Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : We continue to work intensively with the UN and partners to get more aid into Gaza – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

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

Thank you President and I join others in thanking Under-Secretary Griffiths for his powerful briefing.

On the 7th of October, Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas. The UK wants to see the hostages taken on that day released as soon as possible. And an end to the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible. The humanitarian situation is desperate. We are calling for an immediate suspension of fighting in order to get vital aid in and hostages out, that progresses towards a permanent, sustainable ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting, and loss of life.

We continue to work intensively with the UN and all partners on practical solutions to get more aid into Gaza. During his visit to the region last week, my Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, again pressed Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian access. We are supporting the World Food Programme to deliver a humanitarian land corridor from Jordan into Gaza. And the UK has trebled our humanitarian aid commitment to the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year.

The UK continues to engage closely with Israel on the conduct of their military campaign, including on IHL, and to call for Israel to take greater care to avoid harming civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The UK respects the role and independence of the ICJ. We welcome the ICJ’s call for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza, as well as the Court’s reminder that all parties to the conflict are bound by international humanitarian law. It is for the Court, not countries, to determine genocide.

Nevertheless, we were troubled by the way in which this action was taken, and we’ve made our views about this very clear. As Lord Cameron said in the Middle East last week, echoed in the Minister of State Lord Ahmad’s intervention at the Security Council also last week, we believe the five following steps are vital.

First, a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. Second, the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package. Third, removing Hamas’ capacity to launch attacks against Israel. Fourth, the release of all Israeli hostages, and finally, Hamas no longer in charge of Gaza.

As my Foreign Secretary has said, it is only when the prize of peace is more attractive than the potential benefit of continued conflict that we will have the chance of a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.

February 1, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Communique issued at the end of the UK-Ghana Business Council meeting [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

Ninth UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) high level bilateral meeting communique issued in Accra.

The UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) held its ninth meeting in Accra on 31 January 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency Alhaji, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the UK Minister for Development and Africa, Rt Honourable Andrew Mitchell MP.

The Council welcomed Ghana’s progress on reaching an agreement with the official creditor committee and completion of the first review of the IMF programme. Members acknowledged Ghana’s progress in implementing the programme, which has since resulted in improving economic stabilisation.

The UK assured council members of its continued support for a successful exit from the IMF programme, including through new programming developed in collaboration with the Government of Ghana targeting macro-economic resilience.

Council members discussed the global climate finance architecture and welcomed Ghana’s commitment to unlock climate financing to support a pipeline of impactful climate activities in areas such as carbon finance blends, EVs, shipping and a hydrogen economy.

The Council welcomed UK’s announcement of the Green Cities and Infrastructure Technical Assistance Programme for Ghana. The programme will focus on delivering climate finance, low-carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure, and support cities to become hubs of innovation while bolstering sustainable economic growth.

Members welcomed the successful auto sector investor mission, which took place from 22 to 26 January 2024. It brought together leading UK automobile companies to explore opportunities in Ghana’s auto sector. Against this backdrop, members agreed to work collaboratively to identify opportunities to support Ghana’s industrial transformation in the auto and E-mobility industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and garments sector.

The Council welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK’s Society Motor Manufacturing and Traders’ Industry Forum and the Ministry of Trade’s Auto Development Centre agreeing to pursue skills, knowledge, and technology transfer partnerships, as part of the JET programme.

Members celebrated the first investments into Ghanaian businesses by British International Investment’s Growth Investment Partners fund. Council members witnessed the signing of the Science, Technology and Innovation MoU which will drive economic prosperity through science and technology.

The co-chairs acknowledged the significant progress the Council had made since its inception in 2018. Council members agreed to continue to advance work on the UKGBC priority sectors to deepen the UK-Ghana relationship, while it explores other areas such as climate finance and electric vehicles.

Members agreed to convene the next UKGBC meeting in summer of 2024.

February 1, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Europe in Poland to show support for NATO troops [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

Europe Minister Leo Docherty visits Poland to meet British troops stationed as part of NATO’s multinational battlegroup.
- Europe Minister Leo Docherty is in Poland, meeting British troops stationed as part of NATO’s multinational battlegroup
- Trip will reiterate support for Ukraine, highlighting the leading role Poland has played in the face of Russian aggression
- The visit comes as NATO celebrates 75 years since its formation, and Poland marks 25 years as an Ally
Minister for Europe Leo Docherty is in Poland to demonstrate the UK’s continued support for the security of Europe’s Eastern Flank today (31 January) – where he will meet British troops stationed with NATO.

