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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Interactive Dialogue with UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Interactive Dialogue with UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

    Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

    This month marks twelve years of devastating conflict and bloodshed for the Syrian people. Last month’s earthquakes adding further to their suffering. The UK offers its deepest condolences for the victims of the earthquakes.

    Thank you, Commissioners, for your latest report, which once again provides unambiguous evidence of the appalling human rights violations the Syrian people continue to suffer. Suffering for which the authorities and its allies bear primary responsibility.

    Your findings on sexual and gender-based violence are alarming, even more so given they are not indicative of the full scale of the crimes in Syria owing to the stigma and lack of redress faced by victims and survivors.

    There is only one way forward: complete respect for human rights and for perpetrators to be held to account.

    Commissioners,

    Assad has sought to use the devastating earthquakes to portray himself in a favourable light, even while his authorities continue to misappropriate aid and bombard civilian areas. What recommendations do the Commissioners have to ensure vital accountability efforts targeting the authorities and its backers continue?

  • PRESS RELEASE : IMF and Ukrainian Authorities Reach Staff Level Agreement on a US$15.6 Billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : IMF and Ukrainian Authorities Reach Staff Level Agreement on a US$15.6 Billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the IMF on 21 March 2023.

    • The Ukrainian authorities and IMF staff have reached a staff-level agreement on a set of macroeconomic and financial policies that would be supported by a new 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement.
    • The EFF, with requested access of SDR 11.6 billion (about US$15.6 billion), or 577 percent of quota, aims to support the Ukrainian authorities anchor policies that sustain fiscal, external, price and financial stability, and support the ongoing gradual economic recovery, while promoting long-term growth in the context of post-war reconstruction and Ukraine’s path to EU accession.
    • The staff-level agreement reflects the IMF’s continued commitment to support Ukraine and is expected to help mobilize large-scale concessional financing from Ukraine’s international donors and partners.

    Washington, DC: At the request of the Ukrainian authorities, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Gavin Gray held discussions in Warsaw with Ukrainian officials, during March 8-15, 2023, on a 4-year economic program that, subject to approval by the Executive Board, would be supported by the IMF under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

    Mr. Gavin Gray issued the following statement today:

    “I am pleased to announce that the IMF team has reached staff-level agreement with the Ukrainian authorities on a 4-year IMF-supported program, with access requested of SDR 11.6 billion (about US$15.6 billion), or 577 percent of Ukraine’s quota. This agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, with Board consideration expected in the coming weeks.

    “The staff-level agreement reflects the IMF’s continued commitment to support Ukraine and is expected to help mobilize large-scale concessional financing from Ukraine’s international donors and partners over the duration of the program.

    “In addition to the horrific humanitarian toll, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to have a devastating impact on the economy: activity contracted by 30 percent in 2022, a large share of the capital stock has been destroyed, and poverty levels have climbed. Acute macroeconomic challenges persist due to the scale of the shock and the expansion of the fiscal deficit. The authorities have nevertheless managed to maintain macroeconomic and financial stability, thanks to substantial external support and skillful policymaking. The authorities’ commitment to good economic management was also evidenced by the strong performance under the Program Monitoring with Board Involvement (PMB) (Press Release 23/46).

    “A gradual economic recovery is expected over the coming quarters, as activity recovers from the severe damage to critical infrastructure, although headwinds persist, including the risk of further escalation in the conflict. Developing a single baseline outlook scenario under exceptionally high uncertainty is exceedingly challenging, as a range of outcomes are plausible. On that basis, staff currently sees real GDP growth for 2023 ranging from -3 to +1 percent.

