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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions corrupt actors in Guatemala [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK sanctions corrupt actors in Guatemala [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

    The UK has sanctioned seven corrupt actors whose actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala.

    • The UK has sanctioned seven corrupt actors whose actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala, including former President Alejandro Giammattei and Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras
    • This forms parts of a wider sanctions package against corrupt individuals linked to Moldova, Georgia and Guatemala
    • This is the latest action in the Foreign Secretary’s campaign to tackle corruption and dirty money around the world, global threats that undermine the very foundations of free and democratic societies

    The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has announced today a series of sanctions against individuals from Moldova, Georgia, and Guatemala. In Guatemala, the UK remains deeply concerned by continued attempts to undermine the Arévalo Government by corrupt actors with links to the previous administration.

    Among the members of the “Pacto de Corruptos” (Pact of the Corrupt) facing sanctions are former President of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei, his associate Miguel Martinez, and the Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras. In office, Giammattei profited from significant acts of corruption including re-appointing Porras to target his political rivals and undermine anti-corruption investigations. Porras and her cronies have achieved this by undermining the operational independence of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity and prosecuting journalists, lawyers and judges. Porras also attempted to annul the 2023 election and hinder the 2024 transition of power to President Arévalo. Meanwhile, Melvin Ernesto Quijivix Vega, former head of the National Institute of Electrification (Instituto Nacional de Electrificacion), embezzled more than 14.5m quetzales (£1.5m) of public funds.

    Independent investigative reporting and the activities of civil society groups often play a crucial role in informing sanctions of this kind. But Porras and the Pacto de Corruptos have weaponised their powers against Guatemalan journalists who have tried to hold them to account. This led to the closure of noted investigative newspaper El Periódico and the jailing of its founder, following an investigation into a bribe from a Russian mining company to former President Giammattei in exchange for favourable exploration licences and port access.

    Individuals targeted by today’s sanctions will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes, denying them entry to the UK and preventing them from holding funds or economic resources in the UK and its overseas territories.

    These sanctions reaffirm the UK’s commitment to combating corruption and protecting the institutions designed to hold these unscrupulous individuals to account. The UK continues to stand with all Guatemalans in defence of democracy and the rule of law, and against those who trample on these principles for personal gain.

    Background

    Today the UK has sanctioned:

    • Alejandro Giammattei, former President of Guatemala;
    • Maria Consuelo Porras, Attorney General of Guatemala;
    • Jose Curruchiche, Head of the Special Prosecution Office Against Impunity (Fiscalía Especial contra la Impunidad);
    • Cinthia Monterroso, Prosecutor and Head of Unit at the Special Prosecution Office Against Impunity (Fiscalía Especial contra la Impunidad);
    • Angel Pineda, Secretary General of the Public Ministry (Ministerio Publico);
    • Melvin Quijivix, former Head of the National Institute of Electrification (Instituto Nacional de Electrificacion);
    • Miguel Martinez, associate of Giammattei and former Head of the Centre of Government (Centro de Gobierno).
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government unlocks £10 billion private investment into the UK [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government unlocks £10 billion private investment into the UK [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 2 April 2025.

    The Minister for Investment has signed a new partnership with Singaporean bank OCBC, which will help unlock £10 billion of investment into key priority sectors in the UK.

    • Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson signs new partnership with OCBC, Singapore’s second largest bank, to facilitate £10 billion investment into the UK.
    • Agreement will increase UK-Asia Pacific collaboration and support investment into priority growth sectors including energy, infrastructure and real estate.
    • Comes in the wake of ratification of CPTPP – a massive trade deal with the region – helping to create economic growth and supporting the Plan for Change.

    New collaboration between the UK government and one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia will unlock £10 billion of investment into Britain, boosting economic growth and driving forward the government’s Plan for Change.

    Today [Wednesday 2 April], Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson has signed the new MoU with the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited’s (OCBC) Head of Global Corporate Banking Elaine Lam.

    The bank aims to finance £10 billion of investment from the Asia Pacific region into priority growth sectors including energy, infrastructure and real estate by 2030.

    Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said:

    This £10 billion commitment from OCBC is a major vote of confidence in the UK economy. Not only will it help create more opportunities in real estate and infrastructure, but will also back our clean energy industry, a key growth sector identified in our upcoming Industrial Strategy.”

