Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits Beijing to further British interests [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2023.

The Foreign Secretary is visiting China on Wednesday 30 August for high-level talks with senior representatives from the Chinese government.
- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is visiting Beijing tomorrow.
- He will look to further UK national interests including cyber, international security and human rights
- As well as cooperating to face global problems such as climate change.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is travelling to Beijing to strengthen channels of communication to further and protect British interests as set out in his Mansion House speech.

In the speech in April, the Foreign Secretary set out the UK’s multifaceted approach to China across three pillars. First, to protect national security whenever Beijing poses a threat to UK people or prosperity, second, to align cooperation with friends and allies in the Indo-Pacific and across the world to uphold international law, and third, to engage directly with China to promote stable relations.

Now, in the first visit of a UK Foreign Secretary for over five years, James Cleverly will hold bilateral meetings with China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi, and Vice President Han Zheng.

Issues such as climate change cannot be tackled without China – as the world’s largest investor in sustainable energy and the largest emitter of carbon, the choices that China makes are critical to our collective ability to tackle this global problem.

The Foreign Secretary will say that China’s global significance comes with a responsibility on international security – helping to end Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, diffusing tensions in the South China Sea and ceasing malign activity in cyberspace.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will raise Beijing’s human rights obligations, including in relation to communities in Xinjiang and Tibet. He will also challenge China on the erosion of autonomy, rights and freedoms in Hong Kong under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law, as well as other UK interests including the sanctions placed on UK MPs.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

“It is important we manage our relationship with China across a range of issues.

“No significant global problem – from climate change to pandemic prevention, from economic instability to nuclear proliferation – can be solved without China.

“China’s size, history and global significance means they cannot be ignored, but that comes with a responsibility on the global stage. That responsibility means China fulfilling its international commitments and obligations”.

It is important to have discussions face to face and raise these issues directly with the centre of the Chinese system, making clear the UK’s position with the decision makers in Beijing. This approach is in line with that of international partners, such as the recent visits of Five Eyes and European partners.

The engagements come after a visit to the Philippines, where the Foreign Secretary held talks on a range of subjects including maritime security, climate and trade.
August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Flood information centre opens in Hebden Bridge [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 29 August 2023.

A new flood information centre has opened in Hebden Bridge, to help keep the community updated with progress to reduce the risk of flooding in the town.

The Environment Agency has opened its new Flood Information Centre at 4 Hardcastle House, Valley Road in Hebden Bridge this week.

The centre will be open on Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm, where people can stop by to speak with members of the project team and view information about the flood alleviation schemes for Hebden Bridge Town Centre, Stubbing Holme Road and Erringden Hillside. There will also be some information on display about what else is happening to reduce flood risk across the valley.

Christian Merriman, Senior Flood Risk Management Advisor with the Environment Agency, said:

This flood information centre means we can be based in the heart of the community to provide regular updates ahead of construction and for the duration of the project, providing information and answering any queries or concerns the community might have.

We will also have more events lined up to keep the community updated on progress of the individual projects, but in the meantime encourage people to stop by and meet us, and also keep checking Eye on Calderdale for updates.

Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Active Travel and Housing, said:

We welcome the new flood information centre as one of the ways for residents to keep up-to-date with the flood alleviation schemes.

The planned works are an important part of the ongoing partnership efforts to protect our communities from the increased flood risk that we live with because of climate change.

The schemes represent a significant investment in Hebden Bridge, showing our commitment to a thriving future for the town.

Andy Bray from Calder River Trust said:

We are really pleased that the flood information centre is now open to the community. To have somewhere that the public can visit and meet members of the project team in person will be really beneficial, as the work progresses.

The Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme will improve protection for approximately 400 properties in the town and will consist of increasing flood protection from Hebden Water and River Calder, improving the drainage of surface water with a series of gully systems and a pumping station and construction of a canal flood overflow. The planning application is currently forecast to be submitted in early 2024.