    “The overarching goals of the authorities’ program are to sustain economic and financial stability in circumstances of exceptionally high uncertainty, restore debt sustainability, and support Ukraine’s recovery on the path toward EU accession in the post-war period. The program has been designed in line with the new Fund’s policy on lending under exceptionally high uncertainty, and strong financing assurances are expected from donors, including the G7 and EU. In view of the exceptionally high uncertainty, the requested IMF-supported program envisions a two-phased approach:

    • The first phase, currently envisioned during the first 12-18 months of the program, will build on the PMB, to strengthen fiscal, external, price and financial stability by (i) bolstering revenue mobilization, (ii) eliminating monetary financing and aiming at net positive financing from domestic debt markets, and (iii) contributing to long-term financial stability, including by preparing a deeper assessment of the banking sector health and continuing to promote central bank independence. New measures that might erode tax revenues will be avoided. The authorities are also committed to continuing reforms to strengthen governance and anti-corruption frameworks, including through legislative changes.
    • The second phase would shift focus to more expansive reforms to entrench macroeconomic stability, support recovery and early reconstruction, and enhance resilience and higher long-term growth, including in the context of Ukraine’s EU accession goals. During the second phase, Ukraine would be expected to revert to pre-war policy frameworks, including a flexible exchange rate and inflation targeting regime. In addition, fiscal policies would focus on critical structural reforms to anchor medium-term revenues through the implementation of a national revenue strategy, together with strengthening public finance management and introducing public investment management reforms to support post-war reconstruction. Enhancing competition in the vital energy sector, while reducing quasi-fiscal liabilities would complement the post-war reform efforts.

    “The mission met with NBU Governor Pyshnyy and Finance Minister Marchenko, and other senior public officials, and would like to thank the authorities for the open and constructive discussions and the close collaboration that have brought us to today’s staff-level agreement.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : £1.8 billion awarded to boost energy efficiency and cut emissions of homes and public buildings across England [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £1.8 billion awarded to boost energy efficiency and cut emissions of homes and public buildings across England [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 22 March 2023.

    Government awards £1.8 billion through Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to upgrade social homes and public buildings.

    • £1.4 billion to go to local authorities, providers of social housing and charities to upgrade homes and off-grid households with energy efficiency measures
    • changes, including loft insulation and new windows, mean households could save between £220 and £400 on annual energy bills, with funding expected to support 20,000 jobs
    • £409 million also awarded to reduce carbon emissions of hospitals, schools, museums, universities and other public sector buildings across England

    More than 115,000 homes across England are to get upgrades to improve their energy efficiency and save residents money on their bills as the government announces the allocation of nearly £2 billion in funding.

    The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and Home Upgrade Grant are collectively worth £1.4 billion, which will be used to fund energy-saving measures ranging from loft insulation to new windows. An additional £1.1 billion in match funding for social housing provided by local authorities, providers of social housing and charities will bring the total investment to £2.5 billion to upgrade social and private homes in England.

    The money will go towards improvements to vulnerable households and off-gas grid homes with an EPC rating of D or below and could save tenants between £220 and £400 a year on energy bills.

    These schemes could also support around 20,000 jobs in the construction and home retrofit sectors, helping to deliver on our promise to grow the economy and create better paid jobs, whilst supporting families across the country.

    On top of this, a further £409 million has been granted through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to help public sector buildings such as schools and hospitals drive down their carbon emissions. Upgraded heating systems, powered by cleaner, cheaper, renewable energy, will reduce the use of fossil fuels exposed to volatile global energy prices – supporting thousands of jobs and saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds.

    Secretary of State Grant Shapps said:

    We know this is a difficult time for families, which is why the government is covered around half a typical household’s energy bill this winter.

    This is a huge investment that will help households save hundreds on energy bills and see them heat their homes for less, and stay warm for longer.

    Not only this but the funding is also a huge boost for job creation and economic growth, opening up new and exciting opportunities across the UK’s ever-expanding green sector.

    Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

    The UK is truly a world-leader when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and the progress we’ve made over the last decade has been remarkable. But we can’t rest on our laurels and must continue to drive forward progress, setting a standard for other countries to follow.

    Reaching net zero means considerable action from the public sector as well as private sector. Through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding allocation announced today, we are empowering public bodies to save the taxpayer hundreds of millions while packing a punch on our ambitious and necessary climate goals.

