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Tag: 2024

  • PRESS RELEASE : Artwork from Scotland and the North East to be showcased in buildings around the world [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Artwork from Scotland and the North East to be showcased in buildings around the world [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 29 August 2024.

    Government Art Collection acquires more than 20 new works of art from Scotland and the North East.

    • Artists include Leo Robinson, Kara Chin and Kuba Ryniewicz
    • Acquisitions are part of Art X-UK project that collects works by exciting British artists for display in more than 125 countries

    Works of art by contemporary artists from Scotland and across the North East of England are to be displayed in embassies and government buildings world-wide as part of the Art X-UK project.

    More than 20 new pieces have been acquired by the Government Art Collection (GAC) this year as the second instalment of a five-year drive to ensure it reflects creative talent from across the entirety of the UK.

    This includes the work of Joanne Coates, who is based in the North East and explores rurality, hidden histories, and pay inequalities through photography, installations and audio. She uses photography to question stories around power, identity, wealth and poverty.

    Coates is the Director of the Arts organisation Roova Arts, which campaigns for class equality in the creative industries through school programmes and mentorships.

    GAC also acquired works from Glasgow-based artist Leo Robinson, who blends history with science and supernatural forms with natural ones in his intricate pencil drawings. Robinson, who is also a musician, works in sculpture, painting, and collage to create fictional, fantastical worlds.

    Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    “The whole of the UK is brimming with artistic talent, so it’s great to see new artworks from Scotland and the North East being represented in the Government Art Collection and being appreciated by more people on a global level.

    “The Art X-UK project is giving much deserved recognition to artistic talent right across the UK and is helping to promote our fantastic creative industries in all corners of the world.”

    UK Government minister for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill, said:

    “It is fantastic to see the work of Scottish artists being recognised as part of the Government Art Collection. Scotland has always had a rich artistic heritage and I am delighted to see these contemporary artists having their work promoted by the UK Government.

    “I congratulate Leo Robinson, Ashanti Harris, Ilana Halperin, Iman Tajik and Matthew Arthur Williams whose work will now be seen by audiences around the world.”

    In 2022, GAC, which is part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), launched a five-year acquisitions programme to collect works from exciting talent and showcase the best of British creativity – promoting further interest in the country’s globally renowned creative sector.

    The Art X-UK project initially ran as a successful pilot scheme in 2020–21. Since then, over 100 pieces by 55 contemporary visual artists have been acquired for the Collection.

    As part of the first year instalment of this project, GAC acquired 30 new pieces of artwork from Wales and the Midlands last year.

    These works are now on display in government buildings around the country and internationally in British embassies and residences including Washington, Ankara, Abu Dhabi, Paris and 10 Downing Street.

    Later this year, GAC will work with arts networks in the North West of England and Northern Ireland to identify more talented artists from these regions to be featured in the Collection.

    Joanne Coates, artist said:

    “It’s amazing to be representing the North East in the Government Art Collection. The North East is one of the most exciting places for the arts in the UK and it’s really wonderful to see my region being recognised for its talent.

    “The North East is huge, so sometimes I do think, where do I fit within that and am I representing the issues that people care about? But I think because my work is class-based, there is that connection there. More art collections around the UK should look to the North East.”

    Director of Art Network North East Adam Pugh said:

    “There are so many fantastic artists working in the North East and exhibiting internationally. These acquisitions by the Government Art Collection are a commendation of the quality of work being made, and will, I know, serve to enrich both the artists’ careers and the collection itself.”

    Paula Orrell, National Director, Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) England, said:

    “Every year, a CVAN region in England undertakes a thorough process to nominate and select artists for the Government Art Collection. The selection panels are composed of diverse representatives from the local visual arts community.

    “What I find remarkable about this process is its democratic nature, which offers the Collection a broader perspective on artists who might otherwise be overlooked.

    “This platform is crucial for artists seeking recognition and new opportunities. With increasing challenges for regional artists to access London and its networks, this partnership and the Art X-UK project help dismantle those barriers.”

    Moira Jeffrey, Director, Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN), said:

    “We’re thrilled that art works by Leo Robinson, Ashanti Harris, Ilana Halperin, Iman Tajik and Matthew Arthur Williams will be seen and shared in public buildings throughout the UK and across the world.

