UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: 2023

  • PRESS RELEASE : Exports Minister fuels energy exports in trade mission to Chile [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Exports Minister fuels energy exports in trade mission to Chile [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2023.

    British Exports Minister, Lord Offord, is leading renewable energy companies to meet Chilean government and business officials.

    British Exports Minister Lord Offord has landed in Santiago, Chile today, where he is leading a trade mission of British hydrogen and renewable energy companies to match them with business opportunities in the country.

    The businesses will be introduced to key Chilean developers and prospective customers at a showcase event hosted in Santiago. The Minister will also be meeting with Chilean developers to better understand their needs and promote how British companies can meet these.

    Lord Offord will meet with Chilean Minister for Energy Diego Pardow, and Minister for Economy Nicolás Grau, to discuss how Chile and the UK can work together to boost trade and support the transition to renewable energy sources.

    Minister for Exports Malcolm Offord said:

    With Chile’s ambition to boost its renewable energy infrastructure, and the UK’s expertise and capabilities in this field, there is a clear opportunity for both our countries to benefit and prosper.

    Chile is one of our most important trading partners in Latin America and with our upcoming accession to CPTPP I want to see trade between us boosted even further.

    The trade agreement with Chile was particularly important to the UK, being the first one signed in 2019. With the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) of which Chile is a member, this trading relationship will continue to grow with businesses in both countries being able to choose the most beneficial agreement to trade under.

    Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Chile in the last year grew by over 13%, reaching £1.9bn. The UK government aims to continue to grow this trading partnership, particularly by supporting Chile to harness its potential in renewables, including low carbon hydrogen, with the world leading expertise from UK companies.

    CPTPP will cut tariffs for goods exporters and provide new opportunities and improved access for services industries, enhancing the bilateral relationship in key sectors such as energy and infrastructure services.

    Chile is a key player in the global race to decarbonise, holding huge reserves of copper and lithium, as well as leading the region in renewable energy development. That’s why so many UK companies are eager to do business in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

    Patricio Maguire, Director of Turner and Townsend Chile said:

    Chile and UK share a long history of cooperation. Green hydrogen and carbon capture industries are another examples of new areas of integration. While Chile has a vast stock of clean energy resources and a mature industrial environment, UK is a leading actor in the decarbonisation industry and, in particular, offers top notch technologies in electrolysis for H2 production.

    As the local branch of a global UK-based consultancy firm, we, at Turner & Townsend are proud to be part of the energy transition industry and look forward to continue to provide our expertise and global footprint at the service of their actors.

    Tom Wills, Development Director at Voar Energy said:

    We are delighted to be participating in this UK trade mission at such an important moment in Chile’s energy transition.

    Chile is set to be a world leader in green hydrogen and at Voar we’re keen to develop relationships with others active in that area, with a particular focus on Power-to-X projects in remote locations and green bunkering / fuel systems for ships.

    Agustin Lopez Munell, CEO of Desitec who are moving their HQ from Argentina to the UK said:

    We are honoured to join the Renewable Energy Trade Mission to Chile. This mission perfectly aligns with our goals to expand our innovative sensor technology into new markets as we transition our headquarters from Argentina to UK, specifically London or Edinburgh. Our goal is to continue educating ourselves about hydrogen and to seek partners with whom we can collaborate on our developments.

    Notes to editors

    The full list of companies joining the trade mission and the regions they are based in are:

    • Turner & Townsend – Yorkshire and Humber
    • 17 Energy – London
    • Carbon Trust – London
    • Desitec – moving their HQ from Argentina to London
    • Hive Energy – South East
    • ITM Power – Yorkshire and Humber
    • UKSOL – South East
    • Wood – South East
    • Voar Energy – Scotland
    • JCB – West Midlands
    • Ricardo – South East
  • PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of illegal wildlife products seized by Border Force [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of illegal wildlife products seized by Border Force [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 12 December 2023.

    Thousands of products containing endangered plant and animal species have been seized by Border Force as part of an intensive international operation to target the criminal networks behind wildlife crime.

    During October – as part of the month long Operation Thunder – Border Force officers made 145 seizures containing thousands of wildlife products which are banned by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES).

