Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Technology Secretary announces investment boost making British AI supercomputing 30 times more powerful [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 November 2023.

British supercomputing to be boosted 30-fold with a new Cambridge computer and Bristol site.
British supercomputing to be boosted 30-fold with a new Cambridge computer and Bristol site

the 2 computers will form the government’s ‘AI Research Resource’, which helps researchers discover how to make the most advanced models of AI safe and drive other breakthroughs

this comes as the UK opens its AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, to consider the risks of AI and discuss their mitigation through international action

The government’s Frontier AI Taskforce and leading British researchers will be equipped with cutting edge supercomputers to analyse the safety of advanced AI models, thanks to new investment in the ‘AI Research Resource’.

The tool will build and connect 2 new supercomputers across the UK, giving researchers access to resources with more than 30-times the capacity of the UK’s current largest public AI computing tools. They will be able to use the machines, which will be running from summer 2024, to analyse advanced AI models to test safety features and drive breakthroughs in drug discovery and clean energy.

The investment into the AI Research Resource has been tripled to £300 million, up from £100 million announced in March 2023, in a bid to further boost UK AI capabilities.

This will bolster Isambard-AI, which will be Britain’s most advanced computer. Based at the University of Bristol, it is set to be 10 times faster than the UK’s current quickest machine, thanks to 5,000 advanced AI chips from Nvidia in a supercomputer built by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

The investment will also connect Isambard-AI to a newly announced Cambridge supercomputer called ‘Dawn’. This computer – delivered through a partnership with Dell and UK SME StackHPC – will be powered by over 1000 Intel chips that use water-cooling to reduce power consumption. It is set to be running in the next 2 months and target breakthroughs in fusion energy, healthcare and climate modelling.

Chaired by Ian Hogarth, the Frontier AI Taskforce will have priority access to the connected computing tools to support its work to mitigate the risks posed by the most advanced forms of AI, including national security from the development of bioweapons and cyberattacks. The resource will also support the work of the AI Safety Institute, as it develops a programme of research looking at the safety of frontier AI models and supports government policy with this analysis.

Announcing this investment at the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

Frontier AI models are becoming exponentially more powerful. At our AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park, we have made it clear that Britain is grasping the opportunity to lead the world in adopting this technology safely so we can put it to work and lead healthier, easier and longer lives.

This means giving Britain’s leading researchers and scientific talent access to the tools they need to delve into how this complicated technology works. That is why we are investing in building UK’s supercomputers, making sure we cement our place as a world-leader in AI safety.

Bristol’s Isambard-AI computer, first announced in September, will be backed by a £225 million investment.

The supercomputer, 10 times faster than the UK’s current fastest machine, will deliver over 200 ‘petaflops’, meaning it can make 200,000,000,000,000,000 calculations (that’s 200 quadrillion) every second. By comparison, the newest smartphones today deliver only trillions of calculations per second, and a human would have to make a decision every second for 6.3 billion years to match what this computer can calculate in one second.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : International Day to End Impunity Crimes against Journalists in Somalia [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

The UK announces support to the BBC Media Action project, to amplify Somali women’s voices, build community resilience, and promote female participation.

On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the British Embassy in Mogadishu has announced more than $1 million dollars of conflict security and stability funding to a BBC Media Action project. This is meant to amplify women’s voices to raise awareness on the impact of climate change, conflict and support efforts towards peacebuilding, and promoting gender equality.

BBC Media Action will work with local media partners in each Federal Member State and Somaliland to develop capability for female journalists to promote community-led action on issues affecting women, with a focus on the active participation of women.

This grant is testament to the UK’s longstanding role as champion of media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information in Somalia. Media freedom is the cornerstone of democracy and a crucial component of a more stable, secure and prosperous Somalia.

British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said:

The UK believes a free, fair and independent media speaking truth to power is essential to democracy. Within this, the voice of women is critically important. This BBC Media Action project will empower cohorts of female journalists throughout Somalia to report on the issues that matter most – including on climate change, conflict and peacebuilding, and gender equality.

Open access to information is vital. Informed citizens make better informed decisions, and this leads to a more open society and resilient communities. I therefore see this as a step in the pathway towards a more stable, secure and prosperous Somalia. In the words of His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh, a “Somalia at peace with itself and the world”.

