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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : Margaret Flynn reappointed as Chair of the National Mental Capacity Forum [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Margaret Flynn reappointed as Chair of the National Mental Capacity Forum [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 21 May 2025.

    The Secretaries of State for Justice and for Health and Social Care have approved the reappointment of Dr Margaret Flynn as Chair of the National Mental Capacity Forum (NMCF) for 3 years from 7 March 2025.

    The NMCF was established by the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Care in 2015, in response to the 2014 House of Lords Select Committee post-legislative scrutiny report of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).

    The NMCF aims to raise awareness of the MCA and improve its implementation by joining up stakeholders from a wide range of sectors where the MCA applies, such as health and social care, banking, legal and third sector organisations.

    The Chair of the NMCF is appointed by the Secretaries of State for Justice and for Health and Social Care. Appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Dr Margaret Flynn biography

    Since 2019, Dr Flynn has been a Trustee of Anheddau Cyf, a not-for-profit charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health challenges across North Wales. She has been a Director of Flynn and Eley Associates Ltd since 2009 and has held various editorial roles for the Journal of Adult Protection since 1999.

    Dr Flynn has chaired and written several reviews concerning people with compromised mental capacity, in particular a review into Winterbourne View Hospital during 2011. In 2013, she was commissioned by the First Minister of Wales to undertake a review of the neglect of older people living in care homes investigated as Operation Jasmine. More recently, Dr Flynn chaired Wales’ inaugural National Independent Safeguarding Board and wrote the review concerning Cawston Park Hospital. She is currently coordinating research activities for TIDE (together in dementia everyday) and is supporting its contributions to the SPIN Dementia Network (Sustainable Prevention, Innovation and involvement).

  • PRESS RELEASE : Grangemouth workers receive ‘training guarantee’ [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Grangemouth workers receive ‘training guarantee’ [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 21 May 2025.

    Grangemouth workers receive ‘training guarantee’ to benefit from clean energy jobs.

    • Over 260 workers have received 1:1 skills support from Forth Valley College to support their transition into new, high-skilled jobs, with 184 workers already beginning training
    • signals swift delivery of the Prime Minister’s commitment to a ‘training guarantee’ to secure a future for workers, as part of the Plan for Change
    • Energy Secretary and Energy Minister join Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy in first Grangemouth Investment Taskforce meeting today to discuss securing private investment and a long-term future for Grangemouth – backed by £200 million from the UK government, and £25 million from the Scottish Government

    Petroineos refinery workers at Grangemouth are being actively supported through the Prime Minister’s commitment to a ‘training guarantee’ to help secure new well-paid work, as part of the UK and Scottish Governments’ pledge to secure a future for those affected by the closure of the oil refinery.

    The government took swift action to protect workers after Petroineos confirmed their plans to close the refinery, including announcing up to £10 million to provide new skills support that will help the site’s workers into good clean energy jobs, as well as supporting new energy projects in the region. This also included a commitment from the Prime Minister in February to deliver a ‘training guarantee’.

    This guarantee is now being delivered, with 184 out of 300 workers having now engaged in retraining activity with the majority of the remaining workforce registered for training.

    Workers have been offered a wide range of training opportunities, including renewable energy upskilling courses and wind turbine engineering courses, paid for and supported by the UK and Scottish Governments. This will provide them with the vital skills needed to secure new jobs, including in the clean energy sector – which currently supports more than 42,000 jobs in Scotland.

    Every Petroineos worker affected by the decision to close the oil refinery has now been provided the opportunity for 1:1 interviews with careers specialists at Forth Valley College.

    These will help identify their skills, qualifications and training needs to create a programme of bespoke courses that will ensure their smooth transition into new roles – supporting the next generation of good jobs and driving economic growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    It comes as the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin and Energy Minister Michael Shanks join the Office for Investment, Scottish Enterprise, National Wealth Fund and Scottish National Investment Bank for the inaugural Grangemouth Investment Taskforce meeting today where they will discuss securing private investment in the future of the site – with 66 enquiries received so far.

    Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said:

    The workforce at Grangemouth is highly skilled with significant transferrable experience which our training commitment recognises by providing tailored support for workers into new employment opportunities.

    As well as continuing to work to secure the site’s long-term industrial future, we want to ensure no worker is left behind and that they are equipped with the skills they need to secure good jobs. This is our Plan for Change in action.

    Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said:

    The Scottish Government’s immediate focus has rightly been on supporting workers who have lost their jobs. We committed up to £450,000 to ensure that they are supported and assisted to secure other employment and to contribute their valuable skills to Scotland’s green economy.

    That is why we are also working to secure Grangemouth’s role in that future and create an investible industrial strategy for the site. It’s clear that real progress is being made on the findings from Project Willow. We are working closely with Scottish Enterprise – who are already assessing nearly 70 inquiries aligned to the full range of technologies set out in the report – and we are determined to ensure we realise the full potential for the site’s transformation.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

    We know this is a worrying time for workers and their families at Grangemouth. I am pleased more than 260 highly skilled workers have already received support from Forth Valley College thanks to funding from the UK government as part of the £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal package.

    By offering bespoke training in renewable energy and wind turbine engineering, we’re not just supporting individual workers but also helping Scotland lead the way in clean energy jobs. We are determined that Grangemouth will have a green energy future and have committed £200 million through the National Wealth Fund toward that.

    Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said:

    The College continues to work extremely hard to make sure that all the Petroineos employees affected by the refinery closure, are able to access the support they need as they begin their transition into new training, careers and jobs.

    We are making learning work in our Forth Valley communities and beyond, and we want to assure everyone that we will continue to be there for them as they take the next steps in their careers and their studies.

    Steven Bell, former Hazardous Areas Technician at Petroineos Grangemouth Refinery, said:

    The support I received from Forth Valley College with retraining during the redundancy process has been exceptional.

    From my 1:1 meetings discussing courses that I would be interested in and what my future career path might be, right through to getting booked onto the courses I had selected, nothing was too much trouble.

    All in all, I can say I am absolutely delighted with what Forth Valley College have provided for me during this process.

    The training support has helped workers enter new employment. For example, former Hazardous Areas Technician Steven Bell took part in a range of courses that enabled him to renew his Electricians Grade Card, as well as courses in working in hazardous areas which will support him in his new role as a Compliance Supervisor with a company involved in the pharmaceutical and distillery sector.

    It follows the publication of a feasibility report ‘Project Willow’ that provided nine proposals for Grangemouth, backed by £200 million from the UK government and £25 million from the Scottish Government, which will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.

    The report sets out various options for the site, including plastics recycling, hydrogen production and other projects that could create up to 800 jobs by 2040. This will help to grow the economy and deliver on both governments’ shared ambition to secure a long-term future for Grangemouth – with Scottish Enterprise already receiving a high level of interest from potential investors.

    The UK government is unlocking Scotland’s clean energy potential and recently awarded £55.7 million to the Port of Cromarty Firth to develop and manufacture new floating offshore wind farms in Scotland. It has also launched a Skills Passport to support oil and gas workers to identify routes into several roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government teams with parking giants to ensure drivers can use preferred apps in all car parks [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government teams with parking giants to ensure drivers can use preferred apps in all car parks [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 21 May 2025.

