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NEWS STORY : UK Condemns Russia’s Actions in Ukraine at UN Security Council

STORY

On 8 April 2025, during a United Nations Security Council meeting, Dame Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the UN, delivered a pointed critique of Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine. She asserted that the Kremlin’s behaviour indicates “no desire for peace that I can detect.”

Escalation of Hostilities

Ambassador Woodward highlighted the intensification of Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, resulting in significant civilian casualties, including the deaths of nine children. She emphasised that these actions violate the UN Charter and contradict Russia’s responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council.

Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations

The Ambassador criticised President Vladimir Putin for delaying ceasefire proposals and insisting on maximalist conditions, suggesting that such stalling tactics undermine mediation efforts and devalue civilian lives. She called on the Kremlin to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace by engaging constructively in negotiations.

International Diplomatic Efforts

The United Kingdom’s condemnation aligns with broader international diplomatic efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine. Recently, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer challenged President Putin to prove his seriousness about peace by agreeing to a ceasefire. This call came after a virtual meeting with leaders from over 30 countries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, focusing on increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine’s security.

Despite these initiatives, the Kremlin has shown resistance to international pressure. In February 2025, Russia welcomed what it perceived as a “much more balanced” U.S. stance on Ukraine after the Trump administration supported a UN Security Council resolution calling for a “swift end” to the war without directly criticising Russia. This development highlighted a divergence between U.S. and European positions, with several European countries abstaining from the vote.

Continued International Pressure

The UK, along with its allies, continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Ambassador Woodward’s recent statements at the UN underscore the UK’s commitment to holding Russia accountable for its actions and to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

April 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The Kremlin’s actions reflect no desire for peace that I can detect – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

As we’ve heard on Friday, Russia’s ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih struck a residential area in the city, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, including nine children, the youngest of whom was just three years old.

At least 70 people were injured.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described this as the deadliest single strike harming children since the start of the full-scale invasion.

As High Commissioner Türk said, this attack was an unimaginable horror, nine children killed, most while playing in a park, as a military weapon exploded into shrapnel above them.

We also saw Russia’s attacks this weekend on Kharkiv and Kyiv, resulting in at least 5 more civilian deaths and many more injured.

So we find ourselves here once again to condemn yet more Russian attacks that have killed and injured many Ukrainian civilians in violation of the UN Charter and in violation of Russia’s responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

President Putin continues to stall the ceasefire proposal, dragging his feet and insisting on maximalist conditions.

While intensifying drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Which have now resulted in the deaths of nine more innocent children.

The Kremlin’s actions reflect no desire for peace that I can detect.

They are the actions of a government that remains hell-bent on destroying Ukraine; a government that disdains mediation efforts, and holds cheap the lives of civilians.

Under US leadership, a ceasefire proposal is on the table.

The ball has been in Russia’s court for weeks now.

It’s time for the Kremlin to stop stalling.

It’s time they show that they are committed to peace as they claim to be.

Because President Zelenskyy has made Ukraine’s will clear.

He wants to see the war end and has agreed to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, subject to Russia’s agreement.

It is time for the killing to stop.

It is time for the Kremlin to end its aggression against Ukraine and to uphold its obligations under the UN Charter.

It is time for President Putin to agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as a vital step towards negotiations to end the war for good.

So our message to the Kremlin is that we will not be deterred by your reckless and barbaric actions.

The UK will continue to stand resolutely by Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace, in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

April 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and OSCE partners present the Democracy Defenders Award to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

Minister of State Stephen Doughty congratulates the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association for its efforts to protect democracy and human rights for Georgians.

Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, said:

“I congratulate the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) on winning the prestigious Democracy Defender Award gifted by the UK and seven OSCE partners. The GYLA is providing essential support to human rights activists and civil society organisations in Georgia who are coming under increasing pressure from repressive legislation.

“After months of democratic backsliding, arbitrary arrests, and the use of excessive force against protestors, politicians and journalists, Georgian Dream has shown no indication they will return to their European path and uphold the democratic wishes of its own electorate.

