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PRESS RELEASE : UN adopts UK co-sponsored resolution on climate change – UK at the UN [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 March 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki to the UN General Assembly following the adoption of a resolution requesting an Advisory Opinion on Member States’ climate change obligations from the International Court of Justice.
Thank you, President.

We thank Vanuatu and the core group presenting this resolution for the positive and constructive approach they have taken toward negotiations, and in particular welcome the presence of Prime Minister Kalsakau in this meeting.

The United Kingdom is committed to taking ambitious action to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. We were proud to host COP26 in Glasgow, where all 197 Parties agreed to the Glasgow Climate Pact. At COP26, nature also moved from the margins of the debate on climate change to the heart of it. The UK will continue to lead and engage on climate change and on nature to make sure that promises are kept and delivered to the highest standards, working with all partners to maintain momentum.

The UK is especially proud of its work with Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, both in its capacity as COP26 Presidency, and also beyond this. The UK recognises that all States are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and that SIDS are some of the most vulnerable.

In this regard, the UK set up Climate & Development Ministerials to focus on priorities of climate vulnerable states. We co-lead with Fiji the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance to improve access to climate finance for SIDS and climate vulnerable States. We have also created programmes like the SIDS Capacity and Resilience Programme and the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States facility. In addition, the UK was instrumental in securing agreements and funding to set up and develop the Santiago Network, to provide technical assistance for the implementation of approaches for averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage.

We welcome the ICJ considering the current obligations of all States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, and the legal consequences where states, by their acts or omissions, breach such obligations, causing significant harm. By looking at the obligations as they are today, the questions are clearly focused on assisting States in understanding these obligations under international law, so that they are able to comply with them in the future and understand the consequences if they breach them.

In particular, we are pleased to make the following four observations on the questions:

First, they are not determinative of whether there are obligations or where they flow from.

Second, they do not prejudge whether breaches have occurred, are occurring or will occur but look at the consequences if and when they do.

Third, they are not limited to considering the obligations and legal consequences for any specific State or States; and

Finally, they are not determinative of whether any States have been specially affected or injured.

The United Kingdom’s co-sponsorship of the resolution today is without prejudice both to its position on, and interpretation of, the obligations, instruments and concepts to which this resolution refers and to any submissions by His Majesty’s Government before the ICJ and other courts and tribunals. We also note that the first question is focused on the obligations relating specifically to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.

Increasing climate action is a top priority for the United Kingdom. The IPCC says to keep 1.5 alive we need emissions to peak in 2025, to halve by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. We recognise the UNFCCC as the primary intergovernmental negotiating forum for climate action. An ICJ Advisory Opinion may help to refocus efforts to deliver on climate commitments in this critical decade, which would support the UNFCCC’s agenda.

We are pleased to co-sponsor this resolution today.

Thank you.
29/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK calls on all parties to end the conflict and the human suffering in DRC – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 March 2023.

Statement by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council briefing on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

I thank SRSG Keita for her briefing today.

President, on the Council’s visit to DRC earlier this month, we saw first-hand the severity of the security crisis in eastern DRC, as well as the extremely difficult context in which MONUSCO is operating. We also saw some of the tragic human cost.

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by ongoing and intensifying violence, and deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern DRC. We strongly condemn the continuing advance of the UN-sanctioned M23 illegal armed group across North Kivu province. The resumption of violence has caused significant human suffering and displaced over 800,000 people since March 2022. We strongly condemn violence perpetrated by all other armed groups. All support to armed groups must stop, including external support to M23, and we call on all parties to exert any influence they have to deescalate the situation.

We welcome indications of M23 withdrawal and the handing over of locations to the EAC Regional Force, but any withdrawal must be complete and in line with the agreed process through the Luanda roadmap. Now is the time, as we heard from the Special Representative.

We reiterate our full support to regional diplomatic efforts, including the Nairobi and Luanda processes. The UK urges all parties to respect the commitments they have made under these processes.

This includes the withdrawal of M23, an end to all support to armed groups, and to stop the use of incendiary hate speech.

Regional and bilateral forces deployed in the DRC, including the East African Community Regional Force (EAF), Ugandan People’s Defence Force, Burundian National Defence Force, and the recently announced Angolan troop deployment must engage with each other substantively and with MONUSCO on de-confliction of operations to ensure the protection of civilians, the safety and security of peacekeepers and the effective implementation of MONUSCO’s mandate.

