Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States is a critical moment – UK statement at the UN [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 January 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the first session of the Preparatory Committee of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States.

Thank you, Chair.

First, let me thank the co-chairs New Zealand and the Maldives, Samoa as AOSIS chair, and Antigua and Barbuda, for your preparations for the SIDS4 Conference.

SIDS4 is a critical moment to drive transformational action on priorities that matter most for Small Island Developing States, including climate action, reform of the international financial system, and delivering the SDGs.

The UK is providing over £1.5 million pounds, as well as technical expertise, to support the conference. We know that for SIDS, climate and economic shocks are impacting the already faltering progress made on the SDGs.

The UK’s new International Development White Paper sets out how we will help address the interlinked challenges of ending poverty and tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. SIDS4 is an opportunity for ambitious work and collaborative partnerships to champion and accelerate progress across the SDGs for people on the frontline of climate change.

As negotiations of the outcome document begin, we encourage all parties to recognise the urgency of SIDS’ challenges, a message heard at COP28, and to come together with an ambitious approach for the next 10-year Programme of Action. This must address SIDS-specific needs, such as blue economies, data, and access to finance.

We are also working with AOSIS and Antigua and Barbuda to co-chair a DAC-AOSIS Taskforce to deliver a new donor-SIDS partnership by SIDS4 focused on shared areas for progress and reform, including the priorities above.

In the lead-up to the conference, the UK will also continue to convene events to help advance action, include a SIDS Capacity Building Conference in February with the OECD and UN ESCAP, a ‘SIDS Futures Forum’ with ODI later this Spring, and a side event later today on ‘Evidence-based pathways for resilient prosperity’.

We look forward to your participation.

Thank you.

January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 24 January 2024.

Joint statement by the UK government and European Commission:

The Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework met today in Brussels, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

The Committee co-chairs took stock of the work undertaken by both sides on the implementation of the Windsor Framework since the last meeting on 20 September 2023. In particular, they discussed the implementation of the Windsor Framework in the areas of agri-food and customs in light of the provisions which took effect in autumn 2023 and the implementation milestones ahead. They agreed to continue meeting on a regular basis to monitor and ensure the full implementation of all the elements of the Framework in a faithful way.

The Committee co-chairs also took stock of the work of the Joint Consultative Working Group and its structured sub-groups. They reiterated the importance of continued joint engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders.

January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New laws to introduce digital labelling for businesses and reduce regulation costs [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 January 2024.

Businesses are set to benefit from savings as import labels are made digital for the first time.
New legislation to introduce digital labelling for British businesses to cut red tape and save millions in unnecessary regulation costs

Recognition of CE marking continued for products such as toys and machinery, easing burdens to businesses

Digital labelling reforms made possible by Brexit and ensures the UK’s regulatory requirements are fit for the modern world

Businesses are set to benefit from reduced costs and burdens as import labels are made digital for the first time.

Digital labelling will allow businesses to put important regulatory or manufacturing information online rather than requiring them to physically print it on their products – saving time and money which can be pushed towards scaling up and growing their company.

This measure has been made possible by leaving the EU and provides greater flexibility than the EU’s regulatory requirements while better reflecting the modern and digital world of business and international trade.

This follows the Product Safety Review consultation and extensive industry engagement – looking at ways to cut costs while benefitting consumers and ensuring our regulatory system is agile and a move towards digital labelling has been something the industry have consistently called for.

Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

“I know first-hand the difficulties businesses face with regulations and red tape, and what we’re announcing today will not only ease business burdens and costs but will enable them to spend their time growing their companies and creating jobs.

“We’ve worked closely with multiple sectors to create policy that works for them and this is another step in the right direction to back British businesses.”

The CE or UKCA marking is used on products to demonstrate the manufacturer is compliant with legal requirements. Last summer, DBT announced the intention to indefinitely recognise current EU requirements, including the CE marking, for the 18 product regulations under the department’s remit.