Troops and personnel from NATO Allies serve, train and exercise together in eight battlegroups in the east of the Alliance. In Poland, the UK contributes to the battlegroup led by the United States, working together with fellow Allies Croatia and Romania.

The Minister will visit the squadron stationed in the Bemowo Piskie base in Orzysz including 150 British troops, who are working with Polish Armed Forces to exchange best practice, strengthen ties and defend Polish airspace.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said:

Poland is on the front line of the European effort to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion.

From our steadfast alliance during the World Wars, to our close partnership in NATO – we are historic friends.

Meeting UK troops stationed here underlines our work to defend the security of Europe’s Eastern Flank.

The presence of these battlegroups forms part of the biggest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defence in a generation, illustrating that 75 years after the Alliance’s formation, it is ready to face the challenges of the next 75.

In Warsaw, the Minister will meet Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Prawda, where they will discuss shared defence commitments, co-operation on illegal migration and border security, as well as welcoming Poland’s recent endorsement of the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, launched at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius.

Since Russia’s invasion, the UK and Poland have both committed significant military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, including £12 billion in UK assistance. Poland is also hosting around 1 million Ukrainians – more than any other country.
February 1, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Putin’s War of Aggression has come at a significant cost to Russia and galvanised democratic nations – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, has succeeded in uniting democratic nations in defence of the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Thank you, Mr Chair. It has been another week of brutal fighting in Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people valiantly continue to defend their country from Russia’s illegal act of aggression. We have observed throughout the period since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the violation of the key principles to which this Forum adheres. We note the clear and unequivocal contravention by Russia of International Humanitarian Law and the United Nations Charter; and we hear every week the flimsy justifications of Russia’s rationale for war. The truth of the matter is that there is no justification for this violent act, executed based on historical fantasies by Putin’s regime.

Russia’s grand vision to subjugate Ukraine within a matter of days, now almost two years on, has resulted in quite the opposite of what Russia envisioned. As a result of its heinous aggression, what exactly has Russia accomplished? Since the start of the full-scale invasion, it has lost approximately 2600 Main Battle Tanks and 4900 other Armoured Combat Vehicles.

Just this week, the Russian air force discharged munitions on its own territory for the fifth time; the fourth time this month. Whether this is the consequence of poor procedures or poor drills, one can only speculate. In all likelihood, it is a combination of both as the toll of fighting is felt by the Russian military. Since the start of Russia’s so-called ‘Special Military Operation’, its armed forces have suffered more than 300,000 casualties. During 2023, the average daily number of Russian casualties (killed and wounded) in Ukraine increased from over 600 in 2022 to over 900 at its height in November 2023. Russia has lost nearly the same number of troops it mobilised to invade Ukraine in 2022, with new soldiers receiving inadequate training and its new commanders having little battlefield experience.

For this enormous investment in blood and treasure, Russia has become less secure and more desperate. Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court. He has suffered the shock and humiliation of an attempted coup, and international isolation has pushed him towards reliance on pariah states like North Korea and Iran for lethal aid supplies.

Far from achieving Russia’s intended aims, its illegal war has solidified international resolve in support of Ukraine. Standing as a sentinel for democracy and freedom, Ukraine has successfully re-captured more than half of the territory illegally seized by Russia since February 2022. Crimea is no longer safe for Russian forces to launch attacks. The Russian Black Sea Fleet HQ in Sevastopol was destroyed and the strategically important port significantly degraded in its ability to support Russian maritime forces.

In truth, Russia’s so-called ‘Special Military Operation’, far from achieving its objectives, has succeeded in uniting democratic nations in defence of the values of sovereignty, territorial integrity and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. Russia fails to appreciate that because these values are so cherished, there is no alternative but to support Ukraine in its defence of them. Russia is seriously mistaken if it believes that it can divide and conquer, corrosively wearing away at the principles which unite us. The prospect of not standing united in the face of Russia’s aggression is too dark to contemplate. A Russian victory would usher in a new era of global instability. This is why the United Kingdom, with its allies, will support Ukraine today, tomorrow and into the future; for as long as it takes.

February 1, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Postponement of the UK-African Investment Summit [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

The UK-African Investment Summit, which was due to take place in April 2024, is postponed to a later date.

The UK-African Investment Summit (UK-AIS) due to take place in April 2024 will now be postponed to a later date. New summit dates will be announced in due course.