    Local authorities, providers of social housing and charities have been awarded a huge injection of £630 million, to come from Phase 2 of the latest stage of the Home Upgrade Grant, while £778 million will be provided through the most recent wave of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. An additional £1.1 billion in match funding will be added to this through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, bringing the total to £2.5 billion to upgrade social and private homes in England.

    The funding will be rolled out from April 2023 to upgrade homes over the next 2 years.

    Energy cutting and cost saving measures provided through the schemes include exterior wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, new windows and doors and draft proofing measures, as well as heat pumps and solar panel installation.

    The schemes form part of the government’s commitment to reduce overall UK energy demand by 15% by 2030, as well as supporting the ambition for the UK to move towards greater energy independence.

    The Home Upgrade Grant is supporting over 25,000 low-income homes across England by installing energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating. Those being aided are typically the worst quality, off-grid homes most in need of upgrading, with an EPC rating of D to G. Improving these homes comes with the added benefit of supporting 7,000 jobs.

    Aliye Galloway lives in social housing in Northamptonshire with her partner and 5 children. Through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund her home was fitted with an air source heat pump, solar panels and more efficient doors and windows.

    She said that even with the recent energy price rises, the family’s energy bills are significantly lower since the work has been completed.

    Aliye explained:

    Already we are seeing a massive change with our energy consumption and energy costs and already that’s having a positive impact on us a family.

    We are very happy with how it all works. We would recommend it to any tenant who is approached by the scheme. It will have a huge positive outcome.

    It’s supposed to be more eco-friendly too so I’m very happy we managed to get rid of the gas to be honest. We are literally just electric now.

    We are going to massively save. Even though the prices have gone up, we are still putting in less than we were before.

    Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of Energy UK said:

    Improving the energy efficiency of Britain’s draughty homes and buildings is the best way to cut energy bills permanently, while also boosting the UK’s energy security and reducing carbon emissions.

    Today’s announcement will rightly prioritise those who need support the most like low- income households, social housing and public buildings.

    Industry will work with government to build on these vital schemes and to remove any barriers that prevent households and businesses from saving money on their bills by reducing heat loss and conserving energy.

    The government has also announced today that over £400 million has been allocated to public sector bodies across England to help reduce their carbon emissions. 144 public sector organisations responsible for hospitals, schools, leisure centres, museums and universities will benefit from this support.

    This funding is being delivered through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which provides grants to public sector bodies to fund low carbon heating, renewable energy and energy efficiency measures such as heat pumps, solar panels and insulation. The scheme is being delivered on behalf of the government by Salix Finance.

    Announced today, organisations set to receive funding include Adur and Worthing Councils, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria University, Greater Manchester Academies Trust and many other worthy recipients across England looking to improve the sustainability of their buildings.

    The Scheme aims to support the government’s commitment to reduce emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037, compared to 2017 levels, as first set out in the 2021 Heat and Buildings Strategy. The commitment follows significant progress the UK has already made towards reaching net zero – cutting all emissions by 48% between 1990 and 2021, which is faster than any other G7 country. Decarbonising the public sector with low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures is also expected to save the public sector an estimated £650 million per year on average to 2037.

    Salix Finance Chief Executive Annie Shepperd OBE, said:

    There is a huge amount of passion and expertise in the green energy sector, and Salix is proud to be supporting the hundreds of decarbonisation projects that have been made possible through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Each one represents the best evidence of government and public bodies working together to achieve great things.

    In the meantime, the government has partnered with Energy Systems Catapult today to launch a freely accessible suite of tools, templates and guidance to support the public sector in further decarbonising their sites. This support will help public sector bodies from the first stages of developing a strategy, through funding, installation and completion, to help make achieving net zero sites and energy savings simpler.

    This is a continuation of the government’s award-winning Modern Energy Partners programme which has worked with 42 sites to explore different avenues for decarbonisation.

    Stakeholder reactions

    Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and Home Upgrade Grant

    Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of National Energy Action (NEA) said:

    This vital investment is desperately needed. Low-income households, in the least efficient homes, are being hardest hit by the energy crisis and are having to pay hundreds of pounds more than the typical household just to heat and power their home to a minimum reasonable standard.