Following feedback from industry, we are introducing legislation to continue the recognition of CE marking indefinitely for a range of additional regulations which will benefit products including vacuum cleaners and televisions. Full list of covered regulations are below. The UK government is taking a tailored approach to product regulation to ensure the interests of UK businesses, consumers and the economy are taken into account.

This comes as part of wider range of measures as part of our smarter regulation programme, which ensures our laws and regulatory regime are better tailored in the interests of UK businesses, consumers and the economy.

This announcement does not apply to regulations for medical devices, construction products, marine equipment, rail products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment and unmanned aircraft systems, led by relevant government departments.

The indefinite recognition of current EU requirements, including the CE marking, for these 21 regulations means businesses have the flexibility to use either the UKCA or CE marking (Or reverse epsilon marking where applicable) to sell products in Great Britain.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive:

“Recognising CE marking indefinitely is very welcome and a common sense decision that will benefit the motorist and the competitiveness of the UK automotive industry. It means that thousands of aftermarket and supply chain businesses can continue to source vital automotive parts without unnecessary additional cost and complexity, keeping costs low for consumers and ensuring vehicles are built and maintained to the highest possible standards.”

A GAMBICA spokesperson said:

“UK suppliers of instrumentation, control, automation and laboratory equipment, within the membership of GAMBICA, appreciate the government’s engagement and practical steps to facilitate movement of goods across the GB border to ensure the long-term supply of critical components from a complex global supply chain.”

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, Stephen Phipson, said:

“The addition of three further regulated sectors that will benefit from the indefinite recognition of current EU requirements including the use of CE marking, is a welcome move that manufactures who develop and sell products in these areas will very much welcome and support.

“The added introduction of a ‘fast track’ process for products that are covered by multiple regulations, new permanent arrangements for labelling flexibility and an option for digital labelling, will all work together to help safeguard the competitiveness of manufacturers and aid the UK as a destination for investment. Make UK has called for the indefinite extension of a CE marking recognition for all UK manufactured goods to be a permanent change, and this should cover all goods and products sectors produced using a manufacturing process.”

TechUK Director of Markets Matthew Evans said:

“We strongly support the government’s decision to allow the voluntary use of e-labelling, in line with our key recommendations during the UK’s product compliance framework review. This represents a modern and progressive approach by DBT and will undoubtedly cut compliance costs, foster innovation, and lessen environmental impact. It will also align the UK with major trading partners like the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea, improving our trading relationships.”

A new ‘Fast-Track UKCA’ process will also be introduced, allowing manufacturers to use the UKCA marking to demonstrate compliance with either UKCA or recognised EU conformity processes. Where products are covered by multiple regulations, a mixture of both UKCA and CE conformity assessment procedures can be used.

This is designed to provide longer-term certainty and flexibility for businesses should the UK mandate UKCA for certain regulations in the future.

Notes to Editors:

Regulations in scope of this announcement

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) regulations in scope of this announcement are:

· Equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres Regulations 2016/1107

· Electromagnetic compatibility Regulations 2016/1091

· Lifts Regulations 2016/1093

· Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016/1101

· Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016/1105

· Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015/1553

· Recreational Craft Regulations 2017/737

· Radio Equipment Regulations 2017/1206

· Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016/1092

· Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011/1881

· Aerosol Dispensers Regulations 2009/ 2824

· Gas Appliances (EU Regulation) 2016/426

· Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008/1597

· Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001/1701

· Personal Protective Equipment (EU Regulation) 2016/425

· Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016/1153

· Non-automatic weighing instruments Regulations 2016/1152

· Measuring Container Bottles (EEC Requirements) Regulations 1977

For the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA):

· The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 (‘The RoHS Regulations’)

For the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ):

· The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010

For the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) [The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)]:

· The Explosives Regulations 2014

Regulations not in scope of this announcement:

The UK government is taking a tailored approach to product regulation to ensure the interests of UK businesses, consumers and the economy are taken into account. There are certain sectors which require a bespoke approach to conformity assessment, and therefore extending recognition of the CE marking for products under the following regulations is not being included in this legislation. This includes:

For The Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC):

· Construction Product Regulations 2013

For The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) [- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)]

· The Medical Devices Regulations 2002

For the Department for Transport (DFT)

· The Railways (interoperability) Regulations 2011

· Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment Regulations) 2016

· The Cableway Installations Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/816) and The Cableway Installations (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/1347).

