Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : The new authorities must build a democratic state representative of Syria’s rich diversity – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

I will make three points today.

First, as we mark the start of this new year, the first for over half a century without the Assad family in power in Syria, this is a moment of hope for the future of Syria and the Syrian people.

But rebuilding a country is not a place for quick fixes.

So we call on all involved to focus on the opportunity to build a democratic state, representative of Syria’s rich diversity and to take the necessary steps to establish participation across all of Syria’s society.

We’re encouraged by the new interim authorities’ timelines for drafting a new constitution and holding elections and national dialogue.

We are encouraged by early engagement with the international community and call for continued cooperation with the UN throughout the transitional period.

Second, there is much to be done, as we’ve heard, in the short term to protect civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the 17 million people who need it.

We call on all parties to stop activity that could lead to further escalation or suffering for the civilian population and to protect vulnerable displaced populations.

Since the fall of Assad, the UK has committed a further $76 million to support vulnerable Syrians in Syria and across the region.
Third, Syria must eliminate the chemical weapons the Assad regime used against its own citizens.

Colleagues, now is the moment to close the Syria chemical weapons file once and for all.

We welcome the interim authorities’ commitment to secure chemical weapons stocks and their commitment to engage constructively with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to fully declare and verify the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons.

I encourage members of this Council to support cooperation between the interim authorities and the OPCW, to ensure these appalling weapons can never be used again.

In conclusion, President, we look forward to working together, across the Security Council, to support the Syrian people in moving towards a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political transition leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government.

January 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New regional skills projects to bolster UK cyber defences and deliver on Plan for Change [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 8 January 2025.

More than 30 projects across England and Northern Ireland will deliver targeted support to boost the UK’s cyber resilience.
- More than 30 projects to receive funding to deliver targeted support including training to boost cyber skills and new ways to protect businesses against cyber threats
- Located across England and Northern Ireland, the schemes will help protect the security of the UK’s digital economy and grow a pipeline of cyber talent – supporting our Plan for Change
- Students to be put through their paces in latest round of Cyber Explorers competition to encourage the UK’s brightest young minds into careers in the field
More than 30 projects across England and Northern Ireland will deliver targeted support to boost the UK’s cyber resilience – from new ways to better protect businesses and families from potential cyber-attacks, to providing training to increase the nation’s cyber skills – as the government drives forward its Plan for Change to grow the economy and ensure the UK’s digital security.

Announced today (8th January), the new projects will receive a share of £1.9 million in UK government and private funding to bolster the UK’s cyber defences and make sure the country has the cyber workforce it needs as the threat of attacks rises, with schemes in Northern Ireland, the Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, the South West, North East and North West of England set to benefit.

The UK’s cyber sector is a true success story, contributing £11.9 billion to the British economy. The increasing number of threats we face online though means demand for trained cyber professionals is continuing to rise, with almost half of UK businesses currently reporting a cyber skills shortage. These projects will now help plug the gaps and meet that demand – giving people across the country the skills they need to explore new, highly-paid careers in cyber to ensure the wider security of technology and digital services across the economy.

First announced at a global cyber security meeting convened by the UK in September, these projects – delivered by organisations such as universities, local community groups and businesses – will tap into local know-how and partnerships to support initiatives which meet the needs of individual areas, plugging skills gaps to help keep the UK safe online by providing training for a wide range of groups including everyone from secondary school students and apprentices to working professionals.

Among the projects being supported are programmes in the South West and Yorkshire to upskill workers in small businesses, and a scheme in the North West of England which will unlock new avenues for communities to explore careers in cyber.

A project in Northern Ireland meanwhile will explore how to encourage more neurodiverse workers into the field – boosting the diversity of the UK’s cyber talent pipeline. While a programme in the West Midlands will focus on supporting women and girls to protect them from cyber violence and abuse.

Combined, these projects will help to deliver a stronger workforce, unlock new opportunities, and improve skills right across the country, helping keep the UK’s digital economy safe and secure and ultimately putting more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

Minister for Cyber Security Feryal Clark said:

We live more and more of our lives online – whether that’s for our weekly shopping, banking, browsing the web to book a holiday, or simply staying in touch with our loved ones.

But our growing digital economy is also worth billions to the economy. That’s why having strong defences in place is more important than ever – and as part of our Plan for Change to grow our economy, we also need to protect it.

Attempts to disrupt the technologies and services we rely on daily continue to grow, so we’re leaving no stone un-turned to make sure our communities have the skills to rise to the challenge.

