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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to South Sudan – David Ashley [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to South Sudan – David Ashley [January 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 January 2025.

    Mr David Ashley has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan in succession to Mr Guy Warrington. Mr Ashley will take up his appointment during January 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: David William Ashley

    Year Role
    2020 to 2024 Antananarivo, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Madagascar and non-resident Ambassador to Comoros
    2018 to 2020 FCO, Deputy Head (for Syria and Iraq), Near East Department
    2017 to 2018 Dhaka, Deputy High Commissioner
    2014 to 2016 Kabul, Political Counsellor
    2011 to 2014 FCO, Head, Levant Team, Near East Department
    2009 to 2011 Colombo, First Secretary – Regional Conflict Advisor (South Asia)
    2006 to 2009 Nairobi, First Secretary – Regional Conflict Advisor (Central-East Africa)
    2004 to 2006 FCO, Head, Justice and Rule of Law Team, Conflict Issues Group
    2002 to 2004 Belgrade, Second Secretary – Political
    1999 to 2001 FCO, International Criminal Court Desk Officer, War Crimes Section, UN Department
    1999 Joined FCO
  • PRESS RELEASE : Top secret lab develops atomic clock using quantum technology [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Top secret lab develops atomic clock using quantum technology [January 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 January 2025.

    A revolutionary UK-built atomic clock will make military operations more secure through experimental quantum technology.

    Military personnel will use groundbreaking quantum technology to conduct more secure and precise operations, thanks to a new high-tech atomic clock.

    Developed at the top-secret Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, (Dstl) the quantum clock will be a leap forward in improving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance by decreasing the reliance on GPS technology, which can be disrupted and blocked by adversaries.

    The clock’s precision is so refined that it will lose less than one second over billions of years, allowing scientists to measure time at an unprecedented scale. It is the first device of its kind to be built in the UK and will be deployable on military operations in the next five years.

    The applications of quantum clocks extend beyond precision timekeeping. Further improvement to GPS accuracy could transform global navigation systems, aiding in everything from satellite communication to aircraft navigation.

    The development of this cutting-edge technology supports key components of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security while supporting skilled, productive jobs which foster economic growth.

    In addition, further research will see the technology decrease in size to allow mass manufacturing and miniaturisation, unlocking a wide range of applications, such as use by military vehicles and aircraft.

    Improved clocks, such as this atomic device, will allow the Ministry of Defence to further support current and future capabilities. For example, quantum clocks can:

    • Enable more precise and independent navigation systems, reducing reliance on GPS satellites, which are vulnerable to jamming or destruction in conflict scenarios.
    • Secure communications systems, such as encrypted military networks, which depend on highly synchronised timekeeping.
    • Enhance the accuracy of advanced weapon systems, like guided missiles, which rely on accurate timing to calculate trajectories and coordinate attacks.
    • Allow our Armed Forces to gain an edge over adversaries in timing-critical operations, especially in areas like cyber warfare, where milliseconds can make a difference.

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

    “Integrating cutting edge technology into existing capabilities exemplifies the Government’s commitment to innovation in the defence sector, and to ensuring our Armed Forces have the best kit possible to keep us secure at home and strong abroad.

    “The trialling of this emerging, groundbreaking technology could not only strengthen our operational capability, but also drive progress in industry, bolster our science sector and support high-skilled jobs.”

    The trial is the first time that Dstl has tested a UK-built optical atomic clock outside of a laboratory, offering a new capability beyond the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) that currently exist. GNSS vulnerabilities are a known national security risk, with atomic clock technology having the potential to provide a stable sovereign-controlled capability for maintenance of precise time for critical operations.

    Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead, said:

    “This first trial of advanced atomic clock represents a significant achievement in the UK’s quantum technology capabilities.

    “The data gathered will not only shape future Defence effort but is also a signal to industry and academia that we are serious about exploring quantum technologies for secure and resilient operational advantage.”

    The trial involved key partners including Infleqtion (UK), Aquark Technologies, HCD Research and Imperial College London, as well as in-house technology developed at Dstl’s quantum laboratory. These prototype frequency standards were tested in collaboration with the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technical Officer and the Army Futures team at the BattleLab.

