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Tag: 2023

  • PRESS RELEASE : Predictable aid access is essential to ensure the Syrian people have their basic needs met – UK statement at the Security Council [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Predictable aid access is essential to ensure the Syrian people have their basic needs met – UK statement at the Security Council [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    Thank you to Special Envoy Pedersen, Ms Mudawi and to Ms Aveline for your informative briefings.

    It is clear from the Special Envoy’s remarks, the last month has seen significant developments in Syria. So, now is the time to redouble our efforts for an inclusive and accountable end to the conflict so that Syrians enjoy peace, so Syria no longer exports instability to the region and refugees can return in safety and with dignity. Security Council resolution 2254 provides the framework to deliver sustainable and lasting peace for the people of Syria.

    Last week, the UN and international community came together to focus on the protection of civilians. This includes 15.1 million people in need because of the impact of 12 years of war, including 4.1 million people in North West Syria who faced a crisis on top of a crisis when the devastating earthquake hit in February.

    We welcome the extension of access to Bab Al Salam and Al Rai earlier this month, and we applaud the UN’s efforts there. But last minute agreements for short-term periods are not workable. As the Secretary-General has said, and the Special Envoy reminded us today, humanitarians need to plan effectively, with predictable access, in order to deliver the indispensable, as Ms Mudawi said, “the indispensable humanitarian” [assistance] to people who are, as she said, “in life and death need.”

    So, the extension of the Council’s mandate for Bab Al Hawa for at least 12 months, as all three of our briefers have said today, is critical. But the people of Syria deserve more than that. They deserve answers on the whereabouts of their loved ones who have been detained and or are missing. As the Special Envoy said, this is a core issue that affects all Syrians, on all sides of the conflict. Progress on this issue is essential for rebuilding trust with the Syrian people, and putting in place the conditions needed for refugees to choose to go home.

    We also need effective action to stem the illegal captagon trade, to demonstrate that regional stability comes above the billion-dollar income the regime currently derives from it.

    Colleagues, for a stable region, we need a sustainable end to this conflict. Security Council resolution 2254 is the framework to deliver that lasting peace for the people of Syria.

    We call on the Syrian regime to meaningfully engage in this process.

    Thank you.

  • Chloe Smith – 2023 Speech at the Robotics and Automation Conference

    Chloe Smith – 2023 Speech at the Robotics and Automation Conference

    The speech made by Chloe Smith, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on 30 May 2023.

    Good afternoon.

    This time last year, the quiet backstreets of Oxford saw something the rest of Europe had never seen before; a fully autonomous vehicle on public roads – without a single person on board.

    This journey marked a milestone for Oxa, formerly Oxbotica, one of Britain’s most successful spinouts, in its mission to bring ‘universal autonomy’: the ability of any vehicle, of any size, in any place, to drive itself safely and sustainably.

    Meanwhile, in the skies above Oxford, we’re planning on building highways of a different kind.

    Project Skyway – with funding from our £125 million Future Flight Programme – intends to build the world’s longest and largest drone ‘superhighway,’ connecting the airspace above British towns and cities from Reading and Rugby to Coventry and Cambridge.

    Not that that’s the only thing happening up there in the air; British start-up, sees.ai, has just been granted permission to use its drones to inspect power lines beyond the visual line of sight.

    Uniquely capable of close inspection, sees.ai can cut the need for helicopters and planes, making a dangerous job safer, cheaper – and better.

    Each of these 3 stories show the extraordinary pace of the ‘robotics revolution’ since the millennium.

    And they show that Britain’s boldest entrepreneurs are right at the forefront.

    That’s just as well. Because we need innovation now more than ever.

    From the net zero transition to the impacts of an ageing society, today we find ourselves facing challenges new and old.

    For centuries, Britain has been defined by its ability to answer these kinds of big questions by rethinking, reimagining, and reinventing.

    And if we are to shape the world in the same in the century to come, then we must once more be bold enough to do things differently.

    Whether that means using robotics to help hard-working carers to make the lives of elderly people healthier and happier or applying automation to keep wind turbines turning far out at sea.

    The robots you will have seen just next door are already changing the way we interact with some of the most dangerous environments on Earth and beyond.

    From navigating nuclear decommissioning and exploring outer space, the £112 million we invested in the Robotics for a Safer World programme brought together our world-leading universities to create cutting-edge R+D in clusters across every corner of our country.

    And British companies are making a difference in other impactful ways, too.