The UK government is committed to building on the success of the 2020 UK-Africa Investment Summit, which laid the foundations for new partnerships between the UK and African nations based on trade, investment, shared values and mutual interest. This includes by ensuring attendance from governments across the continent, as well as British and African businesses eager to harness the benefits of our trading relationship.

The next UK-AIS will help to realise the UK’s ambition to be the investment partner of choice for Africa, create thousands of jobs and ensure the mutual prosperity of all our nations.

Forming part of the UK’s sustained offer to African countries, the summit aims to:
- strengthen UK-African partnerships to create jobs and growth
- support British and African talent in sectors such as finance and technology
- promote female entrepreneurs
Ahead of the summit, the UK is working to enhance trade and investment links with African countries through:
- supporting the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers the prospect of growth through improved intra-African trade and investment opportunities
- the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which entered into force in June 2023 and has increased UK market access for 37 African countries
- supporting British International Investment (BII), which has more than half of its portfolio in Africa, where it committed nearly £700 million of investment in 2022
February 1, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government takes major step in improving biosecurity and preventing diseases [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 31 January 2024.

Introduction of new border controls will help guard against incoming diseases and pests while minimising burdens and costs for traders and consumers.
- New border controls introduced today will help prevent the import of diseases and pests from animal and plant products
- Series of new controls will minimise burdens and costs for traders and consumers
- This is the first major step towards making the UK the most advanced border in the world
Today (31st January 2024), the UK takes a major step in improving its biosecurity and keeping the country safe from diseases.

New border controls will come into effect for animals, plants and plant products imported to Great Britain from the EU. Products which present a ‘medium risk’ to biosecurity and health will now require export health certificates and phytosanitary certificates, where currently they enter the UK without them.

As a global trading nation, diseases carried from imported animals, animal products, plants and plant products pose a serious risk to the UK’s biosecurity. Risk-based border controls are essential to manage this and ensure that we only import safe, high-quality products.

Risk-based controls also mean that imports from all countries will be assessed the same way, where ‘high-risk’ products undergo necessary checks, and ‘low-risk’ products are imported more freely when it is safe to do so.

The controls coming into effect today are part of the Border Target Operating Model, which has been designed with traders and consumers at the forefront.

The model will minimise burdens for traders by making smart use of data and technology. Health certificates are being digitised and simplified, where currently they are paper-based and complex. The Single Trade Window will remove the need for traders to provide the same data multiple times, and Trusted Trader schemes will significantly reduce controls for our most credible traders.

Controls are being applied on goods from Ireland for the first time. However, thanks to the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland (NI) goods will benefit from full and unconditional unfettered access, regardless of whether they move indirectly via Ireland. This will further bolster Northern Ireland’s place within the UK’s economic union and more squarely focus the benefits of unfettered access on NI traders.

The introduction of the Border Target Operating Model also sharpens the competitive advantage of Northern Ireland businesses, who now have unique unfettered access to both their primary market in GB as well as and the EU single market.

Government has worked extensively with traders both in the UK and in the EU to ensure the new controls and requirements are clear and that they have ample time to prepare.

In the design phase of the Border Target Operating Model, Government consulted thousands of stakeholders through events, focus groups and through written correspondence. Since the model was published, there has been ongoing communication with industry.

DEFRA has also conducted a Trader Readiness Survey which captures views from industry, which the department continuously monitors and uses to address concerns.

The controls coming into place today are the first major step the Government is taking to improve the UK’s border. Two further sets of controls will be introduced this year.

From 30 April 2024, Government will introduce documentary, physical and identity checks at the border for medium risk animal products, plants and plant products imported to Great Britain from the EU except goods that enter Great Britain via West Coast ports.

31 October 2024, Government will further simplify traders’ management of Sanitary and Phytosanitary requirements. Safety and Security declarations will also be required for all goods moving from the EU to Great Britain. These controls were announced in the Border Target Operating Model in August 2023, which sets out a risk-based approach to importing that will be introduced progressively.

These controls were announced in the Border Target Operating Model in August 2023, which sets out a risk-based approach to importing that will be introduced progressively.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, said:

Our aim is to have border controls which maximise the protection of the UK population from harms such as drugs and animal and human diseases while minimising the disruption to legitimate trade. The new UK system being introduced over the course of this year makes a huge stride towards meeting this objective. We have worked with traders and businesses extensively to design the controls and will continue to listen to their feedback.

