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Tag: 2022

  • Andrew Mitchell – 2022 Statement on the Security Situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Andrew Mitchell – 2022 Statement on the Security Situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    The statement made by Andrew Mitchell, the UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, on 17 November 2022.

    This morning I spoke to Foreign Minister of Rwanda, Dr Vincent Biruta. We had a constructive conversation about the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) given the advances of M23, and the steps needed to end the conflict. I expressed my concerns about the worrying humanitarian situation and the impact on civilians is unacceptable.

    The UK calls on all countries in the region to do all they can, including through the African-led peace processes, to stop the fighting and bring all parties back to the negotiating table.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Convicted killer, Kyle Buckley, who committed assault while serving time will spend longer inside after referral to the Court of Appeal [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Convicted killer, Kyle Buckley, who committed assault while serving time will spend longer inside after referral to the Court of Appeal [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General on 17 November 2022.

    A man serving time for murder has had his term increased for assaulting two prison officers while serving in a young offender institution.

    Kyle Buckley, 18, serving a life sentence for a murder he committed at age 16, was involved in a fight with a self-made weapon (a screw attached to a fabric handle) in the visiting area of Wetherby Young Offender Institution on 22 July 2021.

    The next month, on 30 August 2021, Buckley threw a kettle filled with boiled water over a prison officer, causing burns to his back. Buckley was restrained and spat in the eye of another prison officer when being escorted away.

    On 12 September 2022 at Leeds Crown Court, Buckley was sentenced to 18 months’ detention in a young offender institution, concurrent to the sentence being served for murder.

    Following the sentencing, it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme for being too low.

    On 17 November 2022, the Court quashed the sentence handed down on 12 September. Buckley was instead ordered to serve the 18 months’ sentence consecutively to his current sentence for murder.

    Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP said:

    Increasing Buckley’s sentence both better reflects the crimes committed and sends a clear message that offences committed by serving prisoners will not be tolerated and will be met with punishment.

  • James Cleverly – 2022 Statement on MH17 Trial Verdict

    James Cleverly – 2022 Statement on MH17 Trial Verdict

    The statement made by James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, on 17 November 2022.

    Today’s guilty verdict, convicting 3 individuals of murder in relation to the downing of MH17, is an important step in securing justice for the families of the victims.

    Two hundred and ninety eight lives, including those of 10 British nationals, were tragically lost on 17 July 2014. Thousands more have been devastated in the years since, as family and friends continue to grieve for their loved ones.

    The downing of MH17 was a shocking violation of international norms which keep our societies safe. It serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s actions in Ukraine over many years.

    My thoughts remain with the families of all those killed in this heinous attack, including people from the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Belgium, Germany, the Philippines, New Zealand and Canada.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Couple, Christopher Dennington and Laura Dennington, will serve increased sentences after referral to the Court of Appeal for cruelty to children [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Couple, Christopher Dennington and Laura Dennington, will serve increased sentences after referral to the Court of Appeal for cruelty to children [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General on 17 November 2022.

    A man and woman guilty of cruelty to children and fraud have received increased sentences after their cases were referred to the Court of Appeal for being unduly lenient.

    Christopher Dennington, 50 and Lorna Dennington, 47, both pleaded guilty to three counts of cruelty to children between 2006 and 2017 and Christopher Dennington pleaded guilty to fraud.

    On 6 September 2022 at Teesside Crown Court, the pair were each sentenced to 12 months in prison with a 5-year restraining order.

    Following the sentencing, it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme for being too low.

    On 17 November 2022, the Court found the original sentences to be unduly lenient. Lorna Dennington received a new sentence of 4 years and 10 months’ imprisonment, while Christopher Dennington was ordered to serve a new sentence of 6 years’ imprisonment.

    Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP said:

    Christopher and Lorna Dennington both showed utter disregard for the welfare of the victims inflicting lasting and considerable harm on them.

    I welcome these increased sentences which better reflect the damage caused to these innocent lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two offenders, Mario Sala and Ewyn Denecker, receive increased prison sentences for supplying class A drugs [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two offenders, Mario Sala and Ewyn Denecker, receive increased prison sentences for supplying class A drugs [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General on 17 November 2022.

    Two men who were involved in a conspiracy to supply class A drugs have both received increased sentences after their case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    Between June 2020 and March 2022, Mario Sala, 33, and Ewyn Denecker, 33, supplied heroin and cocaine in their local area using a drug supply line known as “Gypsy”. During this period Sala would direct Denecker to deliver drugs to postcode areas, while the drug line sent out 26,000 messages to potential customers.

    On 26 August 2022 at Portsmouth Crown Court, Sala was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months’ imprisonment, while Denecker was sentenced to 3 years’ imprisonment. Both offenders were sentenced for conspiracy to supply the class A drugs crack cocaine and diamorphine.

    Following the sentencing, the offenders’ sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme for being too low.

