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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – Interactive dialogue on Honduras [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – Interactive dialogue on Honduras [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 October 2024.

    UK Statement for the Interactive dialogue on technical cooperation in Honduras. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you Mrs Vice-President,

    We welcome the openness of Honduras in its request for technical assistance made last year. However, we share the disappointment that the implementation of activities has been delayed.

    We remain concerned about the increased militarisation of public security and the penitentiary system in Honduras including the ongoing State of Emergency which suspends some constitutional rights. There is a need to balance the reduction of violent crime with the continued protection of human rights.

    We are also worried by the levels of intimidation and violence directed against human rights and environment defenders, including high rates of killings. The difficulties victims of such crimes face in obtaining justice is unacceptable.

    We urge the Honduran authorities to adopt effective measures to protect these defenders and, where there are violations, to investigate these promptly and thoroughly. There is also a need to ensure transparency and accountability, including by strengthening key anti-corruption institutions and ensuring their independence.

    Director Salazar,

    What steps can be taken to address corruption and increase transparency in public institutions?

  • PRESS RELEASE : Half a billion-pound investment in electric buses secured ahead of International Investment Summit [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Half a billion-pound investment in electric buses secured ahead of International Investment Summit [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 October 2024.

    Communities across the country will benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses.

    • £500 million investment announced to deliver 1,200 UK-made zero emission buses, ensuring greener and better journeys for passengers
    • bus operator Go Ahead’s investment to benefit communities across the country, supporting hundreds of jobs and delivering growth
    • Transport Secretary brings together industry to advance opportunities for investment in the UK ahead of investment summit

    Up to 500 UK manufacturing jobs are set to be supported as bus operator Go Ahead today (8 October 2024) announces a major £500 million investment to decarbonise its fleet, including creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

    The investment is set to fund the manufacturing of up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next 3 years. Built for operator Go Ahead, this investment will accelerate the transition to greener buses across the country including in Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London and the Isle of Wight.

    On top of directly supporting 500 manufacturing jobs, the £500 million investment for Wrightbus will also support an additional 2,000 jobs across the wider UK supply chain by 2026, helping to get us back on track for growth.

    The Transport Secretary will also announce plans to create a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel. This panel will bring together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing, help local authorities deliver on their transport ambitions, and begin to seize opportunities to embrace zero emission transport technologies.

    The Transport Secretary is expected to meet with key industry leaders today including Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford and CEO Jean-Marc Gales, to reaffirm the government’s commitment to decarbonising local transport and fostering an environment for investment in the UK manufacturing industry, bringing sustained economic growth and supporting jobs.

    The announcement comes ahead of the International Investment Summit, which will gather UK leaders, high-profile investors and businesses from across the world to discuss how we can deepen our partnership to drive investment and growth.

    The Transport Secretary is expected to hold several bilateral meetings at the summit with international business leaders and make clear the UK is “open for business” so that she can help attract further investment to support the delivery of our transport priorities across the country.

    The Prime Minister will also convene the first Council of Nations and Regions later this week, bringing together first ministers, Northern Ireland’s First Minister and Deputy First Minister and regional mayors from across England, as the government forges new partnerships, resets relationships to secure long term investment with the aim of boosting growth and living standards in every part of the UK.

    Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh said:

    The number one mission of this government is growing the economy. The half a billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK.

    This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses – which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys.

    We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish, so we can support jobs and accelerate towards decarbonising the transport sector.

    Under this government, Britain is open for business.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    This investment is exactly kind we want to see as we grow the economy. One that creates jobs right across the country.

    And that’s what the international investment summit next week is all about too. Showing the world’s biggest businesses and investors why they should bring their jobs – and their money – to the UK.

    For every vehicle manufactured, 10 trees will be planted by Go-Ahead and Wrightbus in the towns and cities where the buses are deployed.

    Buses, as the most used form of public transport, have been prioritised by this government from the outset. The Transport Secretary has made improving bus services and delivering greener transport 2 of her 5 core priorities.

    Last month, the Transport Secretary announced a package of measures to empower local leaders to take back control of their bus services and deliver services based on the needs of communities, to grow passenger numbers and deliver better services for all.

    Building on this, the government’s new buses bill is set to be introduced in Parliament by the end of this year and will bring an end to the current postcode lottery by taking steps to improve bus services no matter where you live.

    Further details on the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel will be confirmed in due course.

    Go-Ahead Bus CEO, Matt Carney said:

    This multi-million pound investment and partnership with Wrightbus will accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleet across the UK.

