Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : UK encourages greater use of UN sanctions regimes to counter terrorism on the continent of Africa – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 March 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council debate on counter-terrorism.

Thank you President, and thank you for convening this important meeting today, consistent with your personal leadership on peace and stability to drive the Maputo Peace Accords.

The co-ordinated response to the conflict in Northern Mozambique that you secured demonstrates the importance of regional collaboration to stem the spread of terrorism. I also thank the Secretary-General and AU Chair, President Assoumani, for their briefings.

President, as we have heard, the terrorist threat is increasingly transnational and opportunistic, exploiting existing tensions in society. So the international community’s response needs to make the most of all of our expertise and capacity, adapted to different regional contexts as necessary. Let me highlight three priorities.

First, the UK is committed to regional security and intelligence cooperation on the continent of Africa and around the world. We encourage collaboration between the United Nations, the African Union, and Regional Economic Communities, including in mission settings. As with UN and AU-led operations, REC-led missions must have robust compliance and accountability measures, not least to ensure that they do not feed the terrorists’ own narratives. We recognise the challenges of resourcing and sustaining such operations. We look forward to constructive discussions about how this could be improved following the SG’s upcoming report on UN-AU financing.

Second, as we work to cut off the funding of terrorism, we encourage greater use of UN sanctions regimes on the continent of Africa, whilst ensuring continued delivery of humanitarian assistance to states responding to crises. We deeply value our cooperation with regional partners on the 751 Al Shabaab sanctions regime, we have used this to continue tightening the knot on Al Shabaab, including through sponsoring the designation of individuals associated with the group.

Third, we welcome, and endorse, calls for counter terrorism efforts to be holistic, not just military-focussed. As we review the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, we are clear that Counter-Terrorism and Counter Violent Extremism efforts must uphold the protection of human rights, the inclusion of civil society, and the meaningful participation of women, in order to be effective. The UK is working closely with partners across Africa to strengthen security cooperation. In Kenya, for example, the UK funded the establishment of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit’s headquarters in Mombasa, as part of our $8.6 million a year investment to support Kenya’s CT efforts. We also worked with national and county government, civil society and communities to reduce the vulnerability of 800 at-risk Kenyans to radicalisation.

President, in areas of instability, the Wagner Group is part of the problem, not the solution. For example, in Mali and the Central African Republic, we cannot ignore the destabilising role of the Wagner group as they exploit conflict and governance deficits to suck resources out of Africa where it is sorely needed, contributing to environments in which terrorism can thrive.

President, we look forward to the Africa Counter-Terrorism Summit in Abuja in October as a chance to strengthen further our cooperation on this important subject.

Thank you.

March 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New support for Afghans in UK hotels to find settled housing [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 28 March 2023.

Greater support will be given to those resettled and relocated from Afghanistan in bridging accommodation to find settled housing.

Afghans living in temporary bridging accommodation in the UK under the UK’s two resettlement schemes, Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) and Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), will be given additional support to find settled accommodation after 18 months in hotels.

The use of temporary bridging accommodation has ensured that all Afghans have been housed safely from the moment they arrived, but this is unsuitable for children who are adjusting to their new life and schools, does not support individuals to enter the world of work and holds people back from putting down roots in communities.

Currently, Afghans who arrived on ACRS or ARAP make up a fifth of people living in bridging hotels, which is why the government’s new plan intensifies support to help Afghans move on from bridging accommodation. This is the right thing to do to ensure that those to whom we have made commitments are supported.

Today’s announcement will also help to provide more stability for families so they can rebuild their lives in the UK, and ensure they benefit from consistency of public services, schooling, and employment while also helping reduce the use of hotels which do not offer suitable long-term accommodation and have added pressure on local communities.

The government is providing £35 million in new cash for Local Authorities, which will go towards increasing the level of support available and overcoming key barriers in accessing the housing system and employment. This new, generous package of support comes in addition to the existing support available for people on the ACRS and ARAP schemes, including access to welfare and the right to work, as well as access to public services.

The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is expanding the Local Authority Housing Fund by £250 million. This innovative fund is helping councils to source homes to house Afghans currently in bridging accommodation.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer said:

I saw first-hand the invaluable contribution many Afghans made to the British military and our international partners, with many more standing by the UK to uphold democratic values. Others were fleeing genuine persecution and rightly came here through safe and legal routes.

