Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : UK and Japan sign arrangement to cooperate in space [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 March 2023.

Leaders of the Royal Air Force and the Koku-Jietai (Japan Air Self Defence Force) have signed Terms of Reference outlining future space cooperation.

The UK’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, and Japan’s Chief of Staff of the Koku-Kietai, General Shunji Izutsu, signed a Terms of Reference document after talks at DSEI Japan, which is being held this week in Tokyo.

This arrangement establishes a framework for Space Engagement Talks, which will facilitate future cooperation between the Koku-Jietai and UK Space Command. This cooperation will cover areas such as operational knowledge sharing, collaborative exercises and training, and personnel exchanges. It also sets out a mutual desire for the sharing of space-related information through future information sharing arrangements.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff, said:

Japan is a valued international partner of the UK. We share common values and strategic interests, and we are working ever more closely in the face of global security challenges. The space domain is critical to our shared security and prosperity, and a vital area of cooperation, underpinned by UK Space Command and the Koku-Jietai.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston and Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey were both in Tokyo for DSEI Japan. With an expected 10,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors from at least 15 countries, DSEI Japan is an opportunity for the UK to build and strengthen key relationships whilst promoting UK priorities in key areas such as air and missile defence, unmanned air capability, maritime, cyber and space.

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey, Commander of UK Space Command, said:

Our international partners are our greatest advantage in the space domain. This arrangement is an important step as we build our relationship with the JASDF, so that we can keep space safe, secure, and sustainable for the benefit of all.

UK Space Command is the Defence lead for space operations, space workforce, and space capability. It’s a Joint Command, based at RAF High Wycombe, and staffed by personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, alongside civil servants, and contractors.

March 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK Space Agency backs Rolls-Royce nuclear power for Moon exploration [March 2023]

The press release issued by the UK Space Agency on 17 March 2023.

The UK Space Agency is backing research by Rolls-Royce into how nuclear power could be used to support a future Moon base for astronauts.

Scientists and engineers at Rolls-Royce are working on the Micro-Reactor programme to develop technology that will provide power needed for humans to live and work on the Moon. All space missions depend on a power source, to support systems for communications, life-support and science experiments. Nuclear power has the potential to dramatically increase the duration of future Lunar missions and their scientific value.

The UK Space Agency has announced £2.9 million of new funding for the project which will deliver an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nuclear reactor. This follows a £249,000 study funded by the UK Space Agency in 2022.

Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman, said:

Space exploration is the ultimate laboratory for so many of the transformational technologies we need on Earth: from materials to robotics, nutrition, cleantech and much more.

As we prepare to see humans return to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, we are backing exciting research like this lunar modular reactor with Rolls-Royce to pioneer new power sources for a lunar base.

Partnerships like this, between British industry, the UK Space Agency and government are helping to create jobs across our £16 billion SpaceTech sector and help ensure the UK continues to be a major force in frontier science.

Nuclear space power is anticipated to create new skilled jobs across the UK to support the burgeoning UK space economy. Rolls-Royce plan to have a reactor ready to send to the Moon by 2029.

Relatively small and lightweight compared to other power systems, a nuclear micro-reactor could enable continuous power regardless of location, available sunlight, and other environmental conditions.

Rolls-Royce will be working alongside a variety of collaborators including the University of Oxford, University of Bangor, University of Brighton, University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and Nuclear AMRC. The funding means Rolls-Royce can further strengthen its knowledge of these complex systems, with a focus on three key features of the Micro-Reactor; the fuel used to generate heat, the method of heat transfer and technology to convert that heat into electricity.

The potential applications of Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor technology are wide-ranging and could support commercial and defence use cases in addition to those in space. The aim is to create a world-leading power and propulsion capability for multiple markets and operator needs, alongside a clean, green and long-term power source.

Abi Clayton, Director of Future Programmes for Rolls-Royce said:

The new tranche of funding from the UK Space Agency means so much for the Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor Programme. We’re proud to work collaboratively with the UK Space Agency and the many UK academic institutions to showcase the best of UK innovation and knowledge in space.

