Tag: 2025

Keir Starmer – 2025 Remarks at UK-Ireland Summit

The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, in Liverpool on 5 March 2025.

Thanks Lisa, it’s really fantastic to see you all here and to be in this absolutely wonderful museum.

I’ve been in this museum a number of times, but I’m normally bundled in to the top floor to do an interview with Laura Kuenssberg on the Sunday morning of our conference.

So, to come and see it in all its glory is really really fantastic.

As it is to look out and see all of you here.

And particularly just to see UK and Ireland Summit 2025 on the walls here is absolutely amazing and really, really uplifting, so thank you all for coming.

Look I know we’re still some days away from St. Patrick’s Day.

But we’ve got some fantastic food and drink from Irish chef Anna Haugh who is here this evening.

Fantastic music from the Liverpool String Quartet.

And I know we’ve got incredible people in this room.

Business leaders, people in the arts, education, politicians.

And of course, a very big thank you to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin who is with us this evening.

So, all in all I think we can consider this an early celebration of everything Irish…

And everything that binds the UK and Ireland together.

Micheál, everyone, it really is good to see you all here in Liverpool for this important summit

A city which stands as the living embodiment of the connections between our two countries.

As Lisa has alluded to, I’ve been to Ireland many times.

But in September last year I visited Ireland for the first time as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

That was an important and special moment for me.

But it was a wider moment, not just because I got to watch the England-Ireland football match at the Aviva Stadium…I won’t mention the score.

But because as the first visit by a UK Prime Minister in five years…

And despite all the turbulence in recent times…

It was a reminder of just how strong those ties are that bind us together.

So, it was a really important moment for me personally,

But a really important moment for the United Kingdom and for Ireland to have that first visit so early in my tenure as Prime Minister.

So, I’m really delighted that the Irish delegation is here today…

To continue strengthening that friendship…

As we work to bring huge benefits to the people of both countries…

By delivering greater trade, prosperity and security.

Now many of you will know that as Prime Minister

My focus is on delivering change

Improving people’s lives

Boosting growth

So that we can raise living standards

and put more money into people’s pockets

And deliver the public services people need.

But of course, we can do much more…

When we work together with others.

As I’ve said before, I don’t believe the relationship between the UK and Ireland has ever reached its full potential.

And I’m delighted that now with this summit we’re going to change all that. What an opportunity.

Micheál, I know we’ve got a lot to do over the coming days…

We’ve got great ambitions for this summit.

Talking together

Speaking to business leaders

Perhaps finding a moment for a bit of Guinness diplomacy.

But tonight…

I hope we can simply celebrate

The UK and Ireland

And everything that makes this such a fantastic friendship

And now it’s my pleasure to introduce the Taoiseach, you’re so welcome I’m so pleased we were able to get this summit together: Micheál .

March 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : There will be no let-up in the UK’s support to Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

The UK sets out plan agreed with leaders in London on 2 March to work with Ukraine and the United States on a strong, just and durable peace.

Thank you, Mr Chair. On Sunday 2 March, the UK hosted in London leaders from various European countries and Canada, the NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the EU Commission and the EU Council to discuss our support for Ukraine.

Together we reaffirmed our determination to work for a permanent peace in Ukraine, in partnership with the United States.

The UK Prime Minister made clear that we must not repeat the mistakes of the past when weak deals allowed President Putin to invade again. The UK, France and our international partners will work closely with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting. And we will work directly with the United States on a strong, just and lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

The plan agreed with leaders in London has four clear principles.

First, we must keep military aid flowing and keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia. To that end, we are doubling down on military aid. At the weekend the UK agreed a new £2.2 billion loan for Ukraine, backed by profits from frozen Russian assets.

Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security – and that Ukraine must be at the table when negotiating their future.

Third, in the event of a peace deal, we would continue boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion.

And lastly, we will develop a “coalition of the willing” to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace. Those willing to contribute will intensify planning now.

Mr Chair, Ukraine has been clear that it wants to reach a durable peace as soon as possible. This can happen only if we continue to show strength and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against continued Russian aggression. There will be no let-up in the UK’s support, which we will continue for as long as it is necessary.

