Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – UK Statement for Item 2 General Debate [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – UK Statement for Item 2 General Debate [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 March 2023.

    Statement delivered by the UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley, for Item 2 General Debate.

    High Commissioner,

    As your oral update made clear, as Ukraine enters its second year under Russian attack, the human rights situation continues to deteriorate. And the Commission of Inquiry and your Monitoring Mission play an invaluable role in revealing the extent of the brutality being inflicted on the Ukrainian people.

    There is, of course, a simple way for that brutality to end.  End the war, President Putin.

    It is also clear that Russian aggression abroad is enabled by repression at home: civil society organisations are banned, tens of thousands of anti-war protesters jailed.  So, there is a simple way to end that too. End the repression, President Putin.

    High Commissioner,

    Last year, your office provided compelling evidence of China’s serious human rights violations in Xinjiang. In December, 15 distinguished UN experts set out clear recommendations necessary for China to fulfil its international obligations in Xinjiang. And last month, UN Special Rapporteurs expressed alarm at China’s efforts to forcibly assimilate Tibetan identity. These concerns are well-evidenced and widely shared by the international community. We urge the Chinese Government to stop denying the facts, and engage seriously and constructively with these recommendations.

    Let me pay tribute to you High Commissioner for visiting Haiti and shining a light on human rights abuses there, including abductions and sexual violence, enabled by rising lawlessness.

    In South Sudan, tragically, violence has killed hundreds, displaced tens of thousands, and been accompanied by the most appalling acts of sexual and gender-based violence. That is why the role of the Commission on Human Rights is so important in documenting these violations and abuses.

    Just last week, we pledged another $100m of humanitarian assistance to Yemen. That assistance is vital. But it is insufficient, unless accompanied by progress towards a political solution and respect for the human rights – not least the rights of women and children.

    Last but not least, we call on both Israel and the Palestinians to take steps to de-escalate, combat terror, and end settler violence; violence and instability has only led to a tragic increase in loss of life in 2022 and the first months of 2023. The people of Israel and the OPTs deserve a better, safer future. We remain committed to a two-state solution that protects the peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New laws to stop the boats [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New laws to stop the boats [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 7 March 2023.

    Laws include legal duty on the Home Secretary to remove anyone who enters the UK illegally.

    Earlier this year the Prime Minister made stopping the boats one of his 5 promises to the British people. The ‘Stop the Boats’ – or Illegal Migration – Bill will fulfil that promise by ending illegal entry as a route to asylum in the UK.

    This will remove the incentive for people to risk their lives through these dangerous and unnecessary journeys and pull the rug from under the criminal gangs profiting from this misery once and for all.

    People who arrive in the UK illegally will instead be detained and swiftly removed to their home country if safe, or another safe third country, such as Rwanda, where they will be supported to rebuild their lives.

    Anyone illegally entering the UK will be prevented from accessing the UK’s world-leading modern slavery support or abusing these laws to block their removal. Any other challenges or human rights claims can also only be heard after removal, remotely.

    By ending illegal immigration as a route to asylum, stopping the boats and taking back control of our borders the Bill will ensure the UK can better support people coming through fair, safe and legal routes.

    The UK will always be a compassionate country, as demonstrated by the nation opening its hearts and homes to those from fleeing from Afghanistan and Ukraine, and under this Bill, Parliament will set an annual cap on the number of refugees settled via safe and legal routes, taking into account local authority capacity for housing, public services and the support communities rightly expect.

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

    The British people rightly expect us to solve this crisis and that’s what myself and the Prime Minister fully intend to do. We must stop the boats.

    It is completely unfair that people who travel through a string of safe countries then come to the UK illegally and abuse our asylum laws to avoid removal.

    It has to stop. By bringing in new laws, I am making it absolutely clear that the only route to the UK is a safe and legal route. If you come here illegally, you won’t be able to claim asylum or build a life here.

    You will not be allowed to stay. You will be returned home if safe, or to a safe third country like Rwanda. It’s the only way to prevent people risking their lives and paying criminals thousands of pounds to get here.

    The Bill, introduced to Parliament today (7 March 2023), will mean anyone who enters the UK illegally and who has passed through a safe country will be legally required to be removed and the Home Secretary will have the power to enforce it.