    We have the most open, stable and connected economy in the world – and our Plan for Change will encourage more international companies to invest here, delivering long-term growth that supports good, skilled jobs across the country.

    Under the newly expanded Office for Investment, OCBC will collaborate with the government to promote the UK as a hub for businesses, investors and services, attracting billions of pounds worth of investment from Asia and supporting the government’s growth mission.

    As one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia, OCBC brings valuable private capital from Asia into the UK. OCBC’s plan to finance £10 billion worth of investment until 2030 signifies the significant opportunities from Asia and is a huge vote of confidence in the UK economy.

    OCBC Head of Global Corporate Banking Elaine Lam said:

    The UK and Singapore share historically deep ties and OCBC is proud to play a part in further strengthening the relationship with this agreement. Our UK business has grown significantly over the years and our London branch is now the largest in our international network. The growth has been driven by developments in sectors such as real estate, renewables, energy transition as well as digital and core physical infrastructure.

    These align with the priority sectors outlined in the UK’s industrial strategy and we will double down on our efforts to drive further growth in these areas. We are also committed to supporting UK companies that are keen to establish or expand operations in Singapore and Southeast Asia. We look forward to building on our strong track record in the UK to deliver on these goals.

    The UK and Asia-Pacific trading relationship is worth £126 billion. This new partnership will create more opportunities in key growth driving sectors identified in the government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, and build on the UK’s CPTPP ratification – expected to boost the economy by £2 billion a year in the long-term.

    The collaboration will also help facilitate further trade and investment with the APAC region, as the UK remains committed to free and fair trade, with a pro-business approach focused on reducing barriers to investment.

    The government’s new modern Industrial Strategy will deliver long-term, sustainable, inclusive growth right across the UK by driving investment into the economy and hardwire stability for investors, giving them the confidence to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Local heritage to be protected with £20 million of funding [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Local heritage to be protected with £20 million of funding [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 2 April 2025.

    Support to boost people’s access to local heritage, delivering government’s Plan for Change to increase opportunities for all.

    2 April 2025
    • Shops, pubs, parks, and town halls at risk of falling into disrepair will be protected with £15 million grant scheme now open for applications
    • Comes alongside new £4.85 million Heritage Revival Fund also open for applications, helping communities to take ownership of local heritage sites and bring them back into good use

    Communities across England can now apply for a share of almost £20 million to help care for historic buildings and heritage sites in their local area, ensuring that everyone, everywhere feels proud of where they live.

    The new £4.85 million Heritage Revival Fund is currently accepting applications for projects that will help to rescue and repurpose neglected historic buildings, like theatres, department stores and former banks. It will do this by supporting community organisations, charities and social enterprises to take ownership of these sites, transforming them into vibrant spaces that meet local needs.

    The programme will be delivered by the Architectural Heritage Fund and will run from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026. It will be open to charities and social enterprises in England seeking to take ownership of and adapt historic buildings for community uses.

    This is in addition to the £15 million Heritage at Risk Capital Fund opening today for Expressions of Interest from individuals or organisations, focusing on the most deprived areas to rescue their locally cherished, at risk historic sites and buildings. This funding will support projects which seek to repair and enhance a variety of heritage buildings to benefit the local public and community, like shops, pubs, parks, and town halls. This is in addition to Historic England’s current Heritage at Risk Repair Grants, and will be open to a wider range of local heritage sites, celebrating the historic buildings people care most about.

    It follows the announcement from the Culture Secretary last month of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to support economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.

    Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    It is so important to communities across the country that we preserve local heritage that helps us to tell our national story.

    I am delighted that we have been able to provide this support to save the historic buildings most at risk, whilst simultaneously empowering people all over the country to take over the heritage sites at the beating heart of their communities and bring them back into good use.

    These new funds are just another step of our Plan for Change, helping to boost local economies and bring opportunity to everyone, everywhere.

    Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said:

    Thanks to the £15m additional funding through the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we will be able to help breathe new life into derelict historic buildings, stimulating economic growth and boosting local pride in some of the country’s most deprived areas. We’re excited to fund projects that will harness the power of heritage to make a difference where it is most needed.

