see a world in which all adolescents and young people, in particular girls, have access to education that enables them to stay in school and protect their health, well-being, and their dignity.

But, in our view, the transformative impact of education can only be fully realised when adolescents and young people are empowered with the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and values to make appropriate and healthy choices in their sexual lives, including contraception, childbirth and responsible sexual behaviour. The evidence is clear: comprehensive sexuality education helps reduce unintended pregnancies, enhances gender-equitable norms, and decreases incidences of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Quite simply, it saves lives.

This fact should not be for debate.

Colleagues, we are one year away from the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development, a key moment for the international community to assess progress made since Cairo. And whilst the general global trend has been positive, we have, in recent years, seen backsliding on many of the gains we have made collectively over the last three decades – limiting women and girls’ lifesaving access to contraception, to quality education, to safe abortion, and to maternal health services.

As we look ahead to ICPD at 30, the UK will continue to listen to and amplify the voices of women, adolescents, and girls and those most marginalised and to empower them as decision-makers, advocates, and leaders to make informed choices – their choices – over their lives and bodies, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.

Thank you very much.

April 14, 2023