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Tag: 2024

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Defence Secretary sets out commitment to AUKUS to drive regional British growth [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Defence Secretary sets out commitment to AUKUS to drive regional British growth [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 July 2024.

    New Defence Secretary, John Healey, has set out Britain’s commitment to the AUKUS partnership as an important driver of jobs and growth.

    • Defence Secretary and Australian Deputy Prime Minister tour UK military steel production plant.
    • Site supports hundreds of local skilled jobs with bright future under AUKUS.
    • Steel components from Sheffield to be used on future UK and Australian nuclear-powered submarines.

    New Defence Secretary, John Healey, has set out Britain’s commitment to the AUKUS partnership as an important driver of jobs and growth in Yorkshire and across the UK.

    Joined by the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, on a tour of a key military steel supplier in Sheffield, the pair saw first-hand how the business is benefiting from AUKUS – the trilateral defence and security partnership between the UK, US and Australia.

    John Healey today reaffirmed the UK’s staunch commitment to AUKUS and the jobs and growth it can deliver for Britain.

    The AUKUS submarine programme will generate 7,000 additional British jobs. At its peak, there will be over 21,000 people working on the SSN-AUKUS programmes in the UK supply chain.

    The visit comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, with the leaders outlining their commitment to the strong AUKUS partnership.

    Australia and the UK are close partners, working together on the most pressing global security issues. The two ministers also discussed UK-Australian cooperation to support Ukraine, our close coordination in the Indo-Pacific and our joint commitment to ensuring the AUKUS partnership fully delivers its potential.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

    Working with allies and partners is fundamental to our security and so it is a pleasure to host my Australian counterpart within my first fortnight as Defence Secretary. The UK and Australia are the closest of friends and our work through AUKUS is testament to this.

    Sheffield Forgemasters is a shining light of UK industry that helps boost global security and employs skilled staff from the local community. This is just one example of how our hugely important partnership with our Australian and American partners can help drive jobs and growth across Britain.

    Sheffield Forgemasters manufacture specialist steel parts used in critical UK defence programmes, including highly complex, nuclear-grade steel components for nuclear-armed submarines. Their parts will also be used in future UK and Australian conventionally armed, nuclear-powered, submarines – known as SSN-AUKUS – which will be the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.

    Deputy Prime Minister for Australia, Richard Marles said:

    Australia and the United Kingdom’s relationship is enduring and forged in deep history.

    Be it under the defence and security cooperation agreement, or the work we continue to achieve under AUKUS, we are modernising our partnership.

    And importantly, we continue to work together on our support for Ukraine and to support a global rules-based order.

    Opportunities through the AUKUS supply chain for British industry could be worth billions across the coming decades, supporting thousands of jobs in both countries.

    Sheffield Forgemasters is fully owned by the Ministry of Defence, employing around 650 skilled workers, with more than £900 million invested to date to modernise and expand the business. Both the UK and Australian governments have made hundreds of millions of pounds of joint investment into the infrastructure and capability of the business. This investment shows the commitment both governments are making in the region and to the wider UK supply chain supporting the AUKUS endeavour. Latest statistics show £330 million is spent annually with the defence industry in Yorkshire & The Humber, with more than 2,500 jobs supported.

    The tour at Sheffield Forgemasters followed Richard Marles visiting HMNB Clyde in Scotland to see first-hand how the UK operates its nuclear submarine base, including exposure to an Astute Class submarine and the UK approach to the operation, maintenance and regulation of these attack vessels.

    Just last week the first three Royal Australian Navy officers graduated from the Royal Navy’s Nuclear Reactor Course at HMS Sultan in Gosport. The graduates will now go on to serve in Astute-class submarines side-by-side with the Royal Navy to gain first-hand at-sea experience with naval nuclear propulsion technology.

    Their success marks a significant milestone in developing the skilled workforce needed to operate Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability being developed under the AUKUS partnership.

  • Richard Hermer – 2024 Swearing In Speech at Attorney General

    Richard Hermer – 2024 Swearing In Speech at Attorney General

    The speech made by Richard Hermer, the Attorney General, on 15 July 2024.