The Stubbing Holme Road Flood Alleviation Scheme will improve protection for approximately 56 properties and will consist of increasing flood protection from River Calder and Rochdale Canal. The planning application is currently expected to be submitted later in 2023.

The Erringden Hillside Flood Alleviation Scheme will improve protection for approximately 60 properties and will consist of property flood resilience measures, highway drainage improvement works and some natural flood management.

August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Defence Medical Services surgeons train Ukrainian doctors [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 August 2023.

Leading military trauma surgeons from Defence Medical Services and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine shared their skills with Ukrainian medical personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel James Baden, a specialist in reconstructive surgery following combat injury, led the UK team delivering training to six Ukrainian medical professionals. The Ukrainian cohort, a mix of military and civilians, underwent training in reconstructive surgery techniques.

The training was held in the Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, where surgical operations could be observed in an NHS theatre.

Further training will be taking place at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM), based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where injured military personnel evacuated from overseas are treated.

Major General Tim Hodgetts CB CBE, UK Surgeon General and Chair of the Committee of Surgeon Generals in NATO, said:

Sharing medical skills and expertise amongst allies is the right thing to do. Both military and civilians injured in Ukraine have similar injury patterns, so sharing the expertise to enhance all patient outcomes equally is also right in this circumstance. Military and Civil collaboration is at the very heart of NATO’s new Medical Support Capstone Concept.

I am hugely impressed by the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Medical Services, their valour, and their dedication to saving lives in the most challenging of circumstances.

In an increasingly abstract world dominated by digital and technology innovation, we still need surgeons with exquisite practical skills to treat the complex and disfiguring wounds of physical combat.

August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Veteran-run start-up gives military body armour second life [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 August 2023.

A green start-up has developed a process to recycle body armour fibres, which could reduce emissions and save money.

A green tech start-up has developed a process to recycle end-of-life body armour fibres, which could retain high-quality protection for soldiers, reduce emissions and save money.

When body armour used by soldiers expires, it is currently incinerated, resulting in the loss of the valuable fibres. With the help of nearly £500,000 of DASA (Defence and Security Accelerator) funding, Uplift360, based in London, has developed an eco-friendly and low-energy method to reuse the fibres in the war-zone worn gear instead.

This uses a sustainable system to break down the fibres, often commercially referred to as Kevlar, a strong, heat-resistant synthetic fibre used in armour, while preserving its strength so it can be recycled back into the supply chain.

In future, this breakthrough process could lead to substantial cost savings for Defence. Kevlar is estimated to be 85 times more expensive than steel, so reusing this material brings benefits for both the environment and spending.

Uplift360’s innovative recycling system makes sure that the fibres remain highly versatile for reuse after recycling and have the potential to be reintroduced back into the supply chain, in materials across defence, civilian and humanitarian purposes. This can include airplanes, land vehicles, flame and heat resistance clothing, stab/cut proof clothing, ropes, fibre optics, backpacks and tyres.

Part of the Ministry of Defence, The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), finds and funds innovation to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively, supporting prosperity.

Minster of State for Defence, Baroness Goldie said:

The process designed by Uplift360 is a really good example of how new and intelligent thinking can transform old practices in Defence.

Their innovative approach could reduce wastage, save money and secure supply without compromising on high quality kit for our armed forces.

I look forward to seeing their important work continue to help Defence make even more progress toward reducing emissions.

Jamie Meighan, Uplift360 Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder said:

DASA has been instrumental to the success of Uplift360. From a concept to our initial investment to creating our groundbreaking technology in our labs, DASA has been there every step of the way.

As a Veteran/Spouse startup is was very important from the outset to find funding, mentors and support that understood us as a business, saw the potential of our technology and believed in it.

Supporting Uplift360 clearly shows DASA’s commitment to help achieve a more sustainable future, maintain resiliency and save money for Defence

Uplift360 has a team of five and is growing. As part of the MoD, the funding provided by DASA contributes to its success, in turn delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

The Ministry of Defence continues to support the government’s net zero ambition whilst maintaining military capability, through initiatives such as using sustainable aviation fuel, the electrification of vehicles and piloting of solar farms.

