STORY
The BBC have doorstepped Jane MacLeod, the Post Office’s most senior in-house lawyer between 2015 and 2019, who has refused to attend the Horizon Inquiry. MacLeod, who now lives in Australia, refused to engage with the BBC team or attend the inquiry, despite Sir Wyn Williams, chair of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, requesting her to do so either in person or on Zoom.
RESOURCES
Horizon Inquiry’s Statement by the Chair
Post Office Biography of Jane MacLeod
EXTERNAL NEWS LINKS
31 MAY 1924
The full text is published of the Note addressed to the German Government by the Conference of Ambassadors concerning the general inspection of German armaments desired by the Allies.
The Industrial Councils Bill, which imposts on the Ministry of Labour the duty of calling together the two sides in industry with a view to the formation of a Council if desired by both sides, and seeks to give legislative effect to such decisions of the Council as many be submitted to the Ministry for that purpose, passed second reading in the House of Commons by 236 votes to 16 votes.
By a majority of three to two, the House of Lords allowed the appeal of the Hon Christabel Hulme Russell against the decree nisi pronounced in March of last year, dissolving her marriage with the Hon John Hugo Russell, son and heir of Lord Ampthill.
The danger of a strike in the building trade has been removed, the national ballot having resulted in the employers’ offer being accepted.
The Mount Everest expedition have encountered extremely low temperatures and have been driven back to the base camp at Rongbuk.
The research document issued by the House of Commons Library on 29 May 2024.
Document (in .pdf format)
SUMMARY
This is a research briefing from the UK Parliament’s Commons Library about the MPs’ Pension Scheme. It provides an overview of the scheme’s features, its development, and the impact of the McCloud judgment on age discrimination in public service pensions.
Key points include:
The briefing also details the governance of the scheme, the roles and responsibilities of IPSA and the scheme’s Trustees, and the funding mechanism. It concludes with a brief overview of the scheme’s development, including the transfer of responsibility to IPSA in 2011 and the review of public service pensions that led to significant reforms.
30 MAY 1924
The critical debate in the House of Commons on the Government’s unemployment resulted in the rejection of the Opposition amendment by 300 votes to 252. Eight Liberals voted against the Government. Herbert Asquith and all other front bench Liberals present supported the Government.
The miners’ delegate conference by a majority accepted the proposed terms of settlement, and a new wages agreement for 12 months, subject to one month’s notice on either side, will now be signed.
The King and Queen of Italy left London on the conclusion of their visit to the British sovereigns.
The arsenal at Bucharest, the Romanian capital, is reported to have been destroyed through an explosion caused by a spark from a locomotive.
![PRESS RELEASE : G7 Leaders’ statement on Gaza [June 2024]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fco.png)
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2024.
The leaders of G7 countries issued a joint statement on Gaza.
We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), fully endorse and will stand behind the comprehensive deal outlined by President Biden that would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance for distribution throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to the crisis, with Israel’s security interests and Gazan civilian safety assured. We reaffirm our support for a credible pathway towards peace leading to a two State solution.
We call on Hamas to accept this deal, that Israel is ready to move forward with, and we urge countries with influence over Hamas to help ensure that it does so.
![PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long [June 2024]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/mod.png)
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 June 2024.
It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long.
Born in Bury St Edmunds, Mark was 43 years old.
While studying Economics at the University of Warwick, Mark learnt to fly on the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. He graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2003 and was subsequently sent to RAF Linton on Ouse to fly the Tucano, gaining his ‘wings’ in 2004. His Advanced Flying Training was on the Hawk and he was selected to remain on 208(R) Squadron to take on the role of an Instructor.
On completion of his instructional tour, Mark converted to the Harrier GR7/9 and was posted to 1(F) Squadron, RAF Cottesmore. He was the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations off an aircraft carrier.
In 2012 Mark joined the Typhoon Force, and was assigned to XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby, before an assignment to 29 Squadron in 2014 on instructional duties. In 2016 he was the Typhoon Display Pilot. His primary role was to teach the student pilots how to operate the Typhoon.
