Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : Pooja Kanda’s story – Knife Crime Summit [September 2024]

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

Pooja’s son Ronan was fatally stabbed in 2022. On Monday 9 September, Pooja attended the first annual Knife Crime Summit at Downing Street.

Within seconds, my whole life was shattered.

I miss talking to him. I miss hugging him, hearing his giggles, his laugh, his loud noise, his cheeky look in his eyes.

It’s horrifying to know that a beautiful child of yours – a good person, a good human being – has been taken by something so cruel and for no reason. Because they mistook him for somebody else.

On the evening of 29th June 2022, Ronan went to play snooker with his friend. It was the first time he’d gone out after finishing his GCSEs. It was a treat.

I was out of the house at a meditation class. My neighbour, who was at the class with me, got a call. I got up, hearing the commotion.

“What’s happened?” I asked.

“There’s been a stabbing on our street, we need to get home,” she replied.

I didn’t know then that it was my own child. You don’t think it can happen to you.

I remember ringing Ronan, but he wasn’t picking up the phone. That’s not like Ronan – Ronan knows, he knows me, he knows to answer. But he didn’t.

My husband was at home, so I rang him and asked him to go outside to find out what was happening. He told me that Ronan had popped out for five minutes to go to his friend’s house. We both agreed to phone Ronan to tell him to get home as soon as possible.

My husband rang back crying.

“It’s Ronan, Pooja. They’re saying it’s an Asian-Indian boy.”

The perpetrators had stabbed him in his abdomen, 20 centimetres deep with a 20 inch Ninja sword. When he turned around, they stabbed him again with a Ninja sword that went through his heart. The blood was pouring out of his body.

He tried running home, but he collapsed two doors away from his house.

On my way from class, I remember asking my friend to drive me quicker and I jumped out of the moving car. Running towards the police taped area and begging the police officers to let me through, to let me hold my child.

Even though the paramedics tried to operate to save him, my Ronan died on the very street he grew up. He didn’t stand a chance.

An innocent child walking home. Murdered, just like that.

In the court case, we found out how the online sale of these threatening bladed articles played a massive role in my son’s murder. Since then, we have been and will continue fighting for a ban on machetes, zombie knives, Ninja swords and other bladed weapons. There is no need for these deadly knives to be in our society. In the wrong hands they are lethal weapons.

For each murder that happens, there have been clear failures in our system. Ronan’s murder happened because a Ninja sword was bought using a parent’s credit card with no ID checks. We also hear about the failures within the education system, within the policing system, within online sales and more. Now all these failures are being addressed so we can start correcting them.

We’re going down the right path.

If it takes a bit of time, so be it. But we need to understand that this needs to be dealt with from now on.

I would like to thank Sir Keir Starmer, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Idris Elba and my MP Pat McFadden. These are the people who are passionate about this issue and do want to make a difference. So, thank you to them.

I feel very grateful to be here, so I can share my child’s story and can fight for him. I feel like there are other people who don’t get heard.

What happened to Ronan should never have happened. My Ronan was a good, funny, humble, charismatic, intelligent and kind boy. He was every mother’s dream son.

From his school, a mother approached me to tell me how Ronan stopped their child getting bullied – now that child remembers my child and was heartbroken to learn what had happened.

He was a beautiful person and he was too good for this world. I apologise to him every morning for bringing him into this cruel world and not being able to protect him. So, this is my way of doing something for him.

Ronan’s Law will be a strong move and bring, I hope, much-needed change. Banning these weapons should be the basic start to combatting knife crime.

In my son’s memory, I have a tattoo on my arm of his heartbeat – the words underneath say: ‘Mom is proud of you, Ronan’ and his name is in his own writing. His mantra was to make me proud.

I’d give my life today for Ronan, if I could. I wish I gave my heart to him to save him. Every child deserves to grow up safely and I wish my son had this opportunity. I am the proud mother of Ronan Kanda.

I’m just a mother fighting for what’s right.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK’s key allies come together to fight public sector fraud [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 10 September 2024.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States join UK Government for counter fraud summit in London.
- Senior government officials from UK’s closest intelligence allies meet to coordinate fight against fraud
- Meeting, chaired by Cabinet Office Minister Georgia Gould, forms centrepiece of five day summit in London
- Discussions will focus on fighting fraud committed during the pandemic, with the government currently recruiting a Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner
Tuesday 10th September

Cabinet Office Minister Georgia Gould will today convene senior officials from the UK’s closest intelligence allies to coordinate the fight against Covid fraud.