August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits Philippines to strengthen Enhanced Partnership [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will visit the Philippines and meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo.
- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will visit the Philippines to discuss the new UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership
- Cleverly will meet Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and visit the Philippines Coast Guard
- visit continues engagement with Indo-Pacific partners following commitment in Integrated Review Refresh to build enduring partnerships
The UK is set to deepen its relationship with the Philippines, as the Foreign Secretary travels to Manila for trade and security talks in the region.

In Manila, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss how to further strengthen the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership. The partnership was launched in December 2021 to increase UK-Philippines collaboration on key areas including climate and environment, trade, maritime security and foreign policy.

Since then, the UK has launched British Investment Partnerships (BIP) to support resilient growth and held an inaugural maritime dialogue on marine conservation and maritime security.

The Foreign Secretary will also visit the Philippines Coast Guard to discuss cooperation on maritime security, counter terrorism and environmental protection.

He will also reiterate the necessity of upholding the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the interests of global stability and the protection of maritime trade routes.

Around 60% of global shipping passes through the Indo-Pacific region, directly benefiting households and businesses in the UK and worldwide.

As set out in the Integrated Review Refresh, the Indo-Pacific is of critical importance to the UK’s future security and to the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the UK’s economy. With over half of global growth set to come from the Indo-Pacific by 2050, the region is home to thriving economies, cutting-edge science and tech as well as being on the frontline of global challenges like climate change. The UK is working with the Philippines and other likeminded partners to safeguard security and prosperity across the region.

Ahead of the visit Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

“I’m delighted to visit the Philippines for the first time, a place which shares common values and interests with the UK.

“We are expanding our areas of collaboration by growing our trade and investment through British Investment Partnerships and deepening cooperation on security, maritime and climate.”

The UK-Philippines partnership is working for both countries, rooted in our shared commitment to safeguarding freedom and democracy, and ensuring our future prosperity. The visit will be the Foreign Secretary’s third time travelling to southeast Asia in his role, following travel to Singapore in 2022 and Indonesia in July 2023 for the ASEAN Foreign Minister’s meeting.

It also follows his Indo-Pacific tour to Japan and the Pacific Islands earlier in the year, where the Foreign Secretary reiterated the importance of securing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Background
- the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership was launched in 2021. Read more about the work taking place under the Partnership including dialogues on trade and investment, climate change and the launch of British Investment Partnerships in the Philippines.
- during the Foreign Secretary’s visit he will sign a Statement of Intent to upgrade the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership alongside Foreign Secretary Manalo.
August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State visits 2025 Open Championship host [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 28 August 2023.

Secretary of State hears plans for the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2025

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today (Monday 28 August) visited Royal Portrush to welcome the return of the world-renowned The Open Championship, in 2025. The Secretary of State heard the club’s exciting plans for 2025 and also enjoyed teeing off on the famous course, following in the footsteps of golfing greats such as 2019 Open winner Shane Lowry.

2025 will be the third time that Royal Portrush has hosted the major competition, following the most recent success four years ago. The Secretary of State’s visit to the North Coast highlighted the crucial role of tourism and sport and their contribution to NI’s economy. He also praised the efforts of local stakeholders who were instrumental in ensuring the Open will return to Portrush.

The 148th Open, which took place just a few years ago, was one of the fastest – selling events in the Championship’s history. With 237,000 spectators attending in Portrush, it broke records as the best-attended Open outside of St Andrew’s. The Open also generated £106 million of economic benefit for Northern Ireland.

Speaking during his visit to Royal Portrush, the Secretary of State said:

“There has been an incredible effort by the local community and various bodies to bring The Open back to Portrush in 2025, and I am confident that it will further consolidate Northern Ireland as a competitive golf tourism destination while boosting the economy.

