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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Taoiseach Martin of Ireland [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Taoiseach Martin of Ireland [January 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 January 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin this morning to congratulate him on his election.

    The leaders agreed that the UK – Ireland relationship was going from strength to strength, and it was vital to continue that in such a volatile geopolitical context.

    Discussing devastating Storm Éowyn at the weekend, the leaders paid tribute to the work of first responders and engineers to restore electricity to thousands of homes. The Prime Minister said that he had also spoken to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and that the UK stood by to offer further support, as required.

    The Prime Minister also updated on his EU reset, and the leaders underscored the importance of a close and constructive relationship with the EU to boost prosperity and security.

    Looking ahead to the upcoming UK-Ireland summit, both agreed that the meeting would offer a chance to deepen collaboration across all areas of the bilateral relationship, including business, innovation, and energy.

    Turning to Ukraine, the Prime Minister reflected on his visit earlier this month and reiterated his view that it was vital to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.

    The leaders also discussed Holocaust Memorial Day today. The Prime Minister said he had been deeply moved by his visit to Auschwitz earlier this month, and the leaders agreed the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau was a poignant reminder on the need to defeat antisemitism and hatred.

    They looked forward to meeting soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK drives green growth by connecting millions to electricity across Africa [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK drives green growth by connecting millions to electricity across Africa [January 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2025.

    • Minister for Africa Lord Collins announces support to extend electricity access to millions across Africa.
    • New deal between British International Investment and UK cleantech company MOPO will connect over a million people across the DRC to renewable energy sources, delivering on the Plan for Change by unleashing the power of British technological innovation.
    • UK partnership with the African Development Bank will also channel private sector capital into African clean energy.

    Millions more people across Africa will have access to clean power thanks to UK investment, Africa Minister Lord Collins has announced.

    This comes as UK Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte attends the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit today [27 January] in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

    The UK is one of the largest investors in clean energy in Africa and is working in partnership to support the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to expand electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. Half of Africa’s population – 600 million people – lack vital access to electricity.

    Lord Collins is announcing a £5.3 million new deal between British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, and UK cleantech firm MOPO.

    This investment will enable MOPO to expand its pay-per-use battery rental operations in the DRC where over 80% of the population lack access to electricity. It demonstrates how UK companies are unlocking new opportunities for growth and positive impact that the clean energy transition has to offer in the UK and beyond.

    Lord Collins will also announce new UK support of £8.5 million towards the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to build on existing efforts between the UK and African partners to connect millions of people across the continent with clean, reliable power.

    Today’s announcement will unlock private sector investment in renewable energy projects including clean cooking and energy efficiency.

    The support, which will be delivered as part of the UK’s Africa Regional Climate and Nature Programme (ARCAN), will accelerate renewable energy adoption and improve energy efficiency, developing solar-powered mini-grids in rural communities and providing technical assistance for large-scale renewable energy projects.

    Minister for Africa Lord Collins of Highbury said:

    The UK has set a landmark goal to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030, and through our Plan for Change we’ll harness technology to transform the UK into a clean energy superpower. We want to leverage this ambition with our African partners to power green growth, eradicate poverty and tackle climate change.

    Connecting the continent to clean, reliable energy is vital, and UK support is helping ensure millions are getting the access they need to prosper through planet-friendly solutions. This will also allow us to deepen our partnerships across Africa, sharing expertise, finance and innovation.

    These announcements from Lord Collins show how the UK Government is delivering on the Plan for Change, which will transform the UK into a clean energy superpower, cutting bills and guaranteeing our energy independence, while championing clean technology innovation overseas  and generating opportunities for investment and jobs in British businesses.

    Speaking at the summit, the UK’s Special Representative on Climate, Rachel Kyte, said:

    Reliable, affordable and clean energy is the cornerstone of economic growth and development. Clean energy, through modern grids and distributed renewable energy offers an opportunity for inclusive growth. Helping end energy poverty supports growth, builds resilience and puts countries on a pathway that helps our common challenge of fighting climate change.  The UK is working with partners across Africa to connect millions of people in the region with cleaner and more efficient power. That is why I’m pleased to be at this summit, supporting Mission 300 and reaffirming our commitment to our shared sustainable development goals especially in Africa.

    At the summit, the UK’s Special Representative for Climate will set out how the UK is deepening our partnerships with African nations and multilateral institutions to fuel the clean energy revolution and stimulate growth whilst tackling the climate emergency.

    Leslie Maasdorp, BII CEO said:

    At BII we want to use our distinctive position, and track record, to create more early-stage solutions that help expand access to energy for more Africans. This is demonstrated through our investment in MOPO, which is expected to reach over a million people in DRC where energy access is limited.