    Ros Kerslake, Chair of the Architectural Heritage Fund, said:

    We are delighted to announce the new Heritage Revival Fund and our renewed partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Historic England. AHF’s work in recent years has demonstrated the impact that the regeneration of historic buildings can have on our town centres and high streets so we are excited to be able to extend the reach of that work.

    Historic buildings aren’t just landmarks—they’re symbols of pride, purpose, and local identity and this funding will unlock the potential of social enterprises and charities to transform neglected heritage into thriving community spaces.

    We would also like to say a huge thanks to DCMS and the Culture Secretary, this investment will breathe new life into these vital spaces.

    Notes to editors:

    • The Heritage Revival Fund will build on the recent work of the Architectural Heritage Fund to a wide range of community-led projects and will support more projects similar to:
    1. The Ice House in Great Yarmouth. The Grade II-listed Ice House, originally one of a pair, is now the only building of its kind left in the country and serves as a reminder of the town’s once-thriving fishing industry. Thanks to Out There Arts, the unique building will soon be brought back into full use as a National Centre for Outdoor Arts and Circus, comprising an arts and circus training hub, with opportunities for performances and a bar. This imaginative and creative reuse of the building will further develop Great Yarmouth’s reputation as the capital of circus in the UK, while also strengthening the link between the town’s fishing and circus heritage.
    2. Across the country in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust has revitalised 170-175 High Street West. Originally a row of houses, the buildings were rapidly adapted for commercial use when they housed the drapery shop of George Binns and his son, Henry. Over subsequent generations, the small drapery shop expanded to regional dominance as Binns Department Store. However, the buildings that provided Binns’ first home eventually fell into disrepair. Now, they have been restored and repurposed as a café, community hub, and the music and arts venue that has cemented the site’s position at the heart of Sunderland’s Community.
    • In February, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy announced more than £270 million in funding for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in a major boost for growth.
    • The online portal to register Expressions of Interest for the Heritage Revival Fund opened on 1 April 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found on the Architectural Heritage Fund’s website.
    • The online portal to register Expressions of Interest for the Heritage At Risk Capital Fund opens on 2 April 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found on Historic England’s website.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Parents to save thousands through school-based nursery places [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Parents to save thousands through school-based nursery places [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 2 April 2025.

    300 new school-based nurseries approved in first round of funding, delivering on manifesto pledge with massive boost to early education.

    Families across the country are set to benefit from thousands of new nursery places from September, as the government delivers the change that people voted for by confirming the first wave of 300 school-based nurseries.

    The measures will help parents get to work, increasing access to childcare when they need it, and supports the government’s promise to put more cash in their pockets. The rollout of 30 government-funded hours of childcare will save parents up to £7,500 on average, while £450 per year will be saved through free breakfast clubs in schools.

    Funding for the programme has been more than doubled to £37 million — marking an important milestone in the expanded childcare rollout. Alongside introducing universal free breakfast clubs in all primary schools, the government’s plans will ensure children of all ages start the day ready to learn.

    The new or expanded nurseries will ensure children can access high-quality early education and get the best start in life as part of the government’s Plan for Change, delivering on its manifesto pledge for thousands of school-based nurseries across the country by the end of this Parliament.

    The first 300 school-based nurseries will be located in towns and cities across the country, from Exeter to North Tyneside. Overall, they will offer an average of 20 places per site and up to 6,000 new places in total, with up to 4,000 set to be available by the end of September.

    School-based nurseries are already making a difference in communities across the country. The majority of new nurseries opening as part of this phase are in the North or Midlands, including around one in ten in the North East – increasing access to childcare in cold spots and supporting the communities that need it most.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    Delivering on our promise of a better early years system is my top priority, which is why we’ve more than doubled our investment in this first phase so thousands more children can benefit from a high-quality early education from this September.

    We said we’d act, and now we have. But this is just the beginning – we’ve set a hugely important milestone to get tens of thousands more children every year school-ready by age 5 as part of our Plan for Change.

    We’re raising the bar for early years, delivering on our manifesto commitments and building a system that gives every child the best start in life.

    This comes as new research released last month shows that early education is vital for children’s development and school readiness, particularly for those who may need extra support.

    School-based early education tends to be more inclusive – with a higher proportion of children with special educational needs than other settings.

    And in areas where deprivation is higher, having early years provision embedded within a primary school helps children settle into learning in a familiar and trusted environment.