    British Parking Association will develop and run the ‘national parking platform’, providing drivers with a more flexible parking experience.

    • huge step forward for simpler parking as industry delivers ‘one app fits all’ parking platform
    • government collaboration paves the way for British Parking Association to spearhead new parking platform – at no cost to the taxpayer
    • backing drivers, this government is investing £4.8 billion to deliver new roads and £1.6 billion to fix potholes, helping to get the country moving through the Plan for Change

    Drivers are set to benefit from simpler parking nationwide, as industry delivers a ‘one app fits all’ parking platform at no cost to the taxpayer, following government-backed trials.

    The government has today (21 May 2025) confirmed that, following successful collaboration with the sector, the British Parking Association will now take forward the development and running of the National Parking Platform (NPP).

    The platform will enable drivers to pay for parking in all participating car parks on their preferred app – ending the scramble to download multiple apps and encouraging a more flexible parking experience. The government intervened to make sure it can be delivered by a consortium of industry leaders, including Ring Go, JustPark and PayByPhone and led by the British Parking Association (BPA).

    Currently, drivers face inconsistent parking rules, clunky user experiences and unnecessary barriers to something that should be simple. The National Parking Platform fixes this, connecting participating car parks to a shared platform, through which drivers can pay using any approved app – cutting confusion, reducing the chance of fines and opening up the parking market to fairer competition.

    Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, said:

    This government is on the side of drivers and dedicated to giving everyone simpler, more flexible parking. I’m delighted that this fantastic project is being taken on by the parking sector with no extra cost to taxpayers.

    This is public infrastructure done right: built by government, shaped with councils and now delivered by the sector that knows it best, at a time where we’re investing a record £1.6 billion through our Plan for Change, to mend our pothole-ridden roads that damage cars and £4.8 billion to deliver new road infrastructure that will better connect people.

    The new agreement will see the parking sector working with councils to run the platform on a not-for-profit basis. It will operate under clear terms to ensure transparency, sustainability, and public value. The government will maintain oversight of the platform by monitoring the sector’s compliance with these terms.

    So far, the platform has been rolled out in 10 local authorities and now handles over half a million transactions a month. Today’s announcement means drivers nationwide will benefit from a simpler, more seamless experience.

    Andrew Pester, BPA Chief Executive, said:

    Today’s announcement marks the result of 6 years of dedicated work by our parking sector to make paying for parking easier. We’ve strongly supported the National Parking Platform from the start, so we’re thrilled with this outcome and excited to collaborate with the Department for Transport and the new NPP company to create a better parking experience for all drivers.

    As part of their next steps, the new consortium will be onboarding more local authorities imminently to ensure that easier, simpler parking is rolled out to more drivers as soon as possible.

    This announcement comes as the government invests £1.6 billion to tackle the scourge of potholes and deliver national renewal through investment in vital infrastructure that will drive growth and put more money in working people’s pockets and deliver the Plan for Change.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Record 81 criminal investigations launched into water companies under Government crackdown [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Record 81 criminal investigations launched into water companies under Government crackdown [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 20 May 2025.

    New crackdown is the largest criminal action against water companies in history.

    A record 81 criminal investigations into water companies have been launched in England since the election, as part of the Government’s crackdown on sewage dumping.

    A new operation spearheaded by Environment Secretary Steve Reed amounts to the largest criminal action against water companies in history.

    The number of inspections carried out by authorities into sewage pollution has skyrocketed by nearly 400% since last July.

    The record number of Environment Agency spot checks at water company premises and rivers has revealed widespread law-breaking. Over 80 criminal investigations have been launched against water companies over the last nine months, a surge of 145% since the election.

    Following these investigations, water bosses could be jailed for five years and water companies fined hundreds of millions of pounds.

    This will act as a powerful deterrent, focussing water bosses’ minds on investing to upgrade water infrastructure to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. Water companies will also spend a record £104 billion and cut sewage discharges by nearly half over five years.

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed:

    Water companies have too often gone unpunished as they pump record levels of sewage into our waterways. No more.

    A record number of criminal investigations have been launched into law-breaking water companies – which could see bosses behind bars.

    With this Government, water companies who break the law will finally be punished for their disgraceful behaviour so we can clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

    Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency said: 

    This milestone is testament to our determination to hold water companies to account and achieve a cleaner water environment.

    Our message to the industry is clear: we expect full compliance throughout the water system, and we will not hesitate to take robust enforcement action where we identify serious breaches.

    This is just the beginning – we are on track to deliver 10,000 inspections next year, using our tougher powers gained through the Water (Special Measures) Act alongside more officers and upgraded digital tools to drive better performance across the water sector.

    When a water company breaks the rules of its environmental permit, that is a criminal offence—for example, releasing excessive pollution into a river or failing to carry out water quality monitoring.

    The Environment Agency follows up on every offence they find. The most serious offences, like illegal sewage spills, trigger a criminal investigation that could see water company fines and criminal prosecution for water bosses. The Environment Agency have also taken a zero-tolerance approach to identify and resolve over 1000 minor issues last year like unclogging pipes to deliver immediate improvements to local communities and the environment.

    To drive forward this surge in action, the Environment Agency has hired 380 additional regulatory staff to carry out inspections and other enforcement activity.

    New powers, delivered by the Government’s landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, also mean water executives who cover up or hide illegal sewage spills can now be locked up for up to two years.

    The Environment Agency are also currently carrying out their largest ever criminal investigation into potential widespread non-compliance by water companies at over 2000 sewage treatment works.

    Seven cases against water companies are going to court over the next few months following criminal investigations by the Environment Agency.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK continues to call on North Korea to end grave human rights violations – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK continues to call on North Korea to end grave human rights violations – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 May 2025.

    Statement by Archie Young, UK Ambassador to the UN General Assembly, at the UN General Assembly meeting on Human Rights Abuses and Violations in North Korea.

    I thank the briefers for their brave testimonies and tireless advocacy. It is essential that we continue to shine a light on the grave human rights situation in the DPRK, about which the UK remains deeply concerned.

    Human rights abuses against North Koreans remain widespread and systematic. Those who perpetrate these abuses remain unaccountable.

    The regime refuses to acknowledge or act on the 2014 Commission of Inquiry report, which illustrates the multiple human rights violations committed in DPRK.

    And the DPRK has repeatedly rejected UN resolutions which set out the many concerns shared by the international community, including the operation of prison camps and forced labour, violations of freedom of religion or belief and women’s rights.

    North Koreans are denied freedom of movement, and many workers are sent overseas, often into modern slavery.

    We urge the DPRK to cease these practices without delay.

    Those wishing to leave do so clandestinely, at huge personal risk. We call on all Members to respect the principle of non-refoulement and not return escapees to DPRK.

    On 7 November last year, the UK issued several recommendations to the DPRK as part of the Universal Periodic Review process, including ratifying the UN Convention against Torture and to reform the judicial system to ensure respect for the right to a fair trial.

    We are pleased that the DPRK engaged with the Universal Periodic Review in November and encourage them to implement recommendations.