    It is a profound privilege to address the Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor and all the members of this court.

    It is also a personal pleasure for me to make submissions in this courtroom when the risk of being asked tricky legal questions is at least lower than normal.

    Being in government is a privilege that carries the responsibility of having to make hard choices but as we face the challenging path ahead the rule of law will be the lodestar for this government.

    Governments should be judged by their deeds not by their rhetoric but I hope the professions and the public can take some comfort from the fact that, from the Prime Minister down, the new government is comprised of individuals who have the rule of law imprinted into their DNA, none more so than our new Lord Chancellor.

    For all the reasons set out by my lady and for many more, I can tell the Court that we have a Lord Chancellor with the character, authority, intellect and experience not just to protect the rule of law but to begin to address the deep challenges facing our justice system.

    We also have a Solicitor General who brings precisely the right mix of legal acumen, political nous and a dedication to public service to help make law and politics work together.

    We wish to work with all in our mission to protect and promote the rule of law.  Its principles are at the heart of the organisations the Law Officer’s superintend and we will work collegiately with the Bar Council, Law Society and CILEX in what I know is our shared endeavour to entrench the rule of law and promote human rights.

    We recognise the imperative of seeking to ensure a cross-party consensus about our shared fundamental values and how we protect them for future generations.

    The values that we are seeking to protect are not the property of any political party, they are not Labour values or Conservative values they are British values, indeed in many respects universal values.

    The task has never been more urgent.  In recent years, events at home and abroad serve to remind us all that once you start pulling on a single thread of the fabric of the rule of law system, when democratic norms are whittled away through attrition, the risk of systemic unravelling is great and the concomitant task of retrenching standards we once took for granted, very difficult indeed.

    So My Lady the Law Officers will work together with the Lord Chancellor on our mission to protect and promote the rule of law.  There is much to be done, too many tasks to describe in my allotted time, but let me say this.

    We will support the Lord Chancellor’s mandate to protect the independence of the judiciary, allied to this we will work with her to promote better appreciation in Westminster and beyond of our constitutional balance in which a respectful relationship between parliament, the executive and the courts is understood to be the bedrock of our framework of governance.

    We will work closely with the Lord Chancellor to promote the rule of law amongst the public, not least young people – seeking to use it to rebuild trust in our political system by explaining how it serves all of us and that no-one, least of all politicians, are above it.

    Just as we will promote the rule of law domestically, so we will seek to promote international law and the rule of law in the international legal order. We will support the Foreign Secretary in all his efforts – cognisant of the importance of international law and the rule of law for the prosperity and security of all global citizens.

    Looking inwards, we will seek to promote the highest standards in how we legislate – seeking to increase accessibility and certainty in how we make law, including not abusing the use of secondary legislation

    Finally, as Law Officers we will seek to provide the Government that we serve with legal advice of the highest calibre and ensure that law is at the heart of everything that it does.

    Notwithstanding the Law Officer’s commitment to the political aims of the government our legal analysis will always be guided by law not politics.

    As I told a meeting with all of GLD staff last week – it is our job to speak truth to power.  Sometimes we will get it wrong and in their judgments these Courts will explain why, and we will seek to learn and do better.

    That is how our system works, it is as Lord Bingham said, a cardinal feature of the modern democratic state and the cornerstone of the rule of law.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK “open for business” as Trade Secretary heads to G7 [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK “open for business” as Trade Secretary heads to G7 [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 July 2024.

    • Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will use first international visit to G7 Trade meeting in Italy to announce that the UK is “open for business”
    • Reynolds will say a “confident, outward-looking, future-facing UK is ready to play our part on the international stage” as UK resets its relationship with global allies
    • He will meet with key counterparts to foster a “closer, more mature relationship with our friends in the European Union” and drive economic growth

    The UK is back on the world stage and “open for business”, the new Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will tell a meeting of G7 ministers and businesses today.

    On his first international visit in the role, he will tell counterparts at the G7 Trade Ministerial Meeting in Italy that a new level-headed approach on the world stage will allow UK businesses to plan for sustained investment and economic growth over the next decade.

