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  • PRESS RELEASE : The parties must end the suffering by agreeing to a ceasefire now: UK statement at the UN Security Council [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The parties must end the suffering by agreeing to a ceasefire now: UK statement at the UN Security Council [September 2024]

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

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

    Last week, we heard the news that the bodies of six Israeli hostages were recovered in Gaza. We condemn their murder by Hamas.

    My Prime Minister has conveyed his thoughts and prayers for the families and the Israeli people.

    The UK supported Israel’s request for this briefing to shine a spotlight on the abhorrent crimes of Hamas and their impact on innocent civilians. It is also entirely right, as Algeria proposed, to focus on recent grave developments in the West Bank and Gaza.

    President, of the 253 hostages taken in the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks, 101 hostages remain captive in Gaza and subject to unimaginable horror. We once again condemn Hamas’ terrorist acts in the strongest terms. We reiterate our demand for Hamas to release the hostages immediately. There can be no doubt that Hamas pays not the slightest heed to international humanitarian law. We urge all parties to agree a ceasefire deal which would bring an end to the ordeal of these hostages.

    Israel continues to face threats, not only from Hamas, but also from Iran and its range of hostile proxies who openly call for Israel’s annihilation. Iran should be in no doubt of our commitment to challenge their malign and destabilising activity, and our commitment to Israel’s security.

    President, the suffering of Palestinians also worsens each day. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of whom are women and children. The most basic needs of children and thousands of orphaned children are unmet. A ceasefire deal offers an opportunity to end their suffering.

    As we’ve heard, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond appalling, with dire sanitary conditions, a serious risk of famine and now polio. We welcome the polio vaccination campaign and urge Israel to continue to cooperate with the WHO and health agencies to ensure that the full 90% of children who need to be are vaccinated.

    More generally, as we’ve heard, humanitarian access remains inadequate with attacks on convoys, evacuation orders undermining operations and aid far below Israel’s stated commitment to ‘flood Gaza with aid’. We urge Israel to do much more to ensure lifesaving food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza.

    As my Foreign Secretary said this week, we are also deeply concerned by credible claims of mistreatment of Palestinian detainees, which the International Committee of the Red Cross cannot investigate after being denied access by Israel.

    President, concerns on the treatment of detainees and humanitarian access were part of my Government’s review into Israel’s International Humanitarian Law compliance. As a result, my Foreign Secretary took the decision to suspend certain UK arms export licences to Israel earlier this week. This decision in no way undermines our unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.

    Whilst we recognise Israel’s need to defend itself against security threats, the UK is also deeply worried by the ongoing IDF operations in the West Bank, particularly the reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Israel must also tackle the accelerating settler violence and end its illegal expansion of settlements which undermine prospects for the realisation of the two-state solution.

    President, let me conclude by thanking the US, Qatar and Egypt for their efforts on the ongoing negotiations. The parties have had time to study the deal on the table. The parties must now bridge their differences and end the suffering by agreeing to a deal and immediate ceasefire and rediscover the path to a two-state solution.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Celtic gold twisted torc bracelet at risk of leaving the UK [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Celtic gold twisted torc bracelet at risk of leaving the UK [September 2024]

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

    A temporary export bar has been placed on a Celtic gold twisted torc.

    • The bracelet has been valued at £45,000
    • Export bar is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the torc

    A temporary export bar has been placed on a Celtic gold twisted torc bracelet dating back to the Iron Age.

    The bracelet is a fine and well-preserved example of a personal ornament particular to Britain in the late first millennium BC known as a ‘torc’.

    Personal ornaments, such as this gold torc bracelet are rare finds in Britain and are often closely associated with the identity of ancient Britons prior to the Roman invasion.

    The torc was created from two wires twisted and plied together with a single, round, looped terminal at either end. Experts advise that it has been bent to form a bracelet from a larger ring, likely either from an arm ring or a small neck-ring for a child.

    The form and style confirms that it originates from Britain, most probably central or eastern England, in contrast to the diverse torc forms that are found across Continental Europe.

    Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    “This well preserved item brings our distant past into the present, and an opportunity to understand fashion and metalworking in a period of our history we are still learning so much about.