    More broadly, we welcome the partnership of African governments, as well as other institutions like the African Development Bank, in making that ambition a reality.

    Today’s announcements at the Dar Es Salaam summit also reinforce the long-standing UK-Tanzania partnership.

    Tanzania was one of the first countries to sign up to the first mission of the UK’s Global Clean Power Alliance. The two countries are working together to boost the global clean energy transition, whilst furthering trade opportunities that will create jobs and deliver economic growth.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary marks 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation on Holocaust Memorial Day [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary marks 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation on Holocaust Memorial Day [January 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2025.

    • Foreign Secretary will co-host a reception with the Embassy of Israel in the Foreign Office today
    • David Lammy will meet Holocaust survivor Janine Webber, who survived Nazi persecution in occupied Poland
    • senior UK delegation including HMTK will join world leaders at Auschwitz-Birkenau commemoration ceremony in Poland

    The Foreign Secretary will today co-host a reception with Her Excellency the Ambassador of Israel to the United Kingdom to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

    Prior to the commemoration, the Foreign Secretary will meet Holocaust survivor Janine Webber BEM, who survived the Holocaust as child in occupied Poland, enduring the tragic loss of her parents and brother at the hands of the Nazis.

    The commemoration will showcase innovative approaches to Holocaust education. These include Testimony 360, a virtual reality programme preserving survivor testimonies for future generations, and ‘In Their Footsteps’, a powerful exhibition featuring 3D-printed shoes that symbolise Holocaust remembrance.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy is expected to say:

    ‘Never again’ is a solemn promise, which we owe to the victims, but also which we must uphold for our own sake and for the sake of future generations.

    We need Holocaust remembrance. Holocaust education. Action against antisemitism.

    It is how we build a better future for all.

    A high-level UK delegation, including senior government officials, His Majesty The King and Holocaust survivors, will join world leaders today at the Auschwitz-Birkenau commemoration ceremony in Poland.

    As part of the UK’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance, the Prime Minister pledged at least £2.2 million in September to continue to fund the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz project, enabling UK students to visit Auschwitz and learn about the history of the Holocaust.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meeting with US Secretary of State [February 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meeting with US Secretary of State [February 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2025.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio today.

    The Foreign Secretary congratulated Secretary Rubio on his appointment as Secretary of State and the pair discussed their shared links to the Caribbean, with the Foreign Secretary’s family ties to Guyana and Secretary Rubio’s family links to Cuba.

    They both welcomed the opportunity for the UK and the US to work together in alignment to address shared challenges including the situation in the Middle East, Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, the challenges posed by China and the need for Indo-Pacific security.

    The pair said they looked forward to working together and to meeting in person soon.

  • David Lammy – 2025 Speech on Holocaust Memorial Day

    David Lammy – 2025 Speech on Holocaust Memorial Day

    The speech made by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, on 27 January 2025.

    Thank you, Ambassador, for organising this event with us, and I want to echo Hazel’s thanks to Janine Webber.

    I hugely admire the willingness of her and other survivors to continue sharing their stories with the world.

    Many of you will have seen Prime Minister Keir Starmer visiting Auschwitz recently.

    I can distinctly remember my own visit there some years ago, and the many stories on display.

    The raw emotion of seeing a site of such evil. Such suffering. Such loss.

    80 years on from the liberation, we must face up to the reality described so eloquently by Auschwitz survivor, Primo Levi:

    Everyone needs to know that Auschwitz existed…

    Auschwitz is outside of us, but it is all around us, in the air. The plague has died away, but the infection still lingers and it would be foolish to deny it.

    Foolish, indeed.

    As a black man descended from the Windrush generation, as MP for the most diverse constituency in Britain – including, I am proud to say, a thriving Jewish community. And now, as Foreign Secretary, I see all too many signs of that lingering infection.

    Auschwitz did not start in its gas chambers. Genocide does not start with genocide. It starts with denial of rights. With attacks on the rule of law. With a festering resentment of the other.

    And so, as Levi and so many other survivors rightly insisted, it is a duty for us all to reflect on what had happened. ‘Never again’ is a solemn promise which we owe to the victims, but also which we must uphold for our own sake, and for the sake of future generations.

    We need Holocaust remembrance. Holocaust education. Action against antisemitism – it is how we build a better future for us all together.

    That is why it was a great honour to make my first visit as Foreign Secretary to Yad Vashem last July. Why I am proud to host you all in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Holocaust Memorial Day and why I have been so glad to come into this job as the UK holds the Presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

    I want to thank all those involved in running our Presidency, in particular Lord Eric Pickles, whose work as Envoy only reinforces the cross-party nature of our country’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance.