In addition to his instructional duties, Mark contributed to RAF Coningsby’s primary task of defending UK sovereign airspace by undertaking Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, both in the UK and in the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (Falklands Islands), and additionally conducting QRA duties whilst on Baltic Air Policing Operations in Lithuania.
Mark lived in Lincolnshire with his wife, two daughters and dog. 2024 was his fourth season with the BBMF.
Mark’s family said:
Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love, and dedication to his family. His talent for flying was there for all to see, and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious. Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all.
Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, Officer Commanding Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, said:
In life, we are occasionally privileged to meet incredible people like Mark. Mark touched the hearts of everyone that he met, always prioritising the needs of others before himself. The epitome of a military fighter pilot, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. We were lucky to have him as part of the team and part of our BBMF family. Always a vision of calm, Mark faced life’s obstacles with a wry smile, a knowing nod and a pint of tea. Above all, he was a devoted husband and a proud father. Whilst words alone cannot adequately convey our loss, he will remain forever “the best boss that BBMF never had.
Wing Commander Andy Shaw, Officer Commanding 29 Squadron, said:
Mark was a humble, kind, generous family man as well as an outstanding fighter pilot, instructor, and Display Pilot. He inspired every single Typhoon pilot in the RAF, and taught many of them, bringing an infectious enthusiasm to every task. His loss will be keenly felt both throughout the Typhoon Force and by those who knew him in his Display and BBMF roles.
Throughout, he mentored and cared for all those around him. Personally, he was a great support and friend to me as squadron commander but, more tellingly, he mentored many of our more junior members, some of whom have been selected to be trained as pilots themselves. As a member of 29 Squadron for the last decade, Squadron Leader Mark Long will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and those who loved him at this time.
Group Captain Billy Cooper, Commander Air Wing, said:
My deepest condolences go out to Mark’s family and friends at this incredibly tragic and difficult time. Mark was a hugely respected fighter pilot, instructor, and friend, and one of the most talented aviators I have flown with. His service over many years has contributed such a huge amount to not only the operational effectiveness of the Typhoon Air Wing, but also had such a positive impact on the lives of so many. He was selected to be the Typhoon Display Pilot for the 2016 season, followed by his time with BBMF.
Nothing better demonstrates his outstanding skill as a pilot, his exemplary leadership, and his engaging and infectious personality than this unique achievement. Mark was the quintessential RAF Officer; respectful, humble, upbeat, and driven by an innate sense of service and professionalism and doing the right thing by others. His time as an instructor and leader has touched everybody on the Typhoon Air Wing and people’s lives are better because of him.
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, said:
I was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident over the weekend and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family and his loved ones.
A superbly talented Combat Air and Display Pilot, Mark inspired all those he met with his truly infectious energy, across both the Combat Air Force and all those serving at Royal Air Force Coningsby.
Having seen first-hand the difference Mark made within the Typhoon Force, the Display Wing, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, I know his talent and energy will leave a lasting legacy, which will continue to be a source of inspiration for us all.
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 June 2024.
The drones will be procured as part of the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine, co-led by the UK and Latvia.
In February, the UK and Latvia announced that they would lead the new Drone Capability Coalition, designed to rapidly supply Ukraine with tens of thousands of first person view drones.
Today, the UK and Latvia have opened the bidding for companies to supply FPV drones to Ukraine, on behalf of the Drone Capability Coalition. This competition aims to produce these drones at scale and at an affordable price point, leveraging the strength of Western industry.
Industry can find the details of how to apply via the Defence Sourcing Portal. This competition is open to industry from any nation in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
Companies have until 28 June 2024 to submit their proposals, which will then be considered by the Drone Capability Coalition members and evaluated. Successful companies will receive orders to supply drones to Ukraine and, upon receipt of positive operational feedback, the intent is to place larger, follow up orders for FPV drones. Additional FPV competitions are expected to take place through 2024, building on the lessons learned from this first competition.
First person view drones have proven highly effective on the battlefield since Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing Ukrainian operators with situational awareness to target enemy positions, armoured vehicles, and ships with explosive ordnance.
Members of the coalition include: UK, Latvia, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. Further countries are considering joining the coalition.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2024.
Mr Gareth Ward has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Georgia in succession to Mr Mark Clayton.
