Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz [February 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 February 2023.

The Prime Minister met the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, in Munich today.

He paid tribute to the role Chancellor Scholz has played in eliminating Germany’s energy dependence on Russia and transforming Germany’s defence.

The leaders agreed on the need to sustain the record level of international support for Ukraine. They agreed recent international offers of main battle tanks and other equipment would be transformational on the ground.

The Prime Minster stressed the need for allies to think not just about securing peace in the short term, but about strengthening Ukraine’s long-term defences.

The leaders also discussed the importance of strengthening NATO, and expressed their support for Swedish and Finnish accession.

February 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : British soldiers lead joint desert training exercise with Oman [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 February 2023.

Troops perfected their battle-winning tactics during a two-week exercise alongside the Royal Army of Oman – a key partner in the Gulf.

British troops have been honing their desert war-fighting skills on a training area six times the size of Salisbury Plain over the last two weeks (3-14 February). They were taking part in Exercise Khanjar Oman, the first main training exercise of their four-month deployment to Oman.

The combined exercise saw soldiers operate alongside the Royal Army of Oman on the Ras Madrakah joint training area, as they built towards a mock assault on an enemy urban area. The exercise tested troops’ ability to train and operate in arduous terrain, including desert plains, complex wadi systems and mountains.

At the same time, it provided an opportunity to perfect key soldiering skills, including soldiering in austere environments, working with partner forces and learning battle-winning tactics to protect the British public from future threats.

Battlegroup Commander Lt Col Ben Hawes 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, is preparing his troops to assume command of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in January 2024. He said:

Since March last year, the focus of our training has been to ensure that we are ready to fight against a peer enemy force. This exercise is the UK ensuring that its spearhead battlegroup is in exactly the right place to go out the door.

My troops have been absolutely put through their paces. Everything that our peer enemies could do to us, has been done to us. I’ve operated with every single one of my radio frequencies jammed, I’ve operated with no GPS, I’ve operated at night for long periods of time; we’ve done training serial after training serial.

This is about our ability to operate and sustain an operation against an enemy that has the same, or maybe even greater capabilities than we do.

More than half the soldiers participating in the exercise were drawn from 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. Smaller numbers were drawn from The Royal Logistics Corps, The Royal Engineers, The Royal Artillery, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and the Coastal Security Force.

The 4th Light Brigade Combat Team is delivering the first series of exercises for Exercise Desert Khanjar, which describes the two annual, four-month deployments of UK troops to the British Army’s Land Regional Hub in Duqm, Oman.

It is the British Army’s foremost annual training and defence engagement event to take place across the Gulf region, involving up to 1,000 British and 100 Omani soldiers.

During deployment, British personnel undertake unit training, exercise with partners and provide a forward-based force capable of building regional security capabilities and responding to threats where they arise.

February 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Millions of people get boosted against Covid [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 18 February 2023.

Nearly 17.5 million eligible people received their Covid autumn booster jab, with tens of thousands coming forward in the final week of the programme.

Millions of eligible people across England have come forward for their Covid autumn booster, giving them the protection they need from serious illness and helping to ease pressure on the NHS.

The Covid autumn booster programme – which started on 5th September 2022 and ended on 12th February 2023 – saw 17.46 million jabs given to eligible people including those aged 50 and over, residents in care homes, people aged 5 and over in an at risk group, and health and social care staff.

Tens of thousands of people responded to the call from the Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty, and NHSE England before the programme ended, with 74,692 people getting jabbed in the final week – almost double the 40,947 jabs administered in the previous seven days.

Overall, 64.9% of people aged 50 and over took up the offer of an autumn booster. Take up was highest among the 75 to under 80s (82.8%), over 80s (82.7%), and 70 to under 75s (79.2%).

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

Our phenomenal Covid vaccination programme has helped us to live with the virus, protected the most vulnerable from serious illness, and reduced hospital admissions.

Millions of eligible people came forward for their autumn booster, rolled up their sleeves and got their immunity topped up.

I want to thank everyone who came forward for their jab, and for playing their part in reducing pressure on the NHS and helping to clear the Covid backlogs.