Our commitment to the people of Afghanistan is unwavering, and our new plan, complete with new funding, will speed up the resettlement of Afghans into suitable, long-term housing so they can successfully make Britain their home and find the certainty that brings.

We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the people of Afghanistan, and I would encourage a whole of society effort to help them rebuild their lives here.

In addition, the government has partnered with Britain’s largest housebuilders Barratt Developments and local authorities to provide more than 20 new 4-bedroom homes across the country to support Afghan families. The first two families have moved into homes in Doncaster with the rest to follow in the next few weeks including new homes in Bedfordshire, Canterbury, North Somerset and Telford.

The government will aim to build on this pilot – the Homes Partnership Model – by working with Barratt Developments and further homebuilders to lease properties for Afghans for a few years to start their resettlement journey.

Housing Minister Felicity Buchan said:

We remain committed to doing all we can to support those brave Afghans who have found shelter in the UK.

It is right that we help these Afghans properly put down roots – committing to employment and integrating into communities – which is why the government is expanding the Local Authority Housing Fund to help councils provide homes for them.

This is a national effort, so I am delighted to see Barratt Developments stepping up and also offering homes to our Afghan friends – a fine example to other large housebuilders.

Minister for Immigration, Robert Jenrick said:

Many of these Afghans risked their lives to support the UK – it is right we do all we can to support them as they build their new lives here.

Bridging hotels, although safe and secure, were never meant for long-term living – with the uncertainty limiting the ability of families to put down roots in the UK.

The new support and funding announced today will give families the support they need to transition into settled accommodation so they can enjoy the freedoms of living independently;

Dedicated staff, including Home Office Liaison Officers, DWP work coaches, council staff and charities, will be regularly based in hotels to provide advice to Afghans, including providing information on how to rent in the private sector, helping people find jobs and signposting available English language instruction. Translated guidance will be provided and a helpline is also available for Afghans who arrived under ARAP and ACRS.

Afghans arriving in the UK on ACRS or ARAP have also had the right to work and receive benefits from the first day of their arrival, as well as access to public services.

The government will issue guidance to individuals and families in bridging accommodation in April, detailing what will happen next and the extensive support available to them, before writing to Afghans from the end of April notifying them of when their hotel will be closing. This process will be staggered, with a notice period of three months, and people will be notified at different times to ensure that there is not a disproportionate demand for housing in one area.

Support to find housing for Afghans in the UK under ARAP and ACRS has already helped around 9,000 people into settled accommodation but more needs to be done to help the remaining 8,000 still living in 59 bridging hotels.

Supporting Afghans’ access to housing represents value for money for the UK taxpayer making sure extensive support is in place for people while helping to reduce the use of hotels, which costs around £1 million per day to house Afghans.

Future UK arrivals will go directly into appropriate accommodation in order to successfully integrate into their new homes and have the stability that comes with a permanent place to live.

The government is committed to improving the lives of those Afghans resettled here and will continue to support them and help them successfully make the UK their home and is encouraging everyone in society to play their part, such as through offers of employment or assisting with integration.

March 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : HMS Mersey in Estonia as all three UK Armed Services operating in support of Estonian security [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 March 2023.

Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force bolster security in Estonia as part of NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force.

Royal Navy ship HMS Mersey has been deployed to the Baltic Sea for the last week, operating with the Estonian Navy and Royal Air Force in support of the nations’ security as Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners. This follows Mersey’s recent engagements with Swedish and Finnish Navies.

The British Army and Royal Air Force have also been operating in Estonia, supporting regional security as part of NATO. Estonia is a valued and strategically important defence partner for the UK and working together to respond to shared challenges provides an important boost for European security.

Four Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft have been conducting NATO air policing patrols alongside the German Air Force from Ämari Air Base, near Tallinn. Earlier this year, three Chinooks from 18(B) Squadron from RAF Odiham and approximately 100 RAF personnel deployed to Estonia following an agreement by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace in November 2022 to help bolster defence and security across the Baltic states.

