Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : UK Minister for Europe makes his first visit to Armenia [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2023.

UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty is making his first visit to Armenia on 22 and 23 May to further strengthen bilateral relations.
UK Minister to engage in high-level talks with Armenian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Minister for Europe to reiterate UK support for Armenia’s democratic and economic reforms

he will urge for a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict

During his first visit to Armenia this week (22-23 May), the UK’s Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, will urge for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh as negotiations continue between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

He will call on both sides to continue substantive negotiations to resolve all outstanding tensions – including the closure of Lachin Corridor – in a peaceful and sustainable way.

He will also say that immediate action needs to be taken to restore the flow of goods and people into Nagorno-Karabakh.

Ahead of the visit, Minister Docherty said:

The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is affecting thousands of people, and while we are supporting humanitarian efforts, the only way this will end is through both sides continuing to engage fully in good faith negotiations.

The UK is committed to supporting Armenia’s democratic and economic reform agenda. I am proud that the UK is funding programmes to protect freedoms and boost prosperity.

While in Yerevan, Minister Docherty will reiterate the UK’s long-standing support for Armenia’s democratic and economic development. During meetings with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, he will also discuss security, defence and the strengthening of trade relations.

He will announce the launch of a Strategic Dialogue that will take place between the two countries later this year as well as underline a desire to sign a Comprehensive Enhanced Partnership, an agreement which will enhance our countries economic relationship.

In addition, Minister Docherty will meet Members of Parliament and the Minister of Economy. He will also visit representatives from across civil society and business, including companies with ties to the UK. The Minister will discuss opportunities to strengthen the UK-Armenia trading relationship and grow both of our economies.

Minister Docherty will visit a Research and Training Centre at the Armenian Parliament and a project developing the textiles industry. They are both part of the UK’s programme to support Armenia. The UK funded programmes worth nearly £4 million supporting Armenia’s democratic and economic reform agenda in 2022.

As well as contributing to humanitarian efforts related to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, UK funding is also supporting Armenia’s efforts towards green transition; tackling disinformation by promoting media self-regulation and effective cooperation with the state authorities in regulating the sphere; promoting conflict resolution through facilitation of dialogue, enabling healthy debate and promoting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
June 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Royal Marines conduct beach raid in Estonia during NATO exercise [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 May 2023.

Around 100 marines from 45 Commando conducted an exercise to stage an amphibious raid at a beach in Estonia, as part of a major NATO exercise.

Members of 45 Commando deployed from the Royal Navy amphibious assault ship, HMS Albion, under the cover of darkness on Saturday.

The commandos manoeuvred their Inflatable Raiding Craft, which can travel at speeds of up to 20knots, through the waves to close in on the beach at Kaberneeme, on the north coast of Estonia.

The beach raid is just the latest in a series of planned scenarios the UK Armed Forces are exercising as part of a 14,000-strong deployment from 11 NATO countries for Exercise Spring Storm.

The beach raid scenario saw 45 Commando facing off against Estonia’s Armed Forces, with an Estonian naval missile unit acting as the marines’ target.

Commanding Officer of HMS Albion, Captain Marcus Hember, said:

This exercise has been a great proving ground in demonstrating the flexibility of amphibious ships like HMS Albion, enabling fast and lethal strikes by our embedded Royal Marines in 45 Commando whilst seamlessly supported by the ship and its crew.

We’ve demonstrated our ability to exercise with our regional partners adding significant capability and shown we can ‘turn up when needed’.

Officer Commanding X Company, Royal Marines, Major Lee Stewart, said:

The support of the crew from HMS ALBION is critical to land operations, the integrated approach with both Royal Navy and Royal Marines working as a team make amphibious warfare so effective.

Two RAF Typhoon fighter jets were on station to provide close air support, information, surveillance and reconnaissance during the exercise – enabling invaluable integrated training between land, sea and air.

Members of IX (Bomber) Squadron and their Typhoons are currently stationed at Ämari Air Base, having flown NATO air policing missions recently with German Allies – resulting in several intercepts of Russian aircraft transiting close to Estonian airspace.

The commando exercise provided a valuable opportunity for the Royal Marines to practice an amphibious deployment, swiftly infiltrating hostile territory to secure information, confuse the enemy, or strike a high value target.

More than 1,500 UK troops are currently deployed for Spring Storm, Estonia’s largest annual military exercise.

The UK retains a continuous deployment in Estonia as part of its NATO commitment, known as the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP).

