Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Three high street lenders to offer mortgages on properties affected by building safety issues [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 19 December 2023.

Over three quarters of mortgage lending in the country is now covered by the commitment, helping more people get on with their lives.
- Virgin Money, TSB and Skipton Building Society have added their names to a statement already signed by six major lenders
- Those affected by building safety issues will be given more choice if wanting to buy, sell or remortgage their home
- Over three quarters of mortgage lending in the country is now covered by the commitment, helping more people get on with their lives
Three high street lenders, Virgin Money, TSB and Skipton Building Society, have joined the commitment to offer mortgages on properties affected by building safety issues.

The three lenders will now consider mortgage applications for properties in buildings that are yet to be remediated, or where leaseholders are protected from remediation costs. This gives those looking to buy, sell and remortgage more choice, allowing people to get on with their lives.

Over three quarters of mortgage lending within England is now covered by the commitment, with the three new lenders recognising the impact of the Government’s reforms and progress in delivering building safety for those who live in high rise properties.

Supported by UK Finance and the Building Societies Association, Virgin Money, TSB and Skipton Building Society are among the latest lenders to add their names to the statement, a year after the first six largest lenders made the same public commitment.

Minister for Building Safety, Lee Rowley, said:

I am extremely pleased to see three new lenders doing the right thing and supporting leaseholders who are stuck in homes with building safety defects.

This is a further sign of the market’s confidence in the solutions that we have put in place to protect leaseholders.

From today, customers impacted by building safety issues will have more choice when looking to buy or re-mortgage. I would encourage more banks and building societies to join the commitment made by Virgin Money, TSB and Skipton.

Karen Appleton, Head of Mortgage Lending at Skipton Building Society, said:

I’m really proud that Skipton Building Society has worked with DLUHC and industry experts to make it possible to sign up to the joint statement, in order to further support customers impacted by the cladding crisis and to play a part in opening up the lending market for flats.

Julian Adams, Head of Property Risk at TSB, said:

TSB is pleased to support the Industry Statement and to offer borrowers greater choice when seeking a mortgage.

Craig Calder, Head of Secured Lending at Virgin Money said:

We’re always looking for ways to support our customers. Working closely with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and e.surv, our valuation Panel Manager, we’ve streamlined our lending processes and signed up to the joint statement on cladding to ensure customers impacted by the cladding crisis receive the additional support they require.

Valuation firms have also played their part in the efforts to improve customers’ journeys. For example Virgin Money’s valuation Panel Manager, e.surv, is the latest to work with the Department to receive and exchange information on affected buildings which will help streamline their valuation processes. Along with other lenders and valuation firms this will ensure a smooth experience for customers looking to buy, sell or re-mortgage their property.

This latest announcement demonstrates that protecting leaseholders in buildings with fire safety defects from unfair costs remains a Government priority.

The department has taken a number of steps to protect innocent leaseholders from remediation costs since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, introducing some of the toughest building safety regulations in the world through our landmark Building Safety Act.

The Act confirmed that those responsible for unsafe cladding, and not blameless leaseholders, will be the ones to pay to fix it.

Moreover, in October this year, the department announced that the Government has agreed a pledge with five-sector leading insurance brokers, which could lead to thousands of leaseholders in buildings with identified fire safety issues seeing a significant reduction in their insurance premiums.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, introduced to Parliament last month, will help us go even further to protect leaseholders by delivering the Government’s manifesto commitments on leasehold reform.

The Bill will include measures to amend the Building Safety Act 2022 to make it easier to ensure that those who caused building safety defects in enfranchised buildings are made to pay, and that the leaseholder protections are not unfairly weighted against those who own properties jointly.

Within this legislation, we will ban building insurance commissions for freeholders and managing agents and replace these with transparent handling fees to stop leaseholders being charged excessive and opaque commissions.

The Government is also already consulting on options to cap ground rents for existing leases that will protect leaseholders from facing unregulated ground rents for no service in return. The consultation closes on 21 December and the Government will respond shortly afterwards.

Notes to editors
- Subject to their normal policy requirements, lenders will consider mortgage applications on properties in buildings in England of 11 metres or five storeys and above in height with building safety issues. There is no requirement for a building to have been remediated, providing it is being self-remediated by developers, is covered by a recognised government scheme, or the property is protected by the leaseholder protections in the Building Safety Act, as evidenced by a leaseholder deed of certificate.
December 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government funding for schools in England at a record high [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 19 December 2023.

