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Lisa Nandy – 2024 Statement at Bradford City of Culture’s Programme Launch

The statement made by Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on 12 September 2024.

I just wanted to say what an absolute pleasure it is to be here tonight.

In my first couple of weeks in the job, I held a reception for a lot of our biggest stakeholders in the culture world, and I met Shanaz at an event, who left me in absolutely no doubt about how amazing this was going to be, not just for Bradford, but for the whole country.

And standing here tonight, feeling the energy in this room, walking down the street earlier, feeling a city that is buzzing with its sense of self, it is just such an enormous privilege to be part of it.

It takes a bit of getting used to this, because I’m used to coming up here and saying things like: the government should get behind this.

What you’re doing here is really, really special. And I want other people to see what you’re doing here, not just what you’ve done already, but how you’ve gone about it, involving the whole city and every single community, with all people, especially young people, driving and shaping not just this coming year, but the legacy that it will leave for a very long time.

You know, a reflection on the last few months is that I’ve had two groups of people through my door. One set of people say, there’s a lot of problems, and there are, and you need to fix them. And the other group of people, people like Tracy and Susan, come through the door and say: we’re solving this country’s problems, and we need your help. And I can’t tell you how exciting it is when that happens.

To be here in this young, vibrant, diverse city with its proud, rich cultural inheritance, from the South Asian community to David Hockney, who proudly hangs on my wall as a symbol of what Bradford has always contributed to this country and to the world and will do again.

And that’s what’s so special about next year, is that for the first time, some people in our country are going to know what Bradford has to offer, having never known that before.

And more than that, it’s our ambition as a new government that for far too long, too many people in our country haven’t seen themselves reflected in our national story, and it’s our ambition and our determination that that is going to change. So that when we turn to face the country again in five years time, we face a country that is far more self-confident, knows that it isn’t just comfortable in its diversity, but knows that it is far, far richer for it.

A self-confident country at ease with itself, where people in every part of our country, no matter where you’re from or the background that you come from, knows that your contribution is seen and is valued and sees you reflected in the story that we tell ourselves about ourselves as a nation again.

And what you’re building here will really put rocket boosters under that. It will be a model for others to follow in the future. But it isn’t just that. Tracy talked about the economic legacy that this will lead. Susan talked about the economic investment that it’s already brought.

But the creative industries are amongst the fastest growing industries in the country, whether it’s film or TV, arts and culture, heritage, video games. These are the sorts of well-paid, good jobs in every part of the country.

And you know what? For far too long, the assets and the potential in places like Bradford and Wigan, where I live, have been scandalously ignored by too many decision makers.

But there’s a reason why the film industry wants to invest in Sunderland, because of those amazing backdrops that you see right up across our coastline. You only have to walk around this city to see the beautiful buildings and the open landscapes and how much potential there is here, if we could only see it.

And if you don’t think Bradford has that to offer, if you don’t think Sunderland has that to offer, if you don’t think the Welsh valleys have that to offer, then you’ve never been to them, and you have no business making decisions about where our funding is going.

I just want to say thank you particularly to Susan and Tracy, who I’ve known a long time, who are absolute powerhouses, forces to be reckoned with. They’re the most difficult people to deal with. They never take no for an answer, and they always do it with smiles on their faces.

But our government is determined not to come in and tell you what you need as a community, but to walk alongside you, to help you realise your own ambitions for your city, for your region, and for the whole of the north of England.

Finally, I just want to say to the young people that I’ve met tonight, who are the most incredible group of young people, there are moments in these jobs that stay with you forever, and those conversations I’ve just had over there will stay with me forever.

Whether you’re a member of a youth board, whether you’re on an apprenticeship, whether you’re here on a work placement, or whether you’ve come to volunteer because you just want to be part of something really special, I wanted to say to you all that Bradford holds a very special place in my heart, because it’s where my stepdad, who went on to become a leading investigative journalist, a working class lad from Bury, first in his family to go on to grammar school and then make it to university. It’s where he started his career on the Bradford Telegraph and Argus.