    “I hope placing an export bar on this Celtic torc means a suitable UK buyer can be found so that the public have more opportunities to learn more about the lives of our ancestors.”

    The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest. The RCEWA Committee found the torc met the third Waverley criterion for its outstanding significance to the study of goldsmithing, personal dress and identity in Britain before the Roman invasions.

    Committee member Tim Pestell said:

    “Torcs have long been associated with Britain’s Iron Age, an image conjured up ever since Roman historian Cassius Dio described Boudica, queen of the Iceni as ‘wearing around her neck … a large golden necklace’. This plied and twisted gold bracelet takes the form of a simple neck torc created from two wires twisted and plied together with single, round, loops at each terminal. Was this small example originally made to be worn around the neck of a child and later folded into a bracelet? Or was it made as a bracelet in the shape of a torc? Examples of jewellery like this are of utmost rarity and outstanding importance for what they can tell us about the early British society that produced them.

    “Made of 97% pure gold and conventionally dated to c.150 – 50 BCE, this bracelet is of a form unique to England. Because the production of Iron Age jewellery like this is still imperfectly understood, its study can yield vital information on the use and availability of gold, goldsmithing techniques and decorative styles during this period. I earnestly hope that a museum might be able to acquire this remarkable bracelet and enable the public to enjoy seeing it and learning the new stories that will be told as a result of its further study.”

    The decision on the export licence application for the torc will be deferred for a period ending on 3 November 2024 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the torc at the recommended price of £45,000 (Plus VAT). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.

    Notes to editors

    1. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the Bracelet should contact the RCEWA 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk .
    2. Details of the Bracelet are as follows: Plied and twisted gold bracelet. The form is that of a simple twisted torc created from two wires twisted and plied together with a single, round, looped terminal at either end. This is a fine and well-preserved example of a personal ornament particular to Britain in the late first millennium BC during a period conventionally described as the Iron Age. Gold alloy. Composition listed in the application is 97% gold. 72mm. Weight: 157.5g. Length along bracelet from end of one terminal to the other: 287mm.
    3. Provenance: London art market. Antiquities; Christie’s, London, 7 December 1994, lot 172. Sold at Christie’s, London, 5 July 2023, lot 55.
    4. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by the Arts Council (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Britain takes decisive action to ban ‘zombie drug’ xylazine [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Britain takes decisive action to ban ‘zombie drug’ xylazine [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 4 September 2024.

    Legislation has been laid in Parliament to ban xylazine and 21 other dangerous drugs as part of the government’s action to prevent drug deaths and crack down on drug dealing gangs.

    Xylazine, often known as ‘tranq’, is a high-strength veterinary sedative, which has increasingly been used in combination with opioids such as heroin as a cheap means of stretching out each dose. It has also been found in cannabis vapes.

    Xylazine-involved overdose deaths in the United States rose from 102 to 3,468 in the space of just 3 years between 2018 and 2021, and its effects on long-term users – often leaving them immobilised in the street, and prone to non-healing skin lesions – have led to its characterisation as the ‘zombie drug’.

    Following a recommendation from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), a statutory instrument has been laid in Parliament this week to control xylazine as a class C drug – a step that has not yet been taken in the United States, Canada, Mexico or other countries in the world affected by xylazine abuse.

    Xylazine is one of 22 harmful substances that will be banned under the new legislation, 6 of which will be controlled as class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Anyone caught producing or supplying these class A drugs could face up to life in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

    Among the drugs covered by the legislation are new variations of nitazenes, highly addictive synthetic opioids, which can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin and therefore carry an increased risk of accidental overdose.

    The statutory instrument will also introduce into law a new generic definition of nitazenes, which will prevent drug gangs from attempting to use minor adjustments to their synthetic compound to try and bypass UK drug laws. The changes are expected to come into force later this year or in early 2025, depending on the parliamentary process.

    Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said:

    One of this new government’s central missions is to make our streets safer, and we will not accept the use of substances that put lives at risk and allow drug gangs to profit from exploiting vulnerable people.

    We have seen what has happened in other countries when the use of these drugs is allowed to grow out of control, and this is why we are among the first countries to take action and protect our communities from these dangerous new drugs.

