Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Legacy – The false claim of consensus regarding the Stormont House Agreement [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 11 January 2024.

In an opinion piece, published in the Irish Independent and Belfast Telegraph, The Lord Caine challenges the Irish Government on legacy issues.

Just over nine years ago, on 23 December 2014, eleven weeks of political negotiations that included the UK and Irish Governments and the five main Northern Ireland parties concluded with what became known as the Stormont House Agreement. The Agreement was, we believed, a considerable achievement, covering a wide range of issues, including, of course, legacy. The finance provisions almost certainly averted the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive.

As Special Adviser to the then Secretary of State, I participated in all eleven weeks of those talks. I am, therefore, somewhat perplexed at the retrospective recasting of the legacy provisions of the Stormont House Agreement as having near universal support and constituting an “agreed” way forward to deal comprehensively with the past.

Even in December 2014, the legacy proposals did not have the backing of all parties – the Ulster Unionists rejected them outright, while the SDLP regarded them as a dilution of previous proposals. Recognising the difficulties of taking the proposals through Stormont, I recall the First and deputy First Ministers persuading the then Secretary of State to legislate at Westminster, even though the proposed new institutions were technically devolved.

Commitments to do so subsequently appeared in the Conservative manifesto at the 2015 General Election and in the Queen’s Speech that followed. It cannot be stated strongly enough that there was no lack of commitment on the part of the UK Government to deliver on the Agreement. To that end, we also established a Stormont House Implementation Group, “the Shig”, to try and maintain a degree of consensus with the parties.

Ultimately, however, as we tried to convert the small number of paragraphs on legacy in Stormont House into detailed legislation, the fragile consensus we thought we had achieved began to evaporate. Martin McGuinness, on behalf of Sinn Féin, vetoed efforts by the then Secretary of State to include substantive commitments on legacy in the Fresh Start Agreement of November 2015.

Instead, the final text of that Agreement stated, “While progress has been made on most aspects of the legacy of the past, we have been unable to agree a way forward on some of the key issues.” This led the Victims and Survivors Forum to agree a rare statement expressing concern that victims of the Troubles who had “suffered the most” had now been “forgotten once again”.

A key concern of a number of victims’ groups in Northern Ireland focused on the role of the Irish Government under the Stormont House proposals. Unlike the UK Government, there were no commitments of any kind by the Irish Government to pursue criminal investigations into Troubles-related incidents within its own jurisdiction. This was despite the cross-border element of so many atrocities during the Troubles.

In fact, the only significant commitments made by the Irish Government, and which were the only parts of Stormont House that were the subject of an international agreement, were to establish jointly a body designed to encourage information recovery by enabling individuals to come forward secretly to reveal what they had done. Information recovery is, of course, at the centre of what will be delivered through our Legacy Act.

Despite these setbacks, the UK Government continued to seek to break the deadlock, particularly through the consultation we launched in 2018. While the consultation responses revealed some support for the broad architecture of Stormont House, on the details they raised more questions than answers. It also revealed concerns that people would never co-operate with an information recovery process while the threat of prosecution remained.

All of this led me, in October 2019, after I had left my role as a Special Adviser, to reflect publicly that the legacy proposals in Stormont House were close to requiring life support. In February 2020, the DUP said that the Agreement was not acceptable and needed revisiting. At different times after the Agreement, therefore, the two largest Northern Ireland parties expressed real concerns about the Stormont House mechanisms.

As a result, since early 2020, the UK Government has sought to put in place structures designed to provide more information to victims and survivors of the Troubles, against a background of the likelihood of successful prosecutions being vanishingly rare, and a realistic assessment of what can be delivered a quarter of a century after the Belfast Agreement and over fifty years since the Troubles began.

In many respects our proposals include, and build upon, Stormont House: an independent body capable of conducting criminal investigations; the ability to refer cases to prosecutors where individuals do not co-operate or seek to mislead; full disclosure by the UK Government; effective information recovery; and measures to promote oral history and reconciliation.

I am the first to acknowledge that some parts of the Act are challenging, particularly the conditional immunity elements. As a result, however, of the many changes we made during its legislative passage, I am confident that it is capable of delivering more answers, to more people, more quickly than is possible under current structures – or those envisaged nine years ago. We do not expect this to be an entirely comfortable process for anyone.

