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Tag: 2023

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK supports Israel’s right to self-defence in line with the UN Charter – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK supports Israel’s right to self-defence in line with the UN Charter – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

    Thank you President.

    And let me thank you for your good faith efforts to negotiate this resolution.

    The draft resolution on which we have just voted rightly condemns the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on the 7th October. It also makes clear that all actions need to be taken in line with international humanitarian law. It stresses the importance of ensuring humanitarian access and protecting civilians, and emphasises this Council’s shared priority of preventing regional escalation of the conflict.

    We welcome and support the draft resolution’s attempts to set out the Council’s view on these critical points.

    But the draft resolution needed to be clearer on Israel’s inherent right to self-defence in line with the UN Charter after Hamas’ attacks killed over 1,400 people and took almost 200 people hostage.

    The draft resolution also ignored the fact that Hamas are using innocent Palestinian civilians as human shields.

    They have embedded themselves in civilian communities and made the Palestinian people their victims too.

    For these reasons, the United Kingdom abstained on this resolution.

    My Prime Minister has been clear that the UK stands with Israel in the face of these atrocities.

    We support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, take back the hostages, deter further incursions, and strengthen its security for the long term.

    In so doing, we will continue to call on Israel to take all feasible precautions to avoid harming Palestinian civilians and to act in line with international humanitarian law.

    We will continue to work closely with Israel and our partners in the region to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. To ensure that civilians are protected and have access to food, water, medicine, and shelter. And to work towards the peace and stability promised by the Two State Solution.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia continues to sow disinformation in the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia continues to sow disinformation in the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says that Russia is alone in trying to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. After the horrific acts of violence in Arras and Brussels, my thoughts are with the victims and their families. The UK stands with France, Belgium and Sweden in the fight against terrorism.

    Last week we listened to the lengthy Russian statement, complete with slides, as the Russian delegation attempted to defend the indefensible. The Russian statement was indicative of a mind-set that led Russia to illegally invade another sovereign country in contravention of international law. This mind-set is based on a misguided assumption that might is right and Russia’s absolute willingness to distort reality to suit Russia’s own purposes.

    In this Forum we are constantly witnesses to this misleading behaviour. Last week, the Russian representative informed the Forum that she needed to present a lengthy statement, despite being given direction on timings from you Madam Chair, because ‘Russia needed to balance the 40 minutes that other nations had spoken for’. If Russia feels the needs to provide balance on the issue of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, where are the other supporting voices? As Russia, has too slowly realised in recent weeks, Russia is alone in trying to defend the illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    Now we know that the UN Charter, of which Russia is a signatory, is based on one member, one vote. So it is odd that Russia claims to be part of global majority. By way of clarification, I understand a majority to be ‘more than half of a group of people or things’. Yet, in UN General Assembly Resolution ES 11/1, deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and demanding a full withdrawal of Russian forces, the resolution passed with 141 voting in favour, 5 against and 35 abstentions. If Russia was confused about the majority element of that vote, UN General Assembly Resolution ES 11/4, declaring the referendums held in the Temporarily Occupied Territories to be invalid and illegal, passed with 143 in favour, 5 against and 35 abstaining. And in the Forum for Security Cooperation, I will underscore, as Russia has openly acknowledged, it is defending itself from a minority of one. I would invite Russia to reconsider generally accepted concepts about what it means to be part of a majority.

    Russia also claimed that ‘the logic of the West is simply of ultimatums’. As was eloquently explained last week by the distinguished representative for the United States, the only ultimatum that this Forum has witnessed are the unprecedented two times Russia prevented this Forum from adopting the agenda – and this prevented the Forum from executing its mandate.

    Madam Chair, we see time and time again the contempt in which Russia holds this Forum. We have appealed in recent weeks for a return to mature diplomacy and yet we are subjected to more of the same banal, inaccurate and excruciatingly long diatribes. Meanwhile, Russia continues its disastrous campaign around the town of Avdiivka. Russia’s Ambassador to the UN stated last Friday that ‘the ramped-up attacks in the east amounted to a new stage in Moscow’s campaign in Ukraine’. Given the significant Russian losses in this failed effort, it is hard to see what is new about it unless it is the accelerated pace at which Russia expends its poorly-led forces.