At last year’s NATO summit, the UK committed to increase the size of its eFP commitment, with this year’s exercise marking the first time the UK has conducted a brigade-sized deployment to Estonia – involving hundreds more personnel than in previous deployments.

Defence Minister, Andrew Murrison – a reserve Royal Navy officer – today visited HMS Albion to speak to Armed Forces personnel involved in the exercise. His daughter, Lt Sarah Murrison, is a Deputy Logistics Officer aboard HMS Albion.

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison MP said:

Exercise Spring Storm in Estonia is bolstering our ability to work closely with NATO allies on military operations and demonstrating our readiness for rapid deployment across all domains.

I’m immensely proud to see first-hand the hard work my daughter, those aboard HMS Albion and everyone in our Armed Forces undertakes to keep us safe, at home and abroad.

June 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Latin America deserves bigger say on international stage, Foreign Secretary to tell young leaders in Chile [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will make keynote speech in Santiago, Chile that will outline UK’s future relationship with Latin America.
- keynote speech will celebrate 200 years of UK-Latin America relations and set out ambitious future partnership
- James Cleverly will set out how multilateral institutions like the United Nations need reform to give more voice and more influence to region
- he will outline trade and investment opportunities with the value of imports and exports rising by 45.4% last year
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will use a keynote speech in the Chilean capital Santiago today (Monday 22 May) to set out the UK’s future relationship with Latin America.

The speech comes as British embassies across the continent prepare to celebrate 200 years of UK-Latin America relations.

At Santiago’s Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre, Cleverly will speak of his pride in the role the UK played in supporting the struggle for Latin America’s independence 2 centuries ago – describing Britain as the region’s “oldest friend”.

The Foreign Secretary will say the “tectonic plates of world politics are shifting once again” and will use his address to young leaders to highlight the values that unite Latin America and the UK.

On the shared values between the UK and Latin America, Cleverly will say:

Our position is clear. Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-determination and human rights must prevail. Alongside democracy, the rule of law, liberty and freedom. We know these are your values too.

Cleverly will highlight the UK-Latin America partnership on matters of global importance, including tackling climate change, upholding democracy and human rights and securing free and open supply chains of critical minerals.

On UK-Latin American relations in the 21st century, the Foreign Secretary will say:

We should be ambitious for our future relationship. Not just because of the historical bonds of friendship that have united us for more than 200 years, but because we treasure the same fundamental values that inspired the creation of this international order. It will only evolve, survive and prosper with the support and whole-hearted engagement of this great region.

Cleverly will call for Latin American countries to be given a louder voice in multinational organisations like the UN, including a permanent Security Council seat for Brazil:

[Latin America’s] demographic and economic weight gives you a pivotal role in determining whether the international order will endure… But our world’s multilateral institutions need reform, in particular to give more voice and more influence to Latin America.

Latin America, home to 660 million people and with combined GDP of almost $6 trillion, is an enormous potential market for the UK. Mexico, Chile and Peru are among the region’s members the UK will be joining in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trading bloc – boosting British jobs, growth and influence.

To set out the importance of engagement with Latin America, the Foreign Secretary will highlight trade and investment opportunities that exist following the UK’s accession to CPTPP:

The total value of imports and exports rose by a massive 45.4% last year to more than £40 billion. But with Latin America representing only 2.1% of UK imports and 2.6% of UK exports worldwide, I recognise that there is much more to do on trade and investment.

It comes during the first visit by a Foreign Secretary to South America since 2018 – helping meet a UK foreign policy objective to revive old friendships and build new ones beyond established alliances. As well as Chile and Colombia, Cleverly is also travelling to Brazil.

The address in Santiago builds on the Foreign Secretary’s commitment to deepening engagement with countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America made in his speech on 12 December 2022 – where he said the UK’s future global impact will depend on winning over a far broader array of global partners.

Referencing the leadership of revolutionary figures like Simon Bolivar, the Foreign Secretary will say the values that were evident in Latin America’s fight for independence 200 years ago can still be harnessed today:

Two hundred years ago, Simon Bolivar said that ‘the freedom of the New World is the hope of the universe’. Your love of freedom continues to inspire the world today. It’s why I’ve come from London to revive old friendships and build new ones. And to pledge our long-term commitment.
June 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK provides additional support for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh, in the aftermath of cyclone Mocha [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2023.

