Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : North Korea ballistic missile tests – FCDO statement [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 October 2022.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson statement on North Korea’s ballistic missile tests on 28 October.

The two short range ballistic missile tests by North Korea on 28 October are a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

The UK is working closely with our partners to urge North Korea to return to diplomacy and take credible steps towards denuclearisation in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. We call on North Korea to prioritise the well-being of its people instead of the unlawful pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

October 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UN, UK, Italy and Egypt students debate climate issues in Kazakhstan before COP27 [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 October 2022.

In preparation of the forthcoming COP27 meeting that will take place from 6 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, UN Resident Coordinator Office, British Embassy in Kazakhstan, Embassy of Italy in Kazakhstan and Embassy of Egypt in Kazakhstan in partnership with KazGUU University organised a student debate ‘COP27: the Voice of Youth from Glasgow to Sharm El-Sheikh’.

The event was aimed to raise awareness about climate change, to put the topic on the public agenda, inspire and encourage youth to find climate solutions.

The pre-COP27 debates united about 30 students of International Relations, Economics, and Law faculties from KazGUU University, forming 4 teams to discuss countries’ collaboration, climate change mitigation, adaptation and sustainable finance.

Addressing the students, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey noted:

Today’s event is a continuation of a good tradition. It’s time to regain trust and work together constructively to build on Glasgow and deliver a package of concrete outcomes at COP-27. UN Country Team collaborates with the Government of Kazakhstan in terms of updating NDC for further submission to the Conference of the Parties this year. It won’t be easy, but scientists say that it is possible-and that each degree matters, each year matters, and each decision matters. In this regard youth is a strong force, which helps us to accelerate the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals and make us more accountable.

Ms. Kathy Leach, British Ambassador to Kazakhstan said:

The Glasgow COP brought together close to 200 countries (including over 120 world leaders) and gave the world the tools needed to keep 1.5C alive. The Glasgow Climate Pact remains the blueprint for accelerating climate action in this critical decade. Yet the Pact is simply words on a page without action. This is a pivotal moment to redouble our efforts. Every country must revisit and strengthen their climate change targets. We must also support climate vulnerable countries by making sure commitments on adaptation and loss and damage are honoured, driving real, practical action on the ground. None of this will be possible without mobilising climate finance. We continue to work with countries, international financial institutions and private financial institutions to meet the commitments they have made and help secure greater access to critical finance.

Mr. Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan, said:

COP26 messages were pretty clear: ensuring promises on emissions reductions; delivering for climate vulnerable countries by ensuring commitments on adaptation and loss and damage are honoured; getting finance flowing; working together and continuing to be an inclusive Presidency. This is the very core of the message we would like to deliver to our Egyptian friends. The strapline of COP27, “Together for implementation” is made up of 2 key words: implementation, which is the common goal we must share to save the planet; and together, which indicates the path we must pace if we want to reach out to that goal.

Next month, Egypt will be hosting COP27 with a view to building on previous successes and paving the way for future ambition. Ms. Manal Elsayed Yehia Elshinnawi, Ambassador of Egypt to Kazakhstan, said:

Egypt’s COP27 Presidency believes in the necessity to have inclusive, rules based, ambitious and substantive outcomes, up to the scale of the challenge and reflective to the political will, based on science and guided by principles, building on decisions and commitments from Rio 1992 to Glasgow 2021. Effective implementation requires meaningful and inclusive engagement with all stakeholders. This acquires particular significance in relation to youth, as we live in a world where 52% of its inhabitants are under 30 years old. Youth as well are leading at the frontline of creative and effective solutions that support their local communities and the broader global response to the climate crises. Thus, the incoming Egyptian Presidency is keen to make COP27 a hallmark for youth inclusive and meaningful engagement.

Ainur Karbozova, Deputy Chairman of the Board of M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University, commented:

Since Kazakhstan joined the UN back in 1992, our country is one of the most active members of the United Nations with all the important political initiatives being put forward from the UN headquarters. The United Nations is a solid supporter of all the reforms in Kazakhstan, but at the same time facilitates successful implementation of SDG Agenda by engaging students to tackle climate change issues as well. We are therefore very thankful of our students having such a unique chance of wearing hats of the global politicians and facing current challenges of humanity.

