Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine is the defining struggle for our generation – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says the UK’s military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine is iron-clad and will continue for as long as is needed as the cost of inaction would be far higher.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Last week Russia continued in its attempts to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. There can be no justifications for a war that Russia initiated, unprovoked. In doing so Russia attempted to mislead this Forum. By invading a sovereign state Russia has wilfully violated the Vienna Document and the Helsinki Final Act, foundation documents to which we are all signatories, and which underpin diplomacy here in this Forum.

The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people in defence of their homeland has been an inspiration. In pursuit of Ukraine’s inherent sovereign right to exist as an independent nation, they have unsurprisingly garnered support from around the world.

Compare this to the actions of the Russian military who, this weekend, conducted a ‘double-tap’ strike on the Saint Panteleimon Clinical Hospital in the Sumy Region, killing 10 people and injuring at least 22 others. most of those killed and wounded were first responders, hit 45 minutes after the first strike, as they attempted to evacuate those initially wounded. This is yet another violation of the Code of Conduct which obliges armed forms to comply with international law.

Two years, 226 days into this horrific conflict, the Russian state continues to issue threats in an effort to subjugate the Ukrainian people and deter others from providing such support. But the Russian state cannot be allowed to operate with impunity: its war in Ukraine is the defining struggle for our generation and profoundly challenges the UN Charter and the international order on which global prosperity and security depends.

The reality is that this war is proving costly to the Russian people. Military operations in Ukraine have cost Russia up to $211 billion. The militarisation of the economy is punishing the Russian people, with approximately 40% of the federal budget spent on Defence and security

Despite the appalling losses on both sides of the conflict, the Russian state presses on with little regard for the lives of its own soldiers. Russian air force personnel have been backfilling infantry roles due to the restricted Russian labour market. Russian fighting capability is depleted as it struggles to replace high casualty rates.

Russia can end this terrible war of choice immediately, by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine. The UK will continue to deliver £3 billion of military aid to Ukraine every year for as long as needed. The UK’s military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine is iron-clad – that includes backing calls for a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, to support efforts to hold Putin’s Russia to account for its illegal war.

The UK recognises that we must lay the foundations for Ukraine’s long-term future. We will accelerate Ukraine’s irreversible move towards NATO, while the Ukrainian people have decided their future is in Europe and the EU has opened accession talks. We are supporting private sector-led growth and reform unlocking obstacles to trade and investment. Doing more will not be without cost to us – but the costs of inaction are far higher.

Thank you.

October 24, 2024
Keir Starmer – 2024 Message for Rosh Hashanah

The message issued by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 2 October 2024.

As we usher in the most significant period in the Jewish calendar – a period of deep reflection – let me send heartfelt and sincere good wishes to Jewish communities throughout the UK marking Rosh Hashanah.

So often, Rosh Hashanah is a joyous occasion. But this year, we approach it with anguish too. Our hearts are heavy with the memory of the brutal acts of October 7th. As we remember those who lost their lives, I pledge to do all we can to bring home the hostages.

I also take this opportunity to reaffirm the extraordinary role that the Jewish community plays in Britain today. As I have got to know the community and visited its synagogues, schools and charities, I have been moved time and again by its energy and warmth. It is the achievement of countless people, who by multiple acts of kindness, give Jewish life in this country its humanity and grace.

At a time of huge challenge for the Jewish world, with rising hostility and antisemitism, I stand steadfast this Rosh Hashanah in admiration of this cherished community. The Jewish community, and all it stands for, makes Britain a better, stronger society.

I wish you a happy, healthy and sweet New Year. May you and your loved ones be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Shana Tova.

October 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UPR Adoption of Eritrea [October 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

UK Statement for the Universal Periodic Review Adoption of Eritrea as delivered at the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Mr President,

We thank Eritrea for engaging with the UPR process and we note the recommendations that the government has accepted.

We are pleased to see that these include a number of recommendations relating to healthcare and education.

We would like to very much encourage the government of Eritrea to engage with the international community to support implementation, noting the challenges faced by the government in previous cycles.

We do however worry that the spread of accepted recommendations suggests a lack of commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

We are disappointed that our recommendations to implement the 1997 constitution and also to allow access for the Special Rapporteur were not accepted.

