Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Heat pump grants increased by 50% [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 23 October 2023.

Homes can get £7,500 to install a heat pump, meaning they can be cheaper than gas boilers, thanks to one of the most generous schemes in Europe.

Families can install a heat pump for cheaper than the average gas boiler, thanks to an increase in government grants available from today.

As promised by the Prime Minister as part of the government’s pragmatic approach to net zero, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will offer £7,500 towards the cost of a new heat pump – a 50% increase in the support available for air source models and making it one of the most generous schemes in Europe.

Estimates place the typical cost of buying and installing a gas boiler at between £2,500 and £3,000 and starting prices for heat pumps can now be below this for some households, when taking advantage of the grant and additional discounts offered by energy suppliers.

The increased grants form part of the government’s pragmatic, proportionate and realistic approach to reaching net zero – reducing costs on British families (after huge pressures families have faced over the last couple of years) while still meeting international commitments.

Today, the government is also:
- making £10 million available through the Heat Pump Ready programme to support innovation in the heat pump sector to cut installation costs even further
- launching ‘Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency’ a new campaign to help people improve the energy efficiency of their home and lower their bills over the winter
As a result of the increased grant funding, thousands of families up and down the country have the chance to upgrade their heating to a cleaner alternative for less. The scheme has also been extended by 3 years to 2028, giving people more time to take advantage of the opportunity.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

No one should have to choose between cutting costs and cutting emissions – our pragmatic approach means we can continue to deliver on our ambitious net zero targets without unfairly hitting the pockets of hardworking families.

From today, for some households starting prices for heat pumps could now be below the average gas boiler, as we have increased the cash grant by 50% to £7,500 – making our scheme one of the most generous in Europe.

This will help thousands of people across the country reduce their energy use and keep their homes warm.

Customers do not have to apply for the grants and can check their home is eligible on GOV.UK.

Anyone interested just needs to agree a quote for the work with an MCS certified installer, who will then do all the paperwork. Ofgem will simply contact the customer after that to confirm they would like to proceed.

As well as increasing the air source heat pump grant from £5,000 to £7,500, ground source heat pump grants have risen from £6,000 to £7,500, and households can still access £5,000 grants for biomass boilers.

Organisations can now apply for a share of the latest round of the Heat Pump Ready programme, which will support innovation projects that would make heat pumps cheaper, quicker or easier to install and would improve the customer experience of using a heat pump.

The Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency campaign will encourage families to improve their home’s energy efficiency, with adverts across television, on-demand services, podcasts, print and billboards. They will include a range of recommended measures such as:
- Checking loft and wall insulation
- Upgrading to a heat pump, using the bumper grant
- Installing solar panels to power a heat pump and save even further
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

Making our housing stock more energy efficient not only furthers our net zero ambitions but enables families to cut their energy use and reduce their bills.

Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency will help people identify measures that will work for them, and in turn create street upon street of warmer homes.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants can be used alongside support from the £1 billion Great British Insulation Scheme for more than 300,000 homes, including the most vulnerable families in England, Wales and Scotland. This ensures the most energy-inefficient homes can keep more of their heat indoors and replace their inefficient gas boilers with the latest technology.

Consumers can also give their home an energy efficiency MOT now at a new dedicated website: gov.uk/energy-efficient-home.

To prevent hardworking people being burdened with high costs, the government is delaying the ban on installing oil and liquified petroleum gas boilers, and new coal heating, for off-gas-grid homes to 2035, instead of phasing them out from 2026. Some of these homes are not suitable for heat pumps, so this ensures homeowners are not having to spend around £10,000 to £15,000 on upgrading their homes in just 3 years’ time.

The government has also set an exemption to the phase out of fossil fuel boilers, including gas, in 2035, so that households will not have to switch to a heat pump if their home is not suitable.
October 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Education Secretary says parents can see sex education material [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 23 October 2023.

Education Secretary’s letters make crystal clear that schools must share relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) curriculum material with parents.

The Education Secretary is writing today, 24 October, to all schools in England to make clear that they can and should share relationships, sex and health (RSHE) curriculum materials with parents.

In addition, she has penned an open letter to parents – which encourages them to have confidence in their right to know what their children are seeing and being taught in the classroom.

The letter makes clear that companies providing teaching resources cannot use copyright law to forbid schools from sharing materials, and any attempt to do so through contract terms would be unenforceable and void.