The deployments by the Navy and RAF complement the British Army’s operation in Tapa, leading the NATO enhanced Forward Presence, called Operation Cabrit. Established in 2017, the UK leads a multinational, combat-ready battlegroup to protect and reaffirm the security of the alliance’s member states. British units rotate on a continuous basis alongside Danish, French, and host nation Estonian forces. Around 1,000 British Army personnel are deployed to Estonia on Operation Cabrit.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

The deployment of all three services to Estonia demonstrates the strength of our relationship, exercising and operating alongside allies and partners in support of regional stability in the face of Russian aggression.

The UK and Estonia are Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners – a multinational force made up of like-minded, northern European nations – the UK, together with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. The deployment of HMS Mersey, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, reaffirms the UK’s capability and commitment to the JEF which is committed to European security with the Baltic region as one of its focus areas.

Portsmouth-based HMS Mersey has been working with the RAF Typhoons and long-range maritime patrol aircraft during its deployment. The RAF dispatched a P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to waters off Estonia in a long-range mission – a round trip from its base at RAF Lossiemouth of more than 2,000 miles, The aircraft worked with HMS Mersey to compile a complete picture of maritime activity in the region.

HMS Mersey’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander James Mitchell said:

The capabilities that Poseidon brings are impressive, especially on a foggy day like today when we struggle to identify shipping contacts,” said

Operating together we were able to generate a recognised maritime picture of activity across the Baltic Sea region. It’s another demonstration of our ability to integrate and operate alongside partners and allies both under the JEF framework and as part of the NATO alliance.

Colonel Dai Bevan, Commanding Officer of Operation Cabrit, said:

We recognise the importance of the UK and Alliance presence in the Baltic region to bolster security.

Since 2017, the British Army has led the enhanced Forward Presence in Estonia and welcomes the additional capabilities from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and JEF partners to help ensure the security of Eastern Europe.

Wing Commander Ben Livesey, the Officer Commanding CXX Sqn and who flew on the sortie said:

This was an excellent example of what the Poseidon can do… reassuring our Allies and cooperating closely with our Royal Navy colleagues at range.

The ability to project our RAF Maritime Patrol capability into different areas like this allows us to better understand the battlespace, both above and below the waves, and this ability continues to grow as Poseidon builds towards Full Operational Capability. Despite the poor weather, we were able to achieve our mission objectives whilst conducting valuable training, which prepares us better for future challenges, whatever those may be.

Estonian patrol vessel Kindral Kurvits joined HMS Mersey for three days of combined exercises off the coast of Tallin, and the Head of the Estonian Navy Commodore Yüri Saska embarked on the Royal Navy ship for a day to observe the activity.

For the final exercise during which snow limited visibility to half a mile at times, the Kurvits searched the Gulf of Finland for ‘hostile’ shipping – played by HMS Mersey – which simulated a ship refusing demands to comply during the exercise, prompting the Estonians to call in the RAF, deployed to the country as part of a NATO air policing mission. A jet from IX (Bomber) Squadron, 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, based at Ämari Air Base responded, making repeated low-level passes of the Royal Navy vessel in a show of force.

Lieutenant John Hawke HMS Mersey’s gunnery officer said:

There is a lot we can learn from the Baltic navies – they have different skillsets from us and they operate in a very different geo-political sphere.

Wing Commander Scott MacColl, the Commanding Officer of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing said:

“This was an excellent opportunity for the UK and 140 EAW to demonstrate the flexibility and agility we can bring from a deployed location in Estonia. From an Air Policing posture, the team were able to seamlessly transition into a maritime role, reinforcing our excellent working relationship with Royal Navy units and other RAF capabilities. This versatility is key to interoperability with a wide range of Allies and Partners, and enhancing broader Baltic Security.”

The Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force activities in the Baltic are part of the UK contribution to the NATO and the Alliance’s collective work to ensure security and stability in the region.

Having completed her work in Estonia, HMS Mersey will remain in the Baltic for further exercises with regional navies before returning to the UK in April.

March 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 Universal Periodic Review Adoption – South Africa [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 March 2023.

The UK’s statement for 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review adoption of South Africa.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom welcomes South Africa’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and its response to the Report of the Working Group. We also welcome the steps that South Africa has taken to make progress on human rights since its last review, including efforts to implement a National Strategic Plan on addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

The UK is pleased that South Africa fully supports our recommendation to strengthen measures to address violence against marginalized groups by enacting the Hate Crimes Bill in early 2023. We believe this is an important step to promote accountability and safeguard vulnerable groups.

