Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Climate, nature, conservation and cost of living top the agenda as Director-General outlines challenges and opportunities ahead of National Trust’s AGM [November 2022]

The press release issued by the National Trust on 4 November 2022.

Ahead of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) later today, the National Trust shares insight into a year of highs and lows and looks to its future, as the conservation charity navigates delivering its strategy amidst the challenging legacy of the pandemic and a difficult economic environment.

New heritage acquisitions, campaigns to bring nature into cities, and responding to the increasing impacts of climate change are amongst the milestones of 2022 for the National Trust and will be outlined by Director-General Hilary McGrady in her address to members at the AGM. With rising costs beginning to have an impact, the charity anticipates a mixed year ahead but is optimistic about the deep and enduring connection people have with nature, beauty and history.

From wildfires at popular beauty spots like Baggy Point and Studland Bay, to protecting historic collections from increasingly damp and humid conditions, this year has brought the climate crisis into focus like never before. Storm Arwen felled more than 50 veteran trees at Bodnant, demonstrating the threat to the natural environment. The Trust will continue its efforts to improve resilience to the effects of climate change by bolstering nature, including restoring peatlands, planting and establishing trees and creating new areas of wetland.

Work to power more Trust places by renewable energy will be prioritised, to afford the charity more energy security in the long term. The Trust has committed to reaching net zero by 2030 and reducing reliance on non-sustainable forms of energy will play a critical role in reaching this goal. With electricity costs across the Trust’s portfolio of more than 500 sites having more than doubled over the last couple of months, recent projects to reduce the charity’s reliance on fossil fuels include the installation of an air source heat pump at Charlecote West Lodge, a ground source heat pump at Kingston Lacy and the installation of solar panels on the roof of the café and visitor centre at Sizergh Castle. Energy reduction measures such as improving pipe lagging at Quarry Bank Mill, upgrading storage heaters to more modern and efficient models at Hughenden and installing LED lighting at Beningborough Hall are also critical, as the Trust looks to weather the storms of the energy crisis, the need to decarbonise, and rising costs.

The Trust is also introducing initiatives to tackle the impact that the cost of living crisis is having on visitors, and create more equal access to green and historic places. Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester and bringing thousands of new blossoming trees into city centres are creating new free-to-access spaces for nature and people in urban heartlands and this will continue in cities round the UK in 2023. This autumn, non-members and members could claim free passes for themselves or guests as part of a dedicated campaign to support people to visit National Trust places that normally charge for entry. Over the autumn half term holidays, 53 National Trust properties in England and Wales piloted a Kids Eat Free offer.

The results of these initiatives are revealed by recent visitor figures, which indicate that escaping into nature and connecting with history and heritage has been important for people this year. The National Trust’s pay for entry places saw their busiest October ever, with footfall exceeding 2.6 million visitors. Particularly popular were places with fantastic displays of autumn colour on the trees, such as Winkworth Arboretum, Felbrigg, Stowe, Stourhead and Croome.

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said: “After a year of recovery, I’m proud of how much we have achieved over the last year – from the completion of works at Castle Drogo, England’s last castle, to the award-winning restoration of Seaton Delaval. There is no doubt we are facing challenges from a number of directions: rising costs across the board, the intensifying climate crisis, and a wide gulf to bridge as we work to tack unequal access to nature, beauty and history in the UK. But it’s clear that the National Trust’s charitable purpose is as relevant now to people as it ever was. We have a very big part to play in continuing to support people through the challenging times ahead, as we have done over the last few difficult years.”

Facing forward, this year’s AGM will spotlight new acquisitions and stories in heritage. On display at the AGM will be an oil sketch by John Singer Sargent of Elsie Palmer, just acquired from her granddaughter. The work was undertaken in preparation for his famous portrait of the Lady in White. Members will have the chance to study the sketch up close before it returns to Ightham Mote, the English country house in Kent where Sargent painted Elsie Palmer. The AGM will also launch the first edition of the new Cultural Heritage Magazine, now available to download from the National Trust website. The quarterly publication will showcase the latest curatorial and conservation news, research projects and expertise and launches towards the end of a bumper year for history and heritage at the National Trust, during which the Trust opened new acquisition Crook Hall Gardens and the Children’s Country House at Sudbury.