· The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009

· Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulation 2019/945
January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government announces a further £600 million boost for councils [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 24 January 2024.

Extra £500 million earmarked to enable councils to provide crucial social care services.

Councils across England will receive a £600 million support package, in addition to funding outlined at the provisional settlement, to help them deliver key services, the Levelling Up Secretary has announced today.

The support package comes as the government has made significant progress on its economic priorities of halving inflation, growing the economy and reducing debt. Because of the progress made, we are able to support councils to deliver key services across the country.

The government values the important contribution councils make and has conducted an extensive engagement and listening programme with councils to understand the pressures they are facing including high inflation, driven by the legacy of Covid, and global instability with war in Ukraine and the Middle East. Today’s £600 million announcement reflects the unprecedented challenges that they have faced.

The support package will primarily see an additional £500 million added to the Social Care Grant to bolster social care budgets, a key concern raised by councils.

All councils will also see an increase in Core Spending Power of at least 4% through the Funding Guarantee before any local choices on council tax, efficiencies or reserves – an increase from the 3% announced at the provisional settlement. The Government’s manifesto commits to continuing to protect local taxpayers from excessive council tax increases. The proposed referendum principles strikes a fair balance. Local authorities must be mindful of cost-of-living pressures when taking any decisions relating to council tax.

This funding builds on the £64 billion package already announced at the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2024-25, and has been welcomed by leading local government organisations including the Local Government Association, County Councils Network and District Councils Network.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

We have listened to councils across England about the pressures they’re facing and have always stood ready to help those in need.

This additional £600 million support package illustrates our commitment to local government. We are in their corner, and we support the incredible and often unsung work they do day-to-day to support people across the country.

Minister for Local Government Simon Hoare added:

This injection of funding will help ensure services which people rely on can continue – and demonstrates how important we view local government. We have listened to various organisations and considered their views seriously and I’m grateful to those who reached out to me.

The funding offers something for all of our hard-working councils, with additional funding for social care as well as help for rural authorities to deliver essential services.

In light of the exceptional circumstances, the Treasury will be providing £500m with further details set out at the upcoming Budget whilst details on the distribution of this funding will be included in the final Local Government Finance Settlement early next month. The further £100m comprises of an increase to the Funding Guarantee from 3% to 4%, £15m for the Rural Services Delivery Grant, £3m for authorities with Internal Drainage Boards, and additional funding for the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly with the remainder distributed through the Services Grant.

The £15m through the Rural Services Delivery Grant for rural councils is the largest cash increase since 2018-19 and the second successive year of above-inflation increases, whilst the £3 million is for authorities facing high levies from Internal Drainage Boards which help protect residents from flooding. The £500 million increase in social care funding is in addition to the £1 billion in additional funding announced at Autumn Statement 2022 and in July 2023, to enable councils to continue to provide crucial social care services for their local communities, particularly for children.

The government is clear this funding is to be used to address the pressures facing councils and improve performance. It should not be put aside for later use or spent on areas that are not a priority. Separately, councils will be asked to produce productivity plans which will set out how they will improve service performance and reduce wasteful spend – including on consultants and HR spending on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Alongside this, an expert panel to advise the government on financial sustainability in the sector will be established by DLUHC and contain both internal and external experts. Work will also continue between DLUHC, DfE and DHSC to ensure value for money and sustainability of the sector.

We are committed to improving the local government finance system beyond this settlement in the next Parliament and the Minister for Local Government will be engaging with the sector on this over the coming months.