We reiterate our commitment to working constructively with South Africa as it seeks to strengthen its protection of human rights.

The UK attaches great importance to the concrete steps that South Africa is committing to take to implement the recommendations it accepted, and we therefore strongly encourage South Africa to provide an update on its progress through submitting a mid-term report at the appropriate time.

Thank you.

March 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK coastal communities to receive funding for recreational sea fishing [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 28 March 2023.

UK Government announces funding available for projects that will improve recreational sea fishing across the UK.

Up to £1 million has been made available for coastal communities across the UK to invest in new and improved infrastructure for recreational sea fishing.

Eligible applicants can now bid for between £10,000 and £100,000 for projects to upgrade recreational fishing facilities, reduce carbon emissions, support the protection and recovery of the marine environment, and provide training to help recreational sea fishermen operate in a more sustainable way.

Recreational sea fishing involves fishing for the purposes of pleasure, tourism or sport. With an estimated two million recreational sea anglers taking to the water every year, recreational sea fishing contributes over £800 million to the UK economy annually and boosts local economies through activities such as fishing tournaments, boat rental, bait and tackle supply, and local tourism.

Part of the £100 million UK Seafood Fund infrastructure scheme, this funding will ensure recreational fishing continues to prosper by backing projects which could enhance piers and harbours, create more accessible paths, floating walkways and pontoon dockings; and promote fishing tournaments.

Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

Recreational sea fishing is a small but mighty part of our fishing industry. It contributes to the economic growth of coastal communities and is a much-loved sport that can improve the health and well-being of those who take part.

This new round of funding will encourage the development and expansion of the sport in coastal areas, promote and support more sustainable fishing practices, and ultimately make recreational fishing bigger and better for anglers across the UK.

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

The £100 million UK Seafood Fund is a crucial part of our commitment to help level up coastal communities and deliver the Prime Minister’s priorities of growing the economy and creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.

So far, Scotland’s world renowned fisheries, seafood and aquaculture sectors have won £8.4 million in grants from the fund and I urge eligible applicants to come forward and bid for investment for new and improved infrastructure for recreational sea fishing in Scotland.

The £100 million UK Seafood Fund is supporting the long-term future and sustainability of the UK fishing and seafood industry by backing innovation, skills and job creation around our coastline.

This is the latest funding from the UK infrastructure scheme and will be open until 19th June 2023. Applicants can apply here: Atamis Contracts Search (force.com).

It means at least £65 million in grant funding has now been made available through the scheme to improve infrastructure right across the seafood supply chain, including investment in fleet modernisation and the trialling of hybrid and electric engines; and improved capability at ports, harbours, processing and aquaculture facilities. Successful bidders include Scottish company Denholm Seafoods who will install equipment to increase production of mackerel and herring, and Cornish based Falfish who will invest in new technology to grade, freeze and pack pelagic fish in support of building two purpose-built Sardine fishing vessels.

Nearly £20 million was awarded in the first round of the infrastructure scheme for projects including the expansion of processing facilities for popular British fish like Scottish salmon and Cornish sardines, with a further £30 million made available in round two. The small scale fishing fleet will also benefit from an initial £2 million investment to trial new, greener engines and help create a safer, more sustainable fishing fleet.

The second round of the UK Seafood Fund Skills and Training scheme is also currently open for applications, with up to £10 million available to fund training projects and facilities for workers in the seafood and aquaculture industry and recreational angling sector.

March 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Increased funding for care homes providing nursing [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 28 March 2023.

Additional funds will help cover the costs of nursing care, ensuring the vital service can continue to support the needs of residents who rely on it.
Rate paid to care homes for NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) to rise by 5% for 2023 to 2024

Standard weekly rate per person eligible for FNC will increase from £209.19 to £219.71 from 1 April 2023

Increased funding for care homes providing nursing will support tens of thousands of care home residents with nursing needs following confirmation that government will increase the rate by 5% for 2023 to 2024, including those with learning and physical disabilities.

