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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Landmark Levelling Up Fund to spark transformational change across the UK [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Landmark Levelling Up Fund to spark transformational change across the UK [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 18 January 2023.

    More than 100 projects awarded share of £2.1 billion from Round 2 of government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund to create jobs and boost the economy.

    • More than 100 projects awarded share of £2.1 billion from Round 2 of government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund
    • Projects will benefit millions of people across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and create jobs and boost economic growth
    • £672 million to develop better transport links, £821 million to kick-start community regeneration and £594 million to restore local heritage sites
    • Successful bids include Eden Project North in Morecambe, a new AI campus in Blackpool, regeneration in Gateshead, and rail improvements in Cornwall

    Landmark levelling up funding will breathe new life into more than 100 communities, with up to £2.1 billion awarded today to transformational projects across the United Kingdom. These include Eden Project North visitor attraction in Morecambe, a new AI campus in Blackpool, a new rail link in Cornwall, and a major regeneration scheme in Gateshead that will create jobs and grow the economy.

    Major government investment will benefit millions of people across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and spread opportunity to historically overlooked areas – with £672 million to develop better transport links, £821 million to kick-start community regeneration, and £594 million to restore local heritage sites.

    A total of 111 areas have been awarded funding from the second of the government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund, providing greater investment in communities that will create new jobs, drive economic growth, help restore people’s pride in the places where they live, and spread opportunity more equally. Secretaries of State will be visiting winning projects across the UK to see how local leaders will deliver for local people.

    This will drive forward the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by levelling up and provide the foundations for building a better future in communities across the UK. By working as one United Kingdom, the country is better able to collectively tackle the individual challenges faced by every region and nation across the country.

    The government has also confirmed there will be a further round of the Levelling Up Fund, providing more opportunity to level up places across the UK.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs and spread opportunity everywhere.

    That’s why we are backing more than 100 projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities across the United Kingdom.

    By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives and the places they call home.

    Projects awarded Levelling Up Fund money today include:

    • Eden Project North will receive £50 million to transform a derelict site on Morecambe’s seafront into a world class visitor attraction. It will also kick-start regeneration more widely in Morecambe, creating jobs, supporting tourism and encouraging investment in the seaside town.
    • Cardiff Crossrail has been allocated £50 million from the fund to improve the journey to and from the city and raise the economic performance of the wider region.
    • Blackpool Council and Wyre Council will receive £40 million to deliver a new Multiversity, a carbon-neutral, education campus in Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway Central Business District. This historic funding allows Blackpool and The Fylde College to replace their ageing out-of-town centre facilities with world-class state-of-the-art ones in the heart of the town centre. The Multiversity will promote higher-level skills, including automation and artificial intelligence, helping young people secure jobs of the future.
    • Nearly £27 million has been guaranteed for a new roll-on, roll-off ferry for Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands. The service is a lifeline for the island, supporting its residents, visitors and supply chains, and without its replacement the community will become further isolated.
    • A total of £20 million is going towards the regeneration of Gateshead Quays and the Sage, which will include a new arena, exhibition centre, hotels, and other hospitality. The development will attract nearly 800,000 visitors a year and will create more than 1,150 new jobs.
    • A £50 million grant will help create a new direct train service, linking 4 of Cornwall’s largest urban areas: Newquay, St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth/Penryn. This will level up access to jobs, skills, education, and amenities in one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in the UK.
    • There is £5.1 million to build new female changing rooms in 20 rugby clubs across Northern Ireland.

    The UK government will also today launch an interactive map online so people can see which projects in their area are receiving Levelling Up Fund investment. This will be available at https://levellingup.campaign.gov.uk/.

    Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

    We are firing the starting gun on more than a hundred transformational projects in every corner of the UK that will revitalise communities that have historically been overlooked but are bursting with potential.

    This new funding will create jobs, drive economic growth, and help to restore local pride. We are delivering on the people’s priorities, levelling up across the UK to ensure that no matter where you are from, you can go as far as your talents will take you.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

    This is a major down payment on local jobs, growth and regeneration, all part of our mission to level up opportunity across the country.

