Tag: Downing Street

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 August 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with local leaders in Southport today to confirm a package of support for the local community, following the appalling killings and violent disorder that rocked the area earlier this week.

The package will equip local leaders and agencies so that the right support is in place for victims, ensure the needs of bereaved families are at the heart of the response, and drive longer term efforts to bring the community together.

During his visit to Southport the prime minister took part in a meeting with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and other leaders drawn from local policing, faith groups, healthcare providers and voluntary and education sectors, where they discussed next steps and the importance of working together to help Southport recover from these horrific events. The Prime Minister also travelled to Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool to thank staff for their hard work and enduring professionalism.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

As a nation, we stand with those who tragically have lost loved ones in the heinous attack in Southport, which ripped through the very fabric of this community and left us all in shock.

It is truly inspiring to hear of all the ways in which people have come together in the face of such horrors to demonstrate true bravery, resilience and solidarity.

I cannot begin to imagine the pain that people are going through right now, but I am determined to make sure that Southport and its leaders have all the support they need to preserve and nurture this strength of community spirit – not just in the immediate aftermath, but also in the years to come.

Government and local partners are working together to coordinate a comprehensive multi-agency support offer for bereaved families and all those affected across Southport – this could include access to vital mental health and psychological services; effective communication with those affected; and a programme of engagement with the community on how to best recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the horrific events.

In order to support the long term recovery of the area, government will work with local partners on new ways to equip local leaders to help bolster community cohesion and build local resilience, including by setting up a programme of local community events and activities to help bring people together and create long lasting support networks drawing from local schools, businesses, faith groups, sports clubs and other key partners.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:

The horrendous events of Tuesday have caused untold shock and horror across the whole country but has left Southport struggling to come to terms with such a tragedy on its doorstep.

Once the glare of the national media has moved on, it leaves behind a community that needs to come together and rebuild. This is a tight knit area and we have already seen that inclusivity and community on full display in the town’s response to the mindless violence on Tuesday night.

It will not happen overnight, but we are determined to restore trust, build on that remarkable resilience – and, above all, ensure that Bebe, Elsie and Alice, and the victims and those traumatised, are never forgotten.

On behalf of the Liverpool City Region, I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for the personal commitment he has given to supporting Southport through this extraordinarily difficult time.

The package will also help support local leaders’ efforts to honour the memory of those tragically killed or injured, working with schools and others affected to commemorate them in line with the local community’s wishes.

It comes alongside extensive care delivered through the NHS for anyone affected by the terrible incidents, including specialist psychological and bereavement support services tailored to individuals’ needs and access to 24/7 crisis support. Local hospitals and healthcare services delivering support to victims, bereaved families and other people affected are also being provided with advice in order to make sure staff are best equipped to give people the help and expert care they need.

Today’s measures follow wider efforts by government to prevent further violence and unrest on our streets through a new National Violent Disorder Programme. This will bring together expert policing capabilities from across the country, drive better intelligence sharing and deploy innovative technologies more effectively to stamp out criminal behaviour and bring those responsible for violence to justice.

Government will continue to work closely with community leaders over the weeks and months ahead to ensure people, businesses and the local economy all receive ongoing support in order to drive recovery and local growth, including sustaining Southport’s thriving tourism sector and cultural attractions.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 August 2024.

Criminals intent on causing violence and unrest on our streets will be stopped in their tracks thanks to a new National Violent Disorder Programme, the Prime Minister has announced today.

At a meeting of police chiefs in Downing Street this afternoon, he offered his clear backing to forces up and down the country – pledging that the government will work in direct partnership with them to stamp out the violent disorder seen in recent weeks.

Following the meeting, he has announced the immediate creation of the new programme, which will bring together the best policing capabilities from across the country to share intelligence on the activity of violent groups so the authorities can swiftly intervene to arrest them.

Local insight and data will be used to gain a national understanding of where these criminals are operating, including the British Transport Police alerting where they see a spike in train ticket sales that could be linked to organised violent disorder.

It will also consider how we can deploy facial recognition technology, which is already used by some forces, more widely across the country. This will mean criminals can be targeted, found and brought to justice quickly.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this afternoon:

“I’ve just held a meeting with senior police and law enforcement leaders where we’ve resolved to show who we are. A country that will not allow understandable fear to curdle into division and hate in our communities and that will not permit, under any circumstances a breakdown in law and order on our streets.

“Because let’s be very clear about this. It’s not protest. It’s not legitimate. It’s crime and violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice.

“And so, on behalf of the British people who expect their values and their security to be upheld, we will put a stop to it.”

The programme will also support the swift deployment of surge teams to forces who need them, for example, when they’re faced with intelligence that suggests organised violence in a particular area.

The tragic events in Southport on Monday shone a light on the heroism of our emergency services and the work they do to keep the public safe. However, this was exploited by a criminal minority who directly targeted the police in a shocking display of aggression later that day which left fifty officers injured.

