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Tag: 2022

  • PRESS RELEASE : Iran and Russia’s ‘sordid deals’ threaten global security – Foreign Secretary statement [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Iran and Russia’s ‘sordid deals’ threaten global security – Foreign Secretary statement [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 December 2022.

    The Foreign Secretary has claimed ‘sordid deals’ between Russia and Iran are threatening global security, following the release of information by the US today showing Iran has become one of Russia’s top military backers.

    The US have today released information laying bare the extent of Iran’s military support to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, including the provision of hundreds of drones used to kill Ukrainian civilians.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    Iran is now one of Russia’s top military backers. Their sordid deals have seen the Iranian regime send hundreds of drones to Moscow, which have been used to attack Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and kill civilians.

    In return, Russia is offering military and technical support to the Iranian regime, which will increase the risk it poses to our partners in the Middle East and to international security. The UK will continue to expose this desperate alliance and hold both countries to account.

    The UK agrees with the US assessment that Iranian support for the Russian military will grow in the coming months as Russia attempts to obtain more weapons, including hundreds of ballistic missiles.

    The UK is concerned that Russia intends to provide Iran with more advanced military components, allowing the regime to strengthen their weapons capability, further increasing the risk to both regional and international security.

    On the 19 October the UK, together with the US and France, raised this issue with the UN Security Council and supports Ukraine’s request for a UN investigation into the Iranian transfers, which are in violation of Security Council resolution 2231.  We will continue to hold both countries to account for this deplorable activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President-elect Lula da Silva of Brazil [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President-elect Lula da Silva of Brazil [December 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 December 2022.

    This afternoon Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to President-elect Lula da Silva.

    The Prime Minister reiterated his congratulations following President-elect Lula da Silva’s victory in Brazil’s election in October, and both leaders agreed on the importance of promoting democratic values.

    They discussed plans to strengthen cooperation to address shared priorities, including expanding the work they do to preserve the planet’s natural resources.

    Both leaders highlighted the importance of taking action to reverse forest loss, and the President-elect updated the Prime Minister on his plans to preserve biodiversity and transition to a greener economy.

    The leaders wished each other good luck in their respective upcoming World Cup matches.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [December 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 December 2022.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon.

    The leaders discussed the fresh wave of Russian attacks on critical national infrastructure in Ukraine, and President Zelenskyy thanked the UK for its crucial support to help restore power through the supply of generators.

    The Prime Minister paid tribute to the success of Ukraine’s Armed Forces in intercepting dozens of potentially devastating missiles this week, and said the UK was thinking of the Ukrainian people as they continued to defend their country through the winter.

    Updating on the latest lethal aid deliveries from the UK, the Prime Minister said that more anti-air guns and further short range air defence missiles would arrive in the coming weeks.

    Both leaders agreed on the importance of pre-empting Russia’s insincere calls for a ceasefire, and the Prime Minister added that the Kremlin needed to withdraw its forces before any agreement could be considered.

    The leaders agreed to speak again in the coming weeks.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ensuring humanitarian providers can continue to help the most vulnerable [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ensuring humanitarian providers can continue to help the most vulnerable [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 December 2022.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the adoption of the Security Council Resolution on crosscutting humanitarian exceptions to UN asset freezes.

    Thank you President,

    The UK congratulates the USA and Ireland on the adoption of this resolution today. We have been unequivocal in our support throughout the development of the resolution.

    As humanitarian week at the UN draws to a close, and humanitarian needs around the world are soaring, I am proud that this Council is working together to support vital humanitarian aid delivery around the world.

    Sanctions are a core part of this Council’s toolkit. In line with the UN Charter, they are rightly used to address threats to international peace and security.

    From violent gangs in Haiti to extremist groups like al Shabaab and Al Qaeda, we have used sanctions to stop weapons flows and tackle terrorism.

    This Resolution will provide that certain activities necessary for humanitarian assistance or to support basic human needs, when carried out by specified organisations, do not violate UN asset freezes.

    This Resolution will help save lives by providing clarity to help ensure humanitarian providers and their service providers can continue to help the most vulnerable. It will support getting aid to those in need more effectively. The UK is pleased to have voted in favour and co-sponsored this Resolution.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government bolsters enforcement teams to quicken cladding repairs [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government bolsters enforcement teams to quicken cladding repairs [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 9 December 2022.

    More building owners will be held to account for repairs of high-rise properties thanks to a multi-million-pound expansion in council enforcement teams.

    Backed by more than £8 million in government funding, local enforcement units will benefit from greater resources to pursue freeholders who are dragging their heels and refusing to begin repairs.

    Councils have already begun a crackdown through their own teams, but with extra support will now be able to provide more innocent leaseholders with a safe and secure home.

    The funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will be split among 59 councils in England and prioritised for those with the highest number of unsafe buildings, particularly focused in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

    Minister for Building Safety Lee Rowley said:

    Building owners must get essential cladding repairs done as quickly as possible and we will be relentless in pursuing those who do not.

