Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : UK response to Report by the Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland reaffirms UK support for the OSCE human dimension and calls on Russia and Belarus to cease human rights violations.

Thank you Mr Chair,

Welcome back to the Permanent Council, Director Mecacci, and thank you for your remarks. And thank you for your leadership which the UK highly values. Against a background of worsening human rights and democracy indicators in our OSCE region and worldwide, the UK continues to regard the human dimension as a critical part of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to Euro-Atlantic security.

We continue to support you Director, and the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in your work to support and encourage participating States to implement our shared Human Dimension commitments. From tolerance and non-discrimination to work on democracy, elections and human rights, ODIHR makes an important contribution to ensuring the OSCE lives up to the ambition we set at Helsinki to foster “peace, security, justice and co-operation” within and among our countries.

There is still much to do to realise that ambition. Russia’s war affects hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians daily, including children, the elderly and the most vulnerable. As the Moscow Mechanism reports demonstrated, Russia’s war also lies behind increasing repression of brave human rights defenders in Russia and Belarus.

We again call on Russia and Belarus to implement their human dimension commitments, to engage with ODIHR and the other autonomous institutions, and to cease violating and abusing human rights and undermining Euro-Atlantic security.

We put on the record our particular appreciation of your ODIHR’s monitoring of the dreadful, human consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. It is vital that such grave human rights violations and abuses are recorded and addressed, including through domestic and international proceedings where appropriate.

Furthermore, we believe that strengthening democratic institutions and practices is a continuous process across the OSCE region.  The UK remains a stalwart supporter of ODIHR’s election observation work and calls on all participating States to implement outstanding recommendations made by you at ODIHR.

Turning to this year’s Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, we agree that the event was a notable success and commend ODIHR and the Chair in Office for its delivery. As I said in Warsaw, civil society is crucial in giving a voice to the voiceless and holding governments to account. We must continue to listen to them.

Finally, looking forward to future challenges, we are in the midst of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. Artificial intelligence brings both huge opportunities and risks. This week the United Kingdom is facilitating an international conversation on artificial intelligence in the form of the AI Safety Summit. The UK believes it is vital to ensure human rights are respected, protected and promoted throughout the life cycle of digital and AI systems. New technologies must provide new means to advocate for, defend and exercise human rights rather than to adversely impact their enjoyment.

Thank you, Director, and I assure you of the UK’s continued support for ODIHR’s vital work on human rights and democracy. Thank you.

November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Singapore secure agreement against ransomware payments [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 November 2023.

Members of the CRI have signed a joint statement pledging that central government funds should not be used to pay ransoms to cyber criminals.

In a world first, Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) members have signed a joint statement denouncing ransomware and payments being made to cyber criminals.

Led by the UK and Singapore, members of the CRI affirmed today (2 November) that relevant funds from central government should not be used to pay a ransomware attacker – the first international statement of its kind.

It sends a clear message that the global community strongly opposes ransomware payments and is committed to disrupting organised cybercrime.

The statement was signed on the same day the UK hosted the first ever global summit on artificial intelligence at Bletchley Park and is another demonstration of the UK’s leadership on cyber and tech issues globally.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

Crime should not pay. That’s why the UK and her allies are demonstrating leadership on cybersecurity by pledging not to pay off criminals when they try and extort the taxpayer using ransomware.

This pledge is an important step forward in our efforts to disrupt highly organised and sophisticated cyber criminals, and sets a new global norm that will help disrupt their business models and deter them from targeting our country.

Ransomware criminals typically access a computer through a malicious piece of software and then often encrypt or steal data. The victim is then told that the offenders will decrypt or return the data in exchange for a large fee, paid in cryptocurrency.

The joint statement makes clear that paying a fee only serves to benefit these organised criminals and provides an incentive to continue offending. It does not guarantee the release of data or the removal of malware from an affected network.

The CRI is the only dedicated multilateral body that the UK and international partners use to develop robust and effective policies and practices to enhance the global response to ransomware.

A key ambition of the UK, and all international partners within the CRI, is to stem the flow of money to cyber criminals and build collective resilience through international cooperation and engagement.

Felicity Oswald, NCSC Chief Operating Officer, said:

Ransomware poses a significant threat to organisations in the UK and around the world and so international collaboration is essential for bearing down on cyber-criminal operations.

The joint statement today demonstrates that the UK and a likeminded community of countries do not support payment of online criminals as we know this only makes the threat landscape worse for everyone.

