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Tag: 2024

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Defence Minister affirms support to Black Sea security [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Defence Minister affirms support to Black Sea security [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 April 2024.

    The UK’s commitment to European security was reaffirmed by Defence Minister Minto on a visit to Bulgaria today (15 April).

    • Defence Minister Minto represented the UK at the Black Sea Security Conference in Bulgaria.
    • Minto affirmed the UK’s unwavering support to Ukraine and European security.
    • Conference discussed cooperation in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and aggression in the Black Sea.

    Attending the Black Sea Security Conference in Sofia alongside allies and partners, Minto represented the UK – a leading partner for Ukraine and other Black Sea states.

    The conference was convened to promote cooperation and military capacity building in the face of Russia’s continued threat to stability in the Black Sea region. The conference aims to enhance the collaboration between the Black Sea states and partners in response to Putin’s aggression and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    The UK’s leadership of the Maritime Capability Coalition, announced by UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps in December 2023, was discussed during the conference as a means to grow Ukraine’s maritime capability now and in the long term.

    Defence Minister, The Earl of Minto said:

    One of many things that the UK and Bulgaria have in common is our steadfast support to Ukraine in the face of Putin’s barbaric invasion.

    The UK and our allies and partners will continue to work together to give Ukraine what they need to defeat Russia and restore peace and security to the Black Sea region.

    The UK’s commitment to modernise Ukraine’s Navy is demonstrated by the transfer of two former Royal Navy vessels to Ukraine, which arrived in Portsmouth last week.

    In addition to maritime support, the Minister also set out the extensive package of military aid that the UK has provided to Ukraine to date, including £7 billion of funding, training of over 60,000 Ukrainian recruits, and donation of thousands of pieces of equipment to date.

    The need to continue to back Ukraine to ensure they defeat Putin to restore peace and security in Europe was highlighted during the conference, which was attended by Ukrainian representatives.

    While standing with Ukraine, the UK continues to support regional security, deploying Typhoons to Romania at the start of the month to conduct NATO Air Policing patrols, keeping the skies in the Black Sea region safe. Separately, thousands of UK Armed Forces are deploying on NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender across Europe this year.

    While in Sofia, the Minister met Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, to discuss shared security challenges and defence priorities. The Minister also met Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister, Tochytskyi Mykola.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Defence Minister speech at Black Sea Security Conference 2024 [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Defence Minister speech at Black Sea Security Conference 2024 [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 April 2024.

    Defence Minister, The Earl of Minto, addressed the Black Sea Security Conference in Bulgaria.

    It would be remiss of me not to recognise the truly remarkable and significant effort and support Bulgaria has provided as a nation to the defence of Ukraine.

    Through the export of lethal aid and arms to our allies in Kyiv, to diversifying your own energy supply away from Russia and expelling dozens of their agents masquerading as diplomats, Bulgaria has proven resolve and commitment to doing whatever is required.

    Bulgaria has also played a critical role in Black Sea security. For example, I wish to highlight and commend the recent deal between Bulgaria, Turkey and Romania to clear sea mines, which will make shipping safer and increasing vital Ukrainian exports.

    On behalf of the UK Government, I put on record our appreciation.

    Ukraine has destroyed or put out of action 9 major vessels: a significant proportion of the Black Sea Fleet. Russian warships are unable to navigate freely for the first time since 1783, and grain exports returning towards pre-invasion levels, the successes of Ukraine in this arena are nothing short of exemplary.

    That being said, we must guard against complacency.

    And that starts with reminding the European and international community that the security of the Black Sea is not solely a Ukrainian concern.

    According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, Putin’s barbaric invasion has pushed up global food prices by a third; frankly, a staggering statistic, and one with further ramifications in terms of global security and stability besides.

    As many of you will know, the UK is proud to have provided extensive lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine, not least drones and precision Storm Shadow missiles to sink and scatter Russian warships.

    But some of you may not be aware that we are also working closely with neighbouring Romania to establish the Maritime Regional Training Hub.

    And, in particular, the UK is also working alongside Norway as co-founders and co-chairs of the Maritime Capability Coalition which is delivering long-term training, equipment and infrastructure support.

    This Capability Coalition will ensure that Ukraine can establish and maintain its sovereignty in the naval domain, be that through traditional defence of its maritime zones, search and rescue operations along its own coastline, or in protecting its own exports by sea.