Biosecurity Minister Lord Douglas-Miller said:

Border controls on imported goods are vitally important to safeguard our high biosecurity standards, protecting the UK from potentially harmful pests and diseases, and maintaining trust in our exports.

These checks must also be proportionate and pragmatic – which is why we’ve taken a phased approach to implementing the new system and are working closely with industry to help them prepare.

The controls introduced today strike the right balance between trade and biosecurity.
February 1, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New international arrangements expand opportunities for UK youth [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 31 January 2024.

The UK’s Youth Mobility schemes with Australia, Canada, Japan and South Korea have been expanded, while new schemes with Uruguay and Andorra come into effect.

Young Brits will have more opportunities to live, work and study abroad, as changes to the UK’s international arrangements with 6 countries come into effect today (31 January).

Enhancements to the UK government’s successful existing Youth Mobility schemes with Australia, Canada, Japan and South Korea have come into force, including expanding the age range so more young people can qualify and gain vital life experience overseas.

New schemes with Andorra and Uruguay have also taken effect for individuals aged between 18 to 30, with 100 and 500 places available for Andorran and Uruguayan youth respectively to come to the UK for a maximum stay of up to 2 years.

Youth Mobility schemes build on the close relations between the UK and these partner countries by promoting and facilitating access to opportunities that enable young people to gain a better understanding of other countries and the UK’s cultures and societies, through travel, work and life experience overseas.

Each arrangement is reciprocal and quota-based, minimising any impact on net migration and pressure on public services, while providing equal opportunities for young Brits to make lasting connections, develop their skills and bring the benefit of their experiences back home.

Tom Pursglove MP, Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, said:

Travelling, working and living overseas can be a wonderful and immensely valuable experience.

We are always proud to welcome young people to experience life in the UK, and strengthen the close ties between participating partner countries, while thousands of Brits similarly make life-changing journeys every year through these schemes.

Due to their reciprocal nature, these opportunities can also be provided without adding to already high levels of immigration or placing additional pressure on our public services.

The age range for the UK’s existing schemes with Australia, Canada and South Korea has been expanded today, so young people up to the age of 35 can now qualify.

Australian and Canadian nationals in the UK on a Youth Mobility visa can also now apply for a one-year extension, taking the total amount of time they can be in Britain to 3 years.

The reciprocal quota with Japan is being increased to 6,000, while the quota with South Korea is rising to 5,000. Citizens from both countries will now no longer be required to enter a ballot before applying.

February 1, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : 2024 Business Council launched [January 2024]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 January 2024.

The Prime Minister launches this year’s Business Council today (31st January) and will meet with members throughout the year to discuss economic growth.
- PM to receive intelligence from the vanguard of business.
- Some of the biggest names from across UK business – from FTSE 100 companies to SMEs – to help drive the Government’s growth agenda.
- Builds on a banner year for investment in UK plc.
The Prime Minister launches this year’s Business Council today (31st January) and will meet with members throughout the year to discuss economic growth.

The council will have a regular meeting with the Prime Minister in Downing Street to share intelligence directly from the shop floor to help boost the UK economy and create jobs. The first meeting will take place next month.

It includes Chief Executives from:
- BT Group
- Nationwide
- Unilever
- Rolls-Royce
- Scottish Power
- Almac Group
- Barratt Developments
- ITV
- Lloyds Banking Group
- OMass Therapeutics
- Raspberry PI
- Principality Building Society
- Informed Solutions
- Castore
- Greggs
These firms account for over 200,000 employees from across the United Kingdom, and are intrinsic to the success of this nation, whether this be the delivery of critical infrastructure, the development of new homes, or the production of aircraft engines.

This year’s Business Council builds on the economic success of 2023, which saw the Government stabilise the economy, cut inflation in half, and deliver the biggest business tax cut in modern British history – worth over £50 billion over the next five years.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

Coming from a small business family, I know how integral business is to communities and the wider economy.

Without the jobs, growth, and innovation created by UK firms, the country simply wouldn’t function.

That’s why I’m getting businesses in for a regular update on how well we are doing in delivering for business – straight from the shop floor.

The newly appointed Business Council will be a forum to bring a real-world perspective on how the current economic climate is impacting business and how government and industry can work together to boost investment and innovation, drive productivity and create highly skilled jobs.