BBC Media Action Chief Executive Officer, Simon Bishop, said:

Access to trusted, impartial information is critical wherever you are in the world, as an essential cornerstone of democracy and prosperity. This vital support will help to strengthen local media, which face tremendous financial pressures, while ensuring women’s voices remain at the heart of respectful discussion, debate and decision-making around the issues that matter most in their everyday lives.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Countries agree to safe and responsible development of frontier AI in landmark Bletchley Declaration [October 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 November 2023.

Leading AI nations have reached a world-first agreement at Bletchley Park establishing a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by frontier AI.
- For the first time, 28 countries convened by the UK and including the US, EU and China agree opportunities, risks and need for international action on frontier AI – systems where we face the most urgent and dangerous risks
- driving forward key summit objectives on understanding of the risks and establishing further global collaboration, crucial talks are underway at Bletchley Park with the Technology Secretary opening the 2-day Summit
- consensus on need for sustained international co-operation sees next summit hosts confirmed
Leading AI nations, convened for the first time by the UK and including the United States and China, along with the European Union, have today (Wednesday 1 November 2023) reached a world-first agreement at Bletchley Park establishing a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by frontier AI and the need for governments to work together to meet the most significant challenges.

The Bletchley Declaration on AI safety sees 28 countries from across the globe including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as the EU, agreeing to the urgent need to understand and collectively manage potential risks through a new joint global effort to ensure AI is developed and deployed in a safe, responsible way for the benefit of the global community.

Countries endorsing the Declaration include Brazil, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

The Declaration fulfils key summit objectives in establishing shared agreement and responsibility on the risks, opportunities and a forward process for international collaboration on frontier AI safety and research, particularly through greater scientific collaboration. Talks today, with leading frontier AI companies and experts from academia and civil society, will see further discussions on understanding frontier AI risks and improving frontier AI safety.

Countries agreed substantial risks may arise from potential intentional misuse or unintended issues of control of frontier AI, with particular concern caused by cybersecurity, biotechnology and disinformation risks. The Declaration sets out agreement that there is “potential for serious, even catastrophic, harm, either deliberate or unintentional, stemming from the most significant capabilities of these AI models.” Countries also noted the risks beyond frontier AI, including bias and privacy.

Recognising the need to deepen the understanding of risks and capabilities that are not fully understood, attendees have also agreed to work together to support a network of scientific research on Frontier AI safety. This builds on the UK Prime Minister’s announcement last week for the UK to establish the world’s first AI Safety Institute and complementing existing international efforts including at the G7, OECD, Council of Europe, United Nations and the Global Partnership on AI. This will ensure the best available scientific research can be used to create an evidence base for managing the risks whilst unlocking the benefits of the technology, including through the UK’s AI Safety Institute which will look at the range of risks posed by AI.

The Declaration details that the risks are “best addressed through international cooperation”. As part of agreeing a forward process for international collaboration on frontier AI safety, The Republic of Korea has agreed to co-host a mini virtual summit on AI in the next 6 months. France will then host the next in-person Summit in a year from now. Further details on these events will be confirmed in due course.

This ensures an enduring legacy from the Summit and continued international action to tackle AI risks, including informing national and international risk-based policies across these countries.

The Declaration, building upon last week’s announcement of the UK’s emerging processes for AI safety, also acknowledges that those developing these unusually powerful and potentially dangerous frontier AI capabilities, have a particular responsibility for ensuring the safety of these systems, including by implementing systems to test them and other appropriate measures.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

This is a landmark achievement that sees the world’s greatest AI powers agree on the urgency behind understanding the risks of AI – helping ensure the long-term future of our children and grandchildren.

Under the UK’s leadership, more than 25 countries at the AI Safety Summit have stated a shared responsibility to address AI risks and take forward vital international collaboration on frontier AI safety and research.

The UK is once again leading the world at the forefront of this new technological frontier by kickstarting this conversation, which will see us work together to make AI safe and realise all its benefits for generations to come.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, said:

Today’s agreement signed by attendees from across the globe, offers an important first step as we begin 2 days of vitally important discussions here at Bletchley Park.