The announcement has been welcomed by leading figures in the sector today:

Councillor Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association, said:

The LGA welcomes that the Government has acted on the concerns we have raised and recognised the severe financial pressures facing councils, particularly in providing services to the most vulnerable children and adults through social care services and delivering core front-line services to communities.

We will continue to work with Government to achieve a sustainable long term funding settlement and updated distribution mechanisms, as well as legislative reform where needed, so that local government can play its full part in delivering inclusive prosperity and growth through investment to support people, places, and the planet.

Councillor Tim Oliver, Chairman of the County Councils, said:

We strongly welcome the government listening to our concerns, and today’s announcement of an additional £0.5 billion will go some way to easing the pressures and in particular addressing the escalating demand and costs of delivering social care and home to school transport. Whilst this extra funding will undoubtedly help us protect valued frontline services, councils, of course, still face difficult decisions when setting their budgets for 2024/25.

Looking further ahead, reform of local government finance and the way in which we are expected to provide services is imperative. Councils require a long-term financial settlement to enable us to plan for, and meet, the demand from our growing elderly populations and the more complex needs of residents requiring social care. This must be coupled with a comprehensive reform programme to bring in line the funding envelope available to enable us to deliver effectively our statutory responsibilities.

Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen, Chairman of the District Councils’ Network, said:

The District Councils’ Network welcomes the Government’s decision to allocate additional funding for essential district services, a move that will benefit residents and businesses throughout England. This offers some relief to district councils and the communities we support. It will help mitigate potentially extensive reductions to valued local services.

But it’s important to note that the financial and operating challenges for district councils remain significant. It is clear that more comprehensive solutions will still be needed to fully address the ongoing financial pressures, including homelessness.

Further information:
- Core Spending Power is a measure of the resources available to local authorities to fund service delivery. It sets out the money that has been made available to councils through the local government finance settlement.
- The Barnett formula will apply in the usual way.
January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 January 2024.

Personnel leaving the military are to receive more support for finding jobs in civilian life thanks to a new contract between the Ministry of Defence and Reed.
- Number of professional training courses for soon-to-be veterans more than doubled.
- New Career Transition Partnership (CTP) with Reed in Partnership will continue the award-winning work supporting service leavers.
- Training in areas ranging from transport to cyber security will give service leavers the best opportunity of finding employment.
Under the contract the number of courses for service leavers will be doubled, and they will have the opportunity to learn new skills in areas such as cyber security.

The Career Transition Partnership has supported those leaving the Armed Forces for over 25 years, as they transition from the military into civilian life.

With approximately 15,000 service leavers benefitting from these services annually and 87% of those using the system gaining employment, the partnership will improve the advice on offer for service leavers around the country. Services, which will be a combination of face to face, online and instructor led, will also be tailored to those living in devolved nations. Courses will be geared towards future careers in areas like engineering, cyber security, healthcare and renewable energy.

Minister for Defence People and Families, Rt. Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP said:

It is vital that service leavers are given the correct tools to have the best possible start in their new lives. From career counselling to vocational training, this new partnership will give individuals the confidence and skills to find employment and increase their opportunities.

I am thrilled to announce this new partnership, which will continue the award-winning work to support Armed Forces personnel and their families as they transition to civilian life.

This collaboration reinforces our commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for those who have bravely served our country.

All service leavers will benefit from enhanced transition support from specialist advisors and careers consultants under the new contract, to meet their chosen outcomes which typically range from seeking civilian employment, re-entering Higher/Further Education or retirement.

The transition from the current contract with Right Management Ltd to Reed in Partnership will be complete in October 2024, starting with a phased approach to ensure that the services offered to current service leavers are not disrupted.

Over the previous 25 years the award-winning CTP has supported over 310,000 service leavers to transition into civilian life, the new partnership with Reed will build on the excellence of the current contract.

