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Tag: 2024

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Angola – Bharat Joshi [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Angola – Bharat Joshi [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 August 2024.

    Mr Bharat Joshi has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Angola and non-resident Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe in succession to Mr Roger Stringer MBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Joshi will take up his appointment during October 2024.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Bharat Suresh Joshi

    Year Role
    2019 to 2023 FCDO, Head of Security Department and Senior Security Adviser
    2018 to 2019 FCDO, South Asia and Afghanistan Department, leading on diaspora engagement and Cricket World Cup outreach
    2013 to 2018 Chennai, Deputy High Commissioner
    2009 to 2013 Yaounde, British High Commissioner and non-resident Ambassador to Gabon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic
    2007 to 2009 Doha, UK Border Agency International Group Regional Manager
    2006 to 2007 Dhaka, Director of Visa Services
    2004 to 2006 FCO, Private Secretary to Minister for Africa
    2003 to 2004 UKVisas, Head of Public Affairs
    2002 to 2003  UKVisas, Policy Section Team Leader
    Sept 2001 to   Nov 2001 FCO, Consular team press officer in wake of 9/11 attack
    1999 to 2001 Banjul, Deputy High Commissioner
    1995 to 1998  FCO, Assistant Desk Officer, European Union Department (External)
  • Grenfell Tower Inquiry – Phase 2 Report (Executive Summary)

    Grenfell Tower Inquiry – Phase 2 Report (Executive Summary)

    The summary of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2, the executive summary, published on 4 September 2024.

    Text of Report (in .pdf format)

  • PRESS RELEASE : Libya’s leaders must protect their people’s rights – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Libya’s leaders must protect their people’s rights – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 August 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

    President, Libyans deserve stability and prosperity, but disappointingly a political settlement to enable this remains distant. Clashes over the last few months in Ras Ajdir, Tripoli, Zawiya, and the Ghadames basin, as well as oil field shutdowns in Sharara, demonstrate the fragility of the current situation.

    Let me make three points this morning. First, we note the political initiatives taking place outside of the UN’s auspices, including the recent meeting of members of the House of Representatives and High State Council.

    We welcome all efforts to foster political dialogue. But these should be inclusive if they are to be effective, and should recognise the central role of UNSMIL, as mandated by this Council.

    Second, we share the growing concern expressed by the Panel of Experts over increasing violations and abuses of human rights. These include recent reports of unlawful arrests and mistreatment of journalists.

    There is also a continued lack of protection of women, restricting their ability to participate in all aspects of Libya’s civil, social, and political space. Libya can only prosper when its citizens enjoy universal rights, and when its leaders and institutions uphold the rule of law.

    Third, we note with regret the continued ineffectiveness of the arms embargo. The Panel of Experts continues to highlight flagrant malign breaches, such as the provision of military support, including by members of this Council.

    President, the UK remains steadfast in support of UNSMIL. The Secretary General has our full support in his efforts to appoint a new Special Representative as soon as possible. We continue to call on all Libya’s leaders to engage in the political process in the spirit of compromise.

    We call on members of the Council and others in the international community to work with increased focus and vigour on a shared vision for a stable, peaceful and secure Libya which is in the interests not only of the Libyan people but the wider region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Pension Credit awareness drive as thousands of eligible pensioners yet to claim [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Pension Credit awareness drive as thousands of eligible pensioners yet to claim [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 20 August 2024.

    Pensioners urged to check if they could be eligible for Pension Credit to secure the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300 per household.

    • Claiming Pension Credit can also passport pensioners to additional help with housing costs, council tax, and heating bills
    • Comes as Deputy Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary write to Local Authorities to boost uptake of pension credit in their local areas

    The Department for Work and Pensions is today urging pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit in order to secure this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.

    It comes as the government has had to make some difficult decisions to fix the foundations of the economy due to the dire state of the public finances, with the Winter Fuel Payment – worth up to £300 – set to be means-tested and delivered to those on Pension Credit to ensure it is targeted towards those in most need.

    Around 1.3 million households in England and Wales will continue to receive Winter Fuel Payments, but the government is determined to boost take-up of Pension Credit to ensure low-income pensioners continue to get this help.