    According to the IFS, teachers report that this continuity supports children’s development, strengthens relationships with families, and leads to smoother transitions into Reception — helping to close development gaps before they widen.

    Alex Armstrong, Headteacher at Bloemfontein Primary School who will be using their allocated funding to open a new baby room on site said:

    We wanted to address the shortage of nursery places in our local area and to provide the community with high-quality early education for our youngest learners. This funding will enable us to transform unused school space into an engaging and vibrant environment, offering year-round childcare for children from birth to five.

    There are so many benefits to school-based nursery provision, including continuity for children and their families and the opportunity to develop expert-led learning which will provide our children with strong foundations for lifelong success.

    Jason Elsom, Chief Executive of Parentkind said:

    Parents often struggle with finding good quality childcare, and many will welcome this investment, especially as parents with more than one child may be saved from the mad dash from nursery to school in the morning and afternoon.

    With more reach into the lives of parents and schools than any other charity, we know that childcare is a major headache for parents with young children, from the exorbitant cost, to finding a reliable local place for their children.

    Some of the best performing schools are now expanding into early years to deliver an excellent education, and the School-Based Nursery Capital Grant will enable even more schools to help the children in their care to be school ready before moving from nursery to reception, giving them the best start in life.

    Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

    There should be no higher priority for government than investment in the early years. The evidence is clear that high quality early education can make a lasting difference to children’s lives, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    It is therefore extremely positive to see the first wave of new and expanded school-based nurseries being announced today. Schools play a vital role in the early years ecosystem, and this should help strengthen that further.

    Felicity Gillespie, Director of early years charity Kindred Squared:

    Quality early education has a disproportionately positive effect on disadvantaged children.

    Forty percent of the attainment gap we see in children aged sixteen is already evident at five years old, but children who attend high-quality settings for two to three years can be almost eight months ahead of children who do not attend nursery.

    So, this welcome investment by the Government in children’s futures is to be celebrated.

    As part of wider work to break down barriers to opportunity for every family, from this week providers are due to benefit from the largest ever uplift to the Early Years Pupil Premium, helping ensure the most disadvantaged children are accessing the high-quality early years education they need. This is part of an over £2 billion extra investment going into the sector next year, bringing total investment to over £8 billion.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – UK Statement for the Item 10 General Debate [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – UK Statement for the Item 10 General Debate [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

    UK Statement at the 58th Human Rights Council for the Item 10 General Debate. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President,

    We would like to begin by commending Bangladesh’s interim government for inviting the UN Human Rights Office to investigate last summer’s events. We are encouraged by Bangladesh’s continued engagement with OHCHR and we hope to see ongoing collaboration with the UN and international partners to build an inclusive, democratic future. The UK supports efforts to safeguard and promote human rights in Bangladesh, including through the consensus-led reform process.

    We remain concerned by the human rights situation in Yemen which is undermined by a lack of both security and stability. In consultation with the government of Yemen, and in collaboration with international partners, we have launched a Flexible Funding Mechanism that will provide technical advisory support to promote effective and sustainable governance.

    In Georgia, we are deeply concerned about the violence used by authorities against protestors, journalists, and the opposition. Their attacks on democratic protesters are unacceptable. They tarnish Georgia’s international standing and go against its constitutional commitment to a Euro-Atlantic future.

    We are grateful for OHCHR’s work to provide technical assistance and support in this increasingly challenging environment. In particular, we welcome the recent establishment of new multi-country offices in Nairobi and Sarajevo.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : “New partnership” between defence and private sector set to boost UK defence sector [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : “New partnership” between defence and private sector set to boost UK defence sector [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 April 2025.

    Major venture capitalists from across Europe can help unlock billions of pounds of private investment into UK technology and defence firms, as part of a “new partnership” between defence and private investors, the Defence Secretary has said today.

    • Influential investors convened in London to discuss future routes to defence financing.
    • Government’s record spending uplift and reforms will help unlock private-sector investment into UK defence, Defence Secretary said.
    • Defence “is an ethical investment” as Government set to back Britain’s high-growth companies with new innovation funding.
    • Comes alongside up to £250 million of Government investment into UK firm to help boost missile defence.

    In a first-of-its-kind meeting between venture capital firms and a UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP spoke at a breakfast roundtable at Plural’s offices in central London. The meeting was convened by Plural partner Khaled Helioui, and Grace Cassy of Ten Eleven Ventures who has supported the development of the Strategic Defence Review as part of the Defence Review Team.

