Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : G7 Foreign Ministers statement on missile launch by DPRK [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 November 2022.

On the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK):

We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms the brazen launch of another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) conducted on 18 November 2022 by the DPRK. This missile launch is another blatant violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) by the DPRK. This reckless act, together with the evidence of ongoing nuclear activities, underscores the DPRK’s determination to advance and diversify its nuclear weapons and missile capabilities. It further destabilizes the region, despite calls from the international community for peace and stability.

The unprecedented series of unlawful ballistic missile launches conducted by the DPRK in 2022, including numerous intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the intermediate-range ballistic missile which recklessly overflew Japan, pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security and undermine the global non-proliferation regime. They also pose a danger and unpredictable risk to international civil aviation and maritime navigation in the region.

We reiterate our demand that the DPRK abandon its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner and cease immediately all related activities. The DPRK cannot and will never have the status of a nuclear-weapon State in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) or any other special status in this regard. We urge the DPRK to return at an early date to, and fully comply with the Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and to fully abide by all legal obligations under relevant UNSCRs.

The DPRK’s actions demand a united and robust response by the international community, including the need for further significant measures to be taken by the UN Security Council (UNSC). We call on all states to fully and effectively implement all UNSC measures and sanctions against the DPRK and address the risk of weapons of mass destruction proliferation from the DPRK as an urgent priority.

The G7 expresses its full solidarity with Japan and the Republic of Korea and urges the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions. We urge the DPRK to resume meaningful dialogue toward denuclearization and accept the repeated offers of dialogue put forward by the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea. By diverting its resources from providing for the needs of its people into its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs the DPRK further aggravates the already dire humanitarian situation in the DPRK. We are committed to working with all relevant partners toward the goal of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and to upholding the rules-based international order.

November 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Terrorists face longer in jail for offences in prison [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 20 November 2022.

Terrorists who continue offending in prison will always face the prospect of more time behind bars, the Deputy Prime Minister announced today.
- Terrorist prisoners face tougher sentences for offences behind bars
- Automatic referral to police in a week and possible prosecution under new agreement
- Meets key recommendation from landmark Jonathan Hall review on terrorism in jail
Under the tough new measures, all terrorist offenders who commit further crimes in jail – however minor – will be automatically referred within a week for a police investigation and potential prosecution.

This will increase the likelihood of them being locked up for significantly longer and create a strong deterrent against further offending.

Currently, additional offences carried out inside jail – such as vandalising cells or dealing in contraband – are often dealt with by prison governors, with a maximum penalty of only 42 days added to an existing sentence.

Today’s change means they could face much longer sentences if convicted in court.

The agreement between HM Prison and Probation Service, Counter-Terror Policing and the Crown Prosecution Service fulfils a key recommendation from Jonathan Hall KC’s landmark independent review into terrorism in prisons.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab, said:

Terrorist offenders pose a grave risk to public safety and they must face the full consequences of their actions – whether on the street or behind bars.

This important change means any transgression will come with the prospect of significantly more prison time and keep our communities safer, for longer, from those unwilling to change their ways.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes, said:

Our core mission at Counter Terrorism Policing is keeping the public and our communities safe from the enduring and evolving terrorist threat.

This agreement demonstrates that our efforts to mitigate that threat, and protect our national security, are far-reaching and rely on collaboration with our partners.

Director of Legal Services, Crown Prosecution Service, Gregor McGill, said:

When a crime is committed in a prison there are serious consequences.

Today’s updated agreement continues to ensure that police, prisons and the CPS work together to investigate and prosecute prisoners who commit acts of terrorism or serious violence, wherever our legal test is met.

Those who commit crimes while serving their sentences risk further charges and longer sentences.

The agreement will make sure that breaches in behaviour by those linked to terror face the full scrutiny of counter-terrorism authorities – so that those who remain a threat are kept behind bars for as long as possible.

Those alleged to have committed potential terrorist acts in prison will continue to be referred to specialist police as part of the new pact, due to come into force in the coming months.

Today’s news is just the latest step in the Government’s drive to clamp down on dangerous and influential terrorists and keep the public safe.

Ministers have already delivered the largest overhaul of terrorist sentencing and supervision in decades, including ending the automatic early release of terrorist offenders and tougher sentences for the most serious crimes.

And in April this year, the Deputy Prime Minister unveiled measures to crack down on terrorist activity behind bars, in response to an independent review by Jonathan Hall KC, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.

As part of these measures, a new £1.2 million team will ensure the most influential terrorists can be moved to one of the Prison Service’s ‘Separation Centres’ – completely apart from the main prison population.

