Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : 68th IAEA General Conference – UK national statement [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 September 2024.

Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Lord Hunt, delivered the UK national statement at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna.

Madame Vice-President,

May I thank you and also thank the Director General and the secretariat for all your work over the past year to ensure the agency’s continued success.

On behalf of the new UK Government, I’m proud to confirm that nuclear power remains an essential part of our Net Zero, energy security and clean power plans.

So we are backing the next generation of nuclear in the UK – in terms of new technologies and fuels, in terms of our enabling policies, and in terms of attracting new talent.

Our nuclear delivery body, Great British Nuclear, is currently evaluating bids submitted in its Small Modular Reactor competition, developing innovative technology to boost Britain’s energy security and sustainability.

And in fusion energy, we are progressing our Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production project. By working with commercial partners, we plan to build a prototype fusion power plant by 2040.

We’ve updated our policies on managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning, driving innovation and sustainability, and providing greater flexibility on disposal options.

We’re looking forward to hosting the Women in Nuclear Global Conference in London in July next year – putting our commitment to increasing gender diversity in the nuclear workforce into action.

This year, we became the first European country to launch a commercial-scale High Assay Low Enriched Uranium, or HALEU, programme – with a landmark £300 million of funding – investing in domestic fuel cycle capabilities that will benefit not just the UK but our allies too, while driving innovation and research.

We are also very proud to be working as part of the Sapporo 5 group to promote genuine supply chain resilience.

Because a carbon neutral future depends not just on a diversified nuclear fuel supply chain that is reliable and resilient – but also one that is free from political influence.

Which is why we have committed to banning Russian uranium from use in UK reactors by 2030, and we encourage members to join us in taking assertive action to reduce dependency on Russia.

Madame Vice-President, while Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, the UK is proud to have supported Ukraine and the IAEA to bolster safety and security at Ukraine’s nuclear sites under increasingly difficult circumstances.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains inaccessible to the Ukrainian authorities due to Russia’s illegal seizure and control.

We continue to call for Russia to withdraw and hand control of the plant back to the competent Ukrainian authorities.

We commend the IAEA’s essential work in Ukraine, including the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhia, without which we would have no independent assessment of the situation at the plant.

The UK supports the DG’s efforts to protect nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. Russia’s illegal invasion and reprehensible attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure continues to remind us of the vital importance of nuclear safety and security – in Ukraine and across the world.

The UK remains one of the largest contributors to the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Fund. And we continue to support the expansion of nuclear security conventions, including the Amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

We continue to call upon all member states to ratify and implement those conventions as soon as possible.

We welcome the success of the International Conference on Nuclear Security earlier this year, and I want to thank the co-Presidents, Australia and Kazakhstan, for their chairmanship.

Whilst it was disappointing that consensus on the ministerial declaration was blocked by one state, we were still very pleased to support the statement issued by the co-Presidents and look forward to continuing to work in this area with member states to make progress.

Madame Vice-President, unfortunately, serious challenges remain to the safeguards regime on which we are all so dependent. We remain deeply concerned by Iran’s refusal to implement its legal safeguards obligations and co-operate with the Agency’s ongoing investigations into undeclared nuclear material and activity detected in Iran.

Iran has failed to provide the IAEA with credible explanations for the material detected over the last 5 years. As a result, the agency cannot assure that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.

Separately, Iran continues to escalate its nuclear programme to unprecedented levels. Its enriched Uranium stockpile now exceeds 28 times the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) limit and Iran continues to produce High Enriched Uranium with no credible civilian justification.

We remain determined that Iran will never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon, and committed to finding a diplomatic solution to this increasingly severe threat to international peace and security.

Madame Vice-President, the agency can continue to count on our full support in its efforts to strengthen the nuclear safeguards system.

And we call on all countries that have not yet done so to agree and ratify Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements, revised Small Quantities Protocols and Additional Protocols.

It is very important that the IAEA can continue to act independently, apply its unique legal and technical authority, and negotiate safeguards arrangements with member states without interference or politicisation.

As part of the AUKUS partnership, I want to reiterate our commitment to setting the highest standard of non-proliferation and transparency, and to keeping the international community updated as the non-proliferation approach is developed with the IAEA.

As DG Grossi confirmed to the Board in September 2022, naval nuclear propulsion was foreseen by the drafters of the Non- Proliferation Treaty. It was discussed during the negotiations to develop the model Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, resulting in the inclusion of specific mechanisms to enable states to pursue naval propulsion.