    Migrants may be detained for 28 days with no recourse for bail or judicial review, and then for as long as there is a reasonable prospect of removal.

    In exceptional circumstances if there is a risk that someone would suffer a real risk of serious and irreversible harm when they are relocated to that specific safe third country, they would not be removed until it was safe to do so. Even in these cases you will have a maximum 45 days to remain in the UK before your appeal is exhausted.

    The annual number settled via safe and legal routes will be kept under review, and if there is a humanitarian crisis within the world that requires a response, then the UK will step up and offer sanctuary to those in need, as we have done for tens of thousands of Ukrainians and Afghans.

    The Bill forms part of the action the government is taking to stop small boat crossings and illegal migration as a whole.

    This includes:

    • an agreement with Albania that recognises their status as a safe country
    • a new dedicated unit to speed up the processing of Albanian cases – since the announcement in December we have returned over 3000 illegal migrants, including over 500 Albanians
    • ending the legacy backlog of asylum claims by the end of 2023 – we have already doubled decision makers and we will double the number again and we are changing the system to make it more productive
    • reducing the use of hotels, with the government currently spending £6.2 million a day, by moving asylum seekers to cheaper alternative accommodation
    • established the Small Boats Operational Command in December, enabling us from January to protect the resources of our Immigration Enforcement teams – as a direct result of this change, we have been able to significantly increase the numbers of immigration enforcement visits undertaken, deliver a 50% uplift in enforcement visits per month and have seen a corresponding increase in arrests
    • doubling the funding for Operation Invigor, which brings together the NCA, Home Office Intelligence and UK policing to disrupt organised crime groups who are smuggling people from source countries to the beaches of northern France
    • our joint work with France saw nearly 33,000 Channel crossings prevented in 2022, compared to just over 23,000 in 2021 – since the UK-France Joint Intelligence Cell (JIC) was established in July 2020, 59 organised criminal groups involved in small boats crossings
    • clamping down on people smugglers, with over 350 arrests made since the Nationality and Borders Act became law
    • welcoming current collaboration with the French to tackle illegal migration, which includes agreeing further action at the UK/FR Leaders’ Summit

    Summary of Bill measures:

    • Duty to make arrangements for removal – the Home Secretary will have a legal duty to remove people who have entered the UK illegally.
    • Detention and bail – strengthening detention powers so people can only apply for bail from the Courts (First-tier Tribunal) after 28 days (although habeus corpus will remain).
    • Unaccompanied children – minors who come to the UK illegally will not be removed to a safe third country until adulthood, except in limited circumstances.
    • Entry, citizenship and settlement – people who come to the UK illegally will be prevented from settling in the country and will face a permanent ban from returning.
    • Asylum – people who come here illegally will have their asylum claims deemed inadmissible and considered in a safe third country.
    • Modern slavery – modern slavery referrals for those who come to the UK illegally will be disqualified under public order grounds under the terms of the international anti-trafficking treaty, ECAT.
    • Legal proceedings – limiting the circumstances in which legal challenges will prevent someone from being removed from the UK. Most legal challenges will be considered when someone has been successfully removed from the UK.
    • Expanding the list of countries that are considered safe in law – this will make it unquestionably clear when someone doesn’t need our protection because they are obviously not at risk of persecution in their home country.
    • Annual number of people using safe and legal routes – committing to resettling a specific number of refugees in the UK every year.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Strike action to affect travellers and goods entering the UK on 15 March [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Strike action to affect travellers and goods entering the UK on 15 March [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 7 March 2023.

    The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has announced Civil Service industrial action that will impact Border Force operations.

    Travellers who are planning to enter the UK on Wednesday 15 March 2023 may face longer wait times at border control.

    Check the latest travel advice with operators before you travel.

    Be patient and respect officers who are working to keep the UK border safe and secure for all travellers during strike action.

    We encourage eligible passengers to use eGates.

    Border Force strike proposed date and locations

    Dates:

    • 15 March
    • 16 March (until around 7am)

    Locations:

    The proposed strike action will impact international arrivals at all UK air and maritime ports, as well as those travelling to the UK from UK border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France.

    If you are travelling into the UK, be prepared for disruption and check before you travel.