Mr Gareth Ward has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Georgia in succession to Mr Mark Clayton. Mr Ward will take up his appointment during August 2024.
Full name: Gareth Edward Ward
| Date | Role |
|---|---|
| 2022 to 2024 | FCDO, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Department |
| 2018 to 2022 | Hanoi, Her Majesty’s Ambassador |
| 2017 | UK Defence Academy, Higher Command and Staff Course |
| 2014 to 2017 | FCO, Deputy Director and Head of China Department, Asia Pacific Directorate |
| 2010 to 2013 | St Petersburg, Her Majesty’s Consul General |
| 2007 to 2010 | Beijing, First Secretary (Foreign and Security Policy) |
| 2002 to 2006 | FCO, Head of Justice and Home Affairs, Europe Directorate |
| 1998 to 2002 | Moscow, Second Secretary (Political) |
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2024.
The UK is proud to support the work of authorities across the Pacific who are working to challenge the threat posed by corruption and money laundering.
A three-day conference has commenced in Fiji, with discussions focused on the role that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can play in the fight against corruption across the Pacific.
Bringing together senior officials from across the region’s anti-corruption sector, alongside regional and international experts in the field of digitalization, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji is leading the way on efforts to harness new approaches to combatting corruption.
With support from the Government of the United Kingdom, via the UNDP-implemented Pacific Anti-Corruption Project, UNDP Pacific is working across the region to improve public financial management and address corruption. This approach includes using technology to assist in budget preparation, promoting the right to information and accountability, and strengthening anti-corruption institutions and civil society engagement in social transparency.
The pace of technological advancement has been relentless in the 21st Century, transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. From the rapid proliferation of smartphones and the rise of social media to the more-recent emergence of the widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology has become an integral part of our daily lives.
However, those yet to be connected remain cut off from the benefits of this new era, and remain further behind – in the Pacific alone, 40 percent of our region’s population remains ‘digitally excluded’. Connectivity, and the need to temper the view of digital as a one-size-fits-all fix will be an essential aspect of the three-day event.
His Excellency Dr. Brian Jones, British High Commissioner to Fiji, in his opening remarks said:
We see all over the world the horrible consequences of money laundering and corruption; it hits the poorest people hardest and compounds harm on the most vulnerable, including women and girls in our communities. Illicit funds are used to enable a whole range of threats, including funding serious organised crime – trafficking of narcotics and cyber attacks. In the Pacific we’re working to increase the flow of climate finance to help mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and the use of mobile money for payments and remittances grows, so too does the risk that these areas can be exploited by criminal actors.
Therefore, we must use this opportunity of our partnership, which the UK is proud to support, to share knowledge, foster new relationships, build integrity and bring together the Pacific family to share regional best practice and experience and build our defences to illicit Finance.
Munkhtuya Altangerel, Resident Representative, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, opened the conference and said:
While we must adapt and innovate to keep up with the relentless march of progress, we must also be cautious when it comes to digitalization and technology. The digital revolution offers powerful tools to combat corruption, but these tools alone won’t win the fight. We need strong institutions, empowered citizens, and a commitment from Pacific Island nations to work together, and this conference offers the opportunity to forge a path toward a more transparent and accountable future in the Pacific.
Tackling corruption in the Pacific: Can technology and artificial intelligence facilitate a breakthrough? is supported by the Government of the United Kingdom, as well as the European Union. The three-day conference will conclude on 31 May.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 June 2024.
UK statement on adoption of International Health Regulations amendments. Delivered on 1 June 2024 at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
The UK would like to thank the Bureau and Working Group for all their work.
The International Health Regulations are an important technical framework that helps to prevent and protect against the spread of disease.
This set of proposed amendments updates the regulations to reflect lessons learned, including from COVID-19.
Every Member State, including the UK, now has the right under the Regulations to evaluate each and every amendment before making a sovereign choice of whether to accept or opt out of each of – or all of – the amendments.
In the UK, we have a general election on 4th July and we are therefore in a formal pre-election period. It will be for the elected government to make that choice.
The UK recognises the importance of ongoing cooperation including as we continue to discuss a new pandemic accord following the delay agreed this week.