This funding will bring us further down the road in making the Micro-Reactor a reality, with the technology bringing immense benefits for both space and Earth. The technology will deliver the capability to support commercial and defence use cases alongside providing a solution to decarbonise industry and provide clean, safe and reliable energy.

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

We are backing technology and capabilities to support ambitious space exploration missions and boost sector growth across the UK. Developing space nuclear power offers a unique chance to support innovative technologies and grow our nuclear, science and space engineering skills base.

This innovative research by Rolls-Royce could lay the groundwork for powering continuous human presence on the Moon, while enhancing the wider UK space sector, creating jobs and generating further investment.

The partnership with Rolls-Royce comes after the UK Space Agency recently announced £51 million of funding available for UK companies to develop communication and navigation services for missions to the Moon, as part of the European Space Agency’s Moonlight programme, which aims to launch a constellation of satellites into orbit around the Moon.

This will allow future astronauts, rovers, science experiments and other equipment to communicate, share large amounts of data including high-definition video, and navigate safely across the lunar surface.

March 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – Statement on access to COVID-19 vaccines [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 March 2023.

During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UK delivered a statement on the report on access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Thank you Mr. President.

The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for his report.

As the last few years have shown, access to essential medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, is a crucial part of an effective global pandemic response. The UK remains committed to improving access to safe and effective vaccines through multilateral coordination and cooperation.

As we look towards the integration of COVID-19 vaccinations into routine immunisation plans, it is vital we support countries to strengthen their capacity to deliver across national health systems. To do this sustainably, we must focus on strengthening these systems through country-led and country-coordinated approaches. This is critical to building national, regional and global resilience to future health threats, and to ultimately achieving universal health coverage.

Building regional manufacturing capacity is also an important part of bolstering resilience and driving access. We strongly support the ongoing efforts to enhance global vaccine manufacturing capacity and to diversify supply chains.

Madam Director, what steps do you consider necessary for States to take to ensure greater regional resilience?

Thank you.

March 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Big screens to go up across the country to show Coronation [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 17 March 2023.

More than 30 UK locations will host big screens to show the Coronation, the Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer announces today.
- Big screens will be put up in public places across the UK to show the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort
- Plans will mean thousands of people can come together to watch historic milestone
- Locations stretch from Bournemouth to Belfast and will include sites in all four nations of the UK
It will mean thousands of people have the opportunity to come together at public screenings to celebrate this historic moment in towns and cities across the four nations of the UK.

The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort takes place on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey in London. Their Majesties will be crowned in the same location as Her Late Majesty The Queen 70 years ago.

More than £1 million has been made available by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for the screens. Confirmed sites include Cardiff Castle, Belfast City Hall, Piece Hall in Halifax, Jubilee Square in Brighton and Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

The Coronation will be a magical moment that brings people together to celebrate the best of Britain over a special weekend in May.

These big screens, in major locations in towns and cities in the four nations of the UK, will make it easier for everyone to take part and have a memorable experience to mark this exciting and historic event.

A celebratory weekend for the Coronation will see local authorities host events including cultural festivals, live music, community workshops, art showcases and creative games and competitions.

There will be a Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7 May, broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer, where thousands of members of the public will be in the audience. Iconic locations across the UK will be lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.

Across the weekend tens of thousands of Coronation ‘Big Lunches’ and street parties will be held in the UK and across the Commonwealth. Big Lunches take place across the UK annually and last year they raised more than £22 million for local charities.

Monday 8 May will see the Big Help Out take place across the UK. The event will see thousands of people volunteer to support the causes that matter the most to them and pay tribute to His Majesty The King’s lifetime of service with organisations including the Scouts, Royal Voluntary Service, National Trust and RNLI.
March 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Tougher sentences for domestic killers [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 17 March 2023.

Domestic abusers who kill their partners or ex-partners will receive tougher sentences under government plans published today.
- longer sentences where killer has a history of coercive or controlling behaviour
- murderers who use excessive violence face longer in prison
- manslaughter sentencing guidelines around ‘rough sex’ to be reviewed
The law will be changed so a history of coercive or controlling behaviour against the victim or the use of excessive or gratuitous violence are made aggravating factors in sentencing decisions for murder.