We have always said that no single country can face down the challenges and risks posed by AI alone, and today’s landmark Declaration marks the start of a new global effort to build public trust by ensuring the technology’s safe development.

Bletchley Park marks the start of a long road ahead, and the Summit will kickstart an enduring process to ensure every nation and every citizen can realise the boundless benefits of AI.

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

AI knows no borders, and its impact on the world will only deepen.

The UK is proud to have kickstarted the global discussion at Bletchley Park on how we ensure the transformational power of AI is used as a force for good by and for all of us.

A spokesperson for the French Presidency said:

The French authorities welcome the international and cooperative work cycle launched by the AI Safety Summit to analyse, understand and respond to the risks that certain Frontier AI models could cause. France is ready to participate in this long-term collective effort and will be happy to host the next in person Summit.

A spokesperson for the Republic of Korea Government said:

Minister Lee is delighted that Korea will be the co-hosts of the mini virtual summit. Korea is a world leader in technologies like AI and recognises the importance of multilateral cooperation to ensure AI technologies are designed, used and governed in safe ways.

To mark the opening of the Summit, His Majesty The King delivered a virtual address, via video to the AI Safety Summit this morning as proceedings got underway. His Majesty pointed to AI being one of the ‘greatest technological leaps in the history of human endeavour’ and hailed the technology’s enormous potential to transform the lives of citizens across the world through better treatments for conditions like cancer and heart disease. The King also spoke of the ‘clear imperative to ensure that this rapidly evolving technology remains safe and secure’ and the need for ‘international coordination and collaboration’. The King’s address signed-off with thanks for the vital role attendees will play over the next two days, laying the foundations for a ‘lasting consensus’ on AI safety to cement its place as a force for good.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK Minister for the Middle East visits Israel and the West Bank [November 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

Lord Ahmad will meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Israel and the West Bank over the next 2 days to discuss the crisis in the Middle East.
- Lord Ahmad set to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Israel and the West Bank over the next 2 days to discuss the crisis in the Middle East
- he will advocate for immediate humanitarian pauses to help aid reach Gaza, for British nationals to leave Gaza, and steps towards a political resolution which provides justice and security to both Israelis and Palestinians
- visit follows announcement that the UK will provide an additional £30 million in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza
Minister for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, is travelling to Israel and the West Bank as a part of the UK’s diplomatic efforts to get aid into Gaza, secure the release of hostages, recognise Israel’s security concerns and prevent regional escalation.

The UK continues close work with partners and allies in the region to ensure vital lifesaving aid, including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, reaches Gaza as fast as possible. Lord Ahmad will stress this point in his engagements with Israeli leaders, including advocating for an immediate humanitarian pause to allow aid to enter and for steps towards allowing British nationals to leave Gaza as soon as possible.

Lord Ahmad will also be discussing with leaders from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories efforts to prevent regional escalation and move closer towards achieving a two-state solution, as part of a political resolution which provides justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Lord Ahmad said:

I am travelling to the Middle East to further efforts to get lifesaving aid into Gaza, to help ensure British nationals can leave Gaza and prevent regional escalation.

We need a collective effort to get aid into Gaza as quickly as possible – including food, water, fuel and medical supplies.  The UK has contributed another £30 million in aid to this end and I’ll be discussing what more action must be taken.

I will raise with Israeli and Palestinian leaders the urgent need to avoid regional escalation following Hamas’s terrorist attack and push for a two-state solution as part of a political resolution to this conflict, which provides justice and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

The minister’s visit comes off the back of a raft of senior diplomatic engagement. 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 Foreign Secretary was in the United Arab Emirates on Monday for discussions on the crisis, following recent talks in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, and calls with his Egyptian and Israeli counterparts over the weekend. He was also the first Foreign Minister to visit communities affected by Hamas’ terror attack in the south of Israel.

The UK’s diplomatic efforts are supported by an additional £30 million of humanitarian aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year (£27 million). The funding will include support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) in responding to critical food, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.
November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 October 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of rapidly increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and welcomed Israel’s commitment to facilitate significantly more deliveries. He said the UK would support all efforts to ensure life-saving aid reaches those in need, including temporary humanitarian pauses.

