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PRESS RELEASE : The Syrian regime is failing to meet its chemical weapons obligations and is a serious threat to international security – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2023.

Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

Thank you, President.

Let me begin by thanking Deputy High Representative Mr Ebo for his briefing and in particular Dr Katoub, not only for his briefing today, but also for his work responding to the horrific chemical attack in Ghouta in 2013 and for his ongoing efforts to fight impunity on behalf of all of the victims of chemical weapons.

Colleagues, Dr Katoub’s briefing is a reminder of why this issue deserves the Council’s ongoing attention.

In the decade since Syria acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention, internationally mandated organisations have confirmed that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons against its own people on at least nine occasions.

As Dr Katoub said, there have been many more attacks.

The human impact of these attacks has been horrific – the UN Joint Investigative Mechanism and OPCW’s reports have provided undeniable and direct evidence of the Syrian state’s shocking track record of murdering its own civilians using chemical weapons.

We collectively owe it to the thousands of victims to pursue justice and hold those responsible for these crimes to account.

President, Syria continues to fail to meet its obligations under resolution 2118 and the Chemical Weapons Convention. Despite concerted efforts by the OPCW to get to the truth, Syria’s chemical weapon stockpile declaration is still not accurate.

Syria has failed to declare and destroy all its chemical weapons and continues to present a serious threat to regional as well as international security.

We therefore once again reiterate our calls on the Syrian regime to fulfil its obligations under the convention and under resolution 2118 and to engage meaningfully with the OPCW. It must fully declare and destroy all aspects of its chemical weapons programme.

It is our collective responsibility to defend and uphold the integrity of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the non-proliferation architecture, and the global consensus that these weapons should never be used.

Thank you.

09/08/2023
Steve Barclay – 2023 Statement on the Autumn Booster Programme

The statement made by Steve Barclay, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 8 August 2023.

I have now accepted the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on eligibility for the 2023 autumn booster programme, to protect those most vulnerable from Covid.

NHS England will confirm details on how and when eligible people can access the autumn booster vaccine shortly, and I would urge anyone invited – including those yet to have their first jab – to come forward as soon as possible.

08/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Crime leader who recruited illegal workers to clean at Sainsbury’s jailed [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 August 2023.

Members of a gang which recruited illegal migrants to work as cleaners across a string of Sainsbury’s supermarkets have been sentenced.

Members of a criminal gang which recruited illegal migrants to work as cleaners across a string of Sainsbury’s supermarkets in Oxfordshire and the south-west have been sentenced.

Five defendants were sentenced at Oxfordshire Crown Court yesterday (August 7) over their roles in the organised crime group who profited from the facilitation, work placement and housing of around 40 illegal workers, mainly from west Africa.

The leader of the criminal group, Momodou Chune, 55, from Oxford, was jailed for 6 years after being found guilty of 6 counts of assisting unlawful immigration and 3 counts of concealing criminal property.

The defendants were caught following an investigation by the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI) Unit.

It is estimated that over a decade of activity, the gang profited in the region of £600,000 from wages of illegal workers and ‘ghost’ workers. The majority of the illegal workers had more than one name and identity, as Chune created fake employees in order to obtain more money in false wages from his employers.

He did this by supplying illegal workers with multiple PIN numbers which were used to calculate an individual’s pay based on the record of when they logged on and for how long that person had worked.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, said:

This is another example of the excellent work which Immigration Enforcement is carrying out around the clock to pursue offenders and bring them to justice.

Illegal working not only encourages illegal migration – it damages our communities, cheats honest workers out of employment and defrauds the public purse as the businesses and workers do not pay taxes.

That is why this government is cracking down on the practise by increasing our illegal working activity by 50% and relentlessly pursuing the ringleaders.

Investigators found that, from 2006 to 2016, Chune had abused his position as an area manager for two companies ISS Facility Services (ISS) and Exclusive Contract Services (ECS), to employ illegal migrants to work as cleaning staff at nine Sainsbury’s stores in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

Chune recruited each of the illegal workers knowing they had no right to work. Evidence showed he had control over what the workers were paid as he had their wages paid into his accounts and the accounts of those close to him.

He also controlled where some of the illegal workers lived by providing them with rooms across his multi-million-pound property portfolio. The court heard Chune would pay illegal workers in cash but would deduct rent from those he housed.

This included one worker who was paid £250 a month in cash, however his rent to Chune was £220 a month. Another illegal worker claimed he was paid £5 an hour cash-in-hand for cleaning.

