Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : UK to boost tech, innovation and research ties with India [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2023.

Lord Ahmad is in India for a visit that will accelerate UK-India collaboration on science, technology and health, following a landmark agreement on science, research and innovation signed by the 2 countries in April.
- Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict is visiting India from 27 to 31 May, with a focus on strengthening science, research and innovation links
- he will visit historic cultural sites and high-tech research facilities in Jodhpur, New Delhi and Hyderabad while meeting senior officials from the Indian Government
- Lord Ahmad will announce the UK-India Health-Tech Bootcamp winners, welcoming collaboration between the health and start-up communities in both countries
Building on the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap, Lord Ahmad will meet senior Indian ministers and officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

The visit’s focus on science, technology and innovation emphasises the UK’s commitment to deepen partnerships in these areas across the globe – evidenced by the recent announcement of a new Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.

UK Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

The UK and India are trusted partners united by the unique living bridge that closely connects our countries and people.

Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations.

The visit comes as the UK and India continue to make progress towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An ambitious, balanced FTA would boost our current trading relationship, worth £36 billion in 2022.

A trade deal with India supports the government’s growth strategy to take advantage of the UK’s status as an independent trading nation, creating new trade and investment opportunities and championing free trade.

Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan will be his first trip to his mother’s birthplace of Jodphur as Minister for South Asia and will highlight the region’s rich cultural history.  He will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, and discuss education, sustainability and gender equality with emerging women leaders.

In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad will launch the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, co-developed by the British Council and Microsoft India, which will enhance global employment opportunities for Indian young people, especially young women. The minister will announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot camp boosting health-tech innovations from India.

Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will highlight science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world’s largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot. He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme.

Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

The UK and India enjoy an invaluable partnership. As we deliver the UK-India Roadmap 2030, we are deepening and accelerating our collaboration on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.

With India’s Presidency of the G20, we have an opportunity also fo2r the UK and India to work together to shape and deliver solutions to global problems.
June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Better support for bereaved families and eyewitnesses of homicide and major incidents [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 29 May 2023.

Homicide Service expanded to support more people impacted by homicide and tragedies such as Grenfell Tower fire.
- access to support for children and young people impacted by homicide
- extra investment to see thousands more people eligible for vital support
Bereaved families and eyewitnesses of homicide or major criminal incidents like the Manchester Arena bombing will receive better support than ever thanks to important changes coming into force on Thursday (1 June 2023).

The Homicide Service, backed by £5.27 million of government funding, provides essential services and practical support to families bereaved by murder or manslaughter – such as emotional and practical support like transportation as well as trauma and bereavement counselling and help navigating the criminal justice system.

Currently, the service – delivered on behalf of government by charity Victim Support – provides services for people who have been bereaved through murder or manslaughter.

But thanks to new measures coming into effect this week – and following a successful pilot in London which expanded the programme to eyewitnesses of homicide these life-changing services will be expanded to provide support to all those who directly witness a homicide or major criminal incident across England and Wales – approximately 1,200 more people.

Figures show that 8 out of 10 bereaved family members who have accessed support through the Homicide Service have reported a better outlook on life with 6 out of 10 saying it improved their health and sleep.

Today’s news builds on the government’s wider commitments to place victims at the heart of the justice system through the Victims and Prisoners Bill ensuring those impacted are always supported and have somewhere to turn.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, said:

The Homicide Service provides vital support to the families of victims under the worst of circumstances – ensuring they have the emotional and practical help they need to cope with their loss.

By expanding the service to include eyewitnesses and bereaved families of major incidents across England and Wales thousands more people will be able to access the support they need as early as possible.

For the first time ever the Homicide Service will provide support to children and young people in the community after a major incident or local murder that impacts them directly such as a teacher, pupil or religious leader.

This will ensure the most vulnerable in society can receive professional help as quickly as possible to cope with traumatic events that could adversely impact their mental health.

Ellen Milazzo, Head of the National Homicide Service at Victim Support, said:

We are honoured to continue to deliver the National Homicide Service, which provides such vital support to those whose loved ones are killed through murder or manslaughter. We set up the service in 2010 and it has gone from strength to strength ever since. Expanding it to include support for direct eyewitnesses to homicide or a major criminal incident where a person is killed, alongside enhanced support for children and young people, is a brilliant step. These changes will enable us to deliver the best possible service for victims and ensure everyone impacted by homicide gets the help they need.

Justice Minister, Edward Argar, said:

This expansion of the Homicide Service, and additional new funding, will help ensure that more people bereaved through homicides and major criminal incidents across England and Wales, and eyewitnesses to those events, know they have somewhere to turn for help, where they can get the support they need.