The conference will provide an opportunity for multilateral collaboration between countries to phase out fossil fuels, accelerate the shift to renewables and implement energy efficiency measures to support demand reduction.

October 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Rare Victoria Cross awarded following Far East battles in Second World War at risk of leaving the UK [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 28 October 2022.
- Medal, along with four others, is valued at more than £660,000
- Cross was awarded posthumously to Squadron Leader A.S.K. Scarf who died after returning from a raid gravely injured
A Victoria Cross awarded to RAF Squadron Leader A.S.K. Scarf is at risk of leaving the UK after being sold abroad for more than £660,000.

The medal, along with four others – the 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal and British War Medal – was awarded posthumously to Scarf in 1946. The Victoria Cross was presented to his widow, Mrs Elizabeth Scarf, by King George VI at Buckingham Palace.

While the campaign medals within this group are relatively common and were issued to all personnel who met the qualifying criteria, the Victoria Cross is incredibly rare. Only 1,358 have been awarded since its inception in 1856 with just 181 awarded during the Second World War. Of the 22 awarded during the conflict to the RAF, this Victoria Cross is of particular interest because it is the only one awarded to the RAF for their service in the Far East.

Scarf’s Victoria Cross was awarded in recognition of his bravery on a daylight raid on Singora, Malaya, on 9 December 1941. Scarf was responsible for spearheading the raid which saw all available aircraft ordered to take part. He had just taken off when enemy aircraft arrived – destroying or disabling the rest of the machines. He flew alone to Singora and, despite attacks from enemy fighter planes, completed his bombing run. On his way back his aircraft was attacked and he was severely wounded. He crash landed at Alor Star without causing any injury to his crew. He died two hours later in hospital.

Scarf’s pregnant wife was a nurse and based at the Alor Star hospital but had been evacuated south. The two other crewmen on Scarf’s plane were also given awards for their courage during the action. Sergeant (later Squadron Leader) Paddy Calder was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal and Sergeant Cyril Rich, who was killed in action in 1943, was posthumously mentioned in Dispatches.

Arts Minister Stuart Andrew said:

Stories like these remind us of the sacrifices those who served in the Second World War made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

This Victoria Cross and collection of medals represent not only A.S.K. Scarf’s story but the stories and experiences of all those who fought, lived and died in the conflict. I hope that a UK buyer can be found so these incredibly important objects can be displayed for future generations to see.

The minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA). The committee noted the medals represented an extraordinary and highly poignant story of great personal courage from an under-researched campaign of the Second World War. As the only Victoria Cross awarded to the RAF for the Far East and wider Pacific campaign, the medals represent a unique and significant element of a particular moment in British military history.

Committee Member, Tim Pestell, said:

Famous as the ultimate symbol of bravery in combat, the Victoria Cross remains our most nationally significant military award following its establishment over 160 years ago. The example in this group of medals provides a poignant yet powerful reminder of the attributes required to win the award, in a tale that could have come straight from a Boy’s Own story. Not only does Squadron Leader Scarf’s award speak eloquently of the determination and bravery displayed in winning a VC, its acquisition by a UK institution would provide a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by British and Commonwealth servicemen fighting in the ‘forgotten war’ of the Far East.

The RCEWA made its recommendation on the grounds of the sets outstanding significance for the study of the British Far East campaign during the Second World War as well as the role of the RAF within this context.

The decision on the export licence application for the medal will be deferred for a period ending on 27 January 2023 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 business days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the set of medals at the recommended price of £660,000 (plus VAT of £22,000 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.
October 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Macron of France [28 October 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 28 October 2022.

The Prime Minister spoke to French President Macron this morning.

President Macron congratulated him on his appointment, and the Prime Minister stressed the importance he places on the UK’s relationship with France – our neighbour and ally.

The leaders agreed that there are a huge range of areas where UK-France cooperation is vital, including on Ukraine, climate, defence and the economy. The Prime Minister also noted the strong historic and cultural links between our countries, as exemplified by President Macron’s moving words following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

The Prime Minister and President Macron discussed a range of global issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They agreed on the importance of continuing to work in support of Ukraine. As people across Europe face a difficult winter, with rising energy costs resulting from Putin’s invasion, the leaders resolved to work together to secure a more stable energy future. This includes increasing cooperation on nuclear energy.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance for both nations to make the Channel route completely unviable for people traffickers. The leaders committed to deepening our partnership to deter deadly journeys across the Channel that benefit organised criminals.

