Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Development launches new UK-Nepal development portfolio [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell visited Nepal to deepen the UK’s historic partnership and announce a new development portfolio.
- new UK development portfolio will help Nepal to tackle the climate crisis, mobilise international finance for development, deliver economic transformation, and support governance and inclusion
- UK development support will see £400 million ($505 million) in grants delivered by 2030
- impacts will include helping create 13,500 jobs, attracting more than $1 billion in investment and supporting access to quality health and education services for 2 million women and girls
A new £400 million development portfolio will mobilise vital private sector funding in development, tackle the climate crisis and support economic growth in Nepal.

The plan will support the creation of 13,500 jobs, help Nepal attract over $1 billion in investment, and deliver access to quality health care and education services for 2 million women and girls by 2030.

Minister for International Development Andrew Mitchell launched the portfolio during a 2-day visit to Nepal. Its focus on long-term, systemic transformation emphasises the UK’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive development globally, as set out in the recently published White Paper.

Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said:

The UK and Nepal share close bonds, cemented by our deep history as Nepal’s oldest partner. We also share an ambition to secure a more resilient and prosperous future for Nepal.

During my visit I saw how the UK is helping marginalised communities, building climate resilience and a sustainable economic transformation for Nepal.

Our new development portfolio will help Nepal on that journey and to mobilise the funding needed to support growth and development. This is part of a partnership fit to respond to the challenges and opportunities during the next hundred years of UK-Nepal friendship.

In a speech at the Nepalese Ministry of Finance, the minister set out how the UK will work with Nepal to help mobilise development funding, tackle the climate crisis and build business, to support Nepal’s expected transition from Least Developed Country status.

Read Minister Mitchell’s speech on how the UK will work with Nepal on development issues.

Improved access to sustainable local infrastructure, a key element of that transition, is expected to benefit 1.7 million people across the country as a result of the UK’s new Development Portfolio.

During his visit, Minister Mitchell held talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud and Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat. Together they affirmed UK support for Nepal’s Investment Summit in April 2024, and discussed the reforms necessary to mobilise finance and attract investors.

As part of the new portfolio, Minister Mitchell welcomed the recent agreement by Nepal’s Cabinet on new programmes that will support green and inclusive growth, attract foreign direct investment, and promote more inclusive business.

While in Nepal, Minister Mitchell visited the Upper-Trishuli-1 Hydropower project to see the impact of nearly $22 million of British International Investment (BII) funding. This investment will provide clean and reliable energy to millions of people, while boosting economic growth by creating jobs. Supporting multilateral development banks and development finance institutions to adopt new business models and mobilise more investment remains a key priority for the government.

He also saw how UK investment is supporting job creation and entrepreneurship at Upaya, Nepal’s first tech-enabled transportation logistics provider, and with the Youth Innovation Lab who are harnessing digital technology to build Nepal’s disaster resilience.

Minister Mitchell saw first-hand the threats of climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, and how the UK is helping Nepal manage climate risks. This includes through the £274 million Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme, supporting the Integrated Centre for International Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to promote a more climate resilient and inclusive Hindu Kush Himalaya.

At the One-Stop Crisis Management Centre at Lumbini Province Hospital, the minister saw how UK funding is improving support to survivors of gender-based violence. He also discussed how the UK is supporting female entrepreneurs, thought leaders and activists to address social exclusion of women and marginalised groups.
March 3, 2024
Andrew Mitchell – 2024 Speech on UK-Nepal Development Portfolio and Funding

The speech made by Andrew Mitchell, the Development Minister, in Nepal on 20 February 2024.

Distinguished guests, honourable Finance Minister Mahat, friends, and colleagues. Namaste.

It is wonderful to be in Nepal again. I know we have just celebrated an important milestone: 100 years of our Nepal-Britain Treaty of Friendship.

But the truth is we go back much further. Bonds forged on the battlefields with the Gurkhas – who are so rightly famed for their extraordinary courage – date back 2 centuries. Those admirable soldiers epitomise the deep and lasting friendship between the UK and Nepal. A friendship that continues to evolve and shape our future together.