“Royal Portrush is an iconic venue that attracts local players and golf’s elite, and events like the Open put a global spotlight on Northern Ireland.

“With exciting events such as The Open, the future is bright for Northern Ireland tourism.”

General Manager of Royal Portrush John Lawler also shared his excitement for the 2025 Open Championship:

“We are proud to host the Open Championship again in 2025. The Open is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and to see it return to Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush so soon, is a recognition of the wonderful work done by all involved in 2019.

“The event provided a festival atmosphere in 2019 and drew spectators from golfing and non-golfing backgrounds.

“We are excited that the eyes of the world will once again be on Royal Portrush, the Causeway Coast & Glens Area and Northern Ireland and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers back to challenge themselves on the Dunluce Course.”

The latest figures also show the surging popularity of golf within Northern Ireland. In 2022, there were 762,575 bookings made by visitors at the 75 golf clubs in Northern Ireland. This is compared to 587,199 bookings made in 2019 – a 30% increase.

August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : MINUSMA’s withdrawal takes place amid a deteriorating context of terrorist violence and human rights violations – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2023.

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

Thank you, President. I thank SRSG Wane for his briefing and I pay tribute to the courage of all UN personnel in Mali, who continue to face constant threats. I also thank Ms Abouya for sharing her valuable perspective with us today.

The complexity of MINUSMA’s withdrawal is unprecedented and takes place amid a deteriorating context of terrorist violence and human rights violations and abuses, including an upward trend in conflict-related sexual violence.

The Council mandated MINUSMA to conduct a safe and orderly withdrawal, with the objective of completing this process by 31 December 2023. We continue to believe that the Council should stand ready to revise this timetable if needed. A rushed withdrawal that imperils the 2015 Algiers Agreement and puts peacekeepers’ lives at risk will have security implications for the whole region. The recent ceasefire violations in Ber demonstrate the pressing need for meaningful, structured dialogue between all parties to the Peace Agreement prior to the handover of MINUSMA sites, in particular in Kidal region.

President, the UN continues to have a formal and critical role in supporting the Peace Agreement in Mali. We welcome the Secretary-General’s transition plan, which is an important step to help guide efforts to preserve the legacy of the mission and its achievements over the last decade.

We call on the UN to redouble its efforts to support meaningful consultations and mediation between all parties to the Peace Agreement, and we urge all parties to engage in dialogue in good faith. To deliver the UN’s ongoing role in support of the peace process, the UK supports the continued presence of a UN entity dedicated to supporting an inclusive peace process in Mali.

President, we strongly urge the Transitional Authorities to engage with the UN’s proposals for ongoing support, for the benefit of the Malian people. The UN should accelerate consultations with Mali on a detailed strategy for the future of UN support to the Peace Agreement and other key tasks, including delivering on the political transition and the protection and the promotion of human rights.

Finally, as we’ve said before in this Council, the Russian mercenary group Wagner is directly linked to human rights atrocities in Mali, including the systematic use of conflict-related sexual violence. As illustrated by recent events in Russia, they are part of the problem, not the solution in Mali and beyond.

August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Women’s sport to be boosted by new investment scheme [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 28 August 2023.

Women’s sport investment is set to be boosted by a new scheme launched by the Department for Business and Trade, the Women’s Sport Investment Accelerator.

In association with Deloitte’s Sports Business Group and supported by the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, the new initiative will run for a year starting from autumn 2023.

It will bring UK-based women’s sports rightsholders – leagues, teams, competitions and events – who are seeking investment together with industry experts and sports investors.

The new programme will provide a series of sessions offering market insights, connections and networking events alongside comprehensive mentoring for rightsholders who are looking for investment.

Elite women’s sport competitions such as the FA Women’s Super League and Netball Super League are among those which could benefit.

Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said:

We want to make the UK the world’s top destination for women’s sport investment, and with this new scheme we can build on the Lionesses’ fantastic World Cup run to help attract investment in women’s sports’ next success stories.