Until the day he died, he said to me: it would never have happened if that pipeline and those opportunities hadn’t been there. Well, what you’re doing as a generation is creating opportunities and richer, larger lives for children who you will never meet, who will never know your names, but their lives will be changed forever because of what you’ve done here and what you’ll continue to do over the coming year.

I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it, I’m right behind you, the whole power of government is right behind you. What is it? Be brave. Be bold. Be Bradford.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – Interactive Dialogue with the UN Working Group on Mercenaries [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 September 2024.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Working Group on Mercenaries.

Thank you, Mr President,

The UK would like to thank the Working Group for its report today which sheds light on the role of mercenaries and mercenary related actors in the trafficking and proliferation of arms.

The UK remains deeply concerned by the widespread human rights abuses carried out by mercenary related actors such as the Wagner Group, who have engaged in arms trafficking, while continuing to exacerbate conflict, inflict violence and undermine peace and security wherever they operate.

The UK condemns the killing of civilians, torture and sexual and gender-based violence carried out by the Wagner Group, which is now being replaced by new groups such as Africa Corps, PMC BEAR and no doubt others. These proxy actors profit from conflict while supporting Russia’s malign aims.

The UK will continue to use all tools necessary and appropriate to tackle these actors and to hold them to account.

Members of the Working Group,

Given the evolving nature of conflicts, coupled with the rising involvement of these malign actors carrying out mercenary-like activities, how can the Working Group assist States in enhancing their capacity to effectively address these challenges?

Thank you.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – Independent Expert on Older Persons [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 September 2024.

UK Statement for Independent Expert on Older Persons. Delivered at the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President,

The UK welcomes the recent consensus adoption by the General Assembly of the Open Ended Working Group on Ageing’s recommendations.

We agree with the Independent Expert that there is still a lot of work to be done.

Critical data gaps globally need to be addressed for comprehensive policy development. Without quality, disaggregated data, it will be challenging to understand the extent of exclusion that many older people currently face.

The UK is working on addressing this challenge. We have been supporting the Titchfield City Group to develop standardised tools and methods for producing both data disaggregated by age and ageing-related data. The Group will issue a final report of their findings in 2025.

We thank the Independent Expert for her work highlighting the key gaps facing older people. Are there any particular thematic areas where older persons are most neglected?

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK Statement on forms of slavery [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 September 2024.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences.

Thank you, Mr President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his thorough report on how incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people are affected by slavery, and for bringing this important issue to the Council’s attention.

We are deeply concerned by the scale of sexual exploitation and abuse faced by incarcerated people. Women, children and ethnic minorities are particularly at risk. We must end discriminatory laws and practices that enable a culture of impunity for such exploitation. Victims must have access to justice, and perpetrators must be held to account.

Individuals who have been incarcerated are often stigmatised afterwards. This increases their risk of becoming victims of modern slavery. We therefore welcome your recommendations on the importance of reintegration measures to enable access to education, decent work, adequate housing and financial inclusion.

In 2022, the UK changed legislation so that, for the first time some people with sentences of four years and over will no longer have to disclose their criminal record.

Special Rapporteur,

We would welcome your recommendations on what more can be done to strengthen reintegration measures for incarcerated people during and after their detention.

Thank you.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Head of British Office Sudan and UK Special Representative to Sudan [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 September 2024.

Richard Crowder has been appointed as Head of British Office Sudan and UK Special Representative to Sudan in succession to Mr Giles Lever.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Richard Crowder

Year Role

2022 to 2024 Full Time Arabic Language Training, London and Amman

2020 to 2022 Deputy Director, FCDO London

2017 to 2020 Islamabad, Deputy High Commissioner

2014 to 2016 FCO, Deputy Director, Europe Directorate

2011 to 2014 FCO, Head, Economics Unit

2007 to 2011 Brussels, Seconded to Policy Unit, Council of the European Union and then External Action Service.

