Tag: Foreign Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is a proud champion of the rights of members of marginalised groups and is committed to defending them – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is a proud champion of the rights of members of marginalised groups and is committed to defending them – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on tolerance and international peace and security.

    Thank you President. I am grateful to the UAE for convening this important meeting and I thank the Secretary-General, as well as the briefers for their valuable briefings.

    President, respect for all human rights is and must be an essential beacon for our work in this Council.

    Freedom of religion or belief, including the freedom not to have a religion, is a fundamental human right.

    And yet, religious minorities have time and again been specifically targeted, including in conflict. This was a key finding of the report commissioned by the former UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt from the Bishop of Truro.

    From the Yezidis in Iraq, to the Rohingya in Myanmar, to the recent case of the Baha’i in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, minorities are too often targeted on the grounds of religion or belief. Indeed, there is evidence that religious or belief minorities may avoid seeking humanitarian aid due to fear or intolerance. Including Sunni Muslims in Syria, Shi’a Hazara communities in Afghanistan and Christian communities in Nigeria.

    When communities come under attack in situations of conflict, it is the role of this Council to address it. There is more we and the UN system can do to monitor incitement to violence against all minority communities in conflict. We should assure we have the tools in place for horizon scanning to address incitement and extremist rhetoric before it tips over into violence.

    Religious communities and leaders have a responsibility to reject hate and extremism in their name which can fuel violence and conflict. They can also play a unique role in conflict prevention, reconciliation, and peacebuilding initiatives, including at the grassroots level, where interreligious and intercultural dialogue can help build trust and understanding between communities, and combat intolerance.

    The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Wellby, who sits on the Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Mediation addressed this Council in 2018 on the role religious institutions can play in fragile states in mediation and reconciliation.

    This year is the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland – a peace deal that Catholic and Protestant clergy helped deliver through mediation between adversaries. In Sierra Leone, the Inter-Religious Council was crucial to the signing of the Lomé Peace Accord which brought peace in 1999 after a decade of war. And in Mali, a country threatened by violent extremism, some Islamic figures have been working tirelessly in support of peace.

    Women leaders are of course a crucial part of this: the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention and resolution, negotiations are more likely to succeed, and peace agreements be sustained. The Ecumenical Women Peacebuilders Network is a powerful example, a nationally recognised group of Catholic and Protestant women church leaders in Colombia who helped drive the 2016 peace accords. They now help foster reconciliation as former combatants return home. So we, as a Council, should ensure that UN peace efforts are making use of the leadership of women, religious leaders, youth and wider civil society.

    President, human rights and freedom of expression must be at the heart of any attempt to advance freedom of religion and belief. Attempts to tackle intolerance will not be successful if they don’t prioritise inclusivity, equality and safeguard freedom of expression and opinion.

    These principles are reflected in the resolution we have presented with our partners, the UAE, and which we hope will be adopted later today.

    The UK is a proud champion of the rights of members of marginalised groups, including women and girls, and is committed to defending them.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : FCDO statement – arrest of Vietnamese climate advocate [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : FCDO statement – arrest of Vietnamese climate advocate [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2023.

    An FCDO spokesperson commented on the arrest of Vietnamese climate advocate Hoang Thi Minh Hong.

    The United Kingdom is concerned by the arrest of Hoang Thi Minh Hong, former leader of environmental campaign group CHANGE. This is the latest in a pattern of arrests of environmental advocates in Vietnam.

    The UK urges the Vietnamese authorities to respect all human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and association. We recognise the importance of civil society actors like CHANGE in securing sustainable and inclusive development for all.

    We note that within the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), agreed in December 2022 between Vietnam and G7+ partners, the Government of Vietnam committed to consult NGOs, media and other stakeholders to ensure a broad social consensus. In line with this, environmental organisations and other advocates must be able to contribute meaningfully to climate and environmental policy making.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s despicable attacks on civilians are inexcusable – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s despicable attacks on civilians are inexcusable – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2023.

    UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says that over 15 months into its illegal invasion, the list of Russia’s accomplishments read like a depraved horror story.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. Once again, Ukrainian civilians have paid the price for Russia’s brutal aggression. Yesterday in Kryvyi Rih at least 11 people were killed and a further 28 injured due to Russia’s large-scale missile attacks. Residential buildings were destroyed, and civilians were trapped under the rubble. Such attacks are inexcusable and demonstrate Russia’s blatant disregard for the lives of civilians.

    The catastrophic collapse of the Kakhovka Dam last week has impacted thousands of Ukrainian citizens. On 11 June, the United Nations estimated that 700,000 people in Kherson region were without access to drinking water. In addition, the collapse of the dam has almost certainly severely disrupted the primary source of fresh water for illegally annexed Crimea. Open-source imagery shows that water has stopped flowing into the intake which feeds the North Crimean Canal, and this will reduce the availability of fresh water in the southern Kherson Oblast and northern Crimea.

    The resulting floodwaters have also caused lasting damage to huge swathes of agricultural land. The Ukrainian Agriculture Association has estimated that Ukraine will lose 14 percent of its grain exports due to the flooding.

    We again express our deepest concern regarding the potential impact of this damage on communities living in the downstream areas, the provision of clean water supplies, the longer-term safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and the wider ecological consequences from the destruction of the dam. We call for immediate access for neutral and impartial humanitarian organisations to help those in need wherever they are.

    Multiple reports indicate that Russian shelling has caused death and injuries to civilians during evacuation efforts – this is despicable. We are clear; the destruction of the Kakhovka dam is yet another devastating example of the terrible consequences of Russia’s unprovoked, illegal and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is a disaster zone in the middle of a war zone.

    Madam Chair, we repeatedly warned Russia, in this and other fora, that any Russian military incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake. Russia ignored those warnings at terrible cost to Ukraine and its own people. Over 15 months into its illegal invasion, the list of Russia’s accomplishments read like a depraved horror story. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians killed; cities and towns laid to waste; evidence of unimaginable atrocities against men, women and children committed. I ask our Russian colleagues, are these the goals of the so-called “Special Military Operation” that they endorse in this room every week? By justifying these actions and supporting them by spreading disinformation and hate-filled vitriol, our Russian colleagues, as professional diplomats, must know they bear responsibility for the lies they peddle to this forum and their own population. Lies cannot live forever.

    Madam Chair, over the last five days, significant Ukrainian operations have taken place in several sectors of eastern and southern Ukraine. In some areas, Ukrainian forces have likely made good progress and penetrated the first line of Russian defences. Russian performance has been mixed; some units are likely conducting credible defence operations while others have pulled back in some disorder with multiple reports of further Russian casualties as they withdraw through their own minefields.

    In Bakhmut, Ukrainian forces continue to exploit weaknesses in Russia’s defensive lines and ambiguity over Russian command and control following the withdrawal of Wagner Group forces. Continued Russian disorder on the battlefield, also seems to be fuelling further dysfunction in the already fraught relationship between Wagner and the Russian Ministry of Defence. On 10 June, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Nikolay Pankov announced that ‘volunteers’ fighting for Russia must sign contracts directly with the Russian Ministry of Defence. Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin immediately announced that his personnel would refuse to sign the contracts.

    It is a telling indictment of the progress of Russia’s so-called “Special Military Operation” that, whilst Ukraine is focused on fighting its barbaric invader, Russia is fighting itself.

    Madam Chair, we do not underestimate the continuing threat posed by the Russian Federation but, in time, there will be cause for Ukraine to celebrate. Ukraine will continue to demonstrate their resolute courage, determination and enduring moral strength as they fight to liberate more of their homeland. The UK and the international community will remain steadfast in our support – we will stand by Ukraine for however long it takes. Our united approach of providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory is the swiftest, and only, path to a just and lasting peace. Ukraine will win. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2023.