    One of the projects we have been sponsoring during our Presidency has been 80 Objects – 80 Lives. curated by the Association of Jewish Refugees and the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, this exhibition connects the testimonies of 80 survivors with 80 objects from before.

    Wedding rings. The pages of a prayer book. A doll. A suitcase. Everyday objects, connecting the courageous survivors to the communities, the families, the lives they have lost forever.   I like this project as well because it charts a path for this work in the years ahead. 80 years on from the defeat of Nazism, the number of survivors still with us is inevitably dwindling.

    The world of the 1930s and ‘40s can feel ever more distant from our high-tech world of today. The next generation risks being distracted, clickbait making it all too easy not to grasp the full horror of the Holocaust.

    We therefore need to find new ways to tell the story.

    To capture people’s imagination – young people’s most of all, and prompt real reflection.

    We need them to understand what a catastrophic moral failure for humanity Auschwitz was, and how the seeds of such a catastrophe are still around us.

    Another Auschwitz survivor, Viktor Frankl, wrote that one lesson he drew was how everything can be taken from human beings. But not our ability to “choose one’s own way”.

    Today, for all the great challenges we face, we are fortunate to live in a very different moment. But it is still up to each of us to choose our own way.

    For this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day, my hope is that people here in Britain, people all over the world, choose to heed the Auschwitz story.

    And I am choosing once again to work with all who share this hope to try to make sure they do.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister of Frederiksen of Denmark [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister of Frederiksen of Denmark [January 2025]

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

    The Prime Minister spoke to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister updated on his visit to Kyiv last week and underlined his steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Putting the country in the strongest possible position in 2025 and securing peace through strength was vital, the leaders agreed.

    Turning to broader European defence issues, the leaders looked ahead to their attendance to the upcoming European Council in early February.

    The Prime Minister extended an invite to Prime Minister Frederiksen to visit the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani [January 2025]

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

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani this afternoon.

    The leaders began by reflecting on the success of the Qatar State Visit last month, and they agreed on the importance and strength of the UK-Qatar partnership.

    Turning to the Middle East, the Prime Minister thanked the Amir for his steadfast leadership in securing a ceasefire deal.

    They both agreed on the requirement to maintain pressure on both sides to ensure that the deal is fully implemented, seeing the release of all hostages and an increase of aid into Gaza.

    The Prime Minister underscored that the UK, alongside international partners, will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to ensure long-term peace in the Middle East.

    A two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state will ensure a better future for all, the leaders agreed.

    They looked forward to speaking soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Membership of new Visitor Economy Advisory Council announced [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Membership of new Visitor Economy Advisory Council announced [January 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 January 2025.

    Tourism industry worth £74 billion to the economy and 4% of GVA with a huge potential for further growth to support government’s Plan for Change.

    • Visitor Economy Advisory Council to boost collaboration between government and tourism industry
    • Group to be co-chaired by Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant

    Leading figures from British Airways, VisitBritain, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Trainline and other key players in the tourism sector are being brought together on a new taskforce aimed at securing growth in the UK’s world-class tourism sector.

    The Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which met today (Monday 20th January) for the first time, aims to boost collaboration between government and the tourism industry in a bid to kickstart the next stage of the sector’s growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The advisory council will inform the government’s forthcoming National Visitor Economy Strategy. They also work towards the government’s previously announced ambition for the United Kingdom to welcome 50 million international visitors per year by 2030, as part of its plans for the country to remain one of the most visited worldwide.

    The council is co-chaired by Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant and Karin Sheppard, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director for Europe.

    Members of the advisory council include Sean Doyle, chair and chief executive of British Airways, West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates, Royal Parks chair Loyd Grossman, Royal Shakespeare Company chief executive Andrew Leveson and Fiona MacConnacher, head of public affairs for UK and Ireland at Booking.com.

    Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    “The UK is one of the most visited countries in the world and domestic and international tourism are a key part of our economy. I want to build on this success and enable even more visitors to experience our fantastic culture and landscape.

    “That is why I want to increase cooperation between the government and the tourism sector so that we can make the UK the best destination that it can be. That means building investment, improving visitors’ experience and enabling the sector to grow. By working together we can create jobs and drive economic growth as part of our Plan for Change, while also providing fantastic holidays that showcase the best that our country has to offer.”

    A key part of the government’s growth strategy for the tourism sector is increasing visitor numbers outside of London. The capital is a fantastic draw for foreign visitors, bringing in tens of millions of them each year, however the council will look at ways to attract more people to other cities and regions.

    As well as focusing on inbound and domestic tourism, the Visitor Economy Advisory Council will also focus on outbound travel to ensure all tourists have the best possible experience when travelling.