“I urge the Georgian authorities to reverse this isolationist behaviour, and I thank the GYLA for their important work protecting the fundamental rights of Georgian people.”

April 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New appeals process to provide independent assurance about Horizon redress awards [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 8 April 2025.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas has announced the launch of the new, independent, appeals process for eligible postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.
- New independent appeals process for Horizon Shortfall Scheme victims
- New applications for postmasters who claimed under HSS to begin this month
- Provides assurance that those who were unjustly impacted by the Horizon IT scandal will receive full, fair and swift redress
Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas has announced in Parliament today [Tuesday 8 April] the launch of the new, independent, appeals process for eligible postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS).

Postmasters who feel their financial settlement did not reflect the true extent of their losses and trauma will be able to appeal their settlement ensuring they receive full, fair and swift redress.

Eligible postmasters and their legal representatives will be written to later this month and applications for the new Appeals process will begin to be accepted by the end of April.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

It is our priority that all those who were unjustly affected by the Horizon IT scandal receive full, fair and swift redress and today’s measures are the next step in providing that.

Since taking office, the total amount of redress paid to victims has increased by more than three and a half times with £892 million having now been paid to over 6,200 claimants. There is still more to do, and I am committed to this task until every affected postmaster receives the redress they rightly deserve.

The Government also announced that each Directly Managed Branch (DMBs) will be franchised so that Post Office services remain available to local communities. We have listened to concerns and made it clear that DMBs should not be closed as we continue to work with the Post Office as it develops its transformation plan.

There will also be a further £276.9 million in funding for the Post Office to help support the breadth of the network. This will enable Post Office to deliver technology transformation and give them the resources to continue administering redress payments to postmasters.

There will also be a scheme launched next month to provide redress to postmasters who faced issues with Post Office products, polices or processes.

These updates will help rebuild trust with postmasters and ensure past failings are fully addressed.

Notes to editors

As of 31 March 2025, approximately £892 million has been paid to over 6,200 claimants across 4 schemes:
- £454 million in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), including interim payments
- £67 million in the Overturned Convictions (OC) scheme, including interim payments
- £150 million in the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme, including interim payments
- £221 million in the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS), including interim payments
April 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Update on Free Trade Agreement negotiations with South Korea [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 8 April 2025.

Update following round 4 of negotiations on an upgraded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea.

Negotiations took place in London between 10 and 21 March 2025.

The fourth round of negotiations to upgrade the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Republic of Korea (RoK) took place in London between 10 and 21 March 2025. As with previous rounds, negotiators from both sides engaged productively across a broad range of areas in an ongoing effort to enhance and solidify the economic partnership between us.

Negotiations continue to centre around three key objectives:
1. Securing and future proofing existing arrangements: Progress was made in rules of origin discussions. Product Specific Rules were discussed for a range of important exporting sectors. Negotiators will continue to seek a chapter which accounts for both existing and future supply chains.
2. Capturing recent advances in Trade Policy: Negotiations on a new and comprehensive Digital Trade chapter progressed positively, with commitments on data, trade digitisation and business safeguards under discussion this round.
3. Supporting our strategic relationship with the Republic of Korea: During the round good progress was made towards agreeing new cooperation commitments covering areas such as the Environment, Trade and Gender Equality and Supply Chains.
Economic growth is the core mission of this government, and this FTA has an important role to play in supporting our £15.3 billion trade relationship with the Republic of Korea.

The government will only ever sign a trade agreement which aligns with the UK’s national interests, upholding high standards across a range of sectors, including protections for the National Health Service.

The fifth round of negotiations is currently expected to take place in Seoul in the Summer of 2025.
April 9, 2025
NEWS STORY : EU Imposes Retaliatory Tariffs on $23 Billion Worth of U.S. Goods

STORY

In response to the United States’ recent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, the European Union has announced the implementation of retaliatory tariffs targeting approximately $23 billion (€21 billion) worth of American goods. This decision, approved on 9 April 2025, marks a significant escalation in transatlantic trade tensions.