The Prime Minister and President Macron looked forward to meeting soon, and to holding a UK-France Summit next year.

October 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : New package of measures announced to support poultry industry with bird flu [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 28 October 2022.

New government support for the poultry industry has been announced today (Friday 28th October) to assist farmers and producers with the impacts of bird flu. The United Kingdom is dealing with its worst ever bird flu outbreak with over 200 cases confirmed across the country in the last 12 months.

Under the new plans, the Government will alter the existing bird flu compensation scheme allowing compensation to be paid to farmers from the outset of planned culling rather than at the end. This will allow us to provide swifter payments to help stem any cash flow pressures and give earlier certainty about entitlement to compensation. The payments better reflect the impact of outbreaks on farmers.

In consultation with the Food Standards Agency, an easement to marketing rules is also being introduced in England. The measures mean that farmers who breed turkeys, geese or ducks for their meat will have the option to slaughter their flocks early and to freeze these products, which can then be defrosted and sold to consumers between the period 28 November and 31 December 2022. This option will give farmers certainty over business planning.

We have a highly resilient food supply chain, producing over 11 million turkeys in the United Kingdom every year, with just under two thirds of these consumed over the Christmas period.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

Farmers and poultry producers are facing real pressures as a result of this avian flu outbreak, and we know many are concerned about the impact on their flocks

We hope the practical solutions announced today will help provide greater financial certainty. We very much appreciate the continued cooperation from the sector as we battle this insidious disease and will continue to keep the situation under close review

Last week, the Chief Veterinary Officer introduced a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone meaning that bird keepers must implement strict biosecurity measures to safeguard their flocks from this highly infectious disease. In addition to this, a regional housing measure remains in place across Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex, where keepers must house their flocks until further notice.

All bird keepers (whether they are pet birds, a commercial farm or just a few birds in a backyard flock) must remain vigilant and help prevent avian influenza by:
- cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
- keep records of mortality, movement of poultry and poultry products and any changes in production
- thoroughly clean and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
- prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas
Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find and instead report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
October 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Update on progress on Environmental Targets [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 28 October 2022.

Summary of progress on Environmental Targets set out in the Environment Act, following the publication of a Written Ministerial Statement.

There has been significant work undertaken to progress the ambitious environmental targets resulting from the Environment Act 2021.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) received over 180,000 responses from a range of individuals, businesses and other organisations to the target consultation which closed on 27th June 2022.

In light of the volume of material and the significant public response it is not possible to publish the updated environmental targets as originally intended by the end of October 2022.

Environment Secretary, Therese Coffey said:

I was part of the ministerial team that created the 25 Year Environment Plan and prepared the Environment Bill presented to Parliament in 2019.

Defra will continue to work at pace to finalise these environmental targets.

The Government remains committed to halting the decline in species by 2030 and bringing forward the wider suite of targets, which will help clean up our air, reduce pollution, keep our water clean and reduce waste. To date the Government has published over 800 pages of evidence that underpin the draft targets, based on three years of detailed consideration of the scientific and economic evidence.

The Environment Act will deliver the most ambitious environmental programme of any country and help support our international commitments to protect 30 per cent of land and ocean by 2030. The UK has played a leading role in driving countries around the world to sign up to ambitious targets to reverse biodiversity loss, for example through our work to negotiate the Leaders Pledge for Nature last year, which commits world leaders to taking action to drive sustainable food production, end the illegal wildlife trade and tackle climate change.

October 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Report by OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre – UK response [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 October 2022.

Ambassador Bush thanks Director of OSCE’s Conflict Prevention Centre, Ambassador Yrjölä, for CPC’s work in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine and beyond.

Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Ambassador Yrjölä, for your timely report. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally impacted the OSCE and undermined Euro-Atlantic security. Over the last two years, there has also been a reversal of a falling trend in fatalities from armed conflict globally, as highlighted by the UN Secretary General. Against this backdrop, it is more important than ever that the OSCE conflict cycle instruments are robust to deal with contemporary security challenges.