    Nick Dyer has been appointed the new Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Permanent Under-Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has today announced that Nick Dyer has been appointed as the new Second Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO.

    Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO said:

    I am delighted Nick has been appointed as the Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO. He has an outstanding track record, and I look forward to working closely with him to deliver for the UK internationally through our continued diplomatic and development efforts.

    Commenting on his appointment, Nick said:

    Helping to deliver the UK’s international and development ambitions, as Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO alongside Philip Barton is a real honour. The FCDO is full of the most passionate, committed and brilliant people across the world, and I look forward to working with all our teams.

    Nick is expected to take up post on 3 July.

    Notes

    Nick Dyer is currently Director General, Humanitarian and Development at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

    Nick previously served as the UK’s first Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs, and before that as the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Department for International Development (DFID), where he worked for 23 years, since its creation in 1997.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK will continue to promote the full, active and meaningful participation of disabled people in our work – Minister Pursglove statement at the General Assembly [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK will continue to promote the full, active and meaningful participation of disabled people in our work – Minister Pursglove statement at the General Assembly [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    Statement by Minister Pursglove at the UN General Assembly Debate on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP16).

    The UK is fully committed to implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

    We are developing a UK Disability Action Plan outlining speedy actions the Government will take in 2023/2024 to transform disabled people’s lives.

    Ensuring the voices of disabled people are properly heard is a priority for the UK Government. That is why we will run a full public consultation and engagement on the draft Plan this summer.

    This will build on our recently published “Transforming Support: The Health and Disability White Paper” – an ambitious reform package that will transform the health and disability benefits system.

    Last year, we enacted two landmark pieces of disability legislation – the British Sign Language Act and the Down Syndrome Act.

    We have also expanded our Disability and Access Ambassadors programme to drive accessibility improvements across different sectors in the business world.

    The global context of numerous humanitarian and economic crises, plus the continuing impact of the pandemic, means disability inclusion risks falling further down the agenda.

    The UK remains committed to championing disability rights and inclusion globally.

    Following the launch of our international Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy last year, the UK is focussed on embedding its principles across our huge diplomatic and development network.

    Promoting the full, active, and meaningful participation of disabled people in our work is a key element of this.

    Our Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has published guidance for all its staff on engaging disabled people in the development of our international policies, programmes, and responses. Ensuring the UK’s global output reaches all of those in need and leaves no one behind.

    Furthermore, earlier this year we published our international Women and Girls Strategy, in which we committed to use the full weight of our diplomatic and development offer to put women and girls, in all their diversity, at the heart of everything we do.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We must integrate climate reduction efforts into our early warning responses – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : We must integrate climate reduction efforts into our early warning responses – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on climate change.

    Thank you, President. We are grateful to the United Arab Emirates for focusing the Council on this subject today. I also thank USG Lacroix, Former President Santos and Ms Kadry for their important briefings.

    There has been some progress since the UK first brought climate security to the Council in 2007. The implications of climate change are increasingly integrated into our work on conflict, peace and security.

    Still, the physical impacts and cascading risks of climate change are being felt across the world, and are exacerbating pre-existing fragilities. The link to international peace and security is clear, and has been set out by ministers from Africa and the Middle East today – regions that form the majority of our work in this Council

    Urgent, coordinated global action is needed now to address threats. We see the following as priorities:

    First, is the need to increase and improve access to finance for countries most affected by climate change, as highlighted so powerfully by Secretary Kerry just now. We are working to reform the international financial system and to scale up public and private finance for climate resilience and sustainable peace, including for countries on this Council’s agenda. Regional risk pools founded by the UK have transferred $1 billion of risk from Africa, with Somalia receiving a first payout from drought insurance this year. In July, we will convene events on climate finance in the UK and New York including for countries with humanitarian needs to contribute to this theme at COP28.

    Second, we need to ensure drivers of conflict are considered within climate interventions. Conflict-sensitive climate adaptation needs to be part of the solution for destabilised countries. And women, girls and local actors need to be meaningfully included in formal systems and negotiations.