Scope and Implementation of EU Tariffs

The EU’s countermeasures involve a 25% tariff on a diverse array of U.S. products, including almonds, beef, motorcycles, poultry, fruit, and yachts. These tariffs are scheduled to be introduced in phases, with the initial set taking effect on April 15, 2025, followed by subsequent rounds in May and December.

Political and Economic Considerations

The selection of targeted goods appears strategic, focusing on products from U.S. states that are considered political strongholds of President Donald Trump. This approach aims to exert political pressure while also minimising economic disruption within the EU by choosing items that can be sourced from alternative markets.

While all EU member states supported the move, Hungary was the sole dissenter. The European Commission has emphasised that these measures are reversible, contingent upon the U.S. engaging in fair negotiations.

Global Trade Implications

This development is part of a broader pattern of escalating global trade disputes. Notably, China has also announced an increase in tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%, further intensifying international trade tensions.

Potential for Further Actions

The EU is contemplating additional measures, which may include targeting U.S. tech firms or financial institutions, as the bloc seeks to navigate the extensive reach of U.S. tariffs that now affect a significant portion of EU exports to America. Efforts to negotiate a tariff-free agreement are ongoing, though the U.S. administration’s ultimate objectives remain unclear.

April 9, 2025
NEWS STORY : HMS Prince of Wales Prepares for Eight-Month Multinational Deployment

STORY

The Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, is finalising preparations for an extensive eight-month deployment, underscoring the United Kingdom’s dedication to reinforcing security and fostering trade relations in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions. Scheduled to depart from Portsmouth on April 22, 2025, the carrier will lead Operation Highmast, a mission involving joint exercises and port visits with international partners.

Deployment Overview

Operation Highmast will encompass a diverse fleet, including warships, supply vessels, and aircraft, assembling off the coast of Cornwall before proceeding to the Mediterranean. The deployment aims to enhance European security through collaborative exercises. Subsequently, the task force will transit the Indian Ocean, engaging with nations such as the United States, India, Singapore, and Malaysia. In total, approximately 4,000 British personnel will participate, comprising around 2,500 from the Royal Navy, 900 from the British Army, and 592 from the Royal Air Force.

Strategic Significance

The Indo-Pacific region holds substantial economic importance for the UK, with trade amounting to £286 billion in goods and services over the 12 months leading up to September 2024, representing 17% of the UK’s total trade during that period. This deployment offers a platform for UK companies to engage in trade events during scheduled port visits, aiming to bolster economic ties and promote British industry.

Official Statements

Defence Secretary John Healey expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces personnel involved, highlighting the operation’s complexity and the UK’s capability to project significant military presence globally. He emphasised the opportunity to collaborate closely with international partners and allies.

Background and Context

This deployment follows previous initiatives aimed at enhancing the UK’s presence in the Indo-Pacific. Notably, in May 2021, HMS Queen Elizabeth led a seven-month global deployment, engaging with over 40 countries and participating in various exercises to strengthen international partnerships.

The current mission aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to address emerging security challenges and support regional stability. In October 2024, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to deploy the Royal Navy to the Pacific to counteract increasing threats and to protect the region’s prosperity and security.

April 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Royal Navy aircraft carrier in final preparation to lead multinational deployment to Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 April 2025.

Nearly 4,000 British personnel will support the deployment, which will deliver trade events in Singapore, Japan, and India, promoting Britain’s world-leading industry.

Final preparations are underway for a multinational deployment, led by the Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, while providing an opportunity to promote British trade and industry.

Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to sail from Portsmouth on 22 April, where it will proceed to join a formation of warships, supply ships, and aircraft off the coast of Cornwall, before departing for the Mediterranean where it will conduct exercises to reinforce European security.

Around 2,500 personnel from the Royal Navy and 592 from the Royal Air Force will be involved in the eight-month deployment, which will see the group sail through the Indian Ocean to conduct exercises and port visits with partners including the US, India, Singapore, and Malaysia. They will be joined by around 900 personnel from the British Army for exercises during the deployment.