The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s resolute backing for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, while emphasising the importance of taking all possible measures to minimise civilian casualties.

He said the UK is focused on securing the safe return of hostages and urgently ensuring British nationals and others can leave Gaza, via the Rafah crossing or other routes.

The leaders also discussed the situation in the West Bank and the long-term goal of a two-state solution. The Prime Minister noted the importance of all sides avoiding actions that would inflame tensions and keeping hope alive for a more secure and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to remain in close contact on the next steps.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New emergencies are pushing the limits of an already strained humanitarian system – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on refugees.

Thank you Mr President, and thank you High Commissioner Grandi for your sobering briefing. This meeting comes at a crucial time. As we’ve heard, the number of people who have been forced from their homes has reached a record high of 110 million. Sadly, this trend is set to continue.

New emergencies are pushing the limits of an already strained humanitarian system, including the crisis in Gaza. We are committed to responding to humanitarian needs. It is also vital that regional stability is maintained, not least given the already high number of refugees in the region.

This Council has a role in tackling rising displacement. And I’ll make four points in this regard.

First, we need to shine a light on neglected crises. In 2017, over 740,000 Rohingya fled horrific ethnic cleansing in Myanmar and sought refuge in Bangladesh. They remain vulnerable and reliant on dwindling aid. This is why this month, the UK, with UNHCR and the US, co-convened a high-level event on Rohingya refugees, where we announced an extra $5.5 million of UK humanitarian support.

Second, we need to establish conditions that enable refugees to return in a safe, voluntary and dignified way. In Syria many refugees in the region want to return home, but report that they do not feel safe to do so. This Council, and all those with influence, must insist that these conditions are in place.

Third, we must recognise that as well as conflict, climate change is also driving displacement. The UK is partnering with the UAE at COP28 to increase access to climate finance for the most vulnerable, including displaced people. We aim to ensure that they have the means to manage the impacts of climate change, to help reduce climate-driven displacement and instability.

Finally, the Global Refugee Forum in December will be a key moment for us to tackle rising displacement together. The UK will be making several pledges to drive initiatives on education, inclusion and protection, and help deliver long-term solutions for refugees and host countries.

We hope other Members will join us in these pledges. To conclude, President, in the face of unprecedented need we agree with the High Commissioner: now is the crucial time to collectively deliver meaningful change for displaced people.

I thank you.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK-Bahrain inaugural Strategic Dialogue 2023 – joint statement [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

The Minister of State for the Middle East and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain co-chaired the first session of the UK–Bahrain Strategic Dialogue on 31 October 2023.

Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain, today in London co-chaired the first session of the UK – Bahrain Strategic Dialogue, formerly known as the Bahrain-UK Joint Working Group. This renaming reflects the significant relationship, strategic nature and importance of the Ministerial biannual forum between our two countries.

In their meeting, the two Ministers reviewed key areas of collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Bahrain, and noted the shared history and strong people-to-people links which underpin this. Ministers welcomed and reviewed the outcomes of the visit in July 2023 of HRH Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, which included the signing of a Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership to facilitate additional investment of more than £1 billion into the UK, support the diversification of Bahrain’s economy and drive greater cooperation between our countries in clean technology, business services and manufacturing.

Discussions in the Strategic Dialogue covered a range of bilateral and regional issues including human rights, security and defence cooperation, and mutual trade and investment opportunities. A number of foreign policy issues were also discussed.

On the current crisis in Israel and Gaza, Ministers called for the immediate release of all hostages and condemned all violence against civilians. Ministers stressed the importance of all parties complying with International Humanitarian Law, including by taking every feasible precaution to minimise harm to civilians. Ministers also called for a humanitarian pause to facilitate the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to those civilians who need it the most in Gaza, and welcomed the GCC’s announcement of an additional $100m, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Humanitarian Campaign’s announcement of over $18m in aid, and the UK’s £30m of additional humanitarian aid. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a political solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict which provides justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and that they are working urgently with partners to support adherence to International Humanitarian Law and regional stability.