    As well as helping to abate the impact of high energy bills for thousands more households, we hope the investment can lessen some of the physical and mental health impacts for people unable to keep warm at home.

    Both the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and Home Upgrade Grant can also help us make progress with our legal fuel poverty targets, helping millions more of the poorest households, who are massively exposed to high energy prices and pay an ‘energy inefficiency premium’ just to stay warm and safe at home.

    Tracy Harrison, Chief Executive, Northern Housing Consortium said:

    This latest wave of funding adds to the momentum already built around green home upgrades in the North.

    Retrofitting homes towards net zero is a key priority for councils and housing associations across the North. Our members want to continue to scale their activity to support the development of the supply chain, and to deliver good, green jobs.

    We were delighted to see even more ambitious partnership bids submitted to this Wave – an approach which we hope to see followed through in delivery. But most importantly, these successful projects will help create warmer homes and improve the physical and mental health of people in our communities.

    Carol Matthews CBE, Chief Executive of The Riverside Group said:

    We are delighted that we have secured just short of £12.7 million from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. This funding will enable us to improve the energy efficiency of our homes and protect our residents from rising fuel bills and cost of living crisis.  Riverside will be match funding and investing £15 million as part of our retrofitting and net zero commitments. We are looking forward to working with the government to improve over 1,100 homes and the lives of our residents living in them.

    Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

    Cllr Helen Silman, Worthing Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, said:

    Worthing Borough Council is delighted to receive this latest round of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding, which will help us to secure Worthing’s sustainable future through infrastructure and innovation.

    The decarbonisation of heating is key to our goal of being a carbon neutral council by 2030, and a challenge we’ll continue to rise to as we look ahead to meeting our 2045 target of a carbon-neutral Worthing.

    Cristina Calleja, Sustainability Manager at South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust, said:

    Our estates, capital and sustainability teams worked very hard to put together an innovative and detailed grant application, which will reduce our organisation’s carbon emissions and benefit our staff, patients and visitors. Therefore, we are extremely delighted to have received this grant that demonstrates our commitment to climate change at the Trust.

    Canterbury City Council’s Director of Strategy and Improvement, Peter Davies, said:

    We are really pleased to have secured a grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which will allow us to significantly reduce emissions at Kingsmead Leisure Centre. By their very nature, leisure centres are energy intensive buildings and we have been conscious of the need to put in place measures to lessen the impact of Kingsmead on the environment. This grant will enable us to do a huge amount using some of the latest technology.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Plans to make UK an international technology superpower launched [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Plans to make UK an international technology superpower launched [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

    International Technology Strategy launched to guide UK to becoming a tech superpower by 2030.

    • Strategy sets out how UK can make the best use of new technologies while countering malign influences on tech
    • new tech envoys and new Technology Centre of Expertise announced to boost UK influence around the world
    • UK will focus efforts on five critical technologies of tomorrow: AI, quantum, semiconductors, telecoms and engineering biology

    The UK has today (22 March 2023) published a roadmap for reaching tech superpower status by 2030 through a new International Technology Strategy.

    The Foreign Secretary and the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary set out at the launch in London how the UK will build on the strength of our tech sector, which is already the largest in Europe and the third highest valued in the world after the USA and China.

    Last week’s publication of the Integrated Review Refresh identified that authoritarian regimes are using technology as a tool of oppression – with far-reaching consequences for the security and prosperity of the British people.

    The International Technology Strategy sets out the UK’s alternative. The UK, guided by four principles – to be open, responsible, secure and resilient – will shape the future of technology in a way that promotes its use positively, and drives innovation and UK tech leadership, while boosting our security from new and emerging threats.

    The UK government will work closely with governments, academia and industry to leverage the UK’s world-leading strengths in technology through international partnerships with established and emerging science and technology powerhouse nations.