Chune, alongside others in the gang, was found to have laundered more than £310,000 from Exclusive Contract Service Ltd in wages to illegal workers and fake workers through multiple bank accounts.

Those sentenced alongside Chune today were:
- a 48-year-old woman who was found guilty of concealing criminal property alongside Chune to the sum of £31,685, and was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 2 years.
- a 54-year-old woman who was found guilty of concealing criminal property with Chune to the sum of more than £200,701, and was sentenced to 18 months suspended for 2 years.
- a 50-year-old man who was found guilty of concealing criminal property with Chune to the sum of £78,638, and pleaded guilty to possession of an identity document with intent. He was sentenced to 23 months imprisonment.
- a 41-year-old man who was found guilty of fraud by abusing his position as a supervisor at ECS by receiving wages he was not entitled to, and was sentenced to 2 years suspended for 2 years.
Chris Foster, Deputy Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations at the Home Office, said:

The leader of this criminal gang had ultimate control over these illegal workers to exploit them for personal gain. This has been a complex investigation and I want to thank my officers for their hard work, which has resulted in this crime group being stopped in their tracks.

Immigration Enforcement will continue to dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal working and associated crime, putting offenders before the courts to feel the full weight of the law.
08/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Largest ever UK action targets Putin’s access to foreign military supplies [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2023.

Foreign Secretary announces 25 new sanctions targeting Putin’s access to foreign military equipment.
- Foreign Secretary announces 25 new sanctions targeting Putin’s access to foreign military equipment.
- This includes individuals and businesses in Turkey, Dubai, Slovakia and Switzerland who are supporting the illegal war in Ukraine.
- The UK is also tackling Iranian and Belarusian support for Russia’s war machine.
The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly has today (8 August 2023) announced 22 new sanctions on individuals and businesses outside Russia supporting Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as 3 Russian companies importing electronics vital to Russia’s military equipment used on the battlefield.

Today’s measures will damage Russia’s defence systems by cutting off Putin’s access to foreign military equipment. Among those sanctioned are:
- Two Turkey based businesses, Turkik Union and Azu International, for their role in exporting microelectronics to Russia that are essential for Russia’s military activity in Ukraine.
- Dubai based Aeromotus Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Trading LLC, for its role in supplying drones and drone components to Russia.
- Slovakian national Ashot Mkrtychev, for his involvement in an attempted arms deal between the DPRK and Russia.
- Swiss national Anselm Oskar Schmucki, for his role in Russia’s financial services sector, including through working as Chief of the Moscow office of DuLac Capital Ltd.
We are also taking further action to tackle Iran and Belarus’ support for Russia’s military. The UK has previously imposed sanctions on Belarus for continuing to actively facilitate Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has called out Iran’s destabilising role in global security, including through sanctions against Iranian suppliers of the UAVs used by Russia to target Ukrainian civilians. Today’s sanctions include:
- Iranian individuals and entities involved in the research, development and production of UAVs for the IRGC.
- Belarusian defence organisations linked to the manufacturing of military technology for the Belarusian regime, which has directly facilitated Putin’s illegal war.
The UK is also sanctioning three Russian companies operating in the electronics sector for their role in procuring UK-sanctioned western microelectronics that are essential for sustaining Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

This sanctions package is part of a series of wider action targeting those critical to supplying and funding Putin’s war machine – and it is the biggest ever UK action on military suppliers in third countries.

The Russian defence industry is severely stretched and focused entirely on sustaining the war. Unable to access Western components, the Russian military is struggling to produce sufficient top-end equipment and is now desperately searching for foreign armaments. Russia is already having to mobilise soviet-era tanks and harvest kitchen freezers for low-grade chips. Today’s package tackles Russia’s attempts to circumvent and offset these clear impacts of UK and allies’ sanctions.

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said:

Today’s landmark sanctions will further diminish Russia’s arsenal and close the net on supply chains propping up Putin’s now struggling defence industry.

There is nowhere for those sustaining Russia’s military machine to hide.

Alongside our G7 partners, the UK has repeatedly called on third parties to immediately cease providing material support to Russia’s aggression or face severe costs.

We will continue working together with our international partners to prevent third parties supplying weapons and welcome stronger action to clamp down on rogue military supplies and sanctions circumvention. The UK is committed to maintaining international efforts to ensure sanctions are effective, investigate activities that support circumvention and act accordingly. We welcome cooperation from third countries where they are taking steps to address actions by those in their jurisdictions supplying Russia.

