Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : London renters use Mayor’s tools half a million times to protect themselves from rogue landlords [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 22 November 2022.
- New figures show the Mayor’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker has now been used 388,000 times since 2017, and his Property Licence Checker, launched in November 2020, has been accessed 125,000 times
- The checkers have been viewed 128,000 times in the last year alone as many of London’s renters grapple with soaring rents and poor standards
- 6,000 Londoners have now reported concerns about their rental property through the Mayor’s Report a Rogue tool
- Renters who find their landlord is at fault could be due a refund of up to 12 months’ rent – over £28,000 based on current average advertised rents
- Sadiq wants the Government to follow his lead and come good on promise to roll out a National Rogue Landlord Database
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has praised London renters for using his innovative online renting tools to stand up for their rights in the turbulent and unpredictable London rental market – and urged the Government to follow his lead and roll them out nationally.

The Mayor’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker, a unique database that ‘names and shames’ landlords and lettings agents who have been successfully prosecuted or have faced civil enforcement action for housing offences, has now been used more than 388,000 times. Meanwhile, his Property Licence Checker, launched in November 2020 to allow Londoners to find out if their rental property is properly licenced, has been accessed more than 125,000 times. The checkers empower London’s renters to make informed decisions about who they rent from.

The checkers have been viewed 128,000 times in the last year alone as many of London’s renters grapple with soaring rents and poor standards.

Further new stats from City Hall show that more than 6,000 Londoners have now used the Mayor’s Report a Rogue tool, launched in autumn 2017, to report concerns or problems with a rental property or landlord directly to enforcement teams in the relevant borough. The borough can then take action against the landlord or agent where necessary. An example of where this has been successful is in Camden. Following a referral through the report a rogue tool, Camden council obtained London’s first rogue landlord banning order. The landlord’s details are now on the rogue landlord and agent checker.

These usage figures show how concerned Londoners are about the condition of the properties they are renting and the credentials of the people they are renting from.

The Mayor has repeatedly called on Ministers to do more to stand up for the rights of renters. This should start with the establishment of a National Rogue Landlord Database, as was promised in the Renters Reform Bill. Sadiq also wants the amount that tenants can claim back if their home isn’t up to scratch doubled – to two years’ worth of rent – for the worst properties, which pose a risk of death or serious injury. For London tenants paying the average rent of £2,343 a month, this could mean a pay-out of up to £56,000. Nearly a fifth of privately rented homes (18 per cent) fail the Government’s Decent Homes standard.

Renters would feel more secure raising complaints about the condition of their property if they didn’t face the threat of arbitrary eviction, which is why the Mayor has long called for Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions to be finally abolished too.

Last week the Mayor convened a landmark City Hall summit of private renters, charities, advocates and politicians after it was revealed that 40 per cent of Londoners think they will struggle to meet their rent payments in the next six months.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I’m determined to continue standing up for London’s renters by cracking down on rogue landlords. London’s 2.6m private renters deserve a decent home at an affordable price, let from a fair and honest landlord. The fact that my online tools to root out unscrupulous behaviour of landlords have been used hundreds of thousands of times is a sad indictment of the state of the London rental sector. However, I am pleased to see tenants using these tools to help them avoid dodgy landlords and to stand up for themselves when they are being mistreated or misled.

“If we are to continue building a better London for everyone, it’s essential that we continue to stand up for and empower renters. We’re doing everything we can in London, but we also need the Government to step up. This must include creating the long-promised National Rogue Landlord database, properly funding borough enforcement teams and increasing the fines for landlords who break the rules.”

David Beach, Director of Enforcement at Waltham Forest, said: “The private rented sector is incredibly important in Waltham Forest. We work to ensure that the thousands of residents who rent from private landlords are living in homes that are properly maintained and free from significant building hazards.

“Our private sector housing and licensing officers make routine use of the Mayor’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker in their work. Information on the Checker detailing enforcement actions undertaken by other local authorities is invaluable in supporting the administration and enforcement of Waltham Forest’s large-scale property licensing schemes. Data is used to prioritise proactive inspections of any homes linked to landlords who have been subject to enforcement action elsewhere and to ensure penalties that we impose take into account any previous offending.

“Waltham Forest also receives reports from tenants via the ‘Report a Rogue Tool’ and our enforcement officers visit the properties to assess conditions, taking any necessary enforcement action to improve sub-standard housing conditions.”

Cllr Meric Apak, Camden Cabinet Member for Better Homes, said: “In Camden around a third of our residents rent from private landlords. We believe that they deserve to live in properly regulated and safe homes, and we stand up for renters who are mistreated.

