UKPOL.CO.UK

Blog

  • NEWS STORY : Commonwealth Grapples with Legacy of Slavery as Reparations Debate Takes Centre Stage

    NEWS STORY : Commonwealth Grapples with Legacy of Slavery as Reparations Debate Takes Centre Stage

    STORY

    As leaders from the 54 member states of the Commonwealth gather for their biennial summit in Samoa, the issue of reparations for the transatlantic slave trade has taken centre stage, sparking intense debate and calls for historical accountability. The legacy of slavery casts a long shadow over the Commonwealth, an organisation composed predominantly of former British colonies. Many member states in the Caribbean and Africa are demanding that Britain acknowledge its role in the abhorrent trade and provide financial compensation for the enduring social and economic consequences.

    “The time for talk is over”, declared Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, a vocal proponent of reparations. “We are not asking for aid, we are demanding reparatory justice for the centuries of exploitation and brutality inflicted upon our ancestors.”

    While the British government has expressed “deep sorrow” for its role in the slave trade, it has stopped short of offering a formal apology or committing to reparations. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while acknowledging the “abhorrent” nature of slavery, has argued that focusing on the past is less productive than addressing present-day challenges like climate change and economic development.

    This stance has met with resistance from many Commonwealth leaders who argue that the past cannot be ignored. They contend that the systemic inequalities and economic disparities faced by many former colonies are a direct result of the slave trade and colonialism, and that reparations are necessary to address these historical injustices.

    “Reparations are not just about money”, explained Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, another leading voice in the reparations movement. “They are about acknowledging the deep wounds of the past and taking concrete steps to heal them.”

    The debate has exposed divisions within the Commonwealth, with some members, including Australia and Canada, expressing reservations about reparations. However, a growing number of countries are pushing for a formal acknowledgement of historical wrongs and a commitment to reparatory justice. The summit is expected to produce a declaration on the issue, though the exact wording remains a subject of intense negotiation. While a consensus on direct financial reparations seems unlikely at this stage, there is growing momentum for initiatives focused on education, historical research, and development programs aimed at addressing the lingering effects of slavery. The reparations debate at the Commonwealth summit reflects a broader global reckoning with the legacy of colonialism and slavery. As demands for historical accountability grow louder, the Commonwealth finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with its past while seeking to forge a more equitable future.

  • NEWS STORY : Disposable Vapes Face Nationwide Ban from June 2025

    NEWS STORY : Disposable Vapes Face Nationwide Ban from June 2025

    STORY

    The UK government has announced a ban on the sale of disposable vapes, set to take effect in June 2025. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of these products and their increasing popularity among young people.

    “Single-use vapes are extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities”, stated Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Mary Creagh, “that is why we are banning them as we end this nation’s throwaway culture.”

    The move has been welcomed by environmental groups who have long campaigned for action on the issue. Disposable vapes contribute significantly to plastic waste and contain lithium batteries, posing a risk to wildlife and ecosystems.

    “This ban is a crucial step in tackling the growing tide of electronic waste”, said Libby Peake, head of resources at Green Alliance, “disposable vapes are the last thing our children and the planet need.”

    The ban also aims to curb the rise of underage vaping. With their attractive flavours and low cost, disposable vapes have become readily accessible to young people, leading to a surge in nicotine addiction among teenagers.

    “It is deeply worrying that a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds used a vape last year”, said health minister Andrew Gwynne, “this ban will help protect our children from the harms of nicotine addiction.”

    The legislation, laid out in Parliament today, gives suppliers until June 2025 to sell off existing stock and prepare for the ban. The government expects devolved nations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to follow suit. While the ban has received widespread support, some argue that it could push vapers back to traditional cigarettes or fuel a black market for disposable vapes. The Government maintains that the ban is a necessary step to protect public health and the environment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement by the President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Enhancing Strategic Cooperation [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement by the President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Enhancing Strategic Cooperation [October 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 October 2024.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen released a joint statement today.

    The President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom met today and agreed to strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

    They agreed on the shared challenges facing the European Union and the United Kingdom including the altered strategic context for the wider continent notably resulting from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. They reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

    The leaders agreed the UK and European Union would also continue to work closely to address wider global challenges including economic headwinds, geopolitical competition, irregular migration, climate change and energy prices, which pose fundamental challenges to the shared values of the United Kingdom and the European Union and provide the strategic driver for stronger cooperation.

    The leaders reflected on the events in the Middle East overnight and condemned the egregious attack by Iran on Israel. They recognised Israel’s right to self-defence in the face of this unacceptable aggression. De-escalation by all parties in the region was of the upmost importance. They reiterated the need to coordinate the diplomatic response to the situation in the Middle East and called on all sides to show restraint and end the bloodshed. An immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza was required to create the space to allow for political solutions, the leaders underlined.