Ambassador, today is an opportunity to reflect and take stock of our work to promote comprehensive security. Prior to its invasion, Russia blocked the mandate renewals of the Border Observer Mission, the Special Monitoring Mission, and the Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. Russia lied about its unprecedented military buildup on the borders of Ukraine and refused to engage in good faith in the Renewed European Security Dialogue. And since the 24 February, Russia, enabled by Belarus, has brought a new wave of indefensible suffering on the Ukrainian people across land, air, sea, and cyberspace. It has tried to change the status of Ukrainian territory through attempted annexation and sham referenda. And throughout, Russia continues to lie about it, week-in-week-out, right here in this room.

At the same time, Russia continues to undermine Georgia’s sovereignty and violate its territorial integrity by recognising the so-called independence of Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions and its attempted borderisation tactics. In Moldova, Russian forces and munitions remain present without the consent of the Moldovan government. We continue to support efforts to ensure peaceful resolutions to the conflicts in Georgia and Moldova.

The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC), as the OSCE ‘nerve cell’, plays a vital role in responding to these situations, through its international reporting, early warning, dialogue facilitation, mediation, rehabilitation, and programme management. It continues to strengthen the security of States and wider regions through its support to the field missions, their host countries, and Special Representatives, as well as here in Vienna by providing invaluable support to the FSC.

We remain grateful to the Secretary General for her decisive action in providing early warning to the Permanent Council in February on the situation in Ukraine. Early warning is a vital tool to get right, and as the OSCE-wide Focal Point, we rely on CPC for its analysis in this space.

Thank you to all those involved for the important work in evacuating international mission members from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) and supporting the relocation of national mission members to safer locations within the country in February. We call on Russia for the immediate release of our OSCE colleagues currently in detention in Donetsk and Luhansk.

We agree that conventional arms control and confidence building measures remain crucial. The Belarusian authorities’ obfuscation and Russia’s refusal to engage with the two invocations of the Vienna Document Chapter three mechanism was an important early warning signal. We share your concerns about the impact of recent military escalation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and recognize the quick deployment of a ‘needs assessment’ to establish the facts and gather verified information in the conflict-affected areas.

We welcome the various tools being utilised in response to the crisis in Afghanistan, where OSCE activities can help to address vulnerabilities and support connectivity and development for the region.

We also welcome the role field missions play in facilitating dialogue to address the escalation of tensions in border areas.

In each of these cases, we have been pleased to see an inclusive, holistic and gender-sensitive approach adopted. Inclusivity and the role of women in particular must be mainstreamed into both the informal and formal aspects of peace processes, enabling an environment for women to be able to speak up for their rights, their communities, and their futures.

Ambassador, your report is a helpful reminder that we have a set of tools available to de-escalate and build trust. And while these tools can constantly be strengthened, we must recognise that all the available resources can only be as effective as we – States – allow them to be. We must demonstrate the political will to use OSCE and other resources and to fully implement the principles and commitments that underpin comprehensive security.

I join others in thanking you and your team for your ongoing support to each OSCE State facing a current conflict situation. The coming year will be no less challenging and will require our renewed commitment to conflict-prevention, securing and sustaining peace. Thank you.

October 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces to benefit from £45 million contract for life-saving explosive devices protection system [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 October 2022.
UK Armed Forces to receive crucial protection system against improvised explosive devices

£45 million contract supports British Defence industry

Project supports cutting edge UK skills and capability development, laying the foundation for long term growth

Soldiers, vehicles and UK military bases around the world will receive innovative digital protection against remote and radio controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) through a £45 million contract with British industry.

Under the contract awarded to Team Protect, the work – called Project CRENIC – sees UK military experts collaborate with small and medium businesses during the next five years.

Team Protect compromises of PA Consulting, Leonardo, Leidos Innovations UK, and Marshall Land Systems. This contract will sustain more than 50 jobs around the country, including in the North-West, East and South-West of England. The project aims to support and create further jobs through contracts with small and medium enterprises.

The project will develop equipment designed to be carried by soldiers, fitted to vehicles and protect military bases by detecting and disrupting explosive devices using advanced techniques across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk said:

Our Armed Forces dedicate their lives to protecting and securing our nation. As the technology used by our adversaries to threaten our people and operations evolves, we are innovating to stay ahead of the challenge.

This project brings together pioneering UK technology and industry to create a world leading protection system for our Armed Forces.