“Our work has led the way in protecting renters – having been the first borough to secure a banning order against a rogue landlord, we have worked in partnership with the Mayor of London to register more than fifty landlords on the Rogue Landlord Checker.

“It is a service that has empowered renters, helping them to avoid and report rouge landlords. It has supported our Rogue Landlord Taskforce in their work to investigate rogue landlords and to improve standards in the private sector but crucially, it is also backing good and honest landlords to continue running successful businesses.”
December 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : International agreement to support Vietnam’s ambitious climate and energy goals [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 December 2022.

Leaders from Viet Nam, the United Kingdom and the European Union have today announced an ambitious new Just Energy Transition Partnership.

Leaders from Viet Nam and the International Partners Group, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the United States, Italy, Canada, Japan, Norway and Denmark have today (14 December) agreed a bold Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

The Partnership will support Viet Nam to deliver on its ambitious Net Zero 2050 goal, accelerate the peaking of its greenhouse gas emissions and transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy.

The JETP will mobilise an initial $15.5 billion of public and private finance over the next three to five years to support Viet Nam’s green transition.

The Partnership will support Viet Nam in working towards a number of ambitious new targets:
- Bringing forward the projected peaking date for all greenhouse gas emissions in Viet Nam from 2035 to 2030.
- Reducing peak annual power sector emissions by up to 30 percent, from 240 megatons to 170 megatons, and bringing forward the peaking date by five years to 2030.
- Limiting Viet Nam’s peak coal capacity to 30.2 gigawatts down from a current planning figure of 37 gigawatts.
- Accelerating the adoption of renewables so that renewable energy accounts for at least 47 percent of electricity generation by 2030, up from the current planned generation share of 36 per cent.
The successful delivery of these ambitious targets will result in around 500 megatons (0.5 billion tonnes) of emissions saved by 2035.

Initial contributions to the Viet Nam JETP include $7.75 billion in pledges from the IPG together with the Asian Development Bank and the International Finance Corporation. This is supported by a commitment to work to mobilise and facilitate a matching $7.75 billion in private investment from an initial set of private financial institutions coordinated by the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), including Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Macquarie Group, Mizuho Financial Group, MUFG, Prudential PLC, Shinhan Financial Group, SMBC Group, Standard Chartered.

Over the next 12 months, Viet Nam will work with the support of partner countries to develop and adopt the Viet Nam JETP Resource Mobilisation Plan, which will enable the implementation of the JETP funding and strategy.

Viet Nam is the third country to launch a JETP, following the successful launch of the South Africa JETP at COP26 and the Indonesia JETP at this year’s G20 Leaders’ summit. As a rapidly growing economy, Viet Nam’s JETP will demonstrate that economic growth can be decoupled from fossil fuel energy consumption.

The Viet Nam JETP builds on the UK-launched G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), which aims to narrow the infrastructure investment gap in developing countries. G7 leaders agreed in June 2022 to move forward in negotiations with several countries on JETPs, which are a core delivery mechanism of the PGII.

Ensuring the transition away from fossil fuels is ‘just’ lies at the centre of the JETP. A just transition will not only help Viet Nam meet climate goals but also secure a resilient and prosperous future for its people, reducing the impacts of pollution and supporting economic growth and new jobs. It is vital that the whole civil society is involved in the green transition at all stages and no one is left behind.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

The JETP model is a game changer in the fight against climate change – using international aid to unlock billions of dollars of private finance.

Viet Nam is a dynamic, emerging economy at the heart of South East Asia. The investment we are making today means the country can cut its emissions while simultaneously creating new jobs and growth.

Together we will deliver a cleaner, greener future for Viet Nam and our planet.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said:

I am delighted that we have sealed a new Just Energy Transition Partnership with Viet Nam during this important week for EU-ASEAN relations. With investments from international partners, Viet Nam can boost renewable energies and enhance its energy security and autonomy. We will help Viet Nam to start reducing its greenhouse gas emissions five years earlier than planned, and dramatically reduce its coal power use. This Partnership will help Viet Nam to build a 21st century power sector, energising its economic growth and bringing environmental and health benefits to its citizens.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said:

Just Energy Transition Partnerships are a model for how contributors can work together with partners like Viet Nam to take action towards cleaner sources of energy. Canada will continue to be a committed partner for the clean energy transition and coal phase-out in Viet Nam, which is in all our best interest for an inclusive, clean energy future in the Indo-Pacific region”.