    On 17 November 2022, the Court found the original sentences for both Sala and Denecker to be unduly lenient. Sala was ordered to serve a new sentence of 8 years’ imprisonment, while Denecker received a new sentence of 6 years.

    Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP said:

    The illegal drugs supplied by Sala and Denecker are dangerous and ruin lives. Supplying class A drugs at this scale is a serious offence, so I welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal to hand down longer sentences to both offenders today.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Employers thanked for supporting reservists ‘to keep on marching’ at a special awards evening in Cardiff [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Employers thanked for supporting reservists ‘to keep on marching’ at a special awards evening in Cardiff [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 November 2022.

    An amazing 22 Welsh organisations have been presented with the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2022.

    The employers from across Wales were recognised for the support they give to the Armed Forces Community at a special event held at the National Museum Wales, Cardiff on September 22.

    The compère for the evening was Sian Lloyd and the opening address was given by Neil ‘Jacko’ Jackson Director Defence Relationship Management, who said:

    It’s my great pleasure to be here to celebrate the latest Silver Awardees from Wales as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme.

    You are the ones giving reservists paid leave and vital HR support. You are the ones who recognise the unique skills that the Armed Forces community and veterans bring to both society and the workforce. And you are the ones providing top level support to service families as well.

    Churchill famously described reservists as twice the citizen, due to having one leg in civil society and the other in the military. So tonight I want to say a heartfelt thank you on behalf of UK Defence and Government, for enabling them to keep marching.

    The recipients were:

    • Alert Logic UK Ltd
    • Allan Morris Transport Limited
    • Bangor University
    • Ceredigion County Council
    • Clecs Media CYF
    • Delyn Safety UK Ltd
    • Dyfed Powys Police
    • EAS Wales – Medical & Rescue
    • Excel Civil Enforcement Ltd
    • Fantom Factory Ltd
    • Merthyr Tydfil CBC
    • Myddleton College
    • Pembrokeshire County Council
    • Regiment Training Group Ltd
    • Safety-Counts Ltd
    • Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK Ltd
    • So Fit Group Ltd
    • Tanglewood Group Ltd
    • Veteran Owned UK Ltd
    • West Cheshire & NW Chamber of Commerce
    • Wurkplace Limited
    • Your North Ltd

    The awards were presented jointly by Brigadier Andrew Dawes CBE, Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Commander Steve Drysdale OBE Royal Navy, Maritime Operations Cell Head in Defence Equipment and Support and Wing Commander Martin Morris, AIR Regional Employer Engagement Officer – Wales.

    The closing address was given by Brigadier Dawes and his deputy Colonel Sion Walker.

    Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the Silver ERS Award recognises employers who have actively demonstrated their support for the Armed Forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace.

    To achieve Silver, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies. They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards Defence people issues for Reservists, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

    Mr Tony Fish, the MOD’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for North Wales said, “We are delighted that so many employers in Wales have been recognised with the Silver Award. Despite the pressures of the last few years, these companies have taken the time to ensure our Armed Forces community is supported.”

  • Louise Haigh – 2022 Comments on Northern Powerhouse Rail

    Louise Haigh – 2022 Comments on Northern Powerhouse Rail

    The comments made by Louise Haigh, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, on Twitter on 17 November 2022.

    Rishi Sunak told voters he would deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail IN FULL – now he’s abandoned it.

    A lost decade of broken promises has left us with second-rate infrastructure and held our economy back.

    They crashed the economy, and want Northern communities to pay the price.

  • Jeremy Corbyn – 2022 Comments on Jeremy Hunt’s Financial Statement

    Jeremy Corbyn – 2022 Comments on Jeremy Hunt’s Financial Statement

    The comments made by Jeremy Corbyn, the Leader of the Opposition, on Twitter on 17 November 2022.

    Jeremy Hunt’s attempt to justify the last wave of austerity is an insult to all those who lost their lives to 12 years of state-sanctioned cruelty.

    Even more insulting is that he expects us to simply lie down and accept it all over again.

    He’s got another thing coming.

  • Chris Bryant – 2022 Comments on Budget Being Leaked in Advance

    Chris Bryant – 2022 Comments on Budget Being Leaked in Advance

    The comments made by Chris Bryant, the Labour MP for the Rhondda, on Twitter on 17 November 2022.

    This seems a breach of the important purdah rules. Chancellors have had to resign for far lesser breaches.

  • Bambos Charalambous – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Whether Dominic Raab had used a Non-Disclosure Agreement

    Bambos Charalambous – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Whether Dominic Raab had used a Non-Disclosure Agreement

    The parliamentary question asked by Bambos Charalambous, the Labour MP for Enfield Southgate, in the House of Commons on 16 November 2022.

    Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab)

    Can the Deputy Prime Minister tell the House if he has ever entered into a non-disclosure agreement connected to a complaint against him?

    The Deputy Prime Minister

    The hon. Gentleman is referring to an employment dispute that was settled before I entered the House. It was not an NDA but it did involve a confidentiality clause, which was standard at the time.