March 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : IAEA Board of Governors on the JCPoA [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 March 2025.

France, Germany and the UK (E3) gave a joint statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Iran’s implementation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA.

Chair,

On behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, I thank Director General Grossi for his latest report on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Once again, we commend the Agency’s professional, independent and impartial work and their objective reporting on Iran’s nuclear programme. Unfortunately, the Agency’s findings are gravely concerning. The IAEA’s latest report confirms that Iran continues to undertake activities in blatant violation of the JCPoA and that there has been no improvement in its cooperation with the IAEA. The extent of Iran’s enrichment activities is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons, and have no credible civilian justification. The IAEA is currently unable to verify that Iran’s escalating nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. This taken together with the recent statements by high-ranking Iranian officials calling for a change in Iran’s so-called nuclear doctrine, poses a serious threat to international security, and the non-proliferation regime.

Chair,

In the reporting period Iran has further expanded its enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment capacity. Iran has increased its stockpile of high enriched uranium by an alarming 50% since the last reporting period. Iran now has six significant quantities of high enriched uranium, which the Agency defines as six times the approximate amount of nuclear material from which the possibility of manufacturing a nuclear explosive device cannot be excluded. Iran’s overall stockpile of enriched uranium is now approximately 40 times the limit Iran committed to in the JCPoA.

Iran has increased the rate of production of high enriched uranium at the underground Fordow facility by seven times compared to the previous reporting period. And overall, Iran is now producing roughly one significant quantity of highly enriched uranium every six weeks. In addition, Iran has substantially expanded its enriched uranium production capacity by installing and operating new advanced centrifuges. In the reporting period, it has begun operating 5 new cascades in Fordow and 13 cascades in Natanz. It remains particularly concerning that enrichment continues to take place at Fordow, which we recall is a former undeclared enrichment facility.

As a result of Iran’s continued non-cooperation and lack of transparency, the DG’s latest report restates that the Agency has lost and will not be able to restore continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate.

Iran refuses to re-designate several experienced Agency inspectors. This is a politically motivated decision which seriously affects the IAEA’s ability to conduct its verification in Iran, particularly at its enrichment facilities. We deeply regret that Iran has not accepted the designation of the four additional experienced inspectors after pledging to consider it ahead of the November 2024 Board of Governors meeting.

The DG’s report also notes that it has been four years since Iran stopped provisionally applying its Additional Protocol, depriving the Agency of complementary access to critical sites and locations in Iran. Alongside this we remain alarmed by Iran’s repeated threats to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This poses a serious threat to the non-proliferation system upon which we all rely.

Chair,

The E3 have consistently worked towards a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear programme. In 2022 it was Iran who twice refused a negotiated outcome and instead escalated and expanded its nuclear programme. Let us be clear: Iran has chosen to escalate its nuclear programme, far beyond the limits it committed to in the JCPoA and far beyond any credible civilian use, thereby causing a proliferation crisis.

We therefore urgently call on Iran to change course, and:

(i) Halt and reverse its nuclear escalation and refrain from making threats regarding nuclear weapons; (ii) Return to the limits imposed by the JCPoA, in particular those regarding enrichment levels and enriched uranium stockpiles; (iii) Implement the Iran-IAEA March 2023 Joint statement and the commitments it made regarding transparency and cooperation with the IAEA including re-applying all transparency measures that it stopped in February 2021; (iv) Allow the Agency to install surveillance and monitoring equipment where requested; (v) Re-implement and swiftly ratify the Additional Protocol; and (vi) Fully reverse its September 2023 decision to withdraw the designations of experienced inspectors.

Chair,

In light of the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme, there is an urgent need to address these concerns. The international community must remain united and firm in its determination to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The E3 will continue to work towards a diplomatic solution, and we stand ready to use all diplomatic levers to achieve this goal.

We ask the Director General to keep the Board informed on all relevant activities and developments within Iran’s alarming nuclear programme by regular and, if deemed necessary, extraordinary reporting. We ask for this report to be made public.

Thank you.