When I last visited Nepal, over a decade ago, you were still recovering after a decade of civil war. Today, we are witnessing the fruits of progress. 92% of people have access to electricity from 67% in 2011. Literacy rates have jumped from 66% to 76%. Infant mortality is nearly one third of what it was 25 years ago. You have made huge strides in economic growth.

Your constitution enshrines important rights and addresses inequalities. Millions are engaging in the new democratic system. Not just at home but abroad, Nepal is also showing it is a model citizen – whether defending the UN Charter on Ukraine or as a peacekeeping superpower.

Progress has been remarkable. But Nepal still faces challenges. We need to work together to solve them together.

This is why, I will today set out how the UK is re-shaping our development approach focusing on 8 programmes that aim to deliver over £400 million in grant support to Nepal by the end of the decade.

In December, I set out a clear UK vision for development that will help us – together – get our sustainable development goals back on track.

Nepal is delivering great things. The UK is proud to support its initiatives including on Green Resilient and Inclusive Development.

And I’ve seen how the UK-Nepal partnership is evolving. I’ve met members of a Dalit community in Karnali who are better able to grow crops thanks to UK-backed climate-resilient irrigation. I met dedicated professionals at Butwal hospital helping end preventable deaths.

The UK’s new development approach focuses on Nepali leadership and systems, on mobilising money, on opportunities for all, and on securing a future for young Nepalis – a future in Nepal.

This portfolio is not just about ‘good projects delivering great things’ – although that is what they will do! It is a joined-up, coherent approach, based on strong evidence, and focused on strong outcomes. Spanning economic transformation, climate resilience, stronger social services, inclusion and much more besides.

How will we do this?

First. We will work with government to unlock money for Nepal to mobilise funding for development and growth – which in turn will generate further investment.

The private sector is central to this work. There is no doubt in my mind that the private sector is the engine, not the enemy, of development. The private sector creates jobs, puts food on the table, turbocharges growth and enables societies to thrive on their own terms.

We’re committed to expand this and support the government’s investment summit – though I stress how vital it is that investors have the right environment. For example, legal reforms and ensuring all actions needed to avoid the Financial Action Task Force grey-list.

We aim to mobilise private capital – helping government remove barriers to attract investors, supporting the sort of excellent engagement Minister Mahat had with the City of London last year. Helping develop a Sovereign Credit rating, helping Green Bonds, helping Investment Board Nepal get the best deals. With the Asian Development Bank, it will help Nepal access climate finance and work with the World Bank and others to help the country deal with the threats of climate change.

Developing the economy will also help to create productive, attractive jobs such as those, Upaya – the delivery company – is creating with UK support. And I am looking forward to meeting young innovators who, with UK support, are using technology to identify climate risks.

Second. Our new portfolio will help tackle the climate change crisis and deliver economic transformation.

Yesterday I flew over the Himalayas and saw first-hand the beauty and the fragility of glaciers that took thousands of years to form but are melting 3 times faster than elsewhere. Our work with Nepal will help to protect the most vulnerable here, and beyond, recognising the Hindu Kush Himalaya supports a quarter of the world’s population. We will not sit back when reports suggest 80% of the ice here could be gone by the end of the century.

Yesterday I also saw how British International Investment is helping Nepal realise some of its immense potential in green energy, at Upper Trishuli Hydropower Plant. Our new development portfolio will further support Nepal to access private and UN climate finance for projects like this and wider adaptation. It will help Nepal to plan for risk – like developing early warning systems through our RAIN programme.

Our third offer focuses on women and girls: I’ve always said that to understand development, you need see the world through the eyes of women and girls.

Later today I will have the pleasure of meeting inspiring Nepali women leaders, entrepreneurs and activists who spoke about their passions and ambitions. Increasing opportunities for women – which starts by ensuring every girl has a chance at a decent education – is not only the right thing to do but the smart thing to do. The most successful societies are the most inclusive; built around equality of opportunity for all.

Finally, we will harness innovation and new technologies. Research, digital, AI and data will underpin what we do and how we deliver.

I want to conclude by assuring you that my visit is just part of the UK’s lasting, and sustained engagement with Nepal.

We have a tremendous chance now to galvanise the private sectors work in Nepal, and Britain will be your friend at your side throughout this process. Because the conflicts that damaged Nepal in the past are in the past, of the brilliance of your visit to the city of London last year, because of the focus and evidence what the private sector can be here.

