Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary call with the family of Harry Dunn [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2022.

A statement from the Foreign Secretary following his call with the family of Harry Dunn this afternoon.

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said:

I had the opportunity to speak with the Dunn family today, and listen carefully to their concerns and hear about the pain they have gone through. They have shown incredible resolve getting justice for Harry.

We have learnt important lessons from this tragic incident, including improvements to the process around exemptions from diplomatic immunity and ensuring the US takes steps to improve road safety around RAF Croughton.

December 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Haitian actors must a agree a route forward to address insecurity, humanitarian and economic crises – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2022.

Statement by Alice Jacobs, UK Deputy Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Thank you, President and to our briefers –– including the new 2653 Committee Chair for their first update. I also welcome foreign ministers of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and the Permanent Representative of Canada.

President, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the ongoing dire humanitarian situation in Haiti, which is being compounded by chronic insecurity and political gridlock.

As we heard today so clearly from the DSG and SRSG La Lime, the actions of armed gangs have displaced thousands, limited free movement of people and goods and denied citizens access to medical services during a resurgent Cholera outbreak.

The United Kingdom remains convinced that the perpetrators and sponsors of the gang violence must be held to account and denied the capacity to spread further instability and suffering.

So we are pleased to see progress on sanctions that are imperative in tackling criminal behaviour. These sanctions are a necessary tool to break the cycle of criminal violence that so disastrously impacts the Haitian people.

However, sanctions alone will not work. This is why the International Community must consider seriously any request for assistance from the Haitian government and society, including on security.

This must support and empower Haitian efforts to improve the security situation on the ground to create the conditions for elections, so that the Haitian people may choose their next government.

The United Kingdom continues to support action that moves Haiti closer to security and stability, with a return to democratic processes as soon as possible.

We therefore welcome signs of movement towards resolving the political gridlock. But there must now be determined efforts to reach a political consensus. An urgent route forward is needed to address the insecurity, humanitarian and economic crises and avoid further deterioration of the situation.

Thank you.

December 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK condemns North Korea for supplying arms to Russian mercenary group fighting in Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2022.

The UK supports the US assessment that North Korea has completed an arms delivery to Russia for the use by the Wagner Group in Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Following the US release of information that North Korea has been supplying arms to the Russian mercenary group Wagner, in breach of UN Security Council resolutions, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK supports the US assessment that North Korea has completed an arms delivery to Russia for use by the Wagner Group, which paid for this equipment and has thousands of troops in Ukraine. This is a clear breach of UN Security Council Resolutions. The fact that President Putin is turning to North Korea for help is a sign of Russia’s desperation and isolation. We will work with our partners to ensure that North Korea pays a high price for supporting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has been under UK sanctions since 2020. In November 2022 the UK sanctioned two individuals for conscripting prisoners to the Wagner Group, which has been linked to some of the worst atrocities in Russia’s illegal war.

Background:

President Putin has increasingly turned to Wagner, owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin for military support in Ukraine. Prigozhin is spending more than $100 million per month to fund Wagner’s operations in Ukraine. Wagner is recruiting prisoners, including those with serious medical conditions, to fight in Ukraine.

For months, the Russian military has been relying on Wagner to lead combat operations in parts of the Donbas. In certain instances, Russian military officials are actually subordinate to Wagner’s command. We estimate that Wagner has 50,000 personnel deployed to Ukraine, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts.

Wagner is playing a major role in Bakhmut where its ill-equipped and ill-trained forces are suffering heavy casualties. Approximately 1,000 Wagner fighters have been killed in the fighting in recent weeks, and 90 per cent of those fatalities were convicts. In recent dates, Ukraine appears to have repulsed an offensive by Wagner forces in Bakhmut.

December 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with European Commission President Von der Leyen [December 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 December 2022.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen this afternoon.

The leaders agreed that the UK and the EU would remain steadfast in our military economic and diplomatic support for Ukraine and in countering Russian aggression.

They looked forward to working closely together in 2023 in the G7, under the Japanese presidency, and the G20, under the Indian presidency.

On the Northern Ireland Protocol, they agreed on the importance of working together to agree a solution.

December 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Sir Laurie Magnus appointed as the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests [December 2022]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 December 2022.

Sir Laurie Magnus CBE has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s new Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests.

The Independent Adviser performs an important role, rooted in the Ministerial Code, as a source of impartial advice on the proper management of Ministers’ private interests and on adherence to the Code itself.