Madame Vice-President, the IAEA’s contribution goes beyond safety, security and safeguards. So many countries have benefited from the agency’s technical co-operation and the UK continues to make every effort to amplify and support this important work.

We look forward to November’s ministerial meeting as an opportunity to celebrate the progress and achievements of that programme, as well as looking forward to the IAEA SMR conference in October and the World Fusion Energy Group in November.

We thank again the Secretariat and the Director General for providing these opportunities for further collaboration and offer them our wholehearted support.

Thank you very much.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister’s remarks in Rome [September 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 September 2024.

The Prime Minister’s remarks at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy on 16 September 2024.

Thank you, Giorgia.

This is my first visit to Italy as Prime Minister…

So it’s really great to be here today – particularly in this fantastic setting…

The perfect venue to follow Blenheim Palace.

And actually this is the first of a series of landmark meetings in Italy this week…

We have the G7 culture ministers meeting in Napoli…

And Arsenal meeting Atalanta in the Champions League!

But seriously, there are so many things that bring us together.

And I’m here today for a very simple reason…

Because I recognise Italy’s significance…

As a leader in Europe – and on the world stage…

As a G7 economy…

And NATO ally.

So as we open what I think will be a new era in Britain’s relations with the EU…

Our close friendship and partnership with Italy is more important than ever.

And that’s why it’s so important for me to come so early on as Prime Minister, it’s a real statement of intent.

I think we are both ambitious for what we can do together.

And that spirit has come through in all our long conversations so far. Not only today but also in previous occasions when we had a chance to discuss a number of issues.

A resolve to work together…

For the good of the British and Italian people…

For the security, stability and growth that we all want to see…

And for the fundamental values we share…

Democracy…

Justice…

The rule of law.

So we used our time today to discuss the global challenges before us…

And our determination to meet them together.

Giorgia, I want to thank you for your strong leadership particularly on Ukraine.

As Russia continues to escalate its illegal war…

We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder…

To support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

We will work together to deliver the $50 billion in loans for Ukraine agreed under your G7 Presidency…

And I look forward to supporting the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy next year.

We also agreed to deepen our security cooperation, already very important.

Our forces will continue to exercise together through NATO…

The Italian Navy will join UK carrier operations next year…

And with vital projects like GCAP…

We are determined to work together to boost our defence industrial capacity.

On the Middle East, we are united in our support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

We want to see the release of all hostages…

Desperately needed humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza…

And a calming of tensions on the West Bank.

And as we discussed, none of this is easy…

But it is urgent and vital…

So we will keep working to resolve this crisis…

And end the suffering on all sides.

We also discussed the challenge of irregular migration.

This is a problem across Europe, for both of our countries in particular but also across Europe.

As Director of Public Prosecutions in Britain some years ago,

I saw the important work that can be done, across borders…

On issues like counter terrorism.

I’ve never accepted as we discussed,

That we can’t do the same with the smuggling gangs…

And now Italy has shown that we can.

You have made remarkable progress…

Working with countries along migration routes, as equals…

To address the drivers of migration at source and tackle the gangs.

As a result, irregular arrivals to Italy by sea are down by 60% since 2023.

So I am pleased that we are deepening our cooperation here…

Led, on the UK side, by our new Border Security Commander who has been with me today in Italy.

To share intelligence, share tactics…

Shut down the smuggling routes…

And smash the gangs.

Finally, as leading European economies…

We also discussed the huge opportunities we can realise together.

Italy is already a top ten trading partner for the UK…

And our sixth largest source of Foreign Direct Investment.

That all supports economic growth…

Which is the number one mission of this government.

And there is real potential to do more.

It was a excellent to have a meeting with Italian businesses this morning who are already working in the UK…

And I’m pleased to announce that we have secured two new investments…

Worth over £450 million into our economy…

Leonardo investing over £400 million into R&D and helicopter manufacturing in Yeovil…

And Marcegaglia investing £50 million into green steel production in Sheffield…

Supporting hundreds of jobs across the country.

Those are the two investment decisions I want to announce today.

And we want to go further…

In key sectors like defence, green tech, science and innovation…

To drive growth for both sides, create jobs and improve people’s lives.

Because, underneath all of this…

It’s important to say that there is huge affection between our two nations…

And between our people…

Great respect for each other’s culture…

Shared passions and shared values.

So today we are building on that…

Optimistic about what we can achieve together…

As strong partners, allies, and friends.

Thank you.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement two years after Mahsa Zhina Amini’s death [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 September 2024.