If a provider were to attempt to forbid sharing with parents when asked, schools should continue regardless, because a blanket ban would contradict the clear public interest in parents being aware of what their children are being taught.

In the event that a school is faced with contractual clauses, the Education Secretary is backing schools defending parents’ rights with a practical sample letter that all schools can adapt and send to external providers making clear such clauses are void on the grounds that they are unenforceable.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

No ifs, no buts and no more excuses. This government is acting to guarantee parents’ fundamental right to know what their children are being taught in sex and relationships education.

Today I’m writing to schools and parents to debunk the copyright myth that parents cannot see what their children are being taught.

Parents must be empowered to ask and schools should have the confidence to share.

Parentkind’s Chief Executive Jason Elsom said:

Parentkind welcomes the Department for Education’s timely move to strengthen parental rights in the teaching of RSHE. The key to children receiving appropriate and beneficial relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) teaching is full transparency with parents.

When we polled parents on RSHE earlier this year, a clear picture emerged. Parents wanted to be consulted by schools in advance and agreed that the teaching of the subject was important.

Our research clearly demonstrates that when parents are consistently informed about RSHE in advance, they are significantly likelier to have confidence in the curriculum and be supportive of the content. This move should help to reassure parents about the content and provision of RSHE.

The Education Secretary first wrote to all schools in England in March in light of concerning reports of the teaching of inappropriate materials as part of the RSHE curriculum.

This letter was clear that the government was initiating a thorough review of the curriculum supported by an independent panel, but that in the meantime schools should not enter contractual conditions that prevent them sharing RSHE materials.

The new letter provides the most categorical position on the application of copyright law in this area to date – as part of the government’s overriding approach to empower both teachers and parents to defend their rights.

It makes clear that where parents cannot attend a presentation or they are unable to view materials via a “parent portal”, such as a school website, schools may provide copies of materials to parents to take home on request, providing parents agree to avoid copying the content or sharing it further.

The Education Secretary and departmental officials have been listening closely to parents and teachers as part of the thorough review into the RSHE curriculum and will publish the updated guidance for full public consultation later this year.

October 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £20 million for North Quay regeneration (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 October 2023.

£20 million has been awarded to Great Yarmouth Borough Council for the North Quay redevelopment. This will transform the area around the town’s railway station and waterfront.

Great Yarmouth North Quay Development

North Quay is a new development in the heart of Great Yarmouth, close to Great Yarmouth Rail Station and Market Place. Underutilised land will be reimagined to create a new area for retail, leisure and housing. Levelling Up funding will support phase 1 of the development and unlock the area. The significant development will provide a key link between the station and the town centre.

Find out more about the North Quay regeneration project.

Regenerating the area around Great Yarmouth Station

Funding will also support regeneration around Great Yarmouth Station. This will include:
- improved cycling and walking paths
- improvements to the outdoor space next to the station
October 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New global surveillance aircraft begins UK trials [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 23 October 2023.

A new uncrewed RAF aircraft, capable of global surveillance operations, will begin trials in the UK this week.
- The first of 16 Protector aircraft arrive at RAF Waddington for test flights
- Boosts RAF technology with unparalleled surveillance and strike capability
- Aircraft will undergo test flights until entering service in late 2024
The first of 16 remotely piloted Protector aircraft has arrived at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to commence a series of rigorous trials and tests before entering the RAF fleet.

Equipped with a suite of surveillance equipment, the Protector aircraft will bring a critical global surveillance capability for the UK, all while being remotely piloted from RAF Waddington.

It will be able to undertake a wide range of tasking including land and maritime surveillance to track threats, counter terrorism and support to UK civil authorities, such as assisting HM Coastguard with search and rescue missions.

With a wingspan of 79 feet, the uncrewed aircraft can operate at heights up to 40,000 feet and has an endurance of more than 30 hours, enabling unparalleled surveillance and strike capability.

The aircraft has been assembled by a newly reformed 31 Squadron who are preparing it for ground and air testing ahead of its anticipated in-service date later next year. 31 Sqn, which previously operated the Tornado GR4, will operate and maintain the aircraft at RAF Waddington. The squadron has a long history stretching back to 1915 and have operated multiple aircraft types in the last century. They are exclusively a Protector Sqn now and have been reformed to operate Protector as it enters Service.

Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartlidge MP said:

“The UK’s world-class Protector aircraft will emphasise our ultra-modern surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike capabilities, ensuring we are ready to monitor and protect against potential adversaries around the globe.

“With the first aircraft at RAF Waddington ready to begin trials, we will once again demonstrate how we are spearheading military defence technology.”

The first phase of tests, beginning this week, will involve ground testing of the satellite links and taxi procedures, as well as take-off and landing trials. This will also incorporate a circuit above RAF Waddington.

In addition to accepting the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles currently undertaken by Reaper, which has provided exceptional service on operations around the clock for more than 15 years, Protector will be certified to stringent NATO safety and certification standards allowing it to operate in the UK and European civilian airspace.

Senior Responsible Owner, Protector Programme Air Commodore Alex Hicks, said:

“The arrival of the UK’s first Protector to the Royal Air Force is the culmination of years of work by many personnel across the whole of the MOD. The ISR Capability Team will be working with 56 Sqn, our test and evaluation experts, who will put the aircraft through its paces to ensure it is ready for operational service next year, whilst the newly reformed 31 Sqn will focus on preparing to operate the aircraft in service. This is an important milestone for the Programme, Air Force and wider defence and I am delighted to see Protector at RAF Waddington.”

Head of Remotely Piloted Air System DE&S, Simon Holford said:

“The arrival of the first Protector system in the UK is a major milestone for the project. It reflects all of the hard work that everyone involved has put in to reach this stage, and we are immensely proud of our achievements. However, we can’t rest on our laurels as there is much more to do. Now assembled, this aircraft will be used to perform initial UK flight trials ahead of progressively delivering the capability to the RAF next year.”

Arrival of 15 further aircraft from General Atomics in the US into the UK will be a phased delivery over the coming years. All aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
October 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Colchester boosted with £19.6 million (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 October 2023.

Almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund will support a variety of improvements in Colchester City Centre.

St Botolph’s Circus scheme

Residents of Colchester will benefit from a spectacular redevelopment that will transform St Botolph’s Circus. As a vital gateway into Colchester’s rich historic city centre, the project promises to revolutionise connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to seamlessly coexist. By reclaiming road space, the project will create clean air public spaces where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy new flourishing businesses and pop-up retail experiences.

The improvements will:
- promote walking and cycling journeys
- improve safety and reduce crime in the area
- reclaim road space at the roundabout
- create potential for pop-up retail opportunities
- improve air quality
Other improvements in St Botolph’s include:
- a vibrant new plaza and green spaces
- new step free access to Colchester Station
- a new heritage walking route from St Botolph’s Priory to Colchester Castle and Castle Park to encourage visitors to delve into the city’s rich history and awe-inspiring past
- improved pedestrian and cycle crossings
- a dedicated new bike hub at Britannia Yard / Vineyard Street
- better links to the Britannia car park redevelopment
Regeneration of the area will benefit pedestrians, cyclists and car users. It will improve a key gateway to the city.

Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said:

The improvements to St Botolph’s Circus will bring immense benefits to both current and future residents.

With a focus on managing traffic flow, promoting walking and cycling, enhancing air quality, and creating new green spaces, this project will truly open up our city and cater to the ever-evolving needs of our vibrant communities and businesses.

We are thrilled to be working hand in hand with our residents, businesses, and partners – especially Essex County Council – who have played an instrumental role in shaping our plans. Yet closer to the finish line of a great project.”

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, added:

As Team Colchester, our two councils have united to craft a sustainable and forward-thinking vision for St Botolph’s. It brings me immense joy to witness the remarkable collaboration that has gone into this extraordinary project. With Colchester’s rich history as Britain’s first Roman capital 2,000 years ago, we are proud to be a part of shaping its future, ensuring that our generation leaves an indelible mark on this historic quarter.

A bright future for Colchester

Funding will also be used to complete the Kerbless Street route on Short Wyre Street, create commercial units for creative and digital industries and the Shopfront Improvement Grants scheme.

These projects will complement other funding in the area provided as part of the Colchester Town Deal and Colchester City Status

Find out more about the regeneration of Colchester
October 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £24 million to boost King’s Lynn transport infrastructure (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 October 2023.

£24 million from the Levelling Up Fund was provisionally allocated to Norfolk County Council. The funding will modernise local road systems and enhance public spaces by reducing traffic congestion.