The enhanced service will work alongside other government measures to help the victims and bereaved of major incidents. In March the government committed to creating an Independent Public Advocate (IPA) as part of the Victims and Prisoners Bill. This will work on behalf of families and provide dedicated support in the aftermath of major incidents like Hillsborough to guide them from as close to the incident as possible to the conclusion of any inquiry and ensure they get access to all available support services.
June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK to boost tech and innovation ties with India [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2023.

Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad will visit India from 27 to 31 May to accelerate science and technology ties.
- Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict is visiting India from 27 to 31 May, with a focus on strengthening science, research and innovation links
- he will visit historic cultural sites and high-tech research facilities in Jodhpur, New Delhi and Hyderabad while meeting senior officials from the Indian government
- Lord Ahmad will announce the UK-India Health-Tech Bootcamp winners, welcoming collaboration between the health and start-up communities in both countries
Lord Ahmad is in India for a visit that will accelerate UK-India collaboration on science, technology and health, following a landmark agreement on science, research and innovation signed by the 2 countries in April.

Building on the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap, Lord Ahmad will meet senior Indian ministers and officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

The visit’s focus on science, technology and innovation emphasises the UK’s commitment to deepen partnerships in these areas across the globe – evidenced by the recent announcement of a new Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.

UK Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

The UK and India are trusted partners united by the unique living bridge that closely connects our countries and people.

Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations.

The visit comes as the UK and India continue to make progress towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An ambitious, balanced FTA would boost our current trading relationship, worth £36 billion in 2022.

A trade deal with India supports the government’s growth strategy to take advantage of the UK’s status as an independent trading nation, creating new trade and investment opportunities and championing free trade.

Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan will be his first trip to his mother’s birthplace of Jodphur as Minister for South Asia and will highlight the region’s rich cultural history.  He will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, and discuss education, sustainability and gender equality with emerging women leaders.

In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad will launch the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, co-developed by the British Council and Microsoft India, which will enhance global employment opportunities for Indian young people, especially young women. The Minister will announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot camp boosting health-tech innovations from India.

Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will highlight science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world’s largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot. He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme.

Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

The UK and India enjoy an invaluable partnership. As we deliver the UK-India Roadmap 2030, we are deepening and accelerating our collaboration on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.

With India’s Presidency of the G20, we have an opportunity also for the UK and India to work together to shape and deliver solutions to global problems.
June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Violence in the north of Kosovo – joint statement [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2023.

This joint statement on violence in the north of Kosovo is by France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Joint statement by France, Italy, Germany, the UK and the US:

We condemn Kosovo’s decision to force access to municipal buildings in northern Kosovo despite our call for restraint. We call on Kosovo’s authorities to immediately step back and de-escalate, and to closely coordinate with EULEX and KFOR.

We condemn attacks on EULEX in Zvecan.

We are concerned by Serbia’s decision to raise the level of readiness of its Armed Forces at the border with Kosovo and call all parties for maximum restraint, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric.

June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens pledge to end plastic pollution by 2040 [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 May 2023.

UK signs Ministerial Statement calling for an ambitious global plastic pollution treaty to tackle plastic pollution and protect the marine environment.

The UK, alongside 52 other members of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to End Plastic Pollution, has signed a far-reaching Ministerial Statement, calling for an ambitious global plastic pollution treaty to tackle plastic pollution and protect the marine environment.

The HAC is a coalition of over 50 governments that have since agreed to end plastic pollution by 2040.

The Joint Ministerial Statement, published today, calls for a range of mandatory provisions to be included in the global plastic pollution treaty, currently under negotiation. These include reducing the production and consumption of primary plastic polymers to sustainable levels; eliminating and restricting unnecessary, avoidable or problematic plastics, chemicals and products; and eliminating the release of plastics into nature, amongst others.

The statement comes ahead of the second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) taking place in Paris next week and sets out the HAC’s key ambitions for INC-2, taking the UK one step further towards the ambition of ending plastic pollution by 2040.

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats that we currently face and is interlinked with climate change and biodiversity loss. This Joint Ministerial Statement builds on the UK government’s commitment to help to develop an ambitious, international legally binding treaty that demands urgent action on plastics and drives forward our mission to protect at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:

Plastic pollution continues to have a devastating effect on our world’s ocean, people and the wider environment. That’s why it’s more important than ever to step up, take action and drive forward the change needed to bring an end to plastic pollution globally.

I am proud to be amongst other HAC members signing this statement that calls for ambitious new measures within the global plastics treaty and look forward to some productive and high-reaching discussions in the upcoming INC-2 meeting in Paris.

The HAC statement builds on the UK’s wider commitments and work to protect and enhance the marine environment.

Earlier this year, delivering on the Environmental Improvement Plan the government announced the designation of the first three Highly Protected Marine Areas in English waters and launched a consultation on proposed management measures for sandeel fishing with the aim to reduce further negative impacts on important marine biodiversity.