    In Cambridge, CMR Surgical is using robotics to improve the safety, accuracy, and repeatability of keyhole surgery.

    And, having joined Britain’s ever-growing list of unicorns, its technology is already transforming care far beyond Cambridge.

    It’s reducing waiting lists and speeding up recoveries everywhere from Edinburgh to India, Bangor to Brazil.

    On every continent, then, British answers to those big questions are making our lives longer, healthier, and happier.

    And to the scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors coming up with their own answers beyond our shores, I can tell you with confidence that Britain is open for business.

    The opportunities here are extraordinary: our own statistics show that the productivity boost of robotics adoption in just 7 service sectors of our economy could be up to £150 billion in 2035 – that is just short of the current GVA of the entire UK financial services industry!

    But, of course, those opportunities come with risks.

    And, to tackle those risks, we’ve got to get the regulation right.

    So that, rather than ‘stealing’ our jobs, robots can do the dull, dirty, or dangerous work that people cannot or do not want to do and improve the quality, safety, and productivity of the work we can and want to do.

    Because my department’s mission doesn’t end with making Britain a ‘science and tech superpower’; we want to translate that superpower status into tangible benefits for the British people.

    That’s regulation is right at the heart of my agenda.

    Just last week, I met with the Prime Minister and CEOs from 3 of the world’s foremost AI businesses.

    Together, we discussed how we can capitalise on Britain’s unique position of influence and shared a commitment to deliver on the agile approach to AI governance that we set out in our recent White Paper.

    Because unlocking the potential robotics revolution requires public confidence that these technologies are being used in a safe and responsible way.

    And we are determined to work domestically and internationally, as well as with many of you, to put the necessary guardrails in place.

    Coming out of that meeting, I felt a renewed confidence.

    That a government unafraid to look to the world beyond Whitehall to work together with industry and academia can get it right not just on regulation, but on skills and investment, too.

    Whether you want to build self-driving cars, superhighways in the sky, or surgical robots in the operating room.

    Together, we can make Britain the best place in the world to start and scale a safe and successful robotics business.

    I wish you a safe and successful conference. Thank you very much for inviting me here to speak.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Americas Minister visits Midwest to promote UK-US trade ties [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Americas Minister visits Midwest to promote UK-US trade ties [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2023.

    UK Minister for the Americas David Rutley travels to the Midwest to promote UK-US trade ties that support millions of livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic.

    • UK Americas Minister travelling to Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky as part of policy to deepen trading ties with states across the US
    • with more than $1 trillion invested in each other’s economies, visit will build on US-UK trade relationships and help create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic
    • David Rutley to meet with key political and business leaders and will attend the 91st US Conference of Mayors in Columbus, Ohio

    The UK’s Americas Minister David Rutley is travelling to the heartland of the American Midwest from today (Tuesday, 30 May) to promote UK-US trade ties that support millions of livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic.

    In a visit to Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, David Rutley will champion the UK as a great investment and business partner for states across the US, building on the more than $1 trillion already invested in each other’s economies.

    The US is the largest destination for UK foreign direct investment, and the UK supports more jobs in America than any other country in the world, with more than 1.2 million people in America working for British businesses.

    Economic growth and the creation of better paid jobs is among the five priorities set out by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Minister Rutley will discuss with political and business leaders how the UK and US can boost cooperation in key sectors to make their economies more resilient, create jobs and protect livelihoods.

    Minister for the Americas and Caribbean David Rutley said:

    The US and the UK have more than $1 trillion already invested in each other’s economies and our relationship drives growth and supports millions of jobs.

    We’re working in partnership to take full advantage of the rich bounty of business opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

    The UK is strengthening trade ties with individual states across the US, in parallel to work with the federal government, and has already signed memoranda of understanding with Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Oklahoma.

    Active engagement with other states, including Texas, Utah and California, is ongoing to sign further arrangements which will make it easier and cheaper for US and UK companies to do business with each other.

    During his time in the Midwest, Minister Rutley will hold bilateral meetings with leading state-level political and business figures.

    In Ohio, Minister Rutley will also attend the 91st annual US Conference of Mayors in Columbus where he will meet with key political figures to showcase how the UK can work with cities across the country in building trading relationships that can help drive regional economic growth.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK donates equipment to the Lebanese Army [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK donates equipment to the Lebanese Army [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2023.

    The spare parts will improve the Land Border Regiments’ Land Rovers recce capability and support their mission to defend the security and stability of Lebanon.

