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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : British military engineers support Poland following devastating floods [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : British military engineers support Poland following devastating floods [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 October 2024.

    Specialist team of Royal Engineers are offering expert advice and support to strengthen the Polish response.

    British military engineers have travelled to Poland to strengthen the response to the devastating flooding in the country.

    The UK has sent specialist engineering troops to support the Polish authorities following the widespread flooding which has been described as once in a generation.

    More than 10 troops from 517 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (STRE) have travelled to the worst affected regions to provide support to the Polish emergency services and military.

    As specialists in their field, these personnel are working with regional forces on the ground to address and tackle the most immediate issues.  They are playing a crucial role in delivering engineering expertise and providing advice to address the unique challenges posed by the floods, including supporting the rebuilding of bridges and repairing affected roads in the region.

    UK troops are also offering planning support, working alongside Polish teams to coordinate relief efforts, and providing assurance, helping to guarantee the safe and efficient deployment of resources on the ground.

    The UK armed forces have a wealth of experience responding to natural disasters across the globe.

    The floods have affected several regions, overwhelming local infrastructure, and resources. Since flooding begun, more than 4,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Poland and more remain without power.

    Defence Minister, Lord Coaker said:

    We stand shoulder to shoulder with Poland as they confront the devastating impact of these floods.

    This mission underscores the UK’s dedication to collective defence and humanitarian cooperation, key pillars of its NATO commitments. In times of crisis, the strength of alliances is essential, and the UK is proud to stand with Poland during this difficult time.

    In recent years, the UK’s relationship from Poland has gone from strength to strength, and the two countries are more united than ever, with both continuing to play a critical role in providing Ukraine with military and economic support.

    This week, Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard MP and Defence Minister Lord Coaker travelled to Poland to visit British troops stationed in the country, whilst Lord Coaker also attended the Warsaw Security Forum.

    Last year, both countries signed a 2030 Strategic Partnership. This agreement focuses on building capabilities for our armed forces, conducting training and strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.

    The UK currently also has more than a hundred UK military personnel based in country, with 150 permanently stationed as part of NATO’s Enhanced forward Presence mission, around 50 supporting the UK’s Sky Sabre air defence systems deployment stationed in Poland following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, with UK personnel playing their part in defending Polish airspace, alongside others British personnel working on NATO efforts to support Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Nuclear Legacy in the Marshall Islands [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Nuclear Legacy in the Marshall Islands [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

    UK statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Nuclear Legacy in the Marshall Islands.

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

    Let me start by thanking Her Excellency, President Hilde Heine of the Marshall Islands for her address of this Council and the Permanent Mission of the Marshall Islands for their moving side event on this issue last week.

    The UK fully recognises the seriousness and sensitivity of the challenges faced by people of the Marshall Islands, following nuclear testing between 1946 and 1958.

    We commend the constructive and positive spirit with which the core group of the report’s mandating resolution approached its task.

    The UK notes the report of the OHCHR and has previously set out its concerns that the OHCHR is not the appropriate body to advise the National Nuclear Commission on these matters.

    We commend efforts made by the United States of America and the Republic of the Marshall Islands to address the historic legacy and welcome the remediation efforts that have taken place.

    The UK supports that bilateral cooperation between the Marshall Islands and the United States. We hope that the OHCHR takes due account of those efforts and we trust that the historic ties of friendship between the Marshall Islands and the United States remain steadfast.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Trial to let women use breast diagnostic clinics through NHS App [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Trial to let women use breast diagnostic clinics through NHS App [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 4 October 2024.

    The Health and Social Care Secretary confirmed the update during a speech at the Royal College of GPs’ conference in Liverpool.

    • 111 online trial will refer women with ‘red flag’ symptoms, saving them the stress and time of booking a GP appointment
    • Health and Social Care Secretary confirmed update during speech at the Royal College of GPs’ conference in Liverpool

    Women with worrying lumps are to be directly referred to a breast diagnostic clinic using the NHS App as part of a new trial, the Health and Social Care Secretary announced today.