The new system will be supported by the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) Architecture, which uses a common set of hardware and software open technology standards, equivalent to desktop computers and cellular phone software, to allow for wider industry participation and support reconfiguration for other military uses. This will allow the Armed Forces to modify the solutions in the future and allow for greater collaboration with allies.

Major General Robin Anderton-Brown, Director Capability Strategic Command, said:

Incorporating cutting-edge technology and adopting an agile acquisition approach, CRENIC will deliver a world-leading capability to protect our forces deployed on global operations.

Using the Defence CEMA Architecture, Project CRENIC will enable information to be shared across multiple domains, making it the first capability to directly support Multi-Domain Integration. This means information only needs to be collected once and can then be used many times. The project is expected to support electronic warfare in the future, including countering remotely piloted air systems.

On behalf of Team Protect, Peter Lovell, Global Head of Defence and Security at PA Consulting said:

We are delighted that Team Protect has been selected to be the System Integrator (SI) for this project. The work marks a strong progression of the collaborative approach between industry and the Ministry of Defence to deliver innovative solutions to keep UK forces safe.

The team has deep and extensive experience across vital capabilities, including complex programme delivery, engineering, agile software development, and digital transformation. We will deliver this project and keep UK forces safer by leveraging our relative strengths – using ingenuity to help deliver a positive human future.

A cutting-edge integration laboratory facility will also be established to support the development of the system. The laboratory will promote innovation and experimentation as the new capability evolves against emerging threats.

First deliveries of the new equipment for vehicle and soldier carried systems for use on operations are due to take place in 2026. Equipment will be incrementally deployed and will evolve to meet the needs of the British Army, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force land forces long into the future.
October 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Heads of Mission join Palestinian farmers in olive harvesting [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 October 2022.

UK, EU, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden join Palestinian farmers in olive harvesting in Kufr Ni’mah village near Ramallah.

Heads of Mission and representatives from the UK, EU, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden visited Kufr Ni’mah village in the Ramallah district today. They took part in the olive harvest, which began this month and which has significant cultural and economic importance for Palestinians.

According to UN OCHA, nearly half of cultivated Palestinian agricultural land in the West Bank is planted with 10 million olive trees. An estimated 100,000 families in the West Bank rely on olive oil for primary or secondary sources of income according to the West Bank Protection Consortium.

Participants heard from locals, the West Bank Protection Consortium and Première Urgence Internationale about settler violence in the Ramallah district, which is getting worse for farmers each year and which often peaks during the Olive Harvest season. In the discussion, participants reiterated their continued opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and concern over the increasing rates of settler violence.

British Consul General Diane Corner said: “The Olive Harvest is a special time for Palestinians. It is central to their economy, their culture and their heritage. Sadly, persistent settler violence continues to be a major concern. As the occupying power, the Israeli authorities should ensure settlers who are responsible for crimes against Palestinians are held to account and should protect Palestinians against such violence.”

During the visit, Heads of Mission and diplomats were briefed on recent settler attacks against Palestinians across the West Bank and in the Ramallah district in particular. Settler violence is at record levels – the UN has recorded the highest monthly average of settler attacks since it began tracking incidents in 2005.

October 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Continuing the Security Council’s commitment to peace in Colombia [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 October 2022.

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador James Kariuki on the renewal of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia’s mandate.

Thank you, Mr President.

Let me just echo Juan-Ramon’s thanks to Council members for their cooperation and the flexibility shown during negotiations.

In particular I would like to thank our co-penholder Mexico, including the experts on both sides, for our close partnership working together on this resolution as well as on the Council’s press statement earlier this month.

[Speaking in Spanish. Translation:]

I’d also like to thank the delegation of Colombia for their positive engagement on this draft resolution.

[Speaking in Spanish ends]

The UK welcomes the renewed momentum for peace in Colombia and, in this vein, we welcome the Foreign Minister’s request for the UN Verification Mission to monitor progress on rural reform and the Ethnic Chapter of the Peace Agreement.

We look forward to considering the Secretary-General’s recommendations on these new tasks and will be ready to respond accordingly.

The unanimous adoption of this resolution today demonstrates the continued commitment of the Security Council to peace in Colombia and to the comprehensive implementation of the Peace Agreement.

October 28, 2022