    The criminals who produce, distribute and profit from these drugs will therefore face the full force of the law, and the changes being introduced this week will also make it easier to crack down on those suppliers who are trying to circumvent our controls.

    As well as the 6 substances to be controlled as class A drugs, 16 will also be controlled as class C drugs. If caught producing or supplying class C drugs, potential consequences include an unlimited fine, a prison sentence of up to 14 years, or both.

    In April 2023, the White House designated xylazine combined with fentanyl as an ‘emerging drug threat’, which has enabled the implementation of an action plan at the federal level to tackle the threat, and which often precedes scheduling a drug as a controlled substance. Some individual US states, including Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, have already implemented their own bans.

    Xylazine will remain available for veterinary prescribing. However, it will be only available if lawfully prescribed and it will be an offence to possess or supply it except in accordance with a lawful prescription or under a Home Office controlled drugs licence.

    The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provides official guidance on the use of xylazine as a veterinary medicine.

    The drugs to be controlled as class A substances include:

    • AP-237
    • AP-238
    • azaprocin
    • para-methyl-AP-237
    • para-nitroazaprocin
    • 2-methyl-AP-237

    The drugs to be controlled as class C substances include:

    • xylazine
    • bentazepam
    • bretazenil
    • 4’-chloro-deschloroalprazolam
    • clobromazolam
    • cloniprazepam
    • desalkylgidazepam
    • deschloroclotizolam
    • difludiazepam
    • flubrotizolam
    • fluclotizolam
    • fluetizolam
    • gidazepam
    • methylclonazepam
    • rilmazafone
    • thionordazepam
  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Regulator of Social Housing on 4 September 2024.

    Statement from Fiona MacGregor, Chief Executive of RSH.

    “The Grenfell Tower fire was a profound tragedy and our thoughts remain with the victims  and survivors, their families, and the local community.

    “We welcome the Inquiry’s final report, and it is vital that all social housing landlords read and learn from the findings that apply to them.

    “The lessons from the tragedy remain as important today as they were seven years ago. Landlords must ensure tenants are safe in their homes. They must listen to tenants, take their complaints seriously, and treat them with fairness and respect.

    “The Social Housing Regulation Act, introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower fire, gives RSH new powers to inspect landlords to make sure they are delivering the outcomes of our revised consumer standards. We will continue with our programme of planned inspections and responsive work and publish gradings for landlords based on our findings.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary backs Britain’s nuclear deterrent for generations to come as he joins returning submarine patrol [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary backs Britain’s nuclear deterrent for generations to come as he joins returning submarine patrol [September 2024]

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

    New Government pledges the ‘triple lock’ on the nuclear deterrent will safeguard Britain and NATO for “generations to come”, as Defence Secretary John Healey joined Royal Navy submariners on the UK’s nuclear deterrent returning home from at-sea patrol.

    In his first visit to Scotland since being appointed, the Defence Secretary boarded the Vanguard-Class submarine for the final leg of its return journey to HM Naval Base Clyde after completing the UK’s latest patrol.

    The mission, known as Operation Relentless, or the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), ensures that at least one nuclear-powered and armed ballistic missile submarine is at sea at all times to deter potential adversaries and protect the nation and NATO allies. The next vessel in the deterrent cycle is already at sea and patrolling.

    During his visit to the 15,000-tonne vessel, the Defence Secretary thanked the crew of 140 Royal Navy submariners for their dedicated service and wished them well as they prepared to reunite with their families. He was also given an operational briefing and toured the submarine, which is armed with the UK’s Trident nuclear missiles.

    John Healey also used the visit to reinforce the new Government’s commitment to its ‘triple-lock’ on the deterrent, which includes: building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed.

    The government’s commitment to security is clear, with a Strategic Defence Review already underway that will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the twenty-first century.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

    Royal Navy submariners make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us all safe and it was an honour to thank the crew on behalf of the British people. As they return home, we salute their courage, dedication, and professionalism.

    Our new Government is unwavering in our commitment to our nuclear deterrent, maintained on behalf of the UK and our NATO allies. Our ‘triple-lock’ will safeguard Britain for generations to come.