    Madam Chair, the majority of this Forum continues to recognise the threat posed by the Russian Federation. The United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine diplomatically, militarily and financially. We are implementing our Ukraine Emergency Winter Preparedness plan (£127 million in aid for 2023/2024) with international partners. Last week, the British Defence Secretary announced a new package of support totalling £100 million to help Ukraine clear minefields and protect Critical National Infrastructure. The United Kingdom continues to work with Ukraine and other partners to support alternative routes to the BSGI for Ukrainian grain exports, increasing the capacity of exports to the rest of the world by overland routes, through Danube ports and Ukraine’s maritime corridor. The United Kingdom will continue to act in this manner until Russia no longer controls Ukraine’s sovereign territory for this is the only path, as recognised by a true majority, to a just and lasting peace. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : First farmers receive Sustainable Farming Incentive early payment [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : First farmers receive Sustainable Farming Incentive early payment [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 18 October 2023.

    The first farmers to sign up for the new and improved Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) have this week received their first payment.

    The early payments, worth 25% of the annual value of farmers’ agreements, have been made just a month after the start of applications.

    Every farmer whose agreement started on 1 October 2023 has received the payment which will help to improve cashflow and make sure SFI works for their farm business.

    The Sustainable Farming Incentive pays farmers in England to take actions that support food production, farm profitability and resilience, whilst protecting and enhancing the environment.

    The SFI offer for 2023 has already received record interest from farmers around the country, including farmers who have had agreements under SFI 2022. There have been over 14,000 registrations of interest and almost 1,000 applications submitted offered since the scheme started accepting applications.

    From the end of this week, the majority of farmers will no longer need to submit registrations of interest and will be able to apply directly online, simplifying the application process. Those farming on commons should continue to express their interest with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) who can support them to get ready to apply.

    Secretary of State for Food and Farming Thérèse Coffey said:

    I am delighted by the number of agreements that are already in place for the 2023 Sustainable Farming Incentive and that farmers are now being paid. I encourage all farmers to get involved and see what the scheme can offer your farm business.

    We are engaging with farmers and taking onboard their feedback to continually improve the scheme, including delivering on our commitment to introduce early payments and taking steps to simplify the application process.

    Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

    It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm with which farmers have embraced the latest SFI offer, and we are supporting them by delivering faster payments than ever before.

    SFI has something on offer for every type of farmer, and we will be processing applications as quickly as possible to get more payments into pockets this year and help farmers improve their cash flow.

    Paul Caldwell, Chief Executive of the Rural Payments Agency, said:

    We understand the importance of cashflow for farmers and hope the measures we have taken will assist in making a difference at an important time.

    We are continuing to work hard on getting more and more farmers involved in SFI.

    The government will continue to make improvements to our Environmental Land Management schemes to ensure they work best for farmers, such as bringing forward early payments in a way which would not have been possible under the Common Agricultural Policy.

    The 2023 offer has been expanded and made more flexible in response to farmer feedback with over 23 paid-for actions now on offer including improving hedgerows, nutrient management, farmland wildlife and low input grassland. Other improvements mean that farmers can choose what combination of actions are right for them – unlike previously where actions were grouped into standards.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Nitrous oxide to be illegal from November [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Nitrous oxide to be illegal from November [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 18 October 2023.

    Possession of nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, will be illegal from 8 November 2023.

    Repeat serious users of nitrous oxide could face up to 2 years in prison and dealers up to 14 years, as the government delivers on its zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour.