The UK, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand have issued a joint statement to mark the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini.

The following is the joint statement released by the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, on the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini:

Two years ago today, Mahsa Zhina Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman, was killed while in police custody in Iran. Her death sparked a nationwide protest movement, led by women and girls, which was unwavering in its demand for a better future.

We stand with women and girls in Iran, and Iranian human rights defenders, across all segments of society in their ongoing daily fight for human rights and fundamental freedoms. At least 500 persons died and over 20,000 were detained in the Iranian security forces’ brutal crackdown on displays of dissent in 2022 and 2023. But the global “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement remains united.

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Iran, established by the United Nations Human Rights Council, has said that many of the human rights violations perpetrated against protesters amount to crimes against humanity. The Iranian government has yet to address these allegations and has not cooperated with this internationally recognized mandate.

In daily life, women and girls continue to face severe repression in Iran. The renewed “Noor” hijab crackdown, which enforces Iran’s law requiring women to wear headscarves, has spurred a fresh round of harassment and violence. The Iranian government has bolstered its surveillance infrastructure to arrest, detain, and in some cases torture women and girls for their peaceful activism. According to human rights organisations, Iran is one of the foremost executioners of women globally.

We call on the new Iranian administration to fulfil its pledge to ease pressure on civil society in Iran and to end the use of force to enforce the hijab requirement. The recent surge in executions that have largely occurred without fair trials has been shocking, and we urge the Iranian government to cease its human rights violations now. We, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, will continue to act in lockstep to hold the Iranian government accountable and will use all relevant national legal authorities to promote accountability for Iranian human rights violators, including through sanctions and visa restrictions.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Africa Lord Collins Reaffirms UK-Ghana Partnership [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 September 2024.

Lord Collins, the UK Minister for Africa, will visit Ghana on 17th September. This visit, his first to West Africa, will reinforce the enduring partnership between the UK and Ghana.

During his visit, Lord Collins will meet stakeholders including Government Ministers, leaders in Ghana’s tech and innovation sector and food security agencies.

The Minister will also meet civil society organisations that work on issues of importance to both the UK and Ghana, including democracy and security.

Lord Collins will announce funding including:
- £3.8 million, in partnership with Shell Foundation, to make green energy more accessible to Ghanaians
- at least £1 million to support Ghana’s drought response
- £500,000 for a food fortification programme in northern Ghana
Ahead of his visit, Lord Collins, the UK Minister for Africa, said:

The UK and Ghana are close friends, and my visit is all about deepening our partnership for closer stronger collaboration across various sectors, from green growth to food security. Working together, we can address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for both our nations.

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, added:

We are thrilled to welcome Lord Collins to Ghana, where he will witness first-hand the breadth and depth of our partnership. The Minister’s choice of Ghana for his first West African visit speaks volumes about the importance of the UK-Ghana relationship to our new Government. The visit will reinforce our shared commitment to a prosperous, sustainable future for both countries.
September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Anne Lambert CMG appointed as Interim Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 16 September 2024.

The Secretary of State has appointed Anne Lambert, CMG, from 16 September 2024 to 15 June 2025, while the process to appoint a substantive Chair to the Horserace Betting Levy Board is run. This appointment follows the sad death of the Chair, Paul Darling, in August 2024.

Anne Lambert CMG

Anne Lambert CMG has been an independent member of the Horserace Betting Levy Board since 1 April 2020. She is currently also a Board member of the Civil Aviation Authority. She was previously an Inquiry Chair at the Competition and Markets Authority from 2014-2019 and a Board member from 2016-2018. Previously Anne worked for the UK Government for 30 years, focusing on regulation (insurance, telecommunications, competition and aviation) and EU policy/negotiations. She was the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU from 2003-2008.

Remuneration and Governance Code

The Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board is remunerated £39,600 per annum. The interim appointment of Anne Lambert was made by the Secretary of State as an exceptional appointment without competition, following consultation with the Commissioner for Public Appointments, in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Anne Lambert has not declared any significant political activity.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New flood risk management scheme for Worcester completed [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 16 September 2024.

The new scheme for Toronto Close in Worcester has been welcomed by residents who were evacuated from their homes during devastating floods.

The Environment Agency, in collaboration with Worcestershire County Council, has completed a £2.5 million flood risk management scheme for Toronto Close in the Lower Wick area of Worcester to reduce the risk of flooding to homes.

Toronto Close has a history of flooding from the River Severn and River Teme, which impacts the water level of the nearby Laughern Brook during and after heavy rainfall.