    Commander Matt Steele, the Future Technology Officer for the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technical Officer, said:

    “The Navy has been looking at quantum technologies for a number of years and it is exciting to see that the challenges of physics and engineering in this area are now no longer a scientific concept, but is now reaching the cusp of reality.”

    “In the next few years, the ability to operate effectively, to survive, and to navigate and also to remain lethal with the use of Quantum alongside GPS will secure operational advantage.”

    The ‘Demonstration of Advanced Timing Apparatus’ (DATA) is part of a planned series of experiments designed to understand the performance and limitations of quantum clocks, with potential benefits for military and national infrastructure resilience.

    The MOD, via Dstl, has invested more than £28 million to shape the UK’s research and development to achieve early adopter advantage of these ground-breaking technologies and put defence and security needs at the forefront of the UK efforts.

    Jonathan, a technical leader for industry partner Infleqtion, said:

    “Quantum is really important to the UK especially from a defence perspective. If you look at what’s happening in the world at the moment, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that we need better and more robust position navigation and timing services, and that’s something that quantum is uniquely placed to be able to provide.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Serious crime laws to be overhauled to combat people-smuggling gangs [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Serious crime laws to be overhauled to combat people-smuggling gangs [January 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 January 2025.

    Suspected people smugglers will face travel bans, social media blackouts and restrictions on phone usage under tough new laws to dismantle crime networks.

    In a major upgrade to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, new interim orders will allow immediate action to disrupt and deter suspected serious criminality.

    These orders are part of a stronger approach to organised crime which will form part of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. This new approach will level up our response to serious crime including organised immigration crime, with new powers mirroring those which are already used to disrupt other harmful criminality such as knife crime, slavery and trafficking.

    The bill will improve border security, a key foundation for delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    Currently, securing a Serious Crime Prevention Order imposed on suspects, including people smugglers, can be a complex and lengthy process, restricting the use of this powerful tool.

    Interim orders will go further, speeding up the process for placing restrictions on people under investigation to prevent, deter and disrupt serious and organised crime, including people smuggling. These new interim orders will allow the National Crime Agency (NCA), the police and other law enforcement agencies to apply directly to the High Court to impose immediate restrictions while a full order is considered.

    By taking immediate action at an early stage, without requiring a conviction, these interim orders will help crack down on people smugglers and other forms of serious and organised crime. This will strengthen the tools of law enforcement to disrupt these individuals who are operating in the UK, in some cases allowing investigations and prosecutions to continue whilst preventing further serious criminality from taking place.

    The new orders will form an important part of preventing organised immigration crime while complementing the UK’s relentless pursuit of criminal gangs.

    Restrictions will vary on a case-by-case basis but could include:

    • travel restrictions
    • a ban on laptop or mobile phone usage
    • a ban on accessing social media networks, including via a third party
    • restrictions on whom someone can associate with
    • restrictions on devices and communications with certain individuals
    • restrictions on their finances, helping to prevent criminal proceeds from going under the radar

    Breaching an interim order could lead to up to 5 years in prison.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Dangerous criminal people smugglers are profiting from undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. They cannot be allowed to get away with it.

    Stronger international collaboration has already led to important arrests and action against dangerous gangs over the last few months. We will give law enforcement stronger powers they need to pursue and stop more of these vile gang networks.

    Border security is one of the foundations of this government’s Plan for Change, including making people better off, delivering safer streets and strengthening our NHS, and we will do everything in our power to deliver for working people.

    The announcement comes in the same week as the disruption of a major Afghan people-smuggling ring by a joint operation between the NCA and Belgian authorities, with support from Immigration Enforcement and Border Force officers. Three individuals were arrested in the UK after fleeing Belgium in a small boat to avoid prosecution.

    This is the latest development in the government’s crackdown on people-smuggling gangs and the new Border Security Command which is bringing together operational leads to disrupt more gangs across the continent, break their business model and bring them to justice.

    The trio were found guilty of being part of an organised crime group responsible for transporting thousands of migrants into Europe, including some to the UK on small boats. The group also committed serious sexual offences against male migrant minors. They now face extradition back to Belgium to face justice, where last month a court in Antwerp convicted and sentenced the trio and 20 other members of the gang to a total of 170 years imprisonment, with sentences ranging from 2 to 18 years.