    To unlock more growth right across the country, we are making it easier for locally-elected leaders to make things happen without banging on a Whitehall door by extending devolution deals to all areas of England that want them by 2030.

    The successful bids announced today follows the allocation of £1.7 billion to 105 projects from Round 1 of the Levelling Up Fund in 2021. The government confirmed last year that Round 2 funding would match Round 1 but increased this by more than £400 million after receiving a high number of transformative bids – taking the total allocated so far from the fund to £3.8 billion.

    Today’s allocations also come on top of significant action already taken by the government to level up communities across the country. This includes opening 7 freeports, signing 6 devolution deals, connecting 740,000 homes and business with gigabit broadband, and helping 70 community groups take ownership of their cherished pubs, clubs and local landmarks at risk of closure.

    The Towns Fund has been providing funding of up £25 million, to 101 towns in order to boost local economies outside of big cities and deliver vital infrastructure.

    More than £670 million from the Levelling Fund has been allocated to 26 projects across the United Kingdom to improve transport links.

    This includes £40 million for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to transform its bus services, especially in areas of deprivation and for communities who do not have access to a car.

    The North East Combined Authority will receive nearly £20 million to buy more than 50 new electric buses. This will provide more than 3,000 seats for passengers, improve air quality, reduce congestion and support businesses in the region.

    Belfast International Airport will receive £2.3 million to purchase an electric bus fleet, which will have significant benefits for travellers and local people with better air quality and reduced noise.

    Nearly £27 million has been guaranteed for a new roll-on, roll-off ferry for the Shetland Fair Isle in Scotland, providing a lifeline for the community, visitors and vital supply chains.

    Revitalising towns and cities

    Over £760 million is being provided to regenerate towns and cities and unlock thousands of new homes.

    This includes £20 million to regenerate Accrington town centre, which will see the renovation of the Grade II listed Accrington Market Hall into a bustling food hall and trading space and the refurbish of the vacant and dilapidated Burtons Chambers and Market Chambers into band-new office spaces.

    There is £18 million for a transformation of Cleethorpes seafront, including the historic market square and regenerating Pier Gardens.

    The construction of Willenhall Garden City in Walsall will be accelerated by a £20 million grant, which will unlock a £210 million regeneration plan, enabling the delivery of new homes, parks, and a railway station.

    More £17 million will level up Leek Town Centre through a refurbishment plan that will upgrade the old market halls for new business use, upgrade the public library and museum, and create a swimming facility as part of wider town centre regeneration.

    Restoring local heritage

    £545 million will restore local landmarks and protect them for generations to come.

    This includes nearly £18 million to transform the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl, one of the most recognisable buildings in South Wales, which is currently deteriorating after years of piecemeal refurbishments.

    There is £20 million to restore the Grade II listed Haigh Hall in Wigan, which will rejuvenate the area and make the site a popular destination for culture, community, events and hospitality.

    All areas were invited to bid for Round 2 by August 2022.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Switzerland hands over Ukraine Recovery Conference hosting to UK [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Switzerland hands over Ukraine Recovery Conference hosting to UK [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 18 January 2023.

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps marked the handover at Davos of the next Ukraine Recovery Conference which will take place in London in June 2023.

    Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps today (Wednesday 18 January) met Swiss and Ukrainian representatives to mark the official host handover of the Ukraine Recovery Conference from Switzerland to the UK.

    The Business Secretary attended the event at the World Economic Forum, Davos. Alongside Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, he held a press conference to mark the handover of the next conference from Switzerland to the UK as co-host, jointly with Ukraine.

    The next Ukraine Recovery Conference will take place in London on 21 to 22 June 2023. The event is a continuation of the series of annual conferences dedicated to Ukraine’s transformation. The first took place in London in 2017 as the Ukraine Reform Conference.

    This year’s conference will focus on the mobilisation of international and private sector support for the economic and social stabilisation of Ukraine.