President, the UK fully supports MONUSCO, including its vital role in protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian assistance. We commend the Mission and the SRSG for their work in challenging circumstances.

But MONUSCO cannot of course tackle this crisis alone. Effective cooperation by the Government of DRC with MONUSCO is vital to ensure the mission can implement its mandate, in particular the protection of civilians.

We encourage the Government to engage in a serious dialogue with MONUSCO to clarify how we might achieve a responsible, conditions-based reconfiguration of the UN presence in DRC. We look forward to receiving options for this in July. The Government must also do its work with MONUSCO on critical pillars of the peace process such as DDR and security sector reform.

President, we must come together as a Council to deliver a very simple message. The violence must stop to give dialogue a chance to succeed. This is the only way to build confidence and to provide a lasting resolution to the crisis in eastern DRC.

29/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Defence People and Veterans meets veterans taking part in archaeological dig on Salisbury Plain Training Area [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 March 2023.

Military veterans taking part in an archaeological excavation on Salisbury Plain Training Area explained their work to Defence Minister Dr Andrew Murrison MP as he visited the dig site.

The veterans are taking part in the excavation of Boles Barrow, which dates back to the Neolithic period, under a programme called Operation Nightingale. This award-winning scheme sees wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans taking part in archaeological digs on the Defence estate. The participants are guided by professional archaeologists from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, which manages the MOD’s land and buildings, as well as partner organisations, which in the case of the Boles Barrow excavation includes private archaeology company Wessex Archaeology.

Dr Murrison, himself a Royal Navy veteran and a member of the Royal Navy Reserve, visited the excavation on Monday 27 March and was briefed on the project by DIO Senior Archaeologist Richard Osgood. As Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Dr Murrison talked to the participants about their experiences and how taking part in the excavation helps them.

Boles Barrow is a Neolithic long barrow excavated three times in the 19th Century with few surviving records. These excavations found prehistoric combat victims, and it is thought that a bluestone given to Salisbury Museum by Siegfried Sassoon may have emerged during these original investigations. The participants hope to find bluestone chips, which would be incredibly significant given proximity to Stonehenge. Bluestone is a term used to refer to some of the stones used in Stonehenge, but bluestone originates in the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire and is not found naturally locally.

This excavation will also examine the effectiveness of a meshing programme DIO has been running for over a decade on Scheduled Monuments, considering the longevity of the types of protective covering and thus its efficacy.

Dr Andrew Murrison, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said:

It was great to meet the veterans taking part in this innovative and award-winning programme. Using archaeological excavations to help veterans and allow them to spend time together has clear benefit and this is a programme I wholly support.

Richard Osgood, DIO Senior Archaeologist, who is leading the excavation, said:

It was a pleasure to explain Operation Nightingale and its success to the Minister, and introduce him to our participants. We are hopeful that the excavation of Boles Barrow will help deepen our understanding of the Neolithic landscape of Salisbury Plain. On a practical level, it has already demonstrated that our method of installing mesh to protect certain sites from burrowing animals is a success.

The excavation commenced on 20 March 2023 and has already identified flint tools, a Roman coin and pot rim, and some sarsen.

29/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Myanmar – FCDO statement on the dissolution of political parties [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 March 2023.

FCDO statement on the Myanmar military’s decision to dissolve the National League for Democracy and other democratic political parties.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:

The Myanmar military regime’s decision to dissolve 40 political parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party, is a further assault on the rights and freedoms of the Myanmar people.

There can be no solution to the crisis created by the military regime without meaningful, inclusive dialogue, which respects the people’s democratic wishes.

We condemn the military regime’s politically motivated actions and their use of increasingly brutal tactics to sow fear and repress opposition. The UK will continue working with partners to pressure the regime to end all violence and create space for meaningful and inclusive dialogue. We reiterate our support for the people of Myanmar and their aspirations for an inclusive and democratic future.

29/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Asylum seekers to be accommodated on surplus military sites [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 29 March 2023.

The Immigration Minister updated Parliament on the progress the government is making in delivering the Prime Minister’s priority to stop the boats.

Surplus military sites at Scampton and Wethersfield will accommodate asylum seekers who enter the UK illegally on small boats, the government has announced.

Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick, updated Parliament today (Wednesday 29 March) on the progress the government is making in delivering the Prime Minister’s priority to stop the boats; reducing the unsustainable pressure on the UK’s asylum system and the cost to the taxpayer caused by illegal crossings.

The government’s Illegal Migration Bill, which returned to Parliament this week, is designed to stop crossings by ending illegal entry as a route to asylum in the UK. This will significantly reduce the number of people requiring accommodation in hotels, which is costing £6 million a day.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:

The Home Secretary and I have been clear that using expensive hotels for asylum seekers is wholly unacceptable.

Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites will provide cheaper and more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats.

We understand the concerns of local communities and are working closely to listen to their views and reduce the impact of these sites, including through providing onsite security and financial support.

The minister set out an update on the ongoing work being done across government to secure alternative, more appropriate, cost-effective accommodation options around the country.

The 2 military sites in Lincolnshire and Essex will provide basic and functional accommodation for migrants who illegally enter the UK by crossing the Channel, instead of using expensive hotels.

The sites will house asylum seekers in former barracks and modular accommodation in an orderly manner with healthcare provision in place, catering facilities on site and 24/7 security.

Further accommodation in the Prime Minister’s constituency at Catterick Garrison will be brought forward in due course.

Not only are these sites more affordable for taxpayers than hotels, but they are more manageable and orderly for communities and offer significant employment opportunities in the broader area.

We will work closely with local authorities and key partners to manage the impacts of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.

This approach also brings the UK in line with European partners, including Germany and Greece, who also successfully use military sites.

To begin reforming the accommodation system, the government will:
- set up accommodation sites on surplus military sites in Wethersfield and Scampton for up to 3,700 asylum seekers across both sites, while preserving their heritage
- open a non-military site in Bexhill, East Sussex which will also be used for accommodation for up to 1,200 people
- explore the use of vessels to provide accommodation in line with the approach taken by the Netherlands and Scotland
- significantly increase dispersed accommodation across the country by providing a new local authority funding package with a generous additional per bed payment for asylum seekers, alongside continued funding for each new dispersal bed
- pilot an extra incentive payment for local authorities when properties for asylum seekers are made available faster
- introduce a temporary licensing exemption to houses of multiple occupancy regulations for asylum seekers which will help move people out of hotels more quickly
Accommodating asylum seekers in the private rented sector and on alternative sites costs a fraction of the current costs of hotels which are £6 million a day or about £2.3 billion a year.

The Home Office is committed to supporting local authorities to enact these changes.

The changes to the asylum system are part of the urgent action the government is taking to stop the boats.

In his statement, Minister Jenrick said there had been significant progress since December, including:
- ramping up immigration enforcement visits to their highest levels in recent years – with more than 3,500 since December, meaning more arrests and more people on a pathway to removal
- introducing the landmark Illegal Migration Bill
- signing an historic deal with the French government to stop the criminal gangs
- increasing resource and streamlining processes to eliminate the legacy asylum backlog by the end of 2023
Since 2018 about 85,000 migrants have made the dangerous journey across the Channel, placing unprecedented and unsustainable pressure on housing.

The vast majority are single adult males. The government are under a legal obligation to accommodate those who would be otherwise be destitute.

The alternative sites will house asylum seekers in appropriate accommodation whilst they await a decision on their claim.

Asylum seekers will be in basic, safe and secure accommodation appropriate for this purpose, whilst providing value for money for the taxpayer.

The 2 surplus military sites Scampton and Wethersfield, and the non-military site in Bexhill, will be run by contractors with Home Office oversight.

People whose claims are refused and have exhausted their appeal rights will be removed from the UK.

The government recognises that using alternative sites involves difficult decisions, but urgent action is needed to reform the broken asylum system and reduce the use of hotels.

Scampton and Wethersfield are each due to accommodate about 200 people initially, with capacity gradually increasing to 1,700 at Wethersfield and 2,000 at Scampton.

The numbers of people expected on other sites will be published in due course.

The Home Office will preserve the heritage features of Scampton, recognising the vital role it played in the 2nd World War. This includes not accommodating migrants in buildings from this period. The Home Office only intends to use Scampton on a temporary basis.

We are committed to working with West Lindsay District Council to develop their long-term vision for the site.
29/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : New bill to modernise Business Rates system [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 29 March 2023.

A new bill introduced today will support businesses by modernising the business rates system to incentivise property improvements.