On Russia/Ukraine, Ministers underlined the need to reach a just and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the protection of Ukraine’s ports and grain infrastructure to ensure that Ukraine can continue to export its agricultural produce. They expressed support for all efforts aimed at facilitating the export of grains and all food and humanitarian items to ensure food security for the wider world.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We call on Russia to allow humanitarians to operate safely in Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

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

Thank you President, and can I start by thanking Mr Rajasingham for his briefing today and through you to your colleagues in OCHA for their work.

Russia’s brutal, illegal and full scale invasion of Ukraine has shattered lives, families and livelihoods. As we’ve heard, the humanitarian needs are most acute around the front lines and in the temporarily Russian controlled territories. Reporting indicates that civilians face significant hardship with shortages of food, fuel and water. We call on Russia to allow humanitarians to operate safely in these areas. To deliver aid to people who desperately need it. But no Ukrainian is unaffected. Over 5 million Ukrainians are internally displaced and over 17 million need humanitarian assistance.

And here, I want to echo the concerns expressed by Ecuador and by the executive director of UNICEF for the harm that Russia’s invasion is doing to Ukrainian children. Ukrainian organisations and volunteer networks remain the primary humanitarian responders in these parts of Ukraine. Their work is critical and the UK commends them for their courage and their commitment. And it is vital that the international community, including the UN, continue to support them.

And as we’ve heard from Mr Rajasingham and as we have discussed before, Russia’s attacks on Ukraines ports and grain infrastructure destroyed over 280,000 tonnes of grain in a month. Enough to feed well over a million people for a year. These attacks are clearly intended to block Ukrainian grain exports, which are crucial to global food security and the World Food Programme’s work.

So as winter approaches, I want to underline two points.

First, we repeat our call on Russia to comply fully with its obligations under international humanitarian law. To act in line with their statements in other contexts in recent days, and allow humanitarians to operate safely and to stop using food as a weapon of war.

Second, Russia must end its illegal invasion of Ukraine. This is the only way to protect global food markets and end the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

I thank you, President.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : British Embassy statement on the conclusion of the Electoral Process [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

The British Ambassador to Guatemala, Nick Whittingham, made a statement on the conclusion of the Guatemalan General Election Process 2023.

The Ambassador said:

I commend the work of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal for concluding a General Election Process that was transparent and counted with the support of many citizens and institutions who contributed to safeguard democracy and the transition of power. The United Kingdom looks forward to work with the elected authorities as a long-term partner in Guatemala’s prosperity and stability.

November 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : XL Bully type dogs to be banned [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 31 October 2023.

From 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal.

New laws banning XL Bully type dogs have been laid in Parliament today, as the Government adds the breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The announcement fulfils the Government’s pledge to put in place laws to ban the breed by the end of the year and protect the public following a concerning rise in fatal attacks.

Under the new rules, which come into force at the end of the year, it will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales.

From this date, these dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Owners of XL Bully dogs are recommended to start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force.

Breeders have also been told to stop mating these types of dogs from now in preparation of it being a criminal offence to sell or rehome these dogs.

From 1 February 2024 , it will then become illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. By staggering these two dates, current owners of this breed will have time to prepare for these new rules.

Owners who wish to keep their dogs will have until the end of January to register them and will be forced to comply with strict requirements. As well as being muzzled and kept on a lead in public, these dogs must also be microchipped and neutered.

Dogs under one year when the ban comes in must be neutered by the end of the year, older dogs must be neutered by the end of June.

From 1 February, owners without a Certificate of Exemption face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully type, and their dog could be seized.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. In due course it will also be illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.

We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.

Owners may choose to have their dog put to sleep by a vet, with compensation provided to help with these costs. Further details on how to apply for compensation and the evidence required to make a claim will be provided soon.

As part of the process, the definition of the ‘XL Bully’ breed type has also been published today. This follows meetings of an expert group, convened by the Environment Secretary and made up of police, local authority, vets and other animal welfare experts to help define the breed. The definition provides clear assessment criteria for owners and enforcement authorities and is a requirement under the Dangerous Dogs Act in order to deliver the ban.

Owners can access the most up to date information on what action they need to take and when on this dedicated page, Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already breaking the law, and the enforcement authorities have a full range of powers to apply penalties to them. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs can be euthanised.

November 4, 2023