STARS Southgates

The funding will support the ‘King’s Lynn Sustainable Transport and Regeneration Scheme (STARS)’ project. Improvements to the road system will enable easier entrance and smoother movement around King’s Lynn.

Plans include:
- converting Southgates roundabout into an intersection
- new cycle and pedestrian pathways
- bus priority measures
The transformation of the current one-way system will
- reduce congestion in the area, specifically on Railway Road
- reconnect the sections of Norfolk Street
- enhance public spaces and views for local residents
The planned improvements will help to preserve the area’s natural greenery, creating new scenic views of the South Gate and bridge.
October 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Action plan to tackle shoplifting launched [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 23 October 2023.

The government brought together retailers and policing to set out measures to tackle the rise in shoplifting, catch more offenders and keep retail workers safe.

Policing Minister Chris Philp chaired a meeting with senior police leaders and 13 of the UK’s biggest retailers today to launch the Retail Crime Action Plan.

Commissioned by the minister and published today, the plan includes a police commitment to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shoplifting instances involving violence against a shop worker, where security guards have detained an offender or where attendance is needed to secure evidence. Police attendance will be assessed based on risk, and prolific or juvenile offenders will be treated with elevated priority.

Police have also reaffirmed their pledge to follow up on any evidence that could reasonably lead to catching a perpetrator. Forces will step up targeted hotspot patrols in badly affected areas.

The plan sets out advice for retailers on how to provide the best possible evidence for police to pursue in any case. They should send CCTV footage of the whole incident, and an image of the shoplifter from the digital evidence management system, as quickly as possible after an offence has been committed.

Where CCTV or other digital images are secured, police will run this through the Police National Database using facial recognition technology to further aid efforts to identify and prosecute offenders – particularly prolific or potentially dangerous individuals.

A specialist new police team is also being created to build a comprehensive intelligence picture of the organised crime gangs that fuel many shoplifting incidents across the country, to help target and dismantle them.

The initiative, called Pegasus, is a business and policing partnership that will radically improve the way retailers are able to share intelligence with policing, to better understand the tactics used by organised retail crime gangs and identify more offenders. This will include development of a new information sharing platform and training for retailers.

Spearheaded by Katy Bourne, the Business Crime lead for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), Pegasus is the first national partnership of its kind. It is backed by the Home Office, John Lewis, the Co-op, M&S, Boots, Primark and several more, who have collectively pledged to provide over £840,000 to get the initiative off the ground.

Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp said:

I want a new zero-tolerance approach to tackling shoplifting. It is a blight on our highstreets and communities and puts the livelihoods of traders at risk. I am determined to drive forward change.

While it is encouraging to see a 29% increase in charges for shoplifting in the past year, the rise in offending is unacceptable and there is much more to do to stop it happening in the first place.

That’s why we’re taking action and bringing together government, policing and business to commit to smarter, more joined up working when it comes to retail crime, which will help to drive down criminal behaviour and rebuild public confidence in the police response when it does occur.

The majority of funding for Pegasus will go towards the creation of a dedicated team of specialist analysts and intelligence officers to work within OPAL, the national policing team that oversees intelligence on serious organised acquisitive crime. OPAL is run by Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Taylor and overseen by North Wales Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman. Recruitment has already started, and the team will be operational later this month, delivering outcomes across the country by the New Year.

Pegasus will deliver a new digital interface to streamline information sharing between retailers and the police and also provide training for retailers on appropriate information and intelligence to share with policing.

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Acquisitive Crime, said:

Dealing with retail crime requires a multi-faceted approach and through the launch of Pegasus, plus the Retail Crime Action Plan, we have bolstered the policing response to tackling offenders and supporting retailers in reducing shoplifting and attacks on retail staff.

We welcome the collaboration between retailers, police and crime commissioners and policing through Project Pegasus which centralises intelligence and enhances our ability to identify and tackle the groups involved.

We continue to target those prolific and habitual offenders whose behaviour causes misery and takes profit from our communities and retailers. Local police forces assess each report through a threat, harm and risk model to determine their police response and will deploy resources where they can be most effective in catching offenders and keeping people safe.

Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs and Board Secretariat Director of the Co-op, said:

The Co-op has long called for greater police prioritisation so they tackle the rampant rise in retail crime especially those involving violence or prolific offenders; this is now what happens at present as our colleagues see every day.

