Blog

PRESS RELEASE : NATO defence ministers to discuss accelerated support to Ukraine ahead of anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 February 2023.

The first meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in 2023 will focus on how to sustain and accelerate military support for Ukraine.

The acceleration of military support to Ukraine will be the key focus of a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels tomorrow (Weds).

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace arrived in Brussels today for the first NATO Defence Ministers meeting of 2023. Ministers are expected to discuss how to sustain and accelerate support for Ukraine, drive NATO’s military transformation and modernisation, and Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO.

Today, the Defence Secretary had bilateral meetings with his Romanian and French counterparts as well as meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov.

The UK is committed to standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Alongside allies, we continue to provide training and equipment to the country, with the ability to surge that support should Ukraine come under threat. By making this commitment we will strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations, guard its long-term sovereignty and enable Ukraine to deter by denial.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
I am very pleased to be back at NATO to continue the vital work to support Ukraine, as well as meeting with my defence counterparts.

Our important work is ongoing, the UK and our Allies will stand in solidarity with Ukraine for as long as it takes

Defence Ministers from Germany, Canada, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the UK will also review future cooperation on NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe. The UK leads the eFP battlegroup in Estonia, where 1,500 soldiers are currently on a major exercise, Exercise Winter Camp, with 40 main battle tanks and 100 armoured fighting vehicles from across three countries taking part.

The meeting comes just days after President Zelenksyy made a historic visit to the UK to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and see first-hand how the UK was supporting Ukraine through military training and lethal aid donations.

As one of the leading contributors to NATO, the UK will take on leadership of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in January 2024, following on from the UK’s 12-month tenure leading NATO’s Maritime High Readiness Force last year.

Today was also the 9th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), where partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustain support for Ukraine and uphold the national rules-based order.

Together, the members of the UDCG have committed more than £40billion in military assistance to Ukraine. The UK provided more than £2.3billion worth of lethal aid to Ukraine in 2022, and the Prime Minister has committed to match or exceed the same level of funding in 2023.

15/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Steps to prevent the worst consequences of climate change impacting future peace and security – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 February 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council open debate on sea-level rise.

Thank you President, and thank you for convening this important debate today. I join others in thanking all of our briefers today.

As we’ve heard, continued sea level rise will increase the likelihood and magnitude of coastal flooding. This could lead to an increase in recognised drivers of insecurity, such as humanitarian disasters, population displacement and competition for natural resources.

President, even if these impacts are not yet apparent at scale, this should not stop us from doing more to urgently limit global temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, to monitor and analyse these risks, anticipate and plan for them, and to prevent now the worst consequences of climate impacts on our security in the future.

I offer three ways we can do this:

Firstly, data and evidence gathering. This includes monitoring and analysis of conflict risks through a climate lens to better understand climate security risks at local and regional level. For this, we need to strengthen the capacity of the UN system to share and analyse information and integrate this into UN decision-making. The Council has a clear role in encouraging the UN system to consider and respond to the security implications of climate change.

Secondly, we need cohesive strategies to mitigate and address climate-related risks to peace and security issues, in a coordinated way. The UN system is well-positioned to coordinate efforts on peacebuilding, climate action and building resilience. Again, this Council has a clear role in driving a more coherent UN response to these challenges.

Thirdly, we need to build the resilience of coastal states. The UK Government has a number of programmes to strengthen resilience in developing countries against climate change, including the $600 million USD Blue Planet Fund, the $50 million USD Small Island Developing State Capacity and Resilience programme, as well as providing significant support through the Green Climate Fund.

Finally, President, I note the concerns of some member states around the risk of maritime border disputes resulting from climate-induced sea level rises, and whether maritime baselines should therefore be fixed. The UK is considering this carefully. We remain open to pragmatic and creative solutions and will continue to engage other states and the International Law Commission on some of these complex legal issues arising from this.

Thank you.

15/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Jugnauth of Mauritius [February 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 February 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, this morning.

The leaders reflected on the strong and historic relationship between the UK and Mauritius, as close Commonwealth partners.

The Prime Minister welcomed opportunities to work even more closely together, including on tackling regional and global security challenges and growing trade and investment.