The Minister for Enterprise, Markets & Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, and the PM’s Special Advisor on Business & Investment, Franck Petitgas, will also host quarterly meetings in Downing Street with small business representative groups to ensure the Government hears from a broad range of SMEs, in addition to those that sit on the Council.

This year’s Council will continue to provide insights on how we ensure the UK remains a great place to invest; as evidenced by the bumper investments that landed in 2023:
- Tata Group’s £4bn UK gigafactory
- BMW’s £600m commitment to develop electrical vehicle production in the UK
- Nissan’s £2bn to support two new electric vehicle models in Sunderland
- Microsoft’s £2.5bn investment in AI infrastructure
- The Global Investment Summit where £29.5bn of investment was committed to the UK
- The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement that will drive £20 billion more business investment per year by the end of the decade
Debbie Crosbie, CEO of Nationwide said:

Business and government have a common interest in strong economic growth. It releases investment for communities, funds improvements in public services, and inspires innovation. I’m delighted to work with the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council on new growth strategies and to keep the UK competitive.

Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO of Rolls-Royce said:

Rolls-Royce welcomes the opportunity to continue its ongoing dialogue with Government, building partnerships between business and politics to promote growth in the UK economy.

Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower said:

The Prime Minister has set out clear ambitions to significantly speed up investments in the critical infrastructure we need to deliver energy security and decarbonisation. From clean homegrown energy to modern electricity networks, ScottishPower has a £12bn plan to invest at record levels to help make these ambitions a reality – creating the conditions for wider economic growth in the UK and unlocking skills and capabilities right across the domestic supply chain and in communities throughout the whole country.

David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Developments said:

I welcome the chance to join the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council, the opportunity to share the challenges faced by all housebuilders and discuss solutions for a vital sector which provides the new sustainable homes the country needs and is a powerful driver of economic growth across the UK.

Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV said:

ITV is a global company but one that remains firmly rooted in the UK – around half of our UK employees live and work outside of London in news teams and production bases across our nations and regions. That’s why I want to work with the Government to create the right economic platform and incentives to encourage businesses to increase investment and economic activity across the UK, particularly in the development of skills and talent.

Ros Deegan, CEO of OMass Therapeutics said:

Given healthcare and scientific innovation is so strong and important to the United Kingdom, I am excited to accept this invitation and look forward to working with the Government and contributing to discussions around our scale up economy.

Elizabeth Vega, CEO of Informed Solutions said:

It is an honour to join the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council and help shape ambitious and dynamic policy that energises and sustains growth, productivity, international trade, and job opportunities across the UK. The UK needs great businesses with a growth, skills, innovation, and productivity mindset – from small to medium and large enterprises – to build a strong, resilient, and internationally competitive economy.

Thomas Beahon, CEO of Castore said:

It is a real honour to be joining the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council. I look forward to working with the PM and other business leaders from across the UK and making a positive contribution to the country’s long term economic growth priorities with a particular focus on bringing my experiences of starting and growing a business in the North of England.

Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi said:

At Raspberry Pi, we design computers and semiconductors, while our parent organisation, the Raspberry Pi Foundation, works to get young people excited about computing and electronics. I’m delighted to join the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council, and look forward to sharing perspectives on the needs of design and manufacturing companies in the UK high-tech ecosystem, and the opportunities for even greater focus on STEM skills in the school, further and continuing education sectors.

Julie-Ann Haines, CEO of Principality Building Society said:

I welcome the opportunity to sit on the Prime Minister’s 2024 Business Council and am proud there is representation from Wales and the mutual sector, bringing diversity of thought to the table. Housing and financial stability is critical to building a strong balanced economy which supports our communities and our mission to provide better homes, secure futures and a fairer society will be at the heart of the discussions.
February 1, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Greece bolster trade and security cooperation [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty met Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou in London to review progress on the Strategic Bilateral Framework.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty reinforced the importance of deepening cooperation between the UK and Greece as he hosted Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou in London today (30 January).

Since signing the Bilateral Framework agreement in 2021, the UK-Greece relationship has gone from strength to strength: trade between the two countries has grown to £10.7 billion, our armed forces work closer together than ever before, and we have secured nine higher education agreements in the last year alone for our mutual benefit.

The Ministers agreed to build on these growing ties even further in the year ahead focusing on ongoing work to tackle shared challenges including disrupting organised migration routes, security cooperation, and our joint efforts to reach a peaceful resolution in the Middle East and war in Ukraine.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said:

The UK-Greece relationship is hugely important, from our ongoing work to promote security and stability as NATO allies, to our deep people-to-people links.