It means these violent and controlling criminals will face more time behind bars, as judges must consider longer jail terms for their abuse and aggression.

The changes follow recommendations made by Clare Wade KC in an independent review into domestic homicide sentencing, which the government will respond to in full in the summer.

Her review found the current sentencing framework does not adequately reflect that many domestic homicides are preceded by years of abuse.

Around one in four (26%) homicides in England and Wales are committed by a current or former partner or relative. Of the murder cases reviewed by Clare Wade over half (51%) involved controlling or coercive behaviour while excessive violence, or overkill, was identified in 60%, with men being the perpetrator in all but one case.

Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab said:

This government will do everything we can to protect vulnerable women, and keep in prison for longer those who attack or threaten them.

The changes I am announcing today will mean longer jail sentences for those who kill women in the home, by taking greater account of the specific factors involved, whether it is controlling and coercive behaviour or cases involving particular savagery known as ‘overkill’.

The government has also asked the Sentencing Council to review the manslaughter sentencing guidelines to explain to judges that cases where deaths occur during rough sex should be punished with longer jail terms. While the law is clear that there is no such thing as a “rough sex defence”, the review found that the high risk of death these acts may carry should be reflected in sentences potentially several years longer.

A public consultation will also be launched to determine whether a higher sentencing starting point of 25 years should be applied in murder cases where there has been a history of controlling and coercive abuse. Currently, the 25-year starting point only applies to murders where a knife has been taken to the scene with intent.

Together these measures build on the government’s zero-tolerance approach to violence against women and girls by ensuring that sentencing in cases of domestic homicide deliver justice for the victims and families.

Justice Minister Edward Argar said:

Julie Devey and Carole Gould have campaigned bravely and tirelessly after the awful killing of their daughters, Poppy and Ellie, and the Government is determined to see an end to murders and violence by abusive partners.

No one should ever feel unsafe in their own home, and we will continue working with Julie and Carole and others to make further progress in tackling the dreadful crime of domestic abuse.

The Wade Review was established to understand whether the law could be updated to better protect both victims of domestic homicide and the public, while ensuring women who lash out after years of mistreatment are not inadvertently punished with longer jail terms than necessary.

The government’s full response and the consultation on introducing a new 25-year starting point for domestic murders preceded by coercive or controlling behaviour will be published in the summer.

The measures announced today expands on the government’s ongoing work to tackle domestic abuse including:
- Quadrupling funding for victim support services compared to 2010, this includes investment for the recruitment of 300 more Independent Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Advisors – bringing the total to 1,000 overall.
- Putting controlling or coercive behaviour put on a par with physical violence, which will mean offenders sentenced to a year or more imprisonment or a suspended sentence will automatically be actively managed by the police, prison and probation services under multi-agency public protection arrangements.
- Recording offenders sentenced to a year or more for controlling or coercive behaviour on the violent and sex offender register.
- Trialling stricter management of domestic abusers, who could now be fitted with a tag, prevented from going within a certain distance of a victim’s home, and made to attend a behaviour change programme, using domestic abuse protection notices and domestic abuse protection orders in three areas in the UK.
- Expanding the Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) support scheme, which is already in operation in over 5,000 pharmacies across the UK in over 88 cities, towns and villages, into 18 jobcentres and jobs and benefit offices. Since the scheme launched in 2021, the emergency support has been accessed on average once a week.
- Adding violence against women and girls to the strategic policing requirement, which for the first time categorises violence against women and girls as a national threat and sets clear expectations about how this threat should be tackled by police forces.
- Strengthening Clare’s law with new guidance for the police, which reduces the timeframes for police to disclose information about an individual’s violent or abusive behaviour so it will be quicker to access information on a partner’s or ex-partner’s previous abusive or violent offending.
March 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK will continue to be an advocate for security sector reform and governance – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on Security Sector Reform.

Thank you, President.

As Mozambique’s helpful Concept Note for this meeting sets out, security sector reform and governance has an important role to play in state building and peace-building.