    We need DPRK to make real and lasting change for the people of the DPRK.

    We have repeatedly made it clear that the primary cause of the DPRK’s humanitarian and food crisis is their continued development of their illegal weapons programme, representing multiple breaches of Security Council resolutions.

    Indeed, we have heard clearly today also the links between the human rights situation in DPRK and their support for Russia in its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine in brazen disregard towards UN sanctions.

    We condemn these and call on the DPRK to prioritise the well-being of the people in North Korea.

    We strongly encourage the DPRK to grant access to the Special Rapporteur on the situation on human rights in the DPRK and accept technical cooperation from UN human rights mechanisms, and to enable the return of UN agencies, to ensure help reaches those who are most vulnerable.

    The UK continues to call on DPRK to engage in meaningful diplomacy and accept offers of dialogue.

    We believe diplomacy and negotiations are the best way to secure peace and stability and improve the lives of all North Koreans.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [May 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this evening.

    The leaders began by reflecting on their meeting in Tirana, Albania, on Friday before discussing the UK’s latest package of sanctions on Russian military, energy and financial sectors announced today.

    It was vital to keep the pressure on Russia while they continued their illegal invasion of Ukraine, the leaders agreed.

    Looking ahead to further peace talks, the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s support for Ukraine and said he was steadfast in his commitment to helping Ukraine secure a just and lasting peace.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Global action is needed to tackle the growing threats that face our seas, people and shared prosperity – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Global action is needed to tackle the growing threats that face our seas, people and shared prosperity – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 May 2025.

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

    The United Kingdom, like Greece, has a long maritime history and is deeply committed to global maritime security.

    And global action is needed to tackle the growing threats we now face to our seas, our peoples and our shared prosperity.

    That is why the United Kingdom is strongly committed to our partnership within NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force, and with wider friends and partners, as a means to contribute to our collective security.

    That includes working together with States across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to address threats wherever they occur.

    Our Carrier Strike Group’s deployment to the Indo-Pacific is a sign of our commitment to work with our partners in a region of fundamental importance to global peace and prosperity.

    In the Black Sea, we are supporting the protection of Ukraine’s maritime Black Sea corridor along with our partners.

    We are also leading the Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway, supporting Ukraine’s defence of its sovereign waters.

    That’s alongside efforts to confront the so-called shadow fleet operation.

    In the Middle East, we have acted to prevent Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, including through Operation Prosperity Guardian with the United States and others.

    Our European colleagues have joined these efforts through Operation ASPIDES.

    We thank Greece for its leading role, including the hosting of the command from Larissa.

    We also call for collective efforts to ensure that the arms embargo as set out in resolution 2216 is upheld, and to support Yemen’s Coast Guard.

    We equally need to ensure the implementation of the arms embargo off the coast of Libya, and we call for the renewal of the mandate this month for Operation Irini.

    More broadly, our partnership with Greece is an example of how cooperation can protect our countries from maritime threats, including illegal migration and drug smuggling.

    Alongside this, we are delivering legal changes at home to tackle people-smuggling rings and starve them of income.

    And the UK also remains strongly committed to upholding freedom of navigation and the primacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

    President, in the face of such diverse threats, we must redouble our shared efforts, including by broadening collaboration on strategic challenges within the International Maritime Organisation, which the UK is proud to host.

    And as we look to the future, we must strengthen our work together, both in this Council and through our bilateral partnerships, to secure our seas for future generations.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions hit West Bank violence network [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions hit West Bank violence network [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 May 2025.

    UK sanctions individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, as Foreign Secretary pauses free trade agreement negotiations with Israel.

    • new sanctions target 3 individuals, 2 illegal settler outposts and 2 organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank
    • today’s measures include financial restrictions and travel bans, including on high-profile extremist settler leader Daniella Weiss
    • in a statement to the House, the Foreign Secretary is set to announce a formal pause of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, effective immediately
    • he will make clear the UK’s complete opposition to the IDF’s new, extensive ground operation through Gaza, repeat UK demands that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally, and reiterate that Hamas cannot continue to run Gaza

    In response to the persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, the Foreign Secretary has announced new sanctions today.

    Today’s measures target 3 individuals, including prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss, as well as 2 illegal outposts and 2 organisations that have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

    These individuals and entities are now subject to measures including financial restrictions, travel bans, and director disqualifications, and will follow 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned relating to serious violence against communities in the West Bank.

    The measures follow a dramatic surge in settler violence in the West Bank, with the UN recording over 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities since 1 January 2024.

    In a statement to Parliament, the Foreign Secretary is also set to announce the formal pause of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, effective immediately. While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza.

    His statement will address latest developments on the ground in Gaza, making clear the UK’s complete opposition to the IDF’s new, extensive ground operation through Gaza, the threat of starvation for the Gazan population, and the UK’s condemnation of the Israeli government’s plans to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip. The Foreign Secretary will also repeat UK demands that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally and reiterate that Hamas cannot continue to run Gaza.

    The new steps follow a joint statement issued by the Prime Minister along with the leaders of France and Canada, setting out their strong opposition to the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and to illegal settlements in the West Bank. They also made clear that if Israel does not cease this action, further action will be taken in response.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence. The fear of its victims. The impunity of its perpetrators.

    The sanctioning of Daniella Weiss and others today demonstrates our determination to hold extremist settlers to account as Palestinian communities suffer violence and intimidation at the hands of extremist settlers.

    The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions. Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril.

    The announcement comes as Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer summons Israel’s Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over the expansion of military operations in Gaza.

    Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said:

    Today I will set out to Ambassador Hotovely the government’s opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and emphasise that the 11-week block on aid to Gaza has been cruel and indefensible. I will urge Israel to halt settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank.

    Israel must abide by its obligations under International Humanitarian Law and ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. The limited amount of aid entering is simply not enough.

    We must get an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and a path to a two-state solution is the only way to ensure the long-term peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.

    Background

    Individuals and entities sanctioned today:

    • Daniella Weiss – has been involved in threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting, acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Weiss is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification
    • Harel Libi – owner of Libi Construction and Infrastructure. Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Libi is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification
    • Zohar Sabah – has been involved in threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting, acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Sabah is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification
    • Coco’s Farm – is associated with a person who is or has been involved in activity which amounts to facilitating, inciting, promoting or providing support for activity which amounts to a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  Coco’s Farm is now subject to an asset freeze
    • Libi Construction and Infrastructure – has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts resulting in the forced displacement of Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, activities which cause the psychological suffering of Palestinians, and activities which often leads to violence perpetrated against Palestinians. Libi Construction and Infrastructure is now subject to an asset freeze and director disqualification
    • Nachala – has been involved in facilitating, inciting, promoting and providing logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts and forced displacement of Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, activities which cause the psychological suffering of Palestinians, and which often lead to violence perpetrated against Palestinians. Nachala is now subject to an asset freeze
    • Neria’s Farm – is associated with a person who is or has been involved in activity which amounts to facilitating, inciting, promoting or providing support for activity which amounts to a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Neria’s Farm is now subject to an asset freeze

    Definitions

    • asset freeze: where an asset freeze applies, in summary, it is generally prohibited within the UK, and for UK persons outside the UK, to:
      1. Deal with funds or economic resources, owned, held or controlled by a designated person
      2. Make funds or economic resources available, directly or indirectly, to, or for the benefit of, a designated person
      3. Engage in actions that, directly or indirectly, circumvent the financial sanctions prohibitions
    • director disqualification sanctions: Where director disqualification sanctions apply, it will be an offence for a person designated for the purpose of those sanctions to act as a director of a company or to take part in the management, formation or promotion of a UK company
    • travel ban: an individual subject to a travel ban will be an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971, meaning that they must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK adopts historic Pandemic Agreement [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK adopts historic Pandemic Agreement [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 20 May 2025.