    This will lead to faster diagnosis for cancer patients and free up more GP appointments.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, confirmed the update during a speech at the Royal College of GPs’ conference in Liverpool.

    From November the local pilot will see 111 online – available on the app – refer women in Somerset who need diagnostic testing, saving them the stress and time of booking a GP appointment.

    The scheme will be evaluated before any further roll-out could be considered.

    He also outlined the series of steps the government is taking to support the primary care sector, including better use of NHS data.

    The Health and Social Care Secretary said:

    The other frustration I hear from staff and patients alike are the pointless appointments you’re forced to hold and patients are forced to attend. You didn’t go through 5 years of medical school plus 5 years of training to tick boxes.

    So where there are appointments that can be cut out, with patients seen by specialists faster and GPs’ time freed up to do what only GPs can do, we will act.

    Starting in November, 111 online, which is available through the NHS App, will pilot directly referring women with a worrying lump to a breast clinic. That means faster diagnosis for cancer patients.

    And more GP appointments freed up. Better for patients and better for GPs. I suspect there are cases that come across your desks every week, where a patient has been passed to you by someone else in the NHS to refer them on to someone else in the NHS.

    It is a waste of everyone’s time, including yours, and where you give us examples of patient pathways that can be simplified through appropriate patient self-referral or direct referral by other NHS services to save your time, we will act.

    Data is the future of the NHS and will enable innovation across the health service. Creating single patient records will form a vital part of the ‘10-Year Health Plan’ – ensuring that crucial information is held electronically and connected across hospitals and general practices.

    This will let NHS staff make effective decisions that get patients the care they need faster.

    Alongside this, the government will take action to support ground-breaking research. If a patient consents to the data in their GP records being shared with certain approved studies, NHS England will take responsibility for making this happen, while making sure patients’ data is kept safe by requiring the highest standards of data security and patient consent processes from these studies.

    Discussing the single patient data record, the Health and Social Care Secretary said:

    We need to work together to create a single patient record, owned by the patient, shared across the system so that every part of the NHS has a full picture of the patient.

    This applies as much to research as to care. The two go hand in hand. World-leading studies like the UK Biobank, Genomics England and Our Future Health are building up incredibly detailed profiles of our nation’s health.

    Patients have given their consent for their data to be shared with these studies. But we still see, far too often, that this data is not shared according to patients’ wishes.

    That’s why I am directing NHS England to take away this burden from you. Just like they did during the pandemic, if a patient explicitly consents to sharing their data with a study, NHS England will take responsibility for making this happen. In return, we will demand the highest standards of data security.

    Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS Medical Director for Transformation, said:

    New technology has the power to transform how we manage our healthcare – we’re excited to be piloting in Somerset whether 111 online could refer women with red flag symptoms for breast cancer checks without the need to see a GP, and this is just the start of our plans to bring NHS services to patients through the app.

    Our ambition is to create a single patient record so that health staff can see your medical history at the touch of the button without you needing to repeat it again and again, and we want to create a future where the data that the NHS holds can be used to save lives by predicting who is most at risk of developing cancer or other diseases, and taking action to prevent them.

    While UK Biobank, Genomics England and Our Future Health are building the profiles of people’s health, too often this data is not shared according to patients’ wishes.

    This change will ensure it happens and demand the highest levels of data security.

    Doing so will make new treatments available, bolster the life sciences industry, and make the NHS more sustainable for the long term by accelerating the shift from sickness to prevention.

    A Red Tape Challenge will also be launched to free up GPs time and cut down on bureaucracy.

    The challenge will be led by Claire Fuller, Primary Care Medical Director for NHSE, and Stella Vig, Medical Director for Secondary Care and Quality.

    They will ask GPs, hospitals and integrated care boards what works well and what needs to change before the feedback is considered by a review group made up of frontline doctors in primary and secondary care.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two Board Members reappointed to The National Lottery Community Fund board [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two Board Members reappointed to The National Lottery Community Fund board [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 4 October 2024.