The United Kingdom has invested in security sector reform and governance at home and overseas. We have done so because we believe a democratically accountable and well-functioning security sector is an integral element in a broader system of government that provides protections for its citizens, based on the fundamental principles of universal human rights and respect for the rule of law.

This is what makes security sector reform relevant, not just in post-conflict reconstruction, but also in conflict prevention. Because trust between citizens and the state is premised on the existence of institutions that serve and protect the needs of those citizens.

For example, President, today the Council has just issued a PRST on Libya’s electoral process. We welcome the 5+5 Joint Military’s engagement with UNSMIL and their commitment to come together to create a safe environment for free and fair elections. As co-chair of the Security Working Group for Libya, the UK will continue to support efforts for the joint working and eventual unification of Libya’s militaries into one state military that is accountable to an elected government and able to tackle, comprehensively, Libya’s security challenges.

President, let me make three additional points. First, the United Kingdom welcomes the Secretary-General’s efforts to strengthen the United Nations’ comprehensive approach to security sector reform – including in particular his focus on security sector governance. Here, the UN has a strong comparative advantage, underpinned by experience and an approach that prioritises integrity, transparency and accountability.

I am grateful to Mr. Zouev for his update on the implementation of the UN’s Programme of Action on security sector reform. The United Kingdom continues to support a more integrated and coherent UN approach to security sector reform and governance.

Second, this Council has an important role in driving the application of best practices on security sector reform by the UN and its partners. This includes Council cooperation to shape fit-for-purpose mandates to guide the engagement of UN peace operations and improve the coordination of international support.

Third, we all need to do more to advance women’s inclusion in security sector reform processes. The United Kingdom’s new National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security underscores precisely this point, which will guide our domestic and international policy-making in this area.

The United Kingdom will continue to be an advocate for security sector reform and governance, working with the UN and other partners, including the African Union, to maximise the impact of our support.

Thank you.

March 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [March 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 March 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenksyy this afternoon.

The President updated on the latest situation in Bakhmut, and the leaders discussed the impressive defence of the city by Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Both leaders paid tribute to the bravery of all those defending the region.

The Prime Minister reflected on his discussions with his French, US and Australian counterparts in recent days, and said the UK continued to work closely with allies to ensure Ukraine received the defensive equipment it needed.

He added that it was vital Ukraine had the capabilities to change the battlefield equation as soon as possible, and updated on the delivery of further UK military aid.

Discussing the ongoing training of Ukrainian forces in the UK, the Prime Minister said marines were today out on exercise in the UK, and both leaders agreed the addition of French forces to that training programme would help give Ukraine an additional advantage on the battlefield.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

March 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the Occasion of the 12th Anniversary of the Syrian Uprising [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

The UK, US, France, and Germany have issued a joint statement on the occasion of the 12-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising.

The following statement was released by France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America on the occasion of the 12-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising:

Today marks the beginning of the 13th year since the Syrian people peacefully rose up to demand their freedom and dignity, calling on the Assad regime to respect their inalienable rights and to stop human rights violations.  Almost a quarter of a million Syrian civilians have been killed since then, the vast majority of them by the Assad regime, which met its people’s demands with atrocities that continue today. The ongoing conflict has created a permissive environment for terrorists and drug traffickers to exploit, further threatening regional stability.

This year’s anniversary comes on the heels of a series of devastating earthquakes that claimed the lives of nearly 10,000 Syrians inside the country and across the border in Türkiye many of whom sought refuge there after fleeing the Assad regime.  In light of this catastrophe, we renew our call on all parties in Syria to observe their commitments under ceasefire agreements, work towards a sustained calm, permit unhindered humanitarian access and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid through all modalities, including the continued authorization of the cross-border mechanism by the UN Security Council, and address the increasing need for assistance after over a decade of war and abuse. To respond to this humanitarian crisis, we have issued emergency exemptions to our sanctions policies which facilitate the delivery of humanitarian and disaster relief to earthquake affected areas, while preventing the Assad regime from benefiting from this assistance at the expense of the Syrian people.