I regret that, in our efforts over the last three years, we were unable to find more common ground with the Irish Government, not least as its own approach to troubles-related prosecutions has appeared to recognise the dilemmas we have had to confront.

Rather than focusing on legally challenging the UK’s Legacy Act in Strasbourg, perhaps it is time for the Irish Government to reflect on how it might now answer legitimate questions about its own role in dealing with legacy issues within its own jurisdiction.

January 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years to create jobs, reduce bills and strengthen Britain’s energy security [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 11 January 2024.

Roadmap sets out how UK will increase nuclear generation by up to 4 times to 24GW by 2050.
- Government roadmap includes exploring a new power station as big as Hinkley C and Sizewell C
- UK becomes first country in Europe to launch high-tech nuclear fuel programme with up to £300 million investment into UK production, pushing Putin out of global market
- measures such as smarter regulation will help quadruple UK nuclear power by 2050 up to 24GW – the biggest expansion for 70 years
The government today outlines plans for the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years to reduce electricity bills, support thousands of jobs and improve UK energy security – including exploring building a major new power station and investing in advanced nuclear fuel production.

In the 2 years since Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the government has doubled down on security of supply to protect the country from price volatility and hostile foreign regimes and bolster the UK’s energy independence.

The Civil Nuclear Roadmap will give industry certainty of the future direction of the UK’s ambitious nuclear programme, on top of the government’s historic commitment to Sizewell C and world-leading competition to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

The roadmap sets out how the UK will increase generation of this homegrown supply of clean, reliable, and abundant energy by up to 4 times to 24 gigawatts (GW) by 2050 – enough to provide a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs.

The plans include next steps for exploring a GW-scale power plant as big as Sizewell in Suffolk or Hinkley in Somerset, which are capable of powering 6 million homes each.

The government will also invest up to £300 million in UK production of the fuel required to power high-tech new nuclear reactors, known as HALEU, currently only commercially produced in Russia.

As the first country in Europe to launch a HALEU programme, the UK will lead the way from its North West production hub to provide the world with this form of uranium fuel, with the first plant aiming to be operational early in the next decade. This builds on the ambition to return uranium conversion to the Springfields nuclear fuel site, both of which are critical to pushing Putin out of the global market.

An additional £10 million will be provided to develop the skills and sites needed to produce other advanced nuclear fuels in the UK, helping to secure long term domestic nuclear fuel supply and support our allies.

The roadmap also includes a government ambition to secure 3 – 7GW worth of investment decisions every 5 years from 2030 to 2044 on new nuclear projects.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

Nuclear is the perfect antidote to the energy challenges facing Britain – it’s green, cheaper in the long term and will ensure the UK’s energy security for the long-term.

This is the right long-term decision and is the next step in our commitment to nuclear power, which puts us on course to achieve net zero by 2050 in a measured and sustainable way.

This will ensure our future energy security and create the jobs and skills we need to level up the country and grow our economy.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, said:

Strengthening our energy security means that Britain will never again be held to ransom over energy by tyrants like Vladimir Putin. British nuclear, as one of the most reliable, low-carbon sources of energy around, will provide that security.

We’re making the biggest investment in domestic nuclear energy in 70 years. Our £300 million plan to produce advanced nuclear fuel in the UK will supply nuclear plants at home and overseas – further weakening the Kremlin’s grip on global energy markets.

From large gigawatt projects to small modular reactors, the UK’s wider nuclear revival will quadruple our nuclear capacity by 2050 – helping to power Britain from Britain.

Plans to streamline the development of new power stations and introduce smarter regulation could speed up the overall process and, as a result, the delivery of nuclear power in the UK. This includes allowing regulators to assess projects while designs are finalised, and better join-up with overseas regulators assessing the same technology.

Ministers will bring together the brightest and best from the nuclear industry and beyond as part of a ‘hackathon’ event to come up with ideas on how government and industry can accelerate new nuclear projects, while maintaining the highest levels of safety and security.

These plans will help build new supplies of affordable and clean domestic power so the transition to net zero doesn’t mean higher prices, protecting households from global instability.

The government is also today publishing 2 consultations, one on a new approach to siting future nuclear power stations and another on supporting the sector and encouraging private investment to roll out advanced nuclear projects. The proposals will attract investment in the UK nuclear sector by empowering developers to find suitable sites rather than focusing on 8 designated by government. Community engagement will remain critical to any decisions, alongside maintaining robust criteria such as nearby population densities.