    In a changing world, with increasing threats and war in Europe, the group discussed how to incentivise greater private investment into defence and deep technology, to help deter Britain’s adversaries, secure the UK economy, protect the incomes of hard-working families up and down the country and support European security.

    The Defence Secretary set out how the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War – with 2.5% of GDP spend by April 2027 and a commitment to hit 3% in the next Parliament – coupled with defence reforms, can unlock private sector investment into high-growth British firms – boosting jobs and delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by making defence an engine for growth across the UK. This includes:

    • A new ambition to unlock more private defence investment, supported by long-term certainty of rising Government defence investment over the next decade, alongside the new Government direct expenditure target for SMEs including start-ups and scale-ups to give high-growth companies more certainty and sight of future investment.
    • Turbocharging innovation with a new £400 million ringfenced budget for UK Defence Innovation, announced by the Chancellor last week, alongside a commitment to spend 10% of the MOD equipment budget on novel technologies.
    • Making clear that “defence is an ethical investment” in deterring conflict and preventing the huge human and economic costs caused by conflicts such as Ukraine. It comes as some funds look to renegotiated Limited Partner Agreements to better enable investment into defence.

    In a sign of the Government backing British firms with long-term public investment, the meeting comes as the Government confirms up to £250 million investment across the next six years with UK defence tech firm Roke – supporting around 150 jobs and delivering analysis, trials and technology development against ballistic and hypersonic missile threats.

    Roke – based in Hampshire and focused on innovation and AI development – have been awarded a contract up to six-years in length, known as Science and Technology Oriented Research and development in Missile defence (STORM). The framework streamlines crucial research into innovative technologies, helping enhance the UK’s ability to detect, identify, and defeat ballistic and hypersonic missile threats – work that is essential to safeguarding the UK and its allies.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    In this new era of rising threats, national security isn’t just a military imperative. It’s the foundation for economic growth, securing Britain’s future and our Government’s Plan for Change.

    As Defence Secretary, I am determined to bring together investors, innovators and industry in a new partnership that drives British jobs and growth. We want to mobilise private investors to take a fresh look at defence, alongside the certainty of our Government’s record long-term uplift in defence spending.

    With countries across Europe facing new threats stepping up to take more responsibility for our continent’s defence is an ethical investment, and it’s good to see increasing numbers of private investors recognising that. There is no more important investment than in our European security.

    As a government we are determined to tackle any blockers which are preventing private finance from flowing into UK defence, which is why today’s landmark meeting is so important.

    The Defence Secretary also said the government is bringing “a clear mandate to bring innovative technology to the frontline at speed and enable the defence sector to create high-growth British success stories that deliver investor returns and national security.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Campaign to tackle dirty money steps up with new sanctions [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Campaign to tackle dirty money steps up with new sanctions [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

    UK sanctions corrupt actors undermining democratic governments in Foreign Secretary’s latest steps to crack down on corruption and illicit finance.

    • UK sanctions pro-Kremlin operation responsible for destabilising Moldova
    • Cronies used by corrupt leaders to undermine democracy and rule of law in Georgia and Guatemala also included in new crackdown
    • Action marks latest step in Foreign Secretary’s campaign to tackle threats to UK from corruption and illicit finance

    Pro-Kremlin operatives responsible for rigging elections in Moldova are among those hit with sanctions today (2 April), which will freeze assets and ban travel.

    This crackdown is the latest in the Foreign Secretary’s campaign to tackle corruption and dirty money, which is vital to protect the UK public from organised criminals and safeguard our democracy.

    The sanctions target a network of pro-Russian actors named Evrazia operating in Moldova on behalf of corrupt fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, previously designated by the UK in 2022, to destabilise Moldovan democracy and spread Russia’s malign influence.

    Evrazia, a Russian non-profit, has been used by Shor to bribe Moldovan citizens to vote “no” in last year’s referendum on joining the EU. Moldovan police have said that approximately 130,000 citizens received a total of $15 million from Evrazia – with payments ranging from $50 per month for “supporters” to over $2,500 per month for “leaders”.

    Today’s sanctions target the founder and director of Evrazia Nelli Alekseyevna Parutenko and member of Evrazia’s management board Natalia Parasca, as well as Evrazia itself and another of Shor’s key political operatives, Marina Tauber.