A new bill introduced today (Wednesday 29 March) will support businesses by modernising the business rates system to incentivise property improvements and support more frequent revaluations.

The measures being put forward review and reform business rates in England, making them fairer and more responsive to changes in the market.

The Non-Domestic Rating Bill will introduce more frequent valuations, to take place every three years instead of the current five, meaning those with falling values will see their bills drop sooner.

It will also provide new business rates improvement relief, so businesses making qualifying building improvements will not face higher business rates bills for 12 months. This will make it easier for businesses to invest with new reliefs for property improvements, providing tax breaks for businesses who are extending or upgrading their property.

Local Government Minister, Lee Rowley MP said:

The introduction of our Non-Domestic Rating Bill seeks to deliver the reforms announced during our Business Rates Review.

We are bringing the administration of the tax up to date, and making the system more responsive to changes in the economy and introducing new support to reduce barriers to business investment.

This is another step in the right direction for making sure the UK continues levelling up and supports businesses to grow and flourish.

The bill will build on recent steps to cut business rates, with £13.6 billion of support announced at the Autumn Statement, and to redistribute the tax through the 2023 revaluation.

Victoria Atkins, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

I want businesses to know that the government is on their side. Businesses have asked for changes to the business rates system and we are acting, including with more frequent revaluations to make the system fairer and more responsive.

And they come on top of £13.6 billion of business rates support which resets the balance between bricks and clicks businesses, helping our much-loved high streets and communities.

Melanie Leech, Chief Executive at the British Property Federation, said:

These measures are a welcome step towards creating a business rates system that is fair for all. The British Property Federation has long-called for more frequent revaluations to help ensure the level of rates payable reflects current market conditions and structural changes in the economy.

A move from five to three yearly revaluations is a marked improvement, and we would like to see Government continuing to strive towards even more frequent revaluations in due course. The introduction of a business rates improvement relief is also a welcome boost as property owners and occupiers work together to decarbonise and futureproof older buildings and support the UK’s journey to net-zero.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

Retailers welcome moving to three-yearly revaluations, meaning business rate bills will reflect underlying market conditions more quickly. Changes to valuation appeals processes and more transparency are also vital and the improvement relief will encourage more retailers to invest in their properties. These are all positive changes, but the job is not done. Government’s focus must remain on reducing the rates burden, enabling more local communities across the country to thrive.

The Non-Domestic Rating Bill has been informed by the Business Rates Review, which ran from July 2020 to October 2021.

The Bill has been introduced in parliament and will be debated in due course.

29/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : New settlement route for Hong Kong veterans [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 29 March 2023.

The government’s new Hong Kong Veterans Settlement route will enable Hong Kongers who served in the British military to live and work in the UK.

Hundreds of Hong Kongers who served in the British armed forces will be able to apply to settle in the UK, in recognition of their military service in the 20th century.

The government’s new Hong Kong Veterans Settlement route will be open to all servicemen and women who served in the British military prior to 1 July 1997 and their family members, including a partner or spouse and dependant children.

This will put veterans from Hong Kong on an equal footing with other members of the British armed forces who were also stationed in the territory. All those eligible will be able to apply for indefinite leave to enter, allowing them to live and work in the UK without restriction and putting them on a path to full British citizenship.

Applications for settlement are expected to open this autumn.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:

The immensely valuable contribution that many Hong Kongers made to the UK while serving in the UK armed forces is one that will not be forgotten.

We relied on these veterans to support Hong Kong’s administration and emergency services as well as in the international effort of Operation Granby, which liberated Kuwait from Iraqi forces in 1991. On every occasion, their loyalty was pivotal. It is only right that we recognise their exceptional dedication, service and sacrifice by introducing our new settlement route for Hong Kong veterans.

Today’s announcement allows those who served before 1 July 1997 to settle in the UK and live without restriction. Moreover, it means that the UK can continue to honour their service.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer said:

I am incredibly grateful for the contribution of veterans from across the world who have served in the UK armed forces, including those from Hong Kong, who played a vital role up until the transition in 1997.

By delivering this settlement route, we rightly provide Hong Kong veterans and their families a path into a new life post-service, here in the UK.

Many residents of Hong Kong served in the British armed forces before the handover to China on 1 July 1997. Their role was to form part of the military garrison in the territory, and support Hong Kong’s administration and emergency services.

The veterans provided important roles to some of the UK’s most impactful international operations too, such as Operation Granby, which contributed to the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi forces in 1991.

