Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary launches expert reviews to strengthen UK’s global impact and expertise [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 September 2024.

Three new reviews launched to enhance the UK’s global impact, support growth and maximise the diplomatic and development expertise in international development.

The Foreign Secretary has today announced 3 strategic reviews to help reconnect Britain and deliver the UK government’s missions internationally.

Three appointed external experts will look at:
- the UK’s global impact
- how to maximise the benefits of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) joint integrated development diplomacy model in our development work
- our economic capability in diplomacy
The reviews will underpin a continued drive to bolster our reputation and relationships overseas and help to inform the department’s international approach in a changing world.

Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government and Professor of Global Economic Governance at the University of Oxford, will lead the review on the UK’s global impact – identifying ways to enhance relationships with both new and longstanding international partners in pursuit of shared objectives, and ensure we are well prepared to assess and act on geo-political opportunities and shifts.

Baroness Minouche Shafik, former Permanent Secretary of the Department for International Development and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, will consider how to maximise the UK’s combined diplomatic and development expertise in its international development work. The review will also look at how we modernise the UK’s development offer in a rapidly changing global context, and ensure the UK has the right capabilities to deliver for the future.

Sir Martin Donnelly, former Permanent Secretary of the Department for International Trade and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, will identify ways to ensure that UK jobs and growth are at the heart of our foreign policy including by assessing FCDO’s role in developing international economic partnerships, supporting trade and investment shaping international rules and recommending changes to FCDO’s economic diplomacy capability.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

From day one I have been clear that we will deliver a pragmatic approach to both diplomacy and development, restoring our reputation overseas and drawing on expertise to help us navigate the great threats and opportunities of today.

These reviews will help us shape our strategy to increase the UK’s global impact, build growth internationally and ensure development and diplomacy work hand in hand. I want to thank the external experts for their efforts as we work together to reconnect Britain for our security and growth at home.

Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

A credible, clear and effective development policy is key to delivering this government’s mission to create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet.

The review we’re launching today will help in that mission, ensuring we bring together the best of UK skills and capability to deliver a modern approach to international development based on genuine respect and partnership.

The reviewers will be supported by government officials both within the FCDO and other government departments to ensure they are able to deliver an informed assessment, including working closely with the Department of Business and Trade to maximise the impact of our collective capability overseas.

The outcomes of these reviews are expected to be delivered by the end of the year, with further work on the development review continuing into early 2025. They will ensure that the FCDO remains at the cutting-edge of diplomacy and international development. We will communicate a summary of the review findings upon their conclusion.
September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Taoiseach Harris of Ireland [September 2024]

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

The Prime Minister met Taoiseach Simon Harris at Farmleigh House in Dublin this afternoon.

The Prime Minister thanked the Taoiseach for his invitation, noting that this was the first visit of a UK Prime Minister to Ireland in five years.

Both leaders shared their personal commitment to an ambitious reset of the UK and Ireland’s relationship. They noted the existing ties between our two countries, but agreed they wanted to go even further – in particular on trade and investment to help boost growth and deliver on behalf of the British and Irish people.

In that vein, they agreed to host the first UK-Ireland summit in March next year, which will take forward co-operation in key areas of mutual interest such as security, climate, trade and culture.

They both strongly condemned recent scenes of violent disorder in England and Ireland and agreed to deepen their collaboration on how we tackle the spread of the online misinformation which fuelled the thuggery.

They looked forward to watching the Republic of Ireland vs England Nations’ League football match this evening.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit Dublin in historic moment for UK-Ireland relations [September 2024]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 September 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Dublin today [7 September 2024] to meet the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, in his first official visit to Ireland.
- Keir Starmer is the first British Prime Minister to visit Ireland in 5 years
- Prime Minister to continue the charge to boost the UK’s economic growth, his key mission for government, by resetting our relationship with another key international partner
- Visit marks a new era of co-operation and friendship between Britain and Ireland
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Dublin today to meet the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, in his first official visit to Ireland.

Continuing his drive to reset the UK’s relationships with its key international partners and deliver for hard-working British people, he will welcome a new era in the British-Irish relationship and highlight the opportunity it presents to drive forward economic growth.