We, therefore, welcome the commitments in the ‘Retail Crime Action Plan’ to attend incidents of violence, incidents where offenders have been detained and ensure all evidence is collected so every reasonable line of enquiry can be followed.

Alongside Pegasus, which the Co-op is helping to fund, we are hopeful that this will mark the point at which the police will provide the support to protect shopworkers and shops so they can help the communities they serve thrive.

The Co-op stands ready to work with every police force to ensure our colleagues and the shops they work in can continue to serve their communities.

Katy Bourne, PCC and APCC National Lead for Business and Retail Crime, said:

Pegasus will be a game changer in the fight against retail crime providing for the first time an accurate national picture of the organised groups from local families to cross border criminals driving organised shop theft.

Retailers will agree ways to capture information that can be shared and analysed to create intelligence packages for police forces to target and track perpetrators. I am very grateful to all the contributors to Pegasus and to Mitie in particular for helping to get Pegasus airborne.

Nicki Juniper, Head of Security for the John Lewis Partnership, said:

While there’s no silver bullet for tackling retail crime, we welcome this significant step forward. Retail crime is not victimless, it has an impact on Partners, customers and on prices. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with police and others in the sector to keep our Partners and customers safe.

October 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK is ready to consider further sanctions against gangs to deliver stability for the Haitian people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 October 2023.

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

I thank SRSG Salvador, Executive Director Russell, Executive Director Waly, and Ms. Manigat for their briefings today. UN staff and their local partners continue to do vital work in Haiti in the toughest of circumstances. I also welcome the participation of the representatives of Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The UK remains concerned by the deteriorating political and security situation in Haiti that has been set out by our briefers today and its severe impact on the Haitian people and the region. Gangs continue to take over entire neighbourhoods on which they unleash killing, burning, kidnapping and severe restriction of movement.

The Multinational Security Support mission, which this Council mandated earlier this month, is an important step to help the Haitian National Police address the deteriorating security situation in their country and we pay tribute to Kenya and other countries who are stepping up. But this mission will not alone solve the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.

President, long-term stability in Haiti cannot be achieved without political progress that allows the Haitian people to choose their next leaders through free, fair and credible elections. We call on all political actors to put aside their differences for the common interest of the Haitian people and agree on a roadmap that commits all parties to working towards a return to long-term stable governance. We commend efforts to broker transparent dialogue in search of a genuine commitment to political progress.

We continue to hear chilling accounts of the widespread use of sexual violence – including collective rape – by armed gangs as a weapon to instil fear into communities. There are also accounts of the recruitment of vulnerable children into gangs. The UK welcomes the renewal of sanctions targeting those responsible for, and supporting, armed criminal violence in Haiti. We stand ready to consider further sanctions designations against gangs and their influential backers to help deliver a more stable future for the Haitian people.

Thank you.

October 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Extra £20 million in humanitarian aid doubles UK support to Palestinian civilians [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 October 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a new aid package to provide food, water, healthcare, and shelter for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis.
- Prime Minister announces new aid package to provide food, water, healthcare, and shelter for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis
- in a statement in the House he reiterated the UK’s commitment to Israel’s defence and called for “a constant stream of aid going in to Gaza”
- new pledge makes UK one of the biggest humanitarian donors to the crisis and follows Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary’s diplomatic efforts to open the Rafah crossing
The UK will provide a further £20 million of humanitarian aid for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), the Prime Minister announced today (Monday 23 October).

This latest funding is in addition to the £10 million of aid announced by the Prime Minister last week and brings to £30 million the total donated by the UK to the OPTs since Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year (£27 million).

The Prime Minister made the announcement in a statement to the House of Commons, in which he also set out the UK’s intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent regional escalation, back Israel’s security and support long-term solutions to the crisis in the Middle East.

The additional funding means the UK continues to be at the forefront of the global effort to help Palestinian people access the vital lifesaving support they need. The funding will allow trusted partners, including key UN agencies and the Red Cross, to provide essential relief items and services. The aid will respond to critical food, water, healthcare, shelter and protection needs for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis.

Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

I recognise that the Palestinian people are suffering terribly. Too many lives have already been lost, and the humanitarian crisis is growing.

We welcome the limited opening of the Rafah crossing – it is important progress, and testament to the power of diplomacy. But it is not enough.

We need a constant stream of aid pouring in, bringing the water, food, medicine and fuel that is so desperately needed.