Many ransomware incidents can be prevented by ensuring that appropriate security measures are in place. We strongly encourage organisations to follow NCSC advice to effectively mitigate the risks and help protect themselves online.

It has been a long-standing policy that the UK government will never meet the demands of ransomware actors, and no fee has ever been paid by central government, but this is the first time the position has been publicly confirmed.

Further to this, the National Crime Agency’s Strategic Risk Assessment 2023 states that the biggest threat comes from Russian-speaking crime groups who are tolerated by, and sometimes linked to, the Russian state.

The UK’s cyber resilience, however, is among the strongest in the world and the government has taken steps to enhance the nation’s defences. This includes the NCSC’s online ransomware hub, which is accessible through their website and provides expert information and practical advice for organisations.

The UK additionally has the capability to work with international partners to target and disrupt cyber criminals.

This includes 2 comprehensive sanctions packages which were issued in unison with the United States. The sanctions targeted 18 Russian-speaking cyber criminals who were responsible for extorting at least £150 million ($180 million) from victims globally. In the UK there were 149 victims who collectively lost £27 million.

The National Crime Agency has additionally been involved in several high-profile operations which have led to the shutdown of prolific organised crime groups. This includes HIVE, which provided ransomware software to cybercriminals and extorted more than $100 million.

The statement was agreed by all countries present at the Summit. The statement, and the list of signatories, can be viewed on GOV.UK.

The CRI was created in 2021 and is chaired by the United States. Membership is voluntary.

More information on the CRI Summit.

November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the one-year anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

Joint statement from the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

On the first anniversary of the signing of the November 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Pretoria, the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom are united in our recognition of the momentous achievement that ended 2 years of conflict in northern Ethiopia.

We commend the progress that all parties have since made in their pursuit of peace. The Pretoria Agreement has silenced the guns, and has laid the foundations for normalcy to return to the region. The anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the gains, reflect on the challenges and redouble efforts to deliver peace.

We recognise that more needs to be done to protect, sustain and realise peace for all citizens. This includes further progress on:
- disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration
- national dialogue
- the withdrawal of Eritrean and non-governmental forces
- the return of internally displaced persons
- full recovery of services
- support to victims of conflict-related sexual violence
- the implementation of a credible transitional justice and accountability process for the victims of atrocities
- continued monitoring and verification of compliance with the agreement
We are working with the Government of Ethiopia and Interim Regional Administration of Tigray, with the African Union and with civil society partners to support Ethiopia’s recovery from the devastating impact of this conflict.

We continue to urge all parties to implement the Agreement in full and to find solutions to address challenges, as soon as possible, through dialogue.

Today marks one year since the parties committed to a path of peace over conflict in northern Ethiopia. This is an important example and a moment to promote peace throughout Ethiopia. The ongoing violence in Amhara and Oromia, as well as continuous human rights violations in many places, remains disturbing. We continue to stress the need for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians, for a cessation of hostilities as well as an inclusive dialogue.

On this notable anniversary we encourage all people in Ethiopia, and in the region, to choose dialogue and peace over war and conflict.
November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen [November 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 November 2023.

The Prime Minister met with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park this morning.

The leaders discussed the importance of a better global understanding of the capabilities and risks surrounding frontier AI and how we can work together on this. The Prime Minister also welcomed the European Union’s support of the landmark Bletchley Declaration which will deepen international coordination on AI safety.

Both leaders agreed to work closely together on issues of international peace and security, in particular dealing with the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and continuing to back Ukraine against Russian aggression in Europe. Both agreed that stepping up our efforts to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a key priority.

November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Tenth International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

The UK and other countries gave a statement on behalf of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists, calling on Russia to stop repressing journalists.

Mr Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists: Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and my own country, Canada.

Ten years ago, Mr Chair, in 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/163 proclaiming November 2nd as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists and condemning unequivocally all attacks and violence against journalists and media actors, including torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, intimidation and harassment in both conflict and non-conflict situations.

Regrettably, over the past 10 years, in the OSCE region and around the world, journalists have continued to be subject to these threats and abuses, and we have seen, furthermore, the expansion of violence and harassment in the digital sphere as well. Intimidation, threats of violence and attacks against journalists have a chilling effect on media freedom and interfere with the exchange of information, opinions and ideas. This, in turn, has a detrimental impact on our societies, on democratic institutions and on our security.