    These sanctions expose the Kremlin’s attempts to undermine and destabilise democracies in Eastern Europe. By targeting corrupt actors and their enablers, the UK is using its powers to create a more hostile environment for corruption and illicit finance and deter threats to the safety and security of Britain.

    This marks the next step in the government’s ambitious agenda to tackle the devastating impacts of corruption and illicit finance, both at home and overseas, and deliver the UK’s national security under the Plan for Change.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    These sanctions send a clear message. We will not stand idly by as Russia undermines democracy and the rule of law, threatening the national security of countries we consider friends and partners.

    Left unchecked, this kind of insidious corruption can erode the very foundations of our society and open doors for Russia and other malign actors to expand their influence and compromise the stability of our neighbours and the UK.

    We must protect the institutions designed to hold these unscrupulous individuals to account, and the independent investigative journalists whose hard and often dangerous work exposes the truth behind their actions.

    Minister Doughty met earlier today with journalists from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) to express support for their tireless and risky work exposing corruption and bringing those responsible to justice.

    The independent investigative reporting by the OCCRP and the activities of civil society groups such as Transparency International often play a crucial role in informing sanctions of this kind.

    Today’s sanctions also target corrupt officials and prosecutors in Georgia and Guatemala, who are sabotaging democratic governance and undermining judicial impartiality by abusing their power.

    In Georgia, this includes the leaders of the ‘Judicial Clan’ – a group of party-political judges who are abusing their position to influence court rulings and undermine the rule of law for the benefit of the ‘Georgian Dream’ party and their control of Georgia’s judicial system.

    In Guatemala, the sanctions are targeted at former President Giammattei and his ‘Pacto De Corruptos’ (‘Pact of the Corrupt’) – a cabal of officials and prosecutors still operating under the current Attorney General who have sought to undermine the anti-corruption reforms of President Arévalo by interfering in prosecutions and threatening investigators.

    Background

    The individuals and entity designated for sanctions today are:

    Moldova

    • Evrazia, a non-governmental organisation that acts on behalf of pro-Russian Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor;
    • Nelli Parutenko, founder and director of Evrazia;
    • Natalia Parasca, member of the Evrazia management board and former leader of the Shor-backed Renaissance Party;
    • Marina Tauber, former leader of the Shor Party.

    Guatemala

    • Alejandro Giammattei, former President of Guatemala;
    • Maria Consuelo Porras, Attorney General of Guatemala;
    • Jose Curruchiche, Head of the Special Prosecution Office Against Impunity (FECI), who has undermined corruption investigations into Giammattei and his allies;
    • Cinthia Monterroso, Prosecutor and Head of Unit at FECI;
    • Angel Pineda, Secretary General of the Public Ministry, who has undermined corruption investigations into Giammattei and his allies, and targeted anti-corruption journalists, judges and prosecutors;
    • Melvin Quijivix, former Head of the National Institute of Electrification, who misappropriated public funds for the benefit of his own businesses;
    • Miguel Martinez, close associate of Giammattei.

    Georgia

    • Levan Murusidze, member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and member of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals;
    • Mikheil Chinchaladze, Chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals.

    About the OCCRP

    The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project is a global network of investigative journalists that exposes organised crime and corruption so citizens can hold powerful politicians and officials to account.

    About Transparency International

    Transparency International is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit and works with like-minded partners across the world to end the injustice of corruption. Its mission is to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. As part of the Global Anti-Corruption Consortium, TI uses OCCRP’s investigative reporting to seek legal redress for victims of corruption, and advocate for reforms to close down the systems and networks that enable corruption to thrive, demanding greater transparency and integrity in all areas of public life.

    Definitions

    • Asset freeze: an asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person. It also prevents funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person. UK financial sanctions apply to all persons within the territory and territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they are in the world.
    • Travel ban: a travel ban means that the designated person must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom, providing the individual is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to tackle Western Balkan migrant transit routes and serious organised crime with closer ties in the region [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to tackle Western Balkan migrant transit routes and serious organised crime with closer ties in the region [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy travels to Kosovo and Serbia to strengthen cooperation on tackling irregular migration and serious organised crime.