    The Prime Minister has made growing the economy, creating better paid jobs and opportunity across the country, one of his five priorities. Investing in our thriving tech sector will directly contribute to that. The sector was worth $1 trillion in 2022, and our country is home to more than 85,000 start-ups and scale-ups. More investment was generated in the UK tech sector last year than in France and Germany combined, creating and sustaining high quality jobs around the country.

    The International Tech Strategy will boost growth in this sector, strengthening our position on the world stage while forging long-term links that will promote the UK as place for investment and collaboration in the technologies of the future

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    Now more than ever, it is important that the UK steps up to promote British tech excellence worldwide and takes a stand against the malign influences that seek to use tech against us.

    That is why we’ve announced this strategy, helping to deliver on our ambition to be a tech superpower by 2030, backing UK businesses and helping us solve the challenges of tomorrow through innovation and international collaboration.

    Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

    We are a top-class breeding ground for emerging tech, but being a superpower means working with our international partners to turn these nascent technologies into global industries.

    Our International Tech Strategy will ensure we deepen collaboration with our allies on the technologies of tomorrow, driving growth and prosperity for the UK while strengthening our national security.

    Our first tech envoy, Joe White, has helped to boost our ties with tech companies in Silicon Valley. Building on this success, the UK will expand our network of tech envoys and expertise to create the world’s most extensive tech diplomacy network. We will use this as a platform to enforce our principles, challenge authoritarian narratives and to drive international collaboration with industry. Envoys will be bring expertise from the tech sector, ensuring that they can put their lived experience of this industry into boosting the UK’s global leadership.

    These aims will further be supported through our new Technology Centre of Expertise. With the first pilots running from later this year, these centres will bring together tech and digital experts from government, private sector, and academia to support countries to transform their economies in a sustainable and inclusive manner through innovation.

    The UK Science and Technology Framework set out the ambition for the UK to be internationally recognised as a tech superpower by 2030. Being a tech superpower requires us to collaborate more deeply with other leading nations to tackle the urgent global challenges facing our planet through science and tech. This strategy set out the work being done to build those partnerships.

    As part of the strategy, the UK will also work with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on Technology to engage with the international community on how to better use technology. We will also build on the UK’s success in securing a seat on the Council of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), working together with partners to increase worldwide connectivity, and provide clear leadership in the telecoms sector.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government sets out strategy to protect NHS from cyber attacks [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government sets out strategy to protect NHS from cyber attacks [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 22 March 2023.

    The government will provide a plan to promote cyber resilience across the health and care sectors by 2030, protecting both services and patients.

    • New strategy sets out five key ways to build cyber resilience in health and care by 2030
    • Cyber strategy will protect health and adult social care functions and services, which the whole nation depends on
    • Part of government’s commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable NHS for the future

    Patients will benefit from bolstered protection to the nation’s health and adult social care services as a new cyber security strategy for England is published today.

    The Cyber Security Strategy for Health and Adult Social Care sets out a plan to promote cyber resilience across the sector by 2030, protecting services and the patients they support.

    This will ensure services are better protected from cyber threats, further securing sensitive information and ensuring patients can continue accessing care safely as the NHS continues to cut waiting lists.

    Technology is transforming how people access health and care services and information. Over 40 million people now have an NHS login, helping them book appointments, track referrals, and order medications online. Over 50% of social care providers now use a digital social care record, helping staff share vital information about the people they care for. As digital systems are adopted to improve health and care services for people across the country, it is vital the health and care sector has the tools it needs to better protect patients’ information.

    This new strategy will ensure health and adult social care organisations across England are set up to meet the challenges of the future – from identifying areas in the sector which are most vulnerable, to better utilising resources and expertise across the country to defend against cyber attacks.

    Health Minister Lord Markham said:

    We’re harnessing the power of technology to deliver better, safer care to people across the country – but at the same time it’s crucial we’re also bolstering the defences of our health and care services.

    This new strategy will be instrumental to ensure every organisation in health and adult social care is set up to meet the challenges of the future.

    This is an important step to ensure we’re building an NHS which is sustainable and fit for the future, with patients at the centre.