As we focus on addressing the immediate humanitarian needs following the tragic earthquakes, we recall our joint goals to advance a UN-facilitated, Syrian-led political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and to improve the situation on the ground for millions of Syrians in other ways, including the situation of internally displaced persons and refugees.  We remain committed to supporting Syrian civil society and ending the human rights violations and abuses the Syrian people have suffered – from the Assad regime and others – long before the earthquakes struck. The international community must work together to hold the Assad regime and all perpetrators of abuses, violations, and atrocities accountable.  We welcome ongoing efforts by national courts to investigate and prosecute crimes committed in Syria.  Furthermore, we call on all parties to release and/or clarify the fate and whereabouts of over 155,000 persons who, to this day, remain unjustly detained or missing in Syria.

We are not normalising relations with the Assad regime, nor are we funding reconstruction of the damage inflicted by the regime during the conflict or lifting sanctions. For the benefit of the Syrian people, we will not normalise until there is authentic and enduring progress towards a political solution. As we observe the 12th anniversary of the Assad regime’s initiation of this horrendous conflict, and as we confront conflict elsewhere around the world, the plight of the Syrian people must remain front and center. We continue to stand with the Syrian people and strongly support efforts to advance an enduring political solution, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, that is grounded in justice and accountability and remains the only way to achieve the stable peace that Syrians need and deserve.

March 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government and health unions agree pay deal paving way for an end to strike action [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 16 March 2023.

After constructive talks with health unions, the government has put forward an offer for more than 1 million NHS staff to receive an additional pay rise.

More than 1 million NHS staff in England will receive an additional pay rise as part of an offer made following talks between the government and Agenda for Change unions.

In the last 2 weeks, the government has been holding formal negotiations with unions representing staff including nurses, paramedics, 999 call handlers, midwives, security guards and cleaners, to find a fair and reasonable way forward on pay.

All parties committed to finding a fair deal for hardworking NHS staff, and a deal that also acknowledged the wider economic pressures facing the UK that would ensure we can deliver the Prime Minister’s promise to halve inflation – one of his 5 priorities.

The government hugely values the work of NHS staff. They showed bravery and dedication to support the country throughout the pandemic and are now playing a vital role in the government’s ambition to cut the waiting lists that have built up as a result of COVID.

The government also recognises that families across the country are facing increasing financial pressures, fuelled by the war in Ukraine and the ongoing fallout from the pandemic.

The talks have been constructive and the government has now put forward a final offer.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), UNISON, GMB, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the British Dietetic Association will recommend the offer to their members in consultations that will be held over the coming weeks. Strike action will continue to be paused while they are consulted.

Under the deal, Agenda for Change staff will receive a non-consolidated award of 2% of an individual’s salary for 2022 to 2023.

This is on top of the pay increase of at least 4% they received for 2022 to 2023 last year, as recommended by the independent pay review body process, worth at least £1,400, meaning a newly qualified nurse received a 5.5% increase and those on the lowest salaries received a pay rise of 9.3%.

In addition, they will receive a one-off ‘NHS backlog bonus’ which recognises the sustained pressure facing the NHS following the pandemic and the extraordinary effort staff have been making to hit backlog recovery targets and meet the Prime Minister’s promise to cut waiting lists.

The backlog bonus will be worth at least £1,250 per person but will be determined based on how much experience staff have and based on an individual’s pay band. The average nurse in pay band 5, for example, will receive £1,350.

For 2023 to 2024, the government is offering Agenda for Change staff a 5% consolidated increase in pay, worth at least £1,065.

As a result of this package, a newly qualified nurse will see their salary go up by more than £2,750 over 2 years from 2021 to 2022 to 2023 to 2024. On top of this they will also receive over £1,890 in one-off payments this year.

The deal will also provide a higher pay uplift for the lowest paid NHS staff, with all those in bands 1 and 2 having their pay raised to the same level.

The government can guarantee that there will be no impact on frontline services or the quality of care that patients receive as a result of this pay offer.

The government firmly believes this is a fair and reasonable deal for Agenda for Change staff, as well as being a fair deal for taxpayers and will ensure we can continue to reduce inflation.