March 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Deepening UK-US defence relations and peace in Ukraine to top agenda for Defence Secretary’s Washington visit [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

During meetings, the Defence Secretary will hail the unparalleled depth of the UK-US relationship, which bolsters security and supports economic growth.

Securing a lasting peace in Ukraine and strengthening bonds between NATO allies will be the focus of discussions during the Defence Secretary’s visit to Washington DC on Wednesday and Thursday – including a meeting with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.

John Healey MP will hail the unparalleled depth of the UK’s special relationship with the US – the UK’s closest security ally – as both nations continue to collaborate on military operations, peacekeeping, intelligence gathering, and development of advanced technologies – bolstering security and supporting economic growth.

The Defence Secretary’s arrival in Washington DC comes as the UK receives the last of an order of 50 of the latest generation AH-64E attack helicopters for the British Army, the most advanced attack helicopter in the world. The helicopter was handed over yesterday (4 March) at the Boeing site in Arizona under a programme that supports more than 300 UK jobs, helping to grow the UK economy – underscoring defence as an engine for driving economic growth.

The visit also comes at the conclusion of the 50th occurrence of Exercise Red Flag in Nevada, a joint exercise with the UK, United States and Australia. The training is designed to test equally matched air forces in a realistic combat scenario and involves more than 3,000 military personnel in high-intensity training, such as dogfighting, air-policing and practicing bombing runs, at Nellis Air Force Base.

At their bilateral meeting tomorrow [Thursday], the two Defence Secretaries are due to discuss the plan for peace in Ukraine being worked on by the US, UK, France, and European allies. It comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington last week, where the Prime Minister and the President confirmed both nations will work together on security arrangements to deliver a lasting peace in Ukraine. The discussions follow the Prime Minister’s meeting of international leaders in London last weekend, where allies discussed the need for a lasting peace settlement, with US support.

The latest defence engagement with the new US administration follows a first meeting between the two Defence Secretaries last month, when the UK convened the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which coordinates urgent military support for Ukraine.

On Wednesday, the Defence Secretary will attend a reception to mark the 250th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps, held at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington DC.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

Amid a period of growing global instability, the unique and special relationship between the UK and US is as strong as ever – underlined by a shared commitment to freedom and democracy.

It is crucial that the UK and Europe step up further to take more responsibility for our security, and we are doing so. In the face of increasing global threats, we are cementing our ties as NATO allies, bolstering our national security and economic security, too.

The Prime Minister was clear following his meetings over the past week, that we will continue our dialogue with friends and allies to secure a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine. We will advance that work in Washington over the coming days.

Discussions are also expected to cover deepening the UK-US defence relationship. The British and US Armed Forces operate in close alignment around the world, from the long-standing global coalition to combat Daesh in the Middle East to joint maritime security patrols in the Indo-Pacific.

Collective security and stability also support both nations’ economies and delivers on our Plan for Change.

The AUKUS programme to develop a fleet of world-class nuclear powered, conventionally armed submarines for the UK and Australia, is a perfect example of this work – with a £9 billion contract with Rolls Royce awarded in January as part of the programme, creating more than 1,000 jobs and supporting a further 4,000 roles.

The Apache programme also supports the UK economy, with numerous components manufactured in the UK. This benefits 75 British companies, including 33 SMEs, with jobs being supported at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop in Hampshire and Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk.

March 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Swifter justice for victims as courts sit at record level [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 5 March 2025.

Victims will receive swifter justice as the Government announces record funding for the Crown Court. New investment will see the courts sitting at the highest allocation since records began as part of its Plan for Change to make streets safer.
- Highest level allocated ever which means more cases heard to keep our streets safe
- Crown Court judges to oversee 110,000 days’ worth of cases in next financial year
- Funding boost for court maintenance and new court buildings
The Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, confirmed today (Wednesday, 5 March) that Crown Court judges will sit for a collective 110,000 days in the next financial year – 4,000 more than was initially allocated the previous year.

The increase will mean more hearings at the Crown Court in the coming year, helping victims see justice faster than they otherwise would have done, and is part of the Government’s decisive action to repair the justice system it inherited and improve the experience of victims. However, more radical change is needed to stop the backlog of cases continuing to increase.