    “These artists from Scotland tell complex individual stories and give voice to their communities, through art works that are rich, complex and also very, very beautiful.

    “At SCAN we believe that art can sit at the heart of public life and artists can be central to the way we see the world, so we’re delighted to partner with the Government Art Collection.”

    Notes to editors

    In 2023–24, GAC worked in partnership with the Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN) and Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) in the North East of England. Each network convened a panel of artists and curators who proposed a shortlist of artists from the region or nation for the GAC team to research. Artists whose work was acquired are:

    Scotland:

    • Leo Robinson
    • Ashanti Harris
    • Ilana Halperin
    • Iman Tajik
    • Matthew Arthur Williams

    North East:

    • Emily Hesse
    • Kara Chin
    • Joanne Coates
    • Rachel Lancaster
    • Annie O’Donnell
    • Kuba Ryniewicz

    X-UK acquisitions programme 2022–27:

    • 2022/23 – Wales, East Midlands and West Midlands
    • 2023/24 – Scotland, North East
    • 2024/25 – Northern Ireland, North West
    • 2025/26 – Yorkshire, East
    • 2026/27 – South East, South West
  • PRESS RELEASE : Fixing unsafe buildings must be faster, Deputy Prime Minister tells roundtable of regulators and partners [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Fixing unsafe buildings must be faster, Deputy Prime Minister tells roundtable of regulators and partners [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 29 August 2024.

    The Deputy Prime Minister and Building Safety Minister Rushanara Ali have set out clear expectations to increase the pace of remediating unsafe buildings.

    West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Paul Dennett and Deputy Mayor of London Jules Pipe attended the meeting, along with key representatives from the London Fire Brigade, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the Local Government Association, the Building Safety Regulator, and other key partners.

    The Deputy Prime Minister set out her priorities – speeding up the remediation of buildings, and ensuring that people are safe in buildings undergoing remediation. She also praised the bravery of firefighters who tackled the fire at Spectrum Building in Dagenham, which she visited yesterday, and the support offered to residents by Barking and Dagenham Council.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    Speeding up the remediation of buildings is absolutely critical.

    Seven years on from Grenfell, action has been far too slow and the fire in Dagenham is a horrific reminder of the risk unsafe cladding still poses to far too many people.

    This government will expect more from regulators and partners to make sure action is being taken now to make homes safe, speed up remediation and ensure that buildings in the process of being remediated are managed safely for residents.

    Building Safety Minister Rushanara Ali said:

    I would like to thank the emergency services, council and wider community for all they have done following the fire in Dagenham.

    It is absolutely essential that central and local government, regulators, and partners come together, as we have today, to drive fast and effective change to get buildings fixed, made safe and make sure residents are protected.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement from the Secretary of State on consulting with victims, survivors and families on the Legacy Act [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement from the Secretary of State on consulting with victims, survivors and families on the Legacy Act [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 29 August 2024.

    The statement follows the meetings held with the South East Fermanagh Foundation, and the Victims and Survivors Forum in Belfast.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP yesterday (Wednesday 28 August) begun the process of consulting with victims, survivors and families as part of the Government’s commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act.

    The Secretary of State held meetings with the South East Fermanagh Foundation, and the Victims and Survivors Forum in Belfast.

    Speaking after his meetings, Hilary Benn said:

    “I know that many victims, survivors and families felt ignored by the previous government’s approach to legacy. Indeed that is part of the reason why the Legacy Act was so widely opposed.

    “In my meetings with the Victims and Survivors Forum and the South East Fermanagh Foundation today, I reiterated that the views of victims and survivors will be central to this Government’s approach to legacy.

    “I am grateful to all those with whom I have spoken today, many of whom shared very personal stories about the loss of loved ones during the Troubles. I look forward to continuing discussions in the period ahead.”

    Notes to editors:

    • The Government has committed to finding a way forward on legacy that can command support across communities in Northern Ireland.
    • In July, the Secretary of State began the process of repealing the Legacy Act’s conditional immunity scheme. Full statement here.
    • The Government has also pledged to reverse the current prohibition on bringing new civil proceedings and to propose measures to allow inquests previously halted to proceed.
    • The Secretary of State has also committed to consulting widely on the further changes that are needed, including strengthening the ICRIR’s independence, recognising that different people affected will hold different views about the best way forward.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to join CPTPP by 15 December [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to join CPTPP by 15 December [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 29 August 2024.