We reiterate our belief that these recommendations would support the promotion and protection of all human rights for all Eritrean citizens. Furthermore, cooperation with HRC mandate holders are especially pertinent given that Eritrea remains a member of the Human Rights Council.

Thank you.

October 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Statement by the President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Enhancing Strategic Cooperation [October 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 October 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen released a joint statement today.

The President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom met today and agreed to strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

They agreed on the shared challenges facing the European Union and the United Kingdom including the altered strategic context for the wider continent notably resulting from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. They reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The leaders agreed the UK and European Union would also continue to work closely to address wider global challenges including economic headwinds, geopolitical competition, irregular migration, climate change and energy prices, which pose fundamental challenges to the shared values of the United Kingdom and the European Union and provide the strategic driver for stronger cooperation.

The leaders reflected on the events in the Middle East overnight and condemned the egregious attack by Iran on Israel. They recognised Israel’s right to self-defence in the face of this unacceptable aggression. De-escalation by all parties in the region was of the upmost importance. They reiterated the need to coordinate the diplomatic response to the situation in the Middle East and called on all sides to show restraint and end the bloodshed. An immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza was required to create the space to allow for political solutions, the leaders underlined.

They agreed on the importance of the unique relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom in addressing such challenges and resolved, in line with our shared values, to strengthen ambitiously their structured strategic cooperation.

They reaffirmed that the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement underpin relations between them and underlined their mutual commitment to the full and faithful implementation of those agreements. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to uphold international law and to the European Convention on Human Rights. They agreed a stable, positive and forward-looking relationship was in their mutual interests and provided the basis for long term cooperation.

They agreed to take forward this agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace over the coming months, starting with defining together the areas in which strengthened cooperation would be mutually beneficial, such as the economy, energy, security and resilience, in full respect of their internal procedures and institutional prerogatives. They agreed to meet again this autumn.

They agreed on the importance of holding regular EU-UK Summits at leader-level to oversee the development of the relationship. They agreed that a first Summit should take place ideally in early 2025.

October 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Singapore lead international action to support ransomware victims [October 2024]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 October 2024.

Thirty-nine countries and global cyber insurance bodies have endorsed new guidance at the 2024 Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit.

The UK and 38 countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States and New Zealand have united with international cyber insurance bodies to back important new guidance supporting organisations experiencing ransomware attacks and to boost global resilience.

The new guidance – agreed yesterday (1 October 2024) at the Counter Ransomware Initiative – will encourage organisations to carefully consider their options instead of rushing to make payments to cyber criminals in an attempt to stop disruption and data loss. It makes clear that paying a ransom will often only embolden these criminals to target other victims, and there is no guarantee of data retrieval, malware removal or the end of a ransomware attack.

Instead, organisations are encouraged to report attacks to law enforcement authorities, check if data backups are available and get advice from recognised experts. They should also take action ahead of a possible attack by preparing policies, frameworks and communications plans as part of contingency planning.

The new guidance will ultimately help undermine the business model of ransomware criminals and take away the incentive to target other organisations elsewhere, preventing future attacks and boosting global resilience.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

Cyber criminality does not recognise borders.

That is why international co-operation is vital to tackle the shared threat of ransomware attacks.

This guidance will hit the wallets of cyber criminals, and ultimately help to protect businesses in the UK and around the world.

Ransomware is the biggest cyber threat to most UK businesses and organisations, as cyber criminals constantly evolve their tactics to increase efficiency and boost profits, and last year was the worst year on record for ransomware payments, with more than $1 billion lost to victims worldwide, according to industry estimates by Chainanalysis.

As part of a crackdown on cyber criminals, this week the UK sanctioned sixteen individuals linked to the Evil Corp cyber gang in joint action with the US and Australia.

The prolific, long-standing Russian cybercrime group, Evil Corp had previously conducted malware and ransomware attacks on UK health, government and public sector institutions, as well as private commercial technology companies.

It was also revealed that Evil Corp actors had links to ransomware group LockBit. The National Crime Agency’s infiltration of LockBit, earlier this year revealed that cyber criminals often retained data even after victims paid a ransom on the promise it would be deleted.

The UK has led the way in this collaborative approach with the cyber insurance industry, who can play a key role in supporting organisations before, during and after a ransomware incident.