    It also enables allies, through this Coalition and others, to get fully behind Ukraine’s military strategy and their Force Development Plan.

    And it will help ensure our collective support is targeted where it is required most urgently.

    The Coalition will also, in time, help Ukraine build a credible maritime force, that is interoperable with its allies, and a complement to NATO.

    Together, we lay the foundations for a bright and secure post-war future.

    By building on this support – and we must all continue to build – we can help Ukraine realise its goal to be a ‘net-exporter’ of Black Sea Security, which will strengthen us all.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK candidate for next Interpol Secretary General visits India [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK candidate for next Interpol Secretary General visits India [April 2024]

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

    Stephen Kavanagh, the current Executive Director of Policing Services of INTERPOL, arrived in New Delhi today for high level meetings with the Indian government to discuss the future of international crime-fighting.

    Mr. Kavanagh began his trip with a visit to India Gate, before holding bilateral meetings with senior Indian government representatives, including Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Praveen Sood. At the CBI headquarters, they exchanged views on tackling law enforcement challenges and increasing cooperation between countries.

    They spoke about the need for deeper international co-operation to counter terrorism, as well as to combat drug smugglers and technology enabled crime, including the safe use of artificial intelligence.

    On his visit to India, Stephen Kavanagh said:

    India is a critical partner for INTERPOL, whose agencies have been at the forefront in tackling multi-dimensional criminal activities at the global level.

    Should I be elected as the Secretary General of INTERPOL, I would work with members to drive an increase in data and analysis, delivering operational successes against drugs, cyber and crimes against wildlife and the environment. My vision for INTERPOL is underpinned by principles that I believe in strongly: impact through the delivery of tangible operational outcomes, innovation to outsmart criminality, working inclusively and openly for all our member countries, and serving always with integrity, humility, and professionalism.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Claudia Arney reappointed as Lead Non-Executive Board Member of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Claudia Arney reappointed as Lead Non-Executive Board Member of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 15 April 2024.

    The Secretary of State has reappointed Claudia Arney as the DCMS Lead Non-Executive Board Member for a term of three years.

    Claudia Arney

    Appointed for a three year term commencing 15 April 2024.

    Claudia has been Chair of Deliveroo plc since 2020. Her other current appointments include: Remuneration Committee Chair at Derwent London plc; Remuneration Committee Chair at Kingfisher; and Member of the The Takeover Panel.

    Her previous non-executive roles include Halfords, Telecity Group, Ocado, Aviva, The Shareholder Executive, Transport for London, and the Premier League.  In her executive career Claudia worked at McKinsey, the Financial Times, Goldman Sachs and HM Treasury.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The DCMS Lead Non-Executive Board Member receives £20,000 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Claudia has not declared any significant political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK condemns unequivocally Iran’s reckless attack against Israel: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK condemns unequivocally Iran’s reckless attack against Israel: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2024]

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

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council briefing on Iran’s attack against Israel, 14 April 2024.

    The United Kingdom condemns unequivocally Iran’s reckless attack against Israel, which risked thousands of civilian casualties.

    The scale and nature of Iran’s heinous assault – the first direct attack from Iran on Israeli soil – poses grave risks to the security and stability of citizens across the Middle East.

    The United Kingdom has long been clear that Iran plays an unacceptable role in destabilising the region, and that it also bears responsibility for the actions of the groups it has supported militarily, financially, and politically over many years. Through this attack, Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in the region.

    As we have demonstrated, the United Kingdom will continue to stand up for Israel’s security, and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. We welcome the actions of our allies to deter the Iranian threat.

    No one wants to see further bloodshed. The United Kingdom is also continuing to work urgently alongside the international community to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. It is vital that all parties exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action that may heighten tensions further in the region.

    We also call on Iran to release the MSC Aries and its crew unconditionally and without delay.

    Iran’s actions do nothing to advance the prospects for peace in Israel and Gaza. As set out in Security Council resolution 2728, the United Kingdom remains resolved to work with international partners to secure an immediate pause in the fighting in Gaza to get aid in and hostages out, leading to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.

    Published 15 April 2024
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions businesses funding Sudan war [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions businesses funding Sudan war [April 2024]

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

    The UK announced sanctions on businesses which support the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the military groups behind the conflict in Sudan.