Following its launch last year, Great British Nuclear (GBN) will drive the UK’s nuclear ambitions forward, including through the game-changing SMR competition which will soon invite short-listed companies to tender.

Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories, and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive. Alongside large gigawatt power stations, SMRs will play a key role in delivering on the expansion of UK nuclear capacity.

As well as powering homes, innovations in the nuclear sector could provide direct heat for industry, energy for green hydrogen production, and medical isotopes for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Analysis by the Nuclear Skills Strategy Group suggests that to reach up to 24GW, the civil and defence nuclear workforce will need to double over the next 20 years – supporting around 80,000 additional skilled jobs across the UK.

The Nuclear Skills Taskforce will shortly set out plans to meet the demand of an industry – already worth £6 billion to the British economy – which is likely to include increasing the numbers of graduates and apprentices and attracting mid-careerists with relevant skills and expertise.

Minister for Nuclear Andrew Bowie said:

The government’s investment in nuclear will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of technological developments.

Our plans will give investors the confidence to back new UK projects, with a simpler process for locating new schemes and clear support for private sector companies developing innovative new technologies.

By meeting a quarter of our electricity demand with nuclear, we will strengthen our energy independence, reduce bills and support jobs across the UK.

The roadmap will also confirm plans for decommissioning to make sure they remain suitable for new nuclear technologies and protect future generations from bearing the costs.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of Nuclear Industry Association, said:

We welcome the publication of the roadmap – the commitment to explore a further large-scale project beyond Sizewell C in parallel with the deployment of SMRs is very welcome. We will need both large and small nuclear at scale and at pace for our energy security and net zero future. Allowing developers to engage with the government about Regulated Asset Base funding models should also make it cheaper to finance projects, cutting costs to the consumer. Decisions on 3-7GW in each 5 year period provide the greater clarity and predictability, which in turn enables supply chain investment and more UK content in the future fleet.

The commitments to maximise our use of regulatory assessments already undertaken overseas will help get innovative reactor designs into construction faster and reduce the duplication in regulatory activity that eats up time for no additional benefit.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect trade union, said:

Commitment to a long-term investment in new nuclear capacity is most welcome.

Nuclear is an essential part of a low carbon, secure energy strategy that should also deliver good, clean jobs at scale. Investment in both GW-scale power plants as well as SMRs is critical to ensuring a nuclear renaissance, as is reducing our exposure to Russian nuclear fuel production.

Prospect looks forward to playing an active role in delivering this mission that is critical to meeting our net zero and energy security goals.

Babcock’s CEO for Nuclear Harry Holt said:

The UK’s Nuclear Roadmap will provide opportunities for the whole civil nuclear sector. Babcock, through our Cavendish Nuclear business, is committed to developing UK capability, jobs and skills and this is a great step in the right direction.

Carol Tansley, Vice President of UK New Build Projects at X-energy, said:

We’re delighted this ambitious roadmap recognises the vital role in the UK energy mix for advanced modular reactors (AMRs).

The announcement of funding for an advanced fuel enrichment facility is also a very welcome demonstration of commitment to deliver the next generation nuclear technologies in the UK. We look forward to engaging in the forthcoming consultations to create a blueprint for successful deployment.

Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Nuclear said:

Since Great British Nuclear started the SMR technical selection process last July, we have moved strongly forward and are on track to complete vendor selection later this year. Shortly we will invite the six companies we have selected to submit tenders.

The Civil Nuclear Roadmap provides a framework for GBN to help deliver more safe, clean and affordable UK nuclear power to UK consumers. Together with industry, we will enthusiastically take up the role the government has set out for us in delivering and advising across the UK’s nuclear programme. We are actively building GBN’s capability to take on the challenge ahead.

Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive, Centrica, said:

The UK’s ambitious net zero targets will only be met if we utilise all of the tools at our disposal, including nuclear power generation. Centrica has invested in nuclear power generation for almost 15 years and we know the benefits it can create for customers and the country. We welcome the roadmap set out by the government today as we look to support the UK’s efforts to create a more secure, resilient energy system for the future.

Dr Fiona Rayment OBE FNucI, President of the Nuclear Institute, commented:

I am delighted to see the publishing of the Nuclear Roadmap. It not only continues to provide a strong signal from government on nuclear, but reaffirms the only way to achieve carbon neutrality for energy whilst maintaining both energy and national security is through nuclear as a significant part of the UK energy mix.