Sir Brian Leveson is midway through a review commissioned by the Lord Chancellor to consider bold and ambitious reforms to address the ongoing crisis in the courts.  The court backlog has grown significantly since the pandemic and reached a record high of 73,000 in the year ending September 2024.

Only reform to how the criminal courts operate can bring that number down. This is part of the Government’s wider work, including the Independent Sentencing Review, to restore confidence in the justice system and put it on a more sustainable footing after inheriting a prison estate on the point of collapse.

The increase comes as the Government also boosts court maintenance and building funding from £120 million last year to £148.5 million this year. The increase will fund vital repairs across the court and tribunal estate.

The announcement will also boost the number of days the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal will be sitting to near maximum capacity, helping to speed up asylum claims. The builds on the Government’s work to restore order to the immigration system so that every part – border security, case processing, appeals and returns – operates efficiently.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said:

This Government inherited a record and rising courts backlog, with justice delayed and denied for far too many victims. Bearing down on that backlog is an essential element of our Plan for Change, bringing offenders to justice to keep our streets safe.

Funding a record number of sitting days is a critical first step. But there is more that we must and we will do. I have asked Sir Brian Leveson to consider radical reforms to deliver the swifter justice that victims deserve.

The investment in court maintenance and capital projects will help fund security improvements and fix leaking roofs and out-of-order lifts. Repairs includes the RAAC remedial works at Harrow Crown Court – bringing back into operation an entire court, with eight courtrooms, that has been closed since August 2023.

The boost in capital funding will also help fund the next generation of court buildings across the country. Some of the projects which will receive funding as a result include the new 30-hearing room tribunal centre being built at Newgate Street in London, the 18-hearing rooms at the City of London Courts, and a County and Family Court in Reading.

Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

The crumbling state of the courtrooms we inherited illustrate why public confidence in our justice system has ebbed away. That is why we’re boosting funding for vital repair work so our courts are, once again, fit for purpose, safe and welcoming places.

This money will also help ensure we maintain and increase court capacity so more trials and tribunals can take place.

At the end of last year, the Government launched a review of potential once-in-a-generation reform of the criminal court system to tackle the backlog. Sir Brian Leveson is conducting a review to identify major reforms which can help bring swifter justice for victims and reduce the backlog.

The plans form part of the Government’s commitment to safer streets by reducing the court backlog, speeding up hearings for victims and defendants, and rebuilding public confidence in the criminal justice system.
March 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government partners with young people to help develop new national youth strategy [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 5 March 2025.

Young voices to be at the heart of policymaking as government breaks down barriers to opportunity through Plan for Change.
- Government launches national listening exercise to let young people have their say on support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates
- Through youth engagement charity My Life My Say and the #iwill Movement young people will be able to engage with Government both in-person and online.
Young people across the country will be able to have their say on decisions that affect their lives as the Government launches one of the most ambitious listening exercises in a generation today.

Ahead of the landmark National Youth Strategy, those aged 10-21 years old, and up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), will be asked to take part in a survey to hear what support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates to benefit their lives and futures.

Young people will be able to submit their views on a range of topics including what issues matter to them in their local area, what services they think should be available to young people, and how money should be spent in their area – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to spread opportunity across the country.

Input will be collected by the Government in a range of ways including via an online survey, plus physical events including peer led focus groups known as ‘Democracy Cafes’, and workshop sessions so young people can offer views in their own words. The survey is now open here, and will close on 16 April.

This period of consultation will inform the Government’s new National Youth Strategy, previously announced by the Culture Secretary, designed to prioritise delivering better coordinated youth services and policy at a local, regional and national level. It will make sure decision-making moves away from a one-size-fits all approach, handing power back to young people and their communities, and rebuilding a thriving and sustainable sector. This will help deliver on the government’s missions, spreading opportunities, making our streets safer and taking pressure off health services.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

We are handing power back to young people and their communities, giving them a genuine opportunity to help make the policies that affect their lives.

We want to hear from young people directly through one of the most ambitious listening exercises for a generation – Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Nation.

We are providing young people with a genuine voice, delivering on our Plan for Change and creating opportunities in every part of the country.