    The health and social care sector has made good progress in recent years, by using the increasing number of cyber defence and response tools it has at its disposal. The sector is now much better protected from attacks than it was at the time of the WannaCry cyber attack in 2017.

    NHS Trusts now benefit from a direct link to NHS England’s Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), providing real time protection of any suspicious activity to approximately 1.7 million devices across the NHS network. Around 21 million malicious emails are also blocked every month.

    The vision includes five key pillars to minimise the risk of cyber attacks and other cyber security issues, and to improve response and recovery following any incidents across health and social care systems including for adult social care, primary and secondary care. This includes:

    • Identifying the areas of the sector where disruption would cause the greatest harm to patients, such as through sensitive information being leaked or critical services being unable to function.
    • Uniting the sector so it can take advantage of its scale and benefit from national resources and expertise, enabling faster responses and minimising disruption.
    • Building on the current culture to ensure leaders are engaged and the cyber workforce is grown and recognised, and relevant cyber basics training is offered to the general workforce.
    • Embedding security into the framework of emerging technology to better protect it against cyber threat.
    • Supporting every health and care organisation to minimise the impact and recovery time of a cyber incident.

    A full implementation plan will be published in Summer 2023 setting out detailed activities and defining metrics to build and measure resilience over the next two to three years.

    National cyber security teams will also work closely with local and regional health and care organisations to achieve the visions and aims of the strategy. This work will include enhancing the NHS England Cyber Security Operations Centre, publishing a comprehensive and data-led landscape review of cyber security in adult social care, and updating the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) to empower organisations to own their cyber risk.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission expands to support Bahamian exports [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission expands to support Bahamian exports [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 March 2023.

    A new partnership to increase exports of Bahamian-produced alcohol to the UK.

    The British High Commission is pleased to have secured the services of Steve Boon, President of Wine and Spirts Guys https://www.winespiritguys.com, to support The Bahamas ambition to increase exports of Bahamian-produced alcohol to the UK.

    Steve Boon, from New Providence, is a member of the UK’s The Worshipful Company of Distillers (the Spirits Guild) and is the youngest Bahamian to have qualified as a wine and spirit lecturer with WSET (at the age of 21). With 40 years in the wine and spirit sector, both locally and internationally, Steve Boon will use his trade knowledge, business acumen, and contacts throughout the world, to support Bahamian exporters wanting to access the UK market.

    The UK and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, BCCEC, have also partnered to host an exporters’ web-seminar, on 29th March. As well as Steve Boon’s direct support, this seminar aims to educate Bahamian producers of spirits on the UK’s positive import rules and tariffs.

    The British High Commissioner, Thomas Hartley, said:

    I am very pleased to have secured Steve’s services. The Bahamas’ Trade Commissioner has asked for the UK’s help in opening up UK markets to Bahamian exports, and Steve’s unrivalled experience and network is a significant first step in bringing the two markets closer together.

    I’ve reserved a bottle of John Watlings rum I was gifted, and will only open it when we celebrate seeing it for sale in British shops. I’m also looking forward to promoting London gin, Sottish whisky, and world-leading English sparkling wines at The Bahamas Food and Wine Festival this autumn, as well as a few others surprises this year.

    Steve Boon said:

    I am absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to be working with the British High commission, promoting Bahamian alcohol brands to the UK market. With such a diverse range of quality products, I don´t think it will be long before Tom is opening his bottle of John Watlings rum!

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 March 2023.

    The Foreign Secretary met Israel’s Foreign Minister in London today to sign the 2030 Roadmap for Israel-UK Bilateral Relations. The 2030 Roadmap will deepen cooperation across tech, research and development, security and cyber.

    In the year of Israel’s 75th anniversary, the Foreign Secretary welcomed the flourishing bilateral relationship between the UK and Israel. New multi-million-pound programmes announced in the Roadmap, including around £20m of joint funding commitments on technology and innovation, will enable both countries to remain at the forefront of the technological revolution.

    Noting the need to de-escalate tensions in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Foreign Ministers agreed on the importance of upholding the historic Status Quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem.