    Finally, climate and conflict risk reduction and early responses should be integrated into humanitarian, peacebuilding and development programmes, in line with the Sendai Framework and the UN Secretary General’s Early Warning for All initiative. Reducing risk and impact of disasters is critical to ensuring continued progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals – especially SDG13 for climate and SDG16 for conflict.

    The UN system is well-positioned to coordinate climate, development, peacebuilding and security efforts, including through existing CPS Advisers in UN Missions. This Council should support this by helping to drive a more coherent and integrated response to stabilisation, peacebuilding and climate-resilient development across UN activities.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The International Residual Mechanism continues to implement its mandate in a timely and effective manner – UK Statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The International Residual Mechanism continues to implement its mandate in a timely and effective manner – UK Statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    Statement by UK Legal Adviser Chanaka Wickremasinghe on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

    Thank you Madam President,

    I would like to begin by acknowledging the sudden and tragic passing of Judge Ibanda-Nahamya and remembering her vital contribution to international justice. In particular in this respect I would point to her exemplary work on the Mladić and Kabuga cases. I also take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of Judge Mugambe and wish her the best in her new role.

    Turning to today’s briefing, let me thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for their reports and their statements today.

    Under their guidance, over the past 6 months, the Mechanism has continued to implement its mandate in a timely and effective manner. Two very recent successes reflect this.

    First, the final convictions of Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović, which conclude the major ICTY cases and are landmarks in international justice. Their convictions, while many years after their offences, are of great importance in demonstrating the international community’s continued fight against impunity for the most serious crimes.

    The ICTY and IRMCT’s judgments form part of the record of the suffering inflicted on civilians during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. We remember the victims and survivors and recognise the bravery of all those who have cooperated and supported the judicial processes.

    Second, the recent arrest of Fulgence Kayishema. Having recently marked the Twenty-Ninth Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Mr Kayishema’s arrest is a salient reminder of the Mechanism’s ongoing commitment to securing justice. The United Kingdom would like to commend the Mechanism’s Fugitive Tracking Team and the South African authorities for their success in this matter, and also to thank Eswatini and Mozambique for their important contributions to this success.

    We also note the recent news that the Trial Chamber has decided Félicien Kabuga is no longer fit to stand trial and that it will deal with his case by way of an alternative finding procedure. We look forward to future updates on his case and underline our commitment to holding the perpetrators of the genocide against the Tutsi to account. As such, we are concerned by reports of ongoing denial of the Genocide. This is unacceptable, both in its impact on the victims and in hampering the international community’s efforts to ensure the accountability of the perpetrators and to deter future atrocities.

    While the international trial and appeal processes for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda are coming to an end, processes at the domestic level are ongoing. We call on all countries to cooperate and to support these national processes in order to ensure justice for all. In this regard, continued reports from the Mechanism of some States blocking cooperation in the Western Balkans remain deeply concerning. It is also high time that Serbia arrest and transfer Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta to the Mechanism following years of requests.

    Looking to the future, we note that the Mechanism continues to have much work to do even though the trial phase is very nearly over. There are 47 individuals serving sentences which need to be supervised, many witnesses who continue to need protection and domestic proceedings in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda that need the Mechanism’s support. It is nevertheless important that this remaining work is done as efficiently as possible, and so we welcome the President’s focus on the future strategy of the Mechanism, as it transitions to becoming a fully residual institution. We commend the detailed work being done in this respect, and look forward to the Mechanism’s proposals.

    Finally, Madam President, I must say a few words in response to Russia’s unfounded allegations against the UK authorities in relation to Karadzic. The UK is proud of its assistance to the IRMCT in the enforcement of sentence and encourages other States to do likewise.

    Karadzic is not being mistreated in any way. He has exactly the same treatment as any other prisoner. He has been subject to some, time limited, proportionate, and lawful restrictions on his contacts externally, but this followed his misuse of these privileges to publish articles that push political messages, genocide denial, and glorification of war crimes. He has been informed of this. Underpinning all of this, is Karadzic’s own failure and that of his supporters to recognise that he has been convicted of some of the most heinous crimes witnessed in Europe, including the Srebrenica genocide.