    We are bolstering council enforcement operations, making them better equipped to make the most of the powers they have to hold freeholders to account and prevent them from dragging their heels.

    I look forward to working with councils to ensure we keep up the pressure on freeholders so they step up to the plate.

    Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Southwark Council, said:

    We’ve been taking enforcement action against private residential building owners who haven’t completed necessary cladding work for some years now. This is part of our thorough fire safety measures that look to keep people safe.

    However, we have far more high-rise buildings than many other London boroughs, meaning that this funding will support a much needed expansion of our work.

    The Building Safety Act makes clear building owners must fix their own buildings and that developers are the first in line to pay to protect leaseholders from repair bills. The additional funding will help ensure freeholders cannot escape their responsibilities.

    More than 45 of the UK’s biggest house builders have pledged to do the right thing and agreed to fund work to fix life-critical, fire-safety defects on buildings 11 metres and over that they had a role in developing or refurbishing over the last 30 years – including those which have applied for or received government funding.

    Where a developer cannot be identified or has not yet agreed to pay for its own buildings, the £4.5 billion Building Safety Fund is available to pay for work to address life-critical fire safety issues with buildings 18 metres plus in height with cladding.

    For eligible buildings 11-18m in height in this situation, a new scheme funded by developers through the Building Safety Levy will pay to address life safety fire risk issues will be rolled out next year following a pilot launched last month.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Canvey Island flood defence work to begin [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Canvey Island flood defence work to begin [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 9 December 2022.

    The Environment Agency is set to begin a £75 million project to keep homes and businesses in Canvey Island protected from flooding.

    Much of Canvey Island lies below the daily high-water level in the Thames Estuary. The tidal defences play a critical role in reducing the risk of flooding to people, property and infrastructure on the island.

    A 3 kilometre stretch of the island’s existing tidal flood defence revetment will be renewed on its southern shoreline between Thorney Bay and the Island Yacht Club. Sections of the current revetment over the project area date back to the 1930s and need replacing.

    Once completed the island’s tidal defences will continue to provide protection for 6,097 properties on the island for another 50 years. The works will also take into account the effects of rising sea levels due to climate change.

    As well as refurbishing the existing tidal defences, additional enhancements will be made to the Canvey Island shoreline. These will include improved public access along the seaward walkway.

    New steps to the beach and foreshore as well as project information boards will be installed. The surface of the pathway along the landward side of the seawall between Thorney Bay and Chapman Sands will also be improved.

    Flowering grass seed mixes will be planted. This is to improve biodiversity on the defence and rock pools will be created to boost habitat in select locations along the foreshore.

    The works are part of the Thames Estuary Asset Management (TEAM) 2100 Programme. This is a 10 year capital investment programme to refurbish and improve existing tidal flood defences. As the single largest flood risk management programme in the UK, the TEAM 2100 Programme is refurbishing, repairing and replacing defences in the Thames Estuary where required.

    James Mason, Operations Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

    This project is essential to managing the risk of flooding for thousands of people, homes and businesses on Canvey Island.

    The existing revetment along the southern shoreline is starting to reach the end of its useful life. This investment in Canvey Island’s tidal defences will ensure they continue to benefit the community on Canvey Island to 2070.

    We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in the UK. Which is why schemes such as this are needed.

    Everyone should know their flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings by going to https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk or calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

    Contractors working on behalf of the Environment Agency will begin setting up site from January with work beginning on the tidal defences from late March. The project is expected to take until summer 2025 to complete.

    Ahead of the works starting in the new year, a public drop-in session will be held on 14 December 2022 at Jimmy Mac’s restaurant from 11am until 2pm. This session will provide an opportunity for the public and business owners to meet and talk with the project team.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £18.5 million flood scheme complete in Egremont [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : £18.5 million flood scheme complete in Egremont [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 9 December 2022.

    • An event on the 9th of December saw MP Trudy Harrison officially open the scheme
    • The scheme reduces the flood risk to 220 properties

    The Skirting Beck and Whangs Beck Flood Risk Management Scheme in Egremont is now complete.

    The scheme was formally opened on the 9th of December by MP for Copeland, Trudy Harrison, in an official ribbon cutting event, attended by the key members of the community, councillors, schools and partners who helped to bring the scheme to completion. The Environment Agency’s new chair, Alan Lovell was also present.

    The new scheme has involved constructing flood storage areas, with flood walls and flood embankments, at West Lakes Academy, the Falcon Club, How Bank Farm and at Whangs Beck. Culvert, which are underground watercourses improvements also happened at Croadalla Avenue on Skirting Beck. Property resistance measures having also been delivered to 36 properties across the town. Property resistance measures are undertaken inside a property to reduce damage caused by floodwaters.

    As well as reducing flood risk, at least 600 trees have been planted as part of this scheme and 16.5 acres of habitat improvement works have been created in the area of Black Beck. This brings benefits to the local environment and the local community through improvements such as educational ponds for use by local school children.