2006 to 2007 Masters in Public Administration, Harvard Kennedy School

2002 to 2006 FCO, Head, Gibraltar Team, Europe Directorate

1999 to 2002 Moscow, Second Secretary

1997 to 1998 FCO, Desk Officer, Birmingham G8 Summit

1996 to 1997 FCO, Desk Officer, Africa Great Lakes

1996 Joined FCO

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Southampton [September 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 September 2024.

The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Rhiannon King, Archdeacon of Ipswich and Director of ‘Inspiring Ipswich’, in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, as Suffragan Bishop of Southampton, in the Diocese of Winchester, in succession to The Right Reverend Deborah Sellin, following her translation to Bishop of Peterborough.

Background

Rhiannon was educated at Exeter University, has two Master’s degrees and trained for ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. She served her title in the Huntingdon Team Ministry in the Diocese of Ely and in 2001 she was ordained priest. From 2004, Rhiannon served as Rector of Fulbourn and the Wilbrahams, a rural multi-parish benefice outside Cambridge, during which time she was elected to General Synod. In 2010 she was appointed Transforming Church Co-ordinator/Diocesan Mission Enabler in the Diocese of Birmingham and, from 2014, she served as the Director of Mission.

In 2019, Rhiannon took up her current roles as Archdeacon of Ipswich and Director of ‘Inspiring Ipswich’, in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister travels to Washington for White House talks [September 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 September 2024.

The Prime Minister has arrived in Washington to hold talks with U.S. President Joe Biden today.

In an extended meeting at the White House, the Prime Minister and the President will discuss a wide range of pressing international issues – including our ongoing support for Ukraine, and the urgent need for a ceasefire deal and the release of all hostages in the Middle East.

The session will focus on strategy and how progress can be made towards long-term solutions for both conflicts.

It follows the Foreign Secretary and US Secretary of State’s visit to Kyiv this week, where they heard directly from President Zelenskyy about Ukraine’s current position against Russia’s ongoing barbaric invasion.

In a significant escalation, it was also confirmed this week that Iran has transferred ballistic missiles to Russia – bolstering Putin’s capability to continue his illegal war. The UK confirmed an extra £600 million of support for Ukraine yesterday, on top of the £3 billion a year for as long as needed confirmed by the Prime Minister in July.

On the Middle East, they will discuss the devastating loss of life in Gaza and how urgent progress can be made towards the release of all hostages, a ceasefire deal on both sides, and avoiding regional escalation at all costs.

The meeting is also expected to touch on a wider range of global issues, including advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthening US-UK co-operation to secure supply chains and increase climate resilience.

Both the President and Prime Minister agree we should be using the strength of the US-UK relationship to deepen co-operation on shared global challenges.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The increased military cooperation between Russia, Iran, and DPRK poses an unacceptable threat to global security – UK statement at the UN Security Council [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 September 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.

By calling this meeting today on ‘western weapons transfers to Ukraine’, Russia has, yet again, succeeded only in drawing our attention to its continued hypocrisy.

Just days ago, it came to light that Russia has received Iranian ballistic missiles for use in prosecuting its illegal war against Ukraine. The transfer poses a direct threat to European security and stability elsewhere and will increase the suffering of the Ukrainian people. It is this which should be the focus of today’s meeting, not Western support for a sovereign state’s legitimate and legal right to defend itself.

Iranian close-range ballistic missiles will soon reach European soil. The transfer will increase Russia’s capability to launch short-range attacks on the front lines, enabling it to use more of its long-distance missiles to strike deeper inside Ukraine. As we said earlier this week together with our international partners, we can be certain that the suffering of the Ukrainian people will increase as a result.

Colleagues, none of us need reminding of the atrocities Russia will inflict with the aid of these weapons. The UN has verified over 35,000 civilian casualties caused by Russia’s war – we suspect the real number is far higher. Russian missiles are hitting schools and children’s hospitals. Humanitarian workers are being killed. And Russia is cynically and brutally targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, posing significant risks to the lives of millions of Ukrainians ahead of winter. It seems that only one member of this Council needs reminding that deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure is a war crime.

President, Russia also continues to purchase significant quantities of weapons for use in Ukraine, including ballistic missiles from DPRK, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions Russia itself voted for.