    The Secretary of State has reappointed John Mothersole as the England Committee Chair and Kate Still as the Scotland Committee Chair for a second term of two years commencing on 14 May 2024.

    John Mothersole

    John Mothersole has held senior local government posts in UK cities including London, most recently as Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council. Since standing down from that post in December 2019 after 11 years, John has taken on a series of non-executive roles which now include Chair of The Sheffield College, trustee of a community care charity and advisory roles with companies involved in regeneration and environment. He was also an assessor for the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, a role that concluded with the publication of the final report in September 2024. Prior to being selected as Chair of the National Lottery Community Fund England Committee John was a member of that committee.

    John has been heavily involved in the policy agenda for UK cities through the Core Cities network, the Northern Powerhouse initiative and with Government in securing city and city region devolution deals and participating in trade missions.His early career was in the arts, primarily in London and the North-East, and he sees a highlight of that part of his career being the reopening of the Roundhouse in London which enabled its subsequent redevelopment.

    Kate Still

    Kate is currently conducting the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development across Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. She was a Board member of ERSA for many years, Chair of Employment Support Scotland and a Fellow of the Institute of Employability. Kate started her career as a teacher after completing an MA (Hons) in Politics at Glasgow University.

    She has over 25 years of relevant experience in delivery of education, apprenticeships, skills, employability and community enterprise and regeneration programmes across multiple sectors, including 15+ years in the Charity sector. Kate has a passionate desire to make a difference coupled with the drive to achieve impact on issues of poverty, equality and diversity and social justice. Kate has held strategic leadership roles at EU and UK levels including Management of EU aid programmes to Central and Eastern Europe. A former Board Member of Strathclyde European Partnership, she completed her MPhil in European Policy research at Strathclyde University in 2011.Kate has held Director roles previously with the Prince’s Trust, Rathbone and Wise Group.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    These positions are remunerated at £24,000 per annum. 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. John Mothersole and Kate Still have not declared any significant political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK commits additional £10 million of aid to Lebanon [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK commits additional £10 million of aid to Lebanon [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

    £10 million humanitarian package will support thousands of people who have been displaced and impacted by the conflict.

    • the Foreign Secretary continues to work with his counterparts to reduce tensions in the Middle East
    • comes as the UK government has chartered more flights to help British nationals leave Lebanon

    The UK is boosting its humanitarian support for Lebanon with a further £10 million to respond to the mass displacement of people, as well as the growing number of civilian casualties.

    The funding comes as the UK continues to urge all British nationals to leave the country as soon as possible, and for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution in line with Resolution 1701 and enable civilians on both sides to return to their homes.

    The aid package responds to serious concerns over a widespread lack of shelter, and reduced access to clean water, hygiene and healthcare. It will be delivered through trusted humanitarian organisations, who have a long-established presence delivering aid within Lebanon.

    The announcement follows the £5 million humanitarian package delivered through UNICEF to support access to clean water and sanitation, health, and nutrition supplies.

    The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which the UK is the largest donor to, this week also allocated £7.6 million to respond to the urgent conflict-related needs and displacement in Lebanon.

    Anneliese Dodds, Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Women and Equalities, said:

    The human cost of the conflict in Lebanon is clear for all to see. This additional funding from the UK will help to address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, providing relief for people displaced by the continuing violence.

    This lifesaving aid is vital, but not a long-term solution. The only way to truly address the growing humanitarian crisis is an immediate ceasefire adhered to by both sides.

    We continue to urge British nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately.

    The government yesterday (3 October) announced that it is also chartering more flights to help British nationals leave Lebanon. More than 150 British nationals and dependants left Beirut on a government-chartered flight on Wednesday (2 October).

    British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document. Dependants who are not British nationals will require a valid visa that has been granted for a period of stay in the UK of more than 6 months.

    The UK continues to work with partners to increase capacity on commercial flights for British nationals. Around 700 troops and Foreign Office and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have been deployed to Cyprus for contingency planning.