    The landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will strengthen the operational activity of the new Border Security Command, backed up with £150 million, and bringing together key operational experts including Immigration Enforcement, Border Force and vital partners like the NCA. Further measures in the legislation will be brought forward to tackle all aspects of organised immigration crime.

    In just under 6 months, there has been major progress in increasing enforcement and restoring order to the chaotic asylum system, stopping the Rwanda plan and restarting asylum processing to start bringing the backlog down. This work has already seen almost 13,500 people with no right to be here returned since the election.

    The government’s wide-ranging approach to tackling illegal migration also includes strengthened global partnerships. The UK has signed new agreements with Germany and Iraq to tackle people-smuggling gangs and has enhanced co-operation with the Calais Group.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Greener flights ahead for UK aviation [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Greener flights ahead for UK aviation [January 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 1 January 2025.

    The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate will support thousands of skilled jobs, deliver economic growth and help make the UK a clean energy superpower.

    • flights departing the UK will use greener fuels from today
    • 10% of all jet fuel must be sustainable by 2030 as one of the world’s first sustainable aviation fuel mandates comes into force
    • forms part of government’s Plan for Change and helps deliver mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower

    Flights are set to be greener as the UK’s ambitious Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate officially comes into force today (1 January 2025).

    SAF is made from sustainable sources, such as materials like household waste or used cooking oil and produces an average of 70% less carbon emissions than traditional fossil-based aviation fuel.

    By law, this type of fuel must now make up at least 2% of all jet fuel in flights taking off from the UK from 2025, growing year-on-year to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040.

    These ambitious but achievable targets should see around 1.2 million tonnes of  SAF supplied to the UK airline industry each year by 2030 – enough to circle the globe 3,000 times.

    Being one of the first countries in the world to sign the mandate into law, the UK is at the forefront of decarbonising air travel and is helping to kickstart the government’s Plan for Change.

    Together with the other actions we are taking to grow a UK SAF industry, it will support thousands of skilled jobs in every part of the country, deliver economic growth and help make the UK a clean energy superpower.

    Minister for Aviation, Mike Kane, said:

    From this moment on, aviation will be a greener, more sustainable form of travel and today marks a significant milestone for the UK SAF industry.

    With thousands of jobs supporting the UK SAF industry and flying becoming popular than ever, the mandate will help deliver our Plan for Change helping to grow the economy and giving people the freedom to travel in a more sustainable way.

    Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

    UK airlines support the SAF Mandate as both a powerful and practical tool for driving down aviation carbon emissions and a clear signal that the industry is fully committed to a net zero future.

    Our priority is ensuring airlines have access to the increasing volumes of SAF required to meet the mandate as global demand soars, at the most competitive price possible for consumers.

    The UK mandate is ambitious and scaling SAF production will mean further work to expand eligible feedstocks, incentives to help cut costs and, critically, ensuring the design of the revenue certainty mechanism enables the UK to increase production of advanced fuels this decade whilst keeping costs as low as possible, critical for achieving mandate compliance and avoiding supplier buy-out.

    Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said:

    The SAF Mandate is an important step towards decarbonising air travel and we are pleased the government has continued the work of its predecessor to implement it.

    Aviation knows it must reduce carbon emissions and the mandate is something that it has long called for to help establish production of cleaner fuels. We will continue to work with all parties to ensure there is homegrown supply and that the UK benefits from this new industry through jobs and investment.

    Duncan McCourt, Chief Executive of Sustainable Aviation, said:

    Sustainable Aviation welcomes the introduction of this mandate, which will drive the demand needed to help deliver SAF at scale.

    SAF is a critical component in the industry’s plan to reach net zero, representing almost 40% of the carbon reduction that will make net zero a reality in 2050.

    Alongside the mandate, we also need a well-designed revenue certainty mechanism to help accelerate domestic SAF production and support compliance with the mandate, by kickstarting UK SAF production in earnest this decade. We look forward to the upcoming consultation and to the mechanism being delivered into law as soon as possible.

    The start of the SAF Mandate is only one milestone on the UK’s path towards decarbonising aviation and comes following the first meeting of the Jet Zero Taskforce – a new and refreshed group charting a clear path toward cleaner aviation.