The latest data shows 20.9 million eligible people have had their flu jab, but take up is low among pregnant women and children aged two and three.

Eligible people – including pregnant women, young children, and those with an underlying health condition – have till 31st March to come forward for their flu jab.

Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said:

Our ability to combat Covid and flu this winter has been dramatically improved by the incredible efforts of a whole legion of professionals who continue to get these important vaccines to those who need them – from our local authority public health teams, our experts in UKHSA and MHRA and our front-line NHS staff.

Millions of people answered our call and came forward to protect themselves and their loved ones against these serious illnesses.

Vaccines save lives and there is no doubt that this mammoth effort has helped prevent many people from ending up seriously ill in hospital. We are thankful to everyone who took part.

The UKHSA’s flu data published on Thursday shows flu levels continue to fall sharply and they advise people not to pass it on by staying at home if they’re unwell, and not visiting vulnerable people.

NHS director of vaccinations and screening, Steve Russell, said:

The NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Programme has once again delivered life-saving protection to millions of people across England and it is fantastic that more than 17 million people received a booster jab this winter, helping to keep themselves and their loved ones out of hospital.

The fastest and largest vaccine drive in health service history has now delivered almost 145 million Covid vaccinations in just over two years since the programme began and I would like to thank the NHS staff, volunteers and local government and partners who have made this possible – we will be ready again to stand up future campaigns to protect our communities when given the green light.

February 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands more treasures to be saved for the nation as rules about discoveries are changed [February 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 18 February 2023.

Government changes the legal definition of treasure so that more new discoveries can go on public display.
- New definition of what constitutes treasure will mean many more objects of exceptional archaeological, historical and cultural importance are protected
- Objects of historical importance more than 200 years old and containing metal will now fit the criteria of ‘treasure’
- Move will see more finds on display in museums across the country for the public to see and enjoy in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Treasure enthusiasts and museum visitors are to benefit as the Government changes the legal definition of treasure so that more artefacts can be saved for the nation. The change will mean that more new discoveries go on public display and help deepen people’s understanding of the country’s history.

Under the current definition, newly discovered artefacts can only be legally classified as treasure if they are more than 300 years old and made of precious metal or part of a collection of valuable objects or artefacts.

But to make sure the most significant future discoveries are acquired by museums for the benefit of the nation, the Government is expanding the definition set out in the Treasure Act.

The move has been prompted after a number of recent discoveries fell outside the scope of the Act, including spectacular Roman finds such as the Ryedale Hoard, now at York Museum, and the Birrus Britannicus figurine on display at Chelmsford City Museum. While these artefacts were, thankfully, acquired by museums, this new definition will make it easier for them to do so in the future.

The new criteria will apply to the most exceptional finds over 200 years old – regardless of the type of metal of which they are made – so long as they provide an important insight into the country’s heritage. This includes rare objects, those which provide a special insight into a particular person or event, or those which can shed new light on important regional histories.

Discoveries of treasure meeting these new criteria will be assessed by a coroner and will go through a formal process in which they can be acquired by a museum and go on display to the public.

Arts & Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

“There has been a huge surge in the number of detectorists – thanks in part to a range of TV programmes – and we want to ensure that new treasure discoveries are protected so everyone can enjoy them.

“Archaeological treasures offer a fascinating window into the history of our nation and the lives of our ancestors.

“We are changing the law so that more artefacts uncovered by archaeologists and members of the public can go on display in museums rather than ending up in private hands. This will make sure they can be studied, admired and enjoyed by future generations.”

Professor Michael Lewis, Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum, said:

“The British Museum welcomes the extension of the Treasure Act to ensure museums across the country have the opportunity to acquire more finds of archaeological significance. The reform of the Act will also update its Code of Practice to acknowledge the fundamental role of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (managed by the British Museum in England) in ensuring the successful operation of the Act.”

Dr Kath Davies, Director of Collections and Research, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, said:

“We are pleased that, through this proposed new treasure definition, a greater number of archaeological finds of the highest significance for Wales may be declared treasure each year. This means that more treasures may be acquired by local museums across Wales, for people to see and enjoy in their own communities.”