    Defence Secretary John Healey travelled to Cyprus yesterday to meet and thank deployed military personnel.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK charters flight to leave Lebanon on Sunday as conflict escalates [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK charters flight to leave Lebanon on Sunday as conflict escalates [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

    More than 250 British nationals have left Lebanon on flights chartered by the UK government. Remaining British nationals who want to leave should register immediately or use commercial routes.

    The UK has chartered a flight to leave Beirut on Sunday (6 Oct) as tensions in the region escalate.

    There are no more scheduled flights, due to a decrease in demand. However, the situation will be kept under constant review.

    Any remaining British nationals who want to leave Lebanon are urged to register with the government immediately.

    The government has been advising British nationals to leave Lebanon since October last year due to a deteriorating security situation. So far 3 chartered flights organised by the government have left Beirut, with a fourth to leave on Sunday.

    The government added the extra capacity due to high demand for places on commercial flights and has enabled more than 250 additional people to leave in the last week.

    The government committed to charter flights as long as there was demand and the security situation allows. However, demand has now significantly reduced, and this Sunday’s flight is currently the only one scheduled.

    Any British nationals who have not booked a place and still wish to secure a seat on the flight are advised to register immediately.

    British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document.

    Dependants who are not British nationals will require a valid visa that has been granted for a period of stay in the UK of more than 6 months.

    UK government officials have been working round the clock in London, Beirut and the wider region to provide support to British nationals. An FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also arrived in Lebanon to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, so I am glad that we have helped the many people who have heeded our advice to leave the country immediately.

    With demand falling, and the security situation deteriorating, there is no guarantee other options to leave quickly will become available. I urge anyone who wants to leave to register now.

    Sunday’s flight will depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport and British nationals who have registered their presence with the government will be sent details on how to request a seat.

    British nationals and their dependants should not travel to the airport unless they have a seat booked on a plane.

    The FCDO urges everyone to continue to follow the relevant travel advice, exercise caution, and monitor media in Lebanon for developments.

    The safety of British nationals is the top priority and around 700 troops and Foreign Office and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have been deployed to Cyprus for contingency planning.

    The UK continues to call for a ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution that enables civilians on both sides to return to their homes in safety.

    Background

    • British nationals and dependants will be eligible to request a space on the flight. Any non-British dependants will require a visa to enter the UK, granted for a period of stay in the UK of longer than 6 months, in line with usual immigration rules and entry process
    • the FCDO launched the register your presence service on Wednesday 25 September 2024
    • a limited number of commercial flights are still operating and the FCDO has been working with partners to increase capacity to enable British nationals to leave
    • the FCDO has been advising British nationals to leave Lebanon since October 2023
  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK statement for Item 9 General Debate [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK statement for Item 9 General Debate [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

    UK Statement for Item 9 General Debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you Mr Vice President,

    The UK condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia and related forms of intolerance. We remain steadfast in our commitment to combatting it, at home and abroad.

    We celebrate Black History Month this October in the UK. That is a moment to reflect on the impact of black heritage and culture on our country and our place in the world. It’s a chance to celebrate the enormous contribution of black Britons in all walks of life. It is also a chance for us to acknowledge some of our country’s most painful history.

    As in all societies, challenges persist. Ongoing efforts to address racial and ethnic inequalities are essential to ensure better outcomes for all communities.

    The UK stands firmly against the scourge of racism and is committed to taking further meaningful action domestically and internationally to shape a better society for all. This includes bringing forward new legislation to tackle persistent racial inequalities. We are dedicated to fostering a society where everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity or background, can thrive and live a life free from discrimination and intolerance.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We must work together to ensure a responsible and sustainable drawdown of UNSOM – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : We must work together to ensure a responsible and sustainable drawdown of UNSOM – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2024.

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

    I will make four points on behalf of the UK.