    British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell announced the donation of additional Land Rover spares worth over £400K to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).  This is part of our continuing partnership with the LAF through the UK’s Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF).  The spare parts will improve the Land Border Regiments’ Land Rovers recce capability and support the LAF in its mission to defend the security and stability of Lebanon and on the borders.

    Ambassador Cowell gifted the Land Rover spare parts at a handover ceremony at the Lebanese Army Logistical base in Kfarshima on Tuesday 30 May. In attendance was Brigadier General Johnny Akl, Head of the Logistical Branch representing the Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun and senior Lebanese officers.

    After the ceremony, Ambassador Cowell said:

    I am proud to be able to gift spare Land Rover parts worth £400K to contribute to the Lebanese Armed Forces’ resilience and operational readiness on the frontlines amidst a dire economic crisis.

    Land Rover Defender vehicles form the backbone of the LAF’s mobility. Our UK teams with the Army’s leadership will continue to develop servicing, maintenance and equipment care procedures for the vehicles.

    The role of the LAF remains fundamental to safeguarding Lebanon and its people, particularly in these increasingly challenging times.’’

    Since 2010, the UK has committed over £98 million, through its Conflict, Stability and Security fund, allowing the LAF to optimise its capabilities, and develop and modernise to become a respected, professional armed forces able to defend Lebanon and provide security along its border with Syria.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New guide to boost understanding of video games [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New guide to boost understanding of video games [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 30 May 2023.

    New guide for academics and industry aims to boost understanding of video games to support UK’s world leading sector.

    • New framework for researchers will encourage more analysis on video games and related technology
    • Plans identify priority topics for research including the economic benefits of games, their role in education and potential impacts on player wellbeing
    • Publication fulfils government commitment to develop better evidence following call for evidence on loot boxes in video games

    A new guide to support research and build a better understanding of video games is published today.

    Video games are played by more than half of British adults and the sector is one of the UK’s fast-growing creative industries, contributing £2.8 billion to the economy and employing 27,000 people in 2019.

    To support the potential growth and development of the industry, further research is needed to fully understand players’ experiences, and the impacts of games on individuals, communities and the economy more widely.

    Last week at the Enders Conference, the Culture Secretary spoke about her desire to maximise potential within the creative industries – of which video games are a key part – with an ambition to grow the sector by an extra £50 billion by 2030; help create a million extra jobs in the sector by 2030; and deliver a Creative Careers Promise that builds a pipeline of talent into our creative industries.

    The Video Games Research Framework, developed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in collaboration with academia, research councils and the games industry, aims to support researchers to build a stronger evidence base for future policymaking.

    Minister for the Creative Industries, John Whittingdale, said:

    Video games are a booming industry – employing thousands of people and contributing billions to our economy, whilst bringing enjoyment to people in fun and challenging ways.

    Today’s plans will encourage more research and study in this area so we can better support the opportunities of this highly innovative sector while also protecting players.

    Professor Tom Rodden, DCMS’ Chief Scientific Advisor, said:

    DCMS supports some of the most exciting sectors in the UK and it is my priority to ensure that policymaking in the department is underpinned by the best possible science, research and evidence to drive growth and enrich lives.

    The Video Games Research Framework aims to facilitate high-quality research in the field of video games – promoting inclusive, transparent and independent practice.

    I am excited to see how adoption of the framework shapes new research and benefits not just policymakers in government, but the games industry and everyone who chooses to make video games a part of their lives.

    The guide sets out a number of priority areas in need of stronger evidence to help academics and industry focus research projects. Priorities recommended by the framework include why people interact with games, their impact on physical and mental health and the effect of in-game features like spending and advertising on players’ experiences. The framework also suggests wider areas of focus, such as the economic potential of the industry and the role of video games in education.

    The framework brings together guidance and examples of recommended research practices, including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) principles on research integrity, knowledge sharing and managing conflicts of interest.

    The document also provides advice and information on data sharing, as academics identified access to industry and player data as a barrier to enabling better research. It outlines researchers’ legal obligations under UK data protection laws and directs users to guidance from expert bodies such as the Information Commissioner’s Office and UKRI on how data should be collected and handled during studies.

    Publishing the framework delivers on the Government’s commitment to support better evidence on the impact of video games after the call for evidence on loot boxes in video games found that research in this area is still emerging.