Welcoming Deputy Foreign Minister Papadopoulou in London, we agreed to drive cooperation on shared challenges facing our two countries, from tackling illegal migration to enhancing European security and our joint efforts to reach a lasting peace in the Middle East and continuing support to Ukraine

The Minister for Europe also extended his thanks to the Greek authorities and people for their crucial role in getting British Nationals to safety during the wildfires in Greece last summer.

Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary David Cameron spoke with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis where they discussed the situation in the Red Sea.

February 1, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Nature recovery to be accelerated as the government delivers on measures to protect land and sea [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 31 January 2024.

One year on since the publication of the Environmental Improvement Plan, the government launches new measures to halt and reverse nature’s decline.

Puffins, porpoises, and pine martens are just some of the species set to benefit from new measures set out by the Government today (31 January) to boost nature recovery on land and at sea.

The new plans – announced one year on from the launch of the Environmental Improvement Plan – will see a permanent closure of the sandeel fisheries in English waters of the North Sea from April, further targeted restrictions on damaging bottom trawling and a new framework for national parks and protected areas to help them better deliver for nature.

Sandeels are a vital food source for some of our most vulnerable seabirds and marine mammals, such as the iconic puffin and harbour porpoise, and commercially important fish species such as haddock and whiting. This closure will bolster the resilience of these species and make space for nature to recover across our marine habitats.

Important pink sea fans, fragile sponges, anemones will also be further boosted with a targeted ban announced on bottom trawling in an additional 13 Marine Protected Areas.

To bring us closer to achieving the global goal to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, a new framework for National Parks and National Landscapes to help them better deliver for nature and access will also be published. This builds on the commitments the government set out at COP28, including a map which demonstrates which areas of land could contribute to the 30by30 target in England.

The framework will support our cherished Protected Landscapes and landowners to deliver our Environmental Improvement Plan targets including tree planting and peatland restoration which are essential for sequestering and storing carbon to mitigate the impacts of climate change while supporting biodiversity.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

We’ve made a lot of progress since we launched the Environmental Improvement Plan – we’ve planted nearly 5 million trees, improved public access to our beautiful countryside and accelerated the adoption of our world-leading farming schemes.

We are building on this progress with a new package to safeguard our marine ecosystems and bring us one step closer to achieving our 30by30 target, both on land and sea.

Protecting the environment is fundamental to the prosperity of our country and our new commitments will drive forward our mission to create a cleaner and greener country for all.”

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said:

Restoring thriving ecosystems is a vital process, not only for meeting our national Nature recovery goals, but also for our food and water security, wellbeing and economic prosperity.

The measures set out by the government today will take us closer to meeting our ambitious 2030 targets, both on land and at sea. Natural England has played a key role over the last year delivering the commitments set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan and we look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with government to accelerate delivery on the ground.

Beccy Speight chief executive of the RSPB said:

Answering the RSPB’s call to end industrial Sandeel fishing, today’s announcement is a vital lifeline from our Government for our seabirds when they need it most. The UK is home to globally important seabird colonies, but these populations are at the forefront of the nature and climate emergency and are in significant decline, with their resilience being pushed to the limit.

To support the recovery of our seabirds, the RSPB has long recommended an end to industrial Sandeel fishing in UK waters to secure vital food sources for these amazing birds. A call that has been passionately backed by tens of thousands of our members and supporters when Defra launched a public consultation on the issue. Halting wildlife decline and putting nature on the path to recovery must be supported by a programme of Government actions and today’s announcement represents one of those jigsaw pieces, along with demonstrating that overwhelmingly the public supports these actions that enable nature’s recovery.

The government has also announced the recipients of £7 million of awards to improve lowland peat soils.

Peatlands are our largest terrestrial carbon store, however, as a result of centuries of drainage for agriculture, just 1% of England’s lowland peatlands remain in a near-natural state, and these drained peatlands account for 88% of all greenhouse gas emissions from England’s peat.

The 34 projects, spread across England’s lowland peat regions such as the Cambridgeshire Fens and Somerset Levels, will use government funding to improve the management of water on lowland peat and enhance understanding of climate change impacts and flood risk. They include projects that will use innovative technologies, such as telemetry, to precisely control water retention levels across the landscape.