    First, we express our deepest condolences to the families of the 37 civilians killed in al-Shabaab’s horrific attack on Mogadishu’s Lido beach on the 2nd of August, and of all other civilians killed in Somalia in the recent months. We commend the continued efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia to tackle al-Shabaab.

    Second, we thank Somalia and the UN for their consultation on the future of the UNSOM mandate. As we look towards UNSOM’s two-year transition, the UK is working with stakeholders to ensure a gradual, responsible and sustainable drawdown of the mission, including the progressive and phased transfer of the mission’s tasks to the Federal Government of Somalia, the UN Country Team and other stakeholders.

    It is essential that during the transition the mission has the resources and capabilities necessary for continued delivery on those areas critical to Somalia’s needs. We thank the SRSG for the continued, constructive execution of his responsibilities.

    And as we move into the transition period, the role of SRSG remains vital. We also look forward to working closely with all Council members this month on the transitional mission’s mandate.

    Third, we note the upcoming Federal Member State elections. We echo the Secretary General’s call for all stakeholders to work together to resolve differences on electoral modalities and timelines, and we are watching closely the outcomes of the National Consultative Council meeting this week.

    I support Ms. Elman’s comments on the importance of an approach inclusive of civil society, women and youth in Somalia’s political and peacebuilding processes.

    Fourth, we welcome the continued progress on the planning for the African Union-led successor mission to ATMIS. We underline the importance of the UN and AU consulting broadly, in line with resolution 2748, to ensure the overall mission design and financing options are viable and deliverable. We look forward to next week’s interim update, and the detailed reporting on the 15th of November.

    Finally President, I would also like to welcome Somalia and all incoming members as they begin observing Council proceedings this month. We look forward to working closely with Somalia from January on the full range of Security Council business.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Minister vows to work with devolved nations to deliver growth in first visit to Northern Ireland [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Minister vows to work with devolved nations to deliver growth in first visit to Northern Ireland [October 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 3 October 2024.

    The newly appointed Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, Pat McFadden, made his first visit to Northern Ireland today following the UK Government’s commitment to resetting and strengthening the relationship between Westminster and the devolved governments of the UK.

    • Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, makes first visit to Northern Ireland to meet with the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
    • Meetings covered joint priorities and collaboration on the national missions.
    • The Minister committed to working together to bring investment.

    The newly appointed Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, Pat McFadden, made his first visit to Northern Ireland today following the UK Government’s commitment to resetting and strengthening the relationship between Westminster and the devolved governments of the UK.

    The Minister, along with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister in Belfast to discuss how they could work together to boost economic growth across the UK, as well as further opportunities for collaboration.

    As part of the discussions, they looked ahead to the inaugural meeting of the Council of the Nations and Regions expected in the coming weeks, as well as the UK’s International Investment Summit.

    The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster visited the Stormont Government Estate, the UK Government Hub at Erskine House in Belfast and toured Red Bay Boats’ manufacturing facility in Cushendall, County Antrim. Red Bay Boats has produced world-class boats for emergency services across the UK, including Belfast Harbour Police and the Port of London’s Fire and Rescue services.

    He also met representatives from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, said:

    The Government takes seriously having a good working relationship with the Northern Ireland Executive. The Secretary of State and I had a constructive and valuable meeting today with the First Minister and deputy First Minister discussing the forthcoming Council of Nations and Regions and the UK’s International Investment Summit.  Everyone wants their citizens to have good jobs and rising living standards and we are all resolved on that point.

    This visit is the latest in a number of ministerial visits to Northern Ireland within the first hundred days of the new government, including from the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Paymaster General, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation & Technology and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Jugnauth of the Republic of Mauritius [October 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Jugnauth of the Republic of Mauritius [October 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 October 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, this morning.

    The leaders began by welcoming the political agreement achieved today between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago after two years of negotiations.

    The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of reaching this deal to protect the continued operation of the UK/US military base on Diego Garcia.

    He underscored his steadfast duty to national and global security which underpinned the political agreement reached today.

    They looked forward to speaking again.