Funding for mainstream schools and high needs is increasing to the highest ever in real terms per pupil.

Schools in England are set to benefit from a cash injection as education funding reaches almost £60 billion in 2024/25 – its highest ever level in real terms.

This includes additional funding for both disadvantaged pupils and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with pupil premium and high needs budgets both going up alongside mainstream investment.

An extra £440 million investment to support pupils with SEND is being allocated to local authorities and used to fund special schools and provide mainstream schools with additional resources to meet the needs of pupils with complex SEND.

Funding for those with complex needs is also rising to £10.5 billion in 2024-25 – an increase of more than 60% in just five years.

Pupil premium funding rates will increase to £1,480 for primary pupils and £1,050 for secondary pupils in 2024-25, an increase of 10% since 2021-22 bringing total funding to more than £2.9 billion overall, supporting schools in disadvantaged areas to raise educational outcomes for the pupils who need it most.

The increases builds on the brilliant work going on in schools up and down the country, with standards continuing to rise. Currently, 89% of schools rated good or outstanding, up from 68% in 2010.

Thanks to the Government’s widespread reforms, England continues to rise up the global rankings in maths, reading and science. Just this month, England was ranked 11th in the world for maths, up from 27th in 2009, and in May, England was named ‘best in the west’ for primary reading.

Overall, school funding for mainstream schools and high needs is increasing by more than £1.8 billion in 2024-25 compared to 2023-24, taking the total funding to over £59.6 billion – the highest level in history, in real terms.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

Our schools and our teachers are better than ever – and it’s so important that as standards continue to rise, so does our support for schools.

That’s why boosting school funding was the first thing I did as Education Secretary, and why I will continue to make sure our brilliant schools and teachers have the tools they need to make sure every child receives a world class education.

I know costs for schools continue to be high, but ensuring schools are funded at their highest level in history in real terms will give parents and schools the confidence that education continues to be the top for this Government.

Today’s funding allocations include an additional £2 billion for 24/25, announced at the Autumn Statement last year, to recognise the higher costs faced by schools. That also builds on the significant extra investment provided to schools as part of this year’s teacher pay offer.

The vast majority of this funding is allocated through the Dedicated Schools Grant, which is calculated using the National Funding Formula (NFF). The majority of the schools NFF is allocated on a per-pupil basis, and disadvantaged pupils attract additional funding to their school. The allocations also factor in differences in wage costs between areas.

The recently announced funding for teachers’ pay is on top of this, which will total £900 million in 2024-25.

Schools will also receive further funding to support with increases to employer contribution rates to the Teachers’ Pensions Scheme from April. This is over and above the funding they will receive via the NFF from within today’s DSG allocations.

The Department will announce further details on this funding for pensions, including funding rates and allocations, in due course.

December 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Parent first approach at the core of new guidance on gender questioning children [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 19 December 2023.

Schools and colleges told that parents should be involved in decisions affecting their children.

Today (19 December) the Department for Education has published comprehensive guidance for teachers on how best to support pupils questioning their gender in schools.

This includes requests from pupils for ‘social transition’ which can include requests to change pronouns, names, and uniform.

In response to the complex phenomenon of the increasing number of children questioning their gender, the government has taken the time to carefully and robustly address the challenges and issues involved.

The guidance will assist teachers in ensuring that they are acting in the best interests of children.

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan said:

This guidance puts the best interests of all children first, removing any confusion about the protections that must be in place for biological sex and single-sex spaces, and making clear that safety and safeguarding for all children must always be schools’ primary concern.

Parents’ views must also be at the heart of all decisions made about their children – and nowhere is that more important than with decisions that can have significant effects on a child’s life for years to come.

Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch said:

This guidance is intended to give teachers and school leaders greater confidence when dealing with an issue that has been hijacked by activists misrepresenting the law.

It makes clear that schools do not have to accept a child’s request to socially transition, and that teachers or pupils should not be pressured into using different pronouns.

We are also clear how vital it is that parents are informed and involved in the decisions that impact their children’s lives.

Ofsted Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman

I have long called for clear guidance for schools who face difficult choices around how to help pupils who are gender-questioning.