Building on our existing single-use plastic bans and carrier bag charge, the Government is introducing further bans from October on a range of single-use plastic items – including plates, cutlery, balloon sticks and expanded and extruded polystyrene drinks containers. In April, we also announced that we will ban the sale of wet wipes containing plastic subject to public consultation.

The INC- 2 meeting taking place in Paris is the second out of five sessions with United Nations member states. A global plastic pollution treaty is hoped to be finalised by the end of 2024.

June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Sundar Pichai [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 26 May 2023.

The Prime Minister met with Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet – the parent company of Google – at the Government’s Darlington Economic Campus.

The Prime Minister thanked Mr Pichai for Google’s role at the heart of the UK’s technology ecosystem, and they spoke about opportunities for growth in the industry.

They discussed the UK’s strengths and ambitions in cementing its position as a science and technology superpower, reflecting on recent government announcements, including the publication of the AI White Paper.

On Artificial Intelligence, they spoke about striking the right balance to ensure the right regulatory guardrails are in place, whilst driving forward innovation. They discussed possible opportunities for industry and international collaboration on safe and responsible AI development and agreed to remain in touch on this issue.

June 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy programme appointments [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 26 May 2023.

The Prime Minister has today made one re-appointment and one new appointment to his Trade Envoy programme.
- Theo Clarke MP has been re-appointed as the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Kenya.
- Rt Hon Conor Burns MP has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the US for Regional Trade and Investment.
Background:
- Trade Envoys support the UK economy by supporting British businesses to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the UK’s global trade agenda. They champion Global Britain and promote the UK as a destination of choice for inward investment across all regions of the UK, helping to level up the country.
- This new appointment will extend the total number of Trade Envoys to 37 parliamentarians, covering 67 markets.
- The role as a Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy is unpaid and voluntary with cross-party membership from both Houses.
June 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new humanitarian support package in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2023.

The UK is today (Friday 26 May) announcing a new humanitarian programme in the DRC, which will spend £21 million this year.
new UK humanitarian programme, worth £21 million this year, to focus on extreme needs in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

the programme will provide lifesaving assistance in emergencies, support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), treatment for severely malnourished children and help those affected by conflict to recover and re-establish their livelihoods

the programme will build on the UK’s track record of providing life-saving humanitarian support to the most vulnerable Congolese

The UK is today (Friday 26 May) announcing a new humanitarian programme in the DRC which will spend £21 million this year. The programme is part of the UK’s long-term commitment to reducing the impact of humanitarian crises in the DRC through assisting those in greatest need and protecting the most vulnerable.

The programme will focus on 3 key areas:

prioritising humanitarian assistance to those that need it most, those recently displaced and those affected by conflict and disaster

protecting those at risk, reducing violence against women and girls, and helping survivors to recover, and to be safe

preventing cycles of humanitarian crisis by helping those affected by conflict and displacement to recover, to rebuild livelihoods, and support communities’ resilience

The humanitarian crisis in the DRC remains one of the world’s most severe, with record levels of displacement and suffering. Through the new programme, the UK will support impacted populations to recover and rebuild their lives. We will continue to work closely with the Government of the DRC and our international partners to support stability, peace and prosperity for all Congolese.

The programme will build upon the UK’s long-standing humanitarian commitment to the DRC. Since 2017, the UK’s humanitarian programmes have:

provided over 2.5 million people with cash, vouchers, or food

provided 2.4 million people with shelter and household items

treated nearly 350,000 children with severe acute malnutrition

integrated over 100,000 children back into school

supported 13,000 SGBV/trauma survivors

reunited nearly 4,000 separated children

The UK is committed to tackling humanitarian crises around the world, as set out in the UK government’s Strategy for International Development. The strategy commits to stepping up the UK’s life-saving humanitarian work to prevent the worst forms of human suffering around the world, and to leading globally on a more effective international response to humanitarian crises. The UK will continue to work with the Government of the DRC and humanitarian actors to improve prioritisation of support, protection of civilians, access for humanitarian actors, and the overall effectiveness of the humanitarian system.

Development Director Laura Mazal said:

The UK is committed to providing urgent support to the most vulnerable Congolese who are in desperate need. That’s why today I’m announcing $26 million of new humanitarian support.

UK support will provide lifesaving assistance to those who have been displaced from their homes. It will support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. It will provide treatment for severely malnourished children. And it will help those affected by conflict recover and re-establish their livelihoods.

But we cannot act alone. The government and international community must work together to save lives, protect civilians from abuses and bring an end to the violence that causes so much suffering.
June 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State honours civic society’s contribution to Northern Ireland’s transformation [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 May 2023.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland honoured the crucial work by civic society to support the peace process in Northern Ireland over the past 25 years.