    Thank you Madam President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the University of Essex Agree New Chevening Pathway for Pakistani Scholars [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the University of Essex Agree New Chevening Pathway for Pakistani Scholars [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    Both of the available fields: Climate Change/Sustainability and Heritage/Museum studies are highly relevant to Pakistan given last year’s devastating floods, linked to climate change, which left 10% of the country submerged, affecting 33 million people. The floods also adversely affected the country’s rich cultural heritage, with damage inflicted on the UNESCO heritage site of Moenjodaro, the Amri site museum and the Sehwan folk and craft museum amongst others. As the UK supports Pakistan in its flood reconstruction efforts, this new scholarship pathway will offer long term capacity building support.

    At the signing ceremony, Development Director at the British High Commission Islamabad, Jo Moir, said:

    Congratulations to the Chevening Scholarships programme and the University of Essex for signing the Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership is a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals working on Climate Change and Sustainability, and Heritage and Museum Studies, to pursue their master’s degrees at Essex University. Chevening represents the very best of the UK-Pakistan partnership. It is a transformative experience, not just for the individual, but also for Pakistan, as scholars return and use the benefit of their UK experience to make a positive difference in their chosen field.

    Whilst Professor David O’Mahony, Dean for Partnerships at the University of Essex, said:

    The University of Essex has a long history of welcoming talented students from Pakistan to study, research, and grow within the vibrant international community at our University. We also have a long and proud tradition of welcoming talented students from around the world through the Chevening Scholarship scheme, and therefore the University of Essex is delighted to be the first UK University to offer Chevening Partnership Scholarships for Pakistan.

    To coincide with the signing of the Chevening-Essex MOU, we are inviting applications for postgraduate Master’s scholarships covering one of two fields: Heritage & Museums Studies or Climate Change/Sustainability.

    We have an international reputation in these areas and have just been ranked 56th in the world in the Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings which highlight the leading universities for promoting the UN Sustainability Development Goals”.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission in New Delhi celebrates Pride Month [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission in New Delhi celebrates Pride Month [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    The British High Commission and British Council hosted a special event in Delhi on 11 June to mark Pride Month and celebrate the LGBT+ community around the world.

    The evening’s celebration at the British Council Delhi included grassroots champions in India, such as InsideOut Delhi and the Humsafar Trust, members of the LGBT+ community in the city, and supporters from all walks of life. The event featured an art exhibition by celebrated British queer artist Howard Hodgkin, who worked with renowned Indian architect Charles Correa to design the iconic black and white mural that adorns the front of the British Council building.

    Similar events are being organised across the UK in India network in the month of June including receptions planned at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Jodhpur. The UK is committed to championing LGBT+ rights around the world and to ensuring everyone, everywhere is protected against discrimination.

    Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

    I feel extremely proud to join so many likeminded people from across this wonderful city in celebrating the LGBT+ community. The UK believes that everyone, everywhere should be free to love whom they love and express themselves openly without fear of facing discrimination. Today, we celebrate love and pay tribute to everyone working to ensure full, equal, meaningful participation for all, across all walks of life.

    Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director, British Council India, said:

    The British Council believes in the importance of diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is reflected in our celebration of Pride Month and through our work in English, education, and the arts. We are committed to creating empowering platforms for the LGBTQIA+ community to express themselves authentically and stand together in support of love and equality.

    Background

    • the UK champions and supports grassroots LGBT+ organisations and human rights defenders globally through targeted programmes and direct engagement
    • the UK has engaged in long-standing international collaborations on LGBT+ rights, including as co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) and European LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN) in 2019
    • the British High Commission New Delhi is proud to be a long-standing supporter of the Humsafar Trust in India. The UK also works to create links between British and Indian institutions and legislators to share best-practices, including improving workplace inclusion for LGBT+ employees
    • in 2020, we flew the Pride Flag in Delhi for the first time and will continue to fly it each year to mark IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) as we did on 17 May this year
  • PRESS RELEASE : Climate and Tech investment to supercharge UK-India development partnership ahead of G20 meeting [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Climate and Tech investment to supercharge UK-India development partnership ahead of G20 meeting [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 June 2023.