The meeting of Five Eyes – an intelligence alliance between the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States – will help to identify ways governments have been successfully detecting, recouping and prosecuting fraud committed during the pandemic.

Lessons learnt during today’s meeting will contribute to the ongoing work of the Public Sector Fraud Authority as it seeks to further support departments to prevent, detect and recover fraud and error.

The meeting forms the centrepiece of the fourth summit of the International Public Sector Fraud Forum held this week in London.

The Forum was originally set up by the UK Government in 2018 to encourage cooperation between the Five Eyes to reduce public sector fraud within member countries and across borders.

This is also the first time the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will attend the summit. The OECD’s Anti-Corruption and Integrity Division has collaborated with the Public Sector Fraud Authority to lead talks on the pivotal role of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence in fraud prevention.

Today’s meeting comes as the UK Government redoubles efforts to tackle Covid fraud.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer recently announced recruitment for a fixed term Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner to scrutinise contracts awarded during the pandemic and ensure that everything possible is done to recover money lost to fraud.

Minister Gould, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, said:

Criminal networks threaten governments around the world and don’t respect international borders, so it’s vital we work with our allies to keep public money safe.

Through today’s meeting we will learn from our closest intelligence partners to help us redouble our efforts to track and recover public money lost to fraud during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mark Cheeseman, Chief Executive of the Public Sector Fraud Authority, said:

In the modern world, the threat of fraud against public bodies is a known issue that requires collaboration.

This week brings together leading experts from across partner countries to drive ourselves further in stopping those who attack the system dishonestly.
September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK Statement on Sudan [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

UK statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Sudan.

Mr President,

The situation in Sudan is beyond devastating. The Fact-Finding Mission’s report is a harrowing read and makes clear the importance of keeping Sudan on the Human Rights Council’s agenda.

As the High Commissioner said yesterday, over 20,000 are estimated to have been killed and indiscriminate killings have continued unabated.

The Rapid Support Forces have carried out attacks against civilians and perpetrated widespread sexual violence. The fighting has meant famine is now taking hold in many parts of the country. And because of this appalling human rights situation, almost 11 million people have fled their homes – across the country or pouring into neighbouring states.

However, both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces continue to seek a military outcome to this conflict. There is little sign of peace and violations continue relentlessly. Despite recent efforts to open humanitarian corridors, people are desperate for food, medical supplies, and basic services.

Mr President,

The Fact-Finding Mission is the only independent investigative body documenting and reporting these violations. Their work must continue to ensure justice for these victims.

We call on both parties to adhere to their obligations under international law. The Sudanese people are calling for peace, for reconciliation and for accountability. We must work together to answer that call.

September 12, 2024
David Lammy – 2024 Statement on Edmundo González Urrutia’s Decision to Leave Venezuela

The statement made by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, on 10 September 2024.

Edmundo Gonzalez’s decision to seek political asylum abroad follows months of repression and intimidation against opposition figures and civil society in Venezuela. It is a decision that no politician should ever have to make.

The UK continues to pay testament to the millions of Venezuelans who turned out to vote in the presidential election on 28 July. Along with the UN and international allies, we remain deeply concerned about allegations of serious irregularities in the declared results. Despite repeated calls, Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has still not produced full results or credible evidence of a victory for Nicolas Maduro. Publicly available records appear to show Edmundo Gonzalez secured the most votes by a significant margin. The UK has also publicly expressed the unacceptability of the ongoing repression in Venezuela. Human rights must be protected, and arbitrary detentions and harassment must stop.

The UK continues to work with international partners to achieve a peaceful solution in Venezuela. Dialogue remains the only solution to ensure that the will of all Venezuelans is respected.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Iranian transfers of Ballistic Missiles to Russia – UK, France and Germany joint statement [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

Foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom gave a statement following Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles.

Statement by Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France and Germany:

The governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemn Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. This is a further escalation of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people. This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia, and is a direct threat to European security.