In July 2007 16 properties flooded, with the depth of water reaching up to 800mm. Further flooding took place in 2020 during Storm Dennis, when many residents had to evacuate their homes.

The scheme consists of an embankment across open land and through residential gardens along Laughern Brook as well as the strengthening and rebuilding of the existing historic wall along Old Road.

Two flood gates have been installed in front of existing accesses from Toronto Close onto Old Road. These gates will normally be open, and only closed in the event of a flood.

Area Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency Charlie Chander said:

“We know how devastating flooding can be and the terrible disruption flooding has caused to residents in Toronto Close in the past. We are delighted to have been able to deliver this flood risk management scheme that will help to reduce the risk of flooding to Toronto Close and hopefully help to give residents more peace of mind.”

The new scheme has been welcomed by Toronto Close residents who have experienced the devastation of flooding in the past.

Ray Grundy has lived in the street with his wife since 1980 and for the first 27 years they didn’t experience flooding. It was in July 2007 when flooding hit, following a wet summer and saturated ground led to flood water rising from the Laughern Brook and River Teme and some residents needing to be evacuated.

Ray Grundy said:

“It had been very wet all through June and then we had more than 24 hours of solid rain and the water kept rising. Our house is slightly higher than some others in the street so fortunately we didn’t flood inside but we’ve had water coming up to the house. It was much worse for neighbours who had catastrophic floods inside and had the devastation of having to move out and stay in temporary accommodation away from the close while their homes were refurbished.”

Another flood hit the road in 2020 leading to further evacuations and more disruption for residents. Ray said the completed scheme has given the residents of Toronto Close peace of mind.

He said: “It means for the first time we can now go away on holiday during the winter and not have to worry if we are going to flood. Everyone is feeling more relaxed.”

Councillor Emma Stokes, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment said:

“This area has seen some devastating floods in recent years and I’m very pleased that this flood management scheme is now in place. Flooding has had a huge impact on people living in the area and this scheme will reduce the risk of flooding in the future. I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this a reality, in particular Councillor Alan Amos, who has strongly supported the scheme from day one.”

The crest height of the embankments and walls is based on historic flood level and the structures will, at their highest, be around 1.5m above existing ground level, reducing the risk of flooding to properties within Toronto Close from flooding like that experienced in 2007 and 2020.

Make sure you know your flood risk by going the GOV.UK website or search ‘know my flood risk’ to sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings, receive information on the risk in your area and what to do in a flood: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister confirms nearly half a billion pounds of Italian investment into the UK to support jobs and drive growth [September 2024]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 September 2024.

More jobs for British people will be created thanks to nearly half a billion pounds worth of investment by Italian businesses into the UK, the PM has announced today.
- Prime Minister announces £485 million of Italian investment into the UK following a meeting in Rome with Italian CEOs this morning
- He also met his Italian counterpart, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to strengthen the UK-Italy partnership across migration, trade and defence
- Part of Prime Minister’s drive to deliver results for hardworking British people by resetting the UK’s relationship with key international partners
More jobs for British people will be created thanks to nearly half a billion pounds worth of investment by Italian businesses into the UK, the Prime Minister has announced today.

In a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this afternoon, he confirmed £485 million of investment into UK defence, clean growth and innovation by two major Italian companies – Leonardo and Marcegaglia.

This follows a business roundtable with leading Italian CEOs in Rome this morning, who collectively support over 20,000 jobs in every part of the UK.

The Prime Minister has been continuing his drive to reset the UK’s relationship with its closest European partners to deepen co-operation on shared challenges, boost bilateral trade and investment and drive economic growth at home.

Italy is one of the UK’s top ten trading partners, with annual bilateral trade between us worth £50 billion. It is also a pivotal NATO, G7 and EU player, and a key aim of the Prime Minister’s visit today was to unlock deeper co-operation across security, defence and migration.

Today’s visit follows trips to Berlin, Paris and Dublin in the last month as the Prime Minister strives to move beyond Brexit, improve our international partnerships and unlock tangible results for British people.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

I am in Italy with a clear message for one of our closest international friends and partners: Britain is a place to do business.

It is only by resetting our relationships around the world that we can break down the barriers that have been holding the UK back for so long.

It means we can attract investment such as the significant sum I’m announcing today, create jobs for hardworking British people and deliver on my ultimate mission for the UK – economic growth.