CEO and Chairman of Reed in Partnership, James Reed CBE said:

Reed in Partnership has a long history of supporting people to achieve their goals through employability, education, training and career transition services. This includes many veterans and reservists, whose unique skills and experiences can be so greatly utilised in civilian life.

As an Armed Forces Covenant signee, we are committed to ensuring that people who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly and supported appropriately. Our delivery of the CTP service will be informed by this commitment. Our extensive range of employer relationships and community partnerships means we are well placed to continue the success of this important service.
January 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : 500,000 women benefit from cheaper hormone replacement therapy [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 January 2024.

Half a million women in England have accessed cheaper HRT – the main treatment for negative menopause symptoms – since last April.
- Since April last year, half a million women in England have benefitted from cheaper hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help with menopause symptoms
- The HRT prescription prepayment certificates (PPC) are part of a wider scheme of government initiatives to bolster support for women experiencing negative menopause symptoms, as part of its world-leading Women’s Health Strategy
- More than £11 million saved by women using the PPC in last nine months
Since launching on 1 April last year, more than 500,000 women in England have accessed cheaper HRT – the main treatment for negative menopause symptoms – helping to save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges.

A key pillar of the first year of England’s Women’s Health Strategy, which made menopause a priority area, the HRT PPC reduced prescription costs to just £19.30 per year. It can be used against a list of eligible HRT items that includes patches, tablets and topical preparations. Patients can use the HRT PPC as many times as needed throughout the year.

Making HRT more accessible through reducing its cost is one way the government is making menopause support more readily available to women. This year the government has also successfully tackled supply issues, by working with suppliers to encourage and support them to meet growing demand.

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said:

“I am determined to make access to healthcare faster, simpler, and fairer. Better access to HRT will improve the lives of millions and gives women the freedom to take control of their symptoms.

“This is a huge milestone and shows how successful our Women’s Health Strategy is in delivering the outcomes women want and deserve.”

Minister for Women’s Health Strategy Maria Caulfield said:

“Every woman is different and so it’s essential we make sure all women can access the right medication that works for them.

“Many women often need to try a few different types of HRT to get the right medication that works for them. By reducing the price of HRT to under £20 for a year’s supply, we’ve made it more equitable for women to go on living their normal lives.

“Our Women’s Health Strategy continues to deliver on what women want.”

Women experiencing the menopause will also benefit from the establishment of women’s health hubs in local health areas across the country.

As a result of the government investment of £25 million, women’s health hubs will improve women’s access to care, improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities. The government aims to establish at least one women’s health hub in every local area this year, enabling better access and quality of care in services for menstrual problems, contraception, pelvic pain, menopause care and more.

Professor Dame Lesley Regan, the Women’s Health Ambassador for England said:

“When we created this Strategy, we made it clear it would improve women’s health outcomes. 500,000 women accessing affordable HRT is a clear, tangible result of just that.

“Menopause is an inevitable stage of every woman’s life, so receiving second rate care for a predictable problem is not acceptable.

“The HRT PPC is a fantastic way of giving more women access to treatment and our women’s health hubs will provide women experiencing severe menopause symptoms advice from a healthcare professional.”

NHS England will continue its work to improve menopause care by piloting new guidance for nurses, GPs, and other staff to better recognise and treat menopause symptoms, with integrated care systems (or primary care teams) in the Midlands region.

Michael Brodie, Chief Executive of the NHS Business Services Authority, which is responsible for delivering this service, said:

“This significant milestone highlights the crucial role this service provides for patients who rely on HRT, allowing them access to their medication at a reduced cost.”

Menopause can impact on all areas of a women’s life. The government has appointed Helen Tomlinson as the government’s first Menopause Employment Champion, and have awarded grant funding to charities across England to help employers make changes to their workplace to support women’s reproductive health, which includes menopause.