    Better protections for British public and NHS thanks to deal adopted at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

    • New Agreement will protect British public and NHS from future global health threats while preserving UK sovereignty
    • Pandemic Agreement will safeguard lives and UK economy by improving world’s collective ability to prevent, prepare for, detect and respond to global disease threats
    • This follows long negotiation process to ensure agreement is firmly in UK’s national interest

    The British people, our NHS and the economy will be better protected against future global health threats thanks to a new World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement adopted by the UK today.

    The deal marks a significant step forward in stronger domestic and global prevention by improving the way countries around the world work together to detect and combat pandemic threats.

    The UK government has been actively engaged in negotiations to ensure a strong final agreement. The Agreement adopted at the World Health Assembly in Geneva respects national sovereignty while encouraging nations to work together more effectively to address shared global health threats, in turn helping strengthen our national security which is a key part of this government’s Plan for Change. There are no provisions that would give the WHO powers to impose domestic public health decisions on the UK.

    Minister of State for International Development Baroness Chapman said:

    The Pandemic Agreement is a great example of the UK working with our partners to support countries combat disease and strengthen their health systems. Acting together will help us to prevent pandemics, and prepare for and respond to any future pandemic threats.

    Diseases cross borders, and our diplomacy must too, if we are to prevent a repeat of the devastation caused by Covid-19. That’s why this agreement will make the world a healthier and safer place.

    Health Minister Ashley Dalton said:

    COVID-19 showed us the vital importance of international cooperation to save lives. This landmark agreement will help protect British people from future pandemic threats and safeguard our health system, supporting our mission to build an NHS fit for the future.

    Our national interest and the safety and wellbeing of the British public will always be our first priority. This agreement maintains our sovereignty while ensuring the NHS and the UK as a whole will be better prepared for possible future global health emergencies, through stronger early warning systems and faster response capabilities.

    Our world-class life sciences sector will also benefit from increased innovation in vaccines and treatments, boosting growth and improving care for patients across the UK.

    UKHSA Chief Executive Dame Jenny Harries said:

    It is gratifying to see the Pandemic Agreement adopted. It is clear that international co-operation and collaboration must be at the very heart of our pandemic preparedness strategy if it is to be effective, and this agreement is a welcome step towards making the world a safer place from pandemic threats.

    UKHSA has consistently been committed to sharing data and analysis on pathogens with pandemic potential with our international partners, and we will continue to do so as we work to develop the global capacity to respond to emerging threats to public health.

    This is also good news for scientific innovation and the UK’s world-leading life sciences industry, opening the door to enabling high quality vaccines to be delivered faster in the next pandemic.

    The Covid-19 pandemic has had an enduring impact on lives and livelihoods around the world. Thousands of families in the UK lost loved ones, children missed out on pivotal learning and development opportunities, and businesses were forced to close their doors. The estimated cost of the UK government’s COVID-19 measures was over £300 billion.

    The new Pandemic Agreement will help avoid a repeat of this devastation by creating a framework for countries to take action together to better prevent pandemics – by improving disease surveillance so we can detect and respond to new health threats sooner, and by speeding up innovation of life-saving vaccines and treatments.

    The aim is to prevent pandemic threats from emerging in the first place and stopping them in their tracks when they do.

    It will facilitate swifter pathogen and pathogen data sharing so we can act quickly to prevent further spread. It will also enable the UK to develop vaccines, treatments and tests faster, which will help save lives and drive economic growth in our world-leading life sciences sector.

    124 member states agreed to adopt the Pandemic Agreement today, demonstrating strong international commitment to multilateralism and collective action to strengthen global health security.

    The final text represents a strong outcome for the UK. Key wins include:

    • Commitments on pandemic prevention, including for health, animal, and environmental sectors to collaborate through a “One Health” approach – a major step toward preventing disease spillover from animals to humans;
    • Provisions that will foster innovation, enhance global research and development, and strengthen supply chains;
    • The Pandemic Agreement paves the way for a new and voluntary Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system which should see pharmaceutical companies get faster access to the pathogens and genetic sequences that they need to create new vaccines, treatments and tests to respond to a pandemic. In return, manufacturers who voluntarily sign up to the system – not the government – will share a portion of their production with the WHO to allocate where it is most needed;
    • The PABS system is entirely voluntary for pharmaceutical companies, who may choose to join to gain faster access to pathogen data for innovation. There are no requirements placed on governments to share vaccines or treatments they have purchased.
    • The Pandemic Agreement does not include any provisions that would give the WHO powers to impose domestic public health decisions on the UK. The sovereignty of states is one of the guiding principles of the Agreement.
  • PRESS RELEASE : United Nations Daily Press Briefing (Situation on Arab States and Other Issues) [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : United Nations Daily Press Briefing (Situation on Arab States and Other Issues) [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the United Nations on 19 May 2025.

    The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

    **Secretary-General/Iraq

    Good afternoon, thank you for your patience.

    The Secretary-General landed back in New York a few hours ago.  He will be in Headquarters at about 3 p.m. for the resumed session with the General Assembly on the UN80 initiative, and that will be webcast for you to watch, should you be interested.

    But as you know, he just landed back from Baghdad, in Iraq, where he attended and addressed the Summit of the League of Arab States.  In the remarks that he delivered, the Secretary-General reiterated our constant calls for an urgently needed permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and the need for free flow of humanitarian aid.  “Only a two-State solution can deliver sustainable peace,” he said.

    He also spoke about the situation in other parts of the region, including Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Sudan and Somalia and underscored the vital partnership between the United Nations and the League of Arab States.

    On the margins of the Summit, he held a trilateral meeting with the Chairman of the African Union, Mahamoud Youssouf, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. [Aboul] Abu al-Ghait.

    Their meeting focused on Sudan and how to better cooperate and maintain a regular contact to better coordinate all initiatives in relation to peace in Sudan.

    He also met with the Prime Minister of Jordan, Jafar Hassan, where they discussed developments in the region, and obviously what is going on in Gaza.  Separately, he discussed the situation in Lebanon with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam of Lebanon.

    On Sunday, he spoke with the Prime Minister of Iraq, [Mohammed] Shia’ Al Sudani.  The Secretary-General during those talks reaffirmed that we remain fully committed to continuing to support the Government and people of Iraq following the planned departure of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).  As you know, the Mission’s mandate will not be extended beyond 31 December of this year.