Minister for Civil Society, Stephanie Peacock said:

We are breaking down the barriers to opportunity that young people face and giving them the chance to have their say – on what they want from the Government and how public policies can work for them.

I encourage all young people to fill in the survey and tell us what you think so you can help shape a brighter future for you and your generation.”

To ensure that young people’s voices are at the heart of the process throughout, the Government has appointed 13 young people to form a Youth Advisory Group (YAG). Members span multiple sectors and have experience across key areas including advocacy, violence prevention, social mobility and mental health. They include Jhemar Jones (member of London’s Violence Reduction Unit Young People’s Action Group), Yahye Abdi (Youth Development Coordinator with the Hope Collective) and Zafeera Karim (Member of Youth Parliament).

An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) will sit alongside the YAG to help guide the national conversation with young people, providing expertise and challenging thinking throughout the National Youth’s Strategy development. The group is made up of 14 experts from a variety of sectors including Isa Guha (sports presenter and founder of Cricket charity championing women and girls, Take Her Lead), Alex Holmes OBE (Deputy CEO at The Diana Award), and Paul Lindley OBE (founder of Ella’s Kitchen), among other highly experienced voices.

Young people will also be able to take part in ‘Hackathon’ events, collaborating with others alongside youth engagement experts and professional researchers to try and solve some of the most pressing issues they’re facing. Over the past few weeks, young people have been meeting at peer-led focus groups called ‘Democracy Cafés’ across the country, discussing the issues they want to see addressed.

An expert consortium of partners will facilitate the widespread engagement with young people, comprising market research consultancy Savanta; key leader in youth-led engagement in the UK, My Life My Say (MLMS); and the #iwill Movement, a social movement supporting Youth Social Action with coordination from leading civil society and social action charity Volunteering Matters and UK Youth. They will be working with ten Youth Collaborators, young people recruited to ensure all activities are genuinely co-produced.
March 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Humanitarian access in Gaza – E3 foreign ministers’ statement [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

Statement from the foreign ministers of the UK, France and Germany (E3) on humanitarian access in Gaza.

Joint statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (E3):

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom recall our continued support for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

It is vital that the ceasefire is sustained, all the hostages are released, and continued flows of humanitarian aid to Gaza are ensured. We urge all parties to engage constructively in negotiating the subsequent phases of the deal to help ensure its full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities. We welcome Egyptian, Qatari and US efforts in mediating and seeking to agree an extension to the ceasefire.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. We express our deep concern at the Government of Israel’s announcement on 2 March to halt all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza. We call on the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. This includes supply of items such as medical equipment, shelter items, and water and sanitation equipment, essential to meet humanitarian and early recovery needs in Gaza, but which face restrictions under Israel’s “dual use” list. A halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza, such as that announced by the Government of Israel would risk violating International Humanitarian Law. Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We reiterate that the civilians of Gaza who have suffered so much must be allowed to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

All hostages must be unconditionally released and Hamas must end their degrading and humiliating treatment. We reiterate our unwavering solidarity with their families and with the Israeli people in the face of the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023.

We need all parties to uphold the ceasefire and ensure it leads to a sustainable peace, the reconstruction of Gaza, and to allow for a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.

March 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Changes to sick pay will help people stay in work and grow economy [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 March 2025.

More than one million working people across the UK will see a rise in living standards thanks to improvements to Statutory Sick Pay, ministers have announced today.
- Landmark changes are all part of the government’s number one priority in the Plan for Change to grow the economy and put more money into working people’s pockets
- Announcement comes as the World Bank notes that ‘without improvements in productivity, there is no economic growth’
- The government has pledged to deliver on its promise to Make Work Pay with lower income workers no longer having to choose between their health or their jobs
This comes as the government delivers on the plan to boost workers’ rights and create a healthier, more productive workforce, which will be at the forefront of efforts to grow the economy – the priority of our Plan for Change.

The changes will mean up to 1.3 million people on low wages who find themselves ill will either receive 80% of their average weekly earnings or the rate of Statutory Sick Pay which will be £118.75 per week from April – whichever is lowest.

The move means some of the lowest earners will be up to £100 better off per week, compared to the current system. This safety net will enable people to have the time off they need to recover, so they can get better and remain in work rather than risk quitting altogether.