29/03/2023
Dominic Raab – 2023 Speech at the King’s Counsel Appointments Ceremony

The speech made by Dominic Raab, the Secretary of State for Justice, at Westminster Hall, London, on 29 March 2023.

It’s a great pleasure to welcome you all, as you make your declarations…

And confirm your new status as Kings Counsel, and Honorary King’s Counsel.

This is the first time in over 70 years that a Lord Chancellor has presided over the appointment of ‘King’s Counsels’, since the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Of course, for all of you, I know this is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.

The late nights working on a brief,

The weekends lost to preparing a case in court,

The countless hours spent representing your clients will now,

I hope, at long last be worth it today.

You have made it to the pinnacle of your profession,

You will be recognised for that by your peers, by the Crown,

For what is an immense achievement.

You, your families, friends, and colleagues, should rightly be very proud.

Steeped in tradition going back to the 16th Century, the KC title has long been a hallmark of excellence.

It acknowledges your experience, expertise and eminence in your particular fields of law.

And so, today’s ceremony cements your status as ambassadors for a legal system envied across the world.

And, as we celebrate your success in these historic surroundings…

Arguably the birthplace of both British justice and democracy… You are taking your own place personally in our country’s distinguished legal history.

Of course, the KC quality mark is recognised not just here in the UK, but abroad too.

It holds up our legal professionals as the best in a global market.

And it underpins the worldwide appeal of our legal system… along with our common law precedents and world-renowned independent judiciary.

Our profession is, of course, also one of the reasons the UK has become the world’s pre-eminent centre for dispute resolution.

Just to give you a flavour, in 2021, over 28,000 civil disputes were resolved through arbitration, mediation and adjudication in the UK, while more than 80 percent of the world’s maritime arbitrations are handled here.

Businesses around the world turn to us time and time again to be their counsel and courtroom… because they know that a decision from a UK court carries a global kitemark… of impartiality, integrity and enforceability.

It isn’t by luck that English and Welsh law is the choice for global business and international trade… used in some 40 percent of all global corporate arbitrations.

Nor is it a surprise that more than 200 foreign law firms, from over 40 jurisdictions have branches in the UK.

In fact, every single one of the world’s top 40 law firms has an office right here in London.

A world-beating legal system goes hand-in-hand with our world-beating legal services…

One of this country’s greatest exports – and at the heart of our future as a global, free-trading Britain.

Our legal services support the growth of global trade and investment across the whole country… contributing billions to our economy each year.

And it’s why we’re working hard to promote legal services abroad…

Targeting priority markets, like the Indo-Pacific and the United States…

And opening up market access for our legal professionals through free trade agreements… including current negotiations with India, the Gulf states, Canada, Mexico and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

All this serves as a reminder that our KCs don’t just serve in English and Welsh courts.

They make a huge contribution to the international rule of law. Never has this been more true than today.

All the way back to Nuremberg, our legal professionals have played their part in bringing the worst war criminals to justice.

Take Hartley Shawcross KC – a formidable advocate who led the British prosecution at Nuremberg.

His opening and closing speeches widely held to be some of the finest of those historic, ground-breaking trials.

He observed that while some thought the Nazis on trial should have faced summary justice ‘…swept aside into oblivion, without elaborate and careful investigation into the part they have played…’

‘Not so would the rule of law be raised and strengthened on the international as well as upon the municipal plane…

Not so would future generations realise that right is not always on the side of the big battalions…

Not so would the world be made aware that the waging of… war is not only a dangerous venture… but a criminal one.’

I think Shawcross’s words resonate, when we consider the importance of the international rule of law… and the ‘elaborate and careful’ investigations currently underway into atrocities in Ukraine.

Nuremberg paved the way for the prosecution of war crimes and genocide in Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia and other wars and conflicts…

And our KCs have been instrumental in the development of international law in the decades since, alongside our allies.

We just need only look to The Hague to see the influence of some of the UK’s best legal minds.

Sir Geoffrey Nice, Steven Kay, Andrew Cayley and Jo Korner are just some of the exceptional British barristers to have made their mark there and beyond.

And another Brit, Karim Khan KC, is currently Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court and responsible for the investigation into atrocities in Ukraine, among other vital work he’s doing.

All of these appointments are a testament to the standard of our professionals and indeed their standing in the world.