    The government has also confirmed it will introduce a revenue certainty mechanism for SAF producers to attract investment in new plants in the UK.

    Working alongside the mandate, it will help to reduce risk, give investors the confidence they need to invest in UK SAF plants and encourage the supply of  SAF for the UK aviation sector.

    A further consultation on the revenue certainty mechanism will be launched early this year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK leadership on Ukraine continues as Defence Secretary announced £225m support package during Kyiv visit [December 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK leadership on Ukraine continues as Defence Secretary announced £225m support package during Kyiv visit [December 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 December 2024.

    The Defence Secretary outlined his five principles for supporting Ukraine next year during a visit to Kyiv on Wednesday.

    The UK will step up international leadership on Ukraine into 2025, with a new £225m package of military support and further backing for next year to underpin a new plan for Ukraine’s defence.

    During a visit to Kyiv today, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, met with his counterpart, Rustem Umerov, to set out the five priority areas for UK defence support, underlining the UK’s commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    The UK’s continued leadership on the war in Ukraine throughout 2025 will see an increase to Ukraine’s military capability; will build on the success of Operation Interflex by enhancing the training offered to Ukraine; will strengthen defence industrial cooperation; will increase cooperation with our allies to support Ukraine; and will increase pressure on Russia.

    The UK’s ironclad support for Ukraine continues with a new £225m package of military support announced today. The package announced by the Defence Secretary will increase Ukraine’s military capability with new maritime drones and boats, air defence systems, and counter-drone systems.

    The new support package includes:

    • A £186m package of key military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine, including:
      • £92m for equipment to bolster Ukraine’s navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones, directly supporting the maritime coalition co-led by the UK and Norway
      • £68m for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems
      • £26m to provide support and spare parts for critical systems previously delivered to Ukraine
    • £39m to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint-procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces
    • Explosive charges to equip more than 90,000 155mm artillery rounds, which can be used by the dozens of AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns the UK has previously provided

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

    Nearly three years after Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion, the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit.

    But they cannot go it alone – which is why the UK will step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025. We will enhance our offer of training to Ukraine and provide battle-winning capabilities, such as the drones and munitions included in our new £225m package today.

    Our support for Ukraine is ironclad, and during my meetings in Kyiv today, I made clear the UK’s support will continue for as long as it takes, regardless of the situation in Ukraine, and that we will always stand shoulder to shoulder to ensure Putin cannot win.

    Operation Interflex – the British programme of basic military training for Ukrainian recruits on UK soil – is supported by 12 other nations and is one of the biggest training programmes of its kind – with more than 51,000 recruits trained since summer 2022.

    The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary have all been clear that the UK’s defence starts in Ukraine, and that providing military support is essential to promote both the UK’s national security and stability in Europe. The Prime Minister has stressed that defending the country is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change.

    During his visit today, the Defence Secretary thanked UK military personnel supporting the British diplomatic presence in Ukraine, vowing to ensure military support is available to support the British embassy in Kyiv for as long as is necessary.

    The visit to Kyiv is the Defence Secretary’s second in the role, having travelled out to meet President Zelenskyy on his second day in post.

    With Putin resorting to sending as many as 2,000 Russian soldiers to their deaths on the battlefield each day, it is critical that Ukraine is supported with a supply of properly trained and equipped soldiers.

    Further enhancing the UK’s offer of training will not only help Ukraine’s fight on the frontline but will also help provide a reserve of trained soldiers to strengthen Ukraine’s security in the future.

    The UK continues to co-lead both the international drone and maritime coalitions to provide Ukraine with advanced new weapons and equipment.

    The International Fund for Ukraine is a funding mechanism that uses financial contributions from international partners to rapidly procure priority military equipment for Ukraine.

    The fund is administered by the UK Ministry of Defence on behalf of an executive panel comprising the UK, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania. These partners, along with Iceland, Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand, have pledged more than £1.3bn to date.

    Since the start of the new Government this summer, hundreds of thousands of rounds of munitions, hundreds of ground attack and air defence missiles, as well as hundreds of drones and vehicles, have been provided by the UK as Ministers have stepped up and speeded up Ukraine support.

  • PRESS RELEASE : DPRK must cease its support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : DPRK must cease its support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.