The E3 has privately and publicly been clear that we would take new and significant measures against Iran if the transfers took place. We now have confirmation that Iran has made these transfers. We will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran. In addition, we will pursue the designations of significant entities and individuals involved with Iran’s ballistic missile programme and the transfer of ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia. We will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air.

The E3 are closely coordinating our strong response to these transfers with our European and international partners. We call on Iran to immediately cease all support to Russia’s war against Ukraine and halt the development and transfers of its ballistic missiles.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 September 2024.

People dealing with the death of their partner and facing financial hardship will soon be able to apply to have the application fee for settlement waived, under new rules laid in Parliament today.

Currently, people who wish to apply for settlement in the UK following the death of their partner are required to pay a £2,885 fee. This is despite the sudden change in financial circumstances that often occurs following a loss.

The policy change forms part of a fairer and more compassionate approach to those wishing to stay in the UK and facing acute financial vulnerability during times of grief.

From 9 October, those who qualify include partners on a family visa who meet the criteria for destitution, if their partner either had:
- been a British citizen
- indefinite leave to remain in the UK
- been from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and had pre-settled status
Bereaved partners of members of HM Armed Forces, Gurkhas or Hong Kong military unit veterans (discharged before 1 July 1997) may also benefit from this fee waiver.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP, said:

Losing a loved one is a deep and unimaginable pain, all too often compounded by the immense financial strain faced by those left behind.

Widows, widowers, and their dependent children who had become integral parts of our communities can now apply for a fee waiver if facing destitution, in order to settle and keep the life they have built.

This marks a fairer and more compassionate approach to those unable to afford the settlement fees, but who have often worked, paid their taxes and contributed to life here in the UK, including the partners of our military veterans.

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns OBE MC MP, said:

We are committed to supporting our Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families who have made extraordinary sacrifices to ensure we are secure at home and safe abroad.

Whilst we cannot lessen the pain of losing a loved one, this measure will lessen the financial burden on the Armed Forces community, giving families the support they rightly deserve to continue building their life in the UK.
September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK Statement on Afghanistan [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan as delivered at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s longstanding commitment to shedding light on the human rights situation in Afghanistan. We are deeply disappointed by the Taliban’s decision to ban him from the country.

We have all watched in horror and sadness as the Taliban restrict the rights of women and girls across every sphere of their lives. The latest vice and virtue edicts are appalling. They extend the already severe restrictions and systematic oppression to which Afghan women and girls have been subjected. As our Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has said, these laws mark another tragic setback for the country.

Mr President, these restrictions are unjust. The sound of a woman’s voice is deemed a moral violation, their bare faces are banned in public, and they are forbidden to look at men to whom they are not related. The impact on women’s wellbeing and livelihoods is unimaginable.

The UK will not stop fighting for the rights of women and girls and will continue to find ways to support them in Afghanistan.

Special Rapporteur,

The Taliban must reverse this edict.

How can we support women and girls in Afghanistan now they are effectively banned from public spaces?

Thank you.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK to expand digital travel to more visitors [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 September 2024.

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.

The government is taking major steps towards delivering its ambitious aim to digitise the UK border and immigration system and has today set out new implementation dates for the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme.

Everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa.

Today we are confirming that from 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of our immigration system. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

From today, information about ETA eligibility is available on GOV.UK. Anyone needing to apply for an ETA will be able to do so through a quick and simple process using the UK ETA app.

Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK.

The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said:

Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year.

The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.

People who need a UK visa to live, work or study in the UK are now issued with an eVisa, providing digital proof of immigration status, instead of physical immigration documents which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with. eVisas mean people no longer have to wait for or travel to collect a physical document, streamlining their experience.

The government is asking migrants in the UK who currently use a physical immigration document, including a biometric residence permit (BRP), or a passport containing ink stamps or visa vignette stickers, to take action now and create an online account to access their eVisa.

Most BRPs are due to expire on 31 December 2024, and BRP holders are urged to take action before their BRP expires.

Creating the account enables people to use online services to prove their rights and manage their data, such as their personal details and passport information, and won’t impact their underlying immigration status. Through government funding, extra support is being provided for vulnerable people who need to take action to move from physical documents to an eVisa.

The government continues to work closely with global airline, maritime and rail carriers, who are crucial to ensuring smooth implementation of our digitisation programme.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence recognise LGBT Veterans in milestone ceremony to help right the wrongs of the past [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 September 2024.