Today’s confirmed investments include:
- Leonardo, one of the world’s leading defence, aerospace and security companies, will invest £435 million in 2024, to be spent at their Yeovil site, and in technology development and research programmes across the UK. It operates 8 major sites in the UK, supporting 8,000 employees.
- Marcegaglia, a steel manufacturer, will invest £50 million in Sheffield to build a new clean steel electric arc furnace, 50 new jobs directly and indirectly.
Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo said:

It was a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister Starmer and discuss our new £435 million investment in the growth of Leonardo in the UK. This investment will support advanced research, thousands of highly skilled jobs and outstanding early careers opportunities at our eight UK sites as well as the resilience of our nationwide supply chain.

It is clear that the Prime Minister represents a pronounced change in approach for the UK and its relationship with the European Union. Leonardo’s presence in the UK is underpinned by transnational collaboration at a governmental level, which also supports cooperation at an industrial level. I look forward to working closely with the Prime Minister as we continue to invest in the UK and support the defence of Europe.

The Prime Minister also visited Italy’s National Coordination Centre earlier today with the newly appointed Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt CBE QPM. While there, they heard how Italy has successfully reduced irregular migration by 60% compared to last year, thanks to its innovative upstream work.

In a joint statement issued after his meeting with Prime Minister Meloni, he has also confirmed that the UK will contribute £4 million to the Rome Process, the Italian government’s project to tackle the root causes of irregular migration.

The UK and Italy have also agreed to work more closely to tackle illicit financial flows linked to organised immigration crime and share intelligence to disrupt the maritime equipment supply chains used by vile people smuggling gangs.

The two leaders also agreed to deepen their defence co-operation by confirming that Italian Army and Navy will participate in UK Carrier Strike Group Operations in the Indo-Pacific next year.

Notes to Editors:

Attendees of the roundtable, hosted at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Rome, were as follows:
- Claudio Descalzi, CEO, Eni
- Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman, Leonardo
- Lady Suzanne Heywood, COO, Exor and Chair, CNH Industrial N.V. and Iveco Group
- Stefano Venier, CEO, Snam
- Emma Marcegaglia, Chairman and CEO, Marcegaglia
- Filippo Modulo, Partner, Chiomenti
- Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice Chairman, Pirelli
- Andrea Bonomi, Founder and Chairman, Investindustrial
Further business quotes:

Emma Marcegaglia, Chair and CEO of Marcegaglia Holding, said:

The announced investments are evidence of Marcegaglia’s willingness and ability to invest to grow the UK business, which is beneficial also to Marcegaglia Italy to reduce the carbon footprint of the whole group by insourcing primary steelmaking for stainless steel.”

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, said:

Eni sees the UK as a primary destination for its investments. The Government is establishing a favourable regulatory environment and promoting a clear strategy towards an orderly and fast energy transition. Eni believes a close cooperation with the public sector will be critical to develop the kind of groundbreaking projects we need to address the climate challenge. The recent award Green Volt, participated by Plenitude through the JV Vårgrønn – and set to become the biggest floating offshore wind project in the world with up to 560 MW capacity – in the Government’s annual green energy auction this month, is a clear testament of how Government and industry can work together to develop one of the most promising technologies of the future.

Marco Trochetti Provera, Executive Vice-Chairman of Pirelli, said:

We are honoured to be here today to welcome Prime Minister Starmer on a visit that strengthens the ties between Italy and the UK. Pirelli has been present in the UK for almost a century and it is a Country which represents a strategic market for us in terms of presiding over high-end car manufacturers.

The collaboration between the public and private sectors, together with the professionalism and passion of the people who work there, has allowed us to gradually consolidate our presence in the British market, where today we are the sole tyre producer and which includes our factories in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent where our headquarters are also located.

Lady Suzanne Heywood, Chair of CNH, said:

CNH announces its intention to further develop its leading role of capturing fugitive methane from farm operations as alternative fuel with its investment in Bennamann in UK.
September 17, 2024
Keir Starmer – 2024 Speech at the Holocaust Educational Trust

The speech made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 16 September 2024.

Ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen, Chief Rabbi…

It’s an honour to be here with you this evening.

It is important to be with you this evening.

Thank you, Craig for that kind introduction.

And of course a huge thank you…

On behalf of everyone here tonight…

To Karen Pollock…

And all the team at the Holocaust Educational Trust.

For over 35 years,

This world-leading charity…

Has been supporting hundreds of survivors…

Training thousands of teachers…

And educating tens of thousands of our young people.