It’s also vital we develop a diverse and talented cyber security workforce, which is why the next phase of the Cyber Explorers Cup competition will be vital in identifying the UK’s cyber leaders of tomorrow.

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Director for National Resilience and Future Technology, Jonathan Ellison said:

These projects will help enhance the UK’s cyber resilience by empowering local communities with the skills and support needed to combat growing digital threats.

By upskilling small businesses and individuals, investing in workforce development and encouraging neurodiverse talent, government and industry partners are fostering robust and diverse cyber communities for the future.

This is vital for protecting our digital economy, creating new opportunities for secure innovation and helping make the UK the safest place to live and work online.

Stella Peace, Interim Executive Chair, Innovate UK, said:

Innovate UK are delighted to celebrate the winners of the first Cyber Local competition as they begin their funded projects.

These initiatives play a vital role in addressing the cyber skills gap by equipping local communities with essential cyber security skills and creating greater opportunities for individuals, particularly from underrepresented demographics, to pursue careers in this dynamic sector.

By fostering area partnerships and building strong links between industry, the public sector, and academia, these projects will strengthen local cyber security ecosystems and drive innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these investments will have on both local communities and the broader national cyber resilience.

Encouraging the UK’s brightest young minds into careers in the field is a vital part of building up the country’s online defences and delivering a strong cyber security workforce. The Cyber Explorers Cup competition, launching its second round today, will fuel that drive and help meet the significant demand for cyber security workers in the UK for years to come. Cyber Explorers is a free, interactive cyber security learning platform which has been rolled out to secondary schools across the UK. Focused on 11 to 14 year olds, the programme looks to build essential digital skills to arm students with the tools they need to launch careers in cyber security.

The Cyber Explorers Cup will see competitors from across the country taking part in a series of ‘capture the flag’ style cyber security challenges, solving cyber puzzles and boosting their cyber security knowledge.

To be eligible, students will need to complete a minimum of 3 missions on the Cyber Explorers platform. Building on the strength of last year’s edition which saw 680 students taking part, winners will take home both a certificate of achievement and be supported to join the cyber security workforce in the future through career days with cyber experts.

The steps being taken today show how the government is delivering on its Plan for Change to kickstart 2025 – and as it prepares to introduce a new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill – ensuring the safety and security of our digital economy while unlocking new opportunities for people and communities across the country. They will ensure the UK can meet long-term demand for cyber experts, while also supporting the delivery of new jobs to boost long-term economic growth and ultimately put more money in people’s pockets.
January 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Children’s bill to keep children safe from exploitation [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 8 January 2025.

Major reforms to protect thousands of vulnerable children hidden from sight will take another crucial step forward today.

Major reforms to protect thousands of vulnerable children hidden from sight will take another crucial step forward today, as the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is debated in Parliament (8 January 2025).

Children not in school registers, stronger powers for councils to make sure children are getting the right education, and a unique identifying number for every child are part of major reforms to help tackle the tragedy of children vanishing from education and protect young people from exploitation, grooming and abuse.

The recent Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Annual Report 2024 highlighted that children experiencing harm outside the home, including exploitation, were likely to be not enrolled in school, missing education or have poor school attendance, and that’s why the bill will also strengthen multi-agency safeguarding arrangements to quickly identify significant harm. This comes as the government announced action this week on three key recommendations from the Professor Alexis Jay review to address significant failings to keep children safe.

According to the latest government data, around 111,000 children and young people are home educated, up from an estimated 55,000 before the pandemic. This is alongside the 150,000 children missing education all together at some point during the last year. The bill will bring in unprecedented safeguards for home educated children, ratchet up powers for councils and compel local authorities to establish dedicated, multi-agency safeguarding teams to keep track of children.

Measures will also put more cash back in working parents’ pockets by capping the number of branded items schools can require as part of their uniform. This could save some families over £50 per child during the back-to-school shop, ensuring parents have as much flexibility as possible to shop around and save money. It will also give every parent of a primary school child a legal entitlement to a breakfast club, saving them as much as £450 per year.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, that will bring these measures into law, has its second reading in Parliament today, helping make child-centred government a reality and deliver on the government’s Plan for Change.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

Keeping children safe will always be my first duty as education secretary, but we can only truly do that if we know where our children are. The sad reality is that at the moment there are thousands of children hidden from sight.