    Speaking at Switzerland House Grant Shapps said:

    Our steadfast commitment to Ukraine extends to also helping them secure the financial support required to recover from the destruction so cruelly meted out by Moscow.

    It was a privilege to mark the official handover of the Ukraine Recovery Conference and I have no doubt that as hosts this June, Britain will rise to the challenge of mobilising support from across the world.

    Prime Minister Shmyhal noted:

    We expect that the next Recovery Conference in London will make it possible to mobilize international support for Ukraine’s urgent recovery for this year. In addition, we expect that, together with our partners, we will clearly set out the provisions on what resources should be used for long-term recovery.

    Swiss Federal Councillor Cassis commented:

    The decisions taken in Lugano will be followed up in London.

    I believe we need a compass to guide us, even in the dark times we are currently experiencing. The Lugano Declaration serves as that compass.

    The 2023 Ukraine Recovery Conference will be a major, high-profile event attended by senior representatives from the G7 and other international and multilateral partners, International Finance Institutions, the private sector and Civil Society.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK opposes all unilateral actions that will make Israeli-Palestinian peace harder to achieve – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK opposes all unilateral actions that will make Israeli-Palestinian peace harder to achieve – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 January 2023.

    Statement delivered by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council briefing on MEPP.

    Thank you, Mr President, and we thank the Special Coordinator for his briefing.

    Last year saw large numbers of Palestinians and Israelis killed, worsening rates of settler violence, and the emergence of new Palestinian militant groups. Unfortunately, 2023 has also started with violence and instability. In this context, the UK Minister of State, Lord Ahmad, visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories earlier this month. There, he underlined the UK’s support for a two-state solution and urged the parties, supported by the international community, to do all they can to de-escalate, restore calm, and rebuild trust.

    To this end, Mr President, first, the parties must demonstrate through their statements and their policies a genuine commitment to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians and to a two-state solution. This is the only way to end the conflict, preserve Israel’s Jewish and democratic identity and realise Palestinian national aspirations. The UK opposes all unilateral actions that will make peace harder to achieve, whether taken by the Palestinian or Israeli side, including the Government of Israel’s measures against the Palestinian Authority, announced on 6 January.

    Second, the UK calls upon all parties to continue to uphold the historic Status Quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites. During his visit, Lord Ahmad visited Haram Al Sharif/Temple Mount. He emphasised the UK’s unwavering commitment to the Status Quo and to working with the parties to ensure the safety of all who visit. We value Jordan’s important role as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem.

    Third, we urge the leaders on both sides to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence. The desecration of 30 Christian graves in a Protestant cemetery on Mount Zion this month speaks to the dangers of increasing division along ethnic and religious lines. We are grateful to all sides for their swift condemnation of these shocking acts. As a defender of freedom of religion or belief for all, the UK urges respect for all burial and holy sites, which must be treated with dignity.

    Finally, Israel must exercise maximum restraint in the use of live fire when protecting its legitimate security interest. In the first three weeks of this year, 14 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces, including 3 children.

    Restoring stability and securing peace is still possible, but requires effort from all sides in a process towards a two state solution. The UK stands ready to support these important objectives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Review of police dismissals launched [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Review of police dismissals launched [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 18 January 2023.

    A review to ensure that the police officer dismissal process is effective at removing those who are not fit to serve the public has been launched by the Home Office today.

    The internal review will look at the effectiveness of the disciplinary system so the public can be confident it is fair but efficient at removing officers who fall far short of the high standards expected of them.

    Baroness Casey’s interim report into the culture and standards at the Metropolitan Police Service, published last year, raised concerns about the low number of police officers being dismissed and that those with multiple allegations of misconduct against them are still serving the public. She was also concerned that officers from ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented in the misconduct system.

    As set out in the terms of reference published on GOV.UK Police officer dismissals review: terms of reference, Home Office officials will examine the consistency of decision making at misconduct hearings and disproportionality in dismissals, alongside reviewing the existing model of misconduct panels and the impact of legally qualified chairs (LQCs).