    We are proud to be working in partnership with the UK government and local authorities to deliver transformational environmental change for communities, while supporting UK jobs and the growth of the country’s supply chain.

    Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales said:

    The deal with Go-Ahead is hugely significant and represents a huge boost to the UK’s economy. It will support homegrown manufacturing, jobs and skills for the next three years and beyond. We’ve always been proud to support the UK’s supply chain and our Go-Ahead partnership will ensure even more money can be spent securing good green jobs.

    We must also not forget that this deal represents a massive step forward in our ambition to help decarbonise the transport sector with our world-leading products. It was heartening today to hear the government reaffirm its commitment to a green transport sector.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Collaboration between the UK and Guatemala to enhance the armed forces’ strategic capabilities [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Collaboration between the UK and Guatemala to enhance the armed forces’ strategic capabilities [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2024.

    The UK Ministry of Defence and Cranfield University will deliver a one-week Strategic Leadership Programme.

    Representatives of the Armed forces and civil ministries of Guatemala will attend the course at the Higher Command of Army Education (COSEDE), starting today 7 October.

    Participants will develop key strategic leadership skills including decision making under pressure, long-term planning and personal development. The course will also address influencing and motivation and building effective relationships within teams. Participants will also discuss strategic leadership as a tool to understand defence capabilities and the challenges faced by leaders in this arena.

    Training will conclude with a certificate presentation by the British Defence Attaché for Mexico and Guatemala, Aviator Colonel Simon Stewart and the British Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Paul Huggins.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £7 million to tackle antisemitism in education confirmed [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : £7 million to tackle antisemitism in education confirmed [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 7 October 2024.

    Education Secretary announces resumption of procurement for Tackling Antisemitism in Education.

    The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson has announced that the government is resuming the procurement of £7 million worth of funding to tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges and universities.

    The commitment comes after the number of incidents of antisemitic abuse nationwide more than doubled in the first five months of 2024, compared to the same period a year earlier. On university campuses, the number of incidents grew by 465%.

    The funding will aim to educate people about antisemitism and better equip schools, colleges and universities to stamp out antisemitic abuse.

    To mark the anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in Israel’s history, the Education Secretary is visiting a Jewish school in North London to meet with students and staff and demonstrate her support for the Jewish community.

    £500,000 of the £7 million funding has been awarded to the University Jewish Chaplaincy for welfare support for Jewish students in universities.

    Writing for the Daily Telegraph, the Education Secretary said the government was “resolutely committed” to tackling antisemitic abuse.

    She said: “It is completely unacceptable for Jewish students to feel they cannot fully participate in university life out of fear for their safety. All students, regardless of race or religion, should be free to focus on their studies rather than worry about their safety.”

    Some of the funds will go towards funding a project to upskill teachers and university staff in tackling antisemitism. It will also pay for an innovation fund to tackle antisemitism in Education, with a slightly broader focus on settings building resilience to mis-information.

    The Education Secretary said it was “vitally important that staff in our education system have the confidence and skills to act quickly to root out antisemitism as soon as it emerges.”

    To support this, the Department for Education also plans to launch an innovation fund that will offer opportunities to support work at all levels of education on tackling antisemitic misinformation on social media alongside the Curriculum and Assessment Review.

    The Education Secretary also voiced her outrage at the “shocking” acts of violence and Islamophobia seen after the Southport attacks earlier this year, with anti-Muslim incidents more than trebling in the months after October 7.

    She said: “With a foundation of knowledge about history and the world, critical thinking, logical reasoning and empathy, we can build children’s resilience not just to antisemitic hate, but all other forms of hate too. A child who is equipped to dismantle antisemitic conspiracy theories is ready to reject Islamophobic ones as well.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : More action needed to protect future water resources [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : More action needed to protect future water resources [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 October 2024.

    Additional 5 billion litres of water needed every day by 2050.

    Almost a fifth (19%) of water supplies are lost by water companies before reaching customers’ taps, a new report from the Environment Agency has found.

    The new report published today (Monday 7 October) assesses water companies’ annual performance data against their Water Resources Management Plans (WRMPs), which include steps to reduce leakage, install meters and develop new additional supplies. The report highlights some progress has been made, but it also reveals areas of significant under-delivery, meaning improvements are needed in order to manage water resources efficiently and sustainably.

    As part of the Environment Agency’s drive to be a more transparent regulator, this year’s report has been made public to shine a light on this issue, and to call for urgent and sustained action by water companies to implement these plans. By 2050, in order to support a growing population, the economy, food production and protect the environment, an additional 5 billion litres of water will be needed every day.