French President Emmanuel Macron said:

France and the European Union are pursuing their strong commitment to climate change mitigation by supporting the acceleration of a just energy transition in Vietnam. France’s contribution, which is part of a long-standing bilateral cooperation, will support energy planning, capacity building and grid development, in parallel with the development of renewable energy. Our collective contribution must support Vietnam’s commitment to a sustainable development trajectory, phasing out coal, in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This partnership must implement a just transition that involves and benefits civil society.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said:

The JETP with Viet Nam will support ambitious climate targets and a substantial increase of renewable energies by 2030 as a joint effort to keep 1.5 °C in reach. The Partnership is about working hand in hand with Viet Nam to make sure that the necessary transition will be just and inclusive. Germany will actively support Viet Nam in achieving the newly set goals.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Fumio said:

Japan has been supporting Viet Nam‘s decarbonization through renewable energy-related projects and welcomes Viet Nam‘s ambition to further accelerate just energy transition towards net zero by 2050. Japan is proud to be a member of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which will promote support for low emission and climate resilient development in Viet Nam, in coordination with partner countries, and with further private sector engagement.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said:

Norway is proud to be part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership and support Viet Nam’s effort to speed up the energy transition. We believe this can mobilize much needed private capital to accelerate the ambitious transition from coal to renewable energy.

President of the United States, Joe Biden said:

Today, Viet Nam has demonstrated leadership in charting an ambitious clean energy transition that will deliver long-term energy security. The United States is proud to be a partner in this effort. Viet Nam’s historic commitment will catalyze investment and economic growth and create tremendous opportunity for the Vietnamese people, while advancing the fight against the global climate crisis.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said:

With today’s agreement, Viet Nam is pioneering a new framework of collaboration to deliver a fair, inclusive energy transition towards renewables. These Partnerships are a crucial tool to unlock the emissions cuts our world needs in the 2020s.

We need all hands on deck to realize an energy transition that is global, sustainable, just, inclusive and equitable. The United Nations stands ready to continue supporting these Partnerships and all other cooperative efforts.
December 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : World Trade Organisation’s USA Trade Policy Review, December 2022 – UK statement [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 December 2022.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, gave a statement during the USA’s 15th WTO Trade Policy Review.
Muchas gracias, Señor Presidente. May I join others in warmly welcoming the United States’ delegation, led by our distinguished colleague Ambassador María Pagán, and her colleagues both from here and in DC to this, their 15th Trade Policy Review. Thank you very much also to our distinguished Discussant Ambassador Spencer. I’m glad to see that they both got the memo about the dress code for this morning, President. There is still time to pick up your Santa suit so that this afternoon you can all be colour-coordinated.

Let me start with a word about the ties that bind the UK and the United States of America. Normally, we don’t just sit next to each other – and I realise we are a bit further apart this morning. Our nations have a deep and unique relationship grounded in shared history, values, and ambitions. We do more together than any other two countries in the world, with exceptional cooperation at every level of society, culture, defence, intelligence, and the economy.

Our Heads of Government have made clear their commitment to open societies and open markets as the best way to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens. And of course, picking up the Ambassador’s comments, we have stood side by side once again over these last nine months in support of our Ukrainian friends in their fight for their freedom – and ours.

We have worked together to support our businesses to trade and ensure our consumers enjoy a greater variety and range of products and services. In parallel, the UK is also strengthening ties with individual states to deepen our overall trade and investment relationship.

Chair, the US is at the heart of this Organisation and its leadership is paramount to the survival and the success of the WTO. As the former US Trade Rep and World Bank President Bob Zoellick said, “It is in the self-interest of the major developed states – and in the global interest – to be, with others, architects of the future.” Since the creation of the GATT 75 years ago this year, the US has always had a crucial role in shaping the global trading system.

We welcome the US recognition that trade can, and indeed should, be a force for good. We support President Biden’s emphasis on democracy and open societies, and we believe that free and fair trade lies close to the heart of these. So today I want to say to our US friends that the WTO needs the US, more than ever. US leadership – visible leadership – is crucial to global prosperity and to the effective functioning of this Organization. So I urge the US to join us in setting out ambition and engagement across all the WTO dossiers.

And we don’t have to look so far back to see that an engaged United States is beneficial to this organisation. The US played a critical role during MC12 in reaching the conclusion of that historic first stage of the fisheries subsidies’ negotiations, for which we should all be thankful. We also appreciate the constructive role it played in helping to secure agreement on the Ministerial Declaration on the Emergency Response to Food Insecurity – such a crucial issue to members across this Organization.