I saw it myself – twenty years ago as a Foreign Office lawyer… I was posted to The Hague to help bring war criminals to justice at the Yugoslavian and Rwandan tribunals.

So, I know first-hand the impact the ICC and ad-hoc tribunals can have.

I remember in particular, Radovan Karadžić, the so called Butcher of Bosnia.

In 2004, as a fairly fresh faced lawyer, while serving in the Hague I negotiated a sentencing enforcement agreement between the UK and the UN.

Back then, no one thought we would get to use it…

But 17 years later, Karadžić was transferred to a UK jail cell under that agreement.

As you can imagine, I was proud to be a small part of that effort… a 30-year pursuit for justice.

Now as you will know, on 17th of March, the ICC indicted President Putin for the forcible removal of children from Ukraine. An appalling crime.

Today again, many doubters ask whether he will face the dock of a court.

We know, these cases are complex, and it will take patience.

To the doubters and the cynics I point to Karadžić, to Milošević, to Charles Taylor and others…

To know that justice is on our side, and history is on our side.

But justice doesn’t happen by accident.

It requires deeds, not just words.

That is why, a week ago today in the UK I hosted a meeting of justice ministers from around the world…

Bringing together over 40 nations to agree support for the ICC, and its independent investigation into war crimes in Ukraine.

I’m pleased we could agree that package that will support the ICC’s work in all its investigations.

But looking at the country and profession, the real success was bringing 42 other countries together to offer support…

Through the secondment of their national experts, the sharing of best practice to support the most vulnerable victims… and financial support to assist the ICC in its vital work.

This is global Britain as a force for good in the world – galvanising other nations to act.

In the same spirit, I have no doubt that many of you will go on to great things at home… and abroad… Building on the achievements of the remarkable KCs that have gone before you.

I know you will make us proud.

Today, we are also here to recognise eight candidates being appointed Honorary KCs, for outstanding contributions to the law outside of the courts.

Our first candidate, John Battle, is a driving force in the campaign for open justice and in particular filming court proceedings.

He is recognised for his extensive work with the media, Ministry of Justice, and with the senior judiciary.

Next, Professor Lionel Bently is a universally respected scholar, nominated for his role in influencing intellectual property law in this country and beyond.

Professor Richard Ekins has made a major contribution to public debate, and parliamentary deliberation, about the constitutional role of the courts…. Issues which are very close to my heart.

Then we have Professor Rosemary Hunter, a leading Family Justice scholar. Rosemary is recognised for her important work in the field of domestic abuse, which has helped to shape the law in this area.

Next, Dr Ann Olivarius, recognised for her vital role in the fields of women’s rights, sexual harassment and sexual abuse.

She was absolutely instrumental in lobbying Parliament to pass laws against so-called ‘cyber flashing’, which I am proud we have now done.

We also have Professor Richard Susskind is recognised for his important work to promote technology and innovation in legal and court services across England and Wales.

Next, James Wakefield is nominated for his work to promote better access to the Barrister profession… encouraging retention of those from under-represented groups from across our society.

Then we have Professor Julian Vincent Roberts, a leading authority on sentencing theory, policy, and practice.

His work has made a major contribution to the analysis and development of sentencing worldwide.

Last but certainly not least, there is Sir Michael Wood – a prominent member of the International Law Commission, recognised for his invaluable contribution to the teaching and application of international law in the UK and beyond.

I have to say, there is one blot on his CV that I feel duty bound to point out.

Sir Michael recruited me to the Foreign Office legal advisers in 2000, and then deployed me to the Hague between 2003 to 6.

And was very much a mentor during that time, please don’t hold it against him.

No one’s perfect.

Of course, that’s just a brief mention of our recipients’ contribution to the law, which goes so much further.

In closing, let me say again what an honour it is to preside over this ceremony.

I hope you enjoy today’s celebration with your family and friends.

It is truly well deserved.

Each and every one of you here today is a shining example – the brightest and best of British justice, an inspiration to the next generation of lawyers.

I’ve absolutely no doubt you will go on to even greater things in future…

Playing your part in upholding the reputation of the finest legal system in the world.

29/03/2023
Gillian Keegan – 2023 Speech to BETT 2023

The speech made by Gillian Keegan, the Secretary of State for Education, in London on 29 March 2023.

Mankind’s great light-bulb moments, especially the transformational ones, rely on someone turning inspiration into innovation.