Reaching 24GW by 2050 is achievable but challenging and recognising the need to address the skills and capability challenges in enabling this is key. The Nuclear Institute, as the professional membership body for the sector, assists in creating this capability and we are proud to support our nuclear workforce in the years ahead.

Andrew Murdoch, UK Managing Director of Advanced Modular Reactor developer, newcleo, said:

newcleo welcomes today’s announcements by government which offer strong support for our sector and outline a clearer future for nuclear energy policy in the UK, be it big, small or advanced. We now look forward to participating in the government’s consultations on both siting and the routes to market for advanced technologies ahead of developing our first of a kind advanced modular reactor here in the UK by 2033.

newcleo is ready to invest billions of pounds of private money in the UK and create thousands of high value jobs in local communities with our innovative reactors. Today’s announcements help to provide the framework in which the industry and government can work together to realise the ambition to deliver 24 GW of much-needed nuclear power by 2050.
January 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Sir Ross Cranston to chair independent inquiry into 2021 Channel crossing tragedy [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 January 2024.

Cranston Inquiry to look into the events of 24 November 2021, when at least 27 people lost their lives crossing the Channel.
- former Judge and Solicitor General, Sir Ross Cranston, announced as Chair of independent inquiry into 24 November 2021 Channel crossing tragedy, announced on 9 November 2023
- terms of reference also published, with inquiry designed to allow a public, transparent hearing into the circumstances of the deaths to take place
- inquiry will examine the events of 24 November 2021, when at least 27 people lost their lives crossing the Channel
Former judge and Solicitor General, Sir Ross Cranston, is to chair the independent inquiry into the events of 24 November 2021, when at least 27 people lost their lives crossing the Channel.

The Cranston Inquiry will look into who the deceased were, and when, where and in what circumstances they came by their deaths.

It will also consider what further lessons can be learned from the events of 24 November 2021 and, if appropriate, make recommendations to reduce the risk of a similar event occurring.

The inquiry was announced on 9 November 2023 by the Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, following the publication of a report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) outlining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

This inquiry will allow a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances of the deaths to take place.

I’m grateful that Sir Ross Cranston has agreed to chair the inquiry into this tragic event. I know that Sir Ross will conduct his work with thoroughness and professionalism.

I hope this inquiry will give the families of the victims the clarity they deserve.

Chair of the inquiry, Sir Ross Cranston, said:

I have been appointed to Chair the independent inquiry into the tragic incident in the Channel on 24 November 2021.

My inquiry will enable the survivors and family members of the deceased to be heard and to identify lessons that can be learned to avoid a similar tragedy in the future.

I aim to complete the inquiry and deliver my report to the Secretary of State for Transport as expeditiously as possible and will announce how the inquiry will proceed shortly.

See the terms of reference for the inquiry for more information.

Sir Ross Cranston is a professor of law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is a former Judge of the High Court of England and Wales, who sat in the Queen’s Bench Division and, in 2016, became the judge in charge of the Administrative Court. In his political career, Sir Ross was MP for Dudley North between 1997 and 2005 and Solicitor General for England and Wales from 1998 to 2001.

Sir Ross has served on missions for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Commonwealth Secretariat, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Commission. He was, until 2022, Chair of Trustees of the British and Irish Legal Information Institute (BAILII), which provides free access to British, Irish and European Union legal material. In 2018, he chaired a committee of JUSTICE, which published a report: Immigration and asylum appeals – a fresh look. In 2019, he conducted an independent assurance review of Lloyds Bank’s handling of claims arising from fraud committed at the HSBOS Impaired Assets Office.

Rory Phillips KC, of 3 Verulam Buildings (3VB) Chambers, has been appointed Counsel to the inquiry. Stephen Brown, Deputy Director in the government legal department, has been appointed Solicitor to the inquiry.

The inquiry is on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @CranstonInquiry. A website for the inquiry will be launched in due course.
January 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Defra appoints new non-executive board member [January 2024]

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

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has today (11 January 2024) announced the appointment of Chris Tyas OBE as a non-executive board member.

Non-executive board members are senior figures from outside government, appointed to provide challenge to government departments. All non-executive board member appointments follow an open and transparent process, in line with the government’s Code of Good Practice for Corporate Governance in Central Government Departments. As set out in the Code of Practice, non-executive board members are appointed directly by the Secretary of State and are not civil servants.