    The Deputy Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary are writing to Local Authorities and will join forces with them, older peoples’ charities, and other groups this September for its annual Pension Credit Week of Action.

    The government’s Pension Credit awareness drive will help identify households not claiming the benefit, and encourage pensioners to apply by 21 December, the last date for making a backdated claim for Pension Credit, in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

    While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit there are up to an estimated 880,000 households eligible for the support who are yet to claim.

    Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall said:

    The £22 billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported.

    That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit.

    This government remains completely committed to pensioners which is why we’re protecting the income of over 12 million pensioners through the Triple Lock.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    The dire state of the public finances we inherited from the previous government means we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions.

    Our commitment to supporting pensioners remains, which is why we are maintaining the triple lock.

    We want pensioners to get the support they are entitled to. That’s why I urge all pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    Everyone has paid the price for over a decade of energy insecurity, which is why we are getting on with delivering clean power by 2030, alongside our ambitious Warm Homes Plan.

    It is imperative that those eligible get the support they need this winter, which is why the government will do everything it can to roll out Pension Credit, making sure as many people as possible qualify for the up to £300 Winter Fuel Payment.

    During the Week of Action, set to commence in September, the DWP and its partners will be tackling some of the myths that may stop people applying, such as how having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving Pension Credit.

    This work builds on last year’s Invitation to claim pilots, where letters and leaflets were targeted at households already in receipt of Housing Benefit, but not claiming Pension Credit in ten local authorities.

    This work comes alongside wider plans to ensure economic stability for pensioners by protecting the Triple Lock, improving energy security and keeping energy bills low through the Warm Homes Plan and cutting NHS waiting lists.

    Over the next five years over 12 million pensioners will see their State Pension increase by thousands of pounds as a result of the commitment to the Triple Lock.

    And the Warm Homes Plan which will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. This government’s long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently and reduce fuel poverty.

    Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible. It is worth on average £3,900 a year and can also open doors to further financial help, such as housing costs, council tax, and heating bills, and the Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300.

    And, pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible – with DWP’s online calculator able to work out how much an individual could get.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Make Noise For Ukraine on Ukrainian Independence Day [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Make Noise For Ukraine on Ukrainian Independence Day [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 August 2024.

    The UK Government and our partners in NATO are leading an international campaign to Make Noise For Ukraine on Ukrainian Independence Day, 24 August.

    We must not be silent in the face of Russia’s aggression.

    This Ukrainian Independence Day, help us celebrate Ukraine’s bravery and resilience by showing your support on social media.

    Organisations and members of the public are encouraged to join our campaign by posting a video making noise for Ukraine on social media with the hashtag #MakeNoiseForUkraine.

    Please post your video on 24 August 2024, Ukrainian Independence Day.

    You can make noise in any way you like: clap or cheer, play an instrument, sing a song, stomp your feet or ring a bell. You could also shout ‘Slava Ukraini’ – Glory to Ukraine!

    The more unique the better.

    You can also share Ukrainian Independence Day content posted on the Ministry of Defence Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meets new First Minister in Cardiff for two day Welsh visit [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meets new First Minister in Cardiff for two day Welsh visit [August 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 August 2024.

    The Prime Minister has arrived in Cardiff this afternoon for his first in-person meeting with First Minister Eluned Morgan since she took up the role this month.

    The Prime Minister will meet with the First Minister in the Welsh capital where they will discuss the importance of continuing to reset the crucial relationship between the UK and Welsh Governments and their joint determination to deliver for working people in every part of the country.

    As the UK Government embarks on a decade of national renewal, the people and communities of Wales will be front and centre of the focus to create good quality jobs, drive down energy bills and provide the energy security we need.

    The two leaders are expected to visit a renewable energy site tomorrow where they will look at how Welsh companies are investing in clean power projects to power homes and support jobs in the local community.

    This comes a week after the UK Government has announced the immediate release of £13.5 million in funding to support supply chain businesses and workers affected by Tata Steel’s decision to transition to greener steel-making.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Warship and submarine readiness boost by small British businesses [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Warship and submarine readiness boost by small British businesses [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 August 2024.

    Small British businesses are to benefit from a new warship and submarine agreement, Defence Minister Maria Eagle has announced today.