    Seizures included clothes and accessories made from snakeskin and turtle shell, ivory products, as well as consumer health products containing cactus and orchid, crocodile blood and caviar.

    The team also found 53 live birds across three different seizures. Border Force look to rehome any live animals found where possible.

    Minister for Legal Migration and Delivery Tom Pursglove MP said:

    The illegal wildlife trade is driven by criminal gangs and threatens species with extinction, fuels corruption, and deprives the world’s poorest communities of sustainable livelihoods.

    Border Force plays a leading global role in eradicating this damaging illegal trade and our recent successes under Operation Thunder are proof of this.

    Dr Mark Jones, Head of Policy for Born Free, said:

    Wildlife trafficking is serious, organised, transnational, and increasing. It is also closely tied to other forms of serious crime, such as corruption, fraud and money laundering. All too often, criminal gangs view wildlife trafficking as a low-risk high-return activity.

    The work of Border Force in interrupting the trafficking of wildlife products across the UK’s borders is critical to the UK’s efforts to tackle this scourge.

    With so much of the world’s wildlife in crisis, it’s vital that our enforcement agencies are properly resourced to enable this essential and highly specialised work to continue.

    Wildlife crime is estimated to be worth up to £17 billion globally per year, and is the fourth largest international crime according to Interpol, behind only arms, drugs and human trafficking.

    Operation Thunder is a global effort to target the illegal wildlife trade and is co-led by Interpol and the World Customs Organisation. This year saw over 133 countries participating alongside the UK, the highest global participation since the campaign launched in 2017.

    Internationally, there were 2,114 seizures and some 500 arrests. Among the seizures were more than 300kg of ivory, thousands of turtle eggs, 30 tonnes of plants, dozens of big cat body parts and rhino horns, as well as primates, birds and marine species.

    The UK is a global leader in supporting efforts to halt the decline in nature, protect wildlife and restore the natural world. Government work will help to deliver on the ambitious new global deal for nature agreed at the UN Nature Summit COP15 in December 2023, which will protect 30% of our land and ocean by 2030.

    Through the government’s Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, we have committed over £51 million to 157 projects to directly combat the illegal wildlife trade.

    Operation Thunder 2023 ran from 2 to 27 October, leading to the seizures in the UK of:

    • 53 live CITES listed birds
    • 5.5kgs of ivory
    • 434 live plants
    • over 1,000 health supplements containing illegal plant and animal products
    • 1 ceremonial headdress made with big cat fur
    • vulture and falcon eggs and a lesser flamingo feather bracelet
    • 5 seizures of  controlled wood products
    • 26 reptile skin products including crocodile and python

    Non-CITES UK seizures included:

    • 285kgs of cannabis from Thailand
    • 329,000 cigarettes
    • 197kgs of tobacco
    • 102kgs of prohibited products of animal origin

    Border Force is responsible for frontline detection and seizure of items covered by the CITES convention, which tackles the illegal trade in endangered animals and plants. The Heathrow-based Border Force CITES team are specialist officers who are recognised as world leaders in their field.

    Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling and trafficking of any kind can report it online at gov.uk: Report smuggling – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

  • PRESS RELEASE : The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals has an important role in delivering justice – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals has an important role in delivering justice – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2023.

    Statement by UK Legal Adviser Chanaka Wickremasinghe at the UN Security Council meeting on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

    Thank you Mr President.

    I’d like to start by thanking President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for their briefings today and for the latest Report of the Mechanism.

    I’d also like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the Ambassador of Gabon and his team for their leadership of the Council’s informal working group on tribunals.

    Mr President, today I want to make three points.

    First, the Mechanism’s work has continued effectively and efficiently over the past six months. Most recently, this has included the confirmation of the death of the fugitive, Mr. Aloys Ndimbati. We commend the Office of the Prosecutor for its work and echo the report’s call for continued cooperation between all states to secure the arrests of the remaining two Rwandan fugitives as soon as possible.