Women journalists are disproportionately at risk of and affected by harassment, threats and attacks and are particularly targeted by online gender-based violence including harassment. A recent UNESCO discussion paper on global trends in online violence against women journalists found that 73% of women journalists surveyed had been threatened, intimidated, and insulted online in connection with their work. UNESCO and Reporters Sans Frontières have also reported alarming increases in the detention and extrajudicial killing of women journalists over the last several years.

In this context, we welcome the recent launch by the Representative on Freedom of the Media of new Guidelines for monitoring online violence against female journalists. The Guidelines aim to provide a systematic monitoring and reporting system which will assist in protecting women journalists and preventing online violence from escalating. We also encourage participating states to support the efforts of the International Partnership for Information and Democracy and the Media Freedom Coalition in addressing the specific attacks on women journalists and media actors in the exercise of their work, including sexual and gender-based discrimination and violence, intimidation and harassment, online and offline.

Ending impunity for crimes against journalists requires states to take action to ensure accountability by investigating allegations of violence against journalists in a timely, impartial, and effective manner; by bringing perpetrators to justice and by ensuring that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

Far too often, however, we see that instead of protecting journalists and investigating the crimes committed against them, states have instead criminalised journalism itself.

In 2023, the Russian Federation has fallen even farther on the RSF World Press Freedom Index which has observed that, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, almost all independent media have been banned, blocked and/or declared “foreign agents” or “undesirable organisations.”

In March, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested and now faces up to 20 years in prison on espionage charges.

In June, Novaya Gazeta Europe was declared an “undesirable organisation” and Novaya Gazeta reporter Elena Milashina was attacked upon her return to Chechnya to cover a political trial. Novaya Gazeta’s former editor, Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov was declared a “foreign agent” in September.

Mr Chair, these are regrettably only a few examples of the Russian Federation’s campaign to intimidate journalists and stifle media freedom.

Repression of journalists is also particularly appalling in Belarus as has been documented by the last Moscow Mechanism report as well as various reports by UN mechanisms. Freedom of expression has been undermined by repressive legislation and overly-broad definitions of extremism. Almost all independent media has been suppressed, and editors and journalists have been among those targeted for arbitrary arrest. The Belarusian Association of Journalists reports that over 30 journalists and media workers are currently imprisoned.

In both Russia and Belarus, journalists have specifically suffered for speaking out against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Journalists and media actors in Ukraine – including those working in occupied areas – have also suffered while trying to report on the war itself. At least 15 media actors have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022.

As OSCE participating states we have all made commitments to create an enabling environment for media freedom that includes doing our utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media actors, avoiding undue restrictions on their work and taking effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against them. With this in mind, and in order to better safeguard journalists and media actors throughout the OSCE region, we are also firmly of the view that the position of Representative on Freedom of the Media should not be left vacant.

On this day dedicated to ending impunity for crimes against journalists, we must all recommit to fulfilling these important requirements for ensuring their safety. Ensuring the safety of journalists is integral to maintaining a strong and diverse media landscape which is crucial to challenge those in power to do better and to demand accountability. It is a cornerstone of democracy and vital to our comprehensive security.

November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK airlift to Egypt delivers vital equipment to support aid crossing to Gaza [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

Shipment follows 21 tonnes of essential supplies delivered last week, and £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Royal Air Force delivers vital aid to Egypt to support civilians in Gaza, as Foreign and Defence Secretaries continue diplomatic push.

Equipment, including forklift trucks and belt conveyors, delivers on urgent requests by partners on the ground.

Shipment follows 21 tonnes of essential supplies delivered last week, and £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.

A second UK flight carrying equipment that will support humanitarian agencies to deliver lifesaving supplies to Gaza arrived in Egypt today.

This will be followed by several further flights to deliver 30 tonnes of vital equipment such as forklift trucks, belt conveyors and lighting towers, which have been specifically requested by UK partners in the region, including the Egyptian Red Crescent.

The equipment will be set up close to the Rafah border crossing – increasing the capacity of agencies to manage and deliver significant quantities of aid to those in Gaza. Rafah is currently the only entry point for aid into Gaza.

This follows the delivery of 21 tonnes of essential supplies, including wound care packs and water filters, which arrived in Egypt last week and was handed over to partner agencies working on the ground in Gaza.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

With an acute humanitarian crisis unfolding, today’s RAF airlift demonstrates yet again that the UK is committed to helping all suffering civilians.