The standard weekly rate per person provided for NHS-funded nursing care will increase by 5% from £209.19 to £219.71 from 1 April 2023 with funding paid by the NHS directly to care homes who provide nursing care. For the higher rate, it will increase from £287.78 to £302.25. This allows care home residents with specific healthcare needs to benefit from direct nursing care and services.

Registered nurses provide support to people eligible for NHS-funded nursing care with a variety of needs, including people with learning disabilities, those living with enduring physical or mental health needs and various conditions associated with old age. This type of nursing requires a range of skills and training, with the extra funding supporting this important role.

The funded nursing care rate helps cover the costs of nursing care, ensuring the vital service can continue to support the needs of residents within nursing homes. The uplift for the 2023 to 2024 financial year is based on adult social care data which is quality assured and independently verified.

Providing this nursing care also helps reduce the pressure on hospitals, ensuring the government’s record funding can be used to help discharge medically fit patients into social care settings.

The government is making available up to £7.5 billion in additional funding over 2 years to support adult social care and discharge – with up to £2.8 billion available in 2023 to 2024 and up to £4.7 billion in 2024 to 2025.

This historic funding boost will put the adult social care system on a stronger financial footing and help local authorities address waiting lists, low fee rates and workforce pressures in the sector.

The government is committed to ensuring the adult social care sector is fit for the future and is improving the lives of people requiring care and support. It will publish a plan in spring, which will set out next steps for social care reform.
March 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : North Korea ballistic missile test 27 March – FCDO response [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 March 2023.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a statement following North Korea’s ballistic missile launches on 27 March.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

North Korea’s ballistic missile launches on 27 March are a breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Illegal ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK will continue to call out violations of UNSCRs. We strongly urge North Korea to return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation.

March 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 10,000 organisations sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 March 2023.

John Lewis becomes the 10,000th signatory for the Armed Forces Covenant – Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families attends latest signing at HQ.

More than 10,000 organisations have committed to improving the lives of service people and their families, with John Lewis becoming the latest signatory to mark this major milestone.

The retailer is the latest in a long line of large and small organisations to confirm their pledge to our serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans, demonstrating a commitment to work with and for our personnel.

Since 2011, when the concept was enshrined into law, the Covenant reinforced the moral obligation between nation, government and Armed Forces which has since seen UK organisations of all sizes commit to treating our Armed Forces Personnel, and their families, fairly.

In addition to fostering commitments to the Covenant, the government has committed millions of pounds in funding to ensure veterans’ mental health, accommodation, and childcare, among other issues, is well catered for and funded.

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said:

Today we welcome John Lewis as the 10,000th signing to the Armed Forces Covenant. The brave men and women of our Armed Forces sacrifice much in the service of their country, so it is only right we ensure that they and their families are supported.

That is why the Covenant is so important, and by working alongside all the partners and organisations that have signed so far, we can ensure that the UK’s promise to them is upheld.

Ben Farrell, Director of Operations Planning and Delivery at the John Lewis Partnership, said:

We’re incredibly proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, particularly at such a landmark moment as we become the 10,000th signatory.

The Partnership has a strong heritage of supporting the armed forces and as a Purpose-driven business that prides itself on inclusiveness, we are committed to ensuring we provide an opportunity to people from all kinds of backgrounds, including those with links to the military.

Chief of Defence People, Vice Admiral Phil Hally said:

I’m proud to see our nation has met this historic milestone. The 10,000 organisations which have pledged support to our Armed Forces community span multiple sectors of our society from education, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, transport, retail and financial services and many more in between. I encourage every business and charity to consider joining them. Together, we can better protect those who protect us, by ensuring fair treatment for all who serve in the Armed Forces and their families.

The government is committed to support the Armed Forces community by working with a range of partners who have signed the Covenant, with the Covenant involving stakeholders nationally. This includes businesses, local authorities, charities, and the public.

March 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Future of new Calstock wetlands assured with 20 year management agreement [March 2023]

The press release issued by Natural England on 28 March 2023.

The future of the Calstock wetlands is assured for the next 20 years as Natural England has granted a Countryside Stewardship to the Tamar Community Trust (TCT).

The move comes as a scheme led by the Environment Agency to reconnect the River Tamar with its original floodplain at Calstock has finished and the land leased, also for 20 years, to the Community Trust.