    • sanctions imposed by the UK on businesses which support activity of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the military groups behind the conflict in Sudan
    • new sanctions follow the UK’s commitment to nearly double aid for Sudan as the humanitarian crisis deepens
    • the UK again calls on the warring parties to commit to a lasting ceasefire and lift restrictions which are preventing aid reaching those who need it the most

    A year after the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, the UK has today (15 April) imposed new sanctions on businesses linked with financing the warring parties.

    Strict measures will impose an asset freeze on companies linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and will limit their financial freedom.

    These sanctions send a clear signal to the warring parties that they must end fighting and meaningfully engage in a peace process.

    The conflict in Sudan has caused more than 8.6 million people to flee their homes, with over 6.6 million displaced within Sudan itself – the world’s worst displacement crisis. 25 million people in Sudan need assistance, and the country is on the verge of a catastrophic hunger crisis.  The UN has formally warned of the risk of famine this year, with 18 million currently facing hunger.

    Last month, the UK committed a £89 million package of support for Sudan, predominately for humanitarian aid. This includes funding to UNICEF which will provide emergency and life-saving food assistance to support people, particularly those in hard-to reach areas in Sudan, including nutrition, water and hygiene services for 500,000 children under five.  It will also support survivors of gender-based violence.

    Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

    This senseless and brutal war has devastated lives. A year on since the outbreak of fighting, we continue to see appalling atrocities against civilians, unacceptable restrictions on humanitarian access and an utter disregard for civilian life.

    The businesses that support the warring parties must be held to account, alongside those responsible for human rights abuses.  The world must not forget about Sudan. We urgently need to end the violence.

    Last month, Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell visited Chad where he announced £89 million of funding to Sudan, including support to UNICEF which will provide emergency and life-saving food assistance.

    Today, Lord Benyon took part in an International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan, where he reaffirmed the UK’s near-doubling of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Sudan to £89 million this financial year.

    The sanctions announced today are:

    • Alkhaleej Bank, a financial institution which has been key to the RSF financing its operations and to it controlling key elements of the Sudanese economy
    • Al-Fakher Advanced Works, a holding company used by the RSF to export gold. The proceeds of these sales are used to purchase weapons to allow the RSF to continue fighting
    • Red Rock Mining, a mining and exploration company which is a subsidiary of Sudan Master Technology, which the UK has already designated and provides funds to the SAF. It is also closely linked to Defence Industries System, the economic and manufacturing arm of the SAF, which we designated last July
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government procurement department marks 10th anniversary having saved taxpayers £3.8 billion last year alone [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government procurement department marks 10th anniversary having saved taxpayers £3.8 billion last year alone [April 2024]

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

    Over £3.8 billion of taxpayer money has been saved by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) in the last year alone, as the agency celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

    • Commercial benefits increased from £606 million a year in 2017/18* to £3.8 billion a year in 2022/23.
    • Choice of approved suppliers on Crown Commercial Service commercial agreements has risen significantly from 1,700 to more than 10,000, of which 7,500 are SMEs (a growth of 88% compared to 2014).
    • Now approximately 120 currently live agreements, used by over 21,000 customers.

    Over £3.8 billion of taxpayer money has been saved by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) in the last year alone, as the agency celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

    CCS centralises government procurement, allowing thousands of public sector organisations to procure services quicker and easier, whilst saving taxpayers substantial sums of money each year.

    Over 21,000 public sector organisations are now supported through the central system, including schools, hospitals and prisons saving them money on purchases from food to IT and allowing them to invest in the vital public services each of us use every day.

    Over the last 10 years, 10,000 suppliers have been brought onto agreements, with over 7,500 of them being SMEs. Supporting SMEs to win contracts with the public sector, and gain a bigger slice of the £300 billion a year public procurement pie.

    Alex Burghart, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, said:

    Over the past ten years, Crown Commercial Service has brought substantial benefits to its customers across the public sector.

    Through its offer of a wide range of choices and working to bring better value across their commercial activity, CCS has already helped customers to achieve billions of pounds of commercial benefits.

    I congratulate the CCS on all that it has achieved in its first decade, and look forward to seeing its continued success and growth.

    Simon Tse, CEO of CCS, said:

    CCS’s 10-year anniversary is an exciting milestone, not only because we have so much to look back on and be proud of, but also because it marks the start of our next chapter.