The Secretary of State has this evening (25 May) honoured the crucial work by civic society to support the peace process over the past 25 years at a reception in the iconic Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

The reception, part of the Northern Ireland Office’s programme to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, was held three days after the 25th anniversary of the two referenda in Northern Ireland and Ireland in which 71% of people in Northern Ireland voted ‘yes’ to the Agreement.

Representatives from community organisations, charities, and public servants who have supported Northern Ireland’s transformation came together to reflect upon the peace, prosperity and other benefits delivered by the Agreement, while looking towards the next 25 years. It also offered the opportunity to acknowledge civic society’s ongoing contribution to the peace settlement.

Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris paid tribute to the incredible work of community organisations and charities in supporting reconciliation between communities, which created the conditions for prosperity which allowed Northern Ireland’s film industry to flourish and to attract world – leading productions such as Game of Thrones.

According to the latest figures, screen tourism played a part in attracting one in six out-of-state visitors, accounting for 350,000 visitors and over £50m for the local economy.

The Secretary of State said:

The people of Northern Ireland, in voting ‘yes’ in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement referendum, demonstrated their commitment to setting aside their differences, breaking down barriers between communities and building a better future together.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those members of civic society who have worked tirelessly to make that vision of a better, brighter future a reality which they will pass on to the next generation.

It’s the work of many that has seen Northern Ireland move from peace to prosperity. As a result of that transformative power of peace we have seen the establishment of a thriving screen and film production and tourism industries of which the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is a shining example.

The UK Government remains committed to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and to continuing to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland, to make it an even better place to live, work and do business.

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios is renowned as a filming location for iconic scenes from the multi award-winning television production Game of Thrones. The Banbridge venue is the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour, featuring authentic sets, costumes, and props from the global hit TV series.

Executive Director of Linen Mill Studios David Browne added:

Prior to the Good Friday Agreement, it’s difficult to conceive of circumstances where Northern Ireland would be considered as the filming home for Game of Thrones, nor that the business environment would have existed, to nurture, support and invest in the businesses required to design, build, and install everything in a facility such as this.

Along with the many local companies we have worked with, we are immensely proud of what we’ve collectively achieved.

The rave reviews from visitors from all over the world, both for our people and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, certainly validate that pride!

In September, the UK Government will hold the Northern Ireland Investment Summit to support our vision for a prosperous 25 years ahead. The Summit is a key part of the programme to showcase the remarkable progress in Northern Ireland since the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

June 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £40 million biodiversity research programme opens for applications [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 May 2023.

A £40 million grant programme launched to help projects around the world put the power of biodiversity at the forefront of our fight against climate change and poverty.
£7 million is now available for research into natural climate solutions

UK and international applicants can secure grants of up to £750,000

Move is part of the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate, established with £40 million of Official Development Assistance funding

A £40 million grant programme launched this week (Thursday 25 May 2023) which will help projects around the world put the power of biodiversity at the forefront of our fight against climate change and poverty.

First announced in 2021 at the Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow, the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) was established to bridge research gaps and further understanding on the crucial role biodiversity can play in tackling climate change and poverty in ODA-eligible countries across the world. By fostering collaboration between experts and research disciplines, the GCBC strives to shape decision-making and unlock finance for natural solutions to climate change and poverty.

During its pilot phase, the GCBC funded a range of innovative projects including:

Working with local communities to improve environmental and social outcomes for a disused mine site with a negative legacy in the Philippines

Developing temperature resilient wild seaweed cultivars in collaboration with indigenous seaweed farming communities in Malaysia

Protecting globally important ecosystems and irreplaceable biodiversity and supporting climate resilient food security by mapping plant bioresources in Tropical Important Plant Areas in Guinea and Ethiopia

Creating a community-led governance model that integrates strategies for climate resilience, low-carbon and sustainable growth in a Colombian coffee-growing region

With around £7 million available in the first round, successful applicants have the opportunity to secure up to £750,000 through the GCBC’s Official Development Assistance programme to deliver policy-relevant research on how the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity can help address climate change and improve livelihoods of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Applications are open to a diverse range of local and international partners, from non-governmental organisations to academic institutions.

Gideon Henderson, Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, said:

The launch of this grant programme marks a significant milestone in our fight against the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty.

Through this £40 million initiative, there is a vital opportunity for researchers, organisations, and institutions to harness the power of biodiversity and explore innovative natural solutions to the climate crisis – creating a more sustainable future for all.

The establishment and goals of the GCBC will help deliver on our climate and biodiversity commitments, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Global Biodiversity Framework targets, which are inherently intertwined with climate change.

More information, including on eligibility and how to apply, can be found here: www.gcbc.org.uk
June 5, 2023