Historian Dan Snow said:

“The search for hidden treasure has captivated us for generations but it is so much more than gold and silver. From ancient rings and coins, to Tudor drinking vessels, every discovery teaches us something new and helps us understand who we are and where we came from.

“Our shared history, and the artefacts that help us tell that story, are for everyone. That is why the treasure process is so important. These changes will have huge benefits for local communities across the country, ensuring more people can see more treasure in our museums.”

Alan Tamblyn, National Council for Metal Detecting, General Secretary, said:

“Each year over 96% of all archeological finds reported by the public come from the detecting community resulting in many amazing new finds in our museums. We are very proud of the massive contribution our members make to archaeological knowledge.

“The National Council for Metal Detecting (NCMD) supports the principle of the new significance category and the increased legal protection it gives to our Nation’s most important new finds. We also welcome the proposed improvements to the smooth running of the Treasure process.”

This new definition will mean that future discoveries of objects made of non-precious metals, like the Bronze Age Rudham dirk, a ceremonial dagger which is displayed in Norwich Museum Castle, could be classed as treasure. This exceptionally rare find was dug up in a farmer’s field in Norfolk before being acquired by the museum in 2014 thanks to support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

Other finds, however, have been lost to the public, such as the Roman Crosby Garrett Helmet, which was sold at auction for £2.3 million after being discovered by a metal detectorist in 2010. A private buyer outbid several museums to acquire the artefact.

The Treasure Act 1996 was introduced to enable archaeological discoveries to be acquired by museums. By widening the definition of treasure, the Government aims to improve its ability to preserve important artefacts for the nation.
February 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary addresses Munich security conference following meeting with JEF counterparts [February 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 February 2023.

Attending the opening day of the Munich Security Conference today, the Defence Secretary urged attendees to continue supporting Ukraine with military aid.
- Ben Wallace spoke about the nuclear order and challenges for transatlantic defence.
- Military support for Ukraine also high on the agenda during the conference.
- Comes after a meeting of the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force in the Netherlands yesterday.
Attending the opening day of the Munich Security Conference today (17 February), the Defence Secretary urged attendees to continue supporting Ukraine with the military aid needed to repel Russia’s invasion.

During the conference, the Defence Secretary also took part in a panel discussion on challenges for transatlantic defence and the nuclear order, in which he stressed the importance of NATO maintaining its nuclear capability as a deterrent force against further Russian aggression in Europe.

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said:

NATO remains united in the face of threats to our security in the Euro-Atlantic. Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, and the global response to it, go to show the importance of our international alliances and partnerships.

The Munich Security Conference concludes a week of intense diplomatic activity for the Defence Secretary.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, he represented the UK at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels.

Members of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force met in the Hague, the Netherlands on Thursday, where they agreed on the need to continue to accelerate the supply of military aid to Ukraine.

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a group of like-minded nations – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom. The nations share the same purpose, values and a common focus on security and stability in the JEF core regions of the High North, North Atlantic and Baltic Sea region.

The JEF provides a responsive, capable, and ready military force that undertakes integrated activities at sea, on land and in the air, across northern Europe.

These activities are preventative and proportionate and demonstrate solidarity, capability, and resolve to stand together for security and stability in the JEF core regions.
February 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK leading NATO’s response to Turkey earthquakes [February 2023]

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

Three Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft are helping to deliver NATO’s package of emergency support to Turkey, following the devastating earthquakes this month.

An RAF Atlas A400M and two C130 Hercules are transporting a NATO Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team (OLRT) from Italy to Turkey today (17 February). The UK is a leading contributor to NATO and the Defence Secretary was in Brussels this week for a meeting of the Alliance’s Defence Ministers, where support for Turkey was discussed, as well as our ongoing commitment to Ukraine.

The NATO OLRT includes twelve personnel, four Land Rovers with trailers, and pallets of equipment which are being deployed ahead of the larger NATO accommodation package announced by the NATO Secretary General yesterday, which will begin to arrive next week. The NATO package includes thousands of tents to provide shelter for those affected by the quake.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
We are committed to helping our close partner Turkey following the devastating earthquakes and have deployed flights, medics and aid to support the recovery efforts. We will continue to explore options for further support and I am in regular contact with my counterpart and friend Defence Minister Akar.