Through this sanctions package, the UK is also taking further steps to tackle countries actively supporting Putin by supplying weapons and military components directly to Russia, including Iran, Belarus and DPRK. Among these new designations is the Belarusian company Gomel Radio Plant which is repairing Russian military equipment; and the Iranian Paravar Pars Company, a key regime-linked UAV manufacturer, and seven of its executives. Iran is responsible for supplying Russia with the kamikaze drones used to bombard Ukraine.
08/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces reappointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 8 August 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of four Commissioners to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Helen Henderson, Jonathan Kearney, David Lavery and Stephen White will take up their appointments with effect from 1 September 2023 for a term of three years.

A competition will be held shortly for one further Commissioner vacancy details of which will be advertised on the Public Appointments website.

Background

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the ‘NIHRC’) was created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
The NIHRC was established in 1999 and operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.
Its powers and duties are set out in legislation, and it operates in compliance with UN General Assembly resolution 48/134 (the ‘Paris Principles’) on National Human Rights Institutions. The NIHRC’s functions include keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights and promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland.

Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about-us

Terms of appointment
- These positions are part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 August 2026.
- The positions receive a fixed annual remuneration of £7,500.
- The positions are not pensionable.
Biography of Appointees

Helen Henderson has a background in global education, community development and peace building within the third sector. She is managing Director of St Columb’s Park House, a peace and reconciliation centre and is a former board member with the Northern Ireland Fisheries and Harbours Authority

Jonathan Kearney is an independent consultant with a focus on policing and human rights. He has undertaken research into international policing and worked as a sessional academic.

David Lavery is currently Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and former Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.

Stephen White is currently a self-employed freelance Security Sector Reform Specialist.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. All of the appointees have declared that they have not been politically active in the last five years.

Regulation

The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA) regulates appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Statutory Requirements

The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
08/08/2023
Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (03/08/2023)

The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 3 August 2023.

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

There were many meetings today. Different ones. International work, internal security, defense of the state.

The meeting on the Crimea Platform – the content of the summit, the international presence at the summit, its impact on our ability to keep up the pressure for the liberation of Crimea – we are working on the details. And we are already preparing not only the Crimea Platform Summit at the level of leaders in August, but also the parliamentary dimension of the Crimea Platform, which will be held in the autumn.

Today is the second day of an important meeting with the ambassadors of Ukraine in Zakarpattia region.

Yesterday and today we had the highest political and highest military levels of communication. The ambassadors had very substantive conversations with the Minister of Defense, the Commander-in-Chief, Commander of the Air Force, Vice Admiral Neizhpapa, the Commander of the Naval Forces, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Lytvynenko, and NSDC Secretary Danilov. All of them. I specifically asked Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny, the commanders and Mr. Kuleba to hold such a meeting to discuss the key things that our warriors and defense forces need so much, so that they could convey all this to the ambassadors.

Prime Minister Shmyhal, Yulia Svyrydenko, Stefanishyna, Kubrakov also attended the meeting today. There was also a meeting between the ambassadors and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk on parliamentary diplomacy, which can be very effective if it is fully consistent with our overall state strategy.

It is important that the ambassadors of Ukraine are fully informed about every need of Ukraine in great detail. Weapons, equipment, munitions, finances, specific political decisions… I thank everyone who was active at this meeting in Zakarpattia, and I thank Zakarpattia for such a welcome.

Today, there were reports from Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Malyuk and Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko. In particular, one of the issues is the inspection of the “military commissars”.

We talked in detail. The inspection reveals many abuses. Frankly disgusting ones. All the facts revealed by law enforcement officers will be presented to the public and investigated in the framework of criminal proceedings. The conclusion is obvious: the recruitment system needs people who understand the value of defending Ukraine. The value, not the price of decisions. People who have seen the war and gone through it should work in the “military enlistment offices”. There are those who, unfortunately, lost their limbs, but did not lose their dignity and did not lose Ukraine. I am grateful to them.

Minister Klymenko reported separately and in detail on the training of our National Guardsmen – the provision of ammunition and equipment is a priority. He also spoke about the protection of critical facilities, including nuclear power plants. We discussed the situation in the regions after the Russian terrorist attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, and the provision of all necessary supplies to people. The Minister also reported on measures taken to combat crime. There were informative reports on the entire range of work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

And, of course, the frontline.

