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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : A Yemeni-led truce continues to represent the best opportunity for progress [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : A Yemeni-led truce continues to represent the best opportunity for progress [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 November 2022.

    Thank you President. And let me thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Ms Ghelani for their briefing today.

    We are encouraged that most truce measures continue to hold since the lack of extension in October, and we call for an end to the disturbing pattern of terrorist attacks on international shipping from the Houthis.

    The targeting of ships in the Southern ports of Al-Dabba and Qena poses a serious threat to peace and risks depriving millions of Yemenis from access to basic goods.

    We call on the Houthis to take the peaceful route, by pursuing a negotiated, Yemeni-led political settlement under UN auspices.

    President,

    The humanitarian crisis continues to suffer from interwoven challenges. The Independent Interagency Humanitarian Evaluation found that, despite its growing scale, much of the aid quality was “unacceptably low”.

    The relative peace of the last eight months has not alleviated the impact of the preceding years of violent war. 17 million Yemenis remain exposed to an acute food insecurity crisis with many more projected to be affected in coming years.

    This humanitarian crisis underlines the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, recently renewed until March. It has facilitated the import of over 60,000 metric tonnes of wheat into Yemen this month and will continue to be an important lifeline for Yemenis as we’ve heard again today from Ms Ghelani.

    Internal displacement remains prevalent across Yemen. For those who do choose to return home, the risks of explosive remnants of war is real. The UK is supportive of ongoing demining initiatives, and urges the international community to unite behind this issue.

    President,

    As we approach the start of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the UK reiterates its commitment to working towards a future where all women and girls live free from the fear of violence. We call for an end to the Houthi-imposed Mahram restrictions that are directly curbing the freedoms of Yemeni women.

    President,

    The only permanent resolution to all these issues is long-term peace. And as I said, this will require a negotiated, Yemeni-led political settlement under UN auspices.

    The truce continues to represent the best opportunity for progress and for the sake of the Yemeni people, this opportunity must not be squandered.

    Thank you.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on Yemen.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Autumn Finance Bill 2022 published [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Autumn Finance Bill 2022 published [November 2022]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 22 November 2022.

    The Autumn Finance Bill 2022 was published today (22 November 2022), legislating for a key tax changes announced by the Chancellor at last week’s Autumn Statement.

    • The Autumn Finance Bill 2022 was published today (22 November 2022), legislating for key tax changes announced at the Autumn Statement last week, including raising and extending the Energy Profits Levy and lowering the additional rate threshold to £125,140.
    • The Bill serves as a down payment on the government’s commitment to stabilise the economy through fair policies, where those with the broadest shoulders bear the most burden
    • The main Spring Finance Bill 2023 will follow the spring Budget in the usual way, for remaining tax measures needed ahead of April 2023.

    Measures in the Bill will see those with the broadest shoulders carry the heaviest burden as the government drives down inflation and restores economic stability following the impact of the pandemic and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Measures include:

    • The Energy Profits Levy (EPL) is being extended to help fund cost of living support and ensure oil and gas companies pay their fair share of tax. The rate of tax applied to the profits of oil and gas companies is increasing from 25% to 35% and the sunset clause changing to March 2028 rather than December 2025. This measure also reduces the investment allowance from 80% to 29%, except for investment expenditure on upstream decarbonisation, where it will remain at 80%. This broadly maintains the existing cash value of total tax relief for non-decarbonisation investments.
    • The threshold for the additional rate of income tax will be lowered from £150,000 to £125,140, making sure making sure those on the highest incomes contribute the most to strong public finances.
    • The Dividend Allowance will be reduced from £2,000 to £1,000 from April 2023 and to £500 from April 2024, and the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) annual exempt amount will be reduced from £12,300 to £6,000 in April 2023, and £3,000 in April 2024. These changes make the tax system fairer by bringing the treatment of unearned income closer in line with that of income earnt by employees.
    • Making sure all motorists pay a fairer tax contribution by introducing Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for Electric Vehicles (EVs) from April 2025. This aligns their taxation with that of petrol and diesel vehicles, reflecting their permanent role in the net-zero economy of the future. Alongside this, the government will provide certainty on favourable Company Car Tax rates for electric cars until 2028.
    • To ensure the tax system supports strong public finances, income tax thresholds will remain fixed at their current levels until 2028, an extension of two years.
    • To help support the public finances in a way that is fair, the current thresholds for inheritance tax will also remain in place until 2028, an extension of two years.
    • Research and development (R&D) tax reliefs will be reformed to make sure taxpayers’ money is spent as effectively as possible, including through reducing error and fraud. From 1 April 2023 the Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) rate will be increased to 20% from 13%, the SME deduction rate will be reduced to 86% from 130%, and the Small and Medium Enterprise credit rate decreased to 10% from 14.5%.