    • UK SMEs able to bid for work under large new framework.
    • More than 180,000 different items requiring delivery around the world.
    • Greater Royal Navy fleet readiness to simultaneously support UK economic growth.

    The agreement, which will enhance economic growth across the UK, will also boost overall availability of the UK’s warships and submarines. It will see far greater access from the Ministry of Defence directly to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), allowing them to bid for work under a seven-year framework worth up to £850 million.

    The Marine Systems Transformation (MaST) programme delivers support and spares to non-combat equipment aboard UK warships and submarines, covering 180,000 different items from propulsion systems to galley equipment.

    Across the framework, between a third and half of the suppliers are based outside the south of England with the majority being Midlands or North of England-based, and additional suppliers based in Scotland and Wales.

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle said:

    The spares and repairs that keep our warships submarines at sea are critical, and this agreement will ensure that more British small businesses – from Southampton to Aberdeen – will be at the heart of supporting the Royal Navy.

    By backing our defence industry, we will keep the nation safe and support more than 200,000 jobs.

    Today’s changes open the market for 39 companies to bid for work through Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) – the MOD’s procurement arm. Greater warship and submarine availability will be delivered through:

    • Improved access to spare parts, both for planned and unplanned maintenance;
    • Access to specialist equipment-related technical advice and expertise globally; and
    • Reductions in cost without compromising safety or availability.

    The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, announced the new agreement on a visit in Birmingham, to Somers Forge – manufacturer of bespoke naval parts and one of several businesses based in the Midlands that can bid for work under the new framework.

    Managing Director of Somers Forge, Samson Folkes said:

    Being selected for the MAST framework represents a huge opportunity for our business. We have been a defence supplier since 1912 and are incredibly proud of our heritage supporting the Royal Navy. For Somers Forge, winning contracts through MAST can help us sustain vital jobs and apprenticeships in the Midlands as well as underpin our growth ambitions.

    MaST allows direct access to SME suppliers to deliver value for money for the taxpayer and to drive economic growth through defence industry organisations of all sizes across the UK.

    Toni Gray, Navy Acquisition, Equipment Support Programmes Director, said:

    The MaST frameworks will deliver vital spares, repairs and post design services to support the Royal Navy’s fleet of ships and submarines. The frameworks will widen our market, enable us to contract direct to SMEs, and critically, offer never seen before levels of customer choice to how we sustain our key equipment’s.

    Dr Simon Dakin, DG – Core at DE&S, said:

    The MaST frameworks are a game-changer to spares procurement and in service support to Royal Navy warships and submarines. It brings the agility to respond to increasingly uncertain world events and meet a demanding operational schedule while driving value for money in our procurement approach to the goods and services that we just need to deliver repeatably, cost effectively and well.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Nationwide call to surrender all zombie-style knives and machetes [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Nationwide call to surrender all zombie-style knives and machetes [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 August 2024.

    A nationwide call to hand over zombie-style knives and machetes has been launched by the government, before these dangerous weapons are banned from our streets.

    From 24 September, it will be illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes as they will be added to the list of dangerous prohibited items already banned, including zombie knives, butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.

    Ahead of the new ban coming into force, anyone who has one of these weapons is being urged to hand them over – safely and legally.

    This scheme​ will be run at police stations across England and Wales for four weeks between 26 August and 23 September, without repercussions for surrendering these potentially dangerous knives safely.

    Individuals can also anonymously dispose of these weapons using safe, surrender bins, by contacting their local police, council or an anti-knife crime charity to find out about alternative options, other than police stations, in their area.

    After 24 September, anyone caught with a zombie-style knife or a machete faces time behind bars.

    Policing Minister, Diana Johnson said:

    Too many people have access to weapons that can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences. There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind to be in our homes or on our streets.

    That is why we will continue to make sure the tightest restrictions are in place to limit the availability of these lethal weapons. Implementing a ban on zombie-style knives is just the first step in our ambitious, dedicated plan to halve knife crime within a decade, and will closely be followed by making ninja swords illegal.

    It is absolutely crucial that members of the public come forward and safely hand in these weapons. We are offering people the chance to do the right thing – to help make our streets safer, prevent further loss of life and save so many futures.