    Sustainable Drainage Systems will also be delivered at various locations across Egremont by Cumbria County Council with Environment Agency funding. Sustainable Drainage Systems are a natural approach to managing drainage in and around properties

    Paul Robertshaw, Project Executive at the Environment Agency said:

    “We are delighted that the £18.5 million flood scheme is now complete, reducing the flood risk to 220 properties, ahead of winter this year.

    “The scheme not only better protects people and properties in the area from flooding but has created a better place for the community by providing, improved community amenities and an enhanced environment for wildlife to thrive.

    “The help and cooperation of local residents, West Lakes Academy, the Falcon Club, schools and nurseries has helped this scheme and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support over the years.”

    MP Trudy Harrison said:

    “This is a milestone day for the Egremont community. This area has suffered the devastating impact of repeated flooding for many years, and this significant investment will now make a real difference to families and businesses locally.

    “I’d like to thank the Environment Agency and all the partners for working together for the benefit of the community.”

    Mark Cronshaw, Framework Director for VolkerStevin, contractors for the scheme said:

    “It’s been a fantastic project to be involved with and we are delighted to have helped create a much-improved level of flood protection for the Egremont area and its residents.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of Governor of the Cayman Islands [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of Governor of the Cayman Islands [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 December 2022.

    Mrs Jane Owen has been appointed Governor of the Cayman Islands in succession to Mr Martyn Roper OBE. Mrs Owen will take up her appointment during April 2023.

    CURRICULUM VITAE

    Full name: Jane Owen

    Married to: David Donnelly (died 2017)

    Children: Two

    Date Role
    2017 to present Bern, His Majesty’s Ambassador, and Non-Resident Ambassador to the Principality of Liechtenstein
    2014 to 2016 UK Trade and Investment, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer
    2010 to 2014 Oslo, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
    2006 to 2010 New Delhi, Counsellor for Trade, Finance, Science and Climate Change
    2002 to 2006 Tokyo, Commercial Counsellor
    1998 to 2001 Hanoi, Deputy Head of Mission
    1996 to 1998 FCO, Head, Mediterranean and Asia Section, Europe Department
    1993 to 1996 Department of International Trade, Head, Japan Section
    1990 to 1993 Tokyo, Second Secretary, Trade
    1988 to 1990 Full Time Language Training (Japanese)
    1987 to 1988 FCO, Desk Officer, Central America Department
    1986 to 1987 Japan English Teaching programme (JET)
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK reaches agreement on key fish stocks for 2023 [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK reaches agreement on key fish stocks for 2023 [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 December 2022.

    The UK has reached agreements with the EU and Norway, and wider coastal states, to secure valuable fishing opportunities for the UK fishing industry.

    The UK has secured fishing catch limits worth £202 million to the UK fishing industry, a £33 million increase from last year, after reaching an agreement with Norway and the EU, Defra has announced today (Friday 9 December).

    Negotiating as an independent coastal State, the UK agreed catch levels for 2023 for six important fish stocks in the North Sea including North Sea cod, haddock and herring.

    This comes as the UK also concluded negotiations on catch limits with coastal States in the North East Atlantic on three more key stocks to the UK fishing fleet – blue whiting, mackerel and atlanto-Scandian herring. In total, UK quota in these stocks will be worth around £256m to the UK fishing industry next year.

    Sustainability has been at the heart of the UK’s approach to these negotiations, pushing for decisions based on the best science available to ensure key fish stocks are protected and to support the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry. All catch levels were set in line with, or lower than, the level advised by scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

    Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

    I’m pleased we have reached agreements with the EU and Norway, and wider coastal states, to secure important fish stocks worth over £450 million for the UK fishing fleet in 2023.

    The deals will help support a sustainable, profitable fishing industry for years to come while continuing to protect our marine environment and vital fishing grounds.

    The catch levels agreed for North Sea stocks for 2023 (compared to 2022) are:

    • Cod +63%
    • Haddock +30%
    • Herring -7.3%
    • Plaice +5.8%
    • Saithe +18.7%
    • Whiting +30%

    Last month, the UK reached an agreement with Norway, with the UK fleet benefiting from fishing opportunities worth £5 million. Further talks with the EU are continuing over the total allowable catches and other stock management measures

    Throughout the negotiations, the UK Government worked closely with the devolved administrations to ensure that fishing communities across the UK will benefit from the agreement.

    An assessment on the number of individual Total Allowable Catches set consistent with ICES advice will be published on the conclusion of the UK’s annual fisheries negotiations.

  • James Cleverly – 2022 Statement on Mohsen Shekari

    James Cleverly – 2022 Statement on Mohsen Shekari

    The statement made by James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, on 9 December 2022.

    The execution of Mohsen Shekari by the Iranian regime is abhorrent. He is a tragic victim of a legal system in which disproportionate sentences, politically motivated trials and forced confessions are rife.

    We have made our views clear to the Iranian authorities – Iran must immediately halt executions and end the violence against its own people.