    The ban, promised as part of the government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, will make nitrous oxide a controlled Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

    Secondary legislation due to be laid today will mean possession of nitrous oxide, where a person intends to wrongfully inhale it – for example ‘to get high’ – will be an offence. Consequences could include:

    • an unlimited fine
    • a visible community punishment
    • a caution – which would appear on their criminal record
    • a prison sentence for repeat serious offenders

    Earlier this year, the Home Secretary urged police forces to get tough on flagrant drug taking in local communities, with reports linking nitrous oxide to antisocial behaviour such as intimidating gatherings on high streets and in children’s parks, often leaving empty canisters scattered across public spaces.

    Heavy, regular abuse of the drug also poses significant health risks for users including anaemia and in more severe cases, nerve damage or paralysis. It has been identified as having potentially fatal consequences on the UK’s roads from incidents of drug driving.

    Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp said:

    We are delivering on the promise we made to take a zero-tolerance approach towards antisocial behaviour and flagrant drug taking in our public spaces.

    Abuse of nitrous oxide is also dangerous to people’s health and today we are sending a clear signal to young people that there are consequences for misusing drugs. Both users and dealers will face the full force of the law for their actions.

    There are still many necessary uses for nitrous oxide and those with a legitimate reason for possessing the substance will be exempt from the ban. For example, it will continue to be lawful for catering purposes and in maternity wards when used as pain relief during labour.

    Licences will not be required to carry nitrous oxide, but individual users will need to demonstrate they are lawfully in possession of nitrous oxide and not intending to consume it for psychoactive effects.

    The maximum sentence for production, supply importation or exportation of the drug for unlawful purposes has now doubled, from 7 to 14 years’ imprisonment.

    As is already the case, there is also a responsibility on legitimate producers and suppliers of nitrous oxide to not be reckless as to whether someone is buying their product to misuse, with no legitimate reason. Turning a blind eye will be committing an offence.

    CEO of Neighbourhood Watch John Hayward-Cripps said:

    At Neighbourhood Watch, we support the government’s ban on nitrous oxide under new legislation from the 8th of November.

    As consumption of nitrous oxide has increased over the years, there has been a connected increase in reports of antisocial behaviour, including the littering of nitrous oxide canisters. For communities across the country, the banning of the substance under new legislation will be a positive move towards tackling antisocial behaviour, and making local communities a better and safer place to live.

    Once the legislation has come into effect, we encourage members of the public to report any illegal consumption of nitrous oxide or other drugs to their local police.

    CEO of Night-time Industries Association Michael Kill said:

    We welcome the announcement by the government today that nitrous oxide is set to be banned under new government legislation by the 8th of November, but recognise that this must work hand in hand with a much broader education and harm reduction strategy on drugs across the country.

    The burden on businesses has been substantial, as they’ve contended with mounting pressure from authorities and residents due to the proliferation of discarded silver canisters on the streets.

    This predicament has not only posed risks to the wellbeing of both staff and patrons but has also fostered an environment conducive to petty crime, antisocial behaviour, and the activities of organised crime syndicates.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) Transition Day – UK statement [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) Transition Day – UK statement [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    The UK government has issued a statement on its decision to maintain nuclear and missile-related restrictions on Iran beyond JCPoA Transition Day.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

    18 October 2023 marks ‘Transition Day’ under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), when certain restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes are due to lift, including: 84 UN and 112 UK designations on individuals and entities involved in nuclear or ballistic missile activities; and sectoral measures including arms and missile embargoes on Iran.

    In response to Iran’s serious and escalating non-compliance with the JCPoA since 2019, the UK, alongside the EU, is maintaining the autonomous designations and sectoral measures, and has transferred the UN designations into our autonomous sanctions regime. The UK will therefore continue to apply these sanctions on Iran. The UK, France, and Germany (E3) jointly notified the JCPoA Coordinator of this decision on 14 September 2023.

    This step is a proportionate and legitimate response to Iran’s nuclear escalation and is fully compliant with the JCPoA. The extent of Iran’s nuclear advances has no credible civilian justification. The programme poses a grave threat to international peace and security and undermines the global non-proliferation system.

    The UK has also joined other states as part of the Proliferation Security Initiative today in calling Iran out for providing missile and drone technology to its partners and proxies, which endangers international stability and escalates regional tension. We and our partners remain committed to tackling Iran’s missile threat.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is working to close the gap between resolutions and reality – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is working to close the gap between resolutions and reality – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council Arria Meeting on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.