Hilary McGrady continued: “With a membership of 5.7 million and many more non-member visitors, we are very mindful that people come to the National Trust for different reasons. Some want to learn about our country’s fascinating history, others want to escape into beautiful outdoor spaces. Many want both. It is up to us as a charity to find new ways of helping people to do just that and this means going beyond our boundaries, taking nature, beauty and history directly to people as well as supporting them to come to us. I’m proud of what we have achieved so far and of our ambitions for the future. I look forward to celebrating the wonderful world of the National Trust, from scones to Sargent, with our members at our AGM later today.”

06/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine Reconstruction – EU Commissioner Simson visits the country to boost the support for Ukraine’s energy system [November 2022]

The press release issued by the European Commission on 1 November 2022.

Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson visited Ukraine on 1 November to discuss with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Minister of Energy German Galushchenko and international partners the immediate concrete support for its battered energy sector. Russia’s persistent and deliberate targeting of Ukrainian energy infrastructure over the past weeks and months has affected more than 30% of the country’s energy system.

The EU has, together with the Member States and private companies, delivered millions of euros worth of emergency energy equipment to Ukraine, but the level of support needs to be ramped up in light of Russia’s escalating attacks. In addition to the necessary equipment, €25.5 million has been made available to cover the most urgent needs via the Ukraine Energy Support Fund that the Commission has set up with the Energy Community. A dedicated campaign to mobilise further support from the private sector will be launched in the coming days jointly by the Commission, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine and the Energy Community.

This visit comes just ahead of the winter season and less than a week after the European Commission and the G7 Presidency called for an international ‘Marshall plan for Ukraine’, which would pave the way for the country’s immediate and sustainable reconstruction.

In Kyiv, Commissioner Simson met President Zelenskyy, to discuss the latest developments and how the EU can lead the international effort to repair and rebuild the Ukrainian energy infrastructure. She also participated in the first meeting of the International Energy Advisory Council for Ukraine (IEAC4U), a new forum announced by Minister Galushchenko at the EU energy ministers’ meeting in Prague in mid-October. The IEAC4U will help coordinate the efforts of all participating countries and will provide technical assistance in matching Ukrainian needs with potential donations.

The visit was also an opportunity for Commissioner Simson to co-chair the EU-Ukraine High-Level Energy Dialogue together with the Minister of Energy, where the immediate needs of the Ukrainian energy system and the security of supply situation, as well as the reconstruction and decarbonisation of its energy system were discussed. At the meeting, the Commissioner announced that 13 million euros have been allocated for the restoration of laboratories damaged by the Russian occupiers at the nuclear site of Chornobyl and that the EU intends to channel through the International Atomic Energy Agency a further €3.5 million as support for Ukraine in this sector.

The Commissioner also met with the members of the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, and had discussions with Ukrenergo and other Ukrainian energy companies.

Background

Since the outbreak of Russia’s unjustified war, the EU has been supporting the Ukrainian energy sector via different channels and means. With ENTSO-E, it has enabled the emergency synchronisation of the Ukrainian and Moldovan electricity grids with the Continental one to ensure stability of the electricity system. To tackle the most immediate needs of reparation, the Commission has promoted the establishment of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund with the Energy Community Secretariat.

Under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the Commission has facilitated numerous shipments of vital energy equipment, from generators to transformers and cables, through its Emergency Response Coordination Centre. In addition, more than 40 million euros worth chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat countermeasures and equipment have been delivered from the EU reserves. The Commission has also supported with €7.7 million the State Scientific Technical Centre for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of Ukraine.

06/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : The UK’s Presidency of COP26 ends as world leaders meet in Egypt for COP27 [November 2022]

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

One year on from hosting COP26 in Glasgow, the UK has handed over the Presidency of the United Nations Climate Change Conference to Egypt as world leaders, including the UK’s PM, Rishi Sunak, meet at Sharm el Sheikh for COP27.

The UK’s Presidency of COP26 made progress on each of its four goals of: mitigation (reducing emissions), adaptation (helping those already impacted by climate change), finance (enabling countries to deliver on their climate goals) and collaboration (working together to deliver even greater action). Most importantly, if countries which agreed the Glasgow Climate Pact deliver on their commitments to phase down coal power, halt or reverse deforestation and speed up the switch to electric vehicles, limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is still possible. This will be critical for preventing devastating climate impacts and protecting vulnerable countries like Pakistan.