    Dan Wood, Ukie Chief Strategy Officer and co-acting CEO, said:

    The establishment of a new Video Games Research Framework will provide objective, robust evidence, strengthening our understanding of the impact of video games across society. As a sector, we will never stand still on this issue and will continue to work collaboratively with government, academia, and industry partners, within the principles of the Video Games Framework to ensure any future change is driven through strong evidence.

    Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said:

    The Video Games Research Framework should be a valuable tool for conducting research in the video games sector. TIGA is pleased to see this framework in place and looks forward to seeing it used as a guide for advancing understanding in this dynamic and world-leading industry.

    Professor Peter Etchells, Professor of Psychology and Science Communication, Bath Spa University, said:

    The new Video Games Research Framework provides a much-needed set of standards to advance the scientific study of games in an ethical, progressive and robust manner. My hope is that this will allow us to leverage the power of player data, in order to answer meaningful questions about how games can impact health and behaviour.

    Professor Andrew Przybylski, Professor of Human Behaviour and Technology, Oxford Internet Institute, said:

    The framework provides an actionable blueprint for industry and independent scientists to work collaboratively to harness the power of human play to understand how we shape and are shaped by games.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Asbestos conman Lee Charles ordered to pay back £82,100 [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Asbestos conman Lee Charles ordered to pay back £82,100 [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 30 May 2023.

    A conman who toured England to deceive customers over the disposal of harmful asbestos has been ordered to pay back £82,100.

    Lee Charles of Caldicot Gardens, Grantham, in Lincolnshire, previously pleaded guilty in 2022 to lying to customers and giving false paperwork to hide his deception. He was given a suspended prison sentence.

    The defendant was back at Lincoln Crown Court, May 22, in a case brought by the Environment Agency under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Following a financial investigation into the lawful costs he avoided from his crimes.

    Charles marketed himself as Lincs Demolition Limited for 2 years, claiming he was registered to remove asbestos to gain lucrative jobs from Dorking to Doncaster. He had no legal permit to carry out the work.

    The list of places where the 40-year-old acted out his dishonesty can be found at the end of the release.

    Asbestos is a hazardous substance when disturbed and carcinogenic. The UK banned its use in 1999.

    Having duped his customers, Charles stashed the waste asbestos in hired storage containers at Welbourn, in Lincolnshire. 200 metres from a school and close to a Girl Guide centre.

    Charles told the owners of the storage space he wanted to keep tools there. When he failed to pay the rent on the containers, the owners forced the locks and were confronted with the dangerous contents.

    Paul Salter, an Environmental Waste Crime Officer for the Environment Agency, said:

    Lee Charles’ crimes were not just illegal, but dangerous. He has been ordered to pay back, and this sends out a clear message to others who flout the law that waste crime does not pay.

    Not only do we use environmental law to prosecute those who abuse the environment, but we also use the Proceeds of Crime legislation to ensure that criminals are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activity.

    We support legitimate businesses, and we are proactively supporting them by disrupting and stopping the criminal element backed up by the threat of tough enforcement as in this case.

    We continue to use intelligence-led approaches to target the most serious crimes and evaluate which interventions are most effective.

    If you see or suspect waste crime is being committed, we urge you to report it immediately to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Once exposed, Charles abandoned the storage containers at Welbourn, moving his activities to an unpermitted waste site 16 miles away near Sleaford. He continued to store asbestos unsafely, posing a risk to public health.

    In 2015, illegal waste activity was estimated to cost over £600 million in England alone, with the figure for the UK likely to be much higher.

    The Environment Agency’s permitting system enables businesses to carry out their operations, while robust regulation provides the level playing field legitimate businesses need to prevent being undercut by irresponsible or illegal operators.

    Additional information:

    Charles previously pleaded guilty to two counts of operating a waste operation without a permit between 2017 and 2019, contrary to Regulations 12, 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    He also pleaded guilty to two counts of keeping or disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm, contrary to Sections 33(1)(c), 33(6) and 157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    The list of locations are:

    • Abingdon
    • Barton-upon-Humber
    • Boston
    • Burntwood
    • Cambridge
    • Caterham
    • Doncaster
    • Dorking
    • Erdington
    • Birmingham
    • Grantham
    • Gravesend
    • Great Yarmouth
    • Huntingdon
    • Ipswich
    • Kettering
    • Kings Lynn
    • Leicester
    • Lincoln
    • Loughborough
    • Luton
    • Mansfield
    • Market Rasen
    • Melton Mowbray
    • Newark
    • Norwich
    • Nottingham
    • Oakham
    • Peterborough
    • Scunthorpe
    • Sidcup
    • London
    • Sleaford
    • Spalding
    • St Ives, Cambridgeshire
    • Stockport
    • Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester
    • Stourbridge
    • Walsall
    • Warsop
    • Wellingborough
    • Worksop.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of lay member Elisabetta Sciallis to the Civil Procedure Rule Committee [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of lay member Elisabetta Sciallis to the Civil Procedure Rule Committee [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 30 May 2023.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of Elisabetta Sciallis as a lay member of the Civil Procedure Rule Committee for 3 years from 1 June 2023.