The Code has also today been re-issued, with the inclusion of a new Foreword by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister has been clear that he expects the Government to have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level. Sir Laurie will carry out the role in line with the established Terms of Reference, published in May 2022, which set out the core functions of the role as:
- Advising Ministers on their private interests, including overseeing the publication of the List of Ministers’ Interests
- Investigating alleged breaches of the Ministerial Code
- Providing advice on amendments to the Ministerial Code to the Prime Minister
- Providing ad hoc advice, at the request of a Minister, in relation to the Ministerial Code
Sir Laurie Magnus was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests on 22 December 2022.

Sir Laurie is Chairman of Historic England (formerly known as English Heritage), having been appointed in September 2013 to lead its relaunch under the Historic England brand name and the transfer of management of its properties to a new charity, the English Heritage Trust. This role is a regulated public appointment, overseen by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. He was previously Deputy Chairman of the National Trust from 2005 to 2013.

Sir Laurie will bring to the role of Independent Adviser over 40 years’ experience in the financial services sector, with particularly relevant professional experience of audit, compliance and corporate governance. He holds a number of advisory and non-executive roles within the finance sector, drawing on this expertise.

In the not for profit sector, Sir Laurie was until recently Chairman of the Windsor Leadership Trust, an independent charity providing experiential leadership programmes for senior leaders across all sectors of society, and Deputy Chairman of the Benefact Trust, providing charitable financial support to churches and Christian charities in the UK and Ireland. Sir Laurie also served as a member of the Board of the Culture Recovery Fund, established by Government to provide financial support to the culture and heritage sectors during the COVID pandemic.

Sir Laurie is also a member of Historic England’s Business and Finance Committee, Remuneration and Appointments Committee, and is a member of the English Heritage Board of Trustees.
December 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK statement in response to the Taliban’s closure of universities for women in Afghanistan [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2022.

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, said:

The UK strongly condemns the Taliban’s decision to close universities for women across Afghanistan. This restriction represents a further violation of the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls and has no religious or moral basis. Afghan women and girls must have a say in their own future and be able to fully and equally contribute to society.

We urge the Taliban to reverse their decisions on education, including the 23 March 2022 decision to prohibit girls’ access to secondary school. Having educated and empowered women in Afghanistan is vital for peace, stability and economic development across the country – without this, the country will not achieve longer-term stability or prosperity. Bans to education will only fuel the continued exodus of educated Afghans, exacerbating the current humanitarian and economic crisis.

This decision will have damaging consequences for the Taliban by further isolating them from the people of Afghanistan and the international community. We will not support any restoration of waivers to the travel bans on UN-sanctioned Taliban until Afghan women and girls are allowed to attend secondary school and university. Working with likeminded partners, we will consider further action to persuade the Taliban to abandon these regressive measures and reverse their decisions.

December 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Tenants able to buy a share of their home under Right to Shared Ownership scheme [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 22 December 2022.

New guidance to help eligible tenants buy a share in their home for the first time, under the Right to Shared Ownership scheme.
- More tenants in social and affordable housing to be helped onto the property ladder through the Right to Shared Ownership scheme.
- Eligible tenants will be able to buy a share of their home as part of government’s support for first-time buyers.
Residents in social and affordable housing are being given the chance to buy a share in their home for the first time, as applications can now be made to for the government’s Right to Shared Ownership scheme.

The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities has today (22 December) published new guidance for tenants to access the scheme, which provides an alternative pathway to homeownership.

Tenants will be able to buy a share of their property worth between 10% and 75%, giving them more control and autonomy over the home they live in.

Tenants will be eligible if they have been in social housing for three years, their property was built under the government’s Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, and they have lived in it for a year. This option will become available to more tenants in the coming years.

The scheme comes as part of the government drive to help more people into homeownership.

Minister for Housing Rt Hon Lucy Frazer said:

All hard-working families and young people deserve the chance to live in a home of their own.

We are helping tenants to do just that by supporting them with small, manageable steps onto the housing ladder, through the Right to Shared Ownership.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions people take and this is just one of the ways we are helping more first-time buyers reach their goal.

Shared owners can gradually increase the equity stake in their home, with the option to eventually buy a 100% share in their property. This allows people to reduce the financial impact of buying a home, by accessing a lower mortgage and deposit.

Eligible tenants can apply for the Right to Shared Ownership by completing the new application form and returning it to their landlord, who will carry out a series of eligibility checks.

The scheme follows the government’s £11.5 billion investment to build more of the genuinely affordable, quality homes this country needs – as part of the Affordable Homes Programme.

