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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : UKHSA monitoring Ebola outbreak in East Africa [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UKHSA monitoring Ebola outbreak in East Africa [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 6 October 2022.

    The risk to the public in the UK is very low and there are currently no cases of the disease confirmed in the UK. A public health alert has been issued to urge healthcare professionals to be vigilant to the symptoms in patients who have recently returned from affected areas and to remind them of the established procedures for infection control and testing.

    Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but severe infection. It is caused by the Ebola virus, a filovirus that was first recognised in 1976 and has caused sporadic outbreaks since in several African countries.

    Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA Director of Clinical and Emerging Infection, said:

    UKHSA constantly monitors emerging infection threats in collaboration with partners across the world. We are aware of an outbreak of Ebola cases in Uganda and are monitoring the situation closely. The risk to the public in the UK is very low.

    Background

    There has never been a case of Ebola virus disease contracted in the UK. Two cases contracted overseas were transported to the UK in 2014. Both recovered after treatment in specialist high consequence infectious disease (HCID) units.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine – EU agrees on eighth package of sanctions against Russia [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine – EU agrees on eighth package of sanctions against Russia [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the European Commission on 6 October 2022.

    The Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of an eighth package of hard-hitting sanctions against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. This package – which has been closely coordinated with our international partners – responds to Russia’s continued escalation and illegal war against Ukraine, including by illegally annexing Ukrainian territory based on sham “referenda”, mobilising additional troops, and issuing open nuclear threats.

    This package introduces new EU import bans worth €7 billion to curb Russia’s revenues, as well as export restrictions, which will further deprive the Kremlin’s military and industrial complex of key components and technologies and Russia’s economy of European services and expertise. The sanctions also deprive the Russian army and its suppliers from further specific goods and equipment needed to wage its war on Ukrainian territory. The package also lays the basis for the required legal framework to implement the oil price cap envisaged by the G7.

    Specifically, this package contains the following elements:

    Additional listings

    Additional individuals and entities have been sanctioned. This targets those involved in Russia’s occupation, illegal annexation, and sham “referenda” in the occupied territories/oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. It also includes individuals and entities working in the defence sector, such as high-ranking and military officials, as well as companies supporting the Russian armed forces. The EU also continues to target actors who spread disinformation about the war.

    EU restrictive measure target key decision makers, oligarchs, senior military officials and propagandists, responsible for undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

    Extension of restrictions to the oblasts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia

    The geographical scope of the restrictive measures in response to the recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine and the ordering of Russian armed forces into those areas has been extended to cover all the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine in the oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

    New export restrictions

    Additional export restrictions have been introduced which aim to reduce Russia’s access to military, industrial and technological items, as well as its ability to develop its defence and security sector.

    This includes the banning of the export of coal including coking coal (which is used in Russian industrial plants), specific electronic components (found in Russian weapons), technical items used in the aviation sector, as well as certain chemicals.

    A prohibition on exporting small arms and other goods under the anti-torture Regulation has been added.

    New import restrictions

    Almost €7 billion worth of additional import restrictions have been agreed.

    It includes, for example, a ban on the import of Russian finished and semi-finished steel products (subject to a transition period for some semi-finished), machinery and appliances, plastics, vehicles, textiles, footwear, leather, ceramics, certain chemical products, and non-gold jewellery.

    Implementing the G7 oil price cap

    Today’s package marks the beginning of the implementation within the EU of the G7 agreement on Russian oil exports. While the EU’s ban on importing Russian seaborne crude oil fully remains, the price cap, once implemented, would allow European operators to undertake and support the transport of Russian oil to third countries, provided its price remains under a pre-set “cap”. This will help to further reduce Russia’s revenues, while keeping global energy markets stable through continued supplies. It will thus also help address inflation and keep energy costs stable at a time when high costs – particularly elevated fuel prices – are a great concern to all Europeans.

    This measure is being closely coordinated with G7 partners. It would take effect after 5 December 2022 for crude and 5 February 2023 for refined petroleum products, after a further decision by the Council.

    Restrictions on State-owned enterprises

    Today’s package bans EU nationals from holding posts in the governing bodies of certain state-owned enterprises.

    It also bans all transactions with the Russian Maritime Register, adding it to the list of state-owned enterprises which are subject to a transaction ban.

    Financial, IT consultancy and other business services

    The existing prohibitions on crypto assets have been tightened by banning all crypto-asset wallets, accounts, or custody services, irrespective of the amount of the wallet (previously up to €10,000 was allowed).

    The package widens the scope of services that can no longer be provided to the government of Russia or legal persons established in Russia: these now include IT consultancy, legal advisory, architecture and engineering services. These are significant as they will potentially weaken Russia’s industrial capacity because it is highly dependent on importing these services.

    Deterring sanctions circumvention

    The EU has introduced a new listing criterion, which will allow it to sanction persons who facilitate the infringements of the prohibition against circumvention of sanctions.