    Our first priority is to keep our borders safe and secure. We will never compromise on this.

    Advice for people entering the UK

    If you are travelling into the UK during the proposed industrial action, be prepared for longer wait times at UK border control.

    All passengers should check the latest advice from their operators before travelling.

    Please be patient and respect officers who are working to keep our citizens safe and border secure, and supporting travellers during the strike action.

    We encourage passengers who are eligible to use eGates to do so if these are available.

    Please respect staff as we try and get you through the border as quickly and safely as possible. All forms of abuse and any inappropriate behaviour will be reported to the police.

    Hauliers: impact of strike action

    If you are moving goods during the proposed strike action, be prepared for potential disruption and longer queues at ports and inland border facilities.

    Please check with your operator before travelling, be prepared for delays and carefully plan your movements if they coincide with days of strike action.

    Border wait times

    Accurate queue time data can take some time to gather and check. If you are travelling during the proposed strike dates, be prepared for longer wait times.

    Several factors can influence wait times, including high passenger numbers, flight delays and flight bunching. Weather delays and other incidents can also impact border control queues.

    We advise travellers to check with travel agents, tour operators, and airlines or carriers before travelling, to check if the proposed strike action will affect your journey.

    Passengers can also check airport websites before travelling to stay up to date with the latest information related to travel or possible delays caused by strike action.

    What we are doing to avoid disruption and queues at the border during the strike action

    We continue to work closely with industry to minimise disruption and delays at the border during any industrial action.

    Border Force and industry work together very closely at a local and national level to agree plans for pressures while keeping the public safe and ensuring critical goods such as medicines and food can continue to flow across the border.

    Military personnel, civil servants and volunteers from across government are being trained to support Border Force at airports and ports across the UK in the event of potential strike action. Border Force are ready to deploy resource to meet critical demand and support the flow of travellers and goods through the border. However, people entering the UK should be prepared for potential disruption.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister awards MND campaigner Rob Burrow the UK’s 2,000th Points of Light [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister awards MND campaigner Rob Burrow the UK’s 2,000th Points of Light [March 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 March 2023.

    Rob Burrow MBE, the former Leeds Rhino and England Rugby League player who has passionately campaigned for people with Motor Neurone Disease, was yesterday named by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as the 2,000th recipient of the daily Points of Light award.

    Rob made nearly 500 appearances for the Leeds Rhinos between 2001 and 2017, winning eight Super League championships.

    Just two years after his retirement, he revealed a devastating diagnosis of MND in December 2019, but despite his physical decline Rob has raised awareness, including through a documentary with the BBC showing the impact of the disease on himself and his family.

    He has also inspired the creation of a Rob Burrow Day (7 July) led by Leeds Rhinos, and has been at the forefront of the design of a new £5m cutting-edge MND centre in Leeds, which will be the first of its kind in the UK to be based around the holistic needs of MND patients and their families.

    Rob’s awareness-raising has been matched by a fundraising drive from his old Rhinos team Kevin Sinfield OBE, who has completed multiple marathon challenges in Rob’s name to raise over £7m for MND charities.

    The inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is due to take place in May this year, with over 10,000 people signed up to take part and raise further funds for his Leeds Hospitals Charity Appeal.

    The Prime Minister’s Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014, having been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA.

    Since then, outstanding individuals from across the country who are making a positive change within their community and inspiring others have been recognised by the Prime Minister through the award.

    In a personal letter to Rob, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    For almost a decade, Prime Ministers have been naming a daily Point of Light to recognise extraordinary people in our country whose service to others is an inspiration to us all.

    Today, I have the honour of naming you as the UK’s 2,000th Point of Light.

    You have inspired millions around the world with your strength, courage and positivity. Through your intimate documentary and all your work to raise awareness of MND, you have used your profile as one of the greatest ever rugby players to shine a light on a disease that was once rarely spoken about and little understood.

    You have inspired a phenomenal fundraising campaign that is supporting vital new research and improving the care for others – not least through the creation of The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in your proud home city of Leeds.

    The legacy of everything you are doing for the fight against this disease will change what it means to be diagnosed with MND.

    As you have said: “in a world full of adversity we must dare to dream.” Inspired by you, many will dare to dream and fulfil those dreams, in spite of whatever adversity they may face.