They also covered the ongoing negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory / the Chagos Archipelago.

15/02/2023
NEWS STORY : Nicola Sturgeon Resigns as Scottish First Minister

STORY

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, is expected to confirm her resignation at a press conference being held in Edinburgh today. She has held the role since November 2014 since she followed Alex Salmond following the independence referendum where the Scottish people voted to remain in the union. The SNP leader is yet to confirm a timetable for her standing down.

RESOURCES

Nicola Sturgeon’s Statement

15/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Pair who helped Carlisle murderers flee have sentences increased [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General on 14 February 2023.

Two offenders who assisted the murderers of Ryan Kirkpatrick flee the country after he was fatally stabbed have been ordered to serve longer prison sentences.

Two offenders who assisted the killers of Ryan Kirkpatrick in 2021 have received longer prison sentences under the Unduly Lenient Scheme.

Ross Neville, 32, has been sentenced to an immediate prison term of 1 year and 10 months. He was originally given a one-year community payback order, which included 200 hours unpaid work.

Michael Celmins, 32, will now serve 2 years in prison. He was originally sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.

In 2021 Kane Hull and Liam Porter murdered Ryan Kirkpatrick, 24 at the time, in Carlisle, Cumbria. They then fled the country to evade arrest.

Following the murder, the pair were assisted in fleeing the UK by Neville and Celmins.

On the night Mr Kirkpatrick was murdered, Neville provided Kane and Porter with accommodation and helped them travel out of Carlisle.

Celmins provided a stolen car to Hull and Porter. Phone evidence showed that Celmins was clearly aware of the murder of Mr. Kirkpatrick and knew that Hull was wanted by police.

Neville and Celmins were originally sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on 5 December 2022. They were both charged with assisting an offender (murder).

Following the sentencing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP referred their sentences to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Scheme.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General said:

Today I wish to express my sympathies to the family of Ryan Kirkpatrick.

Ross Neville and Michael Celmins shamefully assisted two brutal murderers flee the UK in a cowardly attempt to evade justice. It was clear to me that the original sentences given to the pair were not appropriate, so I welcome the decision of the Court to hand down sentences which better reflect the crimes that have taken place.

Olivia Memmory, 23, also helped Hull and Porter following the murder. Her original sentence of 19 months’ imprisonment remains unchanged.

15/02/2023
NEWS STORY : Keir Starmer Confirms Jeremy Corbyn will not be a Labour Candidate at General Election

STORY

Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, has confirmed that Jeremy Corbyn will not be a candidate for the Labour Party at the next General Election. Corbyn was suspended from the party and from the Parliamentary Labour Party for downplaying a critical report into anti-semitism in the Labour Party and although his party membership was returned he hasn’t been able to sit as a Labour MP. Starmer said “what I said about the party changing, I meant, and we are not going back, and that is why Jeremy Corbyn will not stand as a Labour candidate at the next general election”. Jeremy Corbyn has yet to confirm whether he will contest the seat of Islington North which he has represented since 1983 as an independent candidate.

RESOURCES

Comments Made by Keir Starmer on Jeremy Corbyn

Statement Made by Jeremy Corbyn on the Decision

Comments Made by Bridget Phillipson on Jeremy Corbyn

EXTERNAL NEWS LINKS

Guardian News Story

Labour Party

15/02/2023
Keir Starmer – 2023 Comments Confirming Jeremy Corbyn will not Stand as Labour Candidate at Next General Election

The comments made by Sir Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, on 15 February 2023.

Let me be very clear about this. Jeremy Corbyn will not stand for Labour at the next general election, as a Labour party candidate.

What I said about the party changing, I meant, and we are not going back, and that is why Jeremy Corbyn will not stand as a Labour candidate at the next general election.

15/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Applications for flagship Turing Scheme open [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 14 February 2023.

Schools, colleges and universities can now apply for the third year of the Turing Scheme to fund international study and work opportunities.

Thousands of young people across the UK will be able to go on international study and work placements next year, as schools, colleges and universities are encouraged to apply to the government’s world-wide scheme.