    The Civil Procedure Rule Committee (CPRC) is the statutory body that governs the practice and procedure to be followed in the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal, the High Court, and the County Court.

    This appointment was made by the Lord Chancellor after consulting the Lord Chief Justice.

    Appointments to the CPRC are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Biography

    Ms Sciallis is a Principal Policy Advisor in Consumer Rights for Which?; a role she has held since 2022.  Prior to this, she worked as an Executive for the UK European Consumer Centre at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and, as a qualified lawyer with 18 years’ experience in commercial and consumer law, she has also lectured at Brunel University.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Three members appointed to the Legal Services Board [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Three members appointed to the Legal Services Board [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 30 May 2023.

    Mike Freer MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, has approved the appointments of Clare Brown, as a non-lay member and Kate Briscoe and Lizzie Peers, as lay members of the LSB.

    Mike Freer MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, has approved the appointments of Clare Brown, as a non-lay member, and Kate Briscoe, as a lay member, of the Legal Services Board; both for a period of 4 years from 1 June 2023.

    Mike Freer MP has also approved the appointment of Lizzie Peers, as a lay member of the Legal Services Board, for a period of 4 years from 1 October 2023.

    Biographies

    Clare Brown is a Barrister at 2 Temple Gardens. She is on the Treasury A Panel and is frequently instructed by the Government in high profile public law cases. She formerly worked for the European Court of Human Rights and for the Ombudsman of Human rights in Bosnia. Clare is also a senior lecturer on the Bar Course at City Law School, University of London.

    Clare has not declared any political activity.

    Kate Briscoe is the CEO and Co-Founder of LegalBeagles; the UK’s largest legal advice forum as well as JustBeagle; an independent search and legal comparison site to directly connect consumers to 10,000 regulated law firms across England and Wales. She has served as an expert panel member for the Solicitors Regulation Authority and, as a consumer rights advocate and consumer litigator, at Howlett Clarke Solicitors.

    Kate has not declared any political activity.

    Lizzie Peers has over nine years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director across a variety of national and local organisations including the University Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, the Ministry of Justice, DEFRA, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.  She has over 20 years of experience as an external auditor and regulator with the Audit Commission and Ernst and Young LLP.

    Lizzie has not declared any political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Widespread ewe-phoria as Shaun the Sheep becomes Countryside Code Champion [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Widespread ewe-phoria as Shaun the Sheep becomes Countryside Code Champion [May 2023]

    The press release issued by Natural England on 30 May 2023.

    New campaign will encourage young people to “respect, protect and enjoy” the countryside.

    Shaun the Sheep was today (30 May) revealed as the new champion of Natural England’s Countryside Code.

    A new baa-rilliant campaign with Aardman will see the popular animated character encourage children and young people to “respect, protect and enjoy” the countryside. From Mossy Bottom farm, Shaun and friends will follow the Countryside Code and show children how to care for nature, follow signs and share the space with others.

    It follows research from Natural England’s Children’s People and Nature Survey which revealed that 80% of children and young people agreed that looking after the environment was important to them, and 83% said they wanted to do more to look after nature and wildlife.

    Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:

    Shaun the Sheep and his endearing friends are the perfect illustration for the next generation of explorers on how to respect, protect and enjoy nature, whether in parks in towns and cities, at the seaside or in the countryside.

    We know that children care deeply about the environment, and that 85% of children feel happy spending time outdoors – so it’s really important that we help young people enjoy the invaluable health and wellbeing benefits that nature offers, while giving it the respect it deserves.

    Since the Covid 19 pandemic, more people have experienced the joys of nature – whether spotting rare birds across the network of National Nature Reserves or walking through grasslands and saltmarshes along the recently renamed King Charles III England Coast Path.

    In response to more people wanted to visit the countryside and green spaces, Natural England refreshed the Countryside Code and updated guidance for land managers giving everyone access to guidance on how to enjoy the great outdoors safely and responsibly.