The deployment, named Operation Highmast, provides an opportunity for the UK’s Armed Forces to conduct a major global deployment and a chance to exercise complex operations alongside partners and allies in the region, with 12 other nations supporting the deployment with ships or personnel.

The Indo-Pacific is a critical region for UK trade, with imports and exports in the region worth billions of pounds for the UK economy, and the deployment will provide a chance for UK companies to take part in trade events during port visits.

Trade between the UK and Indo-Pacific accounted for 17% of total trade between the UK and all trading partners in the 12 months to September 2024, with the total amount traded in goods and services between the UK and Indo-Pacific standing at £286 billion in the same period.

As the biggest class of ship in the Royal Navy, the flight decks of HMS Prince of Wales and her sister ship are roughly the size of three football pitches and defended by advanced weapons. A maritime strike force of this size is composed of multiple types of ship, frigates, destroyers, submarines, and supply ships to support logistics.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

I want to thank the thousands of our Armed Forces personnel involved in the delivery of this immensely complex operation, demonstrating the UK’s world-leading capability to deploy a major military force around the world.

This is a unique opportunity for the UK to operate in close coordination with our partners and allies in a deployment that not only shows our commitment to security and stability, but also provides an opportunity to bolster our own economy and boost British trade and exports.

As one of only a handful of countries in the world able to lead a deployment of this scale, the Royal Navy is once again demonstrating its formidable capability while protecting British values and sending a powerful message of deterrence to any adversary.

Of the 12 other nations supporting the deployment, Norway will provide a warship to support the carrier strike group for the entire duration of the deployment. Canada and Spain are among the other nations providing support to the deployment.

After its compliment of up to 24 Royal Air Force F-35B Lighting fighter jets is embarked on board HMS Prince of Wales, and the departure for the Mediterranean, the group will initially be placed under NATO command as it joins Exercise Neptune Strike – testing the Alliance’s ability to use high-end maritime strike capabilities, including multiple aircraft carrier and amphibious strike groups.

The group will transit though the Indian Ocean, conducting exercises and port visits with partners including the US, India, Singapore and Malaysia, before joining 19 partner nations for Exercise Talisman Sabre near Australia, and then training alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and conducting a port visit to India.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said:

Through this deployment of our Carrier Strike Group and 4,000 Service Personnel, we will stand firm with our allies against those who challenge the international order. Reminding the world that the security of the Euro Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are fundamentally indivisible.

This isn’t just about hard power; it’s about building influence and opening new trade opportunities both for defence and other sectors of our economy which will deliver British jobs and growth.

This deployment follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, demonstrating this Government’s commitment to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

Following the inaugural deployment in 2021, the Carrier Strike Group 2025 highlights the strength of the UK’s leadership in seeking to uphold stability in the Indo-Pacific. This has been bolstered by the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, as well as the landmark Global Combat Air Programme collaboration.

Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and is the foundation of its Plan for Change. The strength, capability and global reach of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, demonstrated through Operation Highmast, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.

April 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Security and renewal at heart of plans for steel sector [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 8 April 2025.

The Government has hosted the second meeting of the Steel Council today, and reiterated its commitment to British steelmaking.
- Steel sector, union and trade body leaders meet Government to drive forward development of its steel plan as part of drive towards industrial renewal.
- Industry Minister restates the Government’s commitment to British-made steel, including energy cost relief for businesses expected to be worth over £300m in 2025 alone.
- Government is reviewing nearly 100 responses to its steel consultation as it brings forward plans to help the industry secure jobs and deliver economic growth across the UK, as part of its Plan for Change.
Steel sector leaders were reassured about the Government’s plans to revitalise British steelmaking today (8 April) at the second meeting of the Steel Council, bringing together industry leaders to feed into amid global concerns around US tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones hosted the meeting earlier today after the Government’s steel plan green paper consultation closed on 30 March, receiving almost 100 responses and recommendations from business leaders and industry experts.

The meeting follow’s the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday where he pledged to do the right thing by the UK’s national interest, prioritising security and renewal in a changing world.