We are providing an additional £20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza – more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people.

The opening of the Rafah crossing allowing aid to enter Gaza came after a series of diplomatic engagements in the Middle East by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly last week.

The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK remains wholeheartedly committed to supporting civilians trapped in Gaza.

Humanitarian access must be allowed so civilians can receive vital, lifesaving support, including food, water and shelter, as quickly and effectively as possible.

The UK is committed to easing the desperate – and deteriorating – humanitarian situation in Gaza, while standing alongside the people of Israel against the terrorist group Hamas. We continue to call for immediate, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access for lifesaving aid to reach Gazans including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, and for all parties to take steps to protect civilians and uphold international law.

The UK will consider further support depending on the changing humanitarian needs on the ground. This goes beyond funding alone and must include diplomatic efforts. The Prime Minister raised humanitarian support his meetings with the leaders of Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Palestinian Authority last week; and during the Foreign Secretary’s recent visit, he spoke to counterparts in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar to work with them to push for agreement on ongoing humanitarian access to Gaza.

The UK is also working with the Government of Egypt to advocate for the Rafah crossing to be opened for foreign nationals, including British nationals and staff members of the British Consulate and their families, to leave Gaza.
October 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visits US for urgent talks in support of global stability amid Gaza-Israel crisis [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 October 2023.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visited Washington D.C. to hold urgent talks with his counterpart and members of Congress in support of global stability.
UK has sent military assets to the eastern Mediterranean to prevent escalation and provide humanitarian support

Visit comes less than a week after UK and US defence secretaries met at NATO HQ in Brussels

As the Prime Minister visits Israel, UK is clear that the situation in the Middle East will not distract the world from Ukraine

Following Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel and Ukraine’s continued defence against Putin’s illegal invasion, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visited Washington D.C. for the first time in his role to hold urgent talks with his counterpart and members of Congress, in support of global stability.

The UK and US stand firm in our shared commitment to uphold international law and protect civilian lives wherever freedom is challenged. That commitment has been clear in the last week as our two countries have led the response to prevent escalation in the Middle East, and support Israel’s right to defend itself – taking all steps possible to minimise civilian casualties.

Prior to the trip, Grant Shapps held calls with his Israeli counterpart, Minister Gallant, to set out the UK’s support to Israel and to urge the importance of a proportional response to the situation.

The Secretary of State has also been speaking with his opposite numbers in Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt to coordinate the response and prevent escalations.

The Defence Secretary’s visit came as the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary travelled across the Middle East to discuss the importance of avoiding escalation and a growing humanitarian crisis.

The Prime Minister ordered the deployment of surveillance aircraft and RFA ships to the Eastern Mediterranean to support regional stability and announced the UK will provide a further £10 million in humanitarian aid funding for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

The UK and US are determinedly standing up to aggressors and terrorists and supporting our friends and partners in the fight for freedom and security.

Our nations were the first to provide Ukraine with the sustained support they need to beat Russia, and now we’re working alongside regional partners to prevent escalation and protect civilians in the Middle East.

At such a crucial time for global stability, the urgent talks I have held with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, US Members of Congress and my counterparts in the Middle East underline the UK’s enduring commitment to peace and prosperity.

On Wednesday, Defence Secretary Shapps met US Secretary for Defense Lloyd Austin to discuss the UK and US’s continued support for global security and prosperity, including the Middle East, Ukraine and AUKUS. These topics were also discussed with Congress representatives Adam Smith and Mike Rogers, as well as senators Roger Wicker and Jack Reed, during Shapps’ meetings on Capitol Hill which sought to strengthen the deep defence political and political ties with Congress.

The Defence Secretary also visited the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) headquarters in Virginia. The NGA delivers geospatial intelligence for the military service and intelligence professionals, as well as emergency services and has cooperated closely and provided support to the UK for more than half a decade.

Speaking during engagements in the US, the Defence Secretary made clear the crisis in the Middle East will not distract the UK or our allies and partners from our unwavering resolve to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to repel Russia’s barbaric invasion. The joint efforts of the international community, led by the UK and US, have ensured Putin continues to fail in his goal of conquering Ukraine.

The Defence Secretary also paid his respects to all those sacrificing their lives for Ukraine’s freedom at Holodomor memorial where he laid a wreath in their honour, and the memory of the millions killed by the famine 90 years ago.
October 30, 2023