In addition, £6 million will be invested to expand ‘Close Supervision Centres’, where the most physically violent offenders can be held – including terrorists. This will prevent their potential recruitment to extremist causes.
November 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : World Children’s Day 2022 – joint statement from Embassies in Ukraine [November 2022]
The joint press release issued by embassies in Ukraine on 20 November 2022.

On World Children’s Day 2022, we, the Embassies and Delegations associated with this statement, express deep concern at the appalling and long-lasting impact of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine’s children.

It is not possible to confirm the precise number of children that have been direct casualties, but OHCHR has verified that Russia’s invasion has killed more than 400 children, and injured 750 as of mid-November. The true toll is likely to be significantly higher, not to mention the devastating and long-term impact on the mental health of the younger generation.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of children have been forced from Ukraine either by fleeing to countries of safety, or through reported forced deportation and abduction by Russian armed forces, sometimes without their parents’ knowledge. We are also deeply concerned by reports that some children deported to Russia have been forcibly adopted.

There is no doubt that every child in Ukraine is suffering because of Russia’s invasion. Indiscriminate Russian attacks have destroyed countless schools and disrupted education through attacks on Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure. Frequent power cuts prevent online learning. In Russian-controlled areas, the Russia-imposed school curriculum propagates disinformation and teachers are punished for teaching in Ukrainian. Children suffer disproportionately from lack of power, heating, and water caused by Russian missile attacks.

The international community stands with Ukraine in protecting its future generations. Russia’s egregious human rights abuses and violations must have consequences and perpetrators of war crimes must face justice.

Signatories of this statement:
- British Embassy Kyiv
- American Embassy Kyiv
- Australian Embassy Kyiv
- Austrian Embassy Kyiv
- Canadian Embassy Kyiv
- Czech Embassy Kyiv
- Dutch Embassy Kyiv
- Estonian Embassy Kyiv
- EU Delegation Kyiv
- French Embassy Kyiv
- German Embassy Kyiv
- Italian Embassy Kyiv
- Japanese Embassy Kyiv
- Latvian Embassy Kyiv
- Norwegian Embassy Kyiv
- Polish Embassy Kyiv
- Swedish Embassy Kyiv
- Swiss Embassy Kyiv
November 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak announces new air defence for Ukraine on first visit to Kyiv [November 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 November 2022.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said it is “deeply humbling” to be in Kyiv and pledged that the UK will continue to stand by Ukrainians in their fight, on his first visit to the country today.

Meeting President Zelenskyy, he confirmed that the UK will provide a major new package of air defence to help protect Ukrainian civilians and critical national infrastructure from an intense barrage of Russian strikes.

The £50 million package of defence aid comprises 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology to counter deadly Iranian-supplied drones, including dozens of radars and anti-drone electronic warfare capability. It follows more than 1,000 new anti-air missiles announced by the Defence Secretary earlier this month.

In the last week, Ukrainian forces say Russia has rained down more than 148 missile strikes on critical infrastructure, leaving approximately 10 million people without power. The UK is also bolstering our training offer to Ukrainian’s armed forces, sending expert army medics and engineers to the region to offer specialised support.

In Kyiv, the Prime Minister laid flowers at a memorial for the war dead and lit a candle at a memorial for victims of the Holodomor famine, before meeting first responders at a fire station. The team of emergency responders described their harrowing work rescuing survivors from the rubble and fighting fires in the aftermath of Russian airstrikes and mortar attacks. He also saw captured Iranian-made drones which have been used to target and bomb civilians in recent months.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“I am proud of how the UK stood with Ukraine from the very beginning. And I am here today to say the UK and our allies will continue to stand with Ukraine, as it fights to end this barbarous war and deliver a just peace.

While Ukraine’s armed forces succeed in pushing back Russian forces on the ground, civilians are being brutally bombarded from the air. We are today providing new air defence, including anti-aircraft guns, radar and anti-drone equipment, and stepping up humanitarian support for the cold, hard winter ahead.

It is deeply humbling to be in Kyiv today and to have the opportunity to meet those who are doing so much, and paying so high a price, to defend the principles of sovereignty and democracy.”

Recognising that Ukrainians face a very difficult winter, with widespread blackouts of destruction of homes, schools and hospitals, the Prime Minister has also confirmed £12 million for the World Food Programme’s response, as well as £4 million for the International Organisation for Migration. The funding will help provide generators, shelter, water repairs and mobile health clinics. The UK is also sending tens of thousands of extreme cold winter kits for Ukrainian troops.

Working with the Government of Ukraine, the UK has identified an initial eight construction projects to be supported by UK Export Finance, helping to repair Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and lay the foundations for economic recovery. The projects include six bridges and two housing projects, including a development in Bucha for some 2,250 residents.

November 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor’s Autumn Statement highlights the challenges we face – Steve Aiken [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 17 November 2022.