Minister Jones reiterated the Government’s firm support for industry and its role in delivering economic growth, as well as in the context of global tariffs on steel and aluminium imposed by the US. She assured Steel Council members the Government is continuing to do all it can to stand up for the sector.

The meeting comes as the Government continues to work round the clock to protect jobs at British Steel in Scunthorpe.

CEOs of steel firms including Tata, Liberty, British Steel and others joined leaders from trade unions and the industry’s trade association UK Steel to discuss the sector’s future and the challenges facing it.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones said:

We know this is a concerning time for our steel industry in the face of global challenges. That’s why we’re working in lockstep with industry to drive forward our steel plan so it can help the sector secure jobs, deliver growth and power the modern economy.

This government will always stand up for UK steelmaking, and where others may talk tough, we are acting, with money ready to go to back up British industry. With our steel plan we’re placing it at the heart of our growth mission, and we’ll keep all options on the table to help steel in the UK thrive and deliver on our Plan for Change.

The Steel Council’s second meeting comes as the final measure in the Government’s British Industry Supercharger package – the Network Charging Compensation (NCC) scheme – comes into force, bringing energy costs for steel companies and other energy-intensive industries closer in line with other major economies worldwide.

The first payments to industry from the NCC scheme will be made next month and provide over 15 million in energy price relief for businesses in May alone.

Once fully implemented, the total value of reduced electricity prices from the Supercharger package is expected to be between 320 million and 410 million in 2025, and more than 5 billion over the next 10 years.

Background:

A full list of attendees for the Steel Council meeting is below:
- British Steel
- Celsa Steel UK
- Liberty Steel
- Marcegagalia Stainless Sheffield Ltd
- Sheffield Forgemasters
- TATA Steel
- UK Steel
- British Metals Recycling Association
- Materials Processing Institute
- WMG High Value Manufacturing Catapult
- Community Union
- GMB Union
- Scottish Government
- Welsh Government
- Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy
April 9, 2025
NEWS STORY : London Director Banned for Misuse of COVID-19 Bounce Back Loans

STORY

A London-based director, Adam Ebrahim, has been disqualified from serving as a company director for 13 years after fraudulently obtaining £100,000 through the COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan Scheme for two companies that never commenced trading.

False Loan Applications for Non-Trading Companies

Ebrahim, 41, of Trevelyan Gardens, London, established Chicken Grill Cottage Ltd and Presto Delivery Ltd in 2019, intending to operate a takeaway service and a parcel delivery business, respectively. Despite neither company beginning operations, Ebrahim applied for Bounce Back Loans in 2020, falsely claiming turnovers of £400,000 for Chicken Grill Cottage Ltd and £235,000 for Presto Delivery Ltd.

In May 2020, he secured a £50,000 loan for Chicken Grill Cottage Ltd, followed by another £50,000 loan for Presto Delivery Ltd in September 2020. Contravening the scheme’s regulations, Ebrahim transferred the funds to his personal account.

Legal Consequences and Official Statement

On March 18, 2025, the High Court in London issued a disqualification order against Ebrahim, effective from April 8, 2025, prohibiting him from involvement in company promotion, formation, or management without court permission until April 2038. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £9,555 in costs.

Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, commented:

“Adam Ebrahim exploited the Bounce Back Loan Scheme by securing two maximum-value loans for companies which never began trading. Ebrahim made matters worse by pocketing the funds when the loans were not supposed to be used for personal purposes. Tackling Bounce Back Loan misconduct remains a key priority for the Insolvency Service more than five years on from the start of the pandemic, and we will continue to take action against those who stole from the public purse during a national emergency.”

Background on the Bounce Back Loan Scheme

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme was introduced by the UK government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering loans of up to £50,000 to support small and medium-sized enterprises. The scheme required applicants to use the funds solely for business purposes and to certify their company’s trading status and turnover accurately. Misrepresentation or misuse of funds under this scheme has led to legal actions and disqualifications, as demonstrated in Ebrahim’s case.

April 9, 2025