This government will make no apologies for doing whatever is necessary to keep children out of harm’s way, and I will not stand by while some young people fall through the cracks, left without a good education and vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

This landmark bill is a crucial step forward in our mission to protect all children, while also supporting parents by putting more money in their pockets as we deliver our Plan for Change and give all children the best start in life.

Measures to reform children’s social care and help reduce the number of children missing education that are being introduced in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill include:
- all councils will be required to hold a register of children who are not in school. Councils will be able to require parents and providers of out of school education to share information like name, address and the nature of the education children are being provided
- a unique number for every child – in the same way every adult has their own national insurance number – to join up systems and make sure no child falls through the cracks. A consistent identifier will allow those responsible for the safeguarding and welfare of children to better join relevant data and identify children who will benefit from additional support
- the removal of the automatic right for parents to educate children at home if their child is subject to a child protection investigation or under a child protection plan. Schools will need to check with the local authority where a parent asks to remove a child from school to home educate, to establish whether the local authority’s consent should be obtained.
- if any child’s home environment is assessed as unsuitable or unsafe, local authorities will have the power to intervene and require school attendance
- making sure every council operates best practice ‘multi-agency’ safeguarding panels, that bring together all the professionals that can best make sure children are kept safe both inside and outside the home
Wider measures in the bill include capping the number of branded items schools can require as part of their uniform. Primary schools will be able to require a maximum of 3 branded items, and secondary schools will have the option to include an additional item if one of those is a tie.

Data shows 24% of primary and 70% of secondary schools still require 5 or more branded items, with some parents saying they were asked to provide 10 or more.

Limiting the number of branded items having to be bought from designated suppliers could save some parents over £50 per child during the back-to-school shop from September 2026 – thanks to greater flexibility to buy from a range of retailers.

Primary school children will also benefit from the option to attend a free breakfast club, which could save parents up to £450 a year. Clubs will launch from April 2025 at schools taking part in the early adopter scheme.

Mark Russell, CEO at The Children’s Society, said:

The high cost of school uniforms has put an unnecessary financial strain on families for far too long. This is a pivotal moment on an issue we’ve campaigned on for years, and it’s very encouraging to see this progress towards a fairer and more affordable approach.

Schools will play a key role in ensuring these changes deliver for families, and so the new measures should be both practical and effective. Every child deserves to feel equal and included, regardless of their family’s income, and removing the pressure of costly branded uniforms is an essential step in making that a reality.

We’ll continue to push for reforms that put children and families first, so no child feels left out or disadvantaged because of the cost of their uniform.

Sir David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive of Family Action said:

It is great to see the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill continuing its passage through Parliament. Second Reading stage provides a crucial opportunity for Parliamentarians and for everyone else who is interested in children’s wellbeing to scrutinise further this new and important draft legislation.

We particularly welcome the proposals to introduce a unique identifier number for children across services, registers to identify children who are not in school and of course the provisions which will introduce universal free breakfast clubs in state-funded primary schools.
January 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK Statement for Interactive Dialogue with High Commissioner on human rights in Ukraine [January 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2025.

Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Ukraine. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Thank you, Mr. President,

Let me begin by thanking you, Deputy High Commissioner and your Office, for your continued efforts to shine a light on human rights in Ukraine almost three years on from the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Your update today is a stark reminder of the barbaric character of that invasion. In recent months, as you have recounted, we’ve seen hundreds of civilian deaths including healthcare workers and emergency personnel. Systematic attacks on energy infrastructure. Forced deportations. And further grim evidence of systematic and systemic torture – and more executions – of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Routine abuse that is facilitated by Russian state entities, with the full knowledge of facility supervisors. Severe beatings, electric shocks, prolonged stress positions, and mock executions have become the norm. Sexual violence during internment is pervasive. Rape, castration and sexualized humiliation have all been reported.

The torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war is not just endemic. It is Russian State policy, in complete violation of the Geneva Conventions. All of this from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which purports to be a great world power.

Deputy High Commissioner,

We are now three years into this invasion. Three years into the horrors. When will Russia accept its obligations to International Law and end this senseless war?

Thank you and Slava Ukraine.

January 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government crackdown on explicit deepfakes [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 7 January 2025.