This guidance is therefore welcome and will help schools do their best both for gender-questioning pupils and for all other pupils in their schools.

Guiding principles

This guidance has been developed with the expert clinical view and interim conclusions from the Cass Review in mind. That review set out that social transition is not a neutral act, and that better information is needed about the outcomes for children who undertake degrees of social transition. It also set out that it could have significant psychological effects on a young person.

In recognition of this, proper use of this guidance means social transition, in practice, should be extremely rare when the appropriate safeguards are put in place and the child’s best interest taken into account.

Importantly, the guidance places beyond doubt the fundamental principle that parents should be involved in decisions about their children’s lives, and that significant decisions affecting a child’s future should not be taken without parents being involved.

In regard to single-sex spaces and sports, the government sets out the principle that biological sex is fundamentally important when it comes to protecting safety and ensuring fairness in competitive sports.

Requests for social transition

The draft guidance clarifies that schools and colleges do not have to, and should not, accept all requests for social transition. Where a school considers a request, they should take a very cautious approach, including watchful waiting periods, and ensuring parents are fully consulted before any decision is taken.

From the outset, schools and colleges should also consider the context and seriousness of the request including whether social influence is involved.

In exceptional cases where a request to social transition is agreed, children, teachers or staff at a school should not be required to adopt the use of preferred pronouns and there must be no sanction, verbal or otherwise. Where a teacher or child does not adopt the new pronouns, they should use the child’s preferred name. Schools should ensure that bullying is never tolerated.

Single-sex spaces, admissions and sports

Where safety is a consideration – for example in physical sport or single-sex spaces – the guidance is categoric that it must never be compromised by allowing a child of the opposite sex to participate in those activities or use those facilities. Schools should also make sure competitive sport is fair, which will almost always mean separate sports for boys and girls especially in older cohorts.

The guidance also reaffirms that single-sex schools can refuse to admit pupils of the opposite sex, regardless of whether they are questioning their gender.

Engagement

Parents, teachers, and school leaders are encouraged to respond to the 12-week consultation.

Notes to editors

The guidance provides clarity on how to approach a range of issues when it comes to supporting gender questioning children and responding to requests for changes known as ‘social transition’.

This includes:
- Registration of name and sex – every school must record the name and biological sex of every pupil in the admissions register. It is not accurate to record a male child as female or a female child as male, or to record a male child as a girl or a female child as a boy.
- Safeguarding – in all cases – apart from where the law says schools must do something, for example providing single-sex toilet facilities for children 8 years and older – schools and colleges must consider whether there is a safeguarding or welfare reason to make an exception to the approach outlined for individual issues below.
- Changing names – pupils may be allowed to informally change their names if it is in the best interests of the child and parents have been fully consulted. The new name should be communicated to relevant members of the school.
- Changing pronouns – schools can decline a request to change a child’s pronouns and primary school aged children should not have different pronouns to their sex-based pronouns. Schools and colleges should not compel teachers or pupils to use new pronouns, except where necessary to safeguard and all other options have been exhausted, such as addressing the child by their first name.
- Single-sex spaces – schools must provide sex-separated toilets for pupils aged 8 or over, and suitable changing accommodation and showers for pupils who are aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year. If a child does not want to use the toilet, changing room or showers designated for their biological sex, schools and colleges may wish to consider alternative toilet, changing room or shower facilities for the child, however schools and colleges cannot allow a child to use a space solely designated for use by the opposite sex.
- Boarding and residential accommodation – sleeping arrangements like dormitories, tents and shared rooms should be sex separated. In the event that a child questioning their gender requests alternative arrangements, these should be considered but should not compromise the safety, comfort, privacy or dignity of the child, or other pupils.
- Uniforms and clothing – in general, a gender questioning child should be held to the same uniform standard as other children of their sex. When making a decision relating to a child’s request to change a uniform, schools may agree changes or exceptions to the standard school uniform for most items, but not for swimwear. Many schools already operate a uniform with some flexibility.
- Physical education and sport – schools and colleges should prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all children when implementing policies. This means for sports, allowing a gender questioning child to participate in sport with the opposite sex will not be appropriate if it risks safety or fairness.
- Single-sex schools – under the Equality Act, single sex schools can refuse to admit pupils of the other biological sex, regardless of whether the child is questioning their gender. A school cannot, however, refuse to admit a child of the same biological sex on the basis that they are questioning their gender.
December 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK statement on fighting in Sudan [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 December 2023.