And you do it with an energy and an urgency…

That is both inspiring…

And sadly, needed now more than ever.

And I have met some of the ambassadors you have seen yourselves, so many inspiring people in the room with us this evening. Brimming with a determination to ensure the stories are told again and again, taking on the mantle themselves.

And earlier this year at one of your events…

I met Manfred Goldberg…

Reliving the sheer horror of his experience…

…including losing his brother Herman.

I can barely imagine the courage it takes. To tell that story not once, but over and over again because it is necessary because it is hard, so so hard, and so important…

But like so many survivors…

He does it for one reason: So we might learn and never forget.

And when I was speaking to Janine earlier this evening. It reminded me – of listening to a survivor in Camden, when I was in secondary school – where I live – a school we know very well – a boys secondary school and a survivors was speaking an at assembly – boys came in 11-18 noisy boisterous , hard to calm down, sitting down they didn’t know what they were about to hear.

And they started speaking.

Nobody said to the boys shh.

They just fell silent, totally silent and still and I witnessed it myself – this whole group of boys who had been rowdy minutes before totally silent. Totally absorbed completely listening to what they were being told.

Manfred that is the power of what you are doing, that is why it is so important. Every boy I sat with at that school took it in and what was being said and I will never ever forget it.

And before I go on…I know Manfred and Janine are here.

In fact, all survivors that are with us tonight…

As Prime Minister, speaking for the whole country, I just want to say an enormous and heartfelt thank you for what you do.

I am really proud there are so many of my cabinet here with me this evening. That is really important, I am even prouder that so many of my political rivals are here with us this evening, standing together, cross party, standing united on this important work. Thank you to all of those politicians that have come this evening.

I want you to know…

We have heard you.

We feel very deeply…

…the responsibility of defending the truth of history.

And we hear your message about the present and the future too.

Because as Manfred has said so powerfully –

He never thought he’d see this antisemitism again.

Just last week…

…I sat with Ayelet Svatitzky…

One of her brothers was murdered on October 7th.

Her mother who is 79 and another brother, Nadav, were taken captive.

Her mother was eventually released…

But Nadav died in captivity.

She described in heartbreaking detail…

The utter devastation she felt.

Her whole life stopped. Her family shattered. Talking, sometimes not talking, because I was hard for each of us to know what to say.

I want you to know as Prime Minister, I will do everything possible…

To help bring those remaining hostages home.

But we’ve also got to fight this underlying hate…

This resurgence of antisemitism.

You know, every year we say never again.

Yet on October 7th…

Over a thousand people were massacred by Hamas…

For the very same reason: because they were Jewish.

We say never again…

And yet in the last year…

We’ve seen record levels of antisemitism…

Right here in Britain…

Hatred marching on our streets.

The pulse of fear beating in this community.

Children afraid to wear their school uniforms…

Students targeted on university campuses…

All again, because they are Jewish.

We say never again…

And yet right now online

Our children are swamped with misinformation…

Disinformation…

As Karen touched on…

Holocaust denial…

Conspiracy theories…

Contorted versions of history.

Pure hatred and prejudice.

So I say tonight: we will not shy away from this.

We will not be silent…

We will not look the other way…

We will call out Antisemitism for what it is:

…Hatred pure and simple.

And we will fight this with everything that we have got.

Just as I fought to bring my party back from the abyss of antisemitism, I promise you I will do the same in leading the country.

.So yes, we will build that national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre

And build it next to Parliament.

Boldly, Proudly, Unapologetically.

Not as a Jewish community initiative….

But as a national initiative.

A national statement of the truth of the Holocaust…

And its place in our national consciousness.

And a permanent reminder of where hatred and prejudice can lead.

And yes, we will proudly support this remarkable charity…

The Holocaust Educational Trust.

You know, it was Gordon Brown…

Who pioneered government funding of your world-leading programme…

Lessons from Auschwitz.

And over the last twenty years…

Tens of thousands of students have had that life-changing opportunity…

To visit Auschwitz in person – and to share their experience with their peers.

The shoes, The hair, the suitcases, the train tracks, the gas chamber…

… utterly, utterly horrific.

But it’s a truth we have remember.

I know there is there is nothing quite as powerful as seeing it for yourself.

My wife Vic has been, I must go.

So I will join the Holocaust Educational Trust…

…for one of these visits.

This government will continue funding Lessons from Auschwitz…

And I can confirm that tonight we are providing at least

£2.2 million next year to do that.

But look, we cannot stop there.

It’s too important.