    I would like to say a special thank you to our fantastic team (past and present) for all of their hard work and dedication – and to the many amazing customers and suppliers we have had the pleasure of working alongside.

    We are still on a journey of changing and evolving as an organisation to ensure that we can achieve everything we have set out to achieve in our ambitious strategy.

    CCS, an executive agency of the Cabinet Office, was established to replace the Government Procurement Service, with the aim of centralising central government procurement spend and helping the public sector to better extract value from its commercial and procurement activity. As a Trading Fund, predecessor organisations to CCS began in 1991.

    It provides commercial agreements which give all public sector bodies a choice of vetted suppliers who offer the best value, leveraging the scale of public sector demand. By using these agreements to source everything from locum doctors and laptops to police cars and electricity, public sector customers can achieve commercial benefits such as reduced costs compared to market prices and better value in contract terms and conditions.

    CCS also has responsibility for building commercial skills and capability across government and the public sector. For example, in 2022, it announced a commitment to invest £12 million in the NHS to enable a common procurement platform, Atamis, across the health service.

    Within the first year of the programme significant benefits and efficiencies have already been realised, with further still expected as the platform is more widely rolled out.

    This includes the North West London Procurement Services, which provides a single shared service for 9 NHS partner organisations. The switch to the Atamis system has helped them to identify £34 million of commercial benefits, allowing them to reinvest into patient care.

    *The methodology for calculating commercial benefits has evolved since the formation of CCS. The current methodology was established in FY 2017/18 and provides a like-for-like comparison to the present day.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reckless Houthi actions continue to undermine efforts to bring peace to the Yemeni people: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reckless Houthi actions continue to undermine efforts to bring peace to the Yemeni people: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2024]

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

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

    Thank you, President, and let me start by thanking Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Wosornu for your briefings. And I am also grateful to Ms. Shaki for highlighting the connections between climate, peace and security in Yemen as well as the stark humanitarian situation. As you’ve said, and we’ve heard, Yemen faces stark environmental challenges on top of the ongoing conflict and addressing these issues now, and as part of any discussions for peace, will be critical to Yemen’s future sustainability.

    We also share Director Wosornu’s, and Ms. Shaki’s, concerns about the humanitarian situation in Yemen, and in particular, the access constraints preventing women aid workers from delivering vital assistance. We reiterate our call for all parties to facilitate unhindered access for humanitarian workers and welcome OCHA’s proposals for adapted measures, as Ms Wosornu has just outlined.

    The UK has provided over $1.2 billion since the crisis started. We gave $110 million in humanitarian funding last year and we expect to increase our contribution this year.

    We also continue to support fully the ongoing efforts, of the Special Envoy, to progress a roadmap towards UN-led Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue. As we’ve said before, an inclusive political settlement is the only way to bring sustainable peace and long-term stability to Yemen and address the worsening humanitarian crisis.

    President, we unequivocally condemn the Iranian strikes against Israel over the weekend, which have done nothing to advance prospects for peace in Gaza. The UK has long been clear about Iran’s unacceptable role in destabilising the region, including their role in supporting the Houthis in Yemen. We understand the Houthis contributed to this latest attack. Their reckless actions continue to risk seriously undermining efforts to bring peace to the Yemeni people.

    The Houthis continue to risk further escalation with their ongoing attacks against shipping in the Red Sea. This Council has been clear in its adoption of UNSCR 2722 on 10 January that we condemn Houthi attacks. They threaten innocent lives, endanger aid delivery to Yemen and the region.

    We also reaffirm our condemnation of the attack on a home in Rada last month by the Houthis. This attack led to a tragic loss of life and injury and we express our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured.

    Furthermore, the decision to issue counterfeit currency in Yemen threatens to destabilise the banking sector and deepen division in the country’s already fragile economy.

    Finally, President, we call on the Houthis to prioritise the interests of the Yemeni people, to engage with UN efforts to resolve economic fragmentation and to cease provocations in order to preserve space for an intra-Yemeni peace process. In short, we call on the Houthis to stop attacks and return to the peace talks.

    Thank you, President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Causes of death to be scrutinised in revamp of death certificates [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Causes of death to be scrutinised in revamp of death certificates [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 15 April 2024.