    The review, which will be completed within approximately 4 months, will also ensure that forces are able to effectively use regulations that allow probationary officers who do not meet the required standard to be let go, and look at whether the current three-tier performance system is effective in being able to dismiss officers who fail to perform the duties expected of their rank and role.

    The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, said:

    The reputation of British policing has been severely damaged by the atrocious behaviour of police officers like David Carrick, and the public’s trust in our police has been shaken.

    Officers who fall short and are not fit to serve the public have no place in our police, and we must ensure they can be dismissed as swiftly as possible.

    I have been clear that culture and standards in policing must improve and they focus on common sense policing which the public rightly expects and deserves.

    This review will ensure that bureaucracy and unnecessary process will not prevail over ethics and common sense.

    It will urgently identify reforms to the dismissals process so that we can enact change.

    Policing stakeholders are also invited to submit evidence on the broader effectiveness of the disciplinary and performance systems for consideration outside of this review.

    The is one part of the government’s work to tackle police culture and standards following recent high-profile events, including the appalling case of David Carrick, which have shattered public confidence in policing. The government is clear that there is no place in our police forces for officers who fall seriously short of the acceptable standards of behaviour and are not fit to wear the uniform, and police forces must root out these officers to restore the public’s trust.

    The government has introduced significant reforms to the police complaints and discipline systems in recent years – from misconduct hearings in public and independent legally qualified chairs (LQCs) to the introduction of the barred list and the strengthening of powers for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

    In addition, the Angiolini Inquiry is currently examining the issues raised by the conviction of then serving officer Wayne Couzens for the murder of Sarah Everard last year, and the Home Secretary expects part 2 of this inquiry to examine police culture and vetting processes.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Violent rapist, Samuel Moulder, to spend longer in prison after referral to the Court of Appeal [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Violent rapist, Samuel Moulder, to spend longer in prison after referral to the Court of Appeal [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 18 January 2023.

    A man who raped a woman twice has had his jail term increased after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal for being unduly lenient.

    Samuel Moulder, now 34, denied attacking the woman twice in 2017. The first offence took place in a hotel and the second, which was aggressive and violent, took place in the victim’s own home.

    On 8 September 2022 at Gloucester Crown Court, Moulder was sentenced to eight years in prison, he was given a restraining order against his victim and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

    Following the sentencing, it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme for being too low.

    On 18 January 2023, the Court found his original sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 12 years’ imprisonment.

    Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP said:

    “Rape is always a horrific crime, but this case has had particularly awful repercussions on his victim.

    I welcome this increased sentence which better reflects the long-term harm caused. It sends a clear message that violent, sexual offences will be addressed with vigorous punishment.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Next steps to rid police of misogyny and predatory behaviour [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Next steps to rid police of misogyny and predatory behaviour [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 18 January 2023.

    The Home Secretary has set out next steps to strengthen vetting of police officers following the David Carrick case.

    The government will do whatever it takes to root out misogyny and predatory behaviour from the ranks of the police.

    In the wake of the appalling crimes committed by David Carrick and acknowledged failures within the Metropolitan Police that allowed such a despicable criminal to serve the public, the government – working with police chiefs across the country – is taking immediate action to ensure that the system is effective at removing officers who are simply not fit to wear the uniform.

    The National Police Chiefs’ Council has confirmed that it will ask all police forces to check their officers and staff against national police databases. This will help identify anyone who has slipped through the net before vetting standards were toughened and ensure those who are unfit to serve can be rooted out.

    The Home Secretary has also asked the College of Policing to strengthen the statutory code of practice for police vetting, making the obligations all forces must legally follow stricter and clearer. This will make a raft of guidance a legal requirement for all police forces.

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

    David Carrick’s sickening crimes are a stain on the police and he should never have been allowed to remain as an officer for so long.

    We are taking immediate steps to ensure predatory individuals are not only rooted out of the force, but that vetting and standards are strengthened to ensure they cannot join the police in the first place.

    Every day thousands of decent, hardworking police officers perform their duties with the utmost professionalism and I am sure they all share my disgust at his despicable betrayal of everything they stand for.