Before becoming an MP, I spent almost 30 years in business and largely in tech, so it’s a real pleasure for me to be with you here today.

I spent many years in the financial sector, where among other things I worked on the development of digital payments, to power ecommerce and mcommerce – remember them.

And I got to see life-changing innovation in action.

Back then, when you bought a new TV you got out a simple, magstripe credit card; if you wanted to book a family holiday, you queued up at a travel agents.

I was part of a coalition of banks and mastercard that developed early digital payments using chip and pin technology which was a retail game changer at the time.

Like many in this room, I’ve seen some incredible tech transformations during my business career. I’ve seen innovation come to life and disrupt whole industries. And I’ve learnt many things along the journey.

First, you can’t innovate if you haven’t got the basics right;

Second, you need to know what problems you are solving and not cause new ones;

And third, what sounds far-fetched now will be commonplace in a couple of years. Tech moves fast.

These lessons have served me well, and I think we have a lot to learn in education, which has often lagged in tech adoption.

Let’s look at the basics.

Top of the list is connectivity. I almost said ‘obviously’. But I guess it can’t be that obvious if some schools are still battling glacial broadband speeds. Connectivity in schools, like everywhere, is a basic utility like water or electricity.

We are delivering on the pledge made last year to enable all schools to connect to gigabit broadband by 2025.

We’ve run the procurement for schools in the South West of England, and we’re working with schools across the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber to get new fibre infrastructure.

We’re also upgrading school WiFi networks that don’t meet our connectivity standards in the 55 Local Authorities where school outcomes are the weakest.

We need to get the basics right.

Which brings me on to my second point.

I’m not the first Education Secretary to say that when it comes to tech, what schools need is stuff that just works, that solves a real problem.

Tech that doesn’t work is an expensive and potentially dangerous mistake, and it’s one that schools cannot afford to make.

That is why we are launching the latest set of technology standards. These will build on those published last year and will help schools to develop effective and safe strategies, including safeguarding pupils from potentially harmful and inappropriate material online.

In September we will also be launching a pilot service in Blackpool and Portsmouth, both priority education investment areas, that will help schools meet standards, make the best use of their technology and plan more effectively for the future.

We know for instance, that teachers still spend too much time on admin, lesson planning and marking.

I know there are brilliant products out there to help and many schools use them. With many of the best nominated at the Bett awards this evening.

I’m also glad to see so many innovative maths tools represented.

I want to make it easier for schools and colleges to know what works – so we need to see evidence about what your products can do in the real world.

Which brings me to my third and final point – the game changer.

Artificial Intelligence.

I know the education sector, like many, has had its fair share of false dawns when it comes to technology. In some places, really effective and integrated use of tech is making a difference already, but the tasks that really drive workload – things like planning, marking and giving 1-2-1 support to pupils – remain largely unchanged.

AI will have the power to transform a teacher’s day-to-day work. We’ve seen people using it to write lesson plans, and some interesting experiments around marking too.

Can it do those things now, to the standard we need? No. Should the time it saves ever come at the cost of the quality produced by a skilled teacher? Absolutely not.

But could we get to a point where the tasks that really drain teachers’ time are significantly reduced? I think we will.

Getting to that point is a journey we in this room can go on together – and just as we’ve responded to other innovations like the calculator and Google, we’ll use technology to deliver better outcomes for students.

We will empower you and support you to try things, to see what works, and you must do the same for each other, by working together.

We have kicked off that journey today by publishing a statement on the DfE’s website that says a bit more about the opportunities, as well as the risks, that AI brings to education.

I’m genuinely excited about driving this forward with sector experts including regulators, educators, researchers and the tech sector.

This is part of the government’s pro-innovation approach to AI regulation, as evidenced by our AI White Paper and the launch of a Foundation Model Taskforce, which will also consider UK domestic capability in this important technology.

My hope is that quite soon I’ll be able to tell you more about how we can establish a plan for getting the most out of AI in education, as well as protecting against the risks.

Tech is a tool, and it’s one that schools haven’t yet managed to get the most out of, but it can’t be the tail that wags the dog.

We have to look at others’ best practice – whether that be Estonia’s integrated education data, or South Korea’s exemplary leadership in AI transition. It is great to see so many of you from overseas here today to do that, and to have met some of you earlier. But we must also lead with our own best practice.