The Ulster Unionist Party’s Finance Spokesperson, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has said that the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) assessment and projections highlight very starkly the challenges which the UK economy faces.

Steve Aiken said:

“The Chancellor’s statement, coming so soon after his predecessor’s debacle, is a sobering acceptance of the state of our economy and public finances.

“While much effort will have to be devoted to examining the detail, it is clear that while such things as the triple pension lock have been retained and there is to be a £200 heating oil payment to all households in Northern Ireland – whether they use heating oil or not – there are now very real constraints on public spending coupled with major tax increases.

“The announcement of additional Barnett consequentials of £650M is obviously welcome and will assist in meeting pressures, but it still doesn’t disguise the very real challenges that we face.

“The OBR (Office of Budget Responsibility) assessment of our Nation entering recession, coupled with low anticipated growth rates for the next 4 years and inflation remaining above 7% for the next year at least, adds a further cold dose of reality as living standards are set to drop this year by the biggest margin since 1956 when records began.

“Despite the additional Barnett funding, there is no substitute for having our own ministers shaping our own public services as we face into these straitened circumstances – the OBR forecast should be a wake-up call to all political parties here.”

November 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Medicines should be removed from the scope of the Northern Ireland Protocol – Doug Beattie [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 16 November 2022.

Commenting on the latest problems highlighted by the inclusion of medicines in the Protocol, Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA, said:

“Medicines should never have been included in the Protocol in the first place and the EU`s proposals were not a long-term solution. We said that from the very start and as part of our Assembly election manifesto, stated that they should be ‘removed from the scope of the Protocol.’

“Whilst some politicians claimed that medicines had been sorted, the opposite is the case. Patients in Northern Ireland could be at risk of losing out from equitable access to new and innovative drugs that become available for patients across the rest of the UK. Given the ongoing progress that is being made with new cancer drugs, new cancer treatments in Northern Ireland could be especially vulnerable.

“The issue was highlighted once again by my colleague, the former Health Minister Robin Swann, just before ministers were removed from office in October. Steve Aiken MLA asked the Health Minister ‘for an update on the ongoing divergence issues related to medicines and the Northern Ireland Protocol.’

As part of his response, Robin stated, ‘there remain issues associated with the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol for medicines that risk divergence between Northern Ireland and Great Britain’ and ‘in relation to Centrally Authorised Products, differences in regulatory approval timelines and authorisation conditions between Northern Ireland and Great Britain are increasing in frequency and complexity. This is placing at risk my Department’s long standing policy link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), for the managed entry of new medicines in Northern Ireland.’

“The risks are very real and need urgently addressed. The EU needs to recognise the problems created by the inclusion of medicines in the Protocol. The need for medicines used in Northern Ireland to have FMD compliance should be removed.

“In addition the UK and EU also urgently need to support a parallel system between MHRA and EMA for Centrally Authorised Products in order to ensure equitable access to medicines for patients in Northern Ireland. The best solution remains that medicines should be removed from the scope of the Protocol completely. The people of Northern Ireland should have access to the same medicines as any other part of the United Kingdom.

“It’s more important than ever that concerns on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland are being raised via the UK Cabinet Office in the current negotiations. The loss of an interim Health Minister makes that task even more difficult with no voice at the table.”

November 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Aiken welcomes award of Royal Navy contract to Harland & Wolff [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 16 November 2022.

The Ulster Unionist Party’s Finance Spokesperson, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has welcomed today’s announcement that three Royal Navy support ships are to be built in Belfast after a Harland & Wolff led consortium was selected as the preferred bidder.

Steve Aiken, who is a Royal Navy veteran, said:

“The awarding of a £1.6 Bn contract to build three support ships for the Royal Navy to a consortium led by Harland & Wolff is indeed great news which will be welcomed by all.

“This contract will result in the resumption of ship-building at Harland and Wolff and is a huge vote of confidence in our maritime industries. It represents a tremendous opportunity to create new high quality manufacturing jobs that we can sustain well into the future. These ships will provide vital support to the Royal Navy at sea, assist in the defence of the UK and help us support our allies and engage in humanitarian missions around the globe.

“With Artemis leading the way in new low-emission shipping technology and the improvements and developments in the Port of Belfast itself, there can be no doubt that this announcement marks the renaissance, in the 21st century, of our historic connection with the sea.

“Harland &Wolff last built a ship in 2003, so it will be a moment of great pride to see ships built in Belfast leaving from our shores again.”

November 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Trussell Trust research highlights the stark reality for many households across Northern Ireland – Andy Allen [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 10 November 2022.

The Ulster Unionist Party’s Communities Spokesperson and East Belfast MLA, Andy Allen MBE, has described the findings of research from the Trussell Trust, which highlight that the number of food parcels handed out by food banks has increased by 25%, with 10,000 more people seeking help for the first time, as demonstrating the stark reality of life for many households across Northern Ireland.