And because of the fact that BII is investing here on the ground now and will be a leader for so many others, now is the time through the use of private sector, the ability of the private sector to deliver huge amounts of investment, huge numbers of jobs, and huge amounts of tax which is so important to any government.

Now is the time on the back of the Investment Summit that you are holding at the end of April, that we can see real progress made with the laws that are going through your Cabinet and your Parliament are clearly set in action, put in place, to assuring the private sector that here is a welcoming environment in which they can pride and prosper.

You are, and remain, our uniquely close and valued partner. Today, I have outlined how that partnership will respond to the opportunities and the challenges we share, as we enter a new century of friendship. And today I salute that friendship and say, here’s to the next 100 years of working together.

March 3, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Ministers set out blueprint for future of the railways through draft Rail Reform Bill [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 20 February 2024.

Draft bill sets out blueprint for bringing track and train together under a new Great British Railways, leveraging private sector innovation to benefit customers.
- draft Rail Reform Bill published – key part of vision for future of our railways
- new proposals will leverage private sector innovation to deliver a better service overseen by Great British Railways
- action already underway to improve train travel, including Pay As You Go ticketing and simpler fares pilot
Ministers have today (20 February 2024) put forward a clear plan for the future of the railways, publishing a draft Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny.

The draft Rail Reform Bill sets in motion the plan to deliver a bold vision for future rail customers – of punctual and reliable services, simpler tickets and a modern and innovative railway that meets the needs of passengers and freight users. When passed, it will help deliver on the 2019 manifesto commitment by bringing forward the biggest rail reform programme in a generation to create a simpler, more effective rail system.

Since the end of the nationalisation seen under British Rail, passenger numbers have doubled and the quality of rolling stock has vastly improved. To meet the demands of a modern economy and society, we need our railways to be more responsive and more efficient, more adaptive to technology and innovation, and to fully embrace the private sector and its benefits.

The draft Bill will see the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), which will bring together responsibility for both rail infrastructure and services. This will provide clearer lines of accountability and help build a more modern and financially secure sector and a network that is more adaptable and more efficient.

GBR will ensure passengers and freight benefit from industry expertise through a whole-system approach that will drive financial efficiency. When established, GBR will be the new franchising authority, contracting with the private sector to deliver passenger services and maximise investment, innovation and opportunity.

The reforms will improve connectivity and choice for passengers, including by encouraging private sector open-access operators, where they add value for passengers through more direct links and more options.

The bill applies mainly to Great Britain, with Scottish and Welsh ministers continuing to exercise existing devolved responsibilities, but with an option to delegate contracting authority to GBR to enable the integration of track and train across Great Britain if they wished to pursue it.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

It’s been nearly 200 years since the birth of the British railways and with travel patterns having significantly changed over the last few years, it is now more important than ever that they keep up with the changing times.

This draft bill demonstrates our commitment to reforming the railways – working with industry, we will move towards a more modern and financially secure rail network that delivers for passengers for the next 200 years, too.

The draft Rail Reform Bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny to provide parliamentarians and industry experts the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the legislation. This will allow for time to understand the complexities of these reforms and ensure that the final legislation is as robust as possible. Scrutiny will be led by the Transport Select Committee.

The national headquarters of GBR will be in Derby, which was chosen following a rigorous assessment process and public vote, and will deliver yet more high-skilled jobs to the city. Since it was set up in 2021, the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) has already helped lay the foundations for bringing track and train together, uniting expertise from across Network Rail, DfT and the private sector to help tackle the challenges faced by the railways.

GBR will also be tasked with driving forward the UK’s rail freight sector, where the government recently set an ambitious target of 75% growth by 2050.

Many reforms and tangible improvements for passengers are already being delivered. For example, Pay As You Go is currently being rolled out to more stations across the South East and the government recently announced that pilots will also see tap-in tap-out train travel brought to more than 90 stations in the West Midlands and Greater Manchester next year.

These trials will also pave the way for the future rollout of similar technology to more stations across the North and Midlands, funded in part by £100 million under the Network North plan. Network North will see a range of other upgrades to the rail network, including a further £350 million to improve the accessibility of up to 100 rail stations while funding reallocated from HS2 also means that the government can now support the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement scheme that could allow up to an extra 6 freight trains per day to and from the Port of Felixstowe – the equivalent of taking 98,000 lorry journeys off the road every year.