The UK is providing an additional £2.3 million (over 300 million Taka) in humanitarian support for the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

This new UK support will provide Rohingya communities with health care, shelter, and basic site management support. It will also strengthen safeguarding systems for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, announced this additional funding during a visit to the Rohingya camps and host communities in Cox’s Bazar in the aftermath of cyclone Mocha.

Implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this new UK support responds to ongoing needs in the Rohingya camps. It will help refugees to rebuild their shelters following the largescale fire in Camp 11 in March 2023, which destroyed 2,800 shelters; and Cyclone Mocha in May, which has reportedly affected 37,000 Rohingya refugees.

Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Matt Cannell said

“The UK stands with Rohingya and host communities as they look to recover from the impact of Cyclone Mocha.

“I am proud to announce this new UK support of £2.3 million, which will help respond to recent tragedies as well as the ongoing needs in the camps and host communities. The UK remains committed to supporting the Government of Bangladesh to find a sustainable solution to this crisis and is providing vital humanitarian support.”

IOM Bangladesh’s Chief of Mission Abdusattor Esoev said

“This support comes at a critical time when Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Cox’s Bazar are facing immense challenges due to recent disasters, and ongoing humanitarian needs, especially in the aftermath of the devastating fire and Cyclone Mocha.

“With the support of the UK, we will be able to provide essential healthcare, shelter, site management support, and strengthen safeguarding systems for those affected. The partnership between IOM and the UK government has been instrumental in responding to the Rohingya crisis, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to support the people in need with humanitarian assistance.”

Since 2017, the UK has provided £352 million of humanitarian support to Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

June 1, 2023
Labour Party – 2023 Statement on the Suspension of Geraint Davies

The statement made by the Labour Party on 1 June 2023.

These are incredibly serious allegations of completely unacceptable behaviour.

We strongly encourage anyone with a complaint to come forward to the Labour party’s investigation.

Any complainant will have access to an independent support service who provide confidential and independent guidance and advice from external experts throughout the process.

June 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Yoon Suk-Yeolof of the Republic of Korea [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2023.

The Prime Minister met the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk-Yeol, at the G7 Summit today.

In the 140th year of diplomatic relations, the leaders reflected on the deep and historic partnership between the UK and Republic of Korea.

The Prime Minister expressed admiration for Seoul’s global leadership, particularly on defence, security and technology. They discussed North Korea’s deeply destabilising regional activity and agreed on the importance of the DPRK abiding by its international commitments.

The Prime Minister set out the UK’s foreign policy focus on the Indo-Pacific, as demonstrated through our accession to CPTPP, AUKUS agreement and ASEAN dialogue partner status.

The leaders agreed to work at pace towards a much deeper partnership between the UK and Republic of Korea, focused on defence, cyber, technology – including semiconductors – and economic growth.

May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Grassroots facilities across Wales share £1.2 million investment [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 20 May 2023.

The UK Government funding is part of ongoing investment in multi-sport facilities throughout Wales in collaboration with the Cymru Football Foundation.
- 43 sites receive a share of £1.2 million as part of the Government’s ongoing investment in multi-sport facilities in collaboration with the Cymru Football Foundation
- UK Government reaffirms commitment to improving access to high quality facilities and and increasing participation in grassroots sports in Wales
- Ongoing UK-wide £300 million capital investment continues to build capacity in underserved areas and underrepresented groups
People playing grassroots sports in Wales will directly benefit from the latest £1.2 million investment in high quality multi-sport facilities from the UK Government, in partnership with the Cymru Football Foundation and the Football Association of Wales.

As part of the Government’s 2022/23 commitment, more grassroots participants in Wales will see their facilities improved, increasing the availability and access to high quality facilities for football, hockey and other grassroots sports. Forty three sites have been selected for funding across Wales as part of the 2022/23 funding allocation.

A key priority for the Government is to level up access to community sports facilities in all parts of the UK, to help as many people as possible to get involved in sport and to deliver all of the mental and physical health benefits associated with active and healthy lifestyles.

The latest investment is part of the Government’s ongoing £300 million multi-year investment into grassroots multi-sport pitches across the UK by 2025 – more than £13m of this will be invested in Wales.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.

Today we are delivering 43 new and improved grassroots sports facilities across Wales to continue to support, sustain and grow community and grassroots sport – so that physical activity is accessible to all, no matter a person’s background or location.

We will continue to work with the Football Association Wales to nurture the talent of the future whilst making sure local communities have the sporting facilities that they need.