    Following Peru’s ratification of our deal to join the bloc, the agreement will now officially enter into force by 15 December 2024.

    The UK has secured the sixth and final ratification required to trigger our accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) before the end of this year.

    CPTPP is a free trade area spanning five continents and almost 600 million people once the UK joins. Following Peru’s ratification of our deal to join the bloc, the agreement will now officially enter into force by 15 December 2024.

    More than 99% of current UK goods exports to CPTPP members will be tariff-free once the deal enters into effect, helping businesses export more to CPTPP markets and contributing to the government’s priority of driving economic growth. By 2040, the agreement could boost the UK economy by around £2 billion annually.

    Before Peru, five other CPTPP members ratified the terms of the UK’s accession: Japan, Singapore, Chile, New Zealand and Vietnam. This means the agreement will come into force with those members by 15 December, and subsequently with other members as they ratify. We continue to work closely with the remaining member countries who are in the process of ratifying the deal.

    As the first country to accede to this agreement the UK will be well positioned to shape its future development, from influencing the development of the CPTPP rulebook to championing the group’s expansion to new economies.

    Minister of State for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said:

    This is good news for UK businesses, who are now one step closer to being able to take advantage of the opportunities our membership of CPTPP will bring.

    My message to businesses is to get in touch with the Department for Business and Trade to find out how CPTPP could benefit your business, if you haven’t already.

    We’re extremely grateful to all the CPTPP partners that have already ratified our accession – Japan, Singapore, Chile, New Zealand, Vietnam and now Peru – and look forward to more doing so over the coming months.

    More information

    • Businesses can contact the Export Digital Enquiry Service to find out how CPTPP can benefit them.
    • Source for UK GDP growth: Methodology and data sources described in the CPTPP Impact Assessment, published July 2023. Increase is compared to projected levels of trade in 2040, without the agreement, measured in 2021 prices.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Certainty for oil and gas industry in light of landmark ruling [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Certainty for oil and gas industry in light of landmark ruling [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero on 29 August 2024.

    Government announces plans for new environmental guidance for oil and gas firms as the North Sea transitions to its clean energy future.

    The government has today announced plans for new environmental guidance for oil and gas firms to provide stability for industry, support investment, protect jobs, deliver economic growth, and meet its climate obligations, as the North Sea transitions to its clean energy future.

    The guidance is necessary in light of a Supreme Court ruling that has implications for the assessment of new development consents. The landmark Finch ruling requires regulators to consider the impact of burning oil and gas, scope 3 emissions, in the Environmental Impact Assessment for new projects.

    Having been elected on a mandate to deliver an orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea that secures current and future generations of good jobs, and meets the UK’s legally-binding targets, the government is acting immediately. It will consult on new guidance in light of the Supreme Court ruling. Engagement with industry, workers, trade unions, and civil society will provide clarity and certainty for the industry and ensure a fair, orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea in line with our climate and legal obligations.

    The government is acting swiftly so that decisions on oil and gas development consents can be made. The government recognises the proud history of the UK offshore industry and the brilliance of its workforce, particularly in Scotland and the Northeast of England, and the ongoing role of oil and gas in the country’s energy mix.

    Crucially, oil and gas production in the North Sea will be a key component of the UK energy landscape for decades to come as it transitions to our clean energy future in a way that protects jobs. The government believes that offshore workers will lead the world in the industries of the future.

    With its number one mission of growth and wealth creation, ministers’ sleeves are rolled up ready to support investment and projects that can deliver jobs, growth, and energy security, and drives towards the UK’s clean energy future.

    Since coming to office in July, there has been urgent action already taken toward the government’s clean energy mission. Great British Energy, which will be headquartered in Scotland, was launched by the Prime Minister and Energy Secretary last month, coming after the biggest ever investment in offshore wind, ending the onshore wind ban, and consenting homegrown solar; and steps taken to move ahead with new North Sea industries like carbon capture and storage and hydrogen.

    Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said:

    This government is committed to making Britain a clean energy superpower, helping to meet our first mission to kickstart economic growth. While we make that transition the oil and gas industry will play an important role in the economy for decades to come.

    As we support the North Sea’s clean energy future, this government is committed to protecting current and future generations of good jobs as we do so.

    We were elected with a mandate to deliver stability, certainty and growth. Every action we take will be in pursuit of that. We will consult at pace on new guidance that takes into account the Supreme Court’s ruling on Environmental Impact Assessments, to enable the industry to plan, secure jobs, and invest in our economy.

    Background

    • The government will not challenge the judicial reviews brought against development consent for the Jackdaw and Rosebank offshore oil and gas fields in the North Sea. This decision will save the taxpayer money.
    • This litigation does not mean the licences for Jackdaw and Rosebank have been withdrawn.
    • The government will also consult later this year on the implementation of its manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields.
    • The government will aim to conclude its consultation by spring 2025. Further details including the timings for consultation will be published in due course. In the meantime, the government will be working in partnership with operators to navigate the implications for individual projects.
  • PRESS RELEASE : The UN are running out of safe places for their staff: UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UN are running out of safe places for their staff: UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

    The UK, alongside Switzerland, called this humanitarian meeting after yet another alarming warning from the UN.

    The situation in Gaza is intolerable and worsens with each day that passes. Over 100 hostages remain trapped in Gaza, subject to unimaginable horror. We reiterate our call for Hamas to immediately release them, and for ICRC to be granted humanitarian access.

    And Palestinian children, already suffering, are now facing the imminent threat of a major polio outbreak caused by the devastation of water and sanitation services, as well as widespread malnutrition and famine risk in Gaza.

    A ten-month old baby has already been paralysed by this disease – the first such case for 25 years. This is a tragedy that could have been prevented.

    As we’ve heard, the UN plans to deliver vaccines as soon as this weekend. We strongly welcome Israel’s agreement for pauses on military operations so that the WHO and health agencies can deliver a safe and effective campaign. We now need to see this in action and these pauses need to be long enough to deliver the 90% coverage required.

    When the campaign starts and thousands of vulnerable and unaccompanied children gather at vaccination sites, they must all be protected.

    Israel’s ramping up of short-notice evacuation orders, including in areas that should provide safe refuge, is causing more chaos, again leaving Palestinians with no safe place to turn.

    The UN Department of Safety and Security this week warned us that the UN too are running out of safe places for its staff. They cannot deliver desperately needed aid when IDF mass evacuation orders force them to uproot their homes and offices with just a few hours’ notice.

    Israel must minimise evacuation orders and provide sufficient notice of at least 48 hours.

    And despite repeated calls by this Council for deconfliction and the protection of aid operations, we continue to see appalling and unacceptable attacks on UN and aid convoys. This conflict already represents the deadliest by far for humanitarian personnel.

    Just this week, the UN confirmed the IDF opened fire on a World Food Programme truck which had been fully coordinated with Israel and had UN workers inside.

    Israel must take immediate steps to protect aid workers. And if its personnel are responsible for incidents, hold them accountable. All parties must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.

    Sadly, President, it is not only in Gaza where we are witnessing violence. We are deeply concerned by rising levels of violence in the West Bank. Over 130 Palestinians, including 26 children, have been killed this month alone. We join the Secretary General in calling for urgent de-escalation.

    Colleagues, the only way to bring an end to this suffering is an immediate ceasefire. We fully support the ongoing efforts of the US, Egypt and Qatar to reach an agreement on this which will get all the hostages out and significantly more aid in. We call on both Israel and Hamas to urgently take the deal on the table.

    We must then see irreversible steps towards a two-state solution, the best means of ensuring long term peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK government announces a further £450,000 in humanitarian assistance to support more than 36,000 people affected by flooding in eastern Bangladesh [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK government announces a further £450,000 in humanitarian assistance to support more than 36,000 people affected by flooding in eastern Bangladesh [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2024.

    The UK government is providing an additional £450,000 (BDT 7 crores) of vital humanitarian assistance to support more than 36,000 people affected by flooding in eastern Bangladesh, where more than five million people have been impacted.