At COP26 the UK pledged £55m in financial support to Pakistan to assist with building climate resilience and tackling climate change. This support is in addition to £26.5m provided by the UK Government and £30m donated by UK citizens to provide relief following this year’s devastating floods.

Having handed over the Presidency, the UK is maintaining its ambitious goals on climate change. This year the UK is launching the ‘Accelerating to Zero Coalition’ which will promote the use of more electric cars worldwide. The UK is also initiating the ‘Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership’ to halt and reverse forest loss and will be working with developed countries to increase the availability of climate finance to countries such as Pakistan.

Development Director at the British High Commission, Islamabad Jo Moir, said the following:

This year’s floods are a stark reminder of impact climate change is having on our lives. Globally, we will face more climate catastrophes, and climate-vulnerable countries like Pakistan face enormous challenges. Business as usual is not enough. At COP27 we need to make further progress on ensuring countries which have been affected by climate related disasters have the necessary tools to build-back smarter. The UK will be a leading voice on this.

06/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Reversal of National Insurance Increase takes effect today [November 2022]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 6 November 2022.

From today the 1.25% point cut to National Insurance rates for employees and employers takes effect across the UK.

– The reversal of April’s rise in National Insurance takes effect across the UK from today

– Added to July’s increase in National Insurance thresholds, almost 30 million people will be £500 better off on average next year

– Most employees will start to receive this tax cut directly through payroll between November and February

The tax cut was announced by the government on 22 September, as part of the reversal of the Health and Social Care Levy.

Working people across the UK will begin receiving the tax cut in their payslips this month, with all expected to have started receiving it by February.

The move to reverse April National Insurance increase follows the rise in National Insurance thresholds in July. As a result of both measures, working people will be £500 better off, on average, next year.

Funding for health and social care services will be maintained at the same level as if the levy were in place.

It takes effect in all parts of the UK and means working people will keep more of the money they earn.

06/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Bank holiday proclaimed in honour of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III [November 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 November 2022.

Bank holiday proclaimed in honour of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

The Prime Minister has decided to proclaim an additional bank holiday to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III next year.

The bank holiday will fall on Monday 8 May, following the Coronation on Saturday 6 May.

In line with the bank holiday to mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953, this will be an opportunity for families and communities across the country to come together to celebrate.

The bank holiday will take place across the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“The Coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country. In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year.”

“I look forward to seeing people come together to celebrate and pay tribute to King Charles III by taking part in local and national events across the country in his honour.”

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said:

“The Coronation combines the sacred and the solemn but it is also celebratory.”

“This bank holiday will once again give people across the United Kingdom the opportunity to come together as families and communities to welcome His Majesty to the throne as we mark this important day in our nation’s long history.”

06/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : North Korea ballistic missile test – FCDO spokesperson statement [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 November 2022.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

DPRK launching four short-range ballistic missiles on 5 November would be a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

As the G7 Foreign Ministers agreed this week, the DPRK must 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.

06/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists: Joint statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell and Vice-President Věra Jourová [November 2022]

The press release issued by the European Commission on 1 November 2022.

Ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on 2 November, High Representative Josep Borrell and Vice-President Věra Jourová issued the following statement:

“Journalists are our eyes and ears reporting from conflict zones. They put their lives in danger to provide accounts of what is happening on the ground. Their accurate, impartial media reports serve a fundamental public interest: accounts, images and news from the ground can have a decisive impact on the development and outcome of armed conflicts.

Consequently, journalistic work is often deliberately obstructed in armed conflicts. Media professionals face access denial, censorship, and harassment, as well as arbitrary detention and brutal attacks. In Ukraine, several journalists and media workers have been killed or injured, sometimes deliberately targeted, while documenting the truth about the atrocities committed by Russian troops in Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Their work is essential, as the Russian regime wages a global disinformation campaign on the realities of their war.

Intentionally directing attacks against journalists, as civilians, constitutes a war crime.

War zones are however not the only places where journalists come under attack. Across the world, journalists face increasing threats in their work. They are victims of hate crimes, harassed online, targeted by spyware, and even murdered.

We must put an end to impunity for these crimes and uphold human rights and the rule of law by providing justice to the victims. Over the past 10 years, 80% of journalists’ murders worldwide have not been held to account.