Ireland is one of the UK’s top trading partners and the trading relationship is worth 100 billion euros a year – supporting thousands of jobs for British and Irish people.

Boosting growth is the Prime Minister’s key mission of government, and the visit is another example of his personal commitment to drive up the UK’s standing in the world in order to attract investment to the UK and create more jobs for British people.

The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach will also meet Irish business leaders from companies including Accenture, Keelings and Primark today, to encourage enhanced bilateral trade and investment in pursuit of growth.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

The UK and Ireland share the strongest of ties – through our close geography, shared culture and the friendships of our people.

Our relationship has never reached its full potential, but I want to change that. We have a clear opportunity to go further and faster to make sure our partnership is fully delivering on behalf of the British and Irish people – driving growth and prosperity in both our countries.

The Taoiseach and I are in lockstep about our future, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration further.

The Taoiseach was the first international leader hosted by the Prime Minister in the UK following the July election – demonstrating the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to a strong UK-Ireland relationship.

Today’s visit comes after the Prime Minister’s visit to Berlin and Paris last week to continue the UK’s reset with its key European partners.

The leaders will attend the Republic of Ireland vs England Nations’ League football match on Saturday evening.

Hilary O’Meara, Country Managing Director of Accenture in Ireland said:

Accenture is delighted to be invited, alongside other business leaders in Ireland, to join UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach, Simon Harris to discuss mutual business opportunity across our two countries.

It is encouraging to see the Prime Minister travel to Ireland so early in his premiership to join us for what promises to a great sporting occasion.
September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK National Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II to be located in St James’s Park, London [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 7 September 2024.

St James’s Park, London announced as location for the UK’s national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II
The site was chosen due to its historical significance and personal connection to the late Queen, as well as its proximity to the ceremonial route of The Mall
The memorial will reflect Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life of service and provide a space for pause and reflection
The site for the new national Queen Elizabeth II Memorial has today (7th September 2024) been announced as St James’s Park, London.

The memorial site will include the area of St James’s Park adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, and land surrounding the pathway down to the lake, including the Blue Bridge.

The site was chosen because of its close proximity to the ceremonial route of The Mall, its historical and constitutional significance and personal connection to Queen Elizabeth. It is close to Buckingham Palace – the Monarch’s official residence – the Commonwealth headquarters, and statues of her parents King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

The Committee – established by the UK Government and Royal Household in 2023 – considered various options for the location and engaged with the wider public and with key stakeholders and experts across the four nations of the UK to ensure their feedback was considered.

The UK Government will support the successful proposals, and will work closely with the Committee as plans develop. In recognition of the impact Her late Majesty had across the UK, the UK Government will also make available funding for memorial projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Further details on how this will be taken forward will be available in due course.

The memorial is intended to provide not only a fitting monument but also a space for contemplation and community, and will be of an appropriate scale and ambition to match the impact of Queen Elizabeth II on national life, The Commonwealth and indeed the rest of the world.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:

Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten.

The national memorial will be located in St James’s Park, right in the heart of the capital, providing everyone with a place to honour the Late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon Pat McFadden, said:

Queen Elizabeth II was our longest reigning monarch, and gave her life in service to our nation. It is only right that the memorial is situated in a location that represents the scale of Her role at the heart of British society, and provides a place of reflection for the public.

The UK has a proud tradition of memorialising its monarchs and other significant historical figures, from the Royal Albert Hall and the Victoria Memorial, to Millicent Fawcett. London hosts permanent memorials to recent monarchs including George V, George VI, as well as Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. The creation of a permanent memorial to Queen Elizabeth II will continue this tradition. The announcement of the final design will coincide with what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s hundredth birthday year in 2026.

Later this year the design phase of the memorial will be launched, when architects, artists and designers will be invited to submit design proposals for the memorial.

Lord Janvrin GCB GCVO PC, Committee Chair and former Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth said:

The Mall and St James’s Park at the ceremonial heart of our capital provides a location closely identified with so many events of the late Queen’s life. It is a fitting site for the national memorial in her honour to remember and celebrate her extraordinary contribution to our lives throughout her long reign.