    They agreed on the importance of the unique relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom in addressing such challenges and resolved, in line with our shared values, to strengthen ambitiously their structured strategic cooperation.

    They reaffirmed that the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement underpin relations between them and underlined their mutual commitment to the full and faithful implementation of those agreements. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to uphold international law and to the European Convention on Human Rights. They agreed a stable, positive and forward-looking relationship was in their mutual interests and provided the basis for long term cooperation.

    They agreed to take forward this agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace over the coming months, starting with defining together the areas in which strengthened cooperation would be mutually beneficial, such as the economy, energy, security and resilience, in full respect of their internal procedures and institutional prerogatives. They agreed to meet again this autumn.

    They agreed on the importance of holding regular EU-UK Summits at leader-level to oversee the development of the relationship. They agreed that a first Summit should take place ideally in early 2025.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Singapore lead international action to support ransomware victims [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Singapore lead international action to support ransomware victims [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 October 2024.

    Thirty-nine countries and global cyber insurance bodies have endorsed new guidance at the 2024 Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit.

    The UK and 38 countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States and New Zealand have united with international cyber insurance bodies to back important new guidance supporting organisations experiencing ransomware attacks and to boost global resilience.

    The new guidance – agreed yesterday (1 October 2024) at the Counter Ransomware Initiative – will encourage organisations to carefully consider their options instead of rushing to make payments to cyber criminals in an attempt to stop disruption and data loss. It makes clear that paying a ransom will often only embolden these criminals to target other victims, and there is no guarantee of data retrieval, malware removal or the end of a ransomware attack.

    Instead, organisations are encouraged to report attacks to law enforcement authorities, check if data backups are available and get advice from recognised experts. They should also take action ahead of a possible attack by preparing policies, frameworks and communications plans as part of contingency planning.

    The new guidance will ultimately help undermine the business model of ransomware criminals and take away the incentive to target other organisations elsewhere, preventing future attacks and boosting global resilience.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    Cyber criminality does not recognise borders.

    That is why international co-operation is vital to tackle the shared threat of ransomware attacks.

    This guidance will hit the wallets of cyber criminals, and ultimately help to protect businesses in the UK and around the world.

    Ransomware is the biggest cyber threat to most UK businesses and organisations, as cyber criminals constantly evolve their tactics to increase efficiency and boost profits, and last year was the worst year on record for ransomware payments, with more than $1 billion lost to victims worldwide, according to industry estimates by Chainanalysis.

    As part of a crackdown on cyber criminals, this week the UK sanctioned sixteen individuals linked to the Evil Corp cyber gang in joint action with the US and Australia.

    The prolific, long-standing Russian cybercrime group, Evil Corp had previously conducted malware and ransomware attacks on UK health, government and public sector institutions, as well as private commercial technology companies.

    It was also revealed that Evil Corp actors had links to ransomware group LockBit. The National Crime Agency’s infiltration of LockBit, earlier this year revealed that cyber criminals often retained data even after victims paid a ransom on the promise it would be deleted.

    The UK has led the way in this collaborative approach with the cyber insurance industry, who can play a key role in supporting organisations before, during and after a ransomware incident.

    In May, the National Cyber Security Centre and 3 major UK insurance bodies (the Association of British Insurers, the British Insurance Brokers’ Association and the International Underwriting Association) joined forces to launch co-sponsored guidance for UK organisations.

    NCSC Director for National Resilience Jonathon Ellison said:

    Ransomware remains an urgent threat and organisations should act now to boost resilience.

    The endorsement of this best practice guidance by both nations and international cyber insurance bodies represents a powerful push for organisations to upgrade their defences and enhance their cyber readiness.

    This collective approach, guided by last year’s CRI statement denouncing ransomware and built on guidelines from the NCSC and UK insurance associations earlier this year, reflects a growing global commitment to tackling the ransomware threat.

    The CRI is the only dedicated multilateral forum for UK and international partners to come together to develop new policies and processes to combat ransomware.

    Last year, the forum agreed a groundbreaking joint statement again led by the UK and Singapore denouncing ransomware payments and confirming, for the first time, that no central government funds should be used to pay demands.

    The new guidance comes as Cyber Security Awareness Month begins, which this year focuses on the importance of businesses building their cyber resilience.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to hold talks with EU leaders in Brussels [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to hold talks with EU leaders in Brussels [October 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 October 2024.

    The Prime Minister will travel to Brussels today [Wednesday 2 October] to continue his drive to improve the UK’s relationship with the European Union to bolster the security, safety and prosperity of the British people.

    Building on the extensive and positive engagement which has taken place already, he will discuss his ambitions for the next few months with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

    The Prime Minister has set out his determination to move beyond Brexit and make the UK’s relationship with the EU work for the British people, and he remains focused on delivering a broad-based security pact, securing our borders and tackling barriers to trade.