    My second point is that the Mechanism’s work remains critical. In the Western Balkans, we’ve seen heightened ethno-national tensions, and concerning use of hate speech by some political figures. Such language entrenches division and holds back countries from providing safe, inclusive, and prosperous environments for their citizens.

    The Court has played an essential role in delivering justice for all, which has in turn, has promoted peace and reconciliation. We therefore welcome progress in the mechanism’s discussions with the government of Croatia on the establishment in Zagreb of an information center on the ICTY. Such centers can promote knowledge and understanding of history which is important in challenging the denial of atrocity crimes.

    Further, the mechanism’s ongoing work with the government of Rwanda remains essential as Rwanda looks to commemorate 30 years since the genocide against the Tutsi in April next year. Given the Mechanism’s critical role, the UK is proud to demonstrate its support through enforcing sentences and in doing so it takes seriously its duty of care to detainees under the supervision of the Mechanism.

    My third point is there remain several abstanding issues which impact the Mechanism’s ability to deliver its mandate and which must be addressed. In particular, we are disappointed by reports of some states blocking cooperation in the Western Balkans. We call on Serbia to fulfill its obligation to arrest and transfer Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta to the Mechanism following years of requests.

    The UK is also concerned by the situation of the Rwandan individuals relocated to Niger who have been rendered stateless since 2022 and remain under house arrest. We would welcome further updates on efforts to find a durable solution regarding these individuals.

    Mr President, to conclude, the Mechanism has much important and sensitive work to do, ensuring sentences are properly enforced, its legacy is preserved, and national prosecutions are supported. We see that the Mechanism is well placed to deliver on these ongoing functions, and that it is taking seriously the need to do so in a streamlined way. We look forward to reviewing the Mechanism’s mandate over the coming months.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Independent review provides recommendations for the management of protected sites on Dartmoor [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Independent review provides recommendations for the management of protected sites on Dartmoor [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 December 2023.

    An independent review on the management of protected sites on Dartmoor has been published today

    An independent review has today (12 December) published its recommendations on how protected sites on Dartmoor can be managed in a way that delivers on legally binding environmental targets whilst supporting food production, public access and cultural and natural heritage.

    The review was commissioned by Defra earlier this year in response to stakeholder concerns over proposed changes to winter grazing on Dartmoor. It was chaired by David Fursdon and provides an independent perspective on the management of the moor. Its recommendations follow more than 150 written submissions and over 200 conversations across three and a half months with commoners and organisations including Dartmoor National Park Authority and Natural England.

    The review makes a series of recommendations for the Government, Natural England, Dartmoor National Park Authority and commoners on subjects such as vision and governance, operations, communication, agri-environment agreements, and grazing and vegetations management. The Government is expected to respond in full in the coming months.

    Key recommendations include:

    • The creation of an independently chaired Dartmoor Land-Use Management Group to help deliver a land use framework and plan for Dartmoor, improve SSSI conditions, and identify areas for data collection that will feed into the development of protected site management strategies.
    • Actions to support vegetation management including conservation grazing by cattle and ponies and controlled burning, alongside exploring the management of sheep over winter months to protect vulnerable heather and dwarf shrubs.
    • An overarching agri-environment scheme, or a small number of closely integrated and coordinated schemes, that are based on the proposed plan for Dartmoor and support the vision for Landscape Recovery.
    • Improved transparency of protected site monitoring and management of these sites in line with proposals in Defra’s Nature Recovery Green Paper.
    • Increasing Natural England staffing resource and the creation of partnerships to help rebuild trust and confidence on Dartmoor.

    Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

    Dartmoor cannot either stand still or retreat into its past, so it is vital that all parties take heed of the review’s recommendations so we can effectively support food production, public access and heritage on the moor whilst delivering much-needed improvements for nature.

    I would like to thank David Fursdon and the panel for their work on this important review.

    David Fursdon, Chair of the Review, said:

    This is a time for those involved with Dartmoor to come together in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss to protect and enhance nature on the Moor. Commoners have a vital role to play in delivering the management and grazing that contributes to this, as do those working to re-wet the degraded peatland.