    The main Spring Finance Bill 2023 will follow the spring Budget in the usual way, for remaining tax measures needed ahead of April 2023.

    The Autumn Finance Bill 2022 had its first reading today (Tuesday, 22 November) and will follow the normal legislative path through Parliament.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK, France and Germany condemn Iran’s decision to further expand its nuclear programme [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK, France and Germany condemn Iran’s decision to further expand its nuclear programme [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 November 2022.

    The UK, France and Germany (the E3) have issued a joint statement condemning the Iranian regime’s decision to further expand its nuclear programme.

    The E3 said:

    We, the governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn Iran’s latest steps, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to further expand its nuclear programme.

    By increasing its production capabilities at Fordow and Natanz, well beyond Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) limits, and by accelerating its production of enriched uranium, Iran has taken further significant steps in hollowing out the JCPoA.

    Especially concerning is Iran’s decision to increase its production of High Enriched Uranium (HEU) at its underground facility at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. Iran’s step is a challenge to the global non-proliferation system. This step, which carries significant proliferation-related risks, has no credible civilian justification.

    Iran’s actions are even more concerning since, 5 months ago, Iran stopped implementing all JCPoA-related transparency measures.

    Presenting this escalation as a reaction to the IAEA Board of Governors’ adoption of a resolution calling for Iran’s cooperation on safeguards is unacceptable. Iran is legally obliged under the Non-Proliferation Treaty to fully implement its safeguards agreement.

    We will continue to consult, alongside international partners, on how best to address Iran’s continued nuclear escalation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Supporting a holistic approach to tackling piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Supporting a holistic approach to tackling piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 November 2022.

    Statement by Alice Jacobs at the Security Council briefing on piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea.

    Thank you President.

    The United Kingdom welcomes this briefing on the findings of the Secretary General’s report on piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. And thank you to all our briefers today. We also welcome the advisory note of the Peacebuilding Commission

    President, I would like to make three brief points today. Firstly, the United Kingdom is pleased to note the decline in incidents and the strength of regional cooperation in tackling the issue. We are proud of our own collaboration with partners to promote security and stability – from putting the issue at the heart of our G7 Presidency, to the naval visit by HMS Trent to defer attacks on maritime trade.

    Secondly, as the Secretary General’s report notes, the drivers of piracy are complex and multi-faceted. We encourage a continued focus on the impact of poverty, youth unemployment and environmental degradation in contributing to criminal activity. Engagement is needed at all levels, including community-based responses, and the UK will continue to work closely with partners in support to a holistic approach in the Gulf of Guinea.

    Finally, we reiterate the importance of any efforts to tackle piracy and armed robbery complying with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is the legal framework within which all activities in the ocean and seas are carried out, and aligning closely with the provisions of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New legal powers to support Armed Forces families and Veterans [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : New legal powers to support Armed Forces families and Veterans [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 November 2022.