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell is in India for the G20 and to announce new climate and tech partnerships.

    • announcement of new climate and tech partnerships to benefit all by tackling global challenges, as Development Minister Andrew Mitchell attends the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in Varanasi today (Monday)
    • he will join India and G20 partners in calling for reinvigorated efforts to to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
    • the new UK support includes funding for a tech start-up focussed on sustainable agriculture, including through growing vegetables in an environmentally-friendly way

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell is in India for the G20 starting today (Monday) – and to boost UK-India cooperation on development including through climate and tech partnerships.

    He will reinforce at the gathering in Varanasi how the UK’s partnerships and investments are having a multiplier effect in tackling the biggest shared challenges of today – including climate change, poverty and food insecurity.

    The G20 Development Ministerial meeting in Varanasi is laying the groundwork to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals ahead of the G20 Leader’s Summit in New Delhi this September.

    At the G20, the UK emphasised the need to redouble global efforts to tackle the climate crisis and shocks facing the most vulnerable countries demonstrating our position as a development leader set out earlier this year.

    New UK programmes announced in India include an investment of £10 million in Avaana Fund, a women-led climate-tech fund which supports innovative businesses to develop solutions to climate change and create jobs for women in sectors such as clean energy, energy storage and agriculture.

    An investment of £12 million from the UK government-supported Neev II fund will go to Nutrifresh, an Agri-Tech start-up enterprise focused on making agriculture more sustainable by growing vegetables in an environmentally friendly way.

    Yesterday (Sunday), Minister Mitchell visited the Chakr Innovation research lab in Delhi, which is developing cutting-edge tech to tackle climate challenges.

    The UK-supported lab is now developing innovative batteries for e-vehicles which do not need charging infrastructure and are fully recyclable, providing a cleaner and safer alternative to older lithium tech. The lab has previously developed devices that capture pollution-causing emissions and convert it to pigment for black inks and paints.

    Targeted investments like these play a central role in tackling climate change and supporting sustainable development. They improve access to clean energy, create jobs and boost economic growth, all of which are vital to ending poverty.

    UK Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell said:

    We commend India for putting development and the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable at the heart of its G20 Presidency. The UK is committed to working with G20 partners to tackle the climate crisis and reduce poverty.

    The UK’s new investments in India will deepen our collaboration, underlining the UK’s focus on mutually beneficial partnerships. Make no mistake: these investments benefit the British taxpayer while delivering world-changing solutions. I am proud that the UK is supporting such visionary and innovative endeavours that are needed to achieve development progress across the globe.

    The investments will strengthen the UK’s trading relationship in the region and help drive growth – one of the government’s five priorities

    Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

    The investments highlight the UK’s commitment to delivering the 2030 Roadmap – a partnership that delivers for both our countries.

    As set out in the UK’s International Development Strategy, we are focused on delivering clean and green infrastructure and creating opportunities for women and girls.

    Further Information

    • Minister Andrew Mitchell’s 2-day (11 to 12 June) visit to India will include engagements in Delhi and Varanasi
    • the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations was launched in 2021. Since then, significant progress has been made, including on health collaboration, advancing the transition to clean energy, cyber-security cooperation and the expansion of our defence and security partnership
    • the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor British International Investment helps to solve the biggest global development challenges by investing flexible capital to support private sector growth and innovation.  British Investment Partnership work with India towards green transition, investing in sustainable agriculture, reducing the pressure on natural resources and creating new jobs
    • The Neev II fund invests in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that focus on limiting and increasing resilience to climate and environmental changes and are aiding India in meeting its carbon emissions reduction targets by 2030