    The Foreign Ministers also discussed key regional issues of mutual concern, including Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. As Ukrainians enter their second year living under relentless and full-scale Russian bombardment, the Foreign Secretary stressed the importance of accelerating efforts to ensure Ukraine wins this war and secures a lasting peace.

    On Iran, the Foreign Ministers discussed deepening our security and defence co-operation to counter the threat posed by the regime.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meets with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar in London [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meets with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar in London [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 March 2023.

    The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, met today (21 March 2023) in London. The Ministers reiterated their shared commitment to work intensively to conclude UK-EU negotiations in respect of Gibraltar as soon as possible. A treaty would provide certainty for those living and working in Gibraltar and in neighbouring communities, and secure future prosperity for the whole region.

    The Foreign Secretary said:

    The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains as strong as ever. We continue to work side-by-side to conclude an EU treaty as soon as possible.

    Throughout the negotiations we have presented proposals that maintain the careful balance of the December 2020 Political Framework and could unleash economic growth for everyone in the region.

    As the UK and EU continue to exchange proposals and work constructively towards an agreement, the Ministers recalled the need to respect the balance achieved by the December 2020 Political Framework.

    The Ministers, while committed to the successful conclusion of negotiations, agreed to continue preparations to ensure robust plans are in place for all eventualities, including a no-negotiated outcome.

    The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed that the UK remains steadfast in its support for Gibraltar and will not agree to anything that compromises UK sovereignty.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Trailblazing devolution deal signed giving Greater Manchester more control over transport, skills and housing [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Trailblazing devolution deal signed giving Greater Manchester more control over transport, skills and housing [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 21 March 2023.

    The Levelling Up Secretary and Mayor Andy Burnham have signed a landmark deeper devolution deal for Greater Manchester putting more cash and power in the hands of local leaders.

    • Deal includes regeneration and levelling up package and more local control over transport, regeneration, skills and culture
    • Greater Manchester to take control of local spending with new funding settlement alongside local retention of business rates
    • Shift of powers and funding from Whitehall to an English region takes devolution to new level

    Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, along with the ten local council Leaders, have today (21 March) signed a landmark deeper devolution deal for Greater Manchester, marking a seismic shift in power, funding and responsibility from Whitehall to the region.

    The deal puts more cash and power in the hands of local leaders to invest in the priorities that local communities truly care about, such as better bus and train services, skills and housing.

    A new long-term funding settlement will enable the Mayor and the Combined Authority to plan for the long term, with certainty, and unlock tangible benefits for almost 3 million people living in the area.

    Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said:

    I’m proud to have agreed a historic and trailblazing new devolution deal with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, providing the Mayor with more powers, money and an even greater say on how this iconic region is run.

    This is the very essence of devolution – leaders taking decisions and being accountable to the communities they serve.

    Covering everything from Bee Network buses to affordable home building, this deal will give leaders the opportunity to deliver economic growth, better services and high quality jobs for people in Greater Manchester.

    Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said:

    I’m really pleased to welcome Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison to Greater Manchester to sign what is the seventh devolution deal for our city-region – but this is by some way the deepest. This Deal takes devolution in the city-region further and faster than ever before, giving us more ability to improve the lives of people who live and work here.

    I have always been a passionate believer in the power of devolution, and I’ve been in the privileged position of being able to exercise those powers and make a positive difference to people’s lives.

    We’ve worked hard to secure this Deal and have achieved a significant breakthrough by gaining greater control over post-16 technical education, setting us firmly on the path to become the UK’s first technical education city-region; new levers and responsibilities to achieve fully integrated public transport including rail through the Bee Network by 2030; new responsibilities over housing that will allow us to crack down on rogue landlords and control over £150m brownfield funding; and a single block grant that will allow us to go further and faster in growing our economy, reducing inequalities and providing opportunities for all.

    With more power comes the need for great accountability and I welcome the strengthened arrangements announced in the Deal.