    The Secretary-General also addressed the UN staff in Baghdad to express his thanks to them.  He laid a wreath at a memorial in the UN Compound in honour of 22 of our colleagues, who as you know, were brutally killed during the terrorist attack at the Canal Hotel on 19 August 2003.  Mr. [António] Guterres said that “this memorial is as a clear reminder of the vital work that the United Nations does around the world — and the dangers our people face in carrying out that work”.

    **Gaza

    Turning to Gaza, I can tell you that the Secretary-General is alarmed by the intensification of Israeli air strikes and ground operations in the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in the killing of hundreds of Palestinian civilians in recent days, including many women and children, and, of course, large-scale evacuation orders.

    The Secretary-General calls for the rapid, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to civilians, in order to avert famine, alleviate widespread suffering, and prevent further loss of life.

    The Secretary-General continues to call for a permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and welcomes the ongoing efforts by the mediators to reach a deal in Gaza.  He has repeatedly warned that the continued violence and the destruction will only compound civilian suffering and heighten the risk of a broader regional conflict.

    The Secretary-General reiterates that civilians must be respected and they must be protected at all times, and that all parties must strictly adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.

    The Secretary-General firmly rejects any forced displacement of the Palestinian population.

    **Occupied Palestinian Territory

    And our colleague Tom Fletcher, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, said today in a statement that the Israeli authorities have temporarily allowed us to resume limited aid delivery into Gaza, following 11 weeks of complete blockade, and amid a spike in the military offensive.  This is a welcome development that should remain in place.

    Today, he said, nine of our trucks were cleared to enter, via the Kerem Shalom crossing.  But it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed, and significantly more aid must be allowed into Gaza, starting tomorrow morning.

    Mr. Fletcher said we have been reassured that our work will be facilitated through our existing and proven mechanisms to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.  He said he is determined that our aid reach those in greatest need, and that the risk of theft by Hamas or other armed groups be minimized.

    He urged the Israeli authorities to open at least two crossings into Gaza, one in the north and one in the south.  He also urged them to simplify and expedite procedures; remove any quotas; lift access impediments within Gaza and not to conduct attacks in areas and times of deliveries; and allow us to cover a whole range of the huge needs of the Palestinian population in Gaza.

    To reduce looting, he added, there must be a regular flow of aid, and humanitarians must be permitted to use multiple routes.  Commercial goods should complement the humanitarian response.

    Today, Israeli authorities issued a displacement order covering 40 neighbourhoods in Khan Younis — an area encompassing most of the governorate, or about 23 per cent of the whole of the Gaza Strip.  It is affecting thousands of people and hundreds of humanitarian facilities, including wells, including pumping stations, including health facilities and including schools.  Overall, almost half a million people have been displaced across the Gaza Strip since mid-March.

    Meanwhile, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that since yesterday, increased heavy shelling and ground advances by Israel have occurred in the north and south of Gaza, killing and injuring many Palestinians, causing mass displacement and additional destruction.

    Attacks against healthcare facilities continue.  Yesterday, in North Gaza, the Al Awda Hospital was struck, putting scores of patients and medical staff at risk.  In Khan Younis governorate, operations at primary healthcare clinics in Al Qarara and Deir al Balah were forced to cease operations after the Al Qarara facility came under direct attack.  And today, an Israeli air strike hit Nasser Hospital, affecting 15 pallets of medical supplies that had been donated by our partners and that had been delivered about three weeks ago to that hospital.

    Partners working in water, sanitation and hygiene services tell us that in Beit Lahiya, solid waste management has come to a halt, with groundwater wells either damaged or non-functional.  Water trucking operations have also decreased significantly in the north of the Gaza Strip.  Thousands of litres of fuel are needed each week to provide minimal water and sanitation services to the population.

    Meanwhile, Israeli authorities continue to deny attempts for humanitarian movements, including one to retrieve fuel from Rafah, and that was today.  A request for the acting Humanitarian Coordinator Suzanna Tkalec to visit the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis was denied five times.  Overall, 6 of the 10 coordinated movements were denied today.

    **Ukraine

    Moving to Ukraine, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) tell us that hostilities over the weekend caused dozens of civilian casualties across the front-line regions.  In the Sumy region, an airstrike hit a public bus, killing at least nine people and injuring seven others.  That is what local authorities are telling us.  Humanitarian partners supported impacted families and evacuated children of those killed and injured to safer areas in the country.

    In the Donetsk region, civilians were killed and injured between air strikes.  The cities of Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk and Lyman have been heavily affected.  That is what local authorities are telling our colleagues on the ground.  In Kherson, authorities reported casualties and damage to numerous homes.  The attacks have also impacted humanitarian operations.

    In its latest access report, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that the increased use of long-range combat drones — now striking up to 15 kilometres from the front line — is worsening access constraints.  Incidents impacting humanitarian personnel, assets and facilities rose to 37 in March and April, up from 27 in January and February of this year.  Meanwhile, a new food security assessment by WFP [World Food Programme], the FAO [Food and Agriculture Organization] and the Kyiv School of Economics found that one in three families in front-line areas and bordering regions face moderate to severe food insecurity.

    Nearly 70 per cent of families surveyed reported skipping meals or cutting health and education costs.  Female-headed households and low-income households are among the most vulnerable.  The report calls for urgent international support to stabilize food access, support agriculture and protect livelihoods.

    **Libya

    A quick note from Libya, where Libya’s Presidency Council and the UN Mission in Libya — UNSMIL — have established a truce committee building on the fragile peace reached last week.  The Committee, which met for the first time on Sunday, is focused on facilitating a permanent ceasefire with emphasis on the protection of all civilians, and to agree on security arrangements in Tripoli.

    UNSMIL welcomes the Presidency Council’s leadership on its commitment to de-escalate tensions and foster peace.  The Committee, headed by the Chief of General Staff of the Libyan Army, General Mohammed al-Haddad, demonstrates a commitment from all sides to avoid further escalation and ensure that all parties abide with their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law.

    UNSMIL reiterates the United Nations Security Council’s concerns over the reports of civilian casualties during this week’s violence and calls for an immediate and unconditional, permanent ceasefire.  Those responsible for such attacks and for non-compliance with the truce arrangements and international humanitarian and human rights law must be held accountable.

    **World Health Assembly

    And just today, the Secretary-General addressed the seventy-eighth World Health Assembly via a video message.  He stressed that now more than ever, our world needs a coherent global health architecture that responds rapidly to crises and strengthens protection and well-being for all.

    Mentioning WHO’s (World Health Organization) Pandemic Agreement, the Secretary-General urged WHO member States to make history to strengthen global preparedness against pandemics, to ensure equity and solidarity in responding to health threats and to uphold the promise of health as a fundamental human right.  He also urged WHO member States to match ambition with resources — by strengthening investment in the World Health Organization and ensuring the sustainability and predictability it needs to build a healthier, safer and fairer world for all.

    **World Fair Play Day

    We have a new international day on the books.  Today is World Fair Play Day, a celebration dedicated to promoting sports practiced in the spirit of friendship, solidarity, tolerance, inclusion and non-discrimination.

    **Questions and Answers

    Spokesman:  Pam, you were very eager this morning.

    Question:  Thank you.