A central aim of the programme is to level up access to community sports facilities and invest in some of the most deprived areas in the UK, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport. In order to achieve this, and to deliver access that every community needs, at least 50% of investment will be spent in underprivileged areas.

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:

The UK Government is continuing to invest significantly in grassroots facilities, helping clubs and groups to deliver the huge health and social benefits that sport brings.

I am delighted that this funding is being distributed to communities across the length and breadth of Wales, allowing future generations of sportspeople to develop their skills. Working with the Football Association of Wales and others, we want to make sure the fantastic success that Welsh sport has recently enjoyed continues for many years to come.

Some of the facilities to benefit from the 2022/23 round of investment in Wales include:
- Darran Park in Ferndale has received more than £170,000 to upgrade their 3G pitch;
- Essity Stadium in Flint has received more than £40,000 for floodlights;
- Tredegar Recreational Sports Ground in Park Hill has received more than £18,000 for floodlights, storage, goalposts and shelter;
- Underhill Park in Mumbles, Swansea has received £190,000 for a new artificial grass pitch;
- Evans Bevans Playing Fields in Port Talbot has received more than £27,000 for grass pitch upgrades.
A full list of the facilities to benefit from 2022/23 investment in Wales can be found here.

40% per cent of the funding will be used to support multi-sport facilities, ensuring a wide range of sports are supported and helping to deliver benefits beyond football. The programme has a particular focus on increasing participation among under-represented groups such as women and girls, and those with a disability.

Noel Mooney, Chief Executive Officer, the Football Association of Wales said:

At the Football Association of Wales, we are focussed on driving up the standard of grassroots football facilities across Cymru and to supporting football clubs to be community hubs bringing social, health and economic benefits to the areas they serve. The investment in new facilities through the Cymru Football Foundation, which has been made possible through the funding from DCMS, is a prime example of this work.

The UK Government, in partnership with the Cymru Football Foundation and Football Association Wales, continues to build on its £1.3 million investment in 2021/22, with a further £1.2 million confirmed today and a total of 60 sites in Wales having benefitted to date.

Throughout the lifecycle of the grassroots multi-sport facilities investment programme which will run to 2025, Wales will receive more than £13 million in total to help nurture the talent of the future.
May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Meeting with President Widodo of Indonesia [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2023.

The Prime Minister met President Joko Widodo of Indonesia at the G7 Summit in Japan this morning.

The leaders discussed the significant opportunities to grow trade and investment between the UK and Indonesia, particularly in renewable energy and new solar and hydrogen projects.

The Prime Minister welcomed Indonesia’s recent progress in addressing deforestation and their active participation the Forest & Climate Leaders Partnership launched at COP27 in Glasgow.

The leaders also discussed increasing UK engagement in the Indo-Pacific, including coordination with ASEAN, and wider regional security issues.

The Prime Minister welcomed President Jakowi’s assured leadership of the G20 last year and looked forward to their continued collaboration on issues like Ukraine, as they look ahead to the next G20 Summit in India.

May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak Meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2023.

The Prime Minister met Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy this evening at the G7 Summit in Japan.

The Prime Minister welcomed President Zelenskyy’s visit to the G7 as an historic moment and a demonstration of the international community’s steadfast support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Following their discussion at Chequers earlier this week, the Prime Minister reiterated that the UK would continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance needed to win the war and secure a just peace.

The Prime Minister updated President Zelenskyy on the very positive progress at the G7 so far, including new sanctions against Russia and the provision of fighter jets.

The leaders looked forward to progressing talks with G7 countries and other partners on support for Ukraine and action against Russia’s destabilising and illegal behaviour.

May 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Macron of France [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2023.

The Prime Minister met French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima today.

The leaders welcomed the strong unity of purpose at the G7 on issues including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and our collective approach to the economic threat posed by China.

They discussed how the UK and France can continue to support Ukraine’s defence, including providing military aid and longer-term security assistance, and agreed to remain in close contact ahead of the NATO Summit.

The Prime Minister and President Macron highlighted progress on joint work to tackle illegal migration in the Channel, building on the successful UK-France Summit earlier this year. They committed to delivering all elements of the ambitious package agreed in March to help stop the boats and tackle people smugglers preying on the vulnerable.

Following discussions earlier in the day at the G7 on economic security, the leaders also discussed online safety and emerging technologies.

May 30, 2023