    It’s part of the Government’s plan to create a pro-business environment that supports innovation, investment, and high-quality jobs at home. By resetting international relations and tearing down unnecessary barriers to trade, it will also unleash the potential of the great industries which make the UK stand out on the world stage: our excellent research institutions, professional services, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.

    Addressing G7 trade counterparts and business representatives from each country, the Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will say:

    In the UK, we now have a strong government with an even stronger mandate from the British people. One that respects, wants to partner with and is open for business.

    My message to you today is simple – Britain is back. A confident, outward-looking, future-facing UK is ready and willing to play our part on the international stage.

    We are seeking a closer, more mature, more level-headed relationship with our friends in the European Union – our nearest and largest trading partner, and we also intend to forge better trading relationships with countries around the world.

    He will also set out how the UK intends to work with global partners to address some of the most pressing economic challenges ahead, adding:

    We are not naïve about the scale of the challenges threatening global stability. Putin’s continued onslaught on Ukraine, disruption to supply chains in the Red Sea and superpowers like China using harmful policies and practises are distorting free, fair trade.

    It’s why our Chancellor is pursuing a clear-eyed strategy of ‘securonomics’ – prioritising economic strength and resilience to increase market confidence and spur growth.

    Governments cannot rely on the invisible hand of the market to do this for them. Fair, open markets with healthy competition can only be achieved through purposeful interaction between governments, business, and institutions like the G7.

    It’s why the UK wants to work in partnership with you to increase supply chain resilience. Doing so gives businesses the confidence to invest and grow by planning not just for the next year but for the next decade.

    The Business and Trade Secretary will use the visit to hold his first in-person meetings with his G7 counterparts since being appointed in his new role, including expected meetings with the Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck.

    These burgeoning relationships will also strengthen both global economic security and supply chain resilience, boosting confidence in domestic and global markets and ensuring that stability is shared by communities across the world.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Monsoon flooding – UK announces £30,000 in humanitarian assistance to affected communities in Bangladesh [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Monsoon flooding – UK announces £30,000 in humanitarian assistance to affected communities in Bangladesh [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 July 2024.

    The UK is providing £30,000 (BDT 4.5 crores) of vital humanitarian assistance to support flood-affected communities in Sylhet, where over three million people have been impacted and 260,000 are displaced.

    The current flooding in Bangladesh has so far affected over 14.8 million people in different parts of the country.

    This UK contribution in Sylhet will be managed by Start Fund Bangladesh and implemented by Caritas Bangladesh. It will provide cash assistance, clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies, and complement the Government of Bangladesh’s ongoing response to the flooding.

    The UK is also a significant contributor to the global humanitarian pooled funds, such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) and the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Both of these are providing a total of £5.9m (BDT 89.5 crores) to support people affected by flooding in northern Bangladesh with food, clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, shelter, health support, and cash assistance.

    Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said:

    The UK stands beside all of those affected by the current flooding in Bangladesh. I am pleased to announce the UK is providing humanitarian assistance to support those affected.

    This includes £30,000 (BDT 4.5 crores) through START Fund Bangladesh to provide vital supplies to over 5,000 people in Sylhet, as well as contributions to pooled funds that are supporting those in the north of the country. This contribution complements the Government of Bangladesh’s response.

    Further information

    1. The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is a humanitarian fund established by the United Nations General Assembly to enable timely and reliable humanitarian assistance to those affected by natural disasters, armed conflict, and complex emergencies through rapid, effective, and efficient channelling of resources to humanitarian agencies.
    2. IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) is a pooled fund which offers rapid financial support to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help them respond to small and medium-scale disasters or other emergencies that may not receive significant donor or media attention and therefore funding.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Deputy Prime Minister kickstarts new devolution revolution to boost local power [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Deputy Prime Minister kickstarts new devolution revolution to boost local power [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 16 July 2024.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will today (16 July 2024) pledge to kickstart a new devolution revolution to transfer more powers out of Westminster and into the hands of local people.

    In her first letter to local leaders, Rayner will urge regions without devolved power to “partner with the government to deliver the most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen”.