We’ve already done it in banking, we’ve already done it in travel. We’ve done it in retail, in music, in entertainment. We cannot wait a moment longer to do it in education. I know I’m preaching to the converted here and lots of you are already on this journey

There’s a great quote by the late Steve Jobs, who once said: “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” This is what great innovators do and I know this country’s schools, colleges and universities can be a beacon for innovation that will transform education.

Thank you.

29/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Astounding levels of incompetence in the Russian military leadership have eroded Russia’s military reputation – UK statement to the OSCE [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 March 2023.

UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says the staggering casualties suffered by Russia around Bakhmut have had significant impact on personnel and munition stocks.

Thank you, Mr Chair and welcome Deputy Minister of Defence Galić to this Forum. Mr Chair, I would like to start by thanking you and your team for your stewardship over the past trimester. It is nearly 400 days since Russia’s barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Since then, 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 and ingenuity can have a devastating effect against a so-called super power.

In recent weeks, the staggering casualties suffered by Russia around Bakhmut appear to have had significant impact. Their assault seemingly stalled, reports suggest that the Russian military and Wagner group urgently need to replenish personnel and munition stocks. Approximately 30,000 Russian fighters have been killed or wounded since the battle for Bakhmut began nine months ago, with the Wagner-dominated force advancing just 25km in this time.

Mr Chair, try as they might to present an alternate reality to the ground truth with an increasingly ridiculous carpet of disinformation, the astounding levels of incompetence in Russia’s military leadership that have eroded Russia’s military reputation are clear for all to see.

In February, ahead of the 14th Aero India biennial air show, the Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, stated that the “special military operation provided foreign experts with an opportunity to see Russian military products in use in actual combat conditions, convincing them of their high technical performance and reliability”. In the same week, Russian Soviet made MT-LB multipurpose tracked armoured vehicles were observed operating in eastern Ukraine modified with old naval turrets and guns, still painted in naval colours. These Stalin era naval weapon systems, 60-year-old T-62 main battle tanks and vintage BTR-50 armoured personnel carriers that Russia is operating in Ukraine are indeed a true demonstration of the type of “high technical performance” for which Russia’s military and defence industry are now regarded.

In contrast, the UK has provided sophisticated artillery and air defence systems, and modern anti-tank munitions to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s brutal and indiscriminate attacks. The UK was the first nation to pledge modern main battle tanks to Ukraine – and we are grateful to all our Allies who have now done likewise. These Challenger 2 MBTs are a step change in capability for Ukraine’s Armed Forces, equipped with some of the most modern and sophisticated gunnery systems in the world.

Mr Chair, for well over a year now, our Russian colleagues have attempted to use this forum to distract from failures on the battlefield with a campaign of lies, threats and propaganda. When this has not worked, they have become increasingly contemptuous of this Forum, belligerent towards the Chair, and threatening towards fellow delegates – such behaviour is a tacit sign of weakness. Russia’s decision to block the Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC) agenda and your Security Dialogue last week because you would not cede to its attempts to negotiate by ultimatum, was a deplorable example of its attempts to undermine the principles under which we meet in this Chamber.

Against such behaviour, we must do our upmost to ensure the integrity of this Forum, such that it is able to fulfil its mandate. Russia has attempted to break the foundations of European security, violated the UN Charter, and flagrantly disregarded the Helsinki Final Act’s core principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force. However, we have shown that these principles, and this Forum, matter. We will stand up to defend them both.

The UK looks forward to working with the incoming Bulgarian Chair in what will clearly continue to be a challenging time for the FSC, the OSCE and European security writ large. We also thank Belgium who leave the troika and welcome our Canadian colleagues.

Mr Chair, on a final note, the UK condemns in the strongest terms Putin’s recent announcement on the planned stationing of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. The nuclear rhetoric and signalling that we have seen from Russia is irresponsible. Russia should seek to reduce tensions and the risk of miscalculation, not increase them. We again call on the Belarusian regime to desist from supporting Russia’s attempts to stoke further instability in the region and stop its support of Russia’s illegal invasion.

Mr Chair, Ukraine has turned the tide in this war, regaining territory and liberating thousands of Ukrainian people. Ukraine has done this thanks to the awe-inspiring bravery of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and strong international support. This must remain at the forefront of our minds and efforts into the next trimester. Together, with our Allies and partners, we will ensure that Ukraine will win.

Thank you.

29/03/2023