The FCDO has issued a statement on the escalation of violence in Sudan.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development spokesperson said:

The past week has seen an escalation of violence in Gezira State, Sudan, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have advanced towards Wad Medani. The town had been a safe haven for displaced people and an important hub for the delivery of essential humanitarian aid. We urge the RSF to cease their attacks and we condemn reports of the arbitrary arrests of civilians in Wad Medani carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces.

We are very concerned by the situation in El Fasher, following reports of renewed fighting on December 16. We call on both sides to comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, and urge them to refrain from actions that will exacerbate the conflict and further divide Sudan along ethnic lines. The only way to sustainable peace is through a civilian-led and inclusive peace process and we commend the recent efforts by regional partners, led by The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to bring the parties together.

December 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We need a sustainable ceasefire that breaks the cycle of violence – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 December 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

Thank you, President, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Gaza and the intense suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians shows no sign of abating. Israel is reckoning with the brutal horror of the 7 October attacks. More than 130 hostages continue to be held by Hamas. Just this morning, I met with the parents of one girl still held hostage, I will carry their words with me for a long time.

As my Prime Minister has said, we need a sustainable ceasefire that breaks the cycle of violence. Hamas must stop firing rockets into Israel, all hostages must be released, and aid must flow into Gaza. This is the only way to achieve a sustainable peace based on a two-state solution, in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.

President, we are focused on three areas:

First, too many civilians have been killed. Israel must be targeted and precise in its efforts to address the threat posed by Hamas, and should do more to discriminate sufficiently between terrorists and civilians. Civilian infrastructure must be protected in line with international humanitarian law. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have repeatedly delivered this message to Israel, and we will continue to do so.

Second, we need to continue to work on increasing the amount of humanitarian support into Gaza through as many direct routes as possible. The agreement to open Kerem Shalom is welcome. We look forward to its urgent implementation. Israel should also immediately increase the range of humanitarian items allowed into Gaza.

Third, as we heard today, in recent months the violence of extremist settlers in the West Bank has dramatically increased. Since 7 October, there have been eight Palestinians killed by Israeli settlers, including one child, and at least 1,257 displaced amidst settler violence and access restrictions. We strongly condemn these hateful acts, which undermine prospects for peace. We are banning those responsible for settler violence from entering the UK to make sure our country cannot be a home for people who commit these intimidating acts. Israel also must do more to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to end the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian property.

And we reiterate our call on Israel to immediately and completely stop all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and its Lower Aqueduct. We are clear, these settlements are illegal under international law, present an obstacle to peace, and threaten the physical viability and delivery of a two-state solution which must become a reality to ensure justice and peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

I thank you.

December 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : HMS Diamond joins new international task force to protect shipping in the Red Sea [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 December 2023.

Royal Navy Destroyer HMS Diamond joins Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new international task force to protect merchant shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

As Houthi attacks against commercial vessels continue, Royal Navy Destroyer HMS Diamond has joined Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new international task force to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Alongside HMS Diamond, the task force currently includes three US destroyers, and a French warship is also in the region. All are currently operating in the Southern Red Sea with the multinational partnership focusing on protecting freedom of navigation, international trade and human life by countering illicit non-state actors in international waters. Countries including Bahrain, Norway and the Seychelles are also supporting the Operation.

The security situation in the Red Sea is deteriorating, with the Houthi attacks – including use of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems against global shipping – representing an increased threat. Over the last few days, the impact on global trade has become more acute, with major operators including Maersk and BP pausing sailing through the region due to the security risk, increasing costs and adding time to journeys.

The Defence Secretary joined a virtual call this morning with his US counterpart and around 20 other Defence Ministers from across the globe to discuss the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian. During the meeting, Ministers agreed that this was an international problem that affects all of global trade and risked severe economic consequences, and agreed to work together on an international solution.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

These illegal attacks are an unacceptable threat to the global economy, undermining regional security and are threatening to drive up fuel prices.

This is an international problem that requires an international solution. That is why HMS Diamond has joined Operation Prosperity Guardian. This new task force will protect shipping and vital trade routes in the Red Sea, where large amounts of goods and oil transit through to Europe and on to the UK.