This increased military cooperation between Russia, Iran and DPRK poses an unacceptable threat to not only European security, but to global security. In return for weapons needed to prolong its illegal war, Russia is violating sanctions endorsed by the UN Security Council and building the capabilities of, and emboldening, both the Iranian and North Korean regimes. This contributes to further destablisation in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific.

Russia’s war in Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter. We will not be deterred from our unwavering support for Ukraine. We remain committed to providing the political and military support Ukraine requires to defend itself – in line with its Article 51 right – against Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion, and to secure a just and lasting peace, in line with the UN Charter.

And President, let me conclude with the words of my Prime Minister yesterday: “Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away. Ukraine has the right to self-defence.”

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Crackdown on intimate image abuse as government strengthens online safety laws [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 13 September 2024.

Sharing intimate images without consent will be made a ‘priority offence’ under the Online Safety Act and social media firms will have to proactively remove and stop this material appearing on their platforms.
- Sharing intimate images without consent will be made a ‘priority offence’ – the most serious class of online crime under the Online Safety Act.
- Social media firms will have to proactively remove and stop this material appearing on their platforms, or face fines.
- Technology Secretary says rise in abuse “intolerable” and action will help stop generations being “desensitised to their devastating effects”.
New changes to the law will force tech firms to clamp down on the sharing of non-consensual intimate images on their platforms as part of a drive to tackle online sexual offending.

The offence of sharing intimate images without consent will be classified as the most serious type of online offences under the Online Safety Act, meaning platforms will now have to take steps to proactively remove this material, as well as prevent it from appearing in the first place. If they fail to do so under this new law they could face fines.

The strengthening of the law forms part of the government’s commitment to ensure new and existing technologies are safely developed and help keep people safer online, particularly women and girls with more than one in three women in the UK having experienced abuse online.

The changes will help tackle sexual offending and the normalisation of misogynistic material online as part of the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade.

The changes will help tackle sexual offending and the normalisation of misogynistic material online as part of the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

The rise in intimate image abuse online is utterly intolerable. As well as being devastating for victims these crimes have also contributed to the creation of a misogynistic culture on social media that can spread into potentially dangerous relationships offline. We must tackle these crimes from every angle, including their origins online, ensuring tech companies step up and play their part.

That is why we will classify these vile and cowardly offences as the most severe types of crime under the Online Safety Act. Social media firms will face extra legal obligations – backed up by big fines – to uproot this content from their sites, helping to stop their normalisation and preventing generations becoming desensitised to their damaging effects.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said:

Intimate image abuse is an appalling, invasive crime and technology companies must do much more to tackle it. We will use every tool available to achieve our unprecedented mission of halving violence against women and girls within a decade and this is an important step forward.

The scale of violence against women and girls in all its forms is a national emergency, whether in person or online. We must overhaul every aspect of society’s response to stop this abuse from happening in the first place. Platforms must take responsibility for the content they host and we must ensure victims receive the support they deserve.

Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones said:

Intimate image abuse is a degrading and deeply misogynistic crime and we must pull all levers available to us to stamp it out.

Today’s announcement builds on the progress which has already been made, making it a specific offence to share intimate images online without consent. It also sends a clear message to those companies who turn a blind eye to such heinous content on their platforms – remove it without delay or face the full force of the law.

The Online Safety Act will require social media firms and search services to protect their users from illegal material on their sites, with protections due to come into force from Spring next year. The most serious forms of illegal content are classed as ‘priority offences’ meaning regulated online platforms will have additional duties to proactively remove and stop from appearing on their sites.

Today’s move will mean intimate image offences are treated as priority offences under the Act, putting them on the same footing as public order offences and the sale of weapons and drugs online.

If firms fail to comply with their duties the regulator Ofcom will have robust enforcement powers, including imposing fines that could reach up to 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue.

Georgia Harrison, journalist and advocate for online safety and the prevention of violence against women and girls, said:

I am proud to be part of the announcement that intimate image abuse will now be recognised as a priority offence.