    The government has also brought forward the second part of the Angiolini Inquiry, the terms of reference of which will be published today for consultation, to identify and address any systemic issues with policing. This will:

    ask whether processes around recruitment and vetting do enough to identify those who are not fit to serve
    investigate the extent to which misogynistic and predatory behaviour exists in police culture
    look at whether current measures do enough to keep women safe in public spaces and manage risks posed by perpetrators
    The Angiolini Inquiry was established in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard to understand how a serving police officer was able to carry out such a horrendous crime. The Home Secretary confirmed yesterday that Lady Angiolini will also look at the specifics surrounding the David Carrick case as part of her inquiry.

    The government has also commissioned His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services to conduct a rapid review of all forces’ response to the inspectorate’s recent report into vetting and counter-corruption. This will make sure chief officers are taking the necessary action to remove those who are not fit to serve.

    The Home Secretary has also launched an internal review into police dismissals to make sure the system is effective at removing officers who fall short of the standards expected of them.

    The Prime Minister will meet with Met Commissioner Mark Rowley later on today to make clear we must work together to root out the misogyny and predatory behaviour within the police’s ranks to restore public confidence.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £100 million boost as naval shipbuilding confirms return to Belfast [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £100 million boost as naval shipbuilding confirms return to Belfast [January 2023]

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

    A £1.6 billion contract has been awarded to Team Resolute to manufacture the vessels providing munitions, stores and provisions to Royal Navy ships.

    • Team Resolute to deliver three naval support ships in £1.6 billion contract.
    • 900 shipyard jobs to be created in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
    • £100 million of investment into UK shipbuilding industry.
    • Strengthening UK shipbuilding and delivering on National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh.

    Creating 1,200 UK shipyard jobs, hundreds of graduate and apprentice opportunities, and an expected 800 further jobs across the UK supply chain, Team Resolute, comprising BMT, Harland & Wolff and Navantia UK, will deliver three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).

    Set to invest around £100 million into UK shipyards, including £77 million of infrastructure at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast and Appledore shipyards, and a further £21 million in skills and technology transfer from Navantia UK, Harland & Wolff will create one of the most advanced shipyards in the UK – significant for future export and domestic shipbuilding.

    With around 900 jobs alone to be created at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast site, the contract – awarded by Defence Equipment & Support – is a welcome boost for Northern Ireland, bringing naval shipbuilding back to Belfast.

    The Prime Minister visited Harland & Wolff last month, following the announcement that Team Resolute had won the competition for the future support ships in November.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    This contract is a significant boost to the UK’s historic shipbuilding industry, balancing shipbuilding across the Union.

    Creating jobs and prosperity, Team Resolute is bringing shipbuilding back to Belfast, developing a modern, resilient and thriving shipbuilding industry that will support naval and commercial shipbuilding into the future.

    Expanding and enhancing Harland & Wolff’s shipbuilding facilities, the FSS fleet will be the first ships built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast since MV Anvil Point was launched in 2002.

    Strengthening shipbuilding in England and Northern Ireland, this contract will complement existing Type 26 and Type 31 frigate construction contracts in Scotland, bolstering the UK’s shipbuilding capabilities.

    The majority of the blocks and modules for the ships will be constructed at Harland & Wolff’s facilities in Belfast and Appledore, following the entirely British crafted design by the Bath-based company BMT. Build work will also take place at Navantia’s shipyard in Cadiz in Spain, with the final assembly for all three 216-metre-long vessels – each the length of two Premier League football pitches – to be completed at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast yard.

    On behalf of Team Resolute, Group CEO of Harland & Wolff, John Wood, said:

    This programme will bring £77 million of investment into the Harland & Wolff shipyards and create around 1,200 Harland & Wolff shipyard jobs, spring boarding Harland & Wolff back into the naval shipbuilding sphere and significantly enhancing our export opportunities for the future.

    This is the last chance to capture the excellent shipbuilding skills that remain in Belfast and Appledore before they are lost and pass them on to the next generation of UK shipbuilders. UK Government has seized this opportunity and in doing so ensured the long-term survival of our shipyards and significantly bolstered sovereign shipbuilding capability.