Our Royal Navy personnel are protecting British interests in an increasingly contested part of the world. Their valuable contribution to upholding peace and security should not be underestimated and we thank them for their service, especially during this festive period.

HMS Diamond arrived in the Red Sea at the weekend after the Defence Secretary authorised her deployment on 30th November to protect and support key shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf. The warship, one of the Royal Navy’s most advanced, shot down a suspected attack drone on Saturday morning which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea.

Her deployment follows increasing concerns over maritime security at narrow sea trade routes worldwide, known as chokepoints. The ship is part of the UK’s commitment to supporting security in the region and the global maritime commons.

The waters of the Gulf are vital routes for merchant shipping, including for tankers carrying much of the UK’s supply of liquefied natural gas. Around 50 large merchant ships each day pass through the Bab-el-Mandeb, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, while around 115 major merchant ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

This international coalition will operate as part of the existing construct in the Gulf: the Coalition Maritime Force (CMF). The UK contribution to that is known as Operation Kipion, which is the UK’s long-standing maritime presence in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. In addition to HMS Diamond, HMS Lancaster, a squadron of three mine hunting vessels (HMS Bangor, HMS Chiddingfold, and HMS Middleton) and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship (RFA Cardigan Bay) are also deployed as part of the operation, helping to keep the vital trade routes of the Middle East open for business.

December 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : North Korea missile tests – Minister Trevelyan’s statement [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, responds to North Korea missile tests.

The UK condemns the latest launches of an Intercontinental ballistic missile on 18 December and a short range ballistic missile on 17 December by North Korea; these actions clearly breach multiple UN Security Resolutions.

This repeated escalation of testing is deeply damaging for regional stability and further destabilises the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK strongly urges North Korea to refrain from illegal launches, return to dialogue swiftly and to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

December 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK is committed to using all diplomatic tools to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

Thank you, President. Let me thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and the wider UN Secretariat for their support in the implementation of resolution 2231. I also thank Ambassador Olof Skoog for his briefing and Ambassador Frazier for her briefing and work as facilitator.

President, since refusing the opportunity to restore the JCPoA through the deals tabled in 2022, Iran has continued to escalate its nuclear programme. Transition Day has now passed and the UK & EU have maintained proliferation-related sanctions on Iran, in accordance with the JCPoA’s Dispute Resolution Mechanism. The UK is fully committed to using all diplomatic tools to prevent Iran from delivering a nuclear weapon.

The IAEA reports that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is 22 times over JCPoA limits. It manufactures and operates thousands of prohibited advanced centrifuges, gaining irreversible knowledge which the JCPoA sought to prevent. Iran continues producing highly enriched uranium, for which there is no credible civilian justification, calling into question the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Additionally, Iran is launching missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons and is testing technologies directly applicable to medium and long-range ballistic missiles, in the form of satellite launch vehicles.

President, Iran’s missile programme remains of fundamental concern for nuclear non-proliferation.

The Secretary-General has acknowledged evidence showing that, during the period of restrictions under this resolution, Iran developed and exported missiles without seeking the Council’s authorisation. Iran supplied ballistic missiles to armed groups in Iraq, Yemen and Syria, which are targeting Red Sea shipping and Coalition personnel in the region. And as USG DiCarlo said, the UK has also provided evidence that Iran supplied UAVs to Russia. These UAVs have subsequently been used to attack civilians in Ukraine. All such transfers were in violation of resolution 2231.

Resolution 2231’s restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile activities may have been lifted, but the Council must continue to hold Iran to account for its proliferation activities by this or any other resolution.

Thank you.

December 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and must reverse its nuclear escalation: E3 at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

Joint statement by UK, France and Germany following the Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231.

Today, the Security Council discussed the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, particularly Iran’s nuclear activity, missile development and continued weapons proliferation inconsistent with that resolution.

In November, the IAEA Director General yet again issued a report which starkly outlines the deplorable state of Iran’s commitments under the JCPoA.

The IAEA reports that the total stockpiles of Iran’s enriched uranium now stand at 22 times the JCPoA limit. Iran’s stockpiles of high enriched uranium up to 60% are unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme.