    Over the past year, we have seen the DPRK providing increasing support to Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, through the supply of munitions, ballistic missiles and now manpower, with the deployment of more than ten thousand DPRK troops to Russia.

    The Council should be deeply concerned that DPRK troops are now engaging in direct combat operations against Ukraine, involving themselves directly in the largest war in Europe in a generation. A war the General Assembly has repeatedly described as a violation of international law.

    While Russia’s growing reliance upon third country support comes as no surprise given its weakened state, and its desperate efforts to steal more Ukrainian territory, this is a grave error by DPRK.

    We call upon Pyongyang to withdraw its forces from the theatre of combat and encourage all countries with influence in Pyongyang to use it accordingly.

    It should by now be crystal clear to the DPRK, your support for Russia’s illegal war in Europe is not in your interests. You must cease this support immediately and return to meaningful engagement with the international community.

    Colleagues, deepening military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK has significant implications for security and stability in Europe, the Korean Peninsula, and elsewhere.

    We should all be worried about a DPRK with improved military technology and enhanced capacity to export weapons.

    Recent reports that Russia intends to transfer MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter aircraft to DPRK further exposes Russia’s willingness to raise tensions on the Korean Peninsula and undermine regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, all in service of its war against Ukraine.

    Foreign Minister Lavrov’s declaration that the notion of “denuclearising” North Korea is a “closed issue”, is a reckless departure from the agreed principle of complete, verifiable and irreversible disarmament and undermines the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    We call on Russia, an NPT depositary state, to align their words and actions with their stated commitment to global nuclear non-proliferation principles.

    We will continue to impose costs on Russia and DPRK for this dangerous expansion of the war.

    If Putin was truly interested in peace, he could end this war today by ceasing his deployment of DPRK troops on the front-line and ending his country’s aggression against Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President-elect Trump [December 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President-elect Trump [December 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 December 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President-elect Donald Trump this afternoon from Downing Street.

    The Prime Minister began by congratulating President-elect Trump on his recent team appointments and President-elect Trump warmly recounted his meeting with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in Paris earlier this month.

    Both agreed on their joint ambition to strengthen the close and historic relationship between the UK and the US. They looked forward to working together on shared priorities, including international security and delivering economic growth and prosperity.

    Turning to global conflicts, the Prime Minister reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.

    On the Middle East, the Prime Minister underscored the need to work together to ensure peace and security in the region.

    They agreed to keep in touch and looked forward to seeing one another at the earliest opportunity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Membership of new Creative Industries Taskforce announced [December 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Membership of new Creative Industries Taskforce announced [December 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 18 December 2024.

    A new taskforce, led by Baroness Shriti Vadera and Sir Peter Bazalgette, to help deliver a plan to grow the creative industries met for the first time today.

    • Taskforce to help deliver new plan to grow the creative industries
    • Group to be led by Baroness Shriti Vadera and Sir Peter Bazalgette

    Leaders of organisations including Creative UK, the British Fashion Council and the Royal Shakespeare Company, plus academics, investors and tech entrepreneurs, have joined a new taskforce to help inform the Government’s strategy to unlock growth in the UK’s highly valued creative industries, one of the eight growth-driving sectors of the Industrial Strategy.

    The Creative Industries Taskforce met for the first time today (Wednesday 18 December) under the leadership of its co-chairs Baroness Shriti Vadera and Sir Peter Bazalgette.

    The taskforce, announced in November, will work towards the development of an ambitious and targeted Creative Industries Sector Plan, helping to provide growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change and deliver on our decade of national renewal.

    The plan will be published in the spring, alongside the Industrial Strategy, and will set out new policies and government interventions that will help to deliver a further boost to the creative industries’ potential for spreading growth and opportunity for all.

    The creative industries have been identified as a key growth-driving sector in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, and will form a central part of the government’s mission to grow the economy.

    The taskforce will help to ensure that the Creative Industries Sector Plan is designed in partnership with business, devolved governments, regions, experts and other stakeholders.

    Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    Our world-leading creative industries, which are worth £125 billion to the economy and employ millions of people, were identified as a key growth-driving sector in the government’s Industrial Strategy.

    The sector will have a critical role to play in helping us deliver the mission of this government to drive economic growth into all of our towns and cities.