    She will invite local leaders in devolution deserts – those with local knowledge and skin in the game – to work together to take on powers in areas like transport, adult education and skills, housing and planning, and employment support. These new agreements will mean local leaders can make decisions that benefit their communities better, while boosting economic growth and opportunity.

    Devolution is central to the government’s mission to boost economic growth, but only around half of the people in England currently benefit from these arrangements. The letter from the Deputy Prime Minister makes clear that the government’s door is open to areas who want to take on devolution for the first time, with the government committed to encouraging more local authorities to come together and take on new powers.

    In the letter, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    For too long, Westminster government has tightly gripped control and held back opportunities and potential for towns, cities, and villages across the country.

    Last week, with the Prime Minister, I had the pleasure of meeting the metro Mayors in England. We discussed how to have a proper, grown up conversations around economic growth, and how to deliver that through better housing, skills, and jobs for local people.

    I want to work with more places to help them use these enhanced powers and role – because I want to drive growth in every part of the country. For any area considering it, now is the time to take the plunge and speak to us about how we can work with you to transform your regions.

    Greater Manchester, one of the places where devolution has existed for the longest and powers are deepest, has been one of the UK’s fastest growing areas over the last 20 years and is forecast to grow by more than the national average in coming years.

    This has been driven by powers allowing the Greater Manchester Mayor to encourage investment into the city, boost skills, and work towards an integrated transport system.

    In other parts of the country, Mayors have played a crucial role in attracting new investment – with major manufacturers such as Boeing and McLaren bringing new jobs to South Yorkshire, while West Yorkshire is now home to the UK’s fastest growing digital industry outside London.

    OECD research suggests that if the autonomy of UK cities was to increase to the same level as Helsinki, then productivity would increase significantly.

    Agreeing new devolution deals will mark a monumental shift of power away from Westminster into communities – giving those with skin in the game the power to make the best decisions for their people and make a difference to their lives.

    The letter comes ahead of the King’s Speech on 17 July 2024, which will build on the momentum of the government’s first week, by setting out how it will make a difference to the lives of working people.

    Further information

    Last week, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister convened a mayoral roundtable at Number 10 with the 12 current metro mayors to discuss to discuss a new partnership approach and how the government can scale up devolution which will help to unlock economic growth and tackle regional inequality.

    The Prime Minister announced that the government will establish a Council of Nations and Regions bringing together the Prime Minister, the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, the First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, and the Mayors of Combined Authorities. New Mayors established through this process would be eligible to sit on the Council of Nations and Regions.

    The Deputy Prime Minister has also pledged to introduce Local Growth Plans across the country. As part of this, mayors will be asked to identify local specialisms, and contribute to work on a national industrial strategy.

    The Deputy Prime Minister is writing to all council leaders of County and Unitary councils not currently subject to a devolution deal. Read the Deputy Prime Minister’s letter.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Young Brits warned of dangers of modern slavery abroad [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Young Brits warned of dangers of modern slavery abroad [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 16 July 2024.

    Thousands of young people travelling to popular holiday destinations including Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca to work in bars and clubs have been given advice on the dangers of labour exploitation.

    Border Force officers have been running Operation Karetu at 22 airports across the UK, targeting young people travelling to work in Mediterranean destinations who could be at risk of exploitation, criminality and illegal working.

    The month-long operation has so far seen officers engage with over 1,000 young Brits, providing them with leaflets and guidance on how to avoid the risks involved as unofficial public relations (PR) reps – work that involves touting people into clubs and bars.

    Young holidaymakers who travel abroad every year to work in the hospitality industry risk being forced to work long hours for low wages. Risks include working illegally due to a lack of knowledge about EU employment regulations or being exploited by serious organised criminal gangs.

    Operation Karetu was initially launched in 2018 amid concerns over the welfare of young British nationals being exposed to different types of exploitation, particularly labour and sexual exploitation. The operation has had significant success and since 2022 there have been no cases of labour exploitation reported to the British Consular in the Balearics.

    However, many cases of labour exploitation go undetected, and Border Force continue to run Operation Karetu every year as an important preventative operation to protect young people.

    Home Office Minister, Seema Malhotra said:

    Travelling abroad for a summer in the sun is an exciting prospect for thousands of young people across the country, but it’s important they’re able to do that safely.