    He will say that at a time of growing instability in the world – with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the rise of vile smuggling gangs trafficking people across Europe – it is increasingly important that like-minded countries co-operate more closely on areas of shared interest.

    While he wants talks to deliver ambitious and improved co-operation with EU leaders, he has been clear there will be no return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners. This has never been more important – with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.

    We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.

    Better co-operation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve – securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Chancellor Scholz of Germany [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Chancellor Scholz of Germany [October 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz this evening.

    The Prime Minister and Chancellor condemned Iran’s attack on Israel this evening, underscoring the importance of Israel’s security.

    The leaders agreed that further escalation was in nobody’s interest and that all sides should show restraint.

    On Lebanon, the Prime Minister underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.

    They agreed to speak soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Macron of France [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Macron of France [October 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron this evening.

    The leaders began by condemning Iran’s attack on Israel this evening and acknowledged the serious risk of regional escalation.

    The Prime Minister and President agreed that ensuring Israeli security was vital and that there was an urgent need for de-escalation, with all parties needing to show restraint.

    Turning to Lebanon, they discussed the need for a ceasefire to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.

    They agreed to stay in touch over coming days.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel [October 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon, and they discussed the escalating situation across the Middle East.

    The Prime Minister condemned Iran’s attack on Israel today in the strongest terms, which began during the leaders’ conversation, and expressed the UK’s steadfast commitment to Israeli security and the protection of civilians.

    During the call, the Prime Minister also underlined the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.

    The Prime Minister also raised the situation in Gaza and the importance of a ceasefire and action to bring home the hostages.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Towns Taskforce learn lessons from Cambridge developments [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Towns Taskforce learn lessons from Cambridge developments [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 1 October 2024.

    Our expert and independent New Towns Taskforce, chaired by Sir Michael Lyons, met today (1 October 2024) in Cambridge.

    Taskforce members took the opportunity to explore the ongoing work in Cambridge and learn lessons from the city. The Taskforce heard from key players in the city, including officials from the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service and other officials from across the Greater Cambridge area. Greater Cambridge has a vital role in kickstarting economic growth across the country, and the Taskforce heard about award-winning developments in the local area plus the work to overcome key challenges, including water scarcity, to support future sustainable growth.

    The Taskforce also discussed key workstreams related to the new towns programme, including developing its spatial mapping work.

    Visits by the New Towns Taskforce are focused on learning lessons from places that are already delivering housing at scale. The Taskforce will present a final shortlist of recommendations on appropriate locations to ministers within the next year. No decisions have yet been made on the location of any new towns.

    The meeting today comes 2 weeks after the Taskforce held their inaugural meeting in Milton Keynes on 17 September. Taskforce members have met again within the fortnight to continue their mission to address the national housing demand and to help boost economic growth, as outlined to the group by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Housing Minister last month.

    The Taskforce will meet again in early November.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary makes new Boundary Commission appointment [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary makes new Boundary Commission appointment [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 1 October 2024.

    Gillian McGregor takes up position today with body that ensures Scotland’s Westminster constituencies are close to equal in voter number.

    Respected former senior civil servant Gillian McGregor has been appointed to the Boundary Commission for Scotland.

    She will replace Professor Ailsa Henderson, who has served her maximum term of almost 10 years, and begins her post today (Oct 1).

    Alongside other members of the Commission, Ms McGregor will be involved in the body’s reviews of UK Parliament constituencies in Scotland – carried out every eight years – to ensure that each one has roughly the same number of voters.

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray announced the appointment, following a recruitment process.

    He said:

    It’s great news that Gillian has accepted the post as a member of the Boundary Commission for Scotland. She brings vast experience and invaluable specialist knowledge.

    She will be an important part of the team and add significant strength to the work of the Commission. I thank Professor Ailsa Henderson who will leave her post at the end of September after serving for almost 10 years.

    Ms McGregor has extensive experience of working with Ministers and politicians in both the UK and Scottish Governments on all aspects of policy. Previously Home Office Director for Immigration Enforcement in Scotland and Northern Ireland and Home Office Director of Immigration Operational Intelligence, she was awarded the CBE in 2016 for services to immigration management and counter terrorism.

    Ms McGregor was Director of the Scotland Office from 2017-2020 before retiring from the Civil Service. She will serve on the Boundary Commission for Scotland for an initial period of four years.

    Background

    • The Boundary Commission for Scotland is an advisory non-departmental public body funded by the Scotland Office. It is independent and non-political, constituted by the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986.
    • The Commission is responsible for reviews of constituencies in Scotland for the Westminster Parliament.
    • It is required by the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (as amended) to review UK Parliament constituencies every eight years. The reviews ensure that each constituency has roughly the same number of electors.