Along with the draft Rail Reform Bill, the government’s response to the public consultation on its Plan for Rail is also being published. This sets out how the public’s views on the proposed reforms have informed what has been taken forward in the draft legislation. The new GBR will bring a whole-system view, benefiting customers and taxpayers and balancing the needs of operators and infrastructure. Across the many responses we received from individuals, industry and organisations there is support for the proposed primary legislative changes set out in the consultation.

Taken together the draft Rail Reform Bill will enable:

More accountability through the establishment of GBR by bringing together the management of the network and the commissioning of passenger services into a new public rail body that puts customers first and delivers efficiency. The Secretary of State for Transport’s franchising authority functions will be transferred to GBR, ensuring that operational and infrastructure decisions are made in a coordinated way. The new body will serve as the single point of accountability for the performance of the railway where previously it was split between Network Rail and the Secretary of State.

Better service by bringing track and train together enabling the sector to run as one system for the benefit of customers and taxpayers. Whole system strategic decision-making should lead to improved reliability and performance of passenger and freight services. GBR’s regional structure is intended to ensure differing regional customer needs are part of decision-making.

Smarter growth of the sector, as GBR will be a commercially-focused organisation that will contract with the private sector to maximise investment and innovation throughout the sector. This includes improving connectivity and choice through more direct links and more options for passengers.

Greater efficiency by working in close partnership with the private sector to deliver a more efficient, modern rail system underpinned by better collaboration and aligned incentives, generating value and savings that will have benefits for passengers and taxpayers.

Improved focus on customers through specific accessibility and freight duties to ensure that accessibility on the railway is improved and the experience for disabled passengers is enhanced. Rail freight will be targeted for growth, recognising the sector’s economic benefits and potential for expansion.

Andrew Haines, GBRTT Lead and CEO of Network Rail, said:

Passengers, freight customers and communities are crying out for a simpler, better railway and the publication of the draft bill is an important step on that journey.

Bringing track and train together under a guiding mind is by far the best way to improve the service the railway offers, unlock the economic potential of a growing network and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.

Jacqueline Starr, CEO of RDG, said:

It is good news that the draft Rail Reform Bill has been published, this is another important step in setting up GBR and moving forward with the agreed reforms to improve the railway for the customer.

The challenges facing the rail industry are well known, but rail is a vital service and should have a bright future if we work together. I look forward to working with the government to further develop the reforms needed to deliver for customers.
March 3, 2024
Rishi Sunak – 2024 Speech to the NFU Annual Conference

The speech made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on 20 February 2024.

I know, Minette, this is your last conference as NFU President – so I actually wanted to start by first paying a brief tribute to you.

During a momentous period, you’ve been a formidable champion of our farmers – always fair, always thoughtful, and always forceful. If you asked some of my ministers down they’d probably say very forceful.

But I know everyone will want to join me in once again paying a special tribute and a thanks to Minette for everything she’s done.

Nine years ago, I gave my maiden speech in the House of Commons.

I pledged that day to be a champion of agriculture, the countryside and all of my hard-working rural constituents.

It’s farmers who feed us.

Farmers who embody those British values of strength, resilience, warmth and independence.

I see that in North Yorkshire – and across the country – week in and week out.

I’ve been to the auction marts.

I’ve walked the fields up and down Swaledale and Wensleydale.

Enjoyed our high-quality British meat – which let me tell you we’ll continue supporting people to eat.

I’ve visited upland farms, hill farms, arable and livestock farms.

I even tried my hand at milking once – not very successfully I must say.

But I see first hand the long hours that you work, the weather that you contend with, the family businesses you support, the communities you build…

…the beautiful countryside, the pastures, the hedgerows, the fields, that would not be the same without you.

You do it not for praise, or high reward…

…but to put food on our tables…

…to maintain a tradition and a way of life…

… and to steward our landscape.

It’s part of who we are.

And we don’t celebrate you enough.

And so, on behalf of the nation, I just wanted to say: thank you.

Biggest change in a generation

Now while the importance of farmers will never change – farming is going through its biggest change in a generation.