    More Information

    The EU’s sanctions against Russia are proving effective. They are damaging Russia’s ability to manufacture new weapons and repair existing ones, as well as hinder its transport of material.

    The geopolitical, economic, and financial implications of Russia’s continued aggression are clear, as the war has disrupted global commodities markets, especially for agrifood products and energy. The EU continues to ensure that its sanctions do not impact energy and agrifood exports from Russia to third countries.

    As guardian of the EU Treaties, the European Commission monitors the enforcement of EU sanctions across the EU.

    The EU stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through additional political, financial, and humanitarian support.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – UK welcomes resolution on Sri Lanka [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – UK welcomes resolution on Sri Lanka [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2022.

    FCDO Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia and the United Nations Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon has issued a statement on the UN resolution.

    Responding to the UN resolution, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia and the United Nations Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon said:

    We welcome the result of today’s vote on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHCR). This resolution will support progress on human rights, justice, and accountability. It has renewed the mandate of the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to report on Sri Lanka and to protect and preserve evidence of past human rights abuses to use in future accountability processes. This is integral to establish truth and achieve lasting justice and reconciliation, as well as to improve human rights in the country.

    Our focus should now turn to our collective and renewed ability to work with the new Government of Sri Lanka to take forward their commitments to the Council. We call on UNHRC members to support this effort, and to work together to address the economic challenges faced by the people of Sri Lanka.

    Notes to editors:

    The UK has supported efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, including at the UNHRC for many years. This new resolution acknowledges the challenging economic situation in Sri Lanka, and the progress made in addressing this in recent months. It continues the international community’s efforts to centre and support victims of Sri Lanka armed conflict. The UNHRC framework is integral to establish truth and achieve lasting justice and reconciliation, as well as to improve human rights in the country.

    The UK is the penholder on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council, meaning we lead on preparing resolutions and other products, and has held this position since 2017. The UK is a member of the Core Group on Sri Lanka, along with United States, Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Malawi.

    The FCDO has a range of UK-funded programmes which support a number of human rights priorities, including UK’s £11.3 million Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) programme (2022 to 2025) for Sri Lanka which focusses on addressing the legacy of conflict in the country.

    The UK is providing £3 million of lifesaving humanitarian support for Sri Lanka. The funding will be delivered through Red Cross and UN partners. It will provide access to food, seeds, and tools to help grow crops as well as mental health care, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

     

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

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

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2022.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

    North Korea’s decision to conduct a further ballistic missile test on 6 October is a violation of UN Security Council Resolutions. The UK continues to work closely with our partners to urge North Korea to return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

    We call on North Korea to prioritise the well-being of their people instead of the illegal pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Croydon man’s killers, Donald Owusu and Harvey Macfoy, have sentences increased for murderous attack [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Croydon man’s killers, Donald Owusu and Harvey Macfoy, have sentences increased for murderous attack [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General on 6 October 2022.

    Two men who fatally stabbed a Croydon man have had their sentences increased after the Court of Appeal found their original sentences to be unduly lenient.

    On 15 December 2019, Donald Owusu, now 25, and Harvey Macfoy, now 26, used a tracker device to locate 33-year-old Albert Amofa as they believed he was carrying cannabis in his vehicle.  The victim was located outside his home in his vehicle and stabbed five times to the upper leg hitting his femoral artery. Owusu and Macfoy fled the scene empty handed. Mr Amofa died from his injuries two days later.

    On 7 July 2022 at Central Criminal Court, Donald Owusu was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder with a minimum term of 25 years. Harvey Macfoy was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder with a minimum term of 21 years.  Macfoy received an additional 20-month sentence to run concurrently for intending to pervert the course of justice.

    The original sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme because they appeared too low.

    On 6 October, the Court of Appeal found Owusu and Macfoy’s sentences to be unduly lenient and increased Owusu’s minimum sentence to 27 years’ imprisonment and Macfoy’s to 23 years’ imprisonment.

    Speaking after the hearing, HM Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP said:

    The senseless and vicious murder of Albert Amofa has caused immeasurable pain and suffering to his family, and my thoughts are with them today.

    I welcome the Court’s decision to increase both sentences today as I believe they better reflect the intent behind this awful attack.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Latest developments between Armenia and Azerbaijan – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Latest developments between Armenia and Azerbaijan – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2022.

    Ambassador Neil Bush urges all allegations of mistreatment, abuse and summary killings be urgently and fully investigated.

    The UK welcomes the release of 17 Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijan this week. This is an important humanitarian gesture at a time of raised tensions in the region.

    We were horrified by media reporting of a video which appears to show captured Armenian soldiers being shot by members of Azerbaijan’s forces. We welcome the announcement by Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office of their commitment to comprehensively investigate the video and urge them to share the outcome publicly. It is essential that all allegations of mistreatment, abuse and summary killings be urgently and fully investigated by the appropriate authorities.