Iran has been in violation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA, which is endorsed by resolution 2231, for more than four years. There is no credible civilian justification for the state of Iran’s nuclear programme. The current trajectory only brings Iran closer to weapons-related capabilities; this is of utmost concern for international peace and security.

Iran’s ongoing lack of cooperation with the IAEA prevents the IAEA from carrying out vital work to determine the nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and undermines the global non-proliferation architecture. Iran’s agreements with the IAEA and its legal obligations must be pursued in full, without further delay, as repeatedly requested by the Director General. It is especially concerning to see Iran flatly deny to the IAEA its legal obligation to implement Modified Code 3.1. All these actions undermine the case that Iran’s nuclear programme is of an exclusively peaceful nature as well as any confidence the international community has in its wider commitments and obligations.

We welcome the Secretary General’s recognition of the UK’s evidence exposing Iran’s proliferation of missiles and missile technologies to non-state actors in the region and beyond, which endanger the region and the whole international community, and were carried out in violation of resolution 2231.

Furthermore, while restricted by this resolution, Iran transferred hundreds of UAVs to Russia, deliberately supporting Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Deliveries took place in the knowledge that Russia uses them to target Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Neither Russia nor Iran have ever sought authorisation for these transfers, which are therefore a breach of resolution 2231 by both states. We continue to urge Iran to cease its reckless proliferative activities in the region and beyond.

Iran has developed and tested ballistic missiles and related technologies extensively in complete disregard for this resolution, undermining global non-proliferation principles and architecture. This requires particular scrutiny as resolution 2231 restrictions on Iran’s missile programme were automatically lifted on 18 October, despite Iran having consistently ignored these restrictions.

Today we must reflect on Iran’s continued and long-lasting contempt for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 and its restrictions. We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and must reverse its nuclear escalation. We emphasise once again our determination to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis, as demonstrated by our consistent efforts in that regard.

December 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Major boost for British towns with next steps for long-term plans [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 18 December 2023.

Long-Term Plan for Towns: guidance for local authorities and Town Boards.

Major boost for British towns with next steps for long-term plans

The Government is today publishing guidance and setting out initial funding to enable 55 British towns to develop their long-term plan.

This follows the Prime Minister announcing the 55 towns that will receive funding and support totalling up to £20 million, as part of a £1.1 billion levelling up investment for towns that have been overlooked for too long.

The Long-Term Plan for Towns will ensure that local people can develop plans that deliver the priorities of their community and are given the tools to change their town’s long-term future.

This new published guidance sets out that the 55 towns will:
- Receive up to £20 million of endowment-style funding and support for local people’s priorities, like regenerating local high streets and town centres or securing public safety;
- Set up a Town Board by 1 April 2024 to bring together community leaders, employers, local authorities, and the local MP, to develop and deliver the Long-Term Plan for their town and put it to local people for consultation; and
- Use a suite of regeneration powers and interventions to boost pride in place to unlock private sector investment, by auctioning empty high street shops, create and maintain parks and green spaces, and improve heritage sites.
The Government has also confirmed £13.75 million of capacity funding for each benefiting local authority to receive £50,000 to support the appointment of an independent chair for the Town Board who will begin community engagement. This will be followed by a further £200,000 once Boards are in place.

Under this guidance, towns will need to develop and submit their plan by 1 August at the latest, to start making investments.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

We’re giving under invested towns the much-needed funding and support to get going on their long-term plans.

Our £1.1 billion long term plan for towns will make sure communities can take control of their future and invest in local priorities.

The new guidance confirms Town Boards should be led by an independent chair, who will act as a champion for the town. The chair can be anyone who holds a prominent role in the community such as heads of charities, education establishments or football clubs and will provide leadership to ensure towns boards are community-led and embedded within the local area.

The Town Board must include the relevant local MP, alongside a senior representative from the police. Other members can be drawn from respected local figures with an obvious passion for their area, including community partners, local businesses and cultural, arts, heritage and sporting organisations.

This guidance applies to towns across Great Britain and we will release dedicated Scottish and Welsh versions of the policy powers toolkit early in 2024. In Northern Ireland, we look forward to working with a restored Executive to determine the approach to providing support there.

The Long-Term Plan for Towns is one part of the government’s wide ranging levelling up programme, and designed to complement other types of funding. In total we have invested more than £13 billion from our levelling up funds to support projects that are improving everyday life for people across the UK.
December 20, 2023