    Thank you Foreign Minister Hasani for organising this important event, which the United Kingdom is grateful to co-organise alongside Albania and the US. Thank you also to President Osmani and all our briefers for their powerful remarks on the horrors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and the need for robust international action.

    In July, at the annual Open Debate on CRSV and as part of the UK Presidency, the Security Council again heard powerful statements from a survivor, a human rights activist and SRSG Pramila Patten on the urgent need for justice to address these crimes.

    The message delivered then by Lord Ahmad, my Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) was clear: the Security Council and the wider international community must do more to close the gap between the strong normative framework on CRSV and the realities on the ground.

    This includes implementing this Council’s resolutions, such as Resolution 2467, which calls for a survivor-centred approach. It includes mainstreaming a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations and it includes using this Council’s sanctions to deter perpetrators.

    The UK is working to close the gap between resolutions and reality. We have partnered with the Mukwege Foundation to produce a new Guidebook on State Obligations for CRSV. We encourage all States to use this tool to understand their commitments and civil society and survivors to use this tool to hold States to account.

    And we are building on last year’s international Conference on Sexual Violence in Conflict in the UK, by hosting a High-Level Meeting of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict in the coming days. Since the conference the Alliance has grown to 25 members and it is vice-chaired by the Governments of Colombia and Ukraine. Together, we will amplify survivor voices, share expertise and strengthen international action.

    Mr President, wherever sexual violence in conflict occurs it is our moral duty to stamp it out. And as Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said, it is not an inevitable consequence of war. We are determined to consign it to the history books.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Critical services to be better protected from satellite data disruptions through new Position, Navigation and Timing framework [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Critical services to be better protected from satellite data disruptions through new Position, Navigation and Timing framework [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 18 October 2023.

    New Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) measures set out, which include a crisis plan in the event current PNT services are unavailable.

    • New framework for Greater Position, Navigation and Timing Resilience to underpin Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and bolster essential services like banking, defence and emergency services
    • everyday activities, like television broadcasting and ensuring accurate financial transactions use Position, Navigation and Timing
    • comes alongside a new report on importance of robust framework to safeguard UK economy

    Sectors relying on Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) satellite information such as emergency services and banks will be given added resilience through a new framework unveiled by Science Minister George Freeman today (Wednesday 18 October).

    New measures set out in the framework include a crisis plan in the event current PNT services are unavailable, as well as the creation of a dedicated government unit to ensure critical services can operate without disruption.

    The government’s policy framework for Greater Position, Navigation, and Timing Resilience will support critical sectors such as finance, defence, transportation, telecommunications, and the emergency services, by ensuring they can safely rely on PNT information to run services without interruption and serve the public.

    Its ten measures and recommendations include setting up a dedicated National PNT Office in government, bolstering back up plans in case of failure of regular navigation systems such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and the further scoping of technologies such as precise clocks and new satellite-based systems to ensure continuous location and timing information.

    A resilient PNT system supports a range of interactions in our daily lives, from ensuring secure banking to uninterrupted television and radio broadcasts, and more widely stock market operations – ensuring the systems run smoothly, even in adverse conditions such as severe space weather events, which could disrupt PNT provided by Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

    The framework also supports the PNT ambitions as set out in the National Quantum Strategy, published earlier this year.

    Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman MP, said:

    Position, Navigation and Timing is vital to so many of the public services we rely on daily – from the emergency services to transport, satellites and telecommunications.

    Enhancing our PNT resilience and long-term capabilities is key to both Critical National Infrastructure, our economic security and resilience and strategic high growth sectors like space, future telecoms, quantum and cyber security.

    Today’s policy framework, including the creation of our new National PNT Office, is a sign of our commitment to PNT as a key strategic capability.