    Aiming to deliver 200 further education opportunities on graduate placements and apprentice programmes, the contract will build on the Prime Minister’s commitment to grow the economy by supporting thousands more supply chain jobs across the UK. Harland & Wolff’s welding academy is set to train 300 new UK welders during the contract, with 120 highly-skilled jobs supported at BMT.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris said:

    The award of this major UK Government contract is fantastic news for Northern Ireland and the UK shipbuilding industry.

    Harland and Wolff is iconic worldwide for its shipbuilding history, and the creation of hundreds of jobs through this contract as well as training opportunities will ensure that Belfast remains a key player in the shipbuilding industry of the future.

    Delivering on ambitions to bolster UK shipbuilding as laid out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, the contract aims to deliver significant capital investment in the UK while providing ships which are essential to the Carrier-led Maritime Strike Group.

    The ships will be the second longest UK military vessels behind the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. They will have commonality with the RFA’s Tide class fleet tankers, also built to a British BMT design. The majority of the three ships’ build will take place in the UK, and the contract will increase industrial productivity, and develop the domestic supply chain and workforce while improving the industry’s environmental sustainability.

    Unite Union Representative, Joe Passmore, said:

    This is an historic moment for shipbuilding in Belfast. We campaigned for Harland & Wolff with a view to bringing new infrastructure and knowledge into our shipyards, and FSS will create jobs, skills and opportunities for young people in Northern Ireland. We continue to wrestle with a capacity shortage in shipyards and we believe that by unlocking the full potential in Belfast, we can help to secure a bright future for shipbuilding in the UK.

    Production is due to start in 2025, with recapitalisation and yard improvements starting immediately. All three support ships are expected to be operational by 2032.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s brutal war blatantly disregards OSCE principles and commitments – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s brutal war blatantly disregards OSCE principles and commitments – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 January 2023.

    Ambassador Bush welcomes the incoming Bosnian FSC Chair and stresses the continued need to highlight the impact of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.

    Thank you, Chair, dear Sinisa. I wish to start by offering my heartfelt condolences to Ukraine for those who have lost their lives and have been affected by this morning’s helicopter crash.

    Thank you and welcome Deputy Minister Brkic, for clearly outlining your priorities as incoming Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) this trimester.

    Bosnia and Herzegovina assumes the role just under eleven months following Russia’s unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine. An invasion which blatantly disregards the OSCE principles and commitments that we all freely signed up to. An invasion that the FSC must remain focused on, in defence of the values that underpin our collective security.

    As we know, Bosnia and Herzegovina has lived the horrors of war and walked the path towards becoming a functional, reform-oriented, European country. The UK remains committed to supporting this process – as a friend and ally, as well as a signatory to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Agreement remains an important landmark document that is vital to peace and security not just to Bosnia and Herzegovina but the whole region. It has also shaped the OSCE Field Mission’s crucial work. We will no doubt benefit from the experience and the expertise of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Security Dialogues this trimester, including on: Small Arms, Light Weapons, and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition (SALW/SCA); the Code of Conduct; and on Mine Action.

    Equally, we must continue to highlight the impact of Russia’s brutal war of conquest against Ukraine.

    Mr Chair, whilst the FSC paused over the winter period, our Ukrainian friends could not. UK military assistance, with that of our partners, continued in earnest too. On Monday, the UK Defence Secretary announced the most significant package to date, to accelerate Ukrainian success. Time and again, Ukraine has shown the effect of agility and ingenuity.

    In response, we have seen an out-manoeuvred and frustrated Russian military unleash horrendous violence on civilians and critical national infrastructure. Over the last four weeks, extremely heavy and attritional fighting has continued, especially around the Donetsk Oblast town of Bakhmut, and in the less reported-on sector of Kremina, in Luhansk. Russia’s horrendous missile strike on an apartment block in Dnipro over the weekend killed over 40 people. It appears to have been conducted using the Kh-22 anti-ship missile which is not optimised to strike ground targets accurately, especially in an urban environment. This is irresponsible and greatly increases the likelihood of disproportionate collateral damage. Russia knows this. It used the Kh-22 in the Kremenchuk shopping centre strike of 27 June last year. Either it does not care if it kills civilians, or it is deliberately targeting them.