And as you do so, this government will be by your side.

You’ve been dealing with soaring global prices in things like fuel and fertiliser.

So we’ve been working hard to get inflation down – from 11% last year to 4% now.

And we’re increasing payments in our farming schemes by an average of 10 per cent.

You’re dealing with climate change and extreme weather too.

Devastating flooding has damaged crops…

…delayed planting…

… and has taken a huge toll on our farming communities.

That’s why we quickly set out our flooding support…

… and why we’re going faster than almost anyone else in the world to tackle climate change, even as we reduce the burdens on families.

You’re also at the forefront of innovation – from gene editing to boost resilience to disease, to automation to harvest crops.

And while thanks to you we enjoy good quality food all year round…

… global events – including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – have put food security back at the top of the agenda.

We’ll never take our food security for granted.

We’ve got a plan to support British farming – and we’re going further again, today, in three specific areas.

First, we’re investing in farming.

We promised that across this parliament, every penny of the £2.4 billion annual farming budget would be spent on you.

And we will absolutely meet that promise.

I know that the transition from the Common Agricultural Policy has been frustrating.

It’s taken time.

And I appreciate the perception that we didn’t always get the balance exactly right.

But I still believe the vision is the right one.

CAP disproportionately rewarded the largest landowners and held back smaller farmers.

It did little for food productivity or the environment.

It was far, far too bureaucratic.

Just remember – we used to argue about whether a cauliflower and a cabbage were the same crop…

… and you could be fined thousands for a gateway being too wide, or a buffer strip too narrow.

So it’s right that our new system invests in the foundations of food security – from healthy soils to clean water.

[Please note: Political content redacted here]

And today we want to go further to support you.

So we’re announcing new steps to make our support schemes more generous and easier to use.

Take the Management Payment.

It’s working, with many farmers – small farmers especially – signing up.

So I can announce today that we’re going to double that payment to £2,000…

… with thousands of farmers receiving that money this Spring.

We’re also launching the biggest ever package of grants this year…

… to boost productivity and resilience, which will total £220 million.

Increasing the Improving Farming Productivity scheme to invest in things like robotics and barn-top solar.

We’re opening a new round of the Farming Equipment and Technology fund too, worth £70m.

Second, as farming changes, how we work with you in government must change too.

The services we provide must be shaped around your needs.

And we’ve got to build a culture that’s based on trust.

As President Eisenhower said: “You know, farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from a corn field.”

So we’re changing the culture.

That means trust, support, co-operation…

It means delivering on our promise to cut planning red tape that’s stopping you from diversifying.

In April, for instance, we’ll lay legislation so you can create bigger farm shops or outdoor sports venues.

And it means more funding for grassroots mental health support…

…because we know what a tough job farming is.

Thirdly, we’re strengthening support for your primary role…

…to produce the nation’s food.

Food security is a vital part of our national security.

And recent years have brought home the truth of that.

Putin set off not just an energy price bomb…

…but a food price bomb, too.

And as Minette has so powerfully reminded us time after time…

…in an age of climate change and instability…

…global food production will become increasingly volatile…

…so it’s important to strengthen food security here at home.

Our Agriculture Act introduced a three-yearly report to monitor food security.

But given how much has happened in the last three years, it’s clear that we need to go further.

So today, I can announce we’ll step up our monitoring with a new annual Food Security Index, which we expect to be UK-wide.

And yes Minette, we’ll make this statutory when parliamentary time allows.

We’ll publish the first draft at the Farm to Fork Summit this spring.

And I’m also delighted to say those Summits will become an annual event.

One way to improve food security is to stop millions of tonnes of good, fresh farm food from going to waste…

… just because of its shape or size.

So we’ll also provide funding today, £15m, to redirect that surplus into the hands of those who need it.

Conclusion

So in conclusion, supporting farmers, changing our approach, and strengthening food security – that’s our plan.

And you can trust us to deliver – because… we already are.

You said you wanted a fair price for your products…

…tomorrow we’re laying new regulations for the dairy sector, and we’re launching a review of the poultry sector.

You asked for fair treatment in our trade deals…

…so we’re standing up for our farmers in those negotiations – whether it’s with Canada or anybody else.