The Ministry of Defence is supporting Turkey bilaterally with specialist medical assistance, alongside the FCDO. A critical care air support team and C130 transport aircraft has deployed to Turkey to transport patients from areas most impacted by the earthquake, and a UK Medical Treatment Facility has been set up in Turkoglu to treat hundreds of people.

The RAF has also flown over 15 tonnes of humanitarian aid and 81 tonnes of medical aid to the people of Turkey and Syria including thousands of thermal blankets and medical supplies, and £25 million in new funding to support the response was announced this week.

The UK also sent a team of 77 search and rescue experts with specialist equipment, as well as four rescue dogs, who worked day and night to help people affected by the earthquake.

More UK flights are on standby should they be required by NATO and the UK will continue to contribute to the NATO Alliance’s support to Turkey.

February 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Almost a year on from Russia’s illegal invasion, there is no sign of it ending the war in Ukraine – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [February 2023]

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Thank you, President, and thank you to Assistant Secretary-General Jenca and Mr Sajdik for their briefings.

President, Russia has called this meeting allegedly to discuss “lessons learnt from the Minsk agreements for conflict prevention.”

A year ago today, we met in this Chamber to discuss the Minsk Agreements. At that time, Russia had built up a force of over 130,000 troops on Ukraine’s borders, inflaming tensions and causing widespread concern.

The message from this Council then was clear: despite the challenges, there had to be urgent de-escalation and dialogue between all parties. USG DiCarlo, and the representatives of the OSCE, repeated this message.

The Secretary-General called for respect for the UN Charter, and reiterated there was no alternative to diplomacy.

Urgent diplomatic efforts were underway to engage Russia through the OSCE Vienna Document process – Russia did not turn up to the meetings – through the Normandy format, and the NATO-Russia Council.

What was Russia’s response? In this Chamber, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin said the allegations that Russia was going to attack Ukraine were “baseless.”

Four days later, President Putin signed a decree recognising Luhansk and Donetsk as independent entities, which tore up the Minsk Agreements. Three days after that, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, bringing suffering to people in all areas of Ukraine and trampling on the UN Charter.

Almost one year on, that invasion continues, with no sign that Russia intends to bring it to an end.

If Russia is committed to agreements it freely signed up to, why did it unilaterally attempt to annex Ukrainian territory in violation of those commitments?

So, President, I will tell you what lessons we have learned:

Russia lied when we warned of its intention to attack Ukraine.

Russia was planning for war while we called for diplomacy and deescalation, and Russia continues to choose death and destruction while the world calls for a just peace.

In short, Russia is yet again feigning an interest in peace while seeking to justify its ongoing military action against Ukraine.

So President, we yet again call on Russia to end its illegal invasion, withdraw from Ukraine and return in good faith to the negotiations aimed at establishing a just, and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter.

Thank you.

February 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : A47 Wansford to Sutton development consent decision announced [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 February 2023.

On Friday 17 February 2023, the A47 Wansford to Sutton application was granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The application involves the dualling of the A47 between the A1 and the dual carriageway section west of Peterborough. The scheme length is approximately 2.5km and creates a new slip road off the A1 south joining the A47 east.

The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Highways England on 5 July 2021 and accepted for Examination on 2 August 2021.

Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 11 October 2022.

This is the 123rd Nationally Significant  Infrastructure Project and 48th transport application to have been examined by The Planning Inspectorate within the timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.

The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Paul Morrison said:

“The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.

“Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in this examination.

“The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.”

The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Transport and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.

February 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £2 bus fare cap to be extended and bus services protected with new funding [February 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 February 2023.

Funding to help passengers save money on fares, get more people on the bus and protect vital bus routes.
- bus fare cap to be extended for 3 months, backed by up to £75 million to help passengers save money and Get Around For £2
- government also confirms up to £80 million to continue support for critical bus services around England
- lifeline funding takes total to more than £2 billion since March 2020
Millions of passengers across England will benefit from £155 million in government support to cap bus fares at £2, maintain services and ensure people can travel affordably.