Chris’ term as non-executive board member will last for three years. The Defra board provides strategic, corporate leadership to the department and has particular responsibility for monitoring performance and delivery.

Chris Tyas OBE

Chris is the Chair of GS1UK, the neutral, not-for-profit standards organisation whose data standards power barcodes and QR codes globally across food, consumer goods, healthcare and construction. Chris recently spent two years as the co-Chair of Defra’s Food Resilience Industry Forum, helping to bring together all parts of the food supply chain during the pandemic.

Prior to that, Chris had a 40-year career in the food industry, working for Mars and Nestle in a variety of roles across procurement, manufacturing, HR, IT and logistics. He has spent the last five years as the Senior Vice President responsible for Nestle’s global supply chain, based in Switzerland.

January 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government seeks closure of failing cemetery [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 11 January 2024.

Tottenham Park Cemetery in Enfield is facing closure after owners repeatedly failed to make necessary improvements to ensure the safety of burials.
Closure of Tottenham Park Cemetery sought following failure to improve

Concerns raised after remains unlawfully disturbed at the privately-run site

Closure would prevent future burials on the site, except for in reserved plots

The government has today (11 January 2024) announced its intention to apply to the Privy Council for an order requiring burials be stopped at the cemetery in North London. This would mean no new burials would be permitted, except where plots have previously been reserved.

The move follows 2 government-ordered inspections which found remains were being unlawfully disturbed during the burial process. Recommendations that no new plots should be excavated or sold, record keeping should be improved, and a survey undertaken to identify existing burials have not been met.

The prevention of future burials should not impact the opening of the site for the public to visit their loved ones’ graves.

Justice Minister Mike Freer said:

The people buried in this cemetery were laid to rest and the repeated disturbance of their remains is not only illegal but a breach of trust.

I believe it is necessary to seek this closure to ensure that Tottenham Park Cemetery can safely serve its community in future.

The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with the cemetery’s owners, Enfield Council and other interested parties to ensure the reserved graves continue to be managed.

Complaints about the site were first raised by the local council, Baroness Hussein-Ece, and local MPs, prompting the 2 inspections.

For the government to stop burials at private cemeteries legally it requires an Order in Council. Those are considered by the Privy Council Office and signed by the King.

Notes to editors

Public notices have been issued and people have one calendar month to make representations, which will be considered before any application is made.

To provide representation write to the Coroners and Burials Team at the Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AJ or email coroners@justice.gov.uk (quoting reference CN/TPC/JAN24).

Following the 2 inspections, the cemetery owners were tasked with:

Scanning and digitising all available records, including records of reserved graves

Creating a digital grave plan

Ensuring that excavation for burial in a reserved grave is closely monitored to ensure that remains are not disturbed

Introducing an effective grave maintenance scheme

Part of the Cemetery is leased to the Tottenham Park Islamic Cemetery Association (TPICA) which manages burials in that area. The MoJ is in contact with the TPICA about the implications of the closure for grave space reserved within their area.
January 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Pornography Review asks for views to shape industry rules [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 11 January 2024.

The Call for Evidence for the independent Pornography Review launches today.
- Pornography creators, law enforcement, parents and the public asked for views as government investigates impact of pornography
- views to be collected on impact of emerging tech, such as AI and virtual reality, on pornography
- results will inform independent Pornography Review that will cover harm caused to sexual relationships and violence against women in wider society
Law enforcers, pornography makers, parents and the public are being asked to help shape the future of pornography regulation in the UK from today (Thursday 11 January) as the government launches a wide-ranging call for evidence as part of its review of the pornography industry.

The questionnaire, which closes on Thursday 7 March will collect evidence on the impact of pornographic content on relationships, sexual behaviours, mental health and people’s views of women and girls.

This exercise will provide independent Lead Reviewer Baroness Bertin with evidence that represents the views of those in the industry itself and the public, which will be used to develop recommendations for the government to undertake.

The substantial impact that new technologies have had on the pornography industry will also be covered, with respondents asked for their thoughts on how AI and virtual reality have changed how pornography is made, accessed and viewed, as well as how this impacts viewers and the industry.

Law enforcement and the criminal justice system will have an opportunity to raise what challenges face them in identifying and tackling these issues in pornography – as well as giving the industry an opportunity to set out what it is doing to tackle them more effectively.

Lead Reviewer Baroness Bertin said:

Throughout this review, it is essential we engage directly with