    This builds on the £33,000 (BDT 52 lacs) of initial emergency funding released on Monday 26 August. It brings the UK government’s total support to disaster preparedness and response across Bangladesh this year to over £1,500,000 (BDT 23.4 crores) and is additional to the UK government’s ongoing support to help increase Bangladesh’s resilience to climate change.

    This assistance will support people in seven of the worst affected districts: Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Moulvibazar, Khagrachari and Chattogram. Some areas are facing their most severe flooding in 40 years.

    One component of this new UK support will be managed by Start Fund Bangladesh and implemented by NGOs. This will support over 36,000 people with food, cash transfers, clean water, sanitation and hygiene supplies.

    A second component will be managed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and provide emergency maternal, newborn and reproductive health services to 4,500 women and adolescent girls. This includes helping to establish and run 30 mobile medical camps, which will provide essential medicines and healthcare.

    Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said

    “The UK government stands beside all of those affected by the current flooding in eastern Bangladesh. I am pleased to announce the UK government is providing further humanitarian assistance to support those impacted.

    “This includes £450,000 of new funding released today (BDT 7 crores) to provide vital supplies and services to over 36,000 people. This is in addition to the UK government’s responses to Cyclone Remal and flooding earlier this year in Bangladesh, and our broader support to increase Bangladesh’s resilience to climate change.”

    “This contribution complements the active and ongoing response of the interim government of Bangladesh, civil society and local communities.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. The UK government’s response to the current flooding builds on the £530,000 (BDT 8.2 crores) provided this year in Bangladesh to support those affected by flooding in Sylhet and Cyclone Remal.
    2. The UK government’s response to the current flooding in eastern Bangladesh will be managed by Start Fund Bangladesh. It will be implemented by ASHIKA Development Associates, Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), Coastal Association for Social Transformation (COAST) Trust, UTTARAN, ActionAid Bangladesh, Caritas Bangladesh, Christian Aid, and Islamic Relief Bangladesh.
    3. The UK’s ongoing support to the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and CARE Bangladesh, totalling £495,000 (BDT 7.7 crores) this year, is helping coordinate responses and produce needs assessments in Bangladesh when disasters hit.
    4. The UK government is also working to help increase Bangladesh’s resilience to climate change. This includes ongoing support to CARE Bangladesh, totalling £33.6m (BDT 52.4 crores) over four years. This is working to increase climate resilience for one million vulnerable people, including by helping to protect and restore two Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA), the Sundarbans Reserve Forest and Hakaluki Haor.
  • PRESS RELEASE : 2,000 oysters reintroduced into the Solent to boost biodiversity and improve water quality [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 2,000 oysters reintroduced into the Solent to boost biodiversity and improve water quality [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 August 2024.

    The Royal Navy is helping to reintroduce oysters to the Solent after nearly half a century thanks to a unique project opposite Portsmouth Naval Base.

    • Joint MOD and charity conservation project will help improve the local marine environment.
    • Native European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) are being grown in crates in Portsmouth to re-establish a healthy population of the species.
    • Few native European flat oysters remain in the area, having been replaced by the invasive Pacific oyster.

    European flat oysters are being reintroduced to the Solent through a joint MOD conservation project aiming to boost marine life and help clean the waters of the strait between the Isle of Wight and the Hampshire coast.

    It is hoped that the re-introduction of 2,000 oysters to the area after nearly half a century will encourage marine life back to heavily-used waters – the Royal Navy’s vessels form part of 130,000 movements per year around Portsmouth Harbour.

    Several oyster crates have been installed by the project team on pontoons at the southern end of Whale Island to grow juvenile oysters – in a bid to re-establish a healthy population of the native species.

    The initiative, known as the Whale Island Native Oyster Restoration Project, is a collaboration between the Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) Wrecks team, part of the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation; the Royal Navy; the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Blue Marine Foundation (BMF) charity.

    Defence Minister Luke Pollard said:

    The Royal Navy has proudly used the Solent for centuries and is dedicated to supporting the local area, including finding ways to offset collective environmental impacts.

    This is a brilliant initiative, and the partnership between the Royal Navy and partners shows that through collaboration, we can improve the marine environment and strengthen biodiversity – to the benefit of our forces too.