    We are concerned that the processes around monitoring and evaluation of protected sites are too opaque for all of those who are involved in ensuring their success. We have proposed a series of changes to ways of working for the commoners, Natural England, the RPA and others, including taking decisions with a much greater clarity and transparency based on evidence and collaborative working.

    Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England said:

    I welcome this important report and would like to thank David Fursdon, panel members and all who submitted views for their hard work. We will now work with our colleagues in Defra and the RPA, and our partners on Dartmoor, to consider the recommendations and implement the final decisions in due course.

    We especially look forward to measures that will bring all partners around the table to find collective solutions. This will help us meet our legally binding environmental targets while properly rewarding commoners for conservation grazing, supporting nature-friendly and profitable farm businesses across Dartmoor.

    The review also reiterates the need for careful management of a fresh round of Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) extension negotiations, given one-year extensions will in some cases expire in the first few months of 2024.

    The Farming Minister is writing to HLS Agreement Holders on Dartmoor to advise them they will be contacted ahead of the expiry of their agreements.

    Further information

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sovereign Base Areas Specialised Committee meeting [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sovereign Base Areas Specialised Committee meeting [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2023.

    The fifth meeting of the Specialised Committee, co-chaired by the European Commission and the UK government, discussed issues relating to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.

    Joint statement by UK government and European Commission:

    The fifth meeting of the Specialised Committee on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus was held on 12 December 2023, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

    The Committee was established by the Withdrawal Agreement to facilitate the implementation and application of the Protocol.

    The EU and the UK reviewed the operational phase of the implementation of the Protocol since its last meeting in July 2022.

    Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the smooth implementation of the Protocol and confirmed the need to finalise technical discussions with the objective of reaching a common understanding on the correct implementation of the Protocol in the area of fisheries (Article 6 of the Protocol) and taxation (Article 3 of the Protocol).

    The co-chairs confirmed that the technical discussions should include legal experts from both sides and be completed promptly.  The Specialised Committee will revert to this issue immediately afterwards.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of a new Lord Justice of Appeal [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of a new Lord Justice of Appeal [December 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 December 2023.

    His Majesty The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of Mr Justice Fraser as a Lord Justice of Appeal.

    This appointment is in line with Mr Justice Fraser’s appointment as Chairman of the Law Commission, which will take effect from1 December 2023.

    The appointment of Lord and Lady Justices of the Court of Appeal are made by His Majesty The King on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor following the recommendation of an independent selection panel.

    Biography

    Mr Justice Fraser: was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) in 1989 and took Silk in 2009. In 2002 he was appointed as a Recorder and as a High Court Judge in 2015, assigned to the King’s Bench Division.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The British High Commission donates ambulances to the Ghana Armed Forces [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The British High Commission donates ambulances to the Ghana Armed Forces [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2023.

    The British High Commission, Accra has presented 8 ambulances to the Ghana Armed Forces to improve medical outreach in the Northern border regions.

    The official handover ceremony which took place on Friday, 12 December at the Burma Camp in Accra is a testament of the strong security and defence ties that the UK and Ghana share.

    The event brought together:

    • the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Rt. Hon. James Heappey
    • the Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama from the Ghana Armed Forces
    • British High Commissioner, H.E. Harriet Thompson
    • representatives from the UK government
    • representatives from the Ghana Armed Forces

    Together, they demonstrated a collaborative effort to bolster peace and security in the Northern regions.

    Ghana, like her neighbours, appreciates the importance of civilian cooperation in the Northern regions as the Armed Forces work alongside non-governmental organisations in the fight to prevent and limit violent extremist organisations. The ambulances provided are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to aid the Ghana Armed Forces in their medical outreaches in the 5 Northern regions, as part of the UK-Ghana Civilian Military Cooperation Programme.

    Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Rt. Hon. James Heappey said:

    Ghana is a key partner for the UK. We work together to tackle shared challenges from violent extremism in the Sahel to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and this donation underscores the strong partnership between the UK and Ghana.

    We are proud to contribute to Ghana Armed Force’s capacity to protect and serve its civilians in the 5 Northern regions to counter violent extremism, and we will continue to foster long-lasting partnerships through our annual security dialogue.