Baroness Amos LG CH PC, Committee member and former Lord President of the Council said:

As Lord President of the Council I met the late Queen regularly. As our Head of State she played an important global leadership role over many decades. She understood the importance of integrity, understanding and values in decision making. She also knew how to connect to people and bring communities together. I admired her resilience and steadfastness, her belief in the people of Britain and the Commonwealth, her quiet diplomacy, her subtle use of power and ‘common sense’ approach.

Alex Holmes, Committee member and Queen’s Young Leader, said:

When I met her I was struck by Queen Elizabeth’s ability to connect with so many people – young and old, here and abroad. Her memorial, sitting in the heart of London, will create a lasting legacy and celebrate her long life of public service.

The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee is tasked with the responsibility to present formal recommendations for a UK national memorial and legacy programme to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II. The Committee comprises eight senior figures from across British public life, selected for their expertise, and chaired by the late Queen’s former Private Secretary Lord Robin Janvrin. The Committee is also continuing its work to develop proposals for a UK-wide legacy programme to commemorate Queen Elizabeth. The Committee is expected to report final design and legacy programme recommendations to the Prime Minister and His Majesty The King in 2026.

Andrew Scattergood CBE, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, said:

We are honoured that St James’s Park has been chosen as the location for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. The park is steeped in rich Royal history, renowned worldwide for hosting spectacular Royal and ceremonial events, so it feels fitting that the memorial should be situated here, close to where our longest-reigning monarch spent a great deal of time. With a peaceful lake at its centre, the park enjoys an outstanding view of Buckingham Palace and provides a wonderful natural haven for wildlife in the centre of London. We hope that the memorial area will provide people with a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement following meeting between UK Foreign Secretary The Rt Hon David Lammy MP and UAE Foreign Minister H.H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed [September 2024]

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

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed have given a joint statement following a meeting in the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, who conducted his first official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday (5 September).

The Foreign Secretary and His Highness discussed the UK-UAE relationship, and how to build on deep historic ties to develop a forward-looking partnership, including strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, cooperation on clean energy and artificial intelligence, and close coordination on regional security and humanitarian issues. The Ministers discussed the wider regional situation and agreed on the importance of de-escalation. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah and the Foreign Secretary looked forward to staying in close contact.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK to nominate Professor Dapo Akande for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 September 2024.

The UK National Group will nominate Professor Akande in 2026, for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice, based in The Hague.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Joanna Roper CMG said:

“The UK is pleased to announce that Professor Dapo Akande will be nominated for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice in 2026 by the UK National Group.

Professor Akande is an outstanding international lawyer, who will bring deep legal expertise and experience to the ICJ. Professor Akande reflects the UK’s firm commitment to international justice, human rights and the international rule of law.”

HM Ambassador to the Netherlands represents the UK Government at International Organisations in the Netherlands, including the International Court of Justice.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : People smuggler who left 7 migrants screaming for help jailed [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 September 2024.

A people smuggler who left 7 migrants screaming for help after cramming them into a tiny concealment in the back of his van has been jailed for 10 years.

Anas Al Mustafa, 43, was sentenced today at Lewes Crown Court after ferry staff discovered 7 terrified migrants hidden in a 2 metre compartment of his lorry at Newhaven Ferry Port earlier this year.

Mustafa, who was travelling on a ferry from Dieppe, France to the UK, hid 7 people behind a fitted panel which was specially designed to hide the group in the rear of his van.

His victims, who were forced to stand due to the miniscule size of the gap, were left with no access to clean air, food or water for hours.

As of today, one of the victims, who suffered a stroke, has since developed a long-term memory issue as a result of the conditions they were placed in by Mustafa. One woman also suffered from acute kidney injuries. The rest all required urgent hospital treatment for heat exhaustion and dehydration.