You asked for a fairer, more supportive regulatory system…

… and we’ve reformed our approach, cutting penalties for minor issues, already down by 40%.

But more than this, you can trust us because I know how important my neighbours, our farmers, all of you, truly are.

You help support millions of jobs…

…add billions to our economy…

… shape the landscape…

… but most of all, you produce the food we need –

…food that is some of the best and highest quality anywhere in the world.

And that’s why I say to all of you and to Britain’s farmers…

… just as I did in my first days in Parliament:

I’ve got your back.

Thank you very much.

March 3, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Department appoints 2 new non-executive directors [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 20 February 2024.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE and Dame Mary Archer to join Departmental Board.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has appointed a new Lead Non-Executive Board Member (NEBM), Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE, and Non-Executive Board Member, Dame Mary Archer.

The Department welcomes Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson as the Lead NEBM, for a term of 3 years from 1 February 2024. Humphrey brings a wealth of commercial energy experience to the Department, working most latterly as Managing Director of Nuclear Development at EDF UK (post ended June 2022) after a 32-year career in the energy industry.

The Department also welcomes Dame Mary Archer as a NEBM on the Departmental Board, for a term of 3 years from 23 February 2024. Mary is an experienced Non-Executive Director, and is a scientist by profession, specialising in solar power conversion. She was the founder chair of the National Energy Foundation, and then subsequently its President.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, welcomed the new appointees to her Departmental Board:

Humphrey and Mary have an outstanding track record in the energy sector, and I am delighted to be welcoming them to our leadership team. They will provide expert guidance as we drive down bills through a cleaner and more secure energy system.

The Permanent Secretary, Jeremy Pocklington, commented on the new appointments:

We are looking forward to welcoming Humphrey and Mary to the Department. Their significant commercial experience and technical knowledge will be an asset to the Department as we secure the UK’s energy supply and meet our net zero goals.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE said:

I am delighted to join the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as the Lead Non-Executive Board Member. Achieving net zero and securing our energy supply is a challenge, but I am looking forward to supporting the Department in delivering its priorities and positioning the UK as a leader in reaching net zero.

Dame Mary Archer said:

I am looking forward to joining the Department as a Non-Executive Board Member and supporting the Secretary of State and her team in achieving the Department’s objectives.

Humphrey and Mary join current NEBMs Peter Mather and Vikas Shah on the DESNZ Departmental Board.

February 26, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls for calm dialogue to de-escalate the situation in Somalia: UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2024.

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

Thank you President, I thank SRSG Liang and Special Representative Souef for their briefing and I pay tribute to the work of their teams in Somalia. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Somalia at our meeting.

President let me first address the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding. As we have said previously, the United Kingdom reaffirms its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The UK is a close friend and longstanding partner to both Somalia and Ethiopia, and we are continuing to engage with both governments directly.

The UK calls for calm dialogue to de-escalate the situation and expresses its support for mediation efforts, including the work of IGAD and the AU.

Turning to the situation in Somalia more broadly, the UK notes that the Somali Parliament has begun to debate constitutional amendments outlined in previous National Consultative Council agreements, and urges the Federal Government to pursue a consultative and consensus-building approach to ensure this process has broad-based support among Somalis.

President, this year represents a milestone in Somalia’s security transition. After 15 years of truly courageous service the current AU and UN missions are due to leave at the end of the year.

We look forward to receiving an update from Somalia next month on its requirements into 2025 and beyond, and we encourage the UN and AU to work together closely on next steps ahead of the mandate renewal in June.

We recognise the funding problems AMISOM and ATMIS have faced. As we have said many times, the UK has tried to play its part in solving them.

But we are approaching a critical juncture. Somalia, the AU, UN and partners have invested so much to get to where we are today.

We do not want this progress to go to waste. So, we encourage all Somalia’s partners to continue to support Somalia throughout its security transition and to think about creative ways to maintain support post-ATMIS and UNSOS. If we do not, it will be Al-Shabaab who benefit.

Finally, President, Somalia’s changing security landscape presents significant humanitarian risks alongside an already severe and protracted humanitarian crisis.

It is therefore deeply concerning that the Humanitarian Response Plan remains significantly underfunded.

The UK urges donors to contribute to the plan, to address the urgent unmet need in Somalia.