    The ambulances will be distributed in the Wa, Bolgatanga, Sandema Mechanical Brigade Headquarters and the Armoured Regimental Headquarters in Damango respectively.

    The UK continues to work closely with the Ghana Armed Forces to support Ghana’s leadership position in the sub-region and to strengthen the capability of Ghanaian security services to take the lead in responding to instability in the region, particularly those related to that of violent extremists emanating from the Sahel.

    Further information

    About The Rt. Hon. James Heappey

    The Rt. Hon James Heappey is the UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces. Prior to his appointment, he previously served as the Minister for Defence Procurement and a former Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.

    About the UK-Ghana Security Dialogue

    The UK-Ghana Security Dialogue is one of the many platforms which exhibits the UK and Ghana’s longstanding relationship, particularly in defence and security. The relationship is underpinned by shared principles of democratic governance and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law as well as mutual concerns about regional instability and a desire to support regional and international peace and security.

    The governments of both countries affirm their commitment to the partnership in the face of complex and evolving regional and global threats including terrorism, conflict, human trafficking, serious and organised crimes, drug trafficking, cyber-crime and piracy, and recognising the prominent role Ghana plays in countering these threats.

    Through these annual dialogues, the UK and Ghana agree to enhance strong existing cooperation in the following areas:

    • defence cooperation and maritime security
    • serious and organised crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and border security
    • countering terrorism and violent extremism

    They also seek to promote:

    • civil-military cooperation
    • human security led approaches to mitigating risks of instability
    • combatting mis- and disinformation
    • effective use of intelligence
    • regional cooperation to address transnational security threats

    About the Civilian Military Cooperation Programme (CIMIC)

    The system of interaction involving exchange on information, negotiation, de-confliction, mutual support and planning at all levels between military elements and humanitarian organisations, development organisations or the local civilian population to achieve respective objectives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Algiers Agreement Anniversary: UK statement [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Algiers Agreement Anniversary: UK statement [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 December 2023.

    On the 23-year anniversary of the Algiers Agreement, the FCDO gave a statement to reiterate its support.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said:

    Twenty-three years ago today, Ethiopia and Eritrea, with the support of the international community, concluded the Algiers Agreement to establish peace and demarcate a common border. In 2018, in a historic peace agreement, both countries recommitted to respect the border as established by the Algiers Agreement and its subsequent Boundary Commission.

    On this anniversary it is more important than ever that the sovereignty and territorial integrity as defined by these agreements is respected. The UK reiterates our full support for the Algiers Agreement and the border as established by its subsequent Boundary Commission, and remains committed to working with all Horn of Africa countries toward the shared goal of a peaceful and prosperous region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Works to start on major £1 billion transformation of Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet route [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Works to start on major £1 billion transformation of Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet route [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 12 December 2023.

    New dual carriageway to reduce congestion and improve journey times between Milton Keynes and Cambridge.

    • new 10-mile dual carriageway will transform journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge
    • £1 billion government investment to help grow the economy across the region
    • funding will back drivers by reducing congestion by up to an hour and a half every week

    Upgrades to the iconic Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet route on the A428 started today (12 December 2023) following £1 billion of government investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times, boosting economic growth across the region.

    The £1 billion transformation will create a new 10-mile dual carriageway and numerous junction improvements, transforming journeys between the A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire and A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders will also enjoy better footpaths and safer crossing points.

    The scheme will help grow the economy across the region and ensure that jobs in Milton Keynes, Cambridge and everywhere in between are far more accessible.

    Once complete, journeys at peak times are expected to be cut by a third, saving businesses and road users an average of an hour and a half over a working week.

    In a significant milestone for the project, Transport Minister, Anthony Browne, broke ground on the project today to mark the main start of construction.

    Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

    I’m delighted we have marked the start of works on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet project, a huge investment by the government to grow the economy in the region and reduce congestion for drivers.

    This government is backing drivers by investing in much-needed road projects like this, using savings from HS2 to resurface roads across the country, and introducing a long-term Plan for Drivers to slam the brakes on anti-car measures.