The government’s wider Shared Ownership programme has so far seen thousands of people take their first step on to the housing ladder, with an estimated over 136,600 new shared ownership homes built since 2010.
December 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Biggest government intervention ever to keep rail fares down [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 22 December 2022.
- rail fare increases for 2023 will be capped at 5.9% – 6.4 percentage points below July 2022’s RPI
- biggest ever government intervention will help reduce the impact of high inflation for passengers
- a rise is necessary to support crucial investment and the financial stability of the railway
The government has acted with the biggest intervention in its history to ensure rail fare increases for 2023 are capped at 5.9%, 6.4 percentage points lower than RPI figure on which they are historically based.

Fares will officially rise on 5 March 2023 and like last year, the government is freezing them for the entirety of January and February, giving passengers more time to purchase cheaper flexible and season tickets at the existing rate.

Due to unprecedented levels of inflation, the government has, for this year only, aligned the increase to July 2022’s average earnings growth instead of RPI, more than halving the increase facing passengers, ensuring it’s easier on family finances while not overburdening taxpayers who have subsidised the running of the railways to the tune of £31 bilion since the pandemic.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

This is the biggest ever government intervention in rail fares. I’m capping the rise well below inflation to help reduce the impact on passengers.

It has been a difficult year and the impact of inflation is being felt across the UK economy. We do not want to add to the problem.

This is a fair balance between the passengers who use our trains and the taxpayers who help pay for them.

The rail industry is facing serious financial difficulty, which is why trade unions must agree to cost saving reforms. Taxpayers across the country contributed £31 billion to the railways over the course of the pandemic, ensuring stability for staff and avoiding job losses. Next year’s rail fares rightly strike a balance between the needs of rail passengers and taxpayers as we seek a sustainable long-term financial position following the pandemic.

Over the years since privatisation, under both Conservative and Labour governments, regulated rail fares have increased closely in line with inflation, never being more than 1% above or below RPI. This government, however, recognises the wider economic challenges currently passengers and has taken action to link this year’s rate with July 2022’s average earnings growth, instead of RPI, and prevented an increase of 12.3%.
December 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor appoints David Bryan CBE as new Chair of Arts Council England’s London Area Council [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 22 December 2022.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that he has appointed David Bryan CBE as the new Chair of the Arts Council England’s London Area Council.

David will be responsible for leading the Arts Council’s work across the capital, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of arts and culture at a challenging time, following the impact of the pandemic.

A leading figure in the UK’s arts sector, David has vast experience of helping to drive change and improve diversity and representation.

He is the Chair of Brixton House the Battersea Arts Centre and Creative Lives (UK) and previously was Chair of the Arts and Creative Economy Advisory Group for the British Council. After studying for an MBA, David also became a management consultant, providing training and consultancy in the arts, not-for-profit and public sectors.

He is a member of the Mayor’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm and a trustee of Dunraven Educational Trust – roles that bring valuable knowledge of diversifying and expanding the sector to be more inclusive.

In this new role, David will work to increase the reach of arts and culture in the capital, improve diversity and support more young people to access the benefits of the arts.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is home to world-leading culture, arts and creative industries and David’s experience supporting artists and talent from all backgrounds will be key to this role.

“Culture is vital to the success of our city but the sector faces huge challenges following the impact of the pandemic and the rising cost of doing business. I look forward to working with David to continue championing and supporting arts and culture across the capital as we build a fairer and more inclusive city for all Londoners.”

Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons, OBE, said: “I am delighted that David Bryan will be the new Chair for the Arts Council’s London Area Council. David is a strong and experienced leader, bringing together a steadfast commitment to supporting established and emerging artists, and sound business acumen – exactly what is needed to drive forward the industry to continue to transform communities”

Tonya Nelson, Area Director, London, Arts Council England said: “We are delighted to welcome David as the new Chair for London Area Council. He brings a wealth of experience in the public, voluntary and arts sectors as well as an outstanding body of work surrounding diversity, inclusion and community development – all key priorities for the Arts Council as we move forward with our strategy, Let’s Create.”

David Bryan, CBE, said: “I am honoured to be able to work alongside the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor Justine Simons and the Arts Council to help drive forward London’s arts organisations for the benefit of all Londoners, and provide unique opportunities for artists and cultural institutions to develop.”

December 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor announces new measures to help migrant and refugee Londoners access support [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 18 December 2022.

•   A new map will help Londoners with immigration needs to access information about their rights and entitlements, and find their nearest services and resources.
•   A new £300,000 Migrant Advice and Support Fund will help groups providing specialist advice and support to migrant Londoners.
•   On International Migrants Day, the Mayor pays tribute to the immense contribution that migrants, refugees and asylum seekers have made – and continue to make – to London as he criticises the government’s ‘inhumane’ new proposals for people seeking asylum.