One area where the United Kingdom – like, I suspect, others here this morning – believes we need to make more progress is the dispute settlement system. Without a fully-functioning dispute settlement system we are all left unable to fully realise the benefits of the agreements we have negotiated. We welcome the US’ initiative to convene an informal process on Dispute Settlement reform.

But we must now deliver on our mandate given by our Ministers to achieve a fully and well-functioning system as soon as possible, and by 2024. To get there, it’s incumbent upon all of us to come together with focus, with urgency, and with pragmatism, in order to reach an agreement on meaningful reform. Needless to say, the United States of America has a key role to play to help find a solution that can command the support of all Members of this Organization.

Chair, since their last TPR in 2018, the world has faced some of the biggest challenges of our time. We are all still grappling with the economic and health impacts of the pandemic which highlights just how important it is to keep trade flowing and supply chains open. And our future is more than ever endangered by climate change.

COP 27 in Sharm el-Sheikh has given us all more to do. We all face the challenge of transitioning to a greener economy and ensuring the sustainability of our supply chains. I want to salute the Biden Administration, on behalf of our Government for its ground-breaking Inflation Reduction Act this past August, and its far-sighted environmental provisions. At the same time, our US colleagues will know that my Government, like others here, have serious concerns about some of the policies in the Act which will inadvertently harm British businesses and impact global supply chains in batteries, electric vehicles and wider renewables.

It is in all our interests to ensure that we don’t disrupt trading links in key industries that are essential for us all if we want to reach net zero. We are in touch with the US Administration about our concerns and I fervently hope a way through can be found. We should all work together to ensure we can achieve our shared ambitions for a greener and more sustainable future in a way that preserves the multilateral trading system and respects WTO rules.

Let me also emphasise that in our advance written questions, we paid particular attention to asking the United States about procurement barriers, including Made in America initiatives and Buy American policies. We look forward to continuing to work with the US Administration to ensure fair and transparent government procurement, through the WTO Government Procurement Agreement and in our bilateral engagement.

Chair, let me just highlight just one of the many examples of the recent successes in our bilateral relationship supporting businesses, consumers and workers on both sides of what we call ‘the pond.’

In early October we saw British lamb shipped to the US for the first time in 25 years after we worked together to lift the long-standing US ban on imports of British lamb. This means that over 300 million lucky US consumers will now be able to enjoy the UK’s succulent world-renowned lamb for the first time in a generation – washed down, I hope with a glass of fine Californian Zinfandel.

And we were pleased to see our US-UK Dialogues on the Future of Atlantic Trade mentioned in the United States’ Government Report. The dialogues in Baltimore and Aberdeen earlier this year identified a range of collaboration opportunities including digital trade, support for SMEs and protecting labour and environmental standards. We look forward to future engagement with the United States on our shared priorities.

Chair, more than 80 years ago, our two great nations issued the Atlantic Charter, outlining our joint vision for the future of the world amidst the chaos of the Second World War. In that Charter, President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill promised to respect their existing obligations and advance the enjoyment by all States, no matter how big or small, of access to the trade on equal terms. Today, this promise needs to be upheld more than ever, not just by the US and UK, but by all of us who care about our common future. Thank you very much.
December 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Training for Ukrainian judges begins under UK legal supervision [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 14 December 2022.

A training programme for Ukrainian judges set to conduct trials for war crimes has begun as part of UK efforts to secure justice for the country’s citizens.

A training programme for Ukrainian judges set to conduct trials for war crimes has begun as part of UK efforts to secure justice for the country’s citizens.

More than 90 judges will undergo the UK funded sessions, which are being held in the region under the supervision of Sir Howard Morrison KC, a former Judge at the International Criminal Court. Sir Howard was appointed by the former Attorney General in March to act as an independent advisor to the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, now Andriy Kostin, as part of a wider package of support for the war-torn country.

Attorney General Victoria Prentis KC said:

Ukraine is navigating a horrifying catalogue of war crimes, with 50,000 cases recorded so far – the UK is committed to helping them secure justice.

The training for judges is an important step in making sure those who are committing unthinkable atrocities against innocent civilians are held to account.

We are throwing the full force of our support – including some of the UK’s finest legal minds – to make sure that happens.

The training is just one part of a £2.5m justice and accountability package of UK assistance directly to Ukraine. In May, the UK, the US and EU, established the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group to directly support the War Crimes Units of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine – to assist in streamlining coordination, avoiding duplication, and providing advice and practical assistance.

The package also includes the deployment of Mobile Justice Teams to the scene of potential war crimes, forensic evidence gathering and support from UK experts in sexual violence in conflict.