    • Defence Ministers have backed a new legal Duty that supports Armed Forces personnel, their families and Veterans.
    • The Duty, introduced today, puts legal responsibility on local services to embody the Armed Forces Covenant, a key mechanism that helps the UK Armed Forces and Veterans.
    • The Covenant itself has existed for more than a decade, has nearly 10,000 signatories, and helps ensure a wide range of support for those who serve their country.

    Defence Ministers have backed a stronger legal requirement on local services to support Armed Forces personnel, their families, and the Veterans community.

    From today (22 Nov), councils, NHS Trusts and other local bodies across the UK providing services to the Forces community, will be required to adhere to a new legal Duty that reflects the key values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

    This means that authorities must now consider how their decision-making impacts upon members of the Armed Forces community. For example, schools should consider if a parent is a member of the Forces community and give due consideration to their requirement for flexible leave depending upon the requirements of their military career.

    The services covered include healthcare, housing and education, and the newly appointed Minister responsible for supporting the people of Defence has given his personal backing.

    Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison, said:

    Armed Forces men and women do extraordinary things and put themselves in the way of danger. We must always do the right thing by them and their families.

    Today we build on progress over the past ten years in mainstreaming the Armed Forces Covenant, increasing its legal strength and obliging service providers to make it work.

    The introduction of the Covenant ‘Duty of Due Regard’ further reinforces Defence’s unwavering commitment to support our world-class Armed Forces, and their families, as well as those who have served their country previously.

    The Duty, which also honours the broader Government commitment to the UK Forces community, was included in the Armed Forces Bill of 2021, enshrining it in law.

    In addition to personnel and veterans living in England, the Duty will also apply to those in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, ensuring that all are supported and face no disadvantage, wherever they choose to live.

  • PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine met with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine met with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 November 2022.

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis, who is on a visit to Kyiv.

    The Head of State thanked the representative of the European Commission for the important EU’s steps on the financial support for Ukraine during a long period of time and especially during the full-scale invasion of Russia starting from February 24 this year.

    “Ukraine’s ability to continue to withstand Russia’s aggression, the ability of our budget to withstand financial challenges, the energy crisis caused by the war is extremely important,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

    He informed the Vice-President of the European Commission about the consequences of Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and civilian objects, as well as about the measures our state is taking to quickly restore all life support systems for citizens.

    The interlocutors focused on issues of urgent financial support for Ukraine until the end of the current year and coordination of plans for 2023. Special attention was paid to the macro-financial assistance from the European Union, additional tools for attracting resources and the coordinating role of Brussels in the financial support for Ukraine, in particular from the IMF.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the European Commission for presenting a new large-scale financial assistance program for 2023 in the amount of 18 billion euros and expressed the expectation that Ukraine will be able to receive the first tranche as early as January.

    For his part, Valdis Dombrovskis noted that the EU will continue to support Ukraine, put pressure on the aggressor – the Russian Federation – and do everything to help our country win this war.

    During the meeting, the parties also discussed the Fast Recovery Plan for housing and social infrastructure facilities and the involvement of the European Commission in the launch of the Ukraine Reconstruction Fund, in particular by working out the mechanism for using Russian assets frozen in the EU.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Valdis Dombrovskis paid special attention to the effectiveness of the European Union’s sanctions policy, in particular in the energy, mining and banking spheres, as well as the blocking of Russian propaganda media.

    The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of designating Russia as a terrorist state by the European Union.

    Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy focused on the results achieved on the way of implementing EU recommendations and integrating our economy into the internal market of the European Union. He thanked for the decision to liberalize trade between Ukraine and the EU until June 2023 and expressed hope for the transformation of the temporary trade liberalization into a full and permanent one.

    In addition, the importance of continuing the liberalization of road transportation, the implementation of a pilot project on integration into the EU internal market in the field of roaming and the conclusion of an agreement on “industrial visa-free regime” was noted.

    The Head of State also informed about the launch of the “Grain from Ukraine” humanitarian program in Odesa and expressed hope for the participation of the leadership of the European Commission in this event.