    The ten points the government is working towards implementing are:

    • National PNT Office: establish a National PNT Office in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology – to improve resilience and drive growth with responsibility for PNT policy, coordination, and delivery.
    • PNT Crisis Plan: retain and update a cross-government PNT Crisis Plan to be activated if Global Navigation Satellite Systems provided PNT is lost and identify and implement short term mitigations.
    • National Timing Centre: develop a proposal for a National Timing Centre– to provide resilient, terrestrial, sovereign, and high-quality timing for the UK (UTC(NPL)), including sovereign components and optical clocks.
    • ‘MOD Time’: develop a proposal for ‘Ministry of Defence Time’ creating deeper resilience through a system of last resort and use National Timing Centre provided timing to support the Ministry of Defence.
    • eLORAN: develop a proposal for a resilient, terrestrial, and sovereign Enhanced Long-Range Navigation system to provide backup Position and Navigation.
    • Infrastructure Resilience: rollout resilient GNSS receiver chips, develop holdover clocks, and consider options for legislation on CNI sectors to require minimum resilient PNT.
    • UK SBAS: develop a proposal for a UK Precise Point Positioning Satellite-Based Augmentation System to replace the UK’s use of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, monitor GNSS and enable GNSS dependent high accuracy Position for autonomous and precision uses.
    • PNT Skills: explore options for Centres for Doctoral Training in timing and PNT and review PNT skills, education, and training for long term sovereign PNT capability.
    • Growth Policy: develop a PNT growth policy, including R&D programmes, standards and testing, to drive innovation for PNT based productivity.
    • Next Generation PNT: deploy existing R&D funding into a UK Quantum Navigator and investigate possible options for a UK sovereign regional satellite system.

    Strengthening PNT capabilities, will give direction to the PNT industry, while fostering innovation, growth, and cutting-edge technology development, positioning the UK as a global PNT leader.

    Alongside this framework, the government is publishing research that reveals the economic impact on the UK if the GNSS were to be disrupted. It found that a 24-hour outage could result in a £1.4 billion loss to the UK economy, with a 7-day outage costing the economy £7.6 billion.

    The report, a re-evaluation of an analysis from 2017, revealed that the majority of losses during a 7-day outage stemmed from impacts on emergency services, road transport, and maritime transport, collectively representing 87.5% of the total losses. These findings underscore the necessity for a concrete PNT framework to safeguard the UK against such vulnerabilities.

    This also builds on today’s release of the ‘Space Based PNT Technical Concepts’ from the UK Space Agency, which explores innovative approaches to delivering Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Services from space. These insights serve as a foundational basis for the decision-making process of the new PNT Office concerning future space-based PNT solutions.

    Professor Dame Angela McLean, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, said:

    I am very pleased to see the publication of a cross-government PNT policy framework to develop the capabilities, skills and technologies that will ensure our future PNT Resilience. This framework will provide ever-increasing opportunities for economic growth, employment and innovation for the UK.

    PNT resilience was identified as a significant issue in the 2018 Blackett Report Satellite-derived Time and Position: A Study of Critical Dependencies – this policy framework will help address the challenges set out there.

    John Pottle, Director of the Royal Institute of Navigation, said:

    Today’s significant and very welcome announcement recognises that achieving greater PNT resilience is a multi-faceted endeavour. The ownership provided by the National PNT Office will provide policy and delivery oversight, and co-ordination across all stakeholders.

    As well as improving national preparedness, the PNT framework has potential to help further strengthen the UK’s thought leadership and innovation in robust and resilient PNT.

    Dr Peter Thompson, CEO, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), said:

    The inclusion of a commitment to develop a proposal for a National Timing Centre in the new government policy framework for Greater PNT Resilience is an important step to improving timing resilience for UK critical infrastructure and the wider economy.”

    The NPL, as the home of accurate time in the UK and the national technical authority for time and frequency, will continue to work with DSIT on the challenge of timing resilience, building on the ongoing National Timing Centre R&D programme.

    David Henderson, Chief Geospatial Officer at Ordnance Survey said:

    With new technology-enabled ecosystems like autonomous vehicles and digital twins starting to take shape, it’s the perfect time to be thinking in a strategic way about how we use and develop our position, navigation and timing systems.