The battles are tough, the occupiers are trying their best to stop our guys. The assaults are very fierce. Kupyansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Maryinka, Avdiivka directions. Southern directions. It is difficult everywhere. But no matter what the enemy does, it is the Ukrainian force that dominates. And I am grateful to everyone on the frontline for this!

Today I would like to recognize the warriors of the 15th operational brigade of the National Guard. Melitopol direction. Thank you, guys! I would also like to mention the warriors of the Izmail border guard detachment who, together with the maritime units, counter Russian “Shahed” attacks.

In total, the terrorists have already launched at least 1961 “Shaheds” against Ukraine, and a significant number of them have been shot down. Unfortunately, not all of them. We are working to shoot down more – to shoot down as many as possible. We are working to have more air defense systems. In particular, this is a task for each of our ambassadors, all representatives of Ukraine.

Everyone must work for the victory, for the protection of life. The lives of people and the protection of our beautiful Ukraine! We will definitely win.

Glory to Ukraine!

08/08/2023
Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (02/08/2023)

The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 2 August 2023.

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

It was a long and very busy day.

In the morning, we received reports from our warriors, from air defense on the downing of “Shaheds”. There were 37 “Shaheds” in total during this one night. Some of them were shot down. But only part of them. Fortunately, people were not injured. There were hits in the southern areas – Odesa region, our ports.

We are doing our best with our partners to increase the supply of air defense systems. It is very important for the world not to get used to this Russian terror. Every hit is a common problem. Not only for Ukraine, but also for all those in the world whose stability Russia is trying to destroy by attacking our ports and infrastructure.

Now, for the Russian state, this is a battle not only against our freedom, not only against our state. Moscow is fighting a battle for a global catastrophe: these lunatics need the world food market to collapse – they need price crises, supply disruptions. Someone in Moscow thinks they can make money on this… Someone in Moscow hopes they will be able to bargain for something… These are very, very dangerous hopes.

In particular, we talked about food security today with our ambassadors – I held an extraordinary large meeting with all the heads of Ukrainian diplomatic missions.

We gathered in Zakarpattia. On the eve of a new political season in our partner countries. For 16 months of full-scale war, we have been working together – the entire diplomatic team of Ukraine, everyone who works in the field of our foreign policy – to make sure that the world sees events in a completely truthful way. The way they are happening, not the way Russian propaganda wants to depict them. Most countries in the world stand with Ukraine. We have achieved extremely significant results in supplying weapons to our troops. There are powerful sanctions against Russia for terror. Now there are new tasks for Ukrainian diplomats – to attract defense production to Ukraine… equipment, artillery, shells. To expand training missions for our warriors. To ensure the supply of F-16s. Long-range missiles for Ukraine.

And always – absolutely always – political decisions in favor of our country, our freedom. The Crimea Platform, the UN General Assembly, the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, the Global Food Summit, and the very important Peace Formula Summit, to which we are inviting the world’s majority, are ahead. The launch of accession negotiations with the European Union is a task for this year. Preparing more in our relations with NATO is also a task that our diplomats have to fulfill. Today we talked about all this in great detail.

Ukrainian diplomacy has very clear, significant accomplishments. In all areas. We do not forget about the sphere of national memory, our history. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, and we are constantly active in communicating with partners to recognize the historical truth – to recognize the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people. Already 28 states have recognized the Holodomor as genocide – this is at the state level. In four more countries, one of the chambers of national parliaments has adopted a decision. And during the full-scale war alone, 17 such recognition decisions were made. This is a very high pace. And all Ukrainian diplomats should maintain this pace – remain that active in the interests of Ukraine. Every day, every week, every month, they should prove with concrete results for Ukraine that our diplomacy can and will be a global leader.

I held a meeting on the security and social situation in Zakarpattia. General Deyneko, Head of the State Border Guard Service, reported on border issues, which are strategic for the region. A thorough report by head of the regional administration Mykyta – it is clear that the region has the necessary results. Well done!

Relocation of business and creation of new jobs in different communities of the region is an important area of work. Facilities for the rehabilitation of our warriors are the right projects. Many initiatives to develop the economy of Zakarpattia – those opportunities that have not been used for decades.

In particular, the development of a salt deposit has already begun here in the region, which can provide all of Ukraine with table and industrial salt. There are other projects that we will discuss with government officials.

Zakarpattia will definitely be one of the drivers of development for the whole of Ukraine, economic and social growth.