Mr Allen said:

“Whilst sadly not surprising, these findings highlight the stark reality facing many households across Northern Ireland who are being pushed beyond the brink by the cost of living crisis – they desperately need support. I do recognise that Westminster has delivered some support, but it is not enough. The promised £400 electricity discount is yet to be delivered, with little to no detail beyond ‘it is coming’, making it impossible for households to plan and budget. However, across the rest of the United Kingdom, devolved administrations and local councils are actively delivering localised support but, once again, Northern Ireland is left behind.

“I am not saying the return of the Northern Ireland Executive would be the panacea but rather, at a minimum, it could be working to deliver and develop localised solutions and interventions focusing on the short, medium and long-term. However, with each passing day, it is a day missed to be developing and delivering this much-needed support.

“Meanwhile, we have anti-poverty and fuel poverty strategies lying on a shelf gathering dust, no safety net for households at risk of energy disconnection, and a significant number of homes with poorly insulated cavity walls and roof-spaces, resulting in up to 35% of their heat being lost. To compound that, there are no Ministers in place to take the local decisions required to provide a level of support and intervention, and instead it is our third sector who are yet again stepping up to fill the void. This is wholly unacceptable.

“If the DUP had the influence they would claim to have, in respect of the Northern Ireland protocol – and which clearly needs to be addressed – why haven’t they ensured the much-needed energy bills support scheme (the £400 electricity discount) was delivered at the same time as England, which commenced at the beginning of October? People are really suffering and they deserve better than this.”

November 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Former Health Minister Robin Swann comments on outcome of RCN ballot [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 9 November 2022.

Former Ulster Unionist Health Minister, Robin Swann MLA said:

“Whilst it is a decision I of course wish could have been avoided, few will be surprised by this result. Our nurses are experiencing the exact same soaring cost of living pressures as all those right across society. Notably however our HSC workers are also being deprived of even their basic independently recommended pay increases for 2022/23 as a result of the ongoing political instability in Northern Ireland.

“The previous industrial action in late 2019 and early 2020 was a key factor in the establishment of the last Executive. Within four days of taking up the role as Minister of Health I had worked with HSC trade unions and presented the plan to Executive colleagues that ultimately brought the action to an end.

“Whilst there were several reasons behind the previous action, essentially the three key asks were the reintroduction of pay parity, an increase to the workforce and a commitment to safe staffing legislation. I was pleased to be able to resolve each of those by delivering the immediate restoration of pay parity, setting an all-time high of 1,325 nurse and midwifery training places each year – which I increased further again this year – as well commencing the long process to deliver safe and sustainable legal staffing levels.

“Whilst an awful lot has changed from January 2020, not least with the onset of the pandemic, one thing that shouldn’t have is the basic expectation that our HSC workers should be paid no less than their counterparts in England. Yet due to the collapse of a functioning Executive earlier this year that’s exactly what has happened. It’s shameful and it’s ridiculous that given the well-known scale of pressures weighing down on our health service that the mistakes of the past are so quickly being repeated.

“Had an Executive been in place during the summer I could have immediately started the process of delivering the recommended increases in pay for our workers. Yet in the absence of an Executive, the absence of an agreed Budget and no wider decision on public sector pay – legally I wasn’t able to.

“That is why earlier this week I wrote to the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris urging him to use his powers to maintain pay parity. Whilst it’s really concerning there was no reference to this in his statement to the House of Commons, I would still hope that in the days ahead he recognises the harm to morale, as well as the disruption to key services, that will be inflicted if the inequity continues and isn`t addressed.

“Whilst I appreciate the implementation of the pay review body recommendations alone would likely not have been enough to avert the decision of the RCN membership, it would be the necessary and absolutely essential first-step if we are to avoid the prospect of ongoing industrial action and disruption to HSC services over a considerable period.”

November 19, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Steve Aiken responds to Fiscal Council report [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 8 November 2022.

UUP Finance spokesperson, Steve Aiken OBE MLA said:

“The report from the Fiscal Council today starkly lays out the challenges that the public sector faces in Northern Ireland. The absence of an Executive, coupled with the inability to prioritise services, has helped create a set of fiscal pressures that if unresolved will roll over into next year’s budget and beyond.

“After all parties called for the stability of multi-year budgets, the current situation of no in year budget, only being able to spend up to 95% of previously agreed totals and no forward planning for the years ahead, is a damning indictment of failure. Sinn Fein and the DUP have much to explain for over a decade of fiscal mismanagement.

“The UUP is seeking an urgent meeting with the Department of Finance’s Permanent Secretary to gain clarity on the department’s proposals on addressing budgetary pressures and the future budget process.”

November 19, 2022