    The Environment Agency requires water companies to produce plans to ensure secure and sustainable water supplies, which has driven the industry to set out ambitious new plans for the future. If implemented fully, these plans would lead to improved resilience against extreme drought, protect the environment and support the wider economy.

    Key findings of the report include:

    • Leakage: Despite a commitment by the water industry to halve leakage by 2050 and a reduction in leakage by 10% from 2017-2018 levels, it remains too high with 19% of water supplies still being lost before reaching consumers. The report breaks down water loss data by water company, with Thames Water and United Utilities identified as the worst performers for leakage per person. The industry must deliver a sustained reduction in leakage, particularly in the face of climate change, when extreme temperatures will make pipes more prone to bursts.
    • Drought preparedness: While a year of wet weather meant there were no drought issues in 2023/24, some water companies still would not have sufficient water supply in some areas in the event of a drought. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, urgent action is needed to deliver new supply schemes and ensure they are ready for severe droughts.
    • Demand reduction: The Environment Act set a target to reduce water use in England by 20% per head of population by 2037-38 from 2019-2020 levels. As of this year, there has been a 3.6% reduction. Metering plays a key role in influencing consumer behaviour and reducing household water use. Currently, water meters have been installed in approximately 60% of households.

    Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:

    In the face of the enormous challenges on water resources, we have to tackle both sides of the equation – reducing demand and increasing supply. While we’ve seen some progress by companies, it’s clear that more planning, resources and investment are needed, particularly on leakage.

    We expect water companies to accelerate their plans to increase water efficiency, reduce leakage and prepare for future droughts. We will continue to work closely with Ofwat and Defra to hold water companies accountable and ensure they deliver on their commitments to protect our environment and secure our water supply for future generations.”

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

    This report is a damning indictment of the sheer volume of water that is wasted by water companies across England.

    As the climate crisis worsens and more pressure is placed on our water systems, we must fix our broken water infrastructure to ensure we have a resilient future water supply.

    We have taken immediate action to reset the water industry including introducing our new Water (Special Measures) Bill to strengthen regulation and give the water regulators sweeping new powers to hold companies accountable. We are also putting customers at the heart of our approach by doubling compensation when supplies are disrupted.

    Water company performance on matters such as leakage and drought preparedness and their wider delivery against water resources aspects of their business plans is one of areas considered in Ofwat’s annual Performance Reports. In the event that a company has not delivered against these plans they are asked to return money to customers through bill reductions.

    The Environment Agency and Ofwat are urging water companies to focus attention and resources to improve the resilience of their water supply. The Environment Agency and Ofwat will be issuing letters to several water companies expressing concerns over their management of water supplies. These letters will be published on Ofwat’s website.

    Further information

    • The full report can be found here
    • Approximately half of the water companies in England will receive a joint regulatory letter from the Environment Agency and Ofwat outlining specific failings and necessary actions for improvement. The companies are: Anglian Water, Bristol Water, Cambridge Water, Portsmouth Water, South East Water, South Staffordshire Water, South West Water, Southern Water, Thames Water, and Albion Water.
    • Water companies must produce a Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) every 5 years, which sets out how they will govern our water security and protection of the environment for the next 25 years in their supply area.
    • Alongside a duty to publish a WRMP every five years, water companies have a further statutory requirement to produce an annual progress report. These are examined each year by the Environment Agency and Ofwat to measure progress on delivering the plan.
    • The Environment Agency annual report summarises and reviews progress on key water demand and supply metrics across wholesale water companies in England, for the financial year April 2023 to March 2024.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UAE World Future Energy Summit 2024 [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UAE World Future Energy Summit 2024 [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2024.

    Science and Innovation Network UAE delivered UK pavilion in partnership with Department of Business and Trade during headline energy event in the Gulf.

    The World Future Energy Summit (WFES) is an international conference held annually in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi supporting the transformation of future energy systems in UAE. It forms a key part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week; an ambitious programme sponsored by UAE’s Department of Energy and Masdar (Abu Dhabi’s Clean Energy powerhouse). The event is always well attended, attracting a mix of those from across industry, government, and academia as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

    2024 is the second year that the UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) had supported engagement, collaborating once again with colleagues from the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) and FCDO energy policy leads to deliver a UK pavilion.

    Introduction

    Climate change is a global crisis, and for those countries in the Gulf region, it has never been more critical to take immediate action. This is one of the driest and hottest regions on the globe, and one that continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels. Accordingly, many were surprised when it was announced that COP28 was to be hosted in the UAE.