I am finishing this day in Berehove with a meeting with representatives of the Hungarian community in Ukraine. It is an important meeting. Educators, doctors, representatives of public and religious organizations and, of course, our warriors, whom I had the honor to award. Brave and courageous warriors whom we are proud of – all of them. All of us, Ukrainians, all of us, citizens of Ukraine. Everyone defends our country and freedom, everyone strives for victory for Ukraine, to live in Ukraine and develop life here – for the sake of their families, for the sake of their children.

I thank everyone who defends freedom! I thank everyone who is fighting for Ukraine! The 128th separate mountain assault brigade of Zakarpattia and the 101st separate brigade of the Territorial Defense… Thank you, warriors. Today – especially!

Thank you all – Berehove, Uzhhorod, Mukachevo and all of Zakarpattia!

Glory to Ukraine!

08/08/2023
Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (01/08/2023)

The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 1 August 2023.

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

This day began with very informative reports from representatives of the defense and security forces of our country.

Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Malyuk and Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko on the liquidation of the consequences of Russian terrorists’ attacks on our cities: Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Kherson, and our other cities.

General Zaluzhny reported on the general situation in the defense. Generals Syrsky and Tarnavsky reported on the front and specific directions. Commander of the Air Force Oleshchuk reported on the results of the use of air defense. “We are constantly working with our partners on a daily basis to bolster our sky shield, step by step we are adding protection.

There was also a separate detailed report by Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate Budanov – the occupiers will definitely feel the consequences of our work. They will feel it strongly.

We are preparing a number of international events – this week will be very important for Ukraine and our foreign policy.

A month remains before the start of the new political season in our partner countries. And we will do everything possible to make this season as conducive as possible to our movement forward, to victory, to our desire to restore peace for the whole of Ukraine – without exception. More political support for Ukraine. More weapons for our warriors. Full responsibility of the terrorist state for everything it has done against Ukraine, against our cities, villages, and people.

And today I would like to honor our warriors from the areas in Donbas and the south of our country more specifically, by name. Warriors whose bravery and courage are special. The story of each of them is a true heroism!

Soldier Andriy Kalkutin, the 56th separate motorized infantry brigade of Mariupol. Soldier Pavlo Karasiov, the 28th separate mechanized brigade. Soldier Viktor Konstantiuk, the 30th separate mechanized brigade. Soldier Roman Sydorchuk, the 33rd separate mechanized brigade.

Senior Soldier Andriy Hora, the 5th separate assault brigade. Senior Soldier Dmytro Humeniuk, the 214th separate special battalion. Senior Soldier Mykola Zaruchevskyi, the 55th separate artillery brigade. Senior Soldier Yaroslav Ilkiv, the 24th separate mechanized brigade.

Junior Sergeant Taras Vozniuk, the 3rd separate assault brigade. Junior Sergeant Serhiy Savchuk, the 36th separate marine brigade. Well done, guys!

Junior Sergeants Mykola Paytsan and Mykhailo Shcherban, Sergeant Ihor Apolitov – all three are from the 65th separate mechanized brigade. Junior Sergeant Ruslan Kryvalets, the 110th separate mechanized brigade.

Sergeant Serhiy Datskiv, the 25th Sicheslav separate airborne brigade. Sergeant Oleksandr Pshenychuk, the 47th separate mechanized brigade. Senior Sergeant Andriy Samohalskyi, the 22nd separate mechanized brigade. Lieutenant Ihor Lytvyn, the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade. Major Yaroslav Volianskyi, the 44th separate artillery brigade.

I thank you, guys, for the enemies you destroyed and for the brothers you saved! I am proud of your results! You are our pride, you are the pride of Ukraine.

Glory to all our warriors!

Glory to everyone who is fighting for Ukraine, who is helping us bring our victory closer!

Glory to Ukraine!