Under the government’s Plan for Change, this new fairer rate strikes the right balance between providing financial security for employees who fall ill, and the cost to businesses – all while retaining the incentives for people to return to work.

The UK has seen a slow-down in productivity in recent years that has been more severe than other nations, which is not acceptable. The World Bank has been clear that “without improvements in productivity, there is no economic growth”.

Today’s changes will boost productivity in the workforce to help drive growth and usher in a decade of national renewal.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner MP said:

What we put into our workforce, we get back and more.

That’s why we’re making Statutory Sick Pay a right for every worker for the first time so people can stay in work rather than risk dropping out.

This is a pro-worker, pro-business government in action – boosting productivity, while ensuring people don’t have to choose between health and wealth, helping deliver our Plan for Change.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP said:

For too long, sick workers have had to decide between staying at home and losing a day’s pay or soldiering on at their own risk just to make ends meet.

No one should ever have to choose between their health and earning a living, which is why we are making this landmark change.

The new rate is good for workers and fair on businesses as part our plan to boost rights and Make Work Pay, while delivering our Plan for Change.

The government’s response to its Statutory Sick Pay consultation has also been published today alongside other responses and amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, including on tackling fire and rehire and zero-hour contracts to tackle insecure work.

This latest move follows the commitment to ensure the right to sick pay from the first day of illness, and to make more people eligible by removing the need to earn Lower Earnings Limit.

Over 1,700 responses to a six-week consultation helped inform the decision on the new rate, taking in to account the views of businesses, charities, trade unions and workers.

TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak, added:

Nobody should be plunged into hardship when they become ill.

These reforms will stop millions from facing a financial cliff edge if they get sick.

Making statutory sick pay available to all workers – and from day one – shows why the government’s Employment Rights Bill is so important.

With sick pay rights from the first day of sickness, you will know that your family is protected. And you can take the time you need to recover.

We hope this is the start of a programme of sick pay reform and will continue to make the case for higher future sick pay rates.
March 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – UK Statement at the Panel on Early Warning and Genocide Prevention [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

UK Statement at the Panel on Early Warning and Genocide Prevention. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President, Deputy High Commissioner,

The UK thanks the Special Adviser for her presentation.

As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Responsibility to Protect, protecting people from atrocities remains vital and necessary.

To highlight one worrying conflict, we continue to see disturbing reports of ethnically motivated attacks and killings in Darfur. The international community must hold perpetrators to account.

As well as protection from and accountability for atrocities, we need earlier action to prevent atrocities from occurring in the first place.

We are concerned by escalating tensions across South Sudan including between parties to the 2018 peace agreement and call on all parties to act urgently to prevent further violence, including against civilians.

The UK supports efforts to improve early warning systems, including leveraging global advances in data analytics and Open-Source Intelligence, allowing the international community to identify and understand the emerging risk of atrocities.

Mr President, Panellists,

How can the 2 Special Advisers ensure that the UN system’s existing foresight and risk analysis processes better incorporate an atrocity prevention lens in all its work and that it is more joined up?

Thank you.

March 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government to unleash the North Sea’s clean energy future [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 5 March 2025.

The government is consulting on plans to put the North Sea at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future and drive economic growth.
- UK government consults on plan to unleash the North Sea’s clean energy future and ensure prosperous and sustainable transition for oil and gas
- this plan backs industry to make North Sea a world-leader in offshore industries, such as hydrogen, carbon capture and wind, as part of the government’s clean energy superpower mission
- it also offers oil and gas industry long-term certainty on the fiscal landscape by ending the Energy Profits Levy and consulting on a new regime to boost investment in jobs and growth
- consultation gives certainty to industry about the lifespan of oil and gas projects by committing to maintain existing fields for their lifetime and work with business and communities on a managed transition, while implementing the commitment not to issue new licences to explore new fields
The government has today (Wednesday 5 March) launched a consultation that will put the North Sea – its communities, workers, businesses and supply chains – at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future to drive economic growth and deliver the Plan for Change.

This will support private investment into the technologies that will deliver the next generation of good jobs for North Sea workers, invest in local communities, cut carbon emissions and help the UK become energy secure.