Predators who create sexually explicit ‘deepfakes’ could face prosecution as the Government bears down on vile online abuse.
- Government to make creating sexually explicit ‘deepfake’ images a criminal offence
- Perpetrators to face up to two years behind bars under new offences for taking an intimate image without consent and installing equipment to enable these offences
- Package delivers on Government’s Plan for Change and manifesto commitment to protect women and girls
Predators who create sexually explicit ‘deepfakes’ could face prosecution as the Government bears down on vile online abuse as part of its mission to make our streets safer.

The proliferation of these hyper-realistic images has grown at an alarming rate, causing devastating harm to victims, particularly women and girls who are often the target.

To tackle this, the government will introduce a new offence meaning perpetrators could be charged for both creating and sharing these images, not only marking a crackdown on this abhorrent behaviour but making it clear there is no excuse for creating a sexually explicit deepfake of someone without their consent.

The Government will also create new offences for the taking of intimate images without consent and the installation of equipment with intent to commit these offences – sending a clear message that abusers will face the full force of the law.

Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones said:

It is unacceptable that one in three women have been victims of online abuse. This demeaning and disgusting form of chauvinism must not become normalised, and as part of our Plan for Change we are bearing down on violence against women – whatever form it takes.

These new offences will help prevent people being victimised online. We are putting offenders on notice – they will face the full force of the law.

While it is already an offence to share – or threaten to share – an intimate image without consent, it is only an offence to take an image without consent in certain circumstances, such as upskirting.

Under the new offences, anyone who takes an intimate image without consent faces up to two years’ custody. Those who install equipment so that they, or someone else, can take intimate images without consent also face up to two years behind bars.

The move delivers on the Government’s manifesto commitment to ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes as well as recommendations from the Law Commission relating to intimate images.

Alongside existing offences of sharing intimate images without consent, this will give law enforcement a holistic package of offences to effectively tackle non-consensual intimate image abuse.

Baroness Jones, Technology Minister, said:

The rise of intimate image abuse is a horrifying trend that exploits victims and perpetuates a toxic online culture. These acts are not just cowardly, they are deeply damaging, particularly for women and girls who are disproportionately targeted.

With these new measures, we’re sending an unequivocal message: creating or sharing these vile images is not only unacceptable but criminal. Tech companies need to step up too – platforms hosting this content will face tougher scrutiny and significant penalties.

Campaigner and presenter Jess Davies said:

Intimate-image abuse is a national emergency that is causing significant, long-lasting harm to women and girls who face a total loss of control over their digital footprint, at the hands of online misogyny.

Women should not have to accept sexual harassment and abuse as a normal part of their online lives, we need urgent action and legislation to better protect women and girls from the mammoth scale of misogyny they are experiencing online.

These new offences follow the Government’s action in September 2024 to add sharing intimate image offences as priority offences under the Online Safety Act. This put the onus on platforms to root out and remove this type of content – or face enforcement action from Ofcom.

The new offences will be included in the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which will be introduced when parliamentary time allows. Further details of the new offences will be set out in due course.

Further information
- The sexually explicit deepfakes offences will apply to images of adults. This is because the law already covers this behaviour where the image is of a child (under the age of 18).
- It is already an offence to share or threaten to share intimate images, including deepfakes, under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, following amendments that were made by the Online Safety Act 2023.
- The Government will repeal two existing voyeurism offences that relate to the recording of a person doing a private act, and recording an image beneath a person’s clothing.
- They will be replaced with a range of new offences:
  - Taking or recording an intimate photograph or film without consent or reasonable belief in it
- Taking or recording an intimate photograph or film without consent and with intent to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation
- Taking or recording an intimate photograph or film without consent or reasonable belief in it, and for the purpose of the sexual gratification of oneself or another
- We will also introduce new offences that criminalise someone if they install or adapt, prepare or maintain equipment, and do so with the intent of enabling themselves or another to commit one of the three offences of taking an intimate image without consent.
January 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of thousands of Brits in rural villages and towns to benefit from UK government broadband boost [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 7 January 2025.

Around 131,000 homes and businesses across the country will no longer be stuck with slow internet speeds as the UK government’s rollout of gigabit connectivity races ahead.
- Around 131,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses to get lightning-fast broadband speeds, helping to break down barriers to opportunity and kickstart economic growth under the government’s Plan for Change
- Over £289 million in contracts signed to connect some of Britain’s most remote locations including in the Dee Valley, Isle of Anglesey and Shropshire Hills, giving millions of people better access to vital online services such as healthcare and education
- Funding forms part of the UK government’s Project Gigabit to end the plight of poor broadband across Great Britain, with work already underway to bring upgrades to over one million premises
Some of Britain’s most isolated communities will benefit from faster broadband speeds, giving them better access to a range of services including healthcare at home through virtual consultations and remote monitoring, and helping to combat loneliness by ensuring pensioners can access high-quality video calls.

