Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with EU Commission President von der Leyen [July 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 July 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, today.

The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his election victory, and he wished her well in her upcoming parliamentary election.

The leaders discussed areas of close cooperation between the UK and the EU, including support for Ukraine, climate change and regional security.

The Prime Minister and President emphasised the importance of the unique relationship between the UK and EU in addressing these challenges.

They agreed to stay in close contact and looked forward to meeting in person soon.

July 8, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [July 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 July 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon.

The Prime Minister began by setting out that it was important to him to reiterate the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine on his first day in office.

He added that the change of government in the UK would make no difference to the UK’s support for Ukraine, and that the UK would continue supplying the defensive support Ukraine needed in the face of Russian aggression.

The leaders discussed the upcoming NATO and European Political Community Summits this summer, and the Prime Minister said he hoped to meet in person soon.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

July 8, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Biden of the United States [July 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 July 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Joe Biden this afternoon. The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his election victory and the Prime Minister thanked him for his kind words.

The leaders discussed their shared commitment to the special relationship between the UK and US, and their aligned ambitions for greater economic growth.

Discussing geopolitical challenges, the leaders reiterated their steadfast commitment to Ukraine and the Prime Minister underscored that the UK’s support for Ukraine was unwavering.

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to working side by side across the breadth of the relationship, including the AUKUS partnership and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders reflected on their shared commitment to protecting the gains of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

The Prime Minister and President looked forward to seeing each other at the NATO Summit in Washington next week.

July 6, 2024
Ian Murray – 2024 Statement on Being Appointed Scottish Secretary

The statement made by Ian Murray on 5 July 2024 after he became the Scottish Secretary.

It is a real privilege to have been asked to serve in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first Cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland. My absolute priority in the role will be to deliver the change and renewal that Scotland needs – to drive economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty.

As we rebuild our country, I look forward to Scotland standing foursquare with the other UK nations. I will make sure that the Scotland Office is a strong voice for Scotland within the UK Government.

New funding will help tackle poverty in Scotland by creating jobs and unlocking opportunities across the country, especially in our most deprived communities.

The Scotland Office will lead on promoting ‘Brand Scotland’ around the globe. Selling our world class produce, products and services to the world.

I am also determined to reset the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments. Focusing on co-operation and joint working will mean we can deliver better results for people in Scotland.

July 6, 2024
Wes Streeting – 2024 Statement on Saving the NHS

The statement made by Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 5 July 2024.

When we said during the election campaign, that the NHS was going through the biggest crisis in its history, we meant it.

When we said that patients are being failed on a daily basis, it wasn’t political rhetoric, but the daily reality faced by millions.

Previous governments have not been willing to admit these simple facts. But in order to cure an illness, you must first diagnose it.

This government will be honest about the challenges facing our country, and serious about tackling them.

From today, the policy of this department is that the NHS is broken.

That is the experience of patients who are not receiving the care they deserve, and of the staff working in the NHS who can see that – despite giving their best – this is not good enough.

When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, the NHS saved my life.

Today, I can begin to repay that debt, by saving our NHS.

I have just spoken over the phone with the BMA junior doctors committee, and I can announce that talks to end their industrial action will begin next week.

We promised during the campaign that we would begin negotiations as a matter of urgency, and that is what we are doing.

This government has received a mandate from millions of voters for change and reform of the NHS, so it can be there for us when we need it once again.

It will take time – we never pretended that the NHS could be fixed overnight.

And it will take a team effort. It will be the mission of my department, every member of this government, and the 1.4 million people who work in the NHS, to turn our health service around.

We have done this before. When we were last in office, we worked hand in hand with NHS staff to deliver the shortest waits and highest patient satisfaction in history. We did it before, and together, we will do it again.

That work starts today.

July 6, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : World Refugee Day 2024 – Joint Statement to the OSCE [July 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2024.

Canadian Ambassador delivers a joint statement on behalf of the UK and other OSCE participating States to mark World Refugee Day.

Thank you very much Madam Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the United Kingdom and Canada.

In marking World Refugee Day, we show solidarity with millions of refugees, and we recommit to the task of responding to their humanitarian needs and finding durable solutions to their situations. Compared to a decade ago, the total number of refugees globally has more than tripled – with a 7% increase in 2023 alone. Persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and natural disasters have led to the forcible displacement of more than 117 million people worldwide.