The Prime Minister was clear that criminals will never be allowed to hide behind the legitimate right to protest in order to wreak havoc and intimidation in our communities.

The plans form part of the government’s mission to take back our streets by halving serious violent crime and raising confidence in the police and criminal justice system.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“Southport suffered a horrific attack that no community should ever have to face. But instead of being shown respect for their grief, the community had to endure violent disorder and thuggery.

“For the emergency services who responded with bravery to save lives on Monday to then face attack themselves on Tuesday is disgraceful and it only adds to the trauma when we should be thinking of the families of the little girls, and making sure they can get justice.

“Communities have a right to feel safe without deliberate organised violence or thuggery in our streets. Criminals need to face the full force of the law and today we made clear that the police have our strong support in keeping the streets safe. We will work with senior police officers across the country to make sure there is rapid intelligence sharing and swift action to stop violent disorder and make sure criminals pay the price.”

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC Chair said:

“I would like to thank all the officers and first responders involved for their bravery and unity. At times like these it is encouraging to see the way forces come together to support each other, as well as the wider public.

“All of us in public leadership or in positions of influence have a responsibility to use our platform to help bring people together. It is more important than ever for us to call out disinformation, highlight harmful practices, report and condemn criminal and work together for a better society.”

“We welcome any support which helps us to strengthen our policing capability to deal with these types of incidents. We look forward to working with government and receiving more details on the creation of a National Violent Disorder Programme and further work on tools such as Live Facial Recognition.”

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO at the College of Policing, said:

“My thoughts remain firmly with the families of the little girls killed in Southport and the other people who are still recovering. I cannot begin to comprehend the extent of their grief and trauma at this time.

“This violence, from thugs who are hijacking the terrible grief felt across the country, is despicable, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The same police officers who run towards harm to protect us are now being pelted with bricks, bins and fireworks. I’m grateful to the prime minister for extending his support to my colleagues as they deal with this criminality.

“Tonight, and over the weekend, police officers will be out in large numbers to protect us and our families. The College of Policing is making sure public order commanders have the support and guidance to utilise the full extent of the law and the tactics available to us.

“I say clearly to anyone who is seeking to bring further violence to our streets that your thuggish behaviour is not acceptable and not welcome in our communities. Police are already tracking down those involved in violence and anyone else thinking of joining in should know they will face the full force of the law.”

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 July 2024.

This afternoon the Prime Minister spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria [Wednesday 31 July 2024].

The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his recent election victory, and the Prime Minister commended the President as Nigeria marks twenty-five years of unbroken democracy.

The Prime Minister reflected on the important relationship between the UK and Nigeria, grounded in cooperation on trade and security as Commonwealth partners, with long-standing ties between our people.

The leaders welcomed this moment as an opportunity to reset and strengthen this relationship, working closely together to drive economic growth and prosperity between our countries, including through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 July 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, this afternoon [Wednesday 31 July].

The President warmly welcomed the Prime Minister’s reset with European and global partners. They agreed this also marked an important opportunity to deepen the invaluable relationship that the UK and Cyprus share, particularly on issues including regional security and migration.

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, they shared concerns about further escalation following recent events, and emphasised the importance of their engagement in the region to ensure stability. The Prime Minister reinforced the need to maintain the security of our partners in the region.

They agreed to meet in person at the soonest available opportunity.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 July 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke with Brazilian President Lula da Silva this afternoon [31 July 2024].

The President warmly welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent election victory, and the leaders discussed the close areas of collaboration between the UK and Brazil, including on climate and nature.

The Prime Minister welcomed Brazil’s presidency of the G20 and its upcoming presidency of COP next year, and underscored the UK’s support for Brazil in its priorities to combat the global challenges of hunger, poverty and climate change.

The leaders looked forward to deepening our strong bilateral relationship, ahead of the UK and Brazil celebrating 200 years of diplomatic relations next year.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 July 2024.

The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Barry Hill, Strategy Development Enabler in the Diocese of Leicester, for nomination to the Suffragan See of Whitby in the Diocese of York, in succession to Bishop Paul Ferguson, following his retirement.

Background

After leaving school, Barry worked in youthwork and flight simulation in Sussex before training for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.  Ordained alongside his wife Pep in 2005, Barry served his title at Emmanuel Church, Loughborough and St Mary-in-Charnwood, Nanpantan, in the Diocese of Leicester.

In 2009, he took up the role of Diocesan Mission Enabler supporting urban and rural parishes in mission and ministry, alongside a focus on cultivating vocations, ministry with children and young people and pastorally supporting clergy as they lead change.  During this time he was also the diocesan lead for fresh expressions of Church, helping develop a new approach to parish based pioneer ministry. Barry was appointed Team Rector of the Harborough Anglican Team in 2017, with a particular brief to support parishes in their desire to grow younger and, additionally, part of the Bishop’s Leadership Team as Diocesan Resourcing Church Enabler.