It will also support businesses to better grow and serve their customers online and help young people have a better start in life through access to online education and the resources to apply and interview for jobs.

Project Gigabit plays a key role in plans to kickstart economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change. With faster internet speeds across the country, communities that would otherwise be left behind with outdated broadband networks will be able to make the most of what the digital world has to offer.

Areas set to benefit include the Dee Valley, Isle of Anglesey, and Shropshire Hills as 4 new contracts – worth over £289 million – have been signed by the UK government and Openreach. This will deliver the fastest, most reliable broadband networks on the market to hundreds of towns and villages in rural Britain and plug the digital divide outside urban areas.

Areas to benefit from the new contracts include North and Southwest Wales, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Devon, Somerset, Essex, North East England and Worcestershire.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

We are determined to deliver the infrastructure this country needs to thrive, and I am thrilled to see so many homes and businesses in all areas of the country getting access to the fastest broadband speeds on the market through Project Gigabit.

With today’s £289 million investment, we are not only boosting connectivity, but making it easier to access remote healthcare, online education, shopping online. work, learn, shop and stay in touch with loved ones online.

As part of this government’s Plan for Change, we will plug digital divides, helping to make the UK a more equal society where everyone is given a fair shot in life.

The latest contracts add to the 96,600 premises already set to benefit under a UK government agreement with Openreach. The agreement signed earlier this year will make up to £800 million of funding available to modernise broadband infrastructure in rural areas of England, Scotland and Wales, ending the plight of buffering.

Across the UK, Project Gigabit is now delivering gigabit connectivity to over 1.1 million hard-to-reach premises – a figure that will continue to rise in the months ahead, meeting the demand for reliable connectivity, stimulating rural economies and reducing regional disparities.

For households, gigabit-capable broadband delivers faster speeds and fewer dropouts, providing a gateway to remote working and online education. Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections won’t slow down at peak times, meaning no more battling for bandwidth with neighbours. Gigabit networks can easily handle over a hundred devices all at once with no buffering, meaning the whole family can seamlessly surf, stream and download at the same time.

Across the UK, over 1 million hard-to-reach premises already have access to upgrades thanks to UK government investment. Over 85 per cent of the country can now access gigabit connections, putting the UK in a strong position to meet the government’s target of full gigabit coverage by 2030.

Dozens of Project Gigabit contracts representing more than £2.2 billion investment have now been signed with over 10 different suppliers to deliver the upgrades, including many smaller, independent broadband providers.

Openreach CEO Clive Selley, said:

Our new Full Fibre broadband network now reaches more than half of all properties in the UK, and we’re confident we can reach as many as 30 million premises by the end of the decade, assuming the right regulatory and investment conditions exist. This is a British infrastructure success story which experts say will boost productivity by £73 billion and bring a raft of social and environmental benefits for the country. We believe that everyone deserves access to fast and reliable broadband, and we’re proud that this partnership will help extend our ultrafast, ultra-reliable network to areas that would otherwise be left behind by the private sector.
January 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government sets out plan to secure the long-term future of steelmaking and safeguard steel communities [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 7 January 2025.

The Government has launched a new Steel Council, made up of steel sector leaders, industry experts, trade unions, trade associations and devolved governments.
- Government launches new Steel Council to advise on rebuilding the industry and developing its upcoming Steel Strategy.
- Council led by the Business Secretary and Chair of the Materials Processing Institute Jon Bolton, will bring together industry figures, experts, trade unions and devolved governments to secure the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK.
- New council demonstrates the Government’s partnership with industry and trade unions to revitalise UK steelmaking and secure economic growth, delivering on the Plan for Change.
The Government is ramping up its plans to rebuild the UK’s steel sector with the launch of a new Steel Council which will bring together leaders from across the industry to advise on the upcoming Steel Strategy.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will chair the first meeting of the Council today (7 January) together with co-chair Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute – a globally-recognised non-profit research and innovation centre based in the iconic steel community of Teesside.

A secure future for the steel industry is vital to both the UK’s national security and delivering growth, the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change, and with the launch of the Council the Government is taking another important step towards safeguarding the sector for the long term.