As a victim of voyeurism and image-based sexual abuse, what shocked me the most is that certain platforms were not only spreading and advertising this harmful content but also legally monetising it.

This new legislation could have shielded me from such exploitation and, more importantly, validated that my voice matters. I earnestly hope tech companies will take this seriously and implement meaningful changes to their algorithms and corporate policies to prevent this type of abuse.

It is inspiring to see the government taking concrete steps to address the rise in violence against women and girls. Change is imperative, and this is a promising start and I thank them for supporting this crucial cause.
September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Music pilot launched to help break down barriers to opportunity [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 13 September 2024.

Disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND to receive support to progress their musical talent and interests.

Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds or with SEND will get targeted support to unlock their musical potential, thanks to a new scheme designed to break down the barriers to opportunity and advance their talents.

The government’s Music Opportunities Pilot will expand on Young Sounds UK’s existing programme – Young Sounds Connect – which offers pupils across primary and secondary schools the opportunity to learn to play an instrument of their choice or how to sing to a high standard by providing free lessons and supporting young people to progress, including taking music exams.

Backed by £5.8million, co-funded by the government and partners including Young Sounds UK, Arts Council England and Youth Music, the programme aims to inspire the next generation of British musicians across 12 areas including Sunderland, Bury, Bradford and Stoke on Trent to help ensure the arts remain a cornerstone of the nation’s identity.

From the roaring crowds at Glastonbury to intimate performances at local venues, music is the beating heart of British culture, shaping society, enriching lives and fuelling a creative economy that is the envy of the world.

Culture is an essential part of supporting children and young people to develop creativity and find their voice. There is huge potential for growth in the creative industries that benefit every corner of the UK, and the industries are worth £125 billion in economic value to the UK, employing 2.4 million people in 2022.

School Standards Minister, Catherine McKinnell said:

The arts are one of the most important ways to help children and young people to develop creativity and find their voice. Music opportunities should be available to all pupils – no matter their background or circumstance.

Following a summer filled with vibrant festivals and creative acts that filled the streets with energy, it’s clear the role music plays in enriching lives. By investing in our young people we not only nurture individual talent, but also secure the future of the UK’s rich music scene by fostering a deep appreciation for music from an early age.

Alongside our Curriculum and Assessment Review, the Music Opportunities pilot will help break down the barriers to opportunity by widening access to the arts for more young people across the country.

Hester Cockcroft, Chief Executive of Young Sounds UK said:

Young Sounds Connect is designed to help young people from low-income families lead their own musical learning after whole-class lessons end, connecting them to funding, opportunities and each other, so they can keep on progressing as musicians. 15 years since it was first piloted, we’re delighted to be able to supercharge the programme model over the next four years through the Music Opportunities Pilot.

Collaborating with parents/carers, music educators, and an amazing group of Music Hubs and national partners, we’ll continue to learn together, and share our learning, so that many more young people’s musical lives can flourish in the future.

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

Music should never be the preserve of a privileged few. I want everyone to have a chance to realise their talent regardless of their background.

This support will help to make sure that every child has access to high-quality creative education, with the opportunity to learn musical skills that may become the foundation of a lifelong passion or a future star of the UK arts scene.

Supporting young people to become musicians is invaluable in various creative and other industries. It fuels innovation and excellence in the broader creative landscape, contributing to the UK’s world class reputation as a global hub for the arts.

The pilot scheme will run over 4 years and is jointly funded by a £2 million investment from the Department for Education and £3.85 million funding from Young Sounds UK and its partners. Young Sounds UK will work in collaboration with local Music Hub partners that support and enable access to music education for children and young people in England in order to deliver the programme.

The government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review has also been launched to drive high and rising standards for all pupils and tackle the barriers which hold them back, including pupils with SEND. As part of the review, it will seek to deliver a broader curriculum so that children and young people do not miss out on creative subjects such as music, art and drama, as well as sport.

By re-establishing the arts as an integral part of the curriculum the government is raising the status of studying creative subjects and the creative industry, ensuring the arts remain a powerful force in shaping the nation’s future.

September 17, 2024