08/08/2023
List of Foreign Secretaries

21st century

Elizabeth Truss

2021 to 2022

Dominic Raab

2019 to 2021

Jeremy Hunt

2018 to 2019

Boris Johnson

2016 to 2018

Philip Hammond

2014 to 2016

William Hague

2010 to 2014

David Miliband

2007 to 2010

Margaret Beckett

2006 to 2007

Jack Straw

2001 to 2006

20th century

Robin Cook

1997 to 2001

Sir Malcolm Rifkind

1995 to 1997

Douglas Hurd, Lord Hurd of Westwell

1989 to 1995

Sir John Major

1989

Sir Geoffrey Howe, Lord Howe of Aberavon

1983 to 1989

Francis Pym, Lord Pym of Sandy

1982 to 1983

Lord Peter Carrington, Baron Carrington

1979 to 1982

Dr David Owen, Lord Owen of the City of Plymouth

1977 to 1979

Anthony Crosland

1976 to 1977

James Callaghan, Lord Callaghan of Cardiff

1974 to 1976

Sir Alec Douglas-Home, Lord Home of the Hirsel

1970 to 1974

1960 to 1963

Michael Stewart, Lord Stewart of Fulham

1968 to 1970

1965 to 1966

George Brown, Lord George-Brown of Jevington

1966 to 1968

Patrick Gordon Walker

1964 to 1965

Richard Austen Butler, Lord Butler of Saffron Walden

1963 to 1964

John Selwyn Brooke Lloyd, Lord Selwyn-Lloyd

1955 to 1960

Harold Macmillan, Earl of Stockton

1955

Sir Anthony Eden, Earl of Avon

1951 to 1955

1940 to 1945

1935 to 1938

Herbert Morrison, Lord Morrison of Lambeth

1951

Ernest Bevin

1945 to 1951

Edward Frederick Lindley Wood, Viscount Halifax

1938 to 1940

Sir Samuel Hoare, Viscount Templewood

1935

Sir John Simon, Viscount Simon

1931 to 1935

Rufus Isaacs , Marquess of Reading

1931

Arthur Henderson

1929 to 1931

Sir Austen Chamberlain

1924 to 1929

James Ramsay MacDonald

1924

George Nathaniel Curzon, Marquess of Kedlesto

1919 to 1924

Arthur James Balfour, Earl of Balfour

1916 to 1919

Sir Edward Grey, Viscount Grey of Fallodon

1905 to 1916

Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marquess of Lansdowne

1900 to 1905

19th century

Robert Cecil, Marquess of Salisbury

1895 to 1900

1887 to 1892

1885 to 1886

1878 to 1880

John Wodehouse, Earl of Kimberley

1894 to 1895

Archibald Primrose, Earl of Rosebery

1892 to 1894

1886

Stafford Northcote, Earl of Iddesleigh

1886 to 1887

George Leveson Gower, Earl Granville

1880 to 1885

1870 to 1874

1851 to 1852

Lord Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby

1874 to 1878

1866 to 1868

George Villiers, Earl of Clarendon

1868 to 1870

1865 to 1866

1853 to 1858

Lord John Russell, Earl Russell

1859 to 1865

1852 to 1853

James Harris, Earl of Malmesbury

1858 to 1859

1852

Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerston

1846 to 1851

1835 to 1841

1830 to 1834

George Hamilton Gordon, Earl of Aberdeen

1841 to 1846

1828 to 1830

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

1834 to 1835

John William Ward, Viscount Dudley and Ward

1827 to 1828

Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh

1812 to 1822

Richard Wellesley, Marquess Wellesley

1809 to 1812

Henry Bathurst, Earl Bathurst

1809

Charles Grey, Lord Howick

1806 to 1807

Charles James Fox

1806

1783

and 1783

Henry Phipps, Lord Mulgrave

1805 to 1806

Robert Banks Jenkinson, Lord Hawkesbury

1804 to 1805

Dudley Ryder, Lord Harrowby

1804

18th century

William Wyndham Grenville, Lord Grenville

1791 to 1801

Francis Godolphin Osborne, Marquess of Carmarthen

1783 to 1791

George Nugent Temple Grenville, Earl Temple

1783

Thomas Robinson, Lord Grantham

1782 to 1783

08/08/2023
NEWS STORY : Mayor of West Midlands Demands Crooked House Pub is Rebuilt

STORY

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, has called for the rebuilding of the Crooked House pub in Himley following its surprise demolition. The building caught fire just days after it was taken over by new owners, with allegations that the access road to the property was blocked to prevent the fire brigade from being able to tackle the blaze.

Street said in a letter to Roger Lees, the Leader of South Staffordshire Council:

“We ask that you consider ensuring the property is rebuilt brick by brick (using as much original material as possible) before any further discussions about the future of the site take place.”

The pub had been built in 1765 to be used as a farmhouse, but part of the building sank in the nineteenth century due to coal mining subsidence. It was turned into a pub and was sold earlier this year by Marston’s who said in a statement:

“We are shocked and disappointed to learn about the fire which has caused so much damage to a landmark building which is so well known in the area”.

RESOURCES

Andy Street’s Comments

Andy Street’s Letter to Staffordshire Fire Brigade

08/08/2023