    • new cooperation agreement with Serbia to smash the gangs at the heart of irregular migration crisis and secure UK borders ahead of hosting major Western Balkans diplomatic summit this Autumn
    • UK-supplied tech used in Kosovo to stop illicit goods and vulnerable people from reaching British shores and break the model of the criminal gangs
    • UK and European security also top of agenda with a visit to British troops part of NATO’s Peacekeeping mission at a time of increased volatility

    Britain is taking the fight directly to people smugglers and criminal gangs who have turned the Western Balkans into a major transit route for irregular migration and serious organised crime, the Foreign Secretary will tell partners on a visit to the region this week.

    With almost 22,000 people recorded using the Western Balkans to transit into Europe last year, the Foreign Secretary will meet with counterparts to strengthen UK-Serbian cooperation by signing an Organised Immigration Crime agreement, first agreed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the European Political Community.

    This will mean both countries can share information more quickly and directly to combat and disrupt organised immigration crime. David Lammy will also hear directly from female survivors of human trafficking.

    This forms part of the government’s approach to tackle the problem at every step of the people smuggling journey, working with neighbouring countries to combine resources and share intelligence and tactics.

    Ahead of the Berlin Process Summit, a diplomatic meeting to deliver on the government’s plan for change through closer security ties and greater migration cooperation, David Lammy will see UK technology being used to detect drugs and weapons concealed in vehicles – alongside drones and cameras used to track popular smuggling routes and prevent people dangerously and illegally crossing borders.

    The Foreign Secretary’s visit is the latest step to drive further action upstream and builds on the announcement of the world’s first sanction regime to target organised immigration crime.

    It comes after the Prime Minister and Home Secretary hosted the Organised Immigration Crime Summit in London this week as part of the toughest-ever international crackdown on people smuggling gangs and to deliver on working people’s priorities for secure borders.

    The summit announced £30 million of funding to tackle supply chains, illicit finances and trafficking routes and an additional £3 million to enable the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to increase its capacity to prosecute organised international smugglers.

    The summit also saw the Prime Minister announce that more than 24,000 people with no right to be here in the UK have been removed since July – the highest rate of returns for 8 years as the government begins to restore order to the immigration system.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Criminal gangs have long exploited instability in the Western Balkans, parts of which have become a major transit route for irregular migration and serious organised crime. They are risking lives for profit and becoming increasingly violent in their determination to make as much money as possible.

    This diabolical, lawless trade of smuggling vulnerable people is completely unacceptable and we are determined to end it as we secure the UK’s borders under our Plan for Change.

    With the world becoming more dangerous and unpredictable, the Western Balkans is of critical importance to the UK and Europe’s collective security, and the UK remains committed to building resilience and stability in the region.

    Across the region, external actors – including Russia – seek to exploit this fragility by fanning ethnic tensions, destabilising democracies and threatening the hard-won peace and stability.

    UK expertise is set to strengthen the resilience of institutions against Russian and other malign influence – countering the threats of cyber-attacks, disinformation and interference in elections to stand up for freedom and democracy.

    On the visit, the Foreign Secretary will sign an agreement between the UK and Serbia which underlines the shared goal of a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace and countering malicious cyber actors.

    The UK has a longstanding role and an important legacy in promoting security in the region including in Kosovo, where it has maintained a presence through NATO’s KFOR mission since 1999. The Foreign Secretary will meet with British troops on the ground who serve in KFOR, NATO’s largest overseas mission, which contributes to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.

    The UK will host a meeting of Western Balkans leaders at the Berlin Process Summit in London in Autumn 2025 to support stability, security and economic co-operation, tackle gender inequality and violence against women and girls, and focus work to combat irregular migration transiting the region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine Donor Platform confirms support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine Donor Platform confirms support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

    The Ukraine Donor Platform’s Steering Committee held its thirteenth meeting today, gathering for the second time in person in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv.

    The meeting brought together senior representatives of Platform members, observers and international financial institutions.

    The UK reiterated our absolute commitment to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and is engaging with key allies in support of this effort. The UK reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine and our determination to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term economic stability, resilience, and recovery.

    Budget financing needs

    Finance Minister Marchenko confirmed Ukraine’s external financing needs for 2025, projected at USD 39.3 billion. The Steering Committee also heard from the Canadian G7 Presidency about the important efforts underway to support Ukraine in the context of the G7 finance track. Through joint efforts, including the financing being mobilised by the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan initiative, resources have been secured to cover its external budget financing needs for 2025.

    Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK’s total military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts to £15 billion: £10 billion in military support (including our £2.26 billion ERA Loan contribution), and £5 billion in non-military support. The UK’s non-military support comprises £4.1 billion in fiscal support through World Bank loan guarantees to bolster Ukraine’s economic stability and support vital public services, and £977million in bilateral support, including £477million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the region since the start of the full-scale invasion.

    Recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine

    Ukraine presented its top recovery and reconstruction priorities for 2025, based on the fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment and the Single Project Pipeline established by the Government of Ukraine: energy, heating, water supply and sanitation, housing and transport. Delivering effective support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction is a key priority for the Platform and donors committed to further strengthen their engagement on this track. The UK emphasised the importance of long-term planning for recovery and reconstruction, including efforts to support social recovery which will be vital for underpinning economic recovery.

    Ukraine has withstood the winter season, surmounting the impact of Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure, with the strong support of the donor community. The UK will continue to support Ukraine in realising its vision of a cleaner, more modern, decentralised energy system.

    The UK and other partners noted the importance of insurance for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction and for supporting international trade and investment. Work continues on facilitating a return of global reinsurance businesses to Ukraine.

    Reforms driving sustainable growth and progress towards EU accession

    Many participants welcomed Ukraine’s strong and continuing progress on reforms, including on the implementation of the Ukraine Plan, which are essential to improve the business climate, attract foreign direct investment and support economic development, and support Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory.

    Enhancing public investment management for recovery and reconstruction

    Ukraine updated on its progress towards an effective, transparent and well-coordinated public investment management system, which is crucial for its successful recovery and reconstruction. An integral part will be the two project preparation facilities under development – the Ukraine PPF, to be administered by the Government of Ukraine with support from the World Bank, and Ukraine FIRST, to be administered by the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The facilities are expected to be operational by the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025), which will take place in Rome on 10-11 July, hosted by the Governments of Italy and Ukraine.

    Stakeholder engagement

    The Steering Committee discussed the Business Advisory Council’s latest input and commended its members’ efforts to identify concrete steps to boost private sector investment in Ukraine. It also held a productive exchange of views with representatives of Ukrainian civil society, with a focus on human capital. This discussion also served as a preparatory event for the human dimension of URC 2025.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Responsibility for all fire functions moves to MHCLG [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Responsibility for all fire functions moves to MHCLG [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 April 2025.

    Greater clarity and accountability will be brought to fire and building safety from the transfer of Ministerial responsibility from the Home Office to MHCLG.

    Bringing these responsibilities together will strengthen coordination, improve policy implementation, and reinforce the government’s commitment to making homes, buildings and communities safer.

    The change delivers on a key recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report, which advised that fire and building safety should be overseen by a single department.

    The Minister for Building Safety and Local Growth who will be taking on responsibility for fire functions Alex Norris said:

    “Ensuring the safety of people in their homes and communities is a top priority for this government. By bringing all fire and building safety responsibilities under one department, we are reinforcing accountability, improving coordination, and taking decisive action to protect lives.

    “I would like to thank Dame Diana Johnson for her work in this important area. I look forward to working with fire and rescue services and key stakeholders to implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendations and drive forward the reforms needed to keep people safe.

    “This is a significant step in delivering meaningful change, making our buildings safer, and strengthening our country’s resilience for the future.”

    Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said:

    “It has been an honour and privilege to serve as Minister for Fire.

    “I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the brave firefighters in our fire and rescue services, who selflessly dedicate themselves to protecting the public from fire every day.

    “I would also like to thank the government officials and stakeholders from across the sector I have worked with over the past nine months. Their drive to make the sector stronger has been invaluable and I am certain my good friend Alex Norris will also benefit from their advice.”

    Following the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report on 4 September 2024, the Prime Minister acknowledged the failings that led to the tragedy and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the necessary reforms. This transfer of Ministerial responsibility for all fire functions to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government represents an important part of this work, and the government will continue to drive forward the necessary reforms to make sure a tragedy like Grenfell can never happen again.

    Notes to editors:

    • The Home Office will retain management of the Airwave Service Contract on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and will continue to oversee the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).