    We cannot do this alone, political, policing and community leaders must work together to bring the knife crime epidemic to an end and offer a better future for our young people.

    Participating police stations are spread across the country, and people should contact their designated police station first to get advice on how to package up any weapons and bring them into the station. Members of the public who may be in possession of these weapons should read the government guidance to find their nearest designated police station and for further information about how they can hand these weapons in.

    This scheme is just one part of the government’s pledge to halve knife crime in a decade. Next steps will include further bans, stronger rules to stop online sales, and tough action to stop young people being drawn into crime.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Process activated to manage prisoner movements [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Process activated to manage prisoner movements [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 August 2024.

    A temporary measure to manage pressures in prisons in the north of England has been reactivated, following longstanding capacity failures and recent outbreaks of far-right disorder.

    In recent weeks, prisons in the north of England have seen hundreds of people enter the prison estate, after the Government took decisive action to tackle violent thuggery on our streets. This has exacerbated longstanding capacity issues in our prisons, which have been operating at critical levels for the last several years, often with under 1% capacity.

    To manage these pressures, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has reactivated an existing contingency mechanism, Operation Early Dawn, providing extra oversight of prisoner transfers between the police, courts and custody.

    This means that offenders will be summoned to a magistrates’ court only when it is confirmed that a cell in the prison estate is ready for them, should they be remanded into custody. They will be held in a police station until they are summoned to court.

    The activation of Operation Early Dawn helps to manage the prison capacity pressure felt in the short-term in a small number of regions. This action has been taken to ensure that we always have enough prison places to lock up those who choose to break the law.

    Prisons and Probation Minister, Lord Timpson, said: 

    We inherited a justice system in crisis and exposed to shocks. As a result, we have been forced into making difficult but necessary decisions to keep it operating.

    However, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated staff and partners, we have brought forward additional prison places and now introduced Operation Early Dawn to manage the pressure felt in some parts of the country.

    The police have reassured the public that this will not impact their ability to arrest criminals, and anyone who poses a risk to the public will not be bailed.

    National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Custody, Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp, said: 

    We are working closely with criminal justice system partners to manage demand in the system and ensure that the public are safe.

    Policing will continue to arrest anyone that they need to in order to keep the public safe, including policing protests and events and ensuring that people are arrested as expected.

    The Government has already brought forward a number of measures to increase capacity as a result of violent disorder, making hundreds of prison places available including a new houseblock at HMP Stocken, the repurposed HMP Cookham Wood, and accelerated maintenance work in other prisons.

    In the first week of forming a new Government, action was also taken to address the longstanding capacity issues in our prisons, announcing difficult but necessary changes to certain prison sentences.

    These changes will come into to force in early September, giving the Probation Service the time they need to safely release offenders, making such each person has somewhere to live once they leave prison and support into work.

    Operation Early Dawn involves an operational assessment being made each morning and throughout the day by the Prison Service, courts and police on which defendants can be transferred from police cells and taken to courts to ensure there is a safe and secure location if a defendant is remanded to custody.

    When previously operated, Operation Early Dawn has helped to minimise disruption to bail hearings and manage the movement of prisoners across the justice estate.

    Operation Early Dawn is expected to be implemented to address capacity concerns in the following areas:

    • North East and Yorkshire
    • Cumbria and Lancashire
    • Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire
    • East and West Midlands

    The government will keep this measure under constant review and will activate or deactivate as necessary. Ongoing trials in the Crown Court will not be directly impacted and prisoners being held for Crown Court hearings will be brought to court and taken back to prison as usual.

    Notes to Editors

    As part of a long-term plan to address the capacity crisis the government is temporarily reducing the proportion of certain custodial sentences served in prison from 50% to 40%. These measures, which come into force in September and October, will include important safeguards and exemptions to keep the public safe and clear release plans to manage them safely in the community.