To mark International Migrants Day (Sunday 18 December), the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced new measures to help support migrant, refugee and newly arrived Londoners, as he criticised the government’s ‘inhumane’ new proposals for people seeking asylum.

The Mayor has created a new map of services to help Londoners with immigration needs find the support that is available to them, and created a £300,000 fund for organisations that are providing specialist advice and support across the capital.

It comes as the Government this week announced plans for asylum seekers which the Mayor has warned will do nothing to deter people making perilous journeys to seek sanctuary, nor the traffickers profiting from people’s misery. The backlog in the asylum system has left thousands of people in immigration limbo unable to work and often living in unsuitable hotel accommodation for months or years while they await a decision on their asylum claim.

The Mayor’s new, interactive map has been added to his Migrant Londoners Hub, an online tool providing information to support migrant and refugee Londoners. The map provides details of services and organisations specialising in providing immigration advice, employment advice and employability support, welfare advice, healthcare and mental health support, and housing advice and support. This will help newly arrived Londoners with immigration needs to access information, and see what services are available in boroughs across the capital.

The new Migrant Advice and Support Fund will provide funding to frontline groups and organisations providing specialist advice and support to migrant Londoners. In the new year, £300,000 will be granted to organisations to help develop services for underserved groups, support collaborative working, and ultimately improve the resilience of the sector. Single organisations will be eligible to apply for £10,000 to £30,000, whilst organisations applying in partnership will be able to apply for up to £70,000.

Next month, a Young Londoners Participation Network event will also bring together people across the capital who are committed to supporting young migrants, refugees and asylum seekers from across a range of organisations and sectors.

These measures signal Sadiq’s commitment to championing London’s diversity and supporting the social integration of all Londoners, regardless of where they were born.

Since becoming Mayor, Sadiq has shown his strong support for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum. In March, more than £1.1m in funding was announced to expand access to immigration advice, develop the Migrant Londoners Hub, and improve support for the capital’s migrant workers. He has also invested in a series of measures to support refugees from Ukraine, evacuees from Afghanistan, and new arrivals under the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Migrants play an important role in our society and International Migrants Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the positive contributions that they make to London, as well as the challenges they face in achieving their full potential. This week we have seen the tragic deaths of more people in the English Channel, but the Government’s recently announcements do nothing to prevent people from making dangerous journeys to reach safety, nor traffickers from profiting off people’s misery. This is why it is crucial that we help migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum to access the services and resources that will enable them to thrive in our city. By ensuring that all Londoners have access to the support and representation they need, we will be able to build a better London for everyone – a safer, more prosperous city for all.”

Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, said: “I am proud that City Hall not only recognises the value that migrants bring to the capital, but that we are actively taking steps to ensure new arrivals and longstanding communities with immigration needs have access to a broad range of services and resources to uphold their rights. Too many of the Government’s proposals designed to fix our broken asylum system are unworkable and inhumane, including regressive hostile environment policies that hurt Windrush communities who rightly call London home. Diversity is London’s strength and by embracing, celebrating and supporting our communities, we are sending a message to the world that London is open and a place where everyone is able to thrive.”

Chief Executive Officer of the East European Resource Centre (EERC), Barbara Drozdowicz, said: “London’s celebration of migration is a testament to the city’s strength. As migrants, we are your neighbours, colleagues, friends, family members, and fellow citizens; we bring new ideas, business connections, music and culture, let alone glorious food! Some of us come in search of opportunity, following our loved ones, or seeking sanctuary. Yet, migration always carries risk, and it’s so important that there are advice services available that help us find our feet in our new home. Everyone needs a safety net, and if there is no one to catch us then we cannot thrive – the richness of our diversity of skills, experiences and resources risks being lost”

Chief of Mission at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the UK, Christa Rottensteiner, said: “International Migrants Day marks a day every year to reflect on the role of migrants in our societies, their positive contributions and the challenges they face in achieving their full potential and capabilities. It is also a reminder that human rights are not ‘earned’ by virtue of being a hero or a victim, but are an entitlement of everyone, regardless of origin, age, gender and status. This year, we welcome the support from the Mayor of London that highlights the important role that cities play in shaping welcoming and inclusive communities”.

Co-Founder and Director of Hongkongers in Britain (HKB), Julian Chan, said: “Hongkongers in Britain (HKB) strongly believes in the vital role of migrants in enriching the culture and diversity of societies in London and the UK. It is important to aid and empower migrants by understanding and meeting their needs, including specialised advice and targeted support, in order for them to settle, integrate and contribute effectively towards wider communities.”

December 22, 2022