On 29 August, the jury unanimously found the father of 2 guilty of facilitating the breach of UK immigration law.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said:

This evil criminal put 7 people’s lives at risk for cash. It is a miracle they are still alive after the conditions they were put in at the hands of Mr Mustafa.

We cannot let these criminal gangs continue to put lives on the line, which is why we are taking decisive action against those who undermine our border security. Our new Border Security Command brings together hundreds of specialist investigators who are dedicated to tackling the criminal gangs upstream before they get a chance to operate in the UK.

Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigations regional lead, Chris Foster, said:

Today’s sentence is a clear message to the careless people smugglers who put profit over lives, we will continue to tirelessly pursue you and bring justice to those you exploit.

The victims are extremely lucky to be alive. This harrowing case shows the extraordinary lengths criminals go to to keep their business model going. My team are committed to staying one step ahead to make sure we stop them and protect lives.

September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Paul Corrigan appointed by the government to help shape health plans [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 6 September 2024.

Paul Corrigan brings extensive sector experience and will work on emerging policy to support the government on successfully delivering better health services.
- Paul Corrigan has accepted a direct ministerial appointment to the Department of Health and Social Care
- Paul will work closely with Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, to shape the government’s 10-year health plan and provide independent scrutiny of its structure and implementation
The government has committed to 3 strategic shifts in its mission for health: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from treatment to prevention.

These ambitions have been long held in the health and care sector but have not, as yet, been successfully delivered.

With this in mind, Secretary of State, Wes Streeting, is bringing in additional experience to support the government to turn visions for better health services into successful delivery.

Paul has previously worked as a government adviser, and has undertaken several executive and non-executive roles across the health and care sector, including positions held at NHS London Strategic Health Authority, Care Quality Commission and Care City. He joins the department to work on emerging policy and delivery issues.

The appointment is a paid role, which began on 11 July 2024 and is for a 12-month period with the possibility of extension. It is not a Civil Service appointment.

Paul’s arrival reflects the scale and complexity of the challenges facing the health and care system. He brings a combination of intellect, experience managing organisational change, and a history of personal effectiveness in all his previous roles.
September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK celebrates pride with India’s LGBT+ community [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 September 2024.

The British High Commission will host a reception today to mark the sixth anniversary of the landmark Section 377 judgement.

The judgement passed on 6 September 2018 by the Supreme Court of India decriminalised consensual sexual conduct between adults of the same sex.

The reception will see members of civil society, NGOs working on human rights, and diplomats of other international missions coming together to celebrate and advance the rights of the LGBT+ community.

Manvendra Singh Gohil, the crown prince of Rajpipla and founder-chairman of the Lakshaya Trust has been invited as the guest of honour.

Becks Buckingham, Minister Counsellor Political and Press, British High Commission, said:

LGBT+ rights are fundamental human rights, and the UK is committed to championing these rights internationally and supporting those who defend them. We recognise that there is still much to be done to ensure that all LGBT+ individuals feel safe and are treated equally and with respect. We take pride in continuing to work hand in hand with our partners to achieve this shared goal.

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Chairman, Lakshaya Trust, said:

LGBT+ rights are human rights, and it was on 6th September 2018 that the historic judgment was given by the Honourable Supreme Court. I am honoured to join the British High Commission today to celebrate the sixth anniversary with supporters of LGBT+ rights from all walks of life. I always believe that it’s our supporters who can help us mainstream our issues in the society.

Further information
- the UK seeks a world where everyone is free and safe to play a full, active and equal part in society, without fear of violence, discrimination or stigma, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. Our policy aims are:
  - ending violence, discrimination, and stigma
  - advancing human rights compliant laws and policies and defending against rollback of rights
  - enabling economic, cultural, and societal inclusion for all LGBT people to unlock potential and build our economies
  - supporting LGBT+ people in crisis and conflict
- the UK champions and supports grassroots LGBT+ organisations and human rights defenders globally through targeted programmes and direct engagement
- the UK has engaged in long-standing international collaboration on this topic. This includes our work we did as previous co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) and European LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN) as well as being the current co-chairs of the ERC SDG group
September 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Schools urged to capitalise on Paralympic success [September 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 6 September 2024.