  • PRESS RELEASE : A number of countries found themselves on the brink of a new famine precisely because Russia started a war of aggression against Ukraine – Andriy Yermak at a meeting on the implementation of the Grain from Ukraine initiative [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : A number of countries found themselves on the brink of a new famine precisely because Russia started a war of aggression against Ukraine – Andriy Yermak at a meeting on the implementation of the Grain from Ukraine initiative [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 17 November 2022.

    Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting of the working group on providing aid to the countries suffering from an acute food crisis. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Office of the President, ministries and departments, ambassadors of Ukraine, foreign diplomats accredited in our country and representatives of international organizations.

    Andriy Yermak noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the launch of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program while participating in the G20 summit.

    This initiative is aimed at alleviating the suffering of peoples and overcoming the food crisis caused by Russian armed aggression against Ukraine.

    First of all, we are talking about the countries of the African continent and Asia.

    The Head of the President’s Office emphasized that the issue of overcoming the food crisis is among the points of the Ukrainian plan, which the Head of State presented at the summit.

    “There is one point there about food security and the right of every person not to die of hunger because someone in the Kremlin decided to take away other people’s territories,” he stated.

    “Today, all these countries are on the brink of a new famine precisely because Russia started this war of aggression against Ukraine,” emphasized Andriy Yermak.

    According to him, the Grain from Ukraine initiative is also important in the context of confirming the status of our country as a guarantor of global food security.

    “It is very important that the international community knows exactly who is saving the world from hunger today. It is very important that not only Ukraine, but also partners know this,” said the Head of the President’s Office.

    He added that Ukraine is ready to implement this program together with partners whose extensive experience will enable it to be done in a timely and efficient manner.

    Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Sybiha noted that several states have already decided to participate in the initiative and are ready to become its donors. In particular, Belgium, Germany and Poland have confirmed the financing of dispatch of ships with grain, which are headed for or have already arrived in the countries in need of food.

    The representative of the President’s Office also noted that preliminary confirmations were provided by Japan, Türkiye and the United States.

    Andriy Sybiha called on all participants of the meeting to consider the issue of participation in the initiative of Ukraine.

    Ambassador of Germany Anka Feldhusen noted that her country is willing to continue financing the dispatch of grain ships to countries that need it.

    Ambassador of Türkiye Yağmur Ahmet Güldere said that his country welcomes and supports the Grain from Ukraine initiative and is currently considering how exactly it can help in its implementation. He also assured: Türkiye will continue its efforts to ensure further work of the “grain corridor”.

    Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Ukraine Fan Xianrong noted that the PRC welcomes the steps aimed to guarantee global food security and appreciates the efforts that help alleviate the crisis situation, in particular, the extension of the grain agreement.

    Representatives of the US Embassy in Ukraine also expressed their support for the Ukrainian initiative and declared willingness to work with our country and partners to make it successful.

    Andriy Yermak thanked the partners for what their countries are doing for Ukraine and our citizens, and expressed hope that we will celebrate the great Ukrainian victory together.

  • PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 November 2022.

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra who is on a visit to Kyiv.

    The Head of State highly appreciated the consistent support for Ukraine from the government of the Netherlands and the personal efforts of Prime Minister Mark Rutte to counter Russian aggression.

    “We thank the Netherlands for understanding the conditions in which our people live today and what Ukrainians are fighting for,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    He thanked for the recent decisions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to provide additional security assistance to Ukraine, as well as a separate support package for preparing for the winter period.

    The Head of State emphasized the importance of the liberation of Kherson for the further de-occupation of all territories of Ukraine illegally seized by Russia.

    The interlocutors discussed additional specific measures of support from the Netherlands to strengthen the defense capabilities of our country and successfully counter the aggressor.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the Russian Federation continues missile terror against the population of Ukraine and the destruction of energy infrastructure. He noted the importance of creating an air shield over our country to protect against Russian missile attacks. It was stated that in the conditions of approaching winter, Ukraine is counting on prompt receipt of assistance from partners for the restoration of damaged infrastructure and stable electricity supply.