    Spokesman:  This afternoon.  Excuse me.

    Question:  Thank you, Steph.  Yes.  This afternoon.  Can you give a little more granularity about the Israeli approval for UN assistance and aid in Gaza?  Is there a ceasefire or a limited de-confliction?

    Spokesman:  No.  So, there’s no…  [cross-talk]

    Question:  No ceasefire?

    Spokesman:  I mean, I think as you’ve seen, there’s clearly no ceasefire, which is something we’ve been calling for a long time.

    Question:  And other UN agencies?

    Spokesman:  Hold on a sec.  My understanding is that there were nine trucks that are in the process and may have crossed, but we need to be very clear.  They’ve crossed from Israel proper into the area from which the UN can pick the supplies up in Gaza.  That part has not yet happened, right?  Given it’s late in the day, it’s very likely already dark or soon to be dark there.  Because of security concerns, we cannot operate in those conditions and pick them up.  There were nine trucks, mostly with nutrition supplies.  The Israeli authorities, as far as I understand it, told us that we had only nine trucks and that they broadly had to carry nutrition supplies. To say that this is a drop in the ocean is a clear, clear understatement, right?  Of course, nine trucks is better than no trucks, but we need a massive uptick of humanitarian aid.  We need a massive arrival of food, of cooking oil, of fuel, to meet these needs.

    Question:  And just on other UN agencies?

    Spokesman:  It was WFP and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) supplies.

    Question:  And UNICEF.

    Spokesman:  Yeah.

    Question:  Thank you.

    Spokesman:  Dezhi?

    Question:  Yes.  I follow-up on that question.  First of all, when you said it’s a limited humanitarian delivery, can we have a definition of what this limited means?  Like, does Israel agree daily, or how?

    Spokesman:  Limited means nine trucks.  [cross-talk]

    Question:  No.  I mean, is that daily basis?  So every week?  [cross-talk]

    Spokesman:  We were told we could do today.

    Question:  Only for today?

    Spokesman:  Yeah.  This is what we call today.  Hopefully, there will be more tomorrow, right?  But you know, this drop by drop, truck by truck approach nowhere meets the needs of the civilians in Gaza.

    Question:  And I want to confirm that.  Pam just asked about the deconfliction mechanism.  There’s no…?

    Spokesman:  Well, we very much hope that…  Let me put it this way.  The Israelis will know our trucks.  They know our movements.  We will continue to attempt to deconflict whatever movements will be allowed.

    Question:  This is what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in the video.  We must not reach a situation of famine, both from a practical and a diplomatic standpoint — which means that probably the Israeli Government knows that what the report from UN last week is right, that Gaza is facing a famine.  What I want to ask is they said it’s minimal humanitarian aid.  Do you think for UN this minimal bar is reached?  Like, does UN agree with this minimal…?

    Spokesman:  Well, I mean, we agree that it’s minuscule, that it’s minimal, whatever other “m” word you want to use.  It’s clearly not enough.  Gabriel, and then Michelle, then Benno.

    Question:  Thanks, Steph.  I’ll follow-up on that, and I have another question.  I’ll get into a number of trucks situation, but clearly nine trucks is not okay.  And it’s, as you’ve seen, quite frankly, it’s just propaganda by Israel.  Was any consideration given to UN of not participating in this propaganda by Israel?

    Spokesman:  We will continue to operate, right?  As long as we can do it under our basic principles, which I think we reiterate to you every time.  This aid will be distributed through our own mechanisms, through our own networks, which is acceptable to us.  We do not have the luxury of saying, well, if it’s only nine trucks, we’re not going to do it, right?  It’s clearly not enough, right?  It will clearly put our staff at risk, right?  It may even put the recipients at risk, given the anxiety that will be created by knowing that there are only so few trucks coming in.  This is why we need to go back to a tried and true system, which worked. I mean, Mr. Fletcher was very clear on that on Friday.

    Question:  But Israel hasn’t agreed to that, Steph.  They’re basically saying they’re using the UN as propaganda to allow a few trucks in, and then knowing that they’re going to tell you guys in a few days, okay, we’re done with you.  We’ve now got this other system set up.  Bye, bye. Thank you very much.  You guys are okay with participating with that?

    Spokesman:  Let me put it this way, we don’t have the intellectual luxury of saying no.  But we have been very clear to our Israeli counterparts, and we remain in constant touch with them, that this is not enough, that this is putting people at risk. But as long as aid is distributed through our system, it will be distributed.  But we’ve also been very clear that we will not bend on our principles, right?  That we will not participate in the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation process because that does not meet our principles.

    Question:  Can I ask one, very quick last one?  It’s a very important one.  Over the weekend, UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) surpassed a very grim milestone.  Three hundred UNRWA staff members have been killed by Israel over the weekend.  What is the Secretary-General’s response to Israel continuing to kill your own staff?

    Spokesman:  It is not only condemnable and tragic for colleagues, for their families. It also remains a very visible and understanding symbol of the risk that our own staff are taking every day to try to help their own people.  Michelle, then Benno, and then we’ll move down.

    Question:  Thanks, Steph.  You said that the…  I think Israel have only said five trucks have entered so far.

    Spokesman:  Yeah.  I mean, I checked with our colleagues on the ground as we were talking.  Nine was supposed to cross today with, and cross again. Let’s be very clear.  It’s just crossing from Israel proper into kind of the pickup zone, right?  But none of that aid has been picked up, given the lateness of the day.  So, hopefully, by the end of day, we’ll know whether all the nine that we were told to go in have actually gone in.

    Question:  So following on from that, does the UN have the capacity that, you know, the trucks and the people to go and pick that aid up tomorrow?  Is it safe enough?  How much aid needs to get in there?  [cross-talk]

    Spokesman:  Yes.  We have the capacity to pick them up.  Nowhere is safe in Gaza.  Every time aid is picked up, our colleagues take risks.  One can only imagine the risk that each of these truck drivers that will go pick them up and drive them to a distribution point or to a UN warehouse will take, and they’re willing to take it.  But that’s why we are saying that this sort of mechanism where it’s a drip, drip, drip, you know, nine trucks today, who knows how many tomorrow, just keeps making the risk even greater when, as Gabriel just pointed out, 300 of our staff have been killed recently.

    Question:  And then…  Sorry.  Just two more questions.  This new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation mechanism, Israel argues that there’s a need for this because Hamas has been stealing aid.  Does the UN have any evidence of that?

    Spokesman:  It is intolerable for anyone to steal aid, whether it is from armed groups, whether it is from Hamas, whether it is from criminal enterprises.

    Question:  Have they been doing that, though?

    Spokesman:  There has been looting, right?  Often by men, armed men.  As again, I think, as I’ve said it before, we don’t always, when somebody comes at you and points a gun at you, you take the decision you need to take to save your own life, without asking questions.  What lowers the risk of looting is having more aid in, right?  I think we all have to put ourselves in the shoes of people who do not have enough food.  And if they see one truck go by, not even knowing what’s on the truck and not knowing if there’ll be another truck, people will do what they need to do to survive. If you’re able to flood the area with humanitarian aid, you’re lowering that risk.