Our armed forces have rapidly deployed to get our partners on the ground what they urgently need and stand ready to continue supporting the humanitarian effort.”

The flights follow the UK Government’s £30million increase in support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling its original commitment.

International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said:

The UK is determined to drive international efforts to ensure lifesaving aid reaches the people who need it most.

This equipment, specifically requested by our partners on the ground, will bolster essential supplies including food and medicine to be delivered to large numbers of civilians.

We continue to call for the regular delivery of humanitarian supplies into Gaza and the opening of more entry points to relive those who are suffering.

The UK continues to call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, minimise civilian casualties and for immediate access for lifesaving aid into Gaza, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel as a priority.

All UK aid undergoes rigorous oversight and multiple safeguards are in place to prevent it benefiting Hamas.

Since 7 October, ministers have been engaging with countries across the Middle East and international community to prevent the conflict from spilling over.

Middle East Minister Lord Ahmad visited Israel and the West Bank this week discuss efforts to prevent regional escalation and the two-state solution with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

On 20 October, the Prime Minister visited Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to speak with the Prime Minister Netanyahu, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

The Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary have both recently travelled to the Middle East to call for humanitarian pauses to allow aid to enter Gaza and allow civilians, including British nationals, to leave.
November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Mark McAllister confirmed as new Ofgem Chair [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 2 November 2023.

A new chair of the Ofgem Board has been appointed by the Energy Security Secretary, Claire Coutinho.
With over 40 years’ experience in the energy industry, Mark McAllister will boost the regulator’s work to build an energy market fit for the future

Appointment follows endorsement by the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee

Mark McAllister will succeed Martin Cave on 6 November

Mark McAllister is today (2 November 2023) confirmed as the next Chair of Ofgem – strengthening the government’s work to build a more secure and affordable energy system.

The incoming Chair will take up the role at an important time for regulator Ofgem as they work to reform the energy market to best serve consumers.

Responsible for protecting consumers from high energy bills, restoring confidence and resilience in the retail market, and supporting progress towards net zero, Mr McAllister’s leadership will help shape Ofgem’s work in years ahead.

He will also work closely with the government to support more households to move towards cleaner, cheaper energy generated in the UK.

The Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ) Select Committee approved the appointment, following a hearing in October.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

I am pleased Mark McAllister is set to take up the position of Ofgem Chair, bringing over 40 years of outstanding experience in the energy industry to the role.

By working together with Ofgem, we will continue to ensure the energy market works for consumers, delivering lower bills and cleaner energy – with prices already down 55% since their peak.

Incoming Chair of Ofgem Mark McAllister said:

Energy prices, security of supply and decarbonisation of the energy system are some of the most important challenges facing the UK today and which Ofgem plays a key role in addressing.

I am looking forward to working with the new Board, management and entire Ofgem team to protect energy consumers and to help realise a net zero energy system through both our regulatory and delivery responsibilities.

I am keen to engage with all stakeholders, including industry, consumer groups and charities to find the best solutions to the challenges we face together.

The government is continuing to provide targeted support this winter, including £150 off energy bills for over three million households through the Warm Home Discount, alongside Winter Fuel and Cold Weather payments.

This comes on top of £900 cost of living support for those in need, as well as nearly £40 billion to cover around half a typical household’s energy bill last winter.

Working in conjunction with the Ofgem price cap, the government’s Energy Price Guarantee also remains in place until March 2024 to help safeguard families from high costs.

Mr McAllister will take up his role on 6 November 2023.

Notes to editors

The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA), or the Ofgem Board, comprises non-executive and executive members, and a non-executive chair. Members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government calls on business expertise to boost trade with Turkey [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 2 November 2023.

The UK is seeking views from businesses and the wider public on UK negotiation objectives for a new trade agreement with Turkey.
- Government invites business to shape UK objectives for fresh trade talks with Turkey
- New, modernised trade deal could boost trade with top-20 trading partner and support wide range of sectors including services, tech and digital
- Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston marks launch with visit to Vodafone, one of the UK’s largest investors in Turkey
The UK has today [2 November] launched a ‘Call for Input’ seeking views from businesses and the wider public on UK negotiation objectives for a new, modernised free trade agreement (FTA) with Turkey.

