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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the NATO summit this afternoon.

    They agreed on the importance of a strong UK-Canada relationship based on our shared values, and warmly welcomed the opportunity to deepen the partnership between our two countries.

    The Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership on Ukraine, including Canada’s significant financial support so far. Both leaders agreed we must continue to stand alongside Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Discussing the situation in Israel and Gaza, they both agreed an immediate ceasefire is vital in order to get hostages out, get humanitarian aid in and make progress towards a two-state solution.

    The two leaders agreed to work more closely together on what we can do to strengthen our relationships with the Commonwealth, and agreed to keep in touch ahead of the next Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting later this year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government announces first steps to reform water sector [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government announces first steps to reform water sector [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 July 2024.

    Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed has today (11 July 2024) announced a series of initial steps towards ending the crisis in the water sector.

    As Ofwat publishes its draft responses on water company spending, the new measures represent a step change after years of failure to ensure the water industry cuts illegal sewage dumping and attracts major private-sector investment to upgrade infrastructure while prioritising the interests of customers and the environment.

    This afternoon the Secretary of State will also meet with water company Chief Executives to make clear that under this government water companies will be answerable for their performance for customers and the environment. He will set out his plans to work in partnership with the sector and investors to attract investment, jobs, and clean up the nation’s polluted waterways.

    He has today announced:

    • He has written to Ofwat to ask them to make sure funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment. He also wants Ofwat to ensure that when money for investment is not spent, companies refund customers, with money never allowed to be diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases.
    • Water companies will place customers and the environment at the heart of their objectives. The Secretary of State is clear that he expects companies to change their ‘Articles of Association’ – the rules governing each company – to make the interests of customers and the environment a primary objective.
    • Consumers will gain new powers to hold water company bosses to account through powerful new customer panels. For the first time in history, customers will have the power to summon board members and hold water executives to account.
    • Strengthened protection and compensation for households and businesses when their basic water services are affected. Subject to consultation, the amount of compensation customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met will more than double. The payments will also be triggered by a wider set of circumstances including Boil Water Notices.

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said:

    We will never look the other way while water companies pump sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas.

    This unacceptable destruction of our waterways should never have been allowed, but change has now begun so it can never happen again.

    Today I have announced significant steps to clean up the water industry to cut sewage pollution, protect customers and attract investment to upgrade its crumbling infrastructure.

    That change will take time. Over the coming weeks and months, this Government will outline further steps to reform the water sector and restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.

    These steps sit alongside the Government’s manifesto commitments to put failing water companies under tough special measures to clean up our waterways.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 56 – UK Statement on technical cooperation in Colombia [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 56 – UK Statement on technical cooperation in Colombia [July 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 July 2024.

    Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner’s report on technical cooperation in Colombia. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

    We salute Colombia’s collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, a model for the entire region and beyond.

    We support Colombia’s rural development and reintegration programmes and the transitional justice mechanisms. These measures have strengthened the security and participation of the communities in conflict-affected areas.

    We support attempts to implement fully the 2016 agreement. Yet, as recognised by the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, several challenges remain, especially regarding human security, with over one million new displacements.

    We take this opportunity to pay tribute to the courage of the victims still providing evidence for the ongoing work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.

    We commend the International Human Rights expert’s advice that Colombia implements the Truth Commission’s recommendation for an independent mechanism to seek justice. We urge all parties to implement these recommendations, and to support their implementation.

    That is why the UK also supports the High Commissioner’s provision of capacity-building mechanisms to support the Attorney General’s Office. These mechanisms will further the comprehensive implementation of the 2016 agreement, by supporting transitional justice.

    Mr Salazar,

    How will your Office integrate a local approach in the provision of technical cooperation and capacity building?

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Stamer call with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Stamer call with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, this morning.

    The Prime Minister thanked the Australian leader for kind words of congratulations on his election victory.

    Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa later this year, the leaders discussed key challenges facing the region, including strategic competition and climate change.

    He added that he hoped to build on the already strong AUKUS partnership between the UK, Australia and the US.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Kishida of Japan [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Kishida of Japan [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, this morning.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the strength of the relationship between the UK and Japan, adding that he had been honoured to meet the The Emperor and Empress of Japan during their State Visit to the United Kingdom last month.

    Discussing regional stability, as well as the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine, the leaders underscored that the security of the Euro-Atlantic region and Indo-Pacific was indivisible.

    The Prime Minister added that both countries were more resilient to shared global challenges when they worked together, including in defence of an open international order.

    Both leaders looked forward to meeting in person at the NATO Summit next week.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Modi of India [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Modi of India [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, this morning.

    The leaders exchanged congratulations on their respective election wins, and reflected on the strength of the relationship between the UK and India.

    The Prime Minister said he looked forward to further deepening the strong and respectful relationship between both countries, and welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s leadership on key global challenges, such as climate change and economic growth.

    Discussing the importance of the living bridge between the UK and India, and the 2030 roadmap, the leaders agreed there was a wide range of areas across defence and security, critical and emerging technology, and climate change, for the two countries to deepen cooperation on.

    Discussing the Free Trade Agreement, the Prime Minister said he stood ready to conclude a deal that worked for both sides.

    The leaders hoped to meet at the earliest opportunity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau this evening.

    Prime Minister Trudeau began by congratulating the Prime Minister on his election victory and expressed his warm wishes for him in his new role.

    The leaders reflected on the strong relationship between the UK and Canada and agreed on the importance of working closely together on areas of shared interest, including trade, security and support for Ukraine.

    Both looked forward to meeting at the NATO Summit in Washington next week.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk this evening.

    The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Tusk for his kind words of congratulations and said he was pleased to have another Arsenal supporter in the European world leader ranks.

    Reflecting on the close relationship between the UK and Poland, the leaders discussed the strong defence ties between both countries and their unwavering commitment to Ukraine.

    The leaders welcomed the opportunity to further strengthen both the bilateral and wider European relationship, including through the upcoming European Political Community Summit.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Meloni of Italy [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Meloni of Italy [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this evening.

    The Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Meloni on hosting a successful G7 Leader’s Summit last month.

    The leaders agreed on the importance of close collaboration on shared challenges, such as migration and support for Ukraine.

    The leaders looked forward to seeing each other at the upcoming NATO and European Political Community Summits this month.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Taoiseach Harris of Ireland [July 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Taoiseach Harris of Ireland [July 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 July 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris this evening.

    The Prime Minister updated on his appointment of Hilary Benn as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and said he hoped the change in government in the United Kingdom offered an opportunity for a reset between the two countries.

    The Prime Minister said he understood firsthand the importance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and underscored his total commitment to protecting it.

    The leaders agreed on the importance of a partnership approach to Anglo-Irish relations, and reflected on the opportunities that could offer both countries.

    Looking ahead to the European Political Community Summit later this month, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to the Taoiseach’s attendance, as well as hosting him ahead of the summit.