    As the home of our nuclear submarines and major shipbuilding yards, Scotland is central to UK defence. I am determined to make defence a foundation for jobs, growth and prosperity across Scotland.

    The Government is committed to the nuclear deterrent triple Lock:

    • Building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, supporting high-quality, high-status apprenticeships and jobs, with the supply chain benefits being felt right across the country.
    • Britain maintaining its continuous at-sea deterrent, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – securing protection for both the UK and NATO allies.
    • The delivery of all future upgrades needed for those submarines to patrol the waters and keep our country safe.

    Joining the Defence Secretary in thanking the returning submariners was First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key; Director Submarines, Rear Admiral Andy Perks; Commodore of the Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Paul Dunn; and Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin.

    The name of the vessel, length of patrol, and its location at sea are all closely guarded secrets. On board, only a select few are authorised to know where in the ocean depths they are operating, with the rest of the crew dutifully carrying out their roles unaware of their location.

    It is this secrecy that makes the nuclear deterrent so effective. A potential enemy can never predict where a Vanguard Class is operating, making the cost of attacking the UK or NATO allies far outweigh the benefits.

    Thousands of Royal Navy submariners and their families, MOD civilians, and industry partners continue to contribute to maintaining the nuclear deterrent.

    For every minute of every day for more than 55-years a deterrent submarine has been on patrol, keeping the nation secure by deterring the most extreme threats to national security and the UK’s way of life – threats that cannot be deterred by other means.

    A new class of ballistic submarine – the Dreadnought Class – is currently under construction at Barrow-in-Furness and is expected to replace the Vanguard submarines from the early 2030s, securing the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. More than 40,000 UK jobs are supported through defence nuclear work, making it a key area that boosts economic growth.

    The UK Government is investing millions of pounds at HM Naval Base Clyde to prepare for the Dreadnought submarines, while at the same time, ensuring that the Vanguard Class can continue the mission until handing over to the next generation of vessels.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Boost for UK growth as start-up investment schemes extended [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Boost for UK growth as start-up investment schemes extended [September 2024]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 4 September 2024.

    The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme have now been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.

    • Government extends two leading investment schemes 10 years from April 2025 to April 2035 as part of its relentless pursuit of growth.
    • Extensions will support start-ups and entrepreneurs to help them grow and rebuild Britain.
    • The change will build on over £41 billion of investment generated over 30 years.

    Thousands of entrepreneurs and start-ups are set to benefit from the extension of two leading government investment schemes to help them grow the economy and rebuild Britain.

    The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme were both set to end on 6 April 2025 and have now been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.

    The schemes are designed to encourage investment into new or young companies through tax-relief incentives, encouraging innovation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

    The government is fully focused on restoring economic stability, taking the tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy, rebuild Britain and make every part of our country better off.

    Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, said:

    “Startups and entrepreneurs are a driving force for greater investment, more jobs, and economic growth in the UK. By extending these schemes for 10 years, we are providing the stability and support they need to help us make every part of Britain better off.”

    The extension, announced via a Written Ministerial Statement today in the House of Commons, will provide the confidence to continue investment into high-risk, early-stage businesses in the UK, supporting long-term growth and the development of their trades.

    Industry leaders have praised the announcement.

    BVCA Chief Executive Michael Moore said:

    “It is excellent news that the government is moving so quickly. This means that investors can now focus on what they do best, investing, safe in the knowledge that these schemes now have the long-term security needed to drive investor confidence.

    “The BVCA has long advocated for this move as these schemes play a vital role in supporting early-stage companies that have the highest growth potential and crowding in further investment through the growth cycle.

    “As the third largest VC market in the world, the UK has proven the success of EIS and VCT, and with many jurisdictions now following our lead, it is vital that the UK retains its competitive edge in a competitive world and this move is a very positive step in that direction.”

    Richard Stone, Chief Executive of the Association of Investment Companies, said:

    “VCTs invest in the UK’s most exciting early-stage companies. They help entrepreneurs transform their businesses. Extending the VCT scheme until 2035 will allow the sector to raise further capital and invest with confidence. This will ensure VCTs can help the government secure its ambitions to grow the economy, support innovation and create jobs.”