The UK and Turkey are two major trading economies at either end of the European continent. Trade between the two countries reached £26 billion in the 12 months to June 2023, making Turkey a top 20 trading partner for the UK. In 2022, over 8,000 UK VAT-registered businesses exported goods to Turkey, including well-known brands like Vodafone

The UK and Turkey have an existing FTA which is based on outdated provisions from the 1990s negotiated when the UK was a member of the EU, and only covers goods. We are committed to negotiating a new, modernised FTA that is fit for the 21st century and covers sectors such as services, tech and digital.

The Call for Input will give businesses, organisations, and individuals the opportunity to shape the UK’s negotiating aims ahead of talks and ensure the updated trade deal is tailored to the strengths and priorities of British businesses.

International Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston will launch the Call for Input on a visit to Vodafone’s Newbury headquarters. Vodafone is one of the UK’s largest investors in Turkey.

International Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston said:

Trade deals are all about creating opportunities for businesses, growing the economy and supporting jobs – that’s why it’s so important businesses tell us what they want from them.

Turkey is a great strategic partner and we already have a thriving trading relationship – up more than 17% in current prices in the last year alone. I’m incredibly excited to start upgrading our FTA, opening up opportunities for growth and giving British businesses better access to a market of some 85 million people.

Turkey’s thriving tech, manufacturing, transport, and infrastructure sectors have generated a surge in demand for international expertise in recent years, presenting significant opportunities for UK companies. UK services exports to Turkey all already on the up, increasing by 54% to £2.1 billion in 2022, with key sectors including transport, financial services, architecture and audit.

A new FTA with modern provisions for services and digital trade could turbocharge this, creating opportunities for UK businesses and giving them a competitive edge on companies from other countries.

Serpil Timuray, Vodafone CEO of Europe Cluster and UK Country Representative for Turkey’s DEİK (Foreign Economic Relations Board) DTİK (World Turkish Business Council) said:

Vodafone is a leading investor in Turkey that has taken a long-term outlook and contributed significantly to the country’s digitalisation and economic progress during the last 15 years. A new trade deal will drive greater opportunities for Vodafone and other companies who have invested in Turkey, helping to foster closer UK-Turkey relationships.

The call for input will run from 10am on 2 November 2023 to 10am on 5 January 2024 and will be available on gov.uk.

Background
- Turkey is a major supplier of goods to the UK, which is its 4th largest goods export market, in return for £6.4 billion of UK goods exports.
- The Call for Input follows a joint review of our existing FTA, which covers goods trade only, is based on outdated provisions from the 1990s and is not tailored to the UK’s strengths as a services superpower.
- The joint review concluded there would be value in expanding its scope under a new agreement to expand trade ties and benefit both economies.
- UK and Turkey Joint Statement can be found on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-tu3rkey-joint-statement-july-2023
November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres [November 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 November 2023.

The Prime Minister met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres at the UK’s AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park today.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Secretary-General’s attendance at the AI Summit and the establishment of the United Nations’ AI Advisory Body. The Prime Minister looked forward to its recommendations next year, which would be informed by the discussions at the AI Safety Summit and the ‘State of the Science’ report on frontier AI risk driven by the UK. They discussed the need for close global collaboration on AI safety, and the Prime Minister set out how the UK AI Safety Institute would be taking forward this work with global partners.

The leaders then discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and agreed on the importance of urgently scaling up the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid. The Prime Minister set out the work the UK is doing to support, including doubling aid funding for the United Nations and others’ work in Gaza and pre-positioning emergency supplies and equipment in Egypt. The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General agreed on the need to reinvigorate international efforts to reach a lasting resolution to the conflict and progress work towards a two-state solution.

The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine. The Prime Minister raised concerns about the breakdown of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and stressed the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine.

November 5, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President el-Sisi of Egypt [November 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 November 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi this evening about the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East.

He welcomed the opening of the Rafah crossing today for the first British and other nationals and injured Palestinians to leave Gaza. The Prime Minister thanked President Sisi for his efforts and said the UK would continue to work closely with Egypt and Israel to ensure all British citizens can leave Gaza safely.

The leaders talked about urgent work to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the Prime Minister updated on plans for a second UK aid flight to support the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent. He said ensuring life-saving aid and medical treatment reaches civilians by all available routes is a top priority and the UK stands ready to provide further support.

The Prime Minister and President Sisi also discussed diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, prevent escalation in the wider Middle East and achieve long-term peace and prosperity for the Palestinian people.

November 5, 2023