    To strengthen safeguards, medical examiners will look at the cause of death in all cases that have not been referred to the coroner.

    • Widely welcomed reforms to the system will provide greater transparency to the bereaved and help protect the public
    • All deaths not investigated by a coroner will be reviewed by medical examiners, from 9 September 2024
    • Cases such as those involving Harold Shipman and Lucy Letby highlighted the need for an extra layer of scrutiny

    Public protection and support for bereaved families are at the heart of a government overhaul of how deaths are certified.

    From September, medical examiners will look at the cause of death in all cases that have not been referred to the coroner in a move designed to help strengthen safeguards and prevent criminal activity.

    They will also consult with families or representatives of the deceased, providing an opportunity for them to raise questions or concerns with a senior doctor not involved in the care of the person who died.

    The changes demonstrate the government’s commitment to providing greater transparency after a death and will ensure the right deaths are referred to coroners for further investigation.

    Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, said:

    Reforming death certification is a highly complex and sensitive process, so it was important for us to make sure we got these changes right.

    At such a difficult time, it’s vital that bereaved families have full faith in how the death of their loved one is certified and have their voices heard if they are concerned in any way.

    The measures I’m introducing today will ensure all deaths are reviewed and the bereaved are fully informed, making the system safer by improving protections against rare abuses.

    Medical examiners are senior medical doctors that independently scrutinise the causes of death. Since 2019, NHS trusts have appointed medical examiners to scrutinise most deaths in acute healthcare settings and some community settings on a non-statutory basis.

    From 9 September 2024 it will become a requirement that all deaths in any health setting that are not referred to the coroner in the first instance are subject to medical examiner scrutiny.

    Welcoming the announcement today, Dr Suzy Lishman CBE, Senior Advisor on Medical Examiners for the Royal College of Pathologists, said:

    As the lead college for medical examiners, the Royal College of Pathologists welcomes the announcement of the statutory implementation date for these important death certification reforms.

    Medical examiners are already scrutinising the majority of deaths in England and Wales, identifying concerns, improving care for patients and supporting bereaved people. The move to a statutory system in September will further strengthen those safeguards, ensuring that all deaths are reviewed and that the voices of all bereaved people are heard.

    National Medical Examiner, Dr Alan Fletcher, said:

    I am delighted that the statutory basis for independent medical examiners is confirmed. This will ensure all bereaved people have a voice, supporting patient safety learning and improvement, including through accurate coroner referrals.

    Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Eluned Morgan, said:

    I am pleased to see death certification reforms are taking a long-awaited step forward today.

    The legislative framework I have laid for Wales will pave the way for greater public protection and an improved service for the bereaved.

    Moving the current medical examiner service onto a statutory basis will also introduce independent scrutiny of all deaths and an increased opportunity for learning and improvement across the health sector.

    Laying the regulations before Parliament today and setting out a timeline for the new system to be implemented means all those involved in the death certification process have the chance to prepare before it comes into force.

    Work is already ongoing across government and the health service to ensure that the appropriate operational processes are in place to deliver the changes, which have the backing of all key stakeholders.

    There will be further communication regarding legislative changes and operational guidance between now and September.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Tunisia [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Tunisia [April 2024]

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

    Mr Roderick Drummond has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia in succession to Ms Helen Winterton who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Drummond will take up his appointment during September 2024.

    CURRICULUM VITAE

    Full name: Roderick Ian Drummond

    2019 to 2023 Manama, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Bahrain
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director of Security for FCO/HMG overseas network
    2013 to 2016 Suva, British High Commissioner to Fiji & Head of South Pacific Network. Also accredited to Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia
    2009 to 2013 Riyadh, Deputy Head of Mission
    2007 to 2008  Doha, Chargé d’Affaires
    2004 to 2007  Damascus, Deputy Head of Mission
    2002 to 2004 Amman, Deputy Head of Mission
    1998 to 2002 UKRep Brussels, RELEX Counsellor
    1996 to 1998   Johannesburg, Deputy Consul General/Trade Director
    1992 to 1995  FCO, Head of Section West/Central Africa
    1988 to 1992 Algiers, Second Secretary Political/Economic/Commercial
    1986 to 1988 SOAS then University of Amman, Arabic Language Training
    1985 to 1986 FCO, Desk Officer for Indonesia and Philippines
    1985 Joined FCO