    Both schemes offer incentives to investors of up to 30% upfront income tax relief and an exemption from capital gains tax on any profits made after the sale of shares.

    The EIS, introduced in 1994, offers tax relief to individuals that invest in new shares in qualifying companies with investors able to invest up to £1 million, or £2 million if the shares are in knowledge-intensive companies, which focus on research and development.

    The government recognises the risk that investment in early-stage companies carries, so investors are offered loss relief through the EIS as long as shares are held for at least two years.

    First introduced in 1995, VCTs are companies listed on the UK’s stock exchange that invest in early-stage trading companies on behalf of people, enabling individuals to invest up to £200,000 per year in new VCT shares. Dividends received from VCT’s are also tax-free.

    Both schemes have already seen significant success with over £41 billion raised through the schemes since the EIS was launched in 1994. The schemes continue to generate vast amounts of investment, with £2.9 billion of funds raised across the schemes in 2022-23 and 1,280 companies using the EIS for the first time over this period.

    The Treasury has made regulations to bring this into effect which have come into force.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Kuwait agree new partnership to provide vital aid in Gaza and Yemen [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Kuwait agree new partnership to provide vital aid in Gaza and Yemen [September 2024]

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

    Joint funding announced between the UK and Kuwait to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen.

    • the UK and Kuwait announce new joint funding of £4.5 million to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen
    • the agreement was secured in the margins of the 21st UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group in London
    • the UK’s Minister for the Middle East and Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed key pillars of bilateral cooperation, and took part in Kuwait Culture Week in London

    The UK and Kuwait have today (Wednesday 4 September) announced new joint funding plans to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen.

    The funding will go towards UNICEF’s efforts to restore water supply and sanitation systems in Gaza, and to sustain primary healthcare services in Yemen, and has been set out in two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by both parties.

    The UK and Kuwait will provide £4.5 million of joint support ($6 million in total – $3 million to each project), to UNICEF, whose work is expected to benefit approximately 1,000,000 in Gaza and 1,450,000 people in Yemen.

    Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said:

    Conflict has aggravated the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Yemen and the UK is committed to pushing for more lifesaving aid to reach those in desperate need.

    The UK and Kuwait’s joint funding towards UNICEF’s lifesaving work in Gaza and Yemen demonstrates our shared commitment to tackle some of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

    I am proud of the UK and Kuwait’s close ties, which have now endured for more than 125 years and continue to go from strength to strength.

    Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said:

    This year marks an important milestone for both the State of Kuwait and the UK as we jointly commemorate 125 years of partnership. Kuwait is proud of its deep-rooted and historic ties with the UK and is committed to deepening this partnership in all its aspects. This week in London, we were happy to witness the commencement of the Kuwait cultural week in the UK and the successful convening of the 21st session of the JSG. The Action Plan signed during the JSG paves the way for further collaboration in a number of fields.

    We are pleased to cooperate with the UK to support the essential work of UNICEF in both Palestine and Yemen. As pioneers in the field of international development, both our countries will continue to explore avenues of cooperation to provide development and humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

    UNICEF’s Representative to the Gulf Area Eltayeb Adam said:

    UNICEF deeply appreciates the generous contributions from both the UK and Kuwait, which will have a transformative impact on the lives of children and families in Gaza and Yemen.

    This funding is not just a financial commitment; it is a beacon of hope for communities struggling with the devastating consequences of conflict. Together, we can ensure that essential services such as water, sanitation, and healthcare reach those who need them most, restoring dignity and a sense of normalcy to countless lives.

    The 21st UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group (JSG) was co-chaired in London today by the UK Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, and Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

    In the margins of the JSG, Minister Falconer and the Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development Waleed Al-Bahar signed the two MoUs.

    In addition, Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah also reached an agreement for planned UK support to Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission on the delivery of training programmes to Kuwaiti Government employees, and signed an action plan detailing how their respective Governments will drive forward cooperation on a range of key issues such as defence and security and international development and humanitarian partnerships, over the coming months.