The consultation sets out the next steps in the government’s overarching objective for the North Sea to make it a world leading example of an offshore clean energy industry, building on the UK’s world-class oil and gas heritage. In addition to maintaining existing oil and gas fields, and continuing ongoing domestic production, which have been critical to the UK’s energy system and will continue to play an important role for decades to come, the government wants to boost the economy through the expansion of clean technologies, protecting the country’s energy security in the process. To achieve this, the government needs to ensure the oil and gas industry and its workers can take advantage of a clean energy future.

Separately, HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs are confirming that the Energy Profits Levy will end in 2030. They are consulting on what a new regime could look like, to respond to any future shocks in oil and gas prices. The government will work closely with the sector and other stakeholders to develop an approach that protects jobs in existing and future industries and delivers a fair return for the nation, during times of unusually high prices. The government will ensure that the oil and gas industry has the long-term certainty it needs on the future fiscal landscape, helping to support investment and protect businesses and jobs now and for the future.

The government is committed to working with industry, communities, trade unions and wider organisations to develop a plan that will ensure a phased transition for the North Sea – creating tens of thousands more jobs in offshore renewables estimated by 2030.

The government recognises the call of workers and trade unions for a coordinated plan to protect good jobs, pay terms and conditions in the North Sea, and commits to shaping this plan with workers and unions.

The consultation also includes delivering the government’s commitment not to issue new licences to explore new oil and gas fields in the UK, in line with the science of what is required to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees. The consultation also engages with industry on how to manage existing fields, which will continue to make an important contribution during the clean energy transition, for the entirety of their lifespan.

This comes after the government has backed new investment into Scotland’s clean energy future, awarding £55.7 million to the Port of Cromarty Firth, securing critical facilities needed for the rapid development of new floating offshore wind farms and ensuring that they are built from the UK.

By sprinting to achieve this mission, the UK can take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from fossil fuel price spikes – with cleaner, affordable, homegrown power. As part of this, Britain must also reduce its dependency on oil and gas, which leaves consumers exposed to unstable global energy markets, as its price is set on international markets.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

The North Sea will be at the heart of Britain’s energy future. For decades, its workers, businesses and communities have helped power our country and our world.

Oil and gas production will continue to play an important role and, as the world embraces the drive to clean energy, the North Sea can power our Plan for Change and clean energy future in the decades ahead.

This consultation is about a dialogue with North Sea communities – businesses, trade unions, workers, environmental groups and communities – to develop a plan that enables us to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities of the years ahead.

Diversifying the North Sea industries while domestic production is managed for decades to come is key to protecting its jobs and investment in the long-term. Today’s consultation explores how to harness the North Sea’s existing infrastructure, natural assets and world-leading expertise to deploy new technologies – like hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and renewables – to create skilled jobs, meet the UK’s climate obligations, and make the UK a clean energy superpower.

It is estimated that the offshore renewables workforce, including offshore wind, CCUS and hydrogen, could increase to between 70,000 and 138,000 in 2030, Meanwhile, an up-and-running carbon capture industry alone is expected to add around £5 billion per year of gross value to the UK economy by 2050.

New proposals could also see changes to the role of North Sea Transition Authority, as the regulator of UK oil and gas, offshore hydrogen, and carbon storage industries. This includes ensuring the authority has the regulatory framework it needs to support the government’s vision for the long-term future of the North Sea and enable an orderly and prosperous transition to clean energy.

The government has already taken rapid steps in accelerating clean energy industries – with the biggest ever investment in offshore wind and up to £21.7 billion in funding over the next 25 years for carbon capture and storage and hydrogen projects. This comes alongside the launch of Great British Energy, headquartered in Aberdeen, and the creation of a National Wealth Fund, both of which will unlock significant investment in clean power projects across the UK and help create thousands of skilled jobs.

The government has also consulted on revised environmental guidance offshore oil and gas projects and will respond to give certainty to the industry and enable developers to resume applying for consents for already-licensed projects. This follows a Supreme Court ruling last year that requires regulators to consider the impact of burning oil and gas – known as scope 3 emissions – in the Environmental Impact Assessment for new projects.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, said:

We are committed to working together with the sector on the future of the North Sea by providing the stability they need to keep investing and supporting jobs across the country while ensuring they make a fair contribution at times of unusually high prices.