    Operation Karetu is just one example of Border Force’s work to protect the British public, ensuring young people are kept safe from unscrupulous employers.

    This year’s operation was specifically targeting the Balearic Islands, which includes popular tourist destinations such as Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca.

    The operation began on 17 June and is running until 19 July this year, and is carried out in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the modern slavery charity, Unseen, and British embassies abroad.

    Border Force carries out Operation Karetu annually as part of its Prevent and Protect strategies, to end involvement in exploitation and strengthen safeguards by protecting individuals, organisations and systems.

    Key advice from Border Force officers to people considering working abroad:

    1. Working while a tourist in the EU is illegal. If you are not an EU national or legally resident in the EU, you need a job offer, work permit and visa. More information is available on travelling to the EU and Schengen area.
    2. Check you have a visa and a contract before starting your job.
    3. Ask about accommodation and find out the rent or costs. Do this before accepting accommodation as part of a job offer.
    4. Keep hold of your passport at all times. If it is taken, report it to police. You can contact the local British Consulate for help and advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

    The Border Force operation is supported by modern slavery charity Unseen, who operate the Modern Slavery Helpline. Anyone feeling vulnerable about their work or finances can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline, in confidence, on 08000 121 700.

    The operation is just one part of the work Border Force carries out to address modern slavery and trafficking. All front-line Border Force officers are trained to identify signs of modern slavery and make the necessary referrals.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We must defend the UN Charter – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : We must defend the UN Charter – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 July 2024.

    Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on multilateral cooperation.

    The world of 2024 looks very different to the world of 1945, but the challenges we face are no less stark.

    More countries globally are engaged in conflicts than at any time since the Second World War, we are facing a climate crisis and scientific and technological breakthroughs are raising new questions, which we need to answer.

    A UN fit for the 21st century is vital to meet these challenges. I would like to make three points:

    First, we need reinvigorated systems that are more inclusive and more responsive to deliver on important priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals and international financial architecture reform.

    That is why the UK is committed to making a success of the Summit of the Future in September and realising its potential to set a new, ambitious course for the UN.

    We also recognise that members sitting around this table need to be more representative of the world today and that is why we have long supported Security Council reform.

    Second, we need to ensure that this Council delivers on its mandate to uphold international peace and security.

    We regret that recent Council resolutions 2735 and 2736 calling for a ceasefire deal in Gaza and de-escalation in and around El Fasher in Sudan have yet to be fully implemented.

    We call on all parties to do their utmost to see these resolutions implemented to prevent further human suffering.

    We as Council members also have a responsibility to uphold our own commitments.

    It is therefore vital that the Russian government stops sourcing weapons from DPRK in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and ceases its attempts to disrupt UN efforts in Africa, including by stopping Russian proxies targeted actions against MINUSCA.

    Third, we must defend the UN Charter.

    President, while you tell us how you believe the world order can become more just, democratic and sustainable, your military is systematically bombing civilians in Ukraine in an unprovoked war of aggression and in flagrant violation of the UN Charter.

    What is just about trying to annex another country’s land? What is democratic about trying to subjugate another country’s people? What is sustainable about waging a war that has killed or injured over 500,000 of your own people?

    The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder of what kind of world order Russia really wants – a world where might is right, and powerful countries can bully and invade other countries with impunity.

    The UK does not accept such a world. We will continue to stand staunchly behind Ukraine. We will support its aspiration for a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and international law, and its demand for accountability.

    We will continue to be a tireless advocate for effective multilateralism and for the principles at the heart of the UN Charter.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Uganda – Lisa Chesney [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Uganda – Lisa Chesney [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 July 2024.