This is an open goal for women’s sports leagues, teams and competitions looking for backing and will give rightsholders the tools they need to secure investment and drive growth.

The application process is open to rightsholders of any UK-based women’s sports leagues, teams, competitions or events aiming to attract investment and boost their growth.

It is also being made available at no cost to taxpayers, with all speakers and mentors providing their time and expertise on a pro bono basis and the scheme being delivered through DBT’s partnership with Deloitte, who are providing event space and facilitating several of the scheme sessions.

Investment in women’s sport is growing rapidly and the popularity of the Lionesses’ run to the final of the Women’s Football World Cup demonstrated the scale of the opportunity available, in an industry expected to be worth over £1 billion a year by 2030.

Lisa O’Keefe, Secretary General for the IWG on Women and Sport, said:

The Women’s Sport Investment Accelerator is a fantastic initiative for the UK and one which the IWG is very pleased to support.

This year has been exciting for women’s sport around the globe, and we’ve seen some superb performances on the field of play and fanbase growth off it. The standard has risen, and the increased long-term investment has undoubtedly played a part in this.

The Accelerator pilot programme will help women’s sports teams and leagues capitalise on this opportunity and help push forward women’s sport.

August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Millions awarded to youth services for summer holiday activities [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 28 August 2023.

More than 400 youth services across England have been awarded a portion of the Million Hours Fund to help tackle antisocial behaviour and improve access to opportunities such as cooking lessons, day trips and sporting activities during the summer holidays.
- Over £3.7 million from the Million Hours Fund has been allocated to over 400 youth services across the country
- From Stockport to Scarborough, funding is giving young people more opportunities to access sporting activities, arts projects and skills development over the summer holidays
- Funding demonstrates progress on the Prime Minister’s Anti Social Behaviour Action Plan to build stronger communities and prevent young offending
Over £3.7 million has been distributed by the Government and National Lottery Community Fund over the past few weeks to support young people in antisocial behaviour hotspots and areas of high need as the school gates closed for the summer.

The funding has meant that 427 youth services have been able to stay open for additional hours, and has delivered on the Culture Secretary’s commitment to give young people “someone to talk to, something to do and somewhere to go” outside of school.

Support this summer is delivering on the Prime Minister’s Anti Social Behaviour Action Plan, launched earlier in the year, to help put young people on the right track and become active members of their community.

From AutismAble CIC in South Tyneside, which has received £10,000 to put on activities aimed at encouraging positive choices, to Central Swindon North Parish Council, which is using £6,500 to deliver sport, dance and forestry sessions, funding is bolstering a young person’s life chances across the country.

The investment has also funded youth workers’ support for young people in the areas they already spend time in, such as parks and leisure facilities, with youth workers targeting those at risk of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

Every young person should have access to fun, positive activities, role models they can learn from and opportunities to develop vital life skills.

This funding has allowed over 400 youth centres across the country to provide increased access to sports, arts and skills opportunities. It is helping make sure young people have someone to talk to, something to do and somewhere to go throughout the summer holidays.

The Million Hours Fund is having a significant and wide-ranging impact. It provides activities and opportunities to young people to learn new skills including DJ and music workshops, sport, trips away from home and peer mentoring projects.

In Didcot South, the Didcot TRAIN Youth Project is using funding of over £6,600 to run a six week summer sports programme for 11 to 18-year-olds, consisting of gym and sports sessions. The activities aim to reduce the chances of young people becoming involved in antisocial behaviour and substance abuse during the summer holidays, with the most vulnerable targeted in particular.

In Liverpool, a grant of over £8,400 is allowing Kirkdale Boxing Club to deliver multiple activity sessions including fitness training and food education to vulnerable young people. The project aims to encourage those taking part to build friendships and develop skills, helping reduce the potential for vandalism and violence within the local area.