    During the meeting, there was also an exchange of views regarding the involvement of the Netherlands in the reconstruction of the de-occupied territories of Ukraine. The Head of State thanked for the initiatives of the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands aimed at attracting companies from this country to the reconstruction process. He emphasized the great need to restore infrastructure in the liberated territories of the Kherson region and expressed hope that the Netherlands will be able to take the lead in rebuilding this promising region.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that despite the continuation of armed aggression, Ukraine is ready to make a concrete contribution to global food security. Hope was expressed that the Netherlands would support a new Ukrainian initiative to supply grain to African countries suffering from hunger.

    “Helping those suffering from hunger today is an effective response to Russia’s attempts to repeat the genocide in the XXI century. And also a reminder to humanity of the lessons of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine,” the President emphasized.

    The interlocutors discussed topical issues of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, as well as support from the Netherlands in promoting our country’s initiatives within the UN, in particular, regarding holding Russia accountable for crimes committed.

    The President of Ukraine presented the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of the III degree, which was awarded to him for significant personal merits in strengthening interstate cooperation and supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rail Delivery Group responds to the new RMT strikes dates [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rail Delivery Group responds to the new RMT strikes dates [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Rail Delivery Group on 22 November 2022.

    A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We made real progress over the last fortnight of talks and for the first time in months we can see the outline of a credible deal.

    “Further strikes, especially in the run up to Christmas, will disrupt the first normal festive season our passengers have been able to look forward to since the Covid pandemic, taking even more money out of the pockets of railway staff, and will cause huge damage to the hospitality and retail sectors dependent on this time of the year for their businesses. We owe it to them to stay round the table.

    “Industrial action has already cost the industry millions in lost revenue, is stalling its post-pandemic recovery, and threatening its long-term sustainability.

    “We are asking the RMT to stay at the negotiating table, work with us towards a fair deal and end a dispute that is harming passengers, the industry, and their members.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : RMT will put on a series of 48 hour strikes in December and January [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : RMT will put on a series of 48 hour strikes in December and January [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the RMT on 22 November 2022.

    Rail union, RMT will put on a series of 48 hour strikes in December and January after industry bosses failed to offer any new deals to reach a settlement.

    Over 40,000 members across Network and 14 Train Operating Companies will take strike action on 13, 14, 16 and 17 December and on January 3,4,6 and 7.

    There will also be an overtime ban across the railways from 18 December until 2 January, meaning RMT be taking industrial action for 4 weeks.

    Despite every effort made by our negotiators, it is clear that that the government is directly interfering with our attempts to reach a settlement.

    The union suspended previous strike action in good faith to allow for intensive negotiations to resolve the dispute.

    Yet, Network Rail have failed to make an improved offer on jobs, pay and conditions for our members during the last two weeks of talks.

    At the same time Rail Delivery Group, representing the train operating companies, have also broken a promise to make a meaningful offer on pay and conditions and even cancelled negotiations that were due to take place yesterday.

    We also have evidence from all 14 of the train companies denying that Rail Delivery Group has the authority to conduct negotiations on their behalf, even as the RDG urged us to come back to the table.

    RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people.

    “We have been reasonable, but it is impossible to find a negotiated settlement when the dead hand of government is presiding over these talks.

    “The employers are in disarray and saying different things to different people sometimes at the same time. This whole process has become a farce that only the new Secretary of State can resolve. When I meet him later this week, I will deliver that message.

    “In the meantime, our message to the public is we are sorry to inconvenience you, but we urge you to direct your anger and frustration at the government and railway employers during this latest phase of action.

    “We call upon all trades unionists in Britain to take a stand and fight for better pay and conditions in their respective industries. And we will seek to coordinate strike action and demonstrations where we can.

    “Working people across our class need a pay rise and we are determined to win that for our members in RMT.”