    Sentences for terrorism, sex offences, and serious violent offences of four years or more, will be automatically excluded, and, in an important distinction from the End of Custody Supervised Licence scheme, the early release of offenders in prison for domestic abuse-connected crimes will also be excluded. This includes:

    • stalking offences
    • controlling or coercive behaviours in an intimate or family relationship
    • non-fatal strangulation and suffocation
    • breach of restraining order, non-molestation order, and domestic abuse protection order

    Anyone released will be strictly monitored on licence by the Probation Service through measures which can include electronic tagging and curfews. They face being recalled to prison if they breach their licence conditions.

    The new rules will also not apply to most serious offenders, who already either spend two-thirds of their sentence behind bars or have their release determined by the Parole Board.

    Alongside the changes to early release the Government will build the prisons the country needs, review how sentencing and criminal justice works, and recruit an additional thousand probation officers.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Fostering new collaborations at 30th Sarajevo Film Festival [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Fostering new collaborations at 30th Sarajevo Film Festival [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 August 2024.

    This week in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), we are fostering new collaborations and promoting GREAT UK creative industries at 30th Sarajevo Film Festival.

    The United Kingdom is pleased to join celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Sarajevo Film Festival, an iconic annual event for the world’s film and creative communities.

    This year, the United Kingdom will promote mutually beneficial opportunities for collaboration with world-leading British experts.

    The British Embassy Sarajevo, the British Council and the British Film Institute (BFI) will again be partnering with the Sarajevo Film Festival to support BiH creative talent.

    British Ambassador Julian Reilly said:

    We are proud of the UK’s longstanding association with the Sarajevo Film Festival. We are determined to nurture spaces where creative individuals and artists from various walks of life can come together, discuss art and culture, generate new ideas and build new collaborations .

    This year, the UK‘s lead organisation for film and the moving image, the British Film Institute, will bring a delegation of 9 UK screen professionals to engage with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Southeast Europe professions and develop potential innovative collaborations with the region.

    The BFI’s Head of UK Global Screen Fund and International Funds, Denitsa Yordanova, will join a panel discussion on collaborative opportunities, funding strategies and the exchange of creative resources with the UK.

    Ambassador Reilly will host a reception for British and regional film professionals to cement their mutual relationships and promote the UK creative industry. Nine British productions and co-productions will be screened during this year’s Festival.

    Ambassador Julian Reilly added:

    Creative industries have a very important role in the UK. Our creative industries are worth £125 billion in economic value to the country as a whole, employing 2.4 million people.

    Film and the TV sector is worth nearly £19 billion to the UK annually and provides more than 200,000 jobs. The cultural and creative industries can be a fantastic driver of economic growth, at the same time fostering cultural identity and diversity.

    I am glad that the UK has for a while now been building closer relations and collaboration between the creative sectors of our countries. Our world-leading creative industry brings energy, ambition and economic opportunity, inspires new ways of thinking and doing, and invites you to see things differently.

    We want Bosnia and Herzegovinian and Southeast European creatives to visit and collaborate with us.

    The United Kingdom and the Sarajevo Film Festival have worked together since the first phases of the Festival. Many prominent UK artists, film directors and producers such as Mike Leigh, Jeremy Irons, Lesley Manville, Katrin Cartlidge, Stephen Frears, Mike Goodridge, Simon Wilkinson, Olivia Hetreed, Selina Ukwuoma, Kevin Dolan, Steve Matthews, have shared their wide experience and knowledge at previous festivals.

    Numerous British movies were aired on the Sarajevo Film Festival screens, and major figures in British film including John Cleese, Mike Leigh, Mark Cousins, Cat Villiers, Stephen Frears, and Tim Roth have been awarded the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo.

    Through PlayUK, a British Council platform for improving film audio-visuals in the Western Balkans, UK experts have shared their knowledge on visual effects, virtual reality, film production and marketing.

    The British Council was one of the initial partners of CineLink, the Sarajevo Film Festival’s industry platform. CineLink Industry Days offers valuable insight and access to the film industry, particularly within the region and many UK experts have contributed to this platform.

    The United Kingdom hopes that this year’s strong engagement will lead to even more UK–BiH partnerships in the future, supporting economic growth and the development of the arts in both our countries.

    During the Sarajevo Film Festival, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to learn more about the GREAT UK creative industry and about our cooperation with the Sarajevo Film Festival at the British Embassy Sarajevo  Facebook and Instagram pages.