    We have the infrastructure and know-how in the UK to help us think innovatively about how to better connect our digital and physical places, and the PNT framework sets out a clear way of thinking of how we can strengthen that.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Security Council Resolution 2231 Transition Day: joint statement [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Security Council Resolution 2231 Transition Day: joint statement [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    The UK joins other Proliferation Security Initiative-endorsing states in committing to countering destabilising Iranian missile and drone-related activities.

    Statement from the UK and other Proliferation Security Initiative-endorsing states:

    The proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems continues to pose a significant threat to international security.  In this environment, Iran’s missile program remains one of the greatest challenges to international nonproliferation efforts.  Today, Iran holds the largest inventory of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, and its ballistic missile programs continue to pose a threat to countries across the region and beyond.  In addition, Iran’s provision of missile and UAV technology to its partners and proxies endangers international stability and escalates regional tension.

    On October 18, 2023, the restrictions set forth in UN Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) to constrain Iran’s ballistic missile program are slated to expire. Resolution 2231 (2015) was based on the assumption that Iran would take the necessary steps towards restoring confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program. This has not happened. In this context, it is imperative that all states continue to take steps to counter Iran’s destabilizing ballistic missile-related activities through ongoing counterproliferation cooperation.

    We, the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)-endorsing states listed below, will uphold the commitments enshrined in the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles by continuing to counter destabilizing Iranian missile- and UAV-related activities, consistent with all other relevant national and international authorities and related commitments.

    Specifically, with regard to Iran and consistent with the PSI principles, we affirm our commitment to take all necessary measures to prevent the supply, sale, or transfer of ballistic missile-related items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology, to protect peace and stability in the region and beyond including: (1) undertake effective measures to interdict the transfer to and from Iran of missile-related materials, including those related to UAVs; (2) adopt streamlined procedures for rapid exchange of relevant information concerning Iran’s proliferation activities; (3) review and work to strengthen our relevant national legal authorities to address Iranian missile- and UAV-related issues; and (4) take specific actions in support of interdiction efforts related to Iran’s missile and UAV programs.

    We further reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that domestic processes are in place to undertake such efforts. We call on all countries to ensure they have sufficient domestic legal authorities and capabilities to address Iran’s missile program, and we stand united in our determination to address Iran’s destabilizing missile-related activities.

    Signing states: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Belize, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Welsh universities showcase cutting edge research and innovation [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Welsh universities showcase cutting edge research and innovation [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 18 October 2023.

    Showcase event highlights university research from Welsh Universities that is having an impact in communities in Wales, the UK and across the world.

    • Key strengths in areas such as semi-conductors, agri-tech and Net Zero demonstrated by exhibitors.
    • Attended by Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Science Minister George Freeman, the event demonstrated Welsh R&I strengths and aimed to encourage continued investment in Welsh research.

    Welsh universities are delivering world-leading research that makes vital contributions to the economy and society. This is the message from a special event held in London this week showcasing the very best of Welsh research and innovation.

    Hosted by the Wales Office and Wales Innovation Network, the event at Lancaster House on 17 October highlighted the strength and breadth of Welsh university research, and its ability to deliver tangible benefits to communities in Wales, the UK and across the world.

    With projects ranging from decarbonisation and cyber innovation to virus detection and semiconductor technology, the exhibition demonstrated the diversity of the Welsh research and innovation sector, and the vital role it has to play in driving forward the UK economy and providing solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.

    Wales is already leading the way in areas as diverse as MedTech, AgriTech and Net Zero and has a world-leading compound semi-conductor cluster driving innovation in a technology used in nearly every mobile phone on the market today.

    Collaboration is also a key strength of the Welsh sector, with many of the projects on display involving partnership working across several Welsh universities.

    The UK Government has made a commitment to invest nearly £40 billion in research and development between 2022 and 2025. Welsh universities are well-placed to access more research funding for research with a push to increase funding to areas of the UK outside the southeast of England by at least 40% by 2030.