Hugh Tyler of Natural England said:

The project was only possible through a lot of support from local people, including TCT and partnerships with Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team, Cornwall Bird Preservation Society, Calstock Parish Council and Cornwall Wildlife Trust and we’re all excited to see the changes that will take place here in the coming years.

During the course of the next 20 years, the landscape will evolve from grazing land, that had been created when the floodplain was cut off from the river by the building of an embankment around 200 years ago, into intertidal habitat. Since the embankment was breached 18 months ago, the land has begun to return to tidal wetland and bird species including little egret and avocet have been spotted using the site, as well as water rail, kingfisher, snipe, teal, green sandpiper and reed bunting.

Little land management will be needed on the 12 hectare site over the 20-year tenure, but it will ensure that no non-native invasive species, like Himalayan balsam, can take hold. Funding has also been put in place to allow for educational access so children can learn why this has been done.

Jane Kiely, Chair of TCT, said:

We are so pleased that the importance of creating new tidal wetlands as part of Environment Agency flood protection works is recognised by Defra in this agreement. The breach in the older bank along the river was made just over a year ago and having the tide coming in twice a day has changed the site from one of low-quality compacted sheep pasture to a rich habitat of mud which is very popular with the water birds and waders. I also love seeing the wetlands full of water at high tide, the sun glinting and the reflections of clouds and sky.

Rob Price, Tamar Catchment Coordinator at the Environment Agency, said:

The creation and management of new intertidal habitat on the Tamar at Calstock reinforces this partnership’s collective aims to improve resilience to the changing climate and to provide a richer environment for people and nature. It will provide an invaluable tool in the fight against climate change by locking in carbon, boosting biodiversity, help improve overall water quality as well as providing a local amenity. This valuable work is an important part of an integrated programme of works to build the Tamar catchment’s resilience to a wide range of environmental pressures.

Management during the early years of Calstock wetlands will respond to monitoring by TCT’s partners, including Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Natural England and Plymouth University looking at water quality, carbon sequestration, birds, plants and fish.

TCT is also looking to improve the public experience from the public road or the permissive path that runs along the river bank, enabling both local residents and visitors to understand and appreciate what they are looking at.

March 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the UK-Poland Humanitarian Shelter Project [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 March 2023.

The UK and Poland signed a joint statement on 28 March 2023 announcing a project providing homes and power for Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Based on the Memorandum of Understanding, signed in autumn 2022, concerning the Joint UK-Polish project on shelter, food and complementary assistance for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities in Ukraine, as well as the accompanying announcement by the UK to provide up to £10 million in funding, today we are pleased to officially open shelters for Ukrainians in Lviv in western Ukraine.

Nine years after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and instigation of the conflict in the Donbas, and over a year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has internally displaced nearly six million Ukrainians and caused another eight million to seek refuge across Europe, Poland and the UK, in concert with our allies and partners, offer our continued, unequivocal support for Ukrainian, which is bravely facing the bloodiest war in Europe since the Second World War.

Just as Polish-British bonds were forged during the Battle of Britain, today we join forces in support of Ukraine. Ukraine is fighting not only for its freedom, but that of all free nations. Today the future of European security is being determined on the territory of Ukraine. No matter how long it takes, we will support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and democracy.

UK-Polish co-operation in providing temporary homes for displaced Ukrainian people is yet another example of the response of the international community, and aims to provide accommodation, light and hope to the people of Ukraine. The project has supported the development of two accommodation villages, in Lviv, in the west, and in Poltava, in the east, of Ukraine, and will support Ukrainians who have fled the fighting or lost their homes due to Russian shelling. Over 700 displaced Ukrainians stand to benefit. The UK-Polish partnership will also provide £2.5 million worth of generators to support schools, hospitals and community centres across Ukraine, supporting approximately 450,000 people in areas that have been re-captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces or directly affected by the fighting. Additionally, the Ukrainian Red Cross will receive up to £2.6 million for their winter appeal.

This is one of our many humanitarian responses to Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure, mounting evidence of which appears more and more clearly to constitute war crimes and therefore a clear violation of international humanitarian law, as well as being contrary to civilised norms and resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

March 28, 2023