Defence Ministers present Etherton Ribbon to LGBT Veterans at symbolic ceremony.

The first Etherton Ribbons, to acknowledge the mistreatment of those affected by the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces, were presented to veterans by the Ministry of Defence today.

During a symbolic ceremony, the Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP and Minister for Veterans and People Alastair Carns OBE MC MP presented ribbons to three veterans. This is part of the new Government’s commitment to right the wrongs of the past and deliver the recommendations of Lord Etherton’s review into the historic treatment of LGBT veterans.

Emma Riley, who served as a Royal Naval radio operator, Stephen Close, who served in the Army and former RAF firefighter Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL were the first three veterans to receive the Etherton Ribbon.

The ribbon acknowledges those affected by the Ban on LGBT personnel serving in the UK Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.

The special design – which can be worn as a pin – was created by LGBT veterans and others affected by the ban; current serving LGBT personnel and representatives of relevant charities. It represents the commitment and sacrifices made in service by LGBT veterans, the suffering caused by the historic policy and the strength shown by those who stood against it.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

I am proud to present Carl, Stephen and Emma with the very first Etherton Ribbon. It symbolises the unique contribution that our LGBT veterans have made to national security, and acknowledges the treatment they suffered.

The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was utterly unacceptable and has no place in today’s Armed Forces. I want to be the first of this government’s Ministers to say a deep and profound sorry.

We are determined to right those wrongs and renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.

Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns OBE MC MP said:

The Etherton review was an important step in acknowledging the wrongs of the past.

The presentation of the Etherton Ribbon demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering on all the recommendations, including restorative measures, providing LGBT veterans recognition they deserve.

We are committed to ensuring all our veterans who helped keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad receive the respect and support they need.

The independent LGBT Veterans Independent Review, chaired by Lord Etherton, and commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the Ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces. The review was published in July 2023.

The Government has completed 32 of the 49 recommendations and work continues at pace to fulfil the recommendations that remain, including financial redress.

Following the ceremony, the Defence ministers spoke with veterans and current LGBT personnel about their experiences and life in today’s Armed Forces.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State Antony Blinken commit to make the special relationship closer than ever before [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

The UK and US will deepen their commitment to the economic and security relationship when a new Strategic Dialogue opens in London.
- David Lammy welcomes US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the UK for first time since becoming Foreign Secretary
- they will open an ambitious UK-US Strategic Dialogue to deliver a deeper special relationship than ever before and strengthen ties that deliver growth and security on both sides of the Atlantic
- it will cover key aspects of the relationship, where we are highly aligned, including support for Ukraine and de-escalation in the Middle East, as well as other global priorities in defence and security and resilient and sustainable growth
The UK and US will deepen their commitment to the economic and security relationship that has made them indispensable allies and trade partners for more than 80 years, when a new Strategic Dialogue opens in London on Tuesday (10 September).

Foreign Secretary David Lammy will host US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to open comprehensive talks where the 2 close allies will explore ways to continue strengthening the special relationship that has delivered security and prosperity since the Second World War.

Talks between the 2 foreign ministers will also cover unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and the UK and US commitment to a long-term peaceful settlement in the Middle East and enabling a two-state solution.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The UK has no greater friend than America. The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years, but together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth to Brits and Americans alike.

In a more volatile and insecure world, it is even more important that we are highly aligned nations. Together we are re-energising our economic partnership, working together to tackle insecurity abroad and facing the future in unity and confidence.

This Strategic Dialogue will cover key elements of the UK-US relationship, including defence and security, Europe, Ukraine, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, secure, resilient and sustainable growth and other global priorities.

It will reflect the immense value the UK places on its economic relationship with the US. With the UK and US sharing a $1 trillion investment relationship, a re-energised and enhanced economic partnership presents huge opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic – supporting the new government’s priority to grow the economy.

The Foreign Secretary and Secretary Blinken previously met during the NATO Summit in Washington DC in July. The 2 sides plan for the Strategic Dialogue to become an annual event to ensure the full benefits of the special relationship are seen in the UK, US and around the world.

The UK and US are equally united in promoting prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and the dialogue will cover their commitment to ensuring regional security through the AUKUS partnership.
September 12, 2024