Any alteration or decision on Somalia’s security must not compromise protection of civilian and humanitarian access.

I thank you.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary announces Sir Gareth Rhys Williams as new National Highways Chair [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 19 February 2024.

The Chair will oversee the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads across the country.

The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, has today (19 February 2024) announced that Sir Gareth Rhys Williams will be taking up the position of Chair of National Highways, following a competitive selection process.

Gareth joins the organisation as National Highways completes its delivery of the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) and prepares for the third Road Investment Strategy.

In his role, Gareth will oversee the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads, which will bring improved journeys, ease congestion, create jobs and grow the economy across the country.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

Gareth will be an excellent new Chair at National Highways as we continue to deliver the government’s plan to back drivers across the country.

As we continue to invest in improving our road network, Gareth has been clear in his commitment to help keep the country moving through the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads, creating jobs and growing the economy.

Gareth joins from the Cabinet Office and brings extensive private and public sector experience, having been government Chief Commercial Officer for the past 8 years.

New National Highways Chair, Sir Gareth Rhys Williams, said:

I am delighted to be appointed as the Chair of National Highways, such a vital component of the UK’s infrastructure; a network that we all depend on for economic growth and connecting us all every day.

I look forward to working with Nick and his team, the board and other colleagues to help develop and then deliver the next Road Investment Strategy.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government cracks down on controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 February 2024.

The Government has announced action to tackle the use of controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices.
- Government acts against controversial dismissal tactics through a new statutory Code of Practice.
- Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the code.
- Code protects workers’ rights whilst respecting business flexibility.
Action against unscrupulous employers to tackle the use of controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices will be rolled out by the Government today [19 February].

Dismissal and re-engagement, also known as ‘fire and rehire’, refers to when an employer fires an employee and offers them a new contract on new, often less favourable terms.

The Government has been clear that it firmly opposes this practice being used as a negotiating tactic. Today, a new statutory Code of Practice has been published making clear how employers must behave in this area.

This new Code of Practice shows the Government is going a step further to protect workers across the country. This will help to preserve security and opportunity for those in work, as part of our plan to grow the economy.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

Our new Code will crack down on employers mistreating employees and sets out how they should behave when changing an employee’s contract.

This announcement shows we are taking action to tackle fire and re-hire practices by balancing protections for workers with business flexibility”.

In future the courts, and employment tribunals, will take the Code into account when considering relevant cases. This will include on unfair dismissal claims where the employer should have followed the Code.

Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the Code.

The new Code clarifies how employers should behave when seeking to change employees’ terms and conditions, aiming to ensure employees are properly consulted and treated fairly.

Employers will now also need to explore alternatives to dismissal and re-engagement and have meaningful discussions with employees or trade unions to reach an agreed outcome.

The Code makes it clear to employers that they must not use threats of dismissal to pressurise employees into accepting new terms. They should also not raise the prospect of dismissal unreasonably early or threaten dismissal where it is not envisaged.

Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said:

Fire and rehire is an extreme step that can seriously damage working relations and has significant legal risks for organisations. Employers should focus on maintaining good employment relations to reach agreement with staff if they are thinking about making changes to their contracts.

Acas offers impartial advice on employment rights and obligations, and has expertise in helping parties to maintain good industrial relations and resolving disputes where they arise.

The Government’s new draft Code is clear that employers should contact Acas for advice before they raise the prospect of fire and rehire with employees.

Principal Policy Advisor at Institute of Directors, Alexandra Hall-Chen said:

The publication of this Code of Practice provides employers with welcome clarity and practical guidance.

The Code rightly places good industrial relations at its core and represents an effective means of balancing worker protections with labour market flexibility.

Head of Public Policy at CIPD, Ben Willmott said:

The Code promotes good practice, making clear employers should always seek to agree any changes to terms and conditions with employees and that ‘fire and rehire’ should only be used as an absolute last resort.

It highlights the importance of early and meaningful consultation with employees to maximise the chances of finding alternative solutions which can lead to agreement over proposed changes.

It also emphasises that Acas has a key role to play and should be contacted by an employer for advice before it raises the prospect of fire and rehire with the workforce.

The Government previously asked Acas to produce guidance for employers on fire and rehire practices, which was published in 2021.