    We urge both sides to resolve all outstanding issues through diplomatic means, including discussions on the fate of missing people and the return of all remaining prisoners of war. We will continue to support the diplomatic efforts of international partners as they seek to secure much-needed stability and security for the people of the region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ambassador Manley statement on Xinjiang [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ambassador Manley statement on Xinjiang [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2022.

    Ambassador Simon Manley, Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, made the below comments following the vote on whether the UN Human Rights Council should hold a debate on the situation of human rights in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China.

    Ambassador Simon Manley, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, said:

    Given the gravity of the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which found that China has carried out serious human rights violations including possible ‘crimes against humanity’ in Xinjiang, it is important that UN members are given the opportunity to consider it fully. China’s attempts to stifle debate and hide the truth will not succeed.

    Today’s vote sent a clear message to China: that a significant number of countries will not be silenced when it comes to egregious human rights violations – no matter where and by whom they are committed. We will continue to work with our partners to hold the Chinese authorities to account and to shine a spotlight on China’s human rights violations.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Cocaine supplier Sam Whicker receives increased sentence after hearing at the Court of Appeal [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cocaine supplier Sam Whicker receives increased sentence after hearing at the Court of Appeal [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General on 6 October 2022.

    A man who acted as a courier to transport 90kg of cocaine has been ordered to serve a longer prison term after the Court of Appeal found his original sentence to be unduly lenient.

    Sam Whicker, now 31, was part of an organised crime group involved in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine). Whicker acted as a courier and drove 90kg of cocaine from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, to Northolt, West London.

    In addition to this offence, Whicker also has 38 previous convictions for 71 offences.

    On 6 July 2022, Whicker was sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court for being concerned in the supply of a class A drug (cocaine). Whicker was also ordered to forfeit the drugs and vehicle for destruction.

    Following the sentencing, Whicker’s sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    On 6 October 2022, the Court found Whicker’s original sentence to be unduly lenient, and he was ordered to serve a new sentence of 5 years and 4 months’ imprisonment.

    Speaking after the hearing, HM Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP said:

    Supplying class A drugs, especially given the significant quantity involved in this case, is an incredibly serious crime, so it was clear to me that a stronger sentence was appropriate in this case.

    Today’s verdict shows that no amount of money offered to supply and transport drugs will ever be worth it.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – General Comment on human rights in Xinjiang [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – General Comment on human rights in Xinjiang [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2022.

    Ambassador Simon Manley delivered a general comment ahead of the draft decision to hold a debate on the situation of human rights in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China.

    Mr President,

    The United Kingdom has consistently raised the grave human rights situation in Xinjiang. We are not alone in our concerns. Indeed, since our first joint statement on this issue at the UN General Assembly back in 2019, the growing number of countries from around the world have spoken up – including here at the Human Rights Council.

    We have heard concerns from elsewhere too. Special Procedure mandate holders, Treaty Bodies and Non-Governmental organisations have all repeatedly expressed alarm following numerous reports of gross violations and systemic discrimination over several years.

    There has been no shortage of reports on Xinjiang. But the recently published assessment by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is the most significant to date. We now have a thorough, objective and independent assessment from the principle UN human rights body which confirms our worst fears.

    If I may quote the exact words of the assessment – “the extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of the Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity”.

    These crimes include – torture, sexual and gender-based violence, forced sterilisations, severe restrictions on freedom of religion and belief and forced disappearances on a massive scale.

    And what is all the more significant is that so many of those findings are based on official public information from the Chinese authorities – corroborated by other sources.

    Our ask today is a simple one – a debate at the next session of this Council. Given the harrowing details and serious findings by the Office of the High Commissioner – this really is the minimum that an assessment of this nature should lead to.

    So, Mr President, I urge us to remember why we are here. We are members of the Human Rights Council. We are here to raise situations of systemic discrimination. We are here to discuss the most serious human rights violations and abuses, wherever and by whomever they are committed. There can be no doubt that the gravity and scale of what has been reported in Xinjiang warrants such a debate.

    I therefore appeal to our fellow members of this Council to do what is right. Not to turn a blind eye. But to support the decision simply to have a debate. No more, no less.

    Thank you, Mr President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Turkey – Jill Morris [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Turkey – Jill Morris [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2022.

    Ms Jill Morris CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye in succession to Sir Dominick Chilcott KCMG who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Ms Morris will take up her appointment during January 2023.

    Full name: Jill Morris

    Curriculum vitae

    2016 to 2022 Rome, Her Late Majesty’s Ambassador to Italy and Her Late Majesty’s Non-Resident Ambassador to San Marino
    2012 to 2015 FCO, Director, Europe
    2011 FCO, Head, Counter-Proliferation Department
    2008 to 2010 FCO, Head, Consular Strategy Department
    2006 to 2008 Brussels, Counsellor, UK Permanent Representation to the EU
    2005 to 2006 Brussels, Desk Officer – External Relations, UK Permanent Representation to the EU
    2001 to 2005 Nicosia, Second Secretary
    1999 to 2000 FCO, Desk Officer, United Nations Department
    1999 Joined FCO