The Council will bring together steel sector leaders such as CEOs from Tata Steel and British Steel with trade union leaders, industry experts, devolved government representatives and trade associations to address the challenges facing the steel industry and make the changes needed to secure steelmaking in the UK.

It will meet regularly as the Government prepares to launch its Steel Strategy, providing a vital link between industry, workers, experts and government in every part of the UK and ensuring that both the workforce and economic growth are at the heart of its plans to rebuild the steel sector.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The industry and steel communities have had enough of lurching from crisis to crisis – this government will take the action needed to place steel on a secure footing for the long term. With the launch of the Steel Council we’re placing workers and local communities at the heart of our plans as we bring forward up to £2.5 billion of investment to secure growth right across the country.

Steel was a neglected industry in this country under the previous government, but with the launch of this Council and our upcoming Strategy, we’re proving once again that we are the Government that’s committed to driving growth and innovation in the sector.

A vibrant steel sector is crucial for economic growth and our national security, and by reflecting views from industry across the UK as we bring forward our Steel Strategy we’re delivering on the Plan for Change and boosting economic stability.

Gareth Stace, Director-General, UK Steel said:

The establishment of the Steel Council marks a defining moment for the future of steelmaking in Britain. The Council represents a crucial step towards creating a comprehensive Government Steel Strategy – one that lays the foundations for a sustainable and resilient industry.

This strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to foster a competitive business environment that encourages long-term investment and ensures steelmaking remains at the heart of the UK economy.

We are committed to collaborating with the Government, trade unions, and industry partners to turn this vision into a shared success, securing the sustained growth that our sector, its workforce, and our communities rightfully deserve.

Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute said:

I am honoured to be asked to co-chair the Steel Council. I have worked in the steel industry globally for over 40 years, and it’s clear this sector has faced many challenges.

However, I believe the UK has all the essential elements to attract investment into the steel industry: demand, skills, technology, unrivalled research and development and, critically, a supportive government having announced up to £2.5 billion of support.

I see the Council’s task being to develop a strategy that details the core elements of that investment plan and to establish a roadmap towards a rejuvenated, competitive and environmentally progressive industry.

The Government will work closely with the Steel Council towards the launch of the Steel Strategy in Spring, and the Council will continue to meet regularly following its publication to help drive investment into steelmaking communities across the country.

Full list of the Steel Council’s membership:
- Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chair)
- Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute (Co-chair)
- Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry and Decarbonisation
- British Steel
- Tata Steel
- Liberty Steel
- Marcegaglia UK
- Sheffield Forgemasters
- Celsa Steel
- UK Steel
- British Metals Recycling Association
- Materials Processing Institute
- Warwick Manufacturing Group
- Community Trade Union
- GMB Trade Union
- Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Scottish Government
- Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government
- Conor Murphy, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive
January 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : FCDO statement on DPRK missile launches [January 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 January 2025.

The FCDO has released a statement following a ballistic missile launch by The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 6 January.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

DPRK’s ballistic missile launch on 6 January is another breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Unlawful ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK strongly urges the DPRK to stop such provocations, return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation.

January 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Expeditionary Force activates UK-led reaction system to track threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor Russian shadow fleet [January 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 January 2025.

Joint Expeditionary Force partners and NATO will be alerted by the system of any ships deemed a risk to key areas of interest.

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has activated an advanced UK-led reaction system to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor the Russian shadow fleet, following reported damage to a major undersea cable in the Baltic Sea.

The 10-nation strong Joint Expeditionary Force, of which the UK is the framework nation, has also released a statement expressing concern at the damage caused to Estlink2 and highlighting the Alliance’s commitment to working together to safeguard shared interests.

The operation, activated last week and named Nordic Warden, harnesses AI to assess data from a range of sources, including the Automatic Identification System (AIS) ships use to broadcast their position, to calculate the risk posed by each vessel entering areas of interest. The JEF action reinforces existing and planned NATO responses.

Specific vessels identified as being part of Russia’s shadow fleet have been registered into the system so they can be closely monitored when approaching key areas of interest.

If a potential risk is assessed, the system will monitor the suspicious vessel in real time and immediately send out a warning, which will be shared with JEF participant nations as well as NATO Allies.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Growth and national security are vital to our Plan for Change, which is why this government is working closely with our allies to protect critical national infrastructure, such as undersea cables.

I am pleased we are launching this cutting-edge technology so soon after the JEF Summit to enhance European security and deliver on our Plan for Change.