The Russia Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to be the catalyst for massive displacement in the OSCE region and the largest cross-border movement of people in Europe since the Second World War. The UNHCR is currently reporting that almost 6.5 million refugees have been forced to flee Ukraine and an additional 3.5 million individuals have been internally displaced. Large-scale attacks by the Russian Federation across Ukraine, the targeting of energy infrastructure, and a ground offensive in Kharkiv region, all continue to drive a need for life-saving humanitarian assistance to people living close to the frontline. As winter approaches, the UNHCR predicts further displacement and humanitarian need.

The UNHCR also noted the impact of war, destruction and displacement on Ukrainian children and their access to education. They report that, in the current academic year, nearly one million children – a quarter of all Ukrainian children enrolled in school – have been unable to attend in-person learning, and that frequent air raid alarms and power outages have disrupted their education, leading to learning losses and long-term implications for their development.

We are also concerned regarding the displacement by conflict of more than 115,000 ethnic Armenians in late 2023 into Armenia, and the acute humanitarian challenges that they have faced as a result.

Those driven from their homes within the OSCE region add to those already fleeing conflict and persecution from other regions of the world to seek refuge in this region. In the face of this challenge, we commend host countries for opening their borders, for showing empathy and care, and for their efforts to grant refugees the opportunity to study, work, and live decent lives in safety. In this regard, we note the efforts of Poland, Czechia and Moldova in welcoming Ukrainian refugees, as well as the work done by Türkiye, which is among the top refugee-hosting countries globally, hosting 3.4 million refugees and asylum seekers.

We emphasize the importance of inclusion and diversity, and of the positive impact that newcomers can have on our societies and economies. In addressing forcible displacement, we must strive to reach those in need, including women and girls, and to address parallel risks and challenges such as trafficking, discrimination and intolerance.

As participating States of the OSCE we must recall that it is incumbent upon all of us to provide international protection and assistance to refugees, and to find durable and dignified solutions for them and for other forcibly displaced persons.

Thank you.

July 6, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Dissolution Peerages 2024 [July 2024]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 July 2024.

The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring the following Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life.

The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life upon the undermentioned:

Nominations from the Leader of the Conservative Party
1. The Rt Hon Sir Graham Brady PC – Lately Member of Parliament for Altrincham and Sale West, and Chairman of the 1922 Committee.
2. The Rt Hon Chris Grayling PC – Lately Member of Parliament for Epsom and Ewell, and former Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and Leader of the House of Commons.
3. The Rt Hon Dame Eleanor Laing DBE PC – Lately Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, lately Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.
4. Craig Mackinley JP – Lately Member of Parliament for South Thanet.
5. The Rt Hon Theresa May PC – Lately Member of Parliament for Maidenhead, former Prime Minister and Home Secretary.
6. The Rt Hon Sir Alok Sharma KCMG PC – Lately Member of Parliament for Reading West and former Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Secretary of State for International Development and President for COP26.
7. Liam Booth-Smith – Lately No10 Downing Street Chief of Staff.
Nominations from the Leader of the Labour Party
1. The Rt Hon Dame Margaret Beckett GBE PC – Former Foreign Secretary and former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
2. John Cryer – Lately Member of Parliament for Leyton and Wanstead.
3. The Rt Hon Harriet Harman KC PC – Lately Member of Parliament for Camberwell and Peckham, and formerly Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
4. The Rt Hon Dame Margaret Hodge DBE PC – Lately Member of Parliament for Barking and former Minister of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
5. The Rt Hon Kevan Jones PC – Lately Member of Parliament for North Durham and former Minister for Veterans at the Ministry of Defence.
6. Barbara Keeley – Lately Member of Parliament for Worsley and Eccles South and formerly Shadow Minister for Music and Tourism.
7. The Rt Hon John Spellar PC – Lately Member of Parliament for Warley and formerly Comptroller of the Household in the Whips’ Office.
8. The Rt Hon Dame Rosie Winterton DBE PC – Lately Member of Parliament for Doncaster Central and former Deputy Speakers in the House of Commons.
Nominations from the Liberal Democrat Party
1. Caroline Pidgeon MBE – Lately Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the London Assembly.
Nominations from the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)
1. Thomas Elliott MLA – Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Nominations for Crossbench Peerages
1. Minette Batters – Former President of the National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales.
2. Dr Hilary Cass OBE FRCN FRCGP – Former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
All individuals nominated for peerages have gone through vetting checks, and the Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission has confirmed to the Prime Minister that all individuals are supported by the Commission.
July 5, 2024
Clive Lewis – 2024 Comments on Winning Norwich South

The comments made by Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, on 5 July 2024.