    This taskforce will be central to achieving that goal, by helping to draw up a bold and ambitious Sector Plan which will enable further growth and innovation in the creative industries by unlocking private investment, boosting exports and developing our highly skilled creative workforce.

    Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports Gareth Thomas said:

    By working in partnership with industry, the Creative Industries Taskforce will play a vital role in helping to identify key opportunities for growth in the UK’s brilliant and innovative creative sector.

    We’re listening to businesses and I’m delighted our Industrial Strategy will back our creative industries by encouraging further investment into the sector, increasing exports, kickstarting economic growth and supporting our Plan for Change.

    At today’s meeting, the taskforce discussed how to work with the Government to inform the development of the Sector Plan, with a focus on policy issues identified in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper, including crowding in investment, access to opportunity, people and skills, and supporting innovation.

    The taskforce will work closely with the wider Creative Industries Council (CIC), from which several of its members are drawn.

    It was announced last month that Sir Peter Bazalgette, the incumbent CIC industry co-chair, will extend his term until summer 2025 before stepping down, having served in the role since 2021. Baroness Vadera will then serve as industry co-chair for 18 months, alongside the Culture and Business Secretaries.

    The members of the Creative Industries Taskforce are:

    • Baroness Shriti Vadera (co-chair), chair, Royal Shakespeare Company, and future CIC co-chair
    • Sir Peter Bazalgette (co-chair), current CIC co-chair
    • Francesca Hegyi OBE, CEO, Edinburgh International Festival
    • Prof Hasan Bakhshi MBE, director, Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre
    • Caroline Norbury OBE, CEO, Creative UK
    • Stephen Page, executive chair, Faber
    • Caroline Rush CBE, CEO, British Fashion Council
    • Prof Christopher Smith, CEO, AHRC
    • Tom Adeyoola, co-founder, Extend Ventures, and non-executive board member, Channel 4
    • Lynn Barlow, academic and TV producer
    • Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
    • Philippa Childs, deputy general secretary, Bectu Sector of Prospect
    • Saul Klein OBE, investor and member of the Council of Science and Tech
    • Sir William Sargent, chair and co-founder, Framestore
    • Prof Jonathan Haskel CBE, professor of economics, Imperial Business School
    • Syima Aslam MBE, founder and CEO, Bradford Literature Festival
  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls on Israel to stop illegal settlement expansion on Palestinian land – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls on Israel to stop illegal settlement expansion on Palestinian land – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    Thank you Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Dr Efron for your briefing.

    And thank you, Mr Levy, for sharing your family’s story with us.

    The suffering you and your family have been through is unimaginable.

    Let me state at the outset that the UK stands with you, and with all those hostage families seeking desperately to bring their loved ones home. We reiterate our condemnation of the abhorrent Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 and the kidnapping of over 250 hostages, including Emily Damari and three hostages with UK links. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.

    Let me make three additional points.

    First, the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza is appalling. Over 45,000 Palestinians have died since 7 October. And the last two months were the worst for aid since October 2023.

    The UN has reported a shocking increase in cases of acute malnutrition in children, and that Gaza now has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world.

    The UK continues to urge Israel to do much more to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to abide by their international obligations.

    This includes facilitating rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian aid and basic services to the Palestinian people.

    UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering this life-saving aid.

    On 11 December, my Prime Minister committed an additional $16.5 million to UNRWA to support vital services for Palestinian refugees in the OPTs and the wider region, bringing the UK’s support to UNRWA to $52 million since April this year.

    Second, President, northern Gaza must not be cut off from the south.

    The UK is clear: there must be no forcible transfer of Gazans from, or within, Gaza.

    There must be no reduction of the territory of the Gaza Strip.

    Israel’s expansion of military infrastructure and the destruction of civilian buildings and agricultural land across the Strip is unacceptable.

    Third, the UK calls on Israel to stop settlement expansion on Palestinian land, which is illegal under international law, and to hold violent settlers to account.

    Continued instability and settler violence in the West Bank should not be tolerated by Israel and the culture of impunity must end.

    This does nothing to bring about peace and security for Palestinians or Israelis.

    We also note the decision of the Government of Israel to extend correspondent banking relations for twelve months and continue to urge Israel to remove its restrictions on clearance revenues.