    Under the updated guidance which extends to all green space, waterways and parks in cities, people are encouraged to “be nice, share the space and say hello” to fellow users of the countryside. The code has simple reminders to respect those working in the countryside, to dispose of litter responsibly; avoid feeding livestock; to not light fires; and to stay on marked footpaths to protect crops and wildlife.

    Rachael Peacock, Senior Brand Manager at Aardman, said:

    It’s great to be working with Natural England on this engaging and informative Countryside Code campaign.

    Living on Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun’s connection to the countryside makes him a baa-rilliant and fun ambassador for nature, and we look forward to encouraging families to enjoy the outdoors respectfully.

    Natural England and Aardman have created a suite of assets to help inform children and young people about the messages of the code, and how to ensure the outdoors is a place for everyone to enjoy. The assets will be hosted online and available for download in use across promotional materials.

    Follow our social media channels and see where Shaun’s next countryside adventure will take him.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits British armed forces on NATO’s ‘Eastern Flank’ [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits British armed forces on NATO’s ‘Eastern Flank’ [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2023.

    James Cleverly will meet UK military personnel leading NATO’s mission in Estonia. He will then visit Norway for a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.

    • James Cleverly to meet UK military personnel leading NATO’s mission in Estonia protecting its ‘Eastern Flank’ by land, sea and air
    • he will meet members of the new Estonian Government and visit a school for Ukrainian refugee children
    • Foreign Secretary will then visit Norway for a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers with support to Ukraine, and Sweden’s accession high on the agenda

    The UK’s commitment to NATO and the defence of its ‘Eastern Flank’ will be underlined today (Tuesday 30 May) as the Foreign Secretary arrives in Tallinn to begin a 2-leg visit to Northern Europe.

    In his first trip as Foreign Secretary to Estonia, James Cleverly will meet members of the new Estonian Government to highlight the UK’s role as a steadfast security partner, committed to deterring aggression and defending all NATO Allies in times of crisis and conflict.

    As a demonstration of that partnership, the Foreign Secretary will visit the Royal Navy’s amphibious flagship, HMS Albion, currently in the Baltic Sea for 2 months taking part in military exercises with allies in the region, to hear from British military personnel across all 3 British armed forces, including some of the 850 UK troops currently stationed in the country as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.

    He will also underline the UK’s strong desire for continued close cooperation on issues of importance to European security, including sustained support for Ukraine and working together to tackle illegal migration.

    Cleverly will then visit Oslo for an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers to call for Sweden’s swift accession to the Alliance ahead of the Vilnius Summit in July. Both Norway and Estonia are also members of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), the group of like-minded, northern European nations protecting democracy, security and stability in the region, complementing wider NATO activity.

    Ahead of his visit, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    In Estonia, across land, sea and air, British personnel are on the frontline protecting Europe’s security and deterring Russia’s cruel and catastrophic aggression.

    As NATO Allies, we are stronger than ever before – unified against hostility and in defence of democracy and freedom.

    Not only is our military leading the way, our diplomats are working across the globe to galvanise our partners and strengthen international efforts to ensure Putin faces the consequences of his barbaric actions.

    Cleverly will see first-hand how British forces personnel are leading NATO’s land and air missions to Estonia, helping to protect it on land, at sea and in the air.

    At Amari air base, the Foreign Secretary will witness RAF Typhoons taking to the skies as the current lead nation for Baltic air policing out of Estonia, and see British Army Apache and Wildcat helicopters supporting multi-national exercises.

    Cleverly will speak to Estonian tech company founders to promote economic ties between the UK and Estonia. He will review progress on the UK-Estonia tech partnership, which aims to develop new technologies in areas such as digital health and sustainable energy as well as creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

    The Foreign Secretary will also pay a visit to a school set up in Estonia for children of Ukrainian refugees, who have fled the conflict in their country. Estonia has taken in more than 46,000 Ukrainians since the war began, offering them a safe haven away from Russian bombardment.

    On Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary will visit Oslo for an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, where he will seek to shore up political and military support to Ukraine.

    He will also use the gathering as part of a continued push for Sweden’s swift accession to NATO ahead of the Vilnius Summit in July, telling allies that its full membership will significantly boost NATO’s collective strength.

    The Foreign Secretary’s trip follows visits to Moldova, Georgia and Kazakhstan in March, 3 more countries facing Russia’s malign activity on their doorstep.