    You are a true Point of Light. On behalf of the whole country, thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Nigeria [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Nigeria [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 March 2023.

    Dr Richard Montgomery CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in succession to Ms Catriona Laing CB who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Montgomery will take up his appointment during April 2023.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Richard Hugh Montgomery

    Married to: Naheed Bilgrami

    Children: Two

    Date Role
    2018 to 2022 The World Bank Group, UK Executive Director, Washington
    2015 to 2018 Department for International Development (DFID), Director, Asia, Caribbean & Overseas Territories (AsCOT) Division
    2013 to 2015 Islamabad, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Office, DFID Pakistan
    2009 to 2013 Abuja, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Office, DFID Nigeria
    2006 to 2009 DFID, Deputy Director and Head of Corporate Human Resources, and Head of Security, East Kilbride
    2005 to 2006 DFID, Deputy Team Leader, Top Management Group
    2002 to 2005 Lusaka, Deputy Head, DFID Zambia
    1999 to 2002 Dhaka, Senior Social Development Adviser, DFID Bangladesh
    1996 to 1999 New Delhi, Social Development Adviser, DFID India
    1993 to 1996 Swansea University, Lecturer in International Development, Centre for Development Studies
    1992 to 1993 Manchester University, Research, Institute for Development Policy & Management
    1992 GKW Consult Mannheim, Sociologist
    1988 to 1991 University of Cambridge, Doctorate (Ph.D) in Social Anthropology
  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – UK statement on behalf of the Sri Lanka Core Group [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – UK statement on behalf of the Sri Lanka Core Group [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 March 2023.

    Statement delivered by the UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley, on behalf of the Sri Lanka Core Group.

    Thank you Mr Vice-President

    This statement is by the Sri Lanka Core Group comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the UK and the United States.

    We welcome recent commitments with respect to the protection of human rights in Sri Lanka, including those of persons from all religious and ethnic groups. Together with recent efforts at constitutional reform, and initiatives aimed at fostering political inclusion, these provide a basis upon which to build.

    We also welcome Sri Lanka’s positive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process in January. We are keen to assist Sri Lanka in implementing its UPR recommendations.

    However, our concerns over heavy-handed responses to peaceful protests remain. Sri Lanka must safeguard the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of expression. We call for accountability for any protest-related violence. Civil society has an important part to play in encouraging the protection of human rights and we underline the importance of protecting space for civil society’s important work, including through any future legislation.

    We stress the crucial importance of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding representative democracy, including by ensuring the independence of institutions and governance systems. This includes the electoral system, in which maintaining the confidence of Sri Lankans is crucial.

    We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to address long-standing impunity and corruption. We also underline the need for good governance, which together with sound economic policies, should better support the prosperity of all Sri Lankans.

    Noting commitments made to the Council in September by the Government of Sri Lanka, we emphasise the importance of transitional justice, including promotion of truth and accountability, with the goal of reconciliation and accountability for all communities. We also emphasise the importance of replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act with legislation that aligns with Sri Lanka’s international obligations.

    The Core Group calls on Sri Lanka to work with the High Commissioner and his Office. We remain ready to support Sri Lanka in addressing HRC resolution 51/1.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement on report of Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement on report of Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 March 2023.

    Rita French, the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, delivers a statement on the report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    We welcome the report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan whilst deeply regretting its conclusion that the human rights, humanitarian and security situation in South Sudan remains dire and of urgent concern.

    We are particularly concerned by instances of sub-national violence across South Sudan as well as reports of government intimidation, harassment, illegal arrest and arbitrary detention of civil society actors and media workers.

    Mr President,

    While we recognise some positive progress made by the Government of South Sudan and the National Legislative Assembly, it is clear that the end goal of a just and lasting peace in South Sudan – based on the full respect for human rights, full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, and full operationalization of the Chapter V transitional justice institutions – is still very far away.

    Bearing all this in mind, and while South Sudan’s own capacity to provide tangible human rights scrutiny is yet to be realised, we believe that the only credible response by this Council can be to extend the Commission’s mandate for a further year.

    Commissioners,

    We welcome your convening of a multi-stakeholder conference on transitional justice in South Sudan in late February. What conclusions did you draw from this?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Increased prison sentence for Lee Wilson [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Increased prison sentence for Lee Wilson [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 7 March 2023.