This was the first year that participation in Holocaust memorial day fell.

We can’t sit back and accept that.

We’ve got to be bolder and more defiant…

…about the national importance of Holocaust education.

As you will all know, the Holocaust is on the curriculum at Key Stage 3.

And there is currently a review of our national curriculum.

But tonight I am making two decisions in advance of that review.

First, the Holocaust will remain on the curriculum come what may.

And second, even schools who do not currently have to follow the national curriculum…

Will have to teach the Holocaust when the new curriculum comes in.

For the first time, studying the Holocaust….

…will become a critical, vital part of every single student’s identity.

And not just studying it…learning from it too.

And above all, acting on its lessons.

Because this is not just about rules and requirements.

It’s also about the quality of that teaching.

The support that schools and teachers have.

And that’s where charities like this Trust come in.

Tonight, you’re showcasing Testimony 360…we saw a glimpse a moment ago.

It’s an incredible programme.

If you’ve not done so, I urge you to see it.

It uses advanced technologies to allow students…

Not just to hear Manfred’s testimony…

But to ask him questions.

To interact with him.

Now of course, it will never quite be the same…

…as meeting a survivor in person.

But what a way to preserve survivor testimony.

And what a way to engage young people at such a critical moment.

And I think this captures the essence…

…of what we need to do right now.

To extend the reach of Holocaust education…

And to share the message of survivors like Manfred across the generations.

So tonight, I want to set up a new national ambition…

That as part of their education,

Every student in the country should have the opportunity…

To hear a recorded survivor testimony.

And I want us to fulfil this ambition, in this precious period…

While we have survivors and still able to help us get this right.

As you all know, in the coming months…

We’ll mark the 80th anniversaries…

Of the liberation of Auschwitz in January…

…and the British liberation of Bergen Belsen in April.

And in August, the 80th anniversary of the arrival of 300 orphan survivors…

Who were rehabilitated in Windermere…

And went on to make extraordinary contributions to our country.

As we mark each one….

Let’s be even bolder and more ambitious than ever before…

In sharing their message….

And fighting this antisemitism, and all forms of hatred in our society.

So together we can ensure that the message of Britain’s Holocaust survivors…

Will echo eternally across the generations…

And that the Holocaust is never forgotten, and never again repeated.

And finally, one more thing…

I know that we’re now approaching the Jewish New Year…

So to each and every one of you…

May I say…

Shana Tova.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Junior doctors accept government pay deal [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 16 September 2024.

Devastating strikes come to an end as junior doctors accept pay offer by 66%.

Junior doctors have accepted the government’s pay offer by 66%, after the most prolonged industrial dispute in the NHS’s history.

Under the deal – which the Health Secretary agreed with BMA leadership within 3 weeks of coming into office – the government and junior doctors will work together to turn the health service around and resolve wider issues affecting the workforce, including training and rotational placements.

As Lord Ara Darzi set out in his probe into the NHS, this government inherited a broken NHS which is in a critical condition. This is a sentiment shared by doctors, and has been seriously compounded by the impact of strikes.

The deal comes days after the Prime Minister delivered a major speech on NHS reform, saying the government has a profound responsibility to do the hard work required to fix the NHS with long-term reform, and the NHS workforce will play an integral part in both designing and delivering the government’s 10-year health plan to deliver the necessary reform.

The price of not settling the pay dispute has seen catastrophic impacts not just on the country’s economy – with NHS strikes costing the taxpayer almost £1.7 billion since April last year – but to patients and the nation’s health, with over 1.5 million appointments cancelled. Ending this chaos is a necessary first step in turning around the NHS.

Doctors can now focus on treating their patients, and work with the government to recover and reform the NHS. The government has already taken action to remove red tape preventing general practices from hiring doctors – ensuring more than 1,000 newly qualified GPs can be recruited by the end of the year.

NHS patients will have earlier access to new treatments and the UK will become the home of cutting-edge health research after the launch of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme last month – a joint public-private investment programme worth up to £400 million.

The Darzi report has also been welcomed by NHS England and health organisations who have pledged to work closely with the government on its mission to rebuild the NHS.

The Health and Social Care Secretary made reaching a deal his top priority on coming into office, and first spoke with the BMA’s junior doctors committee on his first day, ahead of the offer being agreed within weeks.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

We inherited a broken NHS, the most devastating dispute in the health service’s history, and negotiations hadn’t taken place with the previous ministers since March.

Things should never have been allowed to get this bad. That’s why I made ending the strikes a priority, and we negotiated an end to them in just three weeks.