    Question:  And then just one last question on the foundation and its plan. Obviously, the UN has said that it doesn’t meet sort of humanitarian principles, standards.  Can you be a little more specific about that for our outside audience?  What’s that mean?  [cross-talk]

    Spokesman:  First of all, we do not think that setting up a limited number of distribution points, forcing people to move to in Gaza, to move to get it, it also just it heightens risk.  We don’t know what criteria they will use to distribute that aid.  I know I always sound like a broken record, but there is a system that worked during the ceasefire.  There’s a system that met basic needs of the population, right?  We can go back to that system.  We have wheels that turn.  We do not need to reinvent yet another wheel.  Mr. Schwinghammer?

    Question:  Thank you, Mr. Dujarric.  One follow-up.  Just for context for our audience, nine trucks, not enough, obviously.  But like, how many trucks would be enough?  Are we talking about dozens, hundreds?

    Spokesman:  Hundreds.  I mean, I think…  listen. Despite the lack of international journalists in Gaza, which continues to be the case, which hampers your audience’s understanding what is going on, we have seen the pictures.  You’ve heard the testimony from our colleagues.  To say that nine is not enough is, again, it is just a tremendous understatement.

    Question:  Okay.  And you talked about Mr. Fletcher being really clear about the situation in Gaza. The Israeli Ambassador interpreted his words as he claimed that Israel committed genocide.  Is that also your reading?

    Spokesman:  That is not what he claimed.

    Question:  Okay.  But he used the words genocide, and he said we have to prevent it from happening.  So does the SG think we are on a way to genocide?

    Spokesman:  The issue of whether or not there is a genocide will be decided for the UN by a court of law.  What we are seeing is a human suffering on an unimaginable scale that keeps getting worse and worse and worse.

    Question:  But the wording of Mr. Fletcher insinuates that we are on a pathway that leads to that place.  So do you agree with his words?  [cross-talk]

    Spokesman:  I think, I’ve answered your question to the best of my limited ability. Please.  And then Yvonne, and then I’ll come back.

    Question:  First question.  President [Vladimir] Putin and President [Donald] Trump just concluded talks.  They’ve lasted about two hours, and Russian leader called them substantive and helpful.  What is your reaction about these talks?

    Spokesman:  I think the fact that there were phone conversations, reported conversations between President Trump and President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy, President Trump and President Putin in itself is to be welcomed.  Our stand continues to be that we will support any effort that would lead to an end to the war in Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN, the principles of the Charter, territorial integrity of Ukraine, and all relevant UN resolutions.  Ms. Murray, RTE.

    Question:  So back to the trucks, there is some confusion now whether it’s nine or five as Michelle was pointing out.  So you, is there…  You’ve been told nine?

    Spokesman:  I do not contradict the confusion.

    Question:  Okay.

    Spokesman:  What I’m saying in my understanding and, again, one of the reasons I was late, I was speaking to a colleague in Jerusalem.  Nine trucks were permitted to go in.  It is unclear to me at this point whether all nine have actually crossed the crossing into that pickup zone, right?  Hopefully within next hour, we will have the final count. What I’m confirming is at this point, none of the aid has been picked up.

    Question:  Right.  Okay.

    Spokesman:  And doubtful that the aid will be picked up too.

    Question:  Okay.  Because COGAT is saying five.

    Question:  So okay.  And just returning to one of the points that was made earlier on, was there any internal discussion as to whether to engage in this, which could be considered a charade, given that only five trucks or nine trucks when the need is over hundreds as you just pointed out?

    Spokesman:  There is, of course, a reputational risk.  Let’s be honest, right?  For the UN.  But we’ve always been saying that we will, first of all, we need aid in, that we will participate in aid that we’re able to distribute under our own principles, and this is the case, right?  We need to see more.  We have a responsibility to the people of Gaza, to the civilians in need.  We have to uphold our own ideals.  This kind of meant we were able to, we feel, to do both, at huge risk to us both, you know, physically for our staff, reputational risk, like you say, like you say.  So it is an impossible situation to be in.  But as I said, I don’t think we had the luxury to say no at this point.

    Question:  Okay.  And one other question.  During the 11 weeks of this total blockade on food and water and medical supplies, how much aid has been spoiled that’s been waiting to enter Gaza?  Do you have any details?

    Spokesman:  No.  It’s a very good point.  We can check with our World Food Programme colleagues, especially because the food is the one that, but […] perishable items are just that.  Stefano, and then we’ll come back north.

    Question:  Looks like the situation, it gets slightly better, is it possible? You say [inaudible].  Instead, it looks like, we probably risking to have another Sudan soon, if things don’t change.  So my question here is, what is the Secretary-General position on the role of Prime Minister [Abdul Hamid] Dbeibah?  Does he believe the current Government of National Unity can still lead Libya to election?  A senior representative of Tripoli-based government told me last week that only the Trump Administration can resolve the situation.  Does the UN Secretary-General share their view?

    Spokesman:  Look.  The Libyan people themselves need to resolve the situation.  In any country where there is a civilian conflict, where ruling elites, ruling parties, are fighting each other militarily anywhere in the world, and there are quite a few examples of that, the solution needs to come from the country itself.  We, as a basic principle, are here to assist those countries in coming up with nationally-led and nationally-owned processes.  And that is our stand on Libya, on Yemen, and Sudan, and a lot of other places.

    Question:  Yeah.  But just a quick follow-up.  Because in Sudan, a situation is not the same, but end up to be similar you know, there is a civil war going on between two factions.  And the UN was that was trying to make, you know, not this to happen, it failed.  So…

    Spokesman:  Well, who failed?

    Question:  Uh?

    Spokesman:  Who failed?

    Question:  The UN failed to make sure to…

    Spokesman:  I think the Libyan leaders failed to come together.

    Question:  I was talking about Sudan now.  What failed?  Okay?  We have a situation in Sudan that we know what it is.  So my question is, what are the instruction that the Secretary-General has given to UNSMIL and his Special Representative to try to prevent now, if we’re still in time, what happened?

    Spokesman:  To work with Libyan leaders, with Libyan civil society, in trying to ensure that all those in charge put the interest of the Libyan people first and foremost.  Dulcie, Pass Blue.

    Question:  Yeah.  Do you know what these nutrition supplies are?  Are these the peanut butter things?

    Spokesman:  I mean […] it is, I think, infant formula, nutrition supplies.  It is not flour or cooking oil.  That’s what I know.  You should check with UNICEF and World Food Programme to know exactly what it is.

    Question:  Is the UN communicating with this Gaza Humanitarian Foundation at all?

    Spokesman:  I’m not aware of any direct contacts that we’ve had with that leadership.

    Question:  And is the UN aware that they are actually on the ground now?  Because there are some tweets suggesting they’re…

    Spokesman:  We’re aware of the situation in Gaza pretty well.

    Question:  Okay.  So, you know, to go to the idea that Israel says that the aid is falling into hands of Hamas, and one of the plans of this GHF is to do facial recognition.  So would the UN consider any of these ideas to alleviate these accusations?

    Spokesman:  I mean, we have been distributing aid in Gaza for quite some time, and we’ve been doing successfully, and we want to go back to that. Madame?