A further £1million was pledged in funding for the International Criminal Court, whose work includes an investigation into the brutalities being committed by Russian forces as the ongoing conflict continues.

Sir Howard Morrison KC said:

The first sessions have now taken place, they had a focus on international and humanitarian law with an emphasis on trying war crimes cases and producing a full judgment in an international court of law.

The judges are of course very experienced in Ukrainian domestic law, but many have never tried war crimes before, and it is specialised business.

Andriy Kostin is doing an excellent job and faces a task almost unparalleled in modern history as he prepares to take the Russian forces responsible for these abhorrent crimes to trial during a live conflict.

At the G7 justice ministers meeting in Germany this month, the UK co-signed the Berlin declaration in a pledge of ‘unwavering solidarity to Ukraine”.

December 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : New over £650m support package for Ukrainians sees increased ‘thank you’ payments for longer-term hosts [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 14 December 2022.

Thousands of families who opened their homes to Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s illegal war will now receive a package of further support.
- Homes for Ukraine hosts to receive £500 a month as a ‘thank you’ for ongoing support after Ukrainian’s first year of sponsorship
- £150m additional funding for local authorities across the UK to help support Ukrainian guests move into their own homes and reduce the risk of homelessness
- Councils in England to get new £500m fund to acquire housing stock for those fleeing conflict (including from Ukraine and Afghanistan) and reduce homelessness
- New potential hosts urged to come forward and apply to re-match existing guests through the scheme
Thousands of families who opened their homes to Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s illegal war will now receive a package of further support, as government urges new potential hosts to come forward and apply for re-matching.

Over 100,000 Ukrainians have sought sanctuary in the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, one of the fastest, biggest and most generous visa programmes in British history.

Now, in recognition of their ongoing support amidst the rising cost-of-living, all sponsors will receive an increased ‘thank you’ payment of £500 a month for guests who have been in the country for over a year.

‘Thank you’ payments will also be extended from 12 months to two years, so that guests who may not yet be ready to move into independent accommodation can stay in sponsorship for longer where sponsors are willing to extend arrangements.

In cases where sponsorships can no longer continue, councils in all parts of the UK will receive help to house Ukrainians through a one-off pot of government funding worth £150 million, as well as a new £500m Local Authority Housing Fund in England. Local Authorities are best placed to understand the support needed for local communities and, as is typically the case for various local authority funding, they will also be able to use this £150 million of funding to support other people at risk of homelessness.

This housing £500m fund will be reserved for councils in England to obtain housing for those fleeing conflicts (including in Ukraine and Afghanistan) and is expected to provide up to 4,000 homes by 2024, reducing the impact of new arrivals on existing housing pressures and eventually providing a new and permanent supply of accommodation for local communities.

Secretary of State, Michael Gove said:

“I am immensely proud of this country’s dynamic and heart-warming response to the aggression of Putin’s war.

“We have stood firm with Ukraine but we owe special thanks to the tens of thousands of families across the UK who opened their homes and their hearts to Ukrainians fleeing war.

“In recognition of their ongoing support, I’m pleased to confirm that they will see their ‘thank you’ payments uplifted for their second year of sponsorship”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said:

“I am proud that the people of Britain continue to stand by our Ukrainian friends. Our brilliant sponsors and our local councils are at the very heart of this country’s response to Putin’s appalling war in Ukraine.

“Hosting a Ukrainian family is a massive commitment and from the amazing sponsors I’ve met, I also know that the rising cost of living is putting additional pressures on both household and local finances. That is why we are increasing ‘thank you’ payments to keep this incredibly successful programme going.

“But our work is not done yet. The crisis in Ukraine continues and I urge anyone who is able to, to come forward and volunteer as a sponsor.”

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said:

‘Ukrainians everywhere are grateful to the government and the British people for opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the commitment of sponsors during difficult economic times, and will provide additional support and reassurance to Ukrainian families as they rebuild their lives and seek to overcome the trauma of war.’

So far over 100,000 visas have been issued through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and 22,000 Ukrainian guests have arrived in Scotland, 6,000 in Wales, and 700 in Northern Ireland, including those sponsored directly by the Scottish and Welsh Governments.

In some cases, where guests ‘rematch’ with new sponsors – these sponsors will be eligible for the increased payment if the guest is in their second year here in the UK.

In light of wider pressures on the public finances and to reflect the fact that a fraction of Ukrainian arrivals return to Ukraine, after arriving in the UK, the Government is having to take tough decisions including to reduce the council tariff to £5,900 per person for arrivals entering the UK from 1 January 2023.