I am pleased that our offer has been accepted, ending the strikes ahead of looming winter pressures on the NHS.

This marks the necessary first step in our mission to cut waiting lists, reform the broken health service, and make it fit for the future.

The cumulative impact of the uplifts mean a doctor starting foundation training in the NHS will see their basic pay increase to £36,600, compared to around £32,400 before the deal.

Recognising how disruptive the system of rotations can be for junior doctors, their partners and families, the department will lead a review of the current system, with the intention of reforming the number and frequency of rotations.

We will also be working with NHS England on a review of training numbers, both to address the training bottlenecks which already exist and the planned expansion of medical school places, to ensure patients have access to the junior doctors they need today, and the consultants and GPs they will need in the future.

September 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK ministers visit Gulf to boost trade and investment [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 September 2024.
- Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander choose the Gulf for first joint international visit since election
- Trade deal with the Gulf part of Government drive to deliver economic growth
- Ministers to showcase UK as exciting and innovative investment destination ahead of International Investment Summit next month
UK Ministers are in the Gulf this week on a joint visit to boost trade and investment, one month out from the International Investment Summit.

Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander will meet counterparts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) today [Mon 16 September] in Riyadh to discuss how to grow the UK economy by boosting trade with the region.

The GCC is made up of six countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UK’s trade relationship with the group is already worth £57 billion.

Government announced in July it plans to deliver a high-quality trade deal with the bloc, along with other countries including India, Switzerland and South Korea.

A GCC trade deal could boost the UK economy by £1.6 billion in the long run, while allowing UK companies to take advantage of this booming market and giving British consumers access to more high-quality goods and services. Ministers will emphasise to GCC leaders that securing the deal is a top priority for the UK.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“Economic growth is this government’s driving mission and boosting trade and investment with some of the world’s biggest economies is crucial to that.

“I want to see a high-quality trade deal that supports jobs, helps UK companies sell their products to the region and increases choice for consumers – so it’s great to be here to discuss exactly that.”

Ahead of the International Investment Summit on 14 October, the Trade Secretary and Minister will make clear that Britain is back as a prime investment destination. They will highlight the UK’s expertise as a world leader across a wide variety of industries including technology, life sciences, creative industries, financial services and renewable energy.

The GCC has long been a valued investment partner for the UK, with a £19 billion strong investment relationship as of 2021. A new trade deal will boost that even further.

Following his visit to Riyadh, Minister Alexander will travel onto Oman to meet counterparts, including the Minister of Commerce, and some of the UK businesses who are already enjoying great success in the country.

Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander said:

“We are excited about the opportunities this vibrant region has to offer UK business and consumers.

“We want our trading partners in the Gulf and around the world to know that the UK is open for business and keen to negotiate trade deals that help businesses across sectors and all parts of the UK to prosper.”

According to Oman’s official data, the UK accounts for more than half of the entire foreign direct investment in Oman creating jobs and opportunities on both sides.

Oman is a valued investor in the UK in turn, signing major deals in areas like green energy with UK companies.

British investment in the Gulf also supports thousands of jobs back in the UK. Across the Middle East and particularly in Saudi Arabia, UK Export Finance (UKEF) is providing British businesses with the resources they need to win contracts abroad.

One example is Kiverco, a Northern Ireland-based family business which designs, manufactures and installs recycling plants globally. Through a £350,000 export insurance package from UKEF, they recently announced taking on multimillion pound contracts to export recycling machinery to Saudi Arabia, supporting over 100 UK jobs and the Saudi Vision 2040 goal of diverting 90% of waste away from landfills.

Adam Gagen, Global Head of Government Affairs at Revolut, said:

“We see the UK GCC FTA as a potential game changer for fintechs, enabling UK companies to expand into the fast-growing region whilst also making the UK the natural place for the innovative companies emerging across the Gulf to begin to go global.

“The GCC and the UK are leading the way in a number of key areas – notably open banking, AI and blockchain – and an FTA can only serve to reinforce cooperation and supercharge growth.”

Adam Sopher, Co-Founder & CEO for Joe & Seph’s said:

“We see our recent £1m annual contract in the region as a game changer for Joe & Seph’s, a fast growing, family business which manufactures gourmet popcorn in a range of over 70 flavours.

“This contract will enable us to expand into this fast-growing region while supporting over 70 UK-based jobs. Our collaboration with our International Trade Advisor and DBT support at GulFoods has been instrumental in this success.”
September 17, 2024