How to use the PPC

There are a few different ways to get the HRT PPC:
- online on the NHSBSA website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc
- in person at some pharmacies
- if you’re deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the textphone (or minicom) to contact the NHSBSA using the text relay service. Dial 18001 then the relevant phone number. This will be available from 25 May 2023
- the NHSBSA also offers a telephone translation service and can provide documents in large print or Braille on request
January 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Mauritius [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, delivered a statement during Mauritius’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Mr Vice-President, and welcome Minister.

Regarding the British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos Archipelago, and noting our previous exchanges on this subject at this Council and elsewhere, we do ask that the Working Group report reflect that the UK and Mauritius are in negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over BIOT/Chagos Archipelago.

Let me welcome the broad progress Mauritius has made on human rights since its last review and recommend that it:

Amend the Criminal Code to reflect the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex sexual relations;

Fully implement and report regularly on progress of the National Gender Policy and the National Strategy & Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence;

Monitor and report on how climate change in Mauritius impacts on its human rights situation, including as a Small Island Developing State.

Thank you.
January 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK Announces Funding to UNSOS in Support of a Safer Somalia [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

The United Kingdom announces a further £5 million of support for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to provide non-lethal support to Somali Security Forces.
- UK announces a further £5 million of support for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
- The funding will be used to provide non-lethal support to Somali Security Forces in their fight against al-Shabaab, including communications equipment, shelter and medevac assistance.
The United Kingdom (UK) Government has allocated a further £5 million in funding for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia through the UNSOS Trust Fund. The UNSOS Trust Fund provides non-lethal support to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in their fight against al-Shabaab. This reinforces the UK’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the SSF to ensure the safety and security of Somalia and the wider region.

The Trust Fund, administered by UNSOS, plays a crucial role in providing non-lethal logistical support to the SSF, including vital resources such as rations, tents and lifesaving medevac assistance. The Trust Fund currently supports 14,900 Somali National Army and 1,000 Somali National Police forces and with the support of contributing countries like the UK is aiming to boost support to 18,900 SSF.

Continued support to troops will not only contribute to the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts against al-Shabaab but also facilitate the further development of the SSF’s capability through provision of logistical support such as fuel and rations but also the materials to set up forward operating bases (‘field defence stores’). Communications equipment will also be provided to increase the operational readiness and effectiveness of the SSF.

Increasing the capability of the SSF is an essential component of the ongoing security transition process in Somalia, which has seen the SSF take on greater responsibility for ensuring national security and stability. The UK remains a steadfast supporter of the transition process and a committed partner in Somalia’s fight against terror.

British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said of the new funding:

This latest round of support from the UK will make a vital difference to Somali Security Forces who are working tirelessly to defeat violent extremists like al-Shabaab and restore stability in Somalia and the region.

The UK will continue working side by side with the Federal Government of Somalia and other partners to ensure a safe and secure future for all Somalis. We go far when we go together.

The Commander of the Somalia National Army, Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuddin, welcomed the announcement of this additional contribution from the UK.

He outlined the importance of consistent support in this transition period as SSF take over forward operating bases from ATMIS whilst also being on the offensive against al-Shabaab:

We welcome the trust placed in the Somali Security Forces, including the Somalia National Army, and the practical support to peace and security in Somalia.

Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNSOS, expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued support, emphasising its significant impact on bolstering the capabilities of the Somali Security Forces. Kacyira highlighted the UK as a central and dedicated donor to the Trust Fund enabling UNSOS to support the logistical priorities of Somalia Security Forces.

She reaffirmed UNSOS’s commitment to providing essential logistical support to the Somali Government, supporting its endeavours to establish a stable and secure Somalia.

This new UK funding follows a substantial contribution of £5 million in December 2023. Since 2022 the UK has given over £20m of voluntary contributions in support of UNSOS, supporting a safer Somalia and going far, together.
January 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government pledges £500,000 to boost British services exports [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 January 2024.