Government reminds schools to ensure all children have equal access to PE and school sport with support from the Inclusion 2024 programme.

Schools Minister, Catherine McKinnell, is calling on schools to enhance physical education (PE) and school sport opportunities for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), in the spirit of the Paralympic Games.

The government’s Inclusion programme is available to all schools in the country, through both expert support and free resources, and can help schools enhance opportunities for young people with SEND to engage in PE and school sports, including some of the 22 sports featured in the Paralympics.

Now in its fourth year, the programme works with a network of 52 lead schools to support local counterparts, including mainstream schools, special schools, and alternative provision settings, providing advice and training to upskill the school workforce to make their PE and sport more inclusive.

The government recently launched a Curriculum and Assessment Review to drive high and rising standards for all pupils and tackle the barriers which hold them back, including pupils with SEND. The review will consider how best to open up access to subjects such as PE and sport, music, art, and drama.

School Standards Minister, Catherine McKinnell said:

Following a summer of major sporting events including the Olympics and Paralympics, the profound impact sports can have on young people has been clearer than ever – shaping their character and fostering a sense of belonging.

Every child, regardless of their circumstances, background and abilities should have access to, and benefit from, quality sporting opportunities both inside and outside of school.

It’s fantastic to see so many organisations coming together to break down barriers to opportunity and improve the quality and accessibility of PE and school sport provision for pupils with SEND.

Delivered by a consortium of the Youth Sport Trust, ParalympicsGB, Swim England, Activity Alliance and nasen, the programme offers a unique opportunity for young people to draw inspiration from the Paralympic spirit and be encouraged to participate in physical activities within their schools.

Over the last three years of the programme:
- Almost 15,000 young people have taken part, with over 3,000 trained as leaders.
- Over 4,000 schools have been given advice, training, and guidance.
- Almost 850 events for young people have been delivered.
The programme has achieved this by sharing best practice and creative thinking on how schools can adapt their PE and school sports delivery to meet the needs of all their pupils.

The Inclusion programme is not the only initiative supporting young people to get involved in sport. For example, School Games Organisers (SGOs) are essential in ensuring that all children have the opportunity to take part in local sport and physical activity competitions.

In the 2022/23 academic year, the country-wide network of 450 SGOs provided 2.2 million opportunities for school children to engage in local and inclusive sporting competitions across 40 different sports and activities.

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive Officer at the Youth Sport Trust, said:

The Inclusion 2024 programme embeds the four core values of the Paralympic Movement – determination, equality, inspiration and courage – across PE and school sport. With the eyes of the world on the incredible athletes taking part in the Paralympic Games, now is the time to harness the nation’s love of para sport to leverage change, so every child can experience the joy and life changing benefits of play and sport at school.

Inclusion 2024 is led by schools and informed by a consortium of network partners with expertise in inclusion and creating opportunities. I’m proud to say over the last three years, Inclusion 2024 has supported the development of inclusive PE and sport in 5,000 schools through 55,000 interactions – including competitions, staff training, volunteer development and local events.

In our mission and with support from the Department for Education, we are united in our belief that every child should be able to participate in PE and school sport, and we are determined to work together to make this a reality.

David Clarke, Chief Executive of ParalympicsGB, said:

Physical education is fundamental to children’s happiness, allowing them to have fun whilst they develop motor skills, build confidence, and improve physical and mental health. This is particularly the case for pupils with SEND.

ParalympicsGB, as part of the launch of the Equal Play campaign, heard from many education experts that teachers often feel unprepared to deliver inclusive PE due to insufficient training and support. Initiatives like Inclusion 24 are essential to ensure teachers are equipped to support the inclusion of young disabled pupils. We need all schools to be supported to ensure that no disabled child is left on the sidelines.

Schools are supported with a free range of resources as part of the Inclusive Education Hub to help make their PE and sport more inclusive.

The Inclusion 2024 programme works to reimagine the role PE and school sport can play for pupils with SEND, with a focus on links to character education and extending positive impacts to broader school engagement, including attendance and behaviour.
September 12, 2024