    Question:  So going back to the nine trucks, I mean, Israeli Minister of Finance, [Bezalel] Smotrich, basically said today in a speech that they will wipe Gaza out and that they’re just allowing a minimum amount of aid to go in so the international community would provide Israel with protection.  He said this in a speech.  I mean, it’s basically an admission of what this is.  Do you have any comment on that?

    Spokesman:  I mean, you know, we’ve seen this sort of horrendous apocalyptic rhetoric before.  As I said, our responsibility, our humanitarian colleagues in Gaza, their responsibility is to do whatever they can within the principles of how we work to help the people in Gaza.  And as I’ve said, nine is not enough.  I said to Yvonne that there there’s a huge reputational risk for us, as well.  But we had to take it.  And I think, like you said, the statements from various Israeli officials have been very, very transparent.  Michelle, Reuters.

    Question:  Thank you, sir.  Tom Fletcher said that, you know, much more aid needs to be let in starting tomorrow morning.  Has Israel committed to let aid in tomorrow?

    Spokesman:  I mean, we understand there may be another round of trucks allowed in tomorrow, but what we need, again, is not a drop by drop, truck by truck, item by item.  We need massive flow of humanitarian aid.

    Question:  Have they indicated how many trucks they might let in tomorrow?

    Spokesman:  There’s been some indication, but I can tell you it is not enough.

    Question:  Doesn’t?

    Spokesman:  I can tell you that it is not enough.

    Question:  Let me change your topic.

    Spokesman:  Why?

    Question:  There’s a document from the US Department of Commerce warning that, using Huawei, a Chinese company’s AI chips may violate US export controls even outside the United States.  So this assertion was based on unilateral sanctions as well as extraterritorial jurisdiction.  Does the UN believe these kind of measures comply with the international law, and what does the Secretary-General’s stance on the potential fragmentation of global tech supply chain?

    Spokesman:  I really have no comment on this because it’s first I’ve heard of it. And I’m not sure we will have a comment on it.

    Question:  And what does…?  Okay, go ahead.

    Spokesman:  What I can tell you is that the Secretary-General has been very concerned about a fracturing of the global economy, of a decoupling of the global economy. And as you know better than I, Dezhi, he said it, I think, a few years ago, well before this ongoing debate.

    Question:  Let me brought this issue to a broader picture.  What does the UN’s view on the rights of developing countries to access critical technologies under such kind of restrictive policy?

    Spokesman:  We believe that there is an architecture within the UN system to facilitate global trade, and it should be used.  Hold on.  Yes, please, and then we’ll go to the screen because I see hands are waving.

    Question2:  Hi, Steph.  Munir Alserma for CNN.  On the nine aid trucks that are going in, can you talk a little bit more in detail on the disbursement methods?  What initiatives are you guys taking to avoid another, like, flour massacre incident?

    Spokesman:  Well, I mean, listen.  Once the material is picked up, they will be sent to UN warehouses, and we’ll use the same system of distribution through partners, partner NGOs, and UN agencies that we’ve been used in the past.  But as again, as I said, given the infinitesimally small number of trucks and supplies that are going in, it’s going to create outsized expectations, which only increases the security risk, both for our own staff and for the recipients.

    Question2:  And, do you know any specific measures you’re taking?

    Spokesman:  Well, I mean, you know, UN staff are unarmed, Right?  Our protection comes from the community.  And this situation is the risks, the security risks are very high.  Abdelhamid, then Joe.

    Question:  I have three questions, and I hope, I will not be muted before I finish, as always happen.  And I know it’s not you who mute me.  My first question about this statement by Smotrich when he said, these trucks will be followed by drones to know where they’re going.  Is that acceptable to the UN?

    Spokesman:  I haven’t seen that statement.  What is the only thing that is acceptable to us is that we’d be allowed to deliver the aid freely based on our principles.  Your second question?

    Question3:  Second question.  The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that in the last three days, 500 Palestinians were killed, an average of one Palestinian every 15 minutes.  I haven’t heard the word condemnation.  Although you mentioned hundreds being killed, you spoke about killing also the journalists, the humanitarian workers, staff, but the word condemned is missing.  Why is that?

    Spokesman:  We’ve repeatedly condemned the killing of civilians, including our own staff.  And I can tell you, tragically, three more UNRWA staff were killed today.  Yes.  You have one more question, Abdelhamid, then we’ll move to Joe.

    Question:  Two officials we haven’t heard from are Sigrid Kaag and Virginia Gamba. And what’s going on in Gaza concerned both senior staff.  Where are they?  Why they are silent?

    Spokesman:  Virginia Gamba, I think, will send in her report to the Security Council usually in June or early July.  That is being worked on.  I was in touch with Sigrid today.  She continues her contacts with people, with leaders in the region, leaders in Israel. I could tell you she is extremely busy at work, trying to push forward and make it on a positive agenda.  I think Mr. Fletcher has been very clearly outspoken.  The Secretary-General has spoken.  Just because you haven’t heard statements from Ms. Kaag, doesn’t mean that she is not active at work.  But I think when the Secretary-General speaks, it covers her.  When Mr. Fletcher, as representative of the humanitarian system, it also covers her work.  One doesn’t need to issue statements every five minutes to prove that they are hard at work fulfilling their mandate.  Mr. Klein?

    Question:  Yes.  I want to go back to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.  In response to some of the objections that have been raised by UN officials, they have indicated that they are planning a rollout across Gaza, more distribution sites throughout Gaza.  And as they roll this out, to set up secure transport for delivery, of aid wherever they can.  They’ve also offered to partner with the UN agencies on an ongoing basis to secure maximum capabilities and capacities for delivery of aid.  So my question is, you mentioned concern about the UN’s reputation. Aren’t you concerned or Secretary-General concerned that by just rejecting the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s outreach out of hand, that you may be damaging UN’s reputation?

    Spokesman:  I don’t think…  We don’t need another partner.  We don’t need a newly minted humanitarian partner to tell us how to do our work in Gaza. There is a system which has worked, and it has worked successfully.  What we need in Gaza is what the Secretary-General has been called for — a ceasefire, right?  Until we get that ceasefire, we need to get humanitarian aid in.  We need to get the hostages out.  We understand there are discussions going on with the help of the mediators, with the help of the US, the help of Qatar, the help of Egypt to get Israel and Hamas to agree.  We need that to happen.  In the meantime, we will continue to do our work proudly under very, very difficult circumstances, very dangerous circumstances.  As I mentioned, three more of our colleagues were killed today. Two of them on an airstrike in what had been an UNRWA school.  But we do not need to bend on our principles on how we do our work.  Thank you all.  On that…  Oh, sorry. Go ahead, Dennis, please.

    Question:  Yeah.  Another topic on Ukrainian church.  So there is well-known continuous crackdown on Ukrainian Orthodox Church by Ukrainian authorities.  When will UN and its institution will address this issue, as well as attempts of European countries to intervene in work of religious organizations that have ties to Russian Orthodox Church?

    Spokesman:  I can’t speak for the European institutions.  What I can tell you is that we firmly believe in everyone’s right to worship and for religious organizations, to exist and work freely.