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Science Minister George Freeman were among those attending the event which featured 20 exhibits, including an insight into digital imaging technology based on human vision and demonstrations on the future applications of nuclear power.

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

    I was delighted to welcome Welsh universities to this very special event and demonstrate the UK Government’s commitment to the higher education sector. It was a great opportunity for UKRI to get a flavour of some of the incredible research and innovation that’s already taking place in Wales across all of our universities.

    I want Welsh universities to play a vital role in positioning the UK at the forefront of R&D, and I hope this event has helped us make progress towards that common goal.

    Professor Paul Boyle, Chair of the Wales Innovation Network and Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University said:

    We welcome this opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic research and innovation taking place at Welsh universities.

    The Wales Innovation Network’s purpose is to strengthen Welsh research and innovation by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, so it was particularly positive to see so many of the projects on display demonstrating the value of collaborative working across Wales’ universities.

    We will continue to showcase the strengths of Welsh research and we welcome further engagement with government and stakeholders to continue to increase research and innovation funding in Welsh universities.

    With a sustainably-funded R&I sector we can continue to create economic and societal impact for this and future generations.

    Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UKRI said:

    There are remarkable research and innovation strengths in Welsh universities, and the wider Welsh research and innovation system. In my visits to Wales and meetings with Welsh stakeholders, I’ve talked to many brilliant people including early career researchers and entrepreneurs, technicians, local community and global research leaders.

    Welsh universities are highly successful at winning research funding from across UKRI, with success rates similar to the rest of the UK. These projects powerfully demonstrate how Welsh universities are advancing research across a wide range of areas, and driving innovation and economic growth, benefiting the whole UK and beyond.

    Notes

    • All nine of Wales’ universities – Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, Open University in Wales, Swansea University, University of South Wales, University of Wales Trinity St David’s and Wrexham University – featured in the Lancaster House event.
    • A number of the 20 R&D exhibits featured joint teams from different universities.
    • The event brought together representatives from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Wales Office and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology with the aim of encouraging more funding for Welsh research.
    • In the latest UK-wide assessment of the quality of research (REF 2021), published last summer, 89% of Welsh university research was rated as internationally excellent or world-leading for impact. A selection of REF impact case studies can be found here.
    • The Wales Innovation Work (WIN) is a collaborative initiative set up to strengthen research and innovation in Wales. The Network has four main objectives:
    • Increasing the competitiveness of Welsh research and innovation through facilitating collaboration to build innovative and distinctive projects.
    • Leveraging strategic investment into Wales by working with appropriate partners to deliver impactful research and innovation.
    • Advocating for Welsh research and innovation through communicating the strengths, reach and impact of the sector.
    • Facilitating the sharing of facilities, equipment and practice between Welsh universities to strengthen the research infrastructure and environment.
    • Universities Wales is a membership body representing the interests of Wales’ nine universities. We develop higher education policy, deliver political and stakeholder engagement, and campaign on issues where our members have a shared interest. www.uniswales.ac.uk
  • PRESS RELEASE : Venezuela negotiations – Joint Statement [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Venezuela negotiations – Joint Statement [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

    Foreign ministers of the US, UK and Canada, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs gave a statement welcoming the Venezuelan-led political agreement.

    The following statement was released by US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles, and the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs the Honourable Mélanie Joly, on the Venezuela negotiations in Barbados on 17 October 2023:

    We welcome the Venezuelan-led political agreement reached today in Barbados. This agreement represents a necessary step in the continuation of an inclusive dialogue process and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.

    We support a peaceful negotiated outcome that leads to fair and competitive elections and a return to economic stability and security.

    We continue to call for the unconditional release of all those unjustly detained, the independence of the electoral process and judicial institutions, freedom of expression including for members of the press, and respect for human and political rights.

    We will work with our international partners and others to address the urgent needs of all Venezuelans inside and outside their country and to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

    We are grateful to Barbados for hosting the negotiations and to Norway for its leadership in facilitating the negotiations.