The government is committing £500,000 to help UK professionals such as architects, auditors and accountants export their services around the world.
- Grants of up to £75,000 on offer for UK regulators to strike deals to get UK qualifications recognised overseas, which could help firms win international contracts
- Previous rounds helped secure recognition arrangements with Switzerland and New Zealand
More UK professionals will be able to provide their services around the world thanks to new government funding to help get UK qualifications recognised overseas.

Grants of up to £75,000 will be awarded to UK regulators and professional bodies as part of the Recognition Arrangements Grant programme. The fund can help them strike deals with counterparts around the world to help make it easier, quicker and cheaper for UK professionals to have their qualifications recognised overseas.

From engineers and architects to accountants and lawyers, the UK is world-renowned for its high-quality services companies. We are second biggest exporter of services in the world – behind only the US – and the UK’s services exports are currently at a record high.

However, qualifying as an architect, accountant or lawyer in the UK doesn’t generally qualify you to practise abroad which means UK companies miss out on opportunities internationally. The Government is therefore pledging £500,000 to help facilitate agreements which can reduce the need for professionals to gain additional qualifications in foreign countries or go through potentially costly and burdensome bureaucracy.

Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said:

Obtaining professional qualifications in foreign countries can be expensive and slow for professionals like lawyers and accountants who want to export their world-class services overseas.

Part of the answer is to secure mutual recognition agreements between the UK and other countries, to acknowledge each other’s professional qualifications.

This new round of funding will help open new doors for UK-qualified professionals, allowing them and their firms to focus on winning contracts, exporting their expertise abroad and growing their businesses.

This third round of funding follows previous successful rounds which led to:
- Agreements between the UK’s Financial Reporting Council and their New Zealand and Swiss counterparts for auditors, allowing UK audit firms to sell their services more easily in those countries.
- Work towards arrangements in sectors like legal services, accountancy and architecture with a range of jurisdictions such as Morocco, Hong Kong, and India.
The new funding has been welcomed by UK regulators and professional bodies.

Executive Director of Supervision at the Financial Reporting Council Sarah Rapson said:

The Recognition Arrangements Grant Programme has been invaluable in supporting the FRC to successfully secure mutual recognition of audit qualifications with New Zealand and Switzerland with more agreements likely in 2024. This will boost the UK’s audit market and further strengthen the UK’s close financial ties with key overseas markets. The funding has specifically enabled the FRC to utilise independent technical expertise to provide confidence in our assessment process and ensure UK audit quality is robustly upheld.

Chair of the Architects Registration Board Alan Kershaw said:

The Architects Registration Board has recently entered into mutual recognition agreements with counterpart organisations in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, and we are currently exploring options for further agreements with other countries.

The Recognition Arrangements Grant Programme has helped us expand the speed and scale at which we can pursue new agreements with other countries, which will open up international opportunities while maintaining the high standards and safety that the public expect from architects here in the UK.

More global recognition agreements can help businesses and professionals access new markets, reduce barriers to trade, and make it easier for UK businesses to export their services worldwide.

UK services exports were £472 billion in the year ending November 2023, up £65 billion (16%) in current prices from the previous year.

The Recognition Arrangements Grant programme will run until 31 March 2025, with grants of up to £75,000 per financial year awarded to UK regulators and professional bodies.
January 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Nigeria [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

The UK delivered a statement during Nigeria’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President, and we warmly welcome His Excellency the Minister of Justice of Nigeria to today’s Review.

The UK acknowledges Nigeria’s progress on human rights since its last Review, and welcomes Nigeria’s commitment to investigating allegations of human rights violations by security forces, which should be conducted robustly and transparently and ensure perpetrators are held to account.

We recommend that Nigeria:
1. Protect civilians and ensure all violations of International Humanitarian Law and all human rights violations or abuses are fully investigated, ensuring accountability when civilians are unlawfully killed.
2. Ensure that the human rights of those accused of blasphemy are protected and ensure accountability for related mob killings.
3. Enact further legislation to strengthen the rights of women, including the five bills it has committed to re-introducing, and increase women’s political participation and promote gender equality.
Thank you.
January 24, 2024