Background:
- The consultation ran for 12 weeks, inviting views from the public and other interested groups on the new statutory Code.
- The Government has laid the Code of Practice in Parliament for approval by both Houses. Subject to that approval, the Code will then be brought into effect later in the summer.
February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New expert will champion small businesses across Government [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 19 February 2024.

Shirley Cooper OBE has been appointed as the new Crown Representative for small businesses.

An experienced entrepreneur has taken up a key role to promote the needs of small businesses to government and ensure suppliers seize the benefits of the Procurement Act.

Shirley Cooper OBE, former chair and president of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, met Parliamentary Secretary Alex Burghart for the first time as Crown Representative for small businesses earlier this month.

They discussed priorities for the next 12 months, with a focus on the implementation of the Procurement Act in October, which will see further benefits for start-ups and small businesses wishing to work with the government. These include simpler processes, greater transparency and access to opportunities, as well as strengthened payment terms which will maximise value for money and innovation in the government market.

Ms Cooper will lead on the overall relationship between the government and small businesses, making sure the government gets best value from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and that they in turn have the best possible opportunity to work with the government.

Shirley Cooper OBE said:

I am delighted to take up this role and build on the work of my predecessor, Martin Traynor.

I look forward to working with colleagues across Government to make sure small businesses can seize the fantastic opportunities available to them in the public procurement process.”

She will build on the work of Martin Traynor OBE, who is retiring after a five-year tenure in the post which culminated in the reforms of the Procurement Act 2023.

Ms Cooper will also support the commitment to, and delivery of, increasing central government spend on SMEs. This spend has risen every year since 2016/17, and stood at a record £21.0billion worth of work in 2021/2022. The Government spends around £300billion every year on procurement.

She will be an advocate for small businesses, promoting their agenda both in government and externally.

Parliamentary Secretary Alex Burghart said:

I am delighted to welcome Shirley to this role. Small businesses are vital to our economy and I look forward to working with her to make sure our procurement regime is fully accessible to them.

Shirley’s appointment comes at a critical time for small businesses with reforms of the Procurement Act, which will dismantle barriers to them competing for government contracts, coming into force later this year.

In 2011, she co-founded the award-winning start-up law firm Tapestry. Previously, she was global procurement director of Impellam and board adviser to Lorien Resourcing, both recruiting specialists. She was also procurement and supply chain director of Computacenter, and executive director of WEConnect International – both technology and services providers.

Ms Cooper has extensive experience of first-class financial, commercial and operational leadership across both the private and public sector. Earlier in her career, she held senior positions at Leeds Hospitals and Tetley’s.

Ms Cooper also supports many charities and non-profit organisations that drive economic development and have a social impact. She was a trustee and treasurer at UN Women UK for nine years, chair of the International Women’s Forum, vice chair of the Civil Society Women’s UK Alliance and co-founder and chair of the Blueprint Club for women who hold senior procurement roles.

The business leader was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours for services to women’s empowerment, equality and procurement.

Ms Cooper will play a key role in implementing the Procurement Act. She will work with the Cabinet Office’s Small Business Advisory Panel, departments, suppliers and trade bodies to further level the playing field for small businesses, start-ups and social enterprises and ensure they can compete for and win more government contracts.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Trade Update UK-Gulf Cooperation Council FTA negotiations [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 February 2024.

Statement on the sixth round of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The sixth round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) took place between 29 January and 9 February.

The round was hosted in London and held in a hybrid fashion. A number of GCC negotiators travelled to London for in-person discussions with others attending virtually.

Draft treaty text was advanced across the majority of chapters. Technical discussions were held across 21 policy areas over 30 sessions. Good progress was made and both sides remain committed to securing an ambitious, comprehensive and modern agreement fit for the 21st century. The next round of negotiations will be scheduled shortly.

An FTA will be a substantial economic opportunity and a significant moment in the UK-GCC relationship. Total trade was worth £59 billion according to latest figures.

His Majesty’s Government remains clear that any deal signed will be in the best interests of the British people and the United Kingdom economy. We will not compromise on our high environmental, public health, animal welfare and food standards, and we will maintain our right to regulate in the public interest. We are also clear that during these negotiations, the National Health Service and the services it provides is not on the table.

February 25, 2024