    Nicola Bell, National Highways Executive Director for Major Projects, said:

    It’s a pleasure to welcome Minister Browne to the site this afternoon for what is a momentous occasion. As we break ground today, we embark on a journey that will transform transport in this region, easing congestion, improving connectivity and fostering economic growth.

    This project highlights National Highways’ commitment to delivering major projects that make lasting impacts for people, communities and businesses. The start of construction represents a culmination of meticulous planning, collaborative efforts and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the nation’s infrastructure.

    We are proud to be part of a project that will lay the foundations for a more resilient and connected future.

    Plans from National Highways will see the creation of a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 and A421 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. Both existing roundabouts will be upgraded into modern, free-flowing junctions with a new junction added at Cambridge Road, improving access to St Neots and its train station.

    The new dual carriageway will also remove the temptation for drivers to use local roads to avoid delays, removing up to 4,000 vehicles from these routes. The scheme is expected to open to traffic in spring 2027.

    Lee Galloway, A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Project Director, said:

    Today marks a pivotal milestone for everyone connected with this much-needed and wanted scheme. To get to this point would not have been possible without the dedication of our team, the support of our partners and stakeholders and the invaluable input from local communities.

    This project is about connecting communities and leaving a positive legacy in the region. Throughout construction, we are committed to bringing the community on the journey with us, minimising disruption and ensuring that local people and businesses remain an integral part of the process.

    Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive Officer, Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

    Fostering the A428 development marks a pivotal stride towards unlocking further economic growth in our community. By enhancing connectivity, we unlock opportunities for local businesses, driving productivity, innovation and prosperity across Cambridgeshire.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK commits to enhanced training offer for UN peacekeepers [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK commits to enhanced training offer for UN peacekeepers [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 December 2023.

    Support for UN peacekeeping efforts pledged by Minister for the Armed Forces at United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Ghana.

    • Support for UN peacekeeping efforts pledged by Minister for the Armed Forces at United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Ghana.
    • Also holds bilateral security talks with government of Ghana.
    • Signs Defence Cooperation Treaty with Senegal.

    The UK will commit to an enhanced training offer for UN peacekeepers, the Minister for the Armed Forces announced last week at the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Accra, Ghana.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Rt Hon James Heappey MP, said:

    From violent extremism in the Sahel, to political instability in a number of African states, the importance of working with our regional partners and the UN has rarely been clearer.

    It’s not enough for us to train peacekeepers and then let them put themselves in harm’s way with no support. Our new Enhanced Training Model will see our personnel accompany the UN’s peacekeepers on their missions, standing shoulder to shoulder with them on the ground as they work tirelessly to prevent conflict.

    Representing the UK at the conference, the minister outlined the UK’s new and continuing commitments to UN peacekeeping missions, including:

    • A new Enhanced Training Model (ETM) for UN peacekeepers, which will see UK personnel assisting UN peacekeeping troops before and during missions, based on their requirements.
    • Building on the £1m of funding announced earlier this year, a continued commitment for the Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations, which supports the participation of women in United Nations peace operations.
    • Support for the UN’s counter misinformation and disinformation training efforts.
    • A commitment to new training initiatives to build the counter-IED capability of others.

    During his visit to Ghana, the minister also held a bilateral security dialogue with the Minister for National Security Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of Defence Dominic Nitiwul and Minister for Interior Ambrose Dery. They discussed how to deepen our bilateral defence relationship, building on the deployment of HMS Trent to the Gulf of Guinea and work to counter the threat of violent extremist activity emanating from the Sahel.

    He also met the Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumi and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Botchwey.

    Visiting Burma Camp, the headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces, the minister also oversaw the delivery of eight ambulances to Ghana. These ambulances, gifted by the UK, will allow Ghana to improve its medical outreach in the northern border regions.

    Earlier in the week, he visited Senegal for bilateral talks with the Minister for Armed Forces Oumar Youm and President Macky Sall, where he signed a new Defence Cooperation Treaty.  The agreement is the first between the UK and Senegal and marks a significant step forward in our defence and security partnership. The UK and Senegal will work together to deepen our relationship, to tackle organised crime and drugs trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea, and to counter regional instability and terrorism in the Sahel.