It remains the Prime Minister’s promise to halve inflation and the government’s objective to support the Bank of England to return inflation to the 2% target – because failing to control inflation will make every household poorer and make it harder to grow the economy.

On top of the pay package, the government is also committing to a number of reforms.

NHS staff should work in an environment that is free from deliberate violence, abuse and aggression. The government will ask the existing groups established in the NHS Social Partnership Forum working on violence reduction to work with the NHS Staff Council to identify ways to tackle and reduce violence against NHS staff.

It will also make the suspension of pension abatement rules introduced during the pandemic permanent and introduce measures to ensure safer staffing levels in hospitals.

In addition, the Health and Social Care Secretary has written to the RCN to outline that in undertaking work to address the specific challenges faced by nursing staff – in terms of recruitment, retention and professional development – this will involve how to take account of the changing responsibilities of nursing staff, and the design and implementation issues, including scope and legal aspects, of a separate pay spine for nursing staff exclusively.

The government intends to complete this work such that resulting changes can be delivered within the 2024 to 2025 pay year. In conducting it, the government will also consider whether any separate measures may apply to other occupational groups, taking into account the views of NHS Employers and unions.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

I’m really pleased that after several weeks of constructive talks, the government and the Agenda for Change unions have come to an agreement that will provide a fair deal for NHS staff and put disruptive strike action behind us.

It is right that we reward our hardworking NHS staff, who showed bravery and dedication throughout the pandemic and continue to make phenomenal progress to tackle waiting lists. Importantly this deal is also affordable for the taxpayer and continues to deliver on my promise to halve inflation.

We have taken a reasonable approach throughout and this offer is good for NHS staff, it’s good for the taxpayer and most importantly it is good news for patients whose care will no longer be disrupted by strike action.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

I hugely admire the incredible work of NHS staff, including during the pandemic and the progress they have made to tackle the resulting backlog.

This offer will give nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and other non-medical staff a fair pay rise while protecting our commitment to halve inflation.

We have engaged in constructive and meaningful discussions with unions and NHS Employers and I look forward to continuing our work together to make the NHS a better place to work.

March 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The worsening situation in Myanmar means conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya are not in place – UK Statement at the UN [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

Statement by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN General Assembly debate on Myanmar.

Thank you Mr. President, and the UN Special Envoy for the very sobering briefing.

Mr. President, it has now been over two years since the military’s coup. Since then, over 3,100 people have been killed by the military regime. Over 20,000 people have been arbitrarily detained and over 17 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.

The military regime is using increasingly brutal tactics to sow fear and repress any form of opposition. Indiscriminate air strikes are increasing. As are reports of military atrocities, conflict related sexual violence, and mass burning of villages. We condemn the latest horrifying reports of a massacre of at least 28 people sheltering in a monastery in Southern Shan State over the weekend.

I wish to make three points:

First, we fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to find durable and inclusive dialogue-driven solutions to the escalating crisis in Myanmar. ASEAN’s leadership is central – we welcome the renewed efforts under Indonesia’s leadership, including to fully implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. In December, the Security Council agreed resolution 2669 which sent a unified message: of solidarity with the people of Myanmar; of support to ASEAN’s efforts; on the need to end violence immediately; and on the need to release political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. Today’s General Assembly discussion has echoed these messages. There is strength in this collective unity.

Second, the military should face the consequences of their actions. Since the coup, the UK has sanctioned 18 individuals and 28 entities, including those who have committed serious human rights violations. We encourage others to do the same, and we reiterate that no country should sell arms to Myanmar.

Finally, we cannot forget the most vulnerable. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya and other minorities remain confined to their villages and Internally Displaced Peoples camps in Rakhine State. The systemic human rights violations they have suffered for decades must end. The worsening situation in Myanmar means conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya are not in place. We thank the UN, the Government of Bangladesh, and other hosting nations for their generosity and for the lifesaving support they are providing to the Rohingya. We should support efforts to meaningfully include their voices in discussions on Myanmar’s future – a peaceful, democratic future that meets the aspirations of the people of Myanmar.

March 17, 2023