Norwich, thank you for re-electing me.

Can I first thank the Returning officer and their crack team for the hard work they’ve done tonight on behalf of our democracy as well as all those that have staffed the polling stations across our city.

Can I also thank the police for their reassuring presence on election night and every night.

I’d also like to thank my fellow candidates. It’s been a slightly odd election with the focus for many often elsewhere – as is the nature of elections under first past the post.

I’d like to also thank my fantastic team – particularly Adam Green, Emma Hampton, Sarah Clarke and so many others in Norwich Labour Party who’ve become friends over the years as both MP and candidate for Norwich South.

I’d also like to give a special thanks to my agents Adam Giles and David Fullham. And finally, to my long-suffering family – Katy & Zana who have probably forgotten what I look like after 6 weeks of a general election.

After fighting four General elections I realise it is so important in politics to always try not to get carried away – especially in victory.

No matter how large your vote share is, how big your majority, or how historic your victory – you didn’t win the vote of everyone.

If government is to be good government it must be pluralistic – not one voice dominating – but many talking together and all being heard. You can’t rule as one faction or one section. To me, country before party means being willing to share power so that good may be done for the many, not the few.

With that in mind I want to say that I am well aware that many in this constituency voted for other candidates and other parties. And I want to make it clear that I will represent them too.

I will represent those who voted with the hope of ensuring that the rights of all people – *all* people – are respected: the right to protest; the right to live as one chooses; and the right to seek asylum. Human Rights are not an obstacle for government to overcome -but the bedrock on which it is built.

I will represent those who voted in hope of a government that stands firm against anyone trying to stop the action needed to avert the worst of human created climate change; for one which sees net zero as a challenge to be seized not something to hide from or wish away.

And I will represent those who voted in hopes of a government willing to address the economic inequality that scars our city and our country, to redistribute wealth and power from where there is plenty to where there is need.

Norwich – let’s get to it.

July 5, 2024
Jeremy Corbyn – 2024 Comments on Winning Islington North

The comments made by Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, on 5 July 2024.

Tonight, our community made history. This election was never about me. It has always been about our community and the values we share. And it’s about our undying belief that there is an alternative to inequality, poverty and war.

Tonight’s result in Islington North gives us a glimpse of a different future, which puts the interests of the many ahead of those of the few. It is also a warning – a warning to the incoming government that dissent cannot be crushed without consequences. That ideas of equality, justice and peace are eternal. That hope for a better world can never be extinguished.

Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we organise. The energy we have unleashed will not go to waste. We are a movement made up of all ages, backgrounds and faiths. A movement which can win with and for people all over the country.

July 5, 2024
Praful Nargund – 2024 Comments on Labour Losing Islington North

The comments made by Praful Nargund, the Labour Party candidate in Islington North, on 5 July 2024.

While it wasn’t the result we hoped for, I’d like to thank every resident of Islington North who cast their vote for me. That was a huge act of faith in me, and I’ll always be grateful.

To each and every person who knocked on doors, stuffed envelopes, delivered leaflets, or helped out in the office – thank you. Your humour, kindness, and energy meant more to me than I can put into words.

I’m proud to have run a genuinely positive campaign, one that has been full of joy, smiles and hope for a better future for Islington North, and for our country. Of course there were tough times, and I would be lying if I said it was easy to hear and read things about me in this campaign that simply weren’t true. Sadly these sort of tactics are rapidly becoming a regular part of our politics now – and that can’t be good.

But today, Britain has voted for change. I’m incredibly proud to have stood on behalf of changed Labour party that now has the opportunity to serve in government. Thank you.

July 5, 2024