Tania Kumar, Net Zero Director, CBI said:

The North Sea has long been a cornerstone of the UK’s energy sector and will continue to play a vital role in securing energy independence and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Today’s consultations highlight the government’s commitment to a managed transition. Success hinges on our collaboration with communities, workers, and businesses to develop a practical plan.

Robust regulation and the pivotal role of the North Sea Transition Authority will be essential. The UK’s net zero economy is growing faster than the rest of the economy – the future is green growth and managing the transition away from fossil fuels to a clean energy future for the North Sea is vital to achieving it.

Dhara Vyas, CEO, Energy UK said:

Today’s announcement offers a positive step toward a just transition for offshore workers. The North Sea has been an engine of economic growth and energy security for the UK, but it’s critical to ensure pathways are available for offshore workers to transition to the low carbon industries of the future. The government has a sent a strong signal about the UK’s clean energy future, and the role the North Sea will continue to play in fostering clean technologies such as offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage. The clean energy mission can help ensure the North Sea’s best days are ahead of it, powering economic growth and enabling the UK to lead the way in the global clean industrial revolution.

David Whitehouse, Chief Executive, OEUK said:

The UK offshore energy industry, including its oil and gas sector, is responsible for thousands of jobs across Scotland and the UK, and today the government has committed to meaningful consultation on the long-term future of our North Sea. That is important and welcomed. Energy policy underpins our national security – how we build a clean energy future and leverage our proud heritage matters.

Today’s consultations, on both the critical role of the North Sea in the energy transition and how the taxation regime will respond to unusually high oil and gas prices, will help to begin to give certainty to investors and create a stable investment environment for years to come. We will continue to work with government and wider stakeholders to ensure a future North Sea which delivers economic growth and supports the communities that rely on this sector and workers across right and the UK.

Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director, Aldersgate Group said:

The private sector recognises the growth opportunity of the clean energy transition alongside the risks associated with investments that are incompatible with the 1.5C target. This consultation is an important step on the path to building a prosperous and resilient economy, with wider benefits across all regions of the UK. Investing in assets that risk becoming stranded is sustainable for neither the UK economy nor the environment – the government’s recognition of this position will contribute to resolving uncertainty and building private sector confidence for clean energy investments in the region.

The skills and expertise built over recent decades in the North Sea are invaluable. They are highly transferable for clean energy and other growth sectors, both directly and with further upskilling. We welcome the government’s announcement that it is ensuring that the North Sea transition makes best use of the strengths in the region, creating opportunities and jobs. Capturing this growth opportunity for the UK must ensure that the local communities and workers can play a role in future energy sectors. The right policy framework and engagement with industry and local communities can enable a transition to net zero emissions without deindustrialisation.

Dan McGrail, Chief Executive, RenewableUK said:

The biggest offshore wind farms in the world are being built in the North Sea and even more ambitious projects are being planned. Offshore wind is at the very heart of the government’s mission to reach clean power by 2030 and net zero by 2050, and the industry also offers the UK one of its biggest opportunities for job creation, industrial regeneration and economic growth.

The North Sea is already playing a crucial role in powering the UK and this is set to grow in the years ahead. A future focused on offshore wind isn’t just cleaner – it provides a more stable energy system for billpayers as we will be less exposed to volatile international fossil fuel prices. Offshore wind also offers opportunities for skilled workers from other industries to transfer into this dynamic and innovative sector.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary, Prospect said:

As the UK moves away from oil and gas production as part of the commitment to meet Net Zero, it is critical that the creation of new good, unionised jobs in clean energy is at the heart of the government’s agenda.

This consultation is right to recognise this role of jobs, skills and communities in achieving a meaningful just transition, and we welcome the government’s commitment to work with trade unions and industry to make this a reality.

Delivering meaningful numbers of new jobs will also require bringing supply chains for the renewables sector on shore, something that will need the government’s industrial strategy to run in lock step with this plan.
March 21, 2025