    Ms Lisa Chesney MBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Uganda in succession to Ms Kate Airey OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Chesney will take up her appointment in October 2024.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Lisa Jane Chesney

    Year Role
    2021 to present Freetown, British High Commissioner
    2020 to 2021 Home Office, Gold Command, COVID-19 Recovery and Change, Public Safety Group and Head, Counter-Extremism Unit
    2018 to 2020 Home Office, Head, Counter-Extremism Unit
    2015 to 2018  FCO, Deputy Head, Security Policy Department
    2015 Higher Command and Staff Course, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom
    2013 to 2014 Mogadishu, Deputy Head of Mission
    2012 to 2013 Lashkar Gah, Head Politics and Strategic Communications, Provincial Reconstruction Team, Helmand Province
    2012 Full-time language training (Pashto)
    2010-2012 FCO, Head, Prevent Team, Counter-Terrorism Department
    2008 to 2010  FCO, Corporate Services Centre (CSC) Change Programme Director, later Interim CSC Director, Finance Directorate
    2005 to 2008 Coats Plc, European Category Director (based Germany)
    2005 International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Lausanne
    1995 to 2005 Coats Plc, Sales and Marketing, later Central Europe Marketing Manager (based Germany)
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK’s new Minister for EU Relations visiting Brussels on Monday [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK’s new Minister for EU Relations visiting Brussels on Monday [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 15 July 2024.

    The UK’s new Minister for European Union Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds will travel to Brussels today for his first face-to-face meeting with EU Commission Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič.

    The meeting aims to set the ground for further discussions between the UK and EU as the UK seeks to reset its relationship with the bloc and build closer cooperation on shared issues.

    The meeting follows their positive introductory call on Sunday 7th July and Minister Thomas-Symonds’ visit to Brussels on Monday 8th, on his first full day in the role, where he met with the UK Ambassador to the EU and addressed staff at the UK Mission to the EU.

    The Minister was appointed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to lead future UK discussions with the EU and to reset the UK-EU relationship.

    Other UK Ministers have also held introductory calls with EU counterparts. Including Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s call with High Representative Josep Borrell, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s call with Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds’ call with Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

    Minister Thomas-Symonds also accompanied the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to the NATO Summit in Washington last week, meeting with European leaders including Germany, Poland, Sweden and Turkey alongside the PM. The Minister also met US lawmakers including the Chair and Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe.

    Minister for European Union Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds said:

    Our Government is committed to resetting the relationship with the European Union, to strengthen ties, reinforce our security and tackle barriers to trade.

    The EU and Member States are among the UK’s closest friends and allies.  With war in Europe, and shared global challenges, in areas such as climate change and illegal migration, a strong UK – EU alliance is vital.

    I am looking forward to meeting the Executive Vice President in Brussels today, it was a pleasure to speak to him immediately after my appointment last week. I expect to be engaging with him and EU colleagues much more in the coming months, as we work together to help make our continent safer and more prosperous.

    EU Commission Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič said:

    The EU and the UK are close neighbours, partners, and allies, sharing values as well as challenges that are global in nature. I am looking forward to receiving Minister Thomas-Symonds to discuss ways to strengthen our cooperation, while making the most of our existing agreements that form the cornerstone of our partnership.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission hosts Wimbledon finals screening [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission hosts Wimbledon finals screening [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 July 2024.

    The British High Commission hosted a screening of the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles finals on 13 July in Delhi to celebrate the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament and the power of sport to bring people together.

    The evening’s gathering included tennis fans from all walks of life, sports personalities, business as well as representatives from the All-England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), the organising body of the Wimbledon. India’s top seeded tennis player Ankita Raina also joined the screening.

    Becks Buckingham, Minister Counsellor Political and Press, British High Commission, said:

    Watching, playing, and celebrating sport is at the heart of British life, bringing together different genders, cultures, age groups and backgrounds around a shared passion. The UK is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and our sporting traditions reflects this. I’m particularly proud that we all came together to recognise and celebrate the achievements of amazing women athletes everywhere.

    Further information

    • The Wimbledon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. The first Wimbledon championship took place in 1877 and the longest match was played in 2010 by John Isner (US) and Nicolas Mahut (France) lasting over 3 days.
    • Each year 500,000 attendees flood through its gates over the two-week period, whilst the tournament is broadcast to more than 20 million tennis fans around the world in over 200 countries. In 2022, Wimbledon Smash App recorded 194,000 downloads, with 84% of these coming from India.
    • Sport contributes £39 billion yearly to the UK economy and the UK sport industry employs more than half-a-million people.