The Transport Secretary today (17 February 2023) confirmed £80 million from 1 April to 30 June 2023 to protect vital bus services people rely on for work, education, medical appointments and shopping.

The government has also announced plans to provide up to £75 million so that bus operators can continue to cap single bus fares outside of London at £2 until the end of June, saving passengers money and encouraging more people back on the bus. With the average single local bus ticket costing £2.80, passengers can save almost a third of the ticket price. Bus operators that are continuing the £2 fare cap scheme will be confirmed in due course.

During the pandemic, bus usage dropped as low as 10% of pre-pandemic levels, and the government has provided unprecedented financial support totalling more than £2 billion since March 2020.

With bus patronage still at around 85 to 90% of pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) levels, there are a number of ongoing challenges for bus operators. The government is working closely with the sector on the challenges they face with changing travel patterns since the pandemic and will continue to work on delivering the National Bus Strategy.

The government’s existing £60 million investment to cap single bus fares has already shown early signs of increased bus use, with an independent survey of 1,000 people from passenger watchdog Transport Focus showing 7% of people saying they are using the bus more. During these difficult economic times, these trends already indicate that the government’s support to cap fares is a welcome intervention, helping families, commuters and all passengers to ease the cost of living.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

I want to make bus travel affordable for all, that’s why we’re continuing to cap fares at £2 and protecting local routes, ensuring we have a modern and efficient network that’s accessible for everyone.

Getting more people onto reliable and affordable buses will strengthen communities and help grow the economy – connecting people to jobs, driving pensioners to see friends and family, and helping people attend medical appointments or access education.

I’m determined to ensure that no matter where you live, you have the same opportunities to get around easily and can feel pride in your local area – which is why protecting our local bus services is so important.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Travelling by bus remains the most popular option for commuters and families across the country, but the sector is still trying to recover after the end of the pandemic.

We’re providing £155 million to help passengers save money on fares, get more people on the bus and protect vital bus routes – helping with the cost of living and enabling people to get where they need to in an affordable and convenient way.

The recovery grant support comes in addition to government investment of £3 billion in bus services by 2025, including over £1 billion to improve fares, services and infrastructure.

In 2021, the government published the National Bus Strategy, and asked all English local transport authorities outside London to publish their Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) setting out local visions for the step-change in bus services that is needed, driven by what passengers and would-be passengers want.

Since then, over £1 billion has been awarded to 34 counties, city regions and unitary authorities to deliver service improvements, bus priority and ambitious fares initiatives. In addition, £5.7 billion investment has been provided to 8 mayoral combined authorities in England to support integrated, cross-modal transport networks over the next 5 years through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), including supporting bus infrastructure.
February 18, 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Moldova [February 2023]

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

Ms Fern Horine has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.

Ms Fern Horine has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova in succession to Mr Steven Fisher, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Horine will take up her appointment during October 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Fern Marion Horine

Married to: David Letteney

Dates	Role
2021 to 2022	FCDO, Deputy Head, Transformation and Operations
2017 to 2021	FCDO, Deputy Head, Gender Equality Unit and Special Envoy Chief of Staff
2013 to 2017	Toronto, Deputy Consul General and Director Trade Canada
2011 to 2013	FCO, Human Resources Business Partner for Director General Defence and Intelligence
2007 to 2011	FCO, Deputy Head, Drugs and International Crime Department
2003 to 2007	Strasbourg, Second Secretary Political and United Kingdom Deputy Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe
2000 to 2002	Baku, Second Secretary, Political and Economic
1998 to 2000	Secondment to UK Trade Partners
1995 to 1998	FCO, Desk Officer Venezuela, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador
1993 to 1995	Floater, Latin America and the Caribbean
1990 to 1992	Vienna, Attaché to UK Delegation to the Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe
1987 to 1989	FCO, Assistant Desk Officer, Personnel Services Department
1987	Joined the FCO

February 18, 2023

Category: Press Releases

Battlegroup Commander Lt Col Ben Hawes 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, is preparing his troops to assume command of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in January 2024. He said:

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said:

Curriculum vitae