Nordic Warden was activated last week under JEF protocols, which provide a series of options to the Alliance that can be activated in order to protect against potential threats. The initiative highlights how the JEF is using innovative technologies to boost collective European security, while supporting and complementing NATO’s own operations.

It comes following reported damage on Christmas Day to the Estlink2 undersea cable in the Baltic, which authorities in Finland suggest may have been caused by a tanker which forms part of Russia’s shadow fleet of vessels it uses to attempt to bypass international sanctions.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

The UK and JEF are leading the way in providing support to our Allies to help safeguard the offshore infrastructure we all rely on against potential threats.

Nordic Warden will help protect against both deliberate acts of sabotage as well as cases of extreme negligence which we have seen cause damage to underwater cables.

Harnessing the power of AI, this UK-led system is a major innovation which allows us the unprecedented ability to monitor large areas of the sea with a comparatively small number of resources, helping us stay secure at home and strong abroad.

22 areas of interest – including parts of the English Channel, North Sea, Kattegat, and Baltic Sea, are currently being monitored from the JEF’s operational headquarters in Northwood, where personnel from all JEF nations work side by side.

Nordic Warden was first trialled during the summer of 2024 and again during the JEF’s Exercise Joint Protector, which saw more than 300 UK personnel deploy to Latvia to demonstrate the ability of the UK to deploy its operational headquarters for JEF abroad at short notice.

The UK has led international efforts through a global alliance to disrupt the shadow fleet. As part of the initiative launched by the Prime Minister at the European Political Community last year, the UK has sanctioned 93 oil tankers which Putin has been using to soften the blow of sanctions and bankroll his illegal war in Ukraine. Today’s announcement complements last month’s agreement between the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland and Estonia to request proof of insurance from suspected shadow vessels as they pass along the Baltic route.

Commenting on the reported Estlink2 damage, the joint statement from Joint Expeditionary Force members said:

This is another example of maritime incidents causing direct economic and security implications for Finland and Estonia, highlighting the risks to vital communication and energy networks essential for the security and prosperity of all our nations.

The JEF commends Finland and Estonia for their decisive actions in dealing with the Estlink-2 power cable incident. We remain committed to supporting Participant Nations, NATO, and Allies in safeguarding our shared interests and regional stability.

Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, and Nordic Warden will help protect against threats.

The Joint Expeditionary Force is comprised of 10 like-minded nations, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden and the UK as the Framework Nation.

The JEF by design is a high readiness, adaptable force which enhance the ability of the grouping to respond rapidly to threats, anywhere in the world.

January 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : We call on the Sudanese authorities to fully cooperate with humanitarian response – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 January 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the protection of civilians in Sudan.

First, the United Kingdom expresses its alarm at the latest IPC report confirming that famine is rapidly spreading in Sudan.

As we’ve heard, children are acutely malnourished, preventable disease is spreading and basic services collapsing. On current projections, over 630,000 people face famine by May 2025.

Urgent action is needed now or more lives will be lost.

We are concerned that the Sudanese authorities have halted their participation in the IPC system in response to this report. Continuing to deny the food insecurity spreading across Sudan will only exacerbate suffering.

We call on the authorities to fully cooperate with the humanitarian response.

Second, we reiterate our support for bold international action, including by the UN, to tackle the humanitarian crisis.

In November, the UK doubled its aid commitment to Sudan and the region to almost $140m.

We call on the international community to step up support to both the UN and Sudanese local responders on the front line.

Third, President, we know that these devastating IPC figures are driven by the ongoing conflict and poor humanitarian access. It is within the power of the warring parties to prevent a deepening of this man-made crisis.

We welcome the Sudanese Armed Forces agreement to establish humanitarian supply hubs and extend permissions for the Adre crossing, which should be sustained.

But humanitarian access needs to be expanded to all civilians in need. This includes enabling other access routes, including through South Sudan and cross-line.

We also encourage the authorising of further humanitarian hubs, including in areas held by the Rapid Support Forces.

We urge both sides to lift all bureaucratic impediments and to put in place necessary safety guarantees for aid workers. And we fully condemn the killing of three WFP staff members in December and call for a thorough investigation.

President, to conclude, with excess deaths potentially reaching into the millions, the latest IPC warning should be a rallying call for action to end this conflict now and to scale up humanitarian support.

In 2025, this Council and the international community must work together to bring an end to this dark chapter for Sudan and to forge a pathway towards lasting peace.

January 7, 2025