Since the launch of the Environmental Improvement Plan a year ago, the government has delivered more than 50 commitments set out in the plan and the Environment Act. This includes:
- Implementing a ban on single-use plastics
- Planting nearly 5 million trees
- Accelerating the Sustainable Farming Incentive and a launching further 34 new Landscape Recovery projects – putting us on track to have 70% of land in Environmental Land Management schemes by 2028
- Launching a new species survival fund
- Beginning the process of creating a new national park and forest for the nation
- Significantly improving air quality with PM2.5 emissions down by 10%
- Improving access to the countryside by opening up a further 245 miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path
Delivering on these commitments will ensure that our most important places, at the core of nature’s recovery, deliver for people and the planet. In doing so, we will create a natural world that is rich in diverse plants and wildlife and restored for future generations to enjoy.

It is due to UK leadership that the global target to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, known as 30by30 was adopted and these announcements today will further support that target and the historic agreement for nature reached by the UK and nearly 200 countries at the 2022 UN Biodiversity summit.

Notes to editors:

Sandeels:
- A spatial closure of English waters of the North Sea to fishing for sandeel will be introduced before the start of this year’s sandeel fishing season on 1 April.
- UK vessels are not permitted to fish for sandeel because the UK’s share of the Total Allowable Catch for North Sea sandeel is not allocated. The spatial closure will extend that prohibition to all vessels operating in English waters of the North Sea.
- In March 2023 Defra undertook a public consultation proposing options for future sandeel management in English waters of the North Sea. Over 95% of respondents support some form of prohibition on fishing for sandeel, with a majority favouring the closure of all English waters.
Marine Protected Area protections:
- The UK is at the forefront of marine protection with 377 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) protecting 38% of UK waters. In English waters there are 181 sites protecting 40% of our seas. We have built a comprehensive network of MPAs and are now focusing on measures to enhance their protection.
- Now that we are an independent coastal state, free from the Common Fisheries Policy, the Fisheries Act 2020 introduced new powers enabling the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to implement fisheries management measures in MPAs in English offshore waters. The first 4 offshore MPA byelaws were implemented in 2022.
- MMO consulted last year on proposals to restrict bottom-towed fishing gear over rock and reef habitat in a further 13 MPAs and we are announcing today that a byelaw will be implemented to bring those proposals into effect.
###Improving lowland agricultural peat:
- Projects funded under the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot and the Lowland Agricultural Peat Small Infrastructure Pilot will help to deliver our mosaic approach, which includes more sustainable farming practices and restoring peat where possible, helping to deliver on our Net Zero goals and providing further environmental co-benefits.
- Our new lowland agricultural peat pilots are designed to provide much-needed evidence, which will help to deliver on the recommendations of the Lowland Agricultural Peat Task Force report – known as the Caudwell report – which was published in June 2023.
- Under the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot, delivered by the Environment Agency: 13 projects (totalling £3.1 million) will receive funding, which is enabling local collaborations to develop costed water management plans that support our mosaic approach to reducing carbon emissions from lowland peat soils, including both sustainable farming on higher water tables and peat restoration where possible.
- Under the Lowland Agricultural Peat Small Infrastructure Pilot: 21 projects (totalling £3.8 million) will receive funding, which is supporting Internal Drainage Boards to update and install water management infrastructure to enable better water management for peat and the environment.
Protected Landscapes Outcomes Framework:
- The Protected Landscape targets are non-statutory and create a shared ambition for all 44 of England’s Protected Landscapes (National Parks and National Landscapes). National Landscapes is the new name for designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
- The targets are for the Protected Landscapes as places (the geographic area covered by the designation).
- Whilst action will be coordinated by Protected Landscape bodies it will be the responsibility of all stakeholders, partners and land managers in the area to support their delivery.
- The targets are based on an analysis of the environmental potential of the Protected Landscapes to deliver on current national targets. Each individual Protected Landscape body will set their own individual contribution to these national targets for Protected Landscapes.
- At COP28 the government published a map indicating which areas could count towards the target to protect 30% of our land for nature by 2030. More information can be found here: Delivering 30by30 on land in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Projects for Nature platform:
- At COP28, the government announced a new initiative to align financial flows to nature recovery. The Projects for Nature scheme will match corporate donations to nature restoration projects selected by Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency in an effort to link up forward thinking businesses, such as Lloyd’s Banking Group and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, with projects to help us reach our environmental targets.
- To learn more about the Projects for Nature initiative and view the platform, visit: www.projectsfornature.com.
February 1, 2024