Applications for the third year of the flagship government programme, the Turing Scheme, are open with placements available across the globe starting from September 2023.

This year over 38,000 young people had a chance to develop new skills and gain international experience in over 160 destinations across continents, from Australia to Zimbabwe.

More than half of these placements are for young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds, helping to drive social mobility in parts of the UK where historically there have been fewer opportunities to work and study abroad.

Widening access to international opportunities in education and training is an essential component of the Turing Scheme with 33,000 participants from England, over 3,300 participants from Scotland, over 1,000 participants from Wales and over 860 from Northern Ireland.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

I am thrilled to offer schools, colleges and universities the chance to take part in the third year of this fantastic scheme, helping extend the ladder of opportunity and giving more young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the chance to experience other cultures and learn vital skills for life and work.

Young people taking part will benefit from studying and working abroad, building the confidence they need for the world of work, whilst increasing growth opportunities for Global Britain.

The scheme is open to young people at school, college, or university. A group of year 10 pupils from a school in Blackburn were offered the valuable opportunity to spend two weeks in Eswatini or Morocco in May 2022. Pupils from the Hyndburn Academy spent time in lessons with their counterparts as well as undertaking work in the local community, working with the charity All Out Africa to install drainage pipework at a care centre for local pre-school children.

Teacher Rebecca Barker-Rourke said of the experience:

The experience has developed confidence in many of the students and will give them loads of rich examples to discuss in future applications for college, university, apprenticeships and employment.

We are in an area that is economically deprived, and the Turing Scheme funding means we can offer this opportunity to students that would otherwise never get the chance for a trip like this.”

Applications are open for schools, colleges and universities to apply for the third year of the Turing Scheme for global placements commencing from September 2023. Placements are funded from September 1 to August 31 each year and the scheme is managed by Capita plc on behalf of the Department for Education, with the assessment of applications provided by an independent panel of sector experts.

Cindy Rampersaud, managing director, Capita Education and Learning, said:

We are incredibly proud to support the DfE in delivering the Turing Scheme.

The funding offers fantastic opportunities for thousands of learners – including some of the UK’s most disadvantaged students – to travel, expand their horizons, and reach their full potential.

Information about funding opportunities, eligibility criteria and a range of guidance and support materials for prospective applicants can be found on the Turing Scheme website.

15/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : DWP leads way supporting people aged over 50 at work [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 14 February 2023.

The DWP has signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better to promote age inclusive working practices.

The Department for Work and Pensions recognises the immense benefit that a multigenerational workforce brings and will encourage other government departments and employers to sign up.

Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield CB said:

“I am very proud that DWP is leading the way as a workplace where all our staff can thrive – whether at the start of their career or experienced members of the workforce.

“Signing this pledge shows our continued determination to support our colleagues throughout their working life. From offering Mid-life MOTs, our menopause network and embedding flexible working, we are committed to making DWP an inclusive place to work for all ages.”

DWP age champion and Finance Director General Catherine Vaughan said:

“We know that older staff provide invaluable expertise, skills and experience to the important work the Department does.

“I’m pleased that by signing the Age-friendly Employer Pledge we’re continuing to show how much DWP values an age-diverse workforce. This will provide a tangible boost to help all our staff feel valued and supported whatever their age.”

15/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on announcement of further settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 February 2023.

The UK, US, France, Germany and Italy (the Quint) have expressed dismay at the Israeli government’s decision to expand settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

“We – the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Italy, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, and the Secretary of State of the United States – are deeply troubled by the Israeli government’s announcement that it is advancing nearly 10,000 settlement units, and intends to begin a process to normalize nine outposts that were previously deemed illegal under Israeli law. We strongly oppose these unilateral actions which will only serve to exacerbate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and undermine efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution.

“We continue to support a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, which must be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties. Israelis and Palestinians both deserve to live in peace, with equal measures of freedom, security, and prosperity. We reaffirm our commitment to helping Israelis and Palestinians fulfill the vision of an Israel fully integrated into the Middle East living alongside a sovereign, viable Palestinian state. We continue to closely monitor developments on the ground which impact the viability of the two-state solution and stability in the region at large.”

14/02/2023