    With £6,000 of funding from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s Conservation Stewardship Fund (DIO), the project was established and then managed for the Ministry of Defence by marine biologist Harriet Rushton, environmental manager for SALMO Wrecks. She said:

    These oysters are being grown for conservation, re-introducing a lost native keystone species in the Solent, which will enhance biodiversity and help clean the water.

    This shows the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to improving the UK’s ecosystem and helping to address climate change, thus contributing to minimising climate and ecosystem pressures on MOD training and operations.

    The Solent was once the largest fishery in Europe for the flat (Ostrea edulis) oysters but there are few remaining, having been replaced by the invasive Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas), with potentially detrimental consequences to the local marine environment.

    Rod Jones, the Royal Navy’s Senior Maritime Environmental Protection Adviser, believes if successful, there is potential for the initiative far beyond the Solent. He said:

    If we can grow oysters here – which is far from an ideal environment as it’s a very industrial setting – then there are clearly opportunities to grow them elsewhere, other naval bases or MOD sites.

    The Navy has been operating in the Solent for centuries so it is only right that we should be involved in protecting its environment.

    A healthy and diverse population of oysters can benefit UK waters by:

    • filtering the seas: a single adult oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water a day, removing chemicals and pollutants
    • forming reefs: once released and settled, the oysters merge into one another to form reefs, providing shelter and food for marine life
    • removing carbon from the environment: oysters extract carbon from seawater to build their shells. When they die, their shells become buried in sediment and transform into solid beds of limestone, efficiently removing carbon from the atmosphere
  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s attacks on Ukraine are becoming more cowardly: UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s attacks on Ukraine are becoming more cowardly: UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure.

    Colleagues, as we discuss the situation in Ukraine today, we are once again compelled to highlight the continued barbarity of President Putin’s tactics against the Ukrainian people.

    Last weekend, Ukraine marked its third Independence Day since Russia’s illegal invasion. Instead of celebrating, Ukrainians were fighting for their country, their land and their families.

    They are also fighting on behalf of all our countries, in defence of the principles that this institution, the United Nations, was founded: that every Member State has the right to sovereignty and territorial integrity, and borders cannot be redrawn by force.

    Let us be clear: under Article 51 Ukraine has a right of self-defence. The UK and other allies fully support Ukraine in exercising that right.

    President Putin thought Kyiv would fall within days. He was wrong. And Ukrainian courage continues to prove him wrong every day.

    Russia is getting increasingly desperate as we heard again today. And as it does, the attacks become more cowardly.

    On Monday, Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, striking numerous civilian areas. Further attacks took place on Monday night and Tuesday morning. At least 7 people were killed and many more injured. We were deeply saddened to learn that a British national, Ryan Evans, was also killed in recent attacks.

    Over 35,000 civilians in Ukraine have been confirmed killed or injured since Russia’s invasion began. These most recent attacks represent continued evidence that Russia is intentionally targeting civilian energy infrastructure, risking further humanitarian crisis this coming winter.

    To be clear: intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects constitute a war crime.

    At the same time, the consequence of Putin’s miscalculation for the Russian people is increasingly evident.

    This week’s attack alone cost Russia almost $1.3 billion. It is estimated that more than 1,000 Russian troops were either killed or wounded on Monday alone. So once again, we call on Russia to end its illegal invasion and immediately withdraw its forces.

    The UK, along with our international partners, will not falter in our support for Ukraine. We will stand with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes to secure a just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 56 – UK Statement for UPR Adoption of Mauritius [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 56 – UK Statement for UPR Adoption of Mauritius [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2024.

    UK Statement for Universal Periodic Review Adoption of the Republic of Mauritius.

    To note, this statement was not delivered.

    The United Kingdom welcomes the engagement of Mauritius with the Universal Periodic Review process and its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. We thank Mauritius for its consideration of our recent recommendations.

    We welcome Mauritius’ acceptance of our recommendation to fully implement and report regularly on progress of the National Gender Policy and the National Strategy & Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.

    We also welcome that Mauritius, as a Small Island Developing State, accepted our recommendation to report on the impact of climate change on its human rights situation.

    The UK invites Mauritius to clarify its position on amending Section 250 of the Criminal Code. This is a vital step in fully implementing the Supreme Court’s decriminalisation of same-sex sexual relations in November 2023, which the UK welcomed, and for safeguarding the rights of LGBT people in Mauritius.