The EU supports networks of at-risk journalists and reinforcing journalists’ ability to operate in hostile environments across the world. This includes provision of protective equipment and assistance. Under the new Global Europe programme for Human Rights and Democracy, we are establishing an Observatory on the Fight Against Impunity to contribute to collect and use evidence and knowledge for advocacy and accountability at global, regional and national levels.

Also within the European Union journalists can face difficult conditions. Member States are expected to comply with the Commission Recommendation on the safety of journalists adopted in 2021. Candidate countries and those in its neighbourhood are also expected to adopt these standards.

The new Media Freedom Act aims to safeguard the independence and the pluralism of the media and to support journalists, enabling them to hold those in power to account without fear or favour. The Commission also took action to fight strategic lawsuits against public participation which put pressure on journalists and silence them.

These legislative proposals should be adopted as soon as possible to improve the environment in which journalists and media are working.

States must investigate and prosecute all criminal acts committed against journalists in an impartial, independent, effective, transparent, and timely manner.

Impunity for crimes against journalists must end.

Justice must be served.”

05/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : The King joins celebrations at Buckingham Palace to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of British Asians from Uganda to the United Kingdom [November 2022]

The press release issued by Buckingham Palace on 2 November 2022.

His Majesty The King has joined celebrations at Buckingham Palace to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Resettlement of British Asians from Uganda in the United Kingdom.

On 4th August 1972, some 60,000 Ugandan Asians were given 90 days’ notice to leave the country by former Ugandan President General Idi Amin. Almost half of these people arrived and settled in the UK.

Sixteen temporary resettlement and reception camps were set up around the country with 63 voluntary sector organisations mobilised to provide humanitarian support for the evacuees. Thousands of private individuals also volunteered, providing warm clothes, activities for children, English language teaching and other support.

Presented by broadcasters Jon Snow and Jonathan Dimbleby, today’s ceremony reunited many of the refugees and volunteers whilst offering thanks to over 60 voluntary organisations, including the Royal Voluntary Service, British Red Cross and Oxfam, who mobilised to provide timely humanitarian assistance 50 years ago.

In 1997, a Service of Thanksgiving was held at Westminster Abbey to mark the 25th anniversary of the Resettlement and was attended by the former Prime Minster, Sir Edward Heath. A letter from His Majesty, then The Prince of Wales, featured in the Order of Service programme, which read:

“As you give thanks to Westminster Abbey, I too give thanks – that Britain had the wisdom and generosity to offer a home to the Ugandan Asians in 1972, and that you have so thrived and contributed so much since. I send you my heartfelt wishes on this important day.”

05/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Prince of Wales attends the 10th annual Tusk conservation awards [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Royal Family on 2 November 2022.

His Royal Highness is Patron of Tusk and helped to launch the awards in 2013. This year is the tenth year that the awards have provided a platform to spotlight the work of conservation leaders and wildlife rangers in Africa.

To help mark the milestone, award alumni from across Africa came together to celebrate at this year’s event, including Benson Kanyembo, a Law Enforcement Advisor at Conservation South Luangwa in Zambia, who helped to reduce elephant mortality rates by 66% between 2018-2020, and Edward Ndiritu, the Head of Anti-Poaching at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, who has sustained a poaching level of near zero for seven years and counting across the Lewa landscape.

Following the opportunity to meet this year’s finalists and learn more about their vital work, His Royal Highness will took part in the awards presentation and gave a speech.

05/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : RMT Suspends Rail Strikes

The press release issued by the RMT on 4 November 2022.

RMT suspends strikes after securing intensive negotiations with rail bosses.

Rail union RMT has suspended planned strikes on Nov 5, 7 and 9 and will now enter into a period of intensive negotiations with Network Rail and the train operating companies.

Through a strong industrial campaign so far, RMT has secured unconditional talks on Network Rail and the promise of an offer from the train operating companies who up until this point, have made no offer of any kind to our members.

Originally Network Rail had declared discussions and consultations closed and was intent on imposing changes to maintenance without agreement with RMT.

They have now rowed back and will continue discussions on the basis that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.”

This takes away the reason for the current phase of action and means talks can continue without pre-conditions unilaterally set down by the company.

The current dispute remains very much live, and the union is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action with the result due on 15th November.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.

“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.

“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.

“Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next 6 months to secure a deal, we will.”

04/11/2022