In May, the National Cyber Security Centre and 3 major UK insurance bodies (the Association of British Insurers, the British Insurance Brokers’ Association and the International Underwriting Association) joined forces to launch co-sponsored guidance for UK organisations.

NCSC Director for National Resilience Jonathon Ellison said:

Ransomware remains an urgent threat and organisations should act now to boost resilience.

The endorsement of this best practice guidance by both nations and international cyber insurance bodies represents a powerful push for organisations to upgrade their defences and enhance their cyber readiness.

This collective approach, guided by last year’s CRI statement denouncing ransomware and built on guidelines from the NCSC and UK insurance associations earlier this year, reflects a growing global commitment to tackling the ransomware threat.

The CRI is the only dedicated multilateral forum for UK and international partners to come together to develop new policies and processes to combat ransomware.

Last year, the forum agreed a groundbreaking joint statement again led by the UK and Singapore denouncing ransomware payments and confirming, for the first time, that no central government funds should be used to pay demands.

The new guidance comes as Cyber Security Awareness Month begins, which this year focuses on the importance of businesses building their cyber resilience.

October 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to hold talks with EU leaders in Brussels [October 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 October 2024.

The Prime Minister will travel to Brussels today [Wednesday 2 October] to continue his drive to improve the UK’s relationship with the European Union to bolster the security, safety and prosperity of the British people.

Building on the extensive and positive engagement which has taken place already, he will discuss his ambitions for the next few months with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

The Prime Minister has set out his determination to move beyond Brexit and make the UK’s relationship with the EU work for the British people, and he remains focused on delivering a broad-based security pact, securing our borders and tackling barriers to trade.

He will say that at a time of growing instability in the world – with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the rise of vile smuggling gangs trafficking people across Europe – it is increasingly important that like-minded countries co-operate more closely on areas of shared interest.

While he wants talks to deliver ambitious and improved co-operation with EU leaders, he has been clear there will be no return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners. This has never been more important – with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.

We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.

Better co-operation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve – securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.

October 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Chancellor Scholz of Germany [October 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz this evening.

The Prime Minister and Chancellor condemned Iran’s attack on Israel this evening, underscoring the importance of Israel’s security.

The leaders agreed that further escalation was in nobody’s interest and that all sides should show restraint.

On Lebanon, the Prime Minister underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.

They agreed to speak soon.

October 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Macron of France [October 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron this evening.

The leaders began by condemning Iran’s attack on Israel this evening and acknowledged the serious risk of regional escalation.

The Prime Minister and President agreed that ensuring Israeli security was vital and that there was an urgent need for de-escalation, with all parties needing to show restraint.

Turning to Lebanon, they discussed the need for a ceasefire to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.

They agreed to stay in touch over coming days.

October 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel [October 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon, and they discussed the escalating situation across the Middle East.

The Prime Minister condemned Iran’s attack on Israel today in the strongest terms, which began during the leaders’ conversation, and expressed the UK’s steadfast commitment to Israeli security and the protection of civilians.

During the call, the Prime Minister also underlined the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.

The Prime Minister also raised the situation in Gaza and the importance of a ceasefire and action to bring home the hostages.

October 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New Towns Taskforce learn lessons from Cambridge developments [October 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 1 October 2024.

Our expert and independent New Towns Taskforce, chaired by Sir Michael Lyons, met today (1 October 2024) in Cambridge.

Taskforce members took the opportunity to explore the ongoing work in Cambridge and learn lessons from the city. The Taskforce heard from key players in the city, including officials from the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service and other officials from across the Greater Cambridge area. Greater Cambridge has a vital role in kickstarting economic growth across the country, and the Taskforce heard about award-winning developments in the local area plus the work to overcome key challenges, including water scarcity, to support future sustainable growth.

The Taskforce also discussed key workstreams related to the new towns programme, including developing its spatial mapping work.

Visits by the New Towns Taskforce are focused on learning lessons from places that are already delivering housing at scale. The Taskforce will present a final shortlist of recommendations on appropriate locations to ministers within the next year. No decisions have yet been made on the location of any new towns.

The meeting today comes 2 weeks after the Taskforce held their inaugural meeting in Milton Keynes on 17 September. Taskforce members have met again within the fortnight to continue their mission to address the national housing demand and to help boost economic growth, as outlined to the group by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Housing Minister last month.

The Taskforce will meet again in early November.

October 24, 2024