ST4ND Youth and Community Organisation in Stockport is using its funding of nearly £10,000 to provide 20 detached youth engagement sessions with young people aged 11-25, targeting young people in the spaces they already spend time in. Sessions include activities such as football and pool, and will give young people access to a hot meal.

Phil Chamberlain, England Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:

The Million Hours Fund was set up to provide much needed additional youth services and activities, and it’s fantastic to see the positive impact this funding is already having on the lives of young people in England.

Improving the lives of children and young people is a key strategic area for us, and we’d like to thank National Lottery players for helping to make this possible.

Alex McSweeny, Youth Work Delivery Manager at Didcot TRAIN, said:

Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund and DCMS, this funding has allowed us to support vulnerable 11-18-year-olds in the Didcot South area through a programme of weekly sports sessions. Many of our participants have low self-esteem and low aspirations, and our activities help young people to realise their potential and engage in positive activities throughout the school summer holidays.

The Million Hours Fund, announced in March as part of the Prime Minister’s Anti Social Behaviour Action Plan, will support an additional one million hours of positive activities from youth services. The main portion of the fund worth up to £19 million will open for applications in the coming weeks.

This funding comes alongside the Government’s National Youth Guarantee, which will ensure every young person aged between 11 and 18 in England has access to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home, and volunteering opportunities by 2025.

Backed by an investment of more than £500 million, this includes the Youth Investment Fund, which will see young people benefit from the building and renovation of up to 300 youth centres in areas where need is high and existing youth provision is low over the next two years. More than £160 million has already been allocated since 2021, with construction or refurbishments underway.

Additional quotes

Nadine Travers, Co-Founder and Strategic Lead at ST4ND, said:

Thanks to this funding we’ve been able to provide a team of youth workers over the summer holidays to reach some of the most marginalised young people in Stockport. Most of our participants are missing from school or are at risk of entering the youth justice system, and this funding has helped to reduce safeguarding risks and improve future educational prospects.

Paul Davis, Chairperson at Kirkdale Boxing Club, said:

With this Million Hours funding, we have managed to make a compelling difference to our community in such a short space of time. Our young users have diversionary activities to empower them to make sustainable positive life choices. We at Kirkdale Boxing Club are sincerely grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and DCMS.
August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, makes trade push on first visit to Karachi [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 August 2023.

Newly appointed British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, will visit Karachi ahead of the expected arrival of the Royal Navy’s HMS Lancaster.

During her visit, she will be meeting with business, political and community leaders, with a focus on boosting UK-Pakistan trade links. Bilateral trade is currently worth over £4 billion, nearly doubling in 3 years.

The British High Commissioner will also visit HMS Lancaster, which is in Karachi on a routine bilateral Royal Navy-Pakistan Navy training exercise. These exercises are part of a range of ‘Defence Diplomacy’ activities, part of the UK’s commitment to maintaining its well-established defence relationship with Pakistan.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

Karachi is one of the best places in Pakistan to discuss business, the country’s beating heart and home to some of the country’s most pioneering industries. I am looking forward to hearing from UK and Pakistani businesses on how we can support each other’s ambitious trade goals.

In a demonstration of the breadth of the UK-Pakistan relationship, I am also looking forward to welcoming HMS Lancaster for a bilateral exercise.

Earlier this year, Pakistan welcomed the British Army’s Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE, to strengthen senior relationships. Every year British Army Officers attend Quetta Staff College, whilst Pakistani Officers attend the UK’s military academies to improve mutual understanding.

Notes to editors
- HMS Lancaster is in Karachi for Ex WHITESTAR, a routine bilateral Royal Navy-Pakistan Navy exercise involving HMS Lancaster, PNS Taimur and PNS Yarmook.
  This is the fourth iteration of the exercise, an important calendar event in maintaining our well-established defence relationship.
- HMS Lancaster’s visit comes one year on from Pakistan’s floods. The UK’s Ministry of Defence was at the forefront of responding to last year’s floods, airlifting in eight boats and ten portable generators at the request of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff to support the relief effort.
August 29, 2023