    At today’s meeting, the group discussed the sector’s performance across domestic, international and outbound markets and how the council can support the government’s Growth Mission.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    Full membership of the Visitor Economy Advisory Council:

    • Joss Croft OBE, Chief Executive Officer, UKInbound
    • Sean Doyle, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, British Airways
    • Fiona Eastwood, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Merlin Entertainment
    • Paul Flaum, Chief Executive Officer, Bourne Leisure
    • Jody Ford, Chief Executive Officer, Trainline
    • Dr Sarah Green OBE, Chief Executive Officer, NewcastleGateshead Initiative
    • Sir Loyd Grossman CBE, Chair, The Royal Parks
    • Andy Harmer, Chief Executive Officer, CLIA
    • Dame Irene Hays DBE CBE DL, Chair and Owner, Hays Travel
    • Andrew Leveson, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Shakespeare Company
    • Fiona MacConnacher, Head of Public Affairs UK & Ireland, Booking.com
    • Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive Officer, UKHospitality
    • Ken O’Toole, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manchester Airports Group
    • Richard Parker, Mayor, West Midlands Combined Authority (joint member)
    • Neil Rami, Chief Executive Officer, West Midlands Growth Company (joint member)
    • Jeremy Rees, Chief Executive Officer, ExCel London
    • Kate Shane, Managing Director, Blackpool Council Leisure Portfolio
    • Karin Sheppard, Managing Director Europe, IHG Hotels and Resorts
    • Julia Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, World Tourism and Travel Council
    • Shaon Talukder, Chief Executive Officer, Geotourist
    • Patricia Yates (Observer), Chief Executive Officer, VisitBritain, VisitEngland
  • PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 48 – UK Statement on Italy [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 48 – UK Statement on Italy [January 2025]

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

    Statement at Italy’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    We welcome Italy’s commitment to human rights, including its candidacy for the Human Rights Council.

    We commend Italy’s efforts to implement its National Action Plan against Trafficking and Serious Exploitation of Human Beings, and welcome the adoption of the Strategic Plan on Male Violence Against Women.

    However, we note the persistence of racial and discriminatory attitudes in society. We encourage greater protections for LGBT+ individuals, including tackling discrimination against same-sex couples and families.

    We recommend that Italy:

    1. Implement the recommendations of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, particularly around prevention and prosecution.
    2. Implement the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance recommendation to set up an independent equality body.
    3. Follow up on recommendations in the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, to ensure continued progress to stop violence against women and girls.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor ramps up engagement with financial services leaders to bolster plans to grow the economy [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor ramps up engagement with financial services leaders to bolster plans to grow the economy [January 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 January 2025.

    Financial services sector set for key role in designing first-ever Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy.

    • Chancellor to host series of Industry Forums with key sub-sectors such as banking, insurance, and asset management leaders over coming months.
    • Strategy will set out support for the financial services sector to innovate, grow and finance investment across the country, as part of Plan for Change to put more money in people’s pockets.

    The financial services sector is set to play a key role in designing the first ever Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy.

    The Chancellor will host a series of Industry Forums with industry – covering the entire breadth of the financial services sector – to seek views about the best way to deliver long-term in the sector and across the country.

    The Strategy, set to be published in the spring, aims to develop policies that foster growth in the financial services sector, as part of the Plan for Change to grow the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.

    Recognising its importance, financial services has been identified as one of the eight key growth-driving sectors in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

    The Industry Forums, alongside extensive further engagement at official and ministerial levels, will ensure that industry and senior stakeholders are closely involved in the development of the upcoming Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, so that it tackles the key issues that matter most to the industry.

    This will ensure that policy is informed by financial services professionals who know first-hand what is needed to deliver growth in each of the significant areas of financial services.

    Over the coming weeks, the Chancellor and the Economic Secretary will chair the first of these Industry Forums bringing in leaders from retail banking, wholesale and international banking, insurance and reinsurance, asset management, fintech, and the mutuals and co-operatives sector.

    These sessions will build on the government’s Call for Evidence to inform the Strategy, which closed in December 2024.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    Growth is my number one mission. It’s the only way to put more money in people’s pockets and key to our Plan for Change.

    The financial services sector is at the heart of this mission, supporting economic activity and financing investment across the country.

    I am committed to working hand-in-hand with the industry to make sure that our plans are informed by those who both provide and utilise financial services, including those who know first-hand what is needed to unlock growth in, and drive prosperity through, our world-leading financial services sector.

    The first meetings of the Industry Forums will run throughout January and February, reconvening ahead of the government’s publication of the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy as part of the Industrial Strategy later this year.

    The government will continue to work closely with industry following the publication of the Strategy, to ensure that it is implemented effectively.