    The UK and Kuwait are celebrating 125 years of official diplomatic relations throughout 2024. Yesterday (Tuesday 3 September), Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah attended the headline performance of a special “Kuwait Culture Week” organised by Kuwait’s Embassy in London, titled “Rhythms of Kuwait”.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Remembrance in Poland – UK & Commonwealth Services [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Remembrance in Poland – UK & Commonwealth Services [September 2024]

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

    In these Commonwealth Services we remember all those of the Commonwealth of Nations who gave their lives at sea, on land and in the air in two world wars. We also remember the brave people of the Polish Armed Forces who fought and died here on their soil and abroad alongside their comrades from the Commonwealth.

    Dates of the services:

    *Lidzbark Warmiński – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Tuesday 5 November 2024, 10:40am

    *Malbork – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Wednesday 6 November 2024, 10:40am

    *Kraków – Commonwealth War Cemetery (Rakowicki Cemetery); Friday, 8 November 2024, 10:40am

    *Warsaw – RAF Liberator Memorial Stone in Skaryszewski Park; Sunday, 10 November 2024, 10:40am

  • PRESS RELEASE : Presidential discussion on new technologies, AI and the digital divide [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Presidential discussion on new technologies, AI and the digital divide [September 2024]

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

    High-Level Informal Presidential Discussion on new technologies, Artificial Intelligence and the digital divide. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Mr President,

    Thank you for convening today’s session, thank you to our panellists for their insights but also their challenges.

    As we’ve heard, new and emerging technologies, such as AI, don’t just have the potential to transform our societies. They are already doing so. Whilst they can facilitate the promotion and protection of Human Rights, they also pose risks.

    We are at a critical juncture as we grapple to regulate effectively a technology that develops exponentially. We are proud to have played our role in enabling that discussion, not least through the inaugural AI Safety Summit last year and passed our mantle onto Korea and now France. We are committed to the development of safe, ethical AI in which to use Doreen Bogdan-Martin’s excellent phrase, human rights are the bedrock of our digital future.

    We must avoid deepening the digital divide as this technology develops. By working together, we can achieve a digital transformation that is inclusive, sustainable, protects human rights and harnesses tech to get the SDGs back on track.

    Finally, Mr President, we look forward to the conclusion of the Global Digital Compact in which human rights are central to the development and use of tech and enhances OHCHR’s capacity to provide an advisory service on Human Rights for governments and partners alike.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministers tell business leaders they will be involved “every step of the way” in Make Work Pay plans [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministers tell business leaders they will be involved “every step of the way” in Make Work Pay plans [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 3 September 2024.

    The Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary have met with business leaders to discuss the upcoming Employment Bill.

    In the latest series of meetings on the Make Work Pay plan, the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will today [Tuesday 3 September] host a Business Breakfast to discuss the upcoming legislation.

    It follows a meeting last month with business representative organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, CBI and Make UK as well as trade unions to discuss the Bill.

    Today’s meeting comes as part of a government commitment to develop the plan in partnership with business leaders and industry groups, as well as trade unions.

    This meeting will be an opportunity for Ministers to set out the ambition for the Employment Rights Bill and wider Make Work Pay programme, which will modernise the world of work by ending exploitative zero-hour contracts, extending day one employment protections on unfair dismissal and delivering a genuine living wage.

    Ministers will update businesses on the progress made so far and what to expect over the coming weeks and months, and ministers are also expected to reassure business leaders that they will be involved every step of the way.

    The Business Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister will continue to have engagements with businesses, industry representatives and trade unions in the coming weeks ahead of the legislation being introduced, and throughout its passage in parliament.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    This government is pro-worker and pro-business, and we are committed to working with our brilliant businesses across the country to create a stronger, growing economy and to raise living standards as a result.

    We will work with all partners as we shape our plan to Make Work Pay, so we get the win-win of greater productivity and a fairer working environment for staff.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Our plan to make work pay will always be unashamedly pro-worker and pro-business and I’m determined to work in partnership with businesses and trade unions and ensure their voices are heard every step of the way.

    The central driving force behind our plan to Make Work Pay is to deliver growth. Our Bill will modernise the world of work to create a better supported workforce, which will boost productivity and in turn create the right conditions for businesses to grow.

    The UK currently has one of the least protected labour markets compared to our international partners. It’s time to work together to deliver meaningful reforms that will transform the world of work for the benefit of businesses and workers.