    We will continue to engage with government moving forward on other areas we’d like to see more local control over in the future which will help us to continue to improve life for people in Greater Manchester and those visiting. For now, our focus will be on getting ready to take on the new powers and be held to account on the decisions we will be making on behalf of the people of Greater Manchester. The signing of this deal marks a new era for English devolution.

    The deal confirmed today deepens existing powers which have already delivered significant wins for the region. New measures include:

    • A new long-term funding settlement, including the right to retain 100% of business rates for 10 years and 25-year business rate retention in designated growth zones.
    • A wide-ranging partnership with Homes England, with a commitment to work towards investing £400m in Greater Manchester by 2026.
    • Further support for regeneration and infrastructure with £150m of brownfield funding, £3.9 million to eliminate the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless families in Greater Manchester and £10 million to support levelling up and growth priorities for Greater Manchester.
    • A new rail partnership with Great British Railways to support the delivery of the Bee Network by 2030.
    • New ‘pay as you go’ ticketing pilots across the region and better integration of local stations.
    • More oversight and control over adult skills funding and more responsibility over developing and delivering careers advice.
    • Devolution of funding to retrofit buildings, to bring down energy bills for households across Greater Manchester.
    • A new partnership with national arts and culture organisations to harness Greater Manchester’s globally renowned cultural strengths.
    • Tools to support the roll-out of high-speed broadband across the region.

    Alongside these powers, a new framework will ensure that decision-makers in areas with devolution deals are accountable to their residents and deliver value for money, with a clear ladder of intervention to respond to underperformance.

    The milestone comes days after Greater Manchester was announced as one of 12 new Investment Zone areas backed with £80 million over five years including generous tax incentives to drive local growth.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency installs £1m of flood protection measures to better protect properties in York [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency installs £1m of flood protection measures to better protect properties in York [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 21 March 2023.

    The Environment Agency is installing £1million of Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures to over 100 homes and businesses in York which are at risk of flooding.

    York has been affected by flooding for many decades, with severe floods in 2000 and more recently in 2015 when over 620 homes and businesses were flooded.

    Homes in and around York, including the villages of Naburn and Acaster Malbis, have been impacted significantly by flood water coming through doorways and airbricks causing significant damage to property and furniture.

    The £1 million scheme will install measures such as flood barriers, non-return valves, self-closing air bricks and pumps which help to reduce the risk of water entering people’s homes during a flood. The installation of these products will run until December with funding provided from the Environment Agency.

    Environment Agency Area Flood Risk Manager Paul Stockhill said:

    With our changing climate we are unable to eliminate the risk of flooding, but we can help communities be more resilient to it. We often build large scale defences to try and manage flood water, but sometimes property level measures might be appropriate. We hope that these measures will help to give these residents in York reassurance, helping ensure a flood does less damage and life can get back to normal much quicker.

    This investment is part of the £45 million Environment Agency programme to improve flood defences in York.  Together with a further £38 million invested to improve the Foss Barrier, our work will better protect over 2,000 properties across the city.

    Stanley Shoobridge, a resident in Acaster Malbis, York who is benefiting from the scheme, said:

    I’m very pleased with my new defences, and how easy they are to fit. In the past I’ve had to drag sandbags into position to try and protect my home. I don’t flood frequently, but when I do, I’m on an island and only people with waders can reach me. I’m 92 years of age and it’s now so much easier to put my new barrier into place.

    I live in an 18th century cottage and underground seepage is also a problem.  I’ve now been given pumps to take care of that, and four automatic air grates have been fitted, so I no longer have to worry about covering them up.

    Cllr Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Climate Change and the Environment, from City of York Council, said:

    Protecting peoples’ homes and businesses is an absolute priority, particularly as flood events become ever more frequent. This significant extra investment will help us better protect residents in and around the villages of Naburn and Acaster Malbis and build on the work already being carried out across the city.

    More than 2,000 properties are now better protected in York from future flooding with thanks to the £110 million flood alleviation programme, which is being delivered by City of York Council and the Environment Agency. Through this programme, we’re implementing vital flood alleviation schemes across the city to further reduce the impact of flooding and climate change on our communities.