Councils will continue to receive the previous year one amount for any Ukrainian already in the UK. Local Authorities will continue to receive separate funding in 2022-23 for the Ukraine education tariff under the rates and terms previously set out (a per child tariff of £3,000 for early years, £6,580 for primary and £8,755 for secondary and payments calculated on a pro-rata basis); and the Ukrainians families will also continue to receive government support on skills training, job centre access and welfare payments.

The £500m Local Authority Housing Fund can be used by councils in England to buy housing stock, build new homes, convert existing non-residential properties, and refurbish delipidated housing or empty homes into accommodation for families. Due to the unique challenges presented by the different groups this money will be used to target the specific needs of each cohort in a particular area.

We always anticipated that a proportion of sponsorships would fail, or would come to an end due to changing circumstances. Our wider package, together with the £2bn funding provided for homelessness and rough sleeping at the 2021 Spending Review and the £50m top-up to the Homelessness Prevention Grant this year, are designed to help prevent potential homelessness numbers rising as rapidly as they otherwise could have done. The UK Government will continue to work with the Ukrainian government, the devolved administrations, local authorities and charities and voluntary groups to support guests and sponsors under the Scheme.

All arrivals in the UK have the right to work, and to receive benefits and access public services from day one. According to the latest figures from the ONS, 56% of Ukrainian adults surveyed who had arrived in or before June were in work. 66% of those out of work are intending to look for work in the next month and 17% were already in the private rented sector. The Government is keen to ensure that Ukraine guests receive the support they are entitled to while they are in the UK, and in particular are helped into employment and suitable accommodation, as soon as possible.
December 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Welsh community groups receive over £1m in UK Government Funding [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 14 December 2022.

Projects in Denbighshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion will receive a share of £150 million in the latest round of the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

The UK Government has supported community venues across Wales that were at risk of being lost forever with £1.1 million of levelling up funding from The Community Ownership Fund.

The UK Government’s £150 million Community Ownership Fund helps community groups take ownership of local institutions falling into disrepair and give them a new lease of life so they can continue to provide vital services, create more opportunities for local people and boost local economies

The five projects celebrating newly-successful bids in Wales include a social enterprise in Pembrokeshire, a 180 year old village shop in Llandyrnog and a group that has taken over a former hotel to offer vital support to people with chronic and life limiting conditions.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said:

I want to see the places that local communities cherish survive and thrive for future generations – that is levelling up in action.

Whether it’s town halls or the village shops that mean so much to rural communities, the Community Ownership Fund is breathing new life into Welsh institutions by putting them into the hands of local people.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

Last year we launched three new funds – the Levelling Up, Community Renewal and Community Ownership funds – which have so far seen more than 175 projects right across Wales given more than £165m for schemes ranging from improvements to road infrastructure in the Rhondda to money for Gwynedd locals to help buy their community pub.

These five latest Welsh recipients of the Community Ownership Fund are fantastic projects that will make a huge difference to their local areas.

Levelling up is at the centre of the UK Government’s ambitions and communities across Wales will be transformed over the coming years as this funding continues.

Dr Alan Axford OBE, HAHAV’s Chair of Trustees said:

We are amazed and delighted to have been awarded such a substantial grant from COF. This investment will be transformational, enabling us to protect, Plas Antron – our ‘Living Well Centre’. The building makes such a difference to the quality of life for hundreds of people across Ceredigion each year, many of whom are isolated and vulnerable.

Without the COF grant, Plas Antaron was at risk of being lost with time rapidly running out for us to secure the funding required to finalise the purchase.

We would like express our sincerest thanks to the UK Government, The Welsh Government, and everyone locally who has assisted in fundraising towards this vital project, for their life-changing support.

Successful projects confirmed include:
- The ‘Haverhub’ in Pembrokeshire, a social enterprise nestled in the heart of the historic Quay Street and Riverside Quarter, will take ownership of their building so they can provide a variety of educational courses for local people.
- Over £170,000 will help dedicated volunteers at the Aberystwyth and District Hospice provide vital support to people with chronic and life limiting conditions and their carers. The grant will give the local community the funds they need to buy their premises outright.
- The doors of an 180-year old village shop in Llandyrnog will fly open once again to warmly welcome local people. The shop will act as a community hub for the village and support people’s mental health with £200,000 in funding
- In Ceredigion, the Aberporth Village Hall will be rebuilt brick by brick into an environmentally friendly community hub to act as a one-stop-shop for tourists and local business.
The move forms part of the government’s drive to level up local communities across the country, create more opportunities for local people and boosting local economies as a result.