    President, the fall of Assad and the ceasefire in Lebanon offer a moment of hope for the people of the region, as we look ahead to 2025.

    We must now use this momentum to deliver a long sought after ceasefire, secure the immediate release of all hostages and put an end to the humanitarian crisis and suffering in Gaza.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Only known surviving works of Flemish artist De Vély at risk of leaving the UK [December 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Only known surviving works of Flemish artist De Vély at risk of leaving the UK [December 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 18 December 2024.

    A temporary export bar has been placed on the Fairhaven panels by Flemish artist De Vély.

    • Panels have been valued at over £1.6 million
    • Export bar is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the work for the nation

    The Fairhaven Panels, a remarkable set of four highly decorated panels and the only known publicly available works by the artist De Vély, are at risk of leaving the UK unless a domestic buyer can be found.

    The panels, created in the 17th century, depict four different personifications or gods: Mars, Virtu Invincible, Minerva, and Magnificence, focusing on victory in war and the beauty of peace.

    Set in their original gilded metal cases, each panel features a skilful combination of glass, pearls, shells, stones, enamel and gilt metal. These are materials that do not fade over time, so their vivid colours remain particularly striking to modern audiences. The panels are now valued at over £1.6 million.

    These works could provide new insight into this artist and the unique sculptural technique he used to craft them, as they are a rarity in European art and embrace the baroque taste for extravagance. The elaborate technique that De Vély employed would have been considerably time-consuming and is reflected in the nearly 20 years they took to complete.

    Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    The Fairhaven Panels offer an exciting opportunity for a UK institution to investigate the intriguing artist De Vély and the origins of this magnificent sculpture technique.

    I hope that placing an export bar on these four exquisite panels will allow a gallery or institution time to acquire them so the public can enjoy them for years to come.

    Committee member, Pippa Shirley said:

    These mysterious panels are a feast for the eyes. We don’t yet know for certain who commissioned them, or why, or even much about the virtuoso craftsman who made them, but their size, extraordinary composition, technical brilliance and the way they celebrate the wonder of natural materials are unique in this country, and ripe for new understanding.

    They have much to tell us about links between artistic workshops and practices, the trade in precious materials, patronage and taste, not to mention the connection to the highly significant Fairhaven collections. All this and more can only be fully explored if the panels remain here.

    The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest. The Committee made its recommendation on the basis that the panels met the second and third Waverley criteria for their outstanding aesthetic importance and their outstanding significance to the study of collecting. They also highlighted its importance for further study into 17th-century works of art employing pearl, precious and semi-precious stones and glass granules and the light they shed on De Vély, an artist about whom very little is known.

    The decision on the export licence application for the panels will be deferred for a period ending on 17th March 2025 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 panels at the recommended price of £1,620,000 (plus VAT of £54,000 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 four months.

    Offers from public bodies for less than the recommended price through the private treaty sale arrangements, where appropriate, may also be considered by the Minister. Such purchases frequently offer substantial financial benefit to a public institution wishing to acquire the item.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    1. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the panels should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk
    2. Details of the panels are as follows: The Fairhaven Panels: A Polyptych with Mars, Virtu Invincibile, Minerva and Magnificence By De Vély (fl. circa 1685-1700),  French Signed and dated: De vély. / inuenit, / et fecit, and: incepit / Anno 1685 / et Compleuit / Anno 1702[?]; the shield inscribed: NEC SORTE NEC FATO. Hardstone including lapis lazuli, hessonite garnet, carnelian and sardonyx,  seed pearls,  shell, mother of pearl, coloured  glass granules, semi-precious and precious stones, and partially enamelled and gilt metal, on a wax and wood core, each mounted within gilt bronze cases. The whole is framed within a later mirrored and glazed gilt wood frame Flanking  panels: 48 x 26cm; central panels: 48 x 23.5cm; frame: 66 x 127cm
    3. Provenance: Probably acquired circa  1920-1935,  by Cara Leyland Rogers (1867-1939),  who later became Lady Fairhaven;  her son Huttleston Rogers Broughton (1896-1966),  1st Baron Fairhaven, Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire; thence by family descent to the present Lord Fairhaven
    4. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.