    The UAE remain the current President of COP until November 2024, having hosted COP28 in Dubai from 30 November through to 12 December 2023. The UK was an active participant, delivering a national pavilion with a programme focused on the transition to renewable energy, impacts of climate change, and finance to support the energy transition and tackle deforestation. Given the momentum developed, and the focus of climate change still firmly on the UAE, it made sense for us to harness this for the benefit of UK industry and research entities alike wishing to engage with key stakeholders in the UAE and wider region.

    The UK Pavilion during WFES (16 to 18 April 2024) hosted exhibitors including UK companies, start-ups and universities and was officially opened by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE, Ed Hobart, and the CEO of Masdar and UAE’s Clean Energy Champion, Mohammed Al Ramahi. The pavilion itself was strategically located beside the Masdar pavilion giving us a prime location and the opportunity to network with those leading the UAE’s net zero transition.

    Our programme included daily sessions designed by SIN and moderated by UK experts on strategic priority areas for the UK. Those that were involved included:

    The UK Pavilion was also visited by Khalifa University’s President, Sir John O’Reilly, a key partner in the UAE on Science and Technology.

    The World Future Energy Summit coincided with the period during which the UAE experienced its largest rainfall since records began in 1949. Widespread flooding meant that plans had to be swiftly amended, and although WFES 2024 did not reach the high numbers experienced during WFES in 2023 (and previous years), spirits were far from dampened.

    Presentations from academic partners during the conference included one on ‘Hydrogen for the Energy Transition’ led by Heriot Watt University Dubai, and a second on ‘Graphene – from decarbonisation to sustainable products and applications’ led by the University of Manchester Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, and included spinout companies, Levidian and Graphene Innovations Manchester. Colleagues from DBT then delivered a session on day 3 led by UK industry partners reviewing outcomes following ‘100 Days Post COP 28’.

    Impact

    Overall, our bilateral partnerships continue to grow and develop. UK start-up, Levidian, one the exhibitors on the UK pavilion, signed a waste to energy partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Tadweer Group to produce millions of tonnes of clean hydrogen and carbon negative graphene. Levidian have also been named the winners of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ Start Up Competition and will subsequently invest around $100 million to establish a new hub in Abu Dhabi that will provide a base for regional delivery.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £160m boost for UK poultry industry as exports to South Africa restart [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : £160m boost for UK poultry industry as exports to South Africa restart [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2024.

    UK farmers and traders will once again be able to export poultry to South Africa.

    British poultry can once again reach South African tables, after the UK secured market access estimated to bring up to £160m to industry over the next five years.

    The development will allow UK traders to export poultry to South Africa for the first time in eight years, after restrictions were placed on UK imports following outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK. The UK was declared free from avian influenza earlier this year.

    Lowering this trade barrier has been one of the UK’s priorities for agricultural trade, and its resolution marks a significant step forward, benefiting South African consumers with access to high-quality and securely supplied poultry meat.

    Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner met South African ministers, Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa (Agriculture) and Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield (Trade), last week to finalise the deal. This access will provide further opportunities to grow the UK economy and strengthen the trading relationship between both countries.

    Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said:

    This deal not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry traders, but grants a new avenue through which to grow the UK economy.

    We’re one step further on our journey to securing better trade deals for UK farmers, improving industry resilience and kickstarting our food exports.

    South Africa has historically been an important market for UK poultry, with exports of poultry worth over £37 million to South Africa in 2016. Teams from across government have worked in combination with their counterparts in South Africa for many years to regain market access.

    International Meat Trade Association CEO Katie Doherty said:

    The reopening of South Africa for UK poultry meat exports is fantastic news for UK producers and exporters – prior to the ban, it was a vital market for UK exporters.

    It is testament to all the hard work by Defra’s market access team and the agricultural attachés and other officials who have supported this crucial work over many years, for which we are very grateful.

    British Poultry Council Chief Executive Richard Griffiths said:

    Our relationships with markets around the world underpin economic growth right here in the UK. Providing half the meat the nation eats every year, plus the breeding stock of 70% of all poultry consumed globally, British Poultry Council members actively contribute to both domestic and global food security.

    That trade of British poultry can resume with South Africa following the lifting of the avian influenza ban is a great example of government and industry working together to overcome technical trade barriers. Unlocking access to what was once one of our biggest markets is incredibly exciting.

    Thank you to the Defra market access team and all Government officials and industry representatives involved for their support and engagement throughout this process. We look forward to continuing our work together to build, maintain and enhance trading relationships – both existing and new!

    Defra will work closely with UK poultry producers and traders, as well as relevant industry bodies, to ensure the smooth export of their goods to South Africa.

    This development follows recent success in securing new beetroot exports to the US.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK statement on human rights in Cambodia [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK statement on human rights in Cambodia [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2024.

    UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you Special Rapporteur for your latest report and update on the human rights situation in Cambodia.

    The UK recognises the positives steps that Cambodia has taken to expand healthcare and social protection, and we commend its commitment to climate change, education, and poverty reduction. The UK remains committed to supporting Cambodia’s vision of achieving an upper-middle income status by 2030.

    However, the UK shares the Special Rapporteur’s concerns regarding the use of the judiciary to silence political and human rights actors as well as journalists. We are also concerned about the lasting impacts resulting from the online scamming industry in the country.

    In this light, we encourage the Cambodian government to engage in inclusive dialogue with all actors, especially Civil Society Organisations, in its legislative and policy-making processes ahead of the 2027 and 2028 elections. We believe that a flourishing free press and freedom of speech are essential if Cambodia is to achieve its vision.

    Special Rapporteur,

    What further steps should the Cambodian government take to better promote and protect freedom of expression, including press freedom?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Second Church Estates Commissioner [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Second Church Estates Commissioner [October 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 October 2024.

    The King has approved the nomination of Marsha de Cordova, Member of Parliament for Battersea, to be appointed as Second Church Estates Commissioner.

    Background

    Marsha de Cordova is the Labour MP for Battersea, and has been an MP since 8 June 2017.

    She was educated at London South Bank University studying Law and European Policy Studies. She was born with Nystagmus and is registered blind.

    She has worked for numerous charities including Action for Blind People and Thomas Pocklington Trust before founding the charity South East London Vision (SELVis) in 2014. She was elected as a Labour Party councillor for the Larkhall ward on Lambeth Council in 2014.

    Marsha has served in the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities and Shadow Minister (Work and Pensions) (Disabled People). She also served on the Work and Pensions Select Committee and the Petitions Committee.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Four Trustees reappointed to the British Museum board [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Four Trustees reappointed to the British Museum board [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 7 October 2024.

    Phillipp Hildebrand, Dame Vivian Hunt, George Weston and Dame Sarah Worthington have been reappointed as Trustees of The British Museum.

    Philip Hildebrand

    Appointed for a four year term commencing 30 November 2023 to 29 July 2027.

    Philipp Hildebrand is Vice Chairman of BlackRock, a member of the firm’s Global Executive Committee and also oversees the BlackRock Investment Institute.

    He previously served as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank. In that capacity, he was also a Director of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the Swiss Governor of the International Monetary Fund and a member of the Financial Stability Board (FSB).

    Philipp is Chair of the Zurcher Kunstgesellschaft, a member of the Group of Thirty and an Honorary Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford.

    Dame Vivian Hunt

    Appointed for a four year term commencing 24 July 2023 to 23 March 2027.

    Dame Vivian Hunt is the Chief Innovation Officer at UnitedHealth Group. which is listed 5th in the Fortune 500. With over 400,000 employees and revenues of $370 billion, UHG is committed to improving healthcare for everyone.

    Before joining UnitedHealth Group, Dame Vivian served as a Senior Partner for McKinsey & Company, UK and Ireland, where she provided strategic advice to leading firms in the private, public and third sectors.

    Vivian is on the board of several influential business groups, charitable and education bodies including as Chair of Teach First and Chair of the Black Equity Organisation

    George Weston

    Appointed for a four year term commencing 24 July 2023 to 23 March 2027

    George has been the CEO of Associated British Foods (ABF) since 2005. After completing an MBA at Harvard, George joined ABF as Managing Director of Westmill Foods Ltd and Director of Cereal Industries Ltd. Following this he became CEO of Allied Bakeries and CEO of George Weston Foods. George is a Trustee of the Garfield Weston Foundation, a family founded grant-maker that supports a wide range of charities across the UK.

    Dame Sarah Worthington

    Appointed for a four year term commencing 03 February 2024 to 03 February 2028.

    Dame Sarah Worthington is a Professor of Law at the London School of Economics (LSE). She is a barrister and Bencher of Middle Temple, and Chair of the LSE Press. She was the Downing Professor Emeritus of the Laws of England at the University of Cambridge for 11 years, from 2011 to 2022.

    Sarah has held various earlier governance roles, including Treasurer of the British Academy, member of the Board of Governors of the London Business School, and Pro Director of the LSE and member of its Council. She was previously a Council member of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), a member of the Cambridge University Press Operating Board, and Chair of its Audit Committee.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Trustees of the British Museum are not remunerated. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. George has declared that he leafleted during the 2017 election for the Conservative Party. Dame Vivian, Dame Sarah and Philipp have made no such declarations.