Combined with Round 1 projects, this additional funding takes the overall total to £16.74m for 70 Community Ownership Fund projects, with £1.6m so far allocated to Wales.
December 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Russia has attempted to break the foundations of European security – UK statement to the OSCE [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 December 2022.

Ian Stubbs (UK delegation to the OSCE) thanks Belgium as OSCE FSC chair for focusing on Russia’s unprovoked, barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair. I would like to start by thanking you for your stewardship over the past trimester, and your dedicated team who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC) has remained relevant and able to fulfil its mandate during these extraordinarily challenging times.

It is absolutely right that this Forum has focused on Russia’s unprovoked, barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Russia has attempted to break the foundations of European security, violating the UN Charter and flagrantly disregarding the Helsinki Final Act’s core principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force. Under Belgian leadership this trimester, we have shown that these principles and this Forum matter, and that we will stand up to defend both.

Mr Chair, the Security Dialogues conducted under your chairpersonship focused different thematic lenses on Ukraine. On Children and Armed Conflict, we discussed the harrowing impact that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had on Ukraine’s 7.5 million children – on their health, education, family life and futures. On Women, Peace and Security, we saw how Ukrainian women have constituted a large majority of the victims of the heinous atrocities committed by the Russian Forces. And how they have been instrumental across the breadth of humanitarian, political, and security efforts in the defence of their country – a sad reminder of the need for full, equal and meaningful participation of women during and after conflicts to achieve better outcomes.

Mr Chair, it is nearly 300 days since the world watched in horror as Russia conducted its attack on Ukraine. Since 24 February, we have seen the extraordinary determination of the Ukrainian people as they defend their homeland. With support from their partners, Ukraine has shown that agility, ingenuity, mission command, and effective operational and tactical planning can have a devastating effect against a so-called super power.

In response, we have seen an out-manoeuvred and frustrated Russian military unleash horrendous amounts of violence on civilians and critical national infrastructure. We have watched Russia resort to blunt edged attrition to reduce entire cities, towns and villages they could not take to rubble. We have watched Putin and his military leadership attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to deprive families of shelter, light, and heat this winter. These actions are a great moral stain upon the Russian military, and one which will never be forgotten.

Here in Vienna, we have watched our Russian colleagues use this Forum as a mouthpiece to try to justify the unjustifiable. Despite their privileged ability to watch uncensored news from around the world, they have perpetuated a campaign of lies, threats and propaganda. They have concocted increasingly ridiculous false claims and made allegations of an epic scale, which do not stand up to the scantest of scrutiny. They have shattered the trust and belief that all of us in this room seek a secure and stable region and work in good faith to achieve it.

In the face of Russia’s lies, we have highlighted the truth:

That Putin made a grave miscalculation when he chose to invade a sovereign neighbour.

That Putin and his Generals have sent thousands of Russia’s own citizens to their deaths, poorly trained, poorly equipped and poorly led. Mobilising amateurs and convicts to the battlefield to provide numbers and mass in place of fighters and effective leadership.

That the persistent and institutional poor decision making by the Kremlin is having a terrible impact on the Russian people – needless deaths; grieving families; discontent; and isolation. Millions of young Russians will bear the cost for years to come for an invasion they did not choose, nor vote for.

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. We call on the Belarusian regime to recognise this, desist from supporting Russia’s attempts to stoke further instability in the region and stop its support of Russia’s illegal invasion, which itself constitutes a breach of international law.

Mr Chair, we hope that your focus and approach to the FSC this trimester will be a legacy that continues. The UK looks forward to working with the incoming Bosnia and Herzegovina Chair in what will continue to be a challenging period for the FSC, the OSCE and European Security writ large.

However, none of it measures against the challenges our Ukrainian friends face as they fight for their homeland in a war they did not choose and against an enemy who has demonstrated a disregard for international law, sovereignty, and human rights. This must remain at the forefront of our minds and efforts throughout the winter and into the next trimester. The UK and the international community will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Thank you.

December 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government must act now to support households in Northern Ireland – Andy Allen [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionists on 12 December 2022.

Ulster Unionist Communities spokesperson Andy Allen MBE MLA has written to the Energy Minister, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland calling for the release of at least £200 of the £600 committed by Westminster to households in Northern Ireland before the end of December.

Speaking as confusion continues to grow on when and how the energy support payments would be delivered to households in Northern Ireland, Mr. Allen said:

“It is a complete failure that, while households across England, Scotland and Wales have been receiving financial support since October, the Government at Westminster is still debating how and when equivalent support will be delivered to Northern Ireland households.