    A paedophile who sexually assaulted 2 children under the age of 13 will spend an additional 4 years in prison following a challenge to his original sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, meaning he will now serve 15 years’ imprisonment plus 12 months’ extended licence.

    Lee Wilson, 40, from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, was sentenced on 18 November 2022 for a total of seven counts of sexual offences against children. These included 3 counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, sexual assault of a child under 13 and making indecent photographs of a child.

    At the original sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, Wilson was ordered to serve 11 years’ imprisonment plus 12 months’ extended licence.

    His sentence was then referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson KC MP, who felt that the sentence handed down to Wilson was unduly lenient.

    Following today’s hearing at the Court of Appeal, the Solicitor General said:

    The increased sentence handed down to Lee Wilson today shows that sexual crimes against children will always be met with the strongest possible punishment under the law. These were abhorrent crimes, and I welcome the decision of the Court to order Wilson to serve a sentence which better reflects his offending.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement on report by Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement on report by Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 March 2023.

    Rita French, the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, delivers a statement on behalf of the UK on the report from the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    We thank the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua for the presentation of their report.

    The reports of grave and systematic human rights violations, in particular the use of sexual and gender-based violence are deeply disturbing. The UK supports the recommendations of the report and continues to call on the Nicaraguan government to cooperate fully with the Group.

    The report raises concerns about the participation of the President, Vice President and officials, as well as non-State actors, in exceptionally serious and systematic human rights violations and abuses, including extrajudicial executions, torture, arbitrary deprivation of nationality, as well as violations of numerous fundamental freedoms.

    While we welcome the recent release of political prisoners from Nicaraguan jails, the decision by the authorities to expel them from Nicaragua and to strip them of their nationality and their assets is a wholly unacceptable penalisation of exercising their rights.

    We would welcome the views of the experts on the effect of actions taken to date by the international community in particular to discourage the Nicaraguan Government from committing further violations, abuses, and crimes, and crucially to hold those responsible to account.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Consultation launched on new registration rules for all bird keepers in Great Britain [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Consultation launched on new registration rules for all bird keepers in Great Britain [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 March 2023.

    Defra to consult on registration rules for bird keepers in Great Britain.

    • Views sought on new registration rules for all bird keepers in Great Britain.
    • New rules would require all bird keepers to register their birds and update information annually.
    • Proposal is part of government action to tackle avian influenza.

    Proposals to require all poultry keepers to officially register their birds were launched by the government today (7 March) as part of efforts to tackle avian influenza.

    The new rules would apply to all keepers, no matter how many birds they have. At present only those who keep 50 birds or more are required by law to do so. They would also be required to update their information on an annual basis.

    By registering their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), keepers will ensure they receive important updates such as any local avian influenza outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian influenza.

    This will enable the government to communicate with bird keepers quickly, to manage potential disease outbreaks, such as avian influenza, and limit the spread.

    The new rules would cover owners of backyard flocks, birds of prey and pigeon fanciers, but would not affect pet birds kept entirely inside a domestic dwelling, such as a parrot or budgie kept in a cage indoors which never leaves the property other than to visit a vet or another short-term period.

    In a joint statement the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales said:

    “These proposals will enable us to have a full picture of the number and location of birds kept across Great Britain and make it easier to track and manage the spread of avian disease.

    “This information will also help inform future risk assessments and maintain our commitment to continually building our extensive avian influenza research portfolio.”

    British Poultry Council Chief Executive said:

    “We welcome this consultation as a means of ensuring the GB poultry register is fit to support Government and industry efforts in mitigating the ongoing impacts of avian influenza. Registering your poultry is an effective way of monitoring and controlling the spread of disease to protect the national flock. We, as ever, urge all poultry keepers to remain vigilant for signs of avian influenza in their birds.”

    The consultation proposals take forward the recommendation from the 2018 Dame Glenys Stacey Review and lessons identified from the 2021/2022 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak and previous HPAI outbreaks.

    Bird keepers will need to provide information including their contact details, the location where birds are kept and details of the birds (species, number and what they are kept for).

    A 12-week joint GB-wide consultation will run until 31 May.