    Mr Chair, no one can deny the Belarusian regime is an active supporter of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. However, Russia is increasingly attempting to use Belarus to distract from its own failures. This includes the current Joint Russian-Belarusian air exercise, which aims to highlight Belarusian support and divert attention. We call on the Belarusian regime to recognise this, desist from supporting Russia’s attempts to stoke further regional instability and stop its support of Russia’s illegal invasion.

    Mr Chair, on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) – the women of Ukraine are yet another powerful reminder of how women’s full, equal and meaningful participation can support better outcomes. The UK’s new WPS National Action Plan, being launched early this year, will respond to the new global context, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    I wish to conclude by welcoming our colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina as FSC Chair this trimester. You can count on the UK to support you in protecting the integrity of this Forum, its ability to fulfil its mandate, and to maintain the focus on Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We warmly welcome Bulgaria to the FSC troika. I wish you, Mr Chair, dear Sinisa, and your able teams in Vienna and Sarajevo, and you Deputy Minister, the best of luck.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reckless jet skiers to face prison and unlimited fines thanks to law change [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reckless jet skiers to face prison and unlimited fines thanks to law change [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 18 January 2023.

    New legislation will grant more powers to prosecute people for the dangerous misuse of watercraft, such as jet skis.

    • anyone riding a jet ski recklessly or causing harm to others could now face up to 2 years in prison and an unlimited fine, thanks to a change in the law
    • the introduction of new legislation follows growth in the use of watercraft during the pandemic
    • Maritime and Coastguard Agency to be granted more powers to prosecute, as government works to ensure the UK’s waters continue to be some of the safest in the world

    New legislation is being introduced to crack down on the dangerous misuse of watercraft such as jet skis, with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency being granted more powers to prosecute perpetrators of accidents.

    The new law will come into force on 31 March 2023, before the busy summer period and will enable watercraft users to be prosecuted and bound by the same laws that apply to ships in order to help to prevent accidents.

    This follows a boom in the watercraft industry during the pandemic, with the number, size, power and availability of watercraft like jet skis increasing, and their use in UK waters rising significantly.

    Today’s (18 January 2023) move by the government will help ensure the UK continues to have some of the safest waters in the world.

    Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere said:

    The watercraft industry is thriving and it’s great to see more and more people enjoying leisure activities. However, they must do so safely.

    That’s why we’re introducing a new law to crack down on any dangerous misuse of watercraft like jet skis. It will give the Maritime and Coastguard Agency greater power to prosecute those responsible for causing accidents or entirely avoidable tragedies.

    We’ll continue working to ensure our country’s coasts and waters are safe for everyone.

    Watercraft are not currently covered by wider maritime safety legislation. The new law will mean those found guilty of using their watercraft in a dangerous manner could receive an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years in prison.

    For those who cause accidents involving loss of life, the new offences could be used to better prosecute perpetrators alongside wider manslaughter charges.

    Personal and recreational watercraft will also be bound by the ‘Highway Code of the sea’ – international regulations which require users to act safely by maintaining a lookout, driving at safe speeds and outlining their responsibilities to other vessels.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £300,000 to transform Old Town Hall in Whithorn [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £300,000 to transform Old Town Hall in Whithorn [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 18 January 2023.

    £300,000 was allocated from the Community Ownership Fund to transform the Old Town Hall in Whithorn, Galloway.

    The funding will help the town hall become more accessible, functional and support working towards Net-Zero.

    Plans for the building

    The Grade B listed Georgian town hall is set to turn into a new social enterprise that will offer training to young people in:

    • traditional stonemasonry
    • joinery skills

    It will also showcase energy efficiency innovation for hard-to-treat Georgian buildings.