“As temperatures continue to drop, families throughout Northern Ireland – many who were expecting support to arrive last month – are struggling to heat their homes or put food on the table with many having to ration food, electricity and heating.

“I have already highlighted that local energy companies have indicated that they can deliver the original scheme to every household with an electricity account – a model that seems to no longer be preferred by Westminster – although I have no idea why they have changed their mind at the 11^th hour.

“I have today written to the Energy Minister, Grant Shapps, copying in the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, asking them to urgently release at the very least £200 of the energy support for each household in Northern Ireland, to be distributed by local energy companies before the end of December. While this is less than people are expecting, it could provide some support for those families and individuals facing the bleakest winter imaginable, whilst the Government works with the utmost urgency to deliver their alternative model.

“This would place Northern Ireland in a similar position to the rest of the UK, who will have received just under £200 for energy support by the end of this month. It is the least Westminster can do to help alleviate increasing hardship. Of course, this should be complemented by an Executive to deliver further short-term support measures alongside the development of medium to longer-term intervention.

“It is imperative the Government acts with urgency to deliver the support which was promised.”

December 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Robin Swann welcomes confirmation of health pay awards in Northern Ireland [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionists on 8 December 2022.

The Former Ulster Unionist Minister of Health Robin Swann has welcomed the decision from the Department of Health to implement the independent pay review body’s recommendations for health staff.

Robin Swann said:

“This is very welcome but belated confirmation that our health workers in Northern Ireland will receive the same rate of pay as their counterparts in England and Wales. Earlier this year when the recommendations were announced, I made it clear that I accepted the increases and stated I wished to see them implemented as quickly as they could legally be delivered.

“Restoring pay parity was the very first decision I took as Minister in early January 2020 and it’s been shameful that due to lack of a functioning Executive, a gap in pay had developed once again over recent months.

“Whilst I fully appreciate that the national pay recommendations of at least an extra £1,400 per year or a 4.5% increase still falls short of what many HSC staff are seeking in the midst of the current cost of living crisis, it’s an outrage that they had to wait so long into the year for even the basic increase to be implemented.

“I wrote to the Secretary of State over a month ago urging him to intervene and so I very much welcome the recent clarity on public sector pay policy which has now legally allowed this decision to be taken.

“I am concerned however that given the ongoing budgetary uncertainty at Stormont and the fact that the budget for 2022/23 has only just been agreed four months from the end of the year, that the funding for this essential pay award may come at the expense of investing critical resources at the continued efforts underway to tackle waiting times. I really hope it isn’t an either-or situation, but if necessary, the Department of Health locally must be provided with the additional funds. Patients and key service improvements in areas such as cancer & mental health mustn’t be allowed to fall victim to the damaging political and budgetary delays outside of their control.

Robin Swann concluded: “Given we are now only a couple of weeks away from Christmas it’s my sincere hope that the increases in pay, backdated to April 2022, can be included in the December pay of our health workers.”

December 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mary Lou McDonald’s comments are an insult to the Irish People – John Stewart [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionists on 30 November 2022.

The Ulster Unionist Party’s East Antrim MLA John Stewart said:

“On television on Monday night Mary Lou McDonald was asked if she believed IRA violence was justified. In response she said ‘I believe what was justified was the right of the Irish people to stand against British Imperialism and to fight for our freedom.’

“Her comments encapsulate perfectly the parallel universe in which those who endorse or seek to justify physical force republicanism operate.

“The IRA were not acting on behalf of the Irish people – no matter how you might choose to define the term ‘the Irish people.’

“The Irish people did not endorse the IRA campaign because their political wing – Sinn Fein – received a very small vote during the 1970s and 1980s and was so small it could not be said to constitute an endorsement of anything.

“The Irish people did not authorise or carry out atrocities such as Bloody Friday, Claudy, Birmingham, La Mon, Enniskillen or Warrington. Nor did the Irish people ask for the murder of Garda Jerry McCabe, Garda Gary Sheehan, Private Patrick Kelly or Prison Officer Brian Stack let alone the many RUC officers, Prison Officers and Soldiers murdered in Northern Ireland.

“Those were solely the work of the Provisional IRA. They were terrorist acts by people who had no mandate and who operated under no lawful authority.

“To claim that those responsible were in any way acting on behalf of the Irish people is to insult the Irish people and try to make them complicit in foul and brutal murders.

“No normal democratic political party would find itself in the position Sinn Fein chooses to place itself in time and time again, where it can’t condemn terrorist murders without trying to caveat or equivocate.”

December 14, 2022