Barry has served as Strategy Development Enabler since 2023, helping discern and write a long-term strategy for the diocese, especially to grow younger and more diverse.  He works closely with the Board of Education as Trustee of a large church and community school Multi-Academy Trust, helps lead Thy Kingdom Come, is an Archbishops’ Evangelist, and is a keen member of the Mothers’ Union.

Pep and Barry have two teenage children, and a small dog, Tilly.  He is a passionate supporter of Brighton and Hove Albion, enjoys musical theatre, cooking and is learning to roller-skate.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 July 2024.

The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Dr Flora Winfield, Third Church Estates Commissioner, for nomination to the Suffragan See of  Selby in the Diocese of York in succession to Bishop John Thomson following his retirement.

Background

Flora was educated at St David’s University College, Lampeter, and trained for ministry at Ripon College, Cuddesdon. Ordained as a deacon in 1989 and as a priest in 1994, Flora served as a parish deacon in estates ministry and as Chaplain and Tutor in Church History at Mansfield College, University of Oxford, before becoming National Ecumenical Officer for the Church of England in 1997. In 1997, Flora was commissioned as a Chaplain in the Army Reserve, serving for the past 27 years with operational units and in Brigade and Divisional Headquarters as a Deputy Assistant Chaplain General.

In 2002, Flora was appointed as a Canon Residentiary at Winchester Cathedral and, in 2005, she took up the role of Assistant Secretary General, Religions for Peace, New York. Flora was appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for Anglican Relations in 2007 and from 2008 to 2013 she served as Priest-in-Charge at St Mary-at-Hill, in the Diocese of London. She was appointed as Anglican Communion Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 2014, as Archbishop’s Special Representative to the Commonwealth in 2017, as the Archbishop’s Adviser on Reconciliation in 2019 and as the Third Church Estates Commissioner in 2022.

In 2010, Flora was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London, and serves as the Chair of the Lieutenancy Council on Faith.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 July 2024.

New targets will boost housebuilding in areas most in need.

We’re overhauling our housing system to meet the needs of working people and put communities first.

Our plan will include introducing mandatory planning targets to aim to deliver on our ambition to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.

The new targets will boost housebuilding in areas most in need, to help more people buy their own homes, and help drive growth – making everyone in the country better off.

Bringing back mandatory housing targets

As part of our plan, we will update the National Planning Policy Framework to bring back mandatory housing targets and set a higher expectation for how many homes must be built.

Our new housing targets will make sure local authorities plan for the homes that are proportionate to the size of existing communities, with an uplift in areas where house prices are the most out of step with local incomes.

Our approach also includes making clear our expectation that all authorities have up-to-date Local Plans, meaning they will be required to plan for the number of homes their communities need, so local people can engage in how, not if, homes are built.

This plan will set us on a course to reach our target of 1.5 million new homes, driving growth and creating wealth in local communities.

If local authorities can’t meet their housing targets, they will need to look to brownfield land in the green belt and their grey belt, prioritising land near stations and existing settlements.

Green belt development will be held to higher standards with new “golden rules”, including that half of the homes built must be affordable.

Making it easier to build digital infrastructure

We’ll also make it easier to build laboratories, digital infrastructure, and gigafactories to make batteries for electric vehicles.

To deliver this, we’ll update our National Planning Policy Framework, requiring local authorities to identify sites to meet the needs of a modern economy.

Our long-term plan for housing

Our Planning and Infrastructure Bill will include measures to speed up the delivery of high-quality homes and infrastructure.

And we are committed to delivering the biggest boost to affordable and social housing in a generation.

We will also build the next generation of new towns. Built where they will deliver for local people and unlock economic growth, the New Towns  programme will deliver much-needed quality and genuinely affordable housing.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 28 July 2024.

The Prime Minister met Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Paris.

The pair reiterated their commitment to maintaining the historic friendship between Israel and the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences for the deaths of the five hostages kidnapped on October 7th, whose bodies have recently been recovered from Gaza.

The Prime Minister reiterated his ongoing support for Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law. He was clear that there is no moral equivalence between Israel, a democratic state actions and Hamas, a terrorist organisation.

The Prime Minister said there must be immediate steps towards a ceasefire, so that hostages can be released and more humanitarian aid can get in for those in desperate need.

The two leaders committed to continuing their close partnership in key areas of collaboration such as trade and investment.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 28 July 2024.

The Prime Minister met President of Rwanda Paul Kagame in Paris.

The Prime Minister congratulated the President on his recent re-election and remarked he was looking forward to working closely with him across a range of shared priorities.

He praised the President’s leadership on climate change, with the two leaders agreeing that further action is necessary to make sure we are all meeting our climate obligations. They agreed to keep in close contact on this.

They discussed their shared commitment to continue working together on solutions to tackle illegal migration. They agreed that it is a pressing global challenge, and breaking the business model of criminal gangs who profit from people’s suffering must be the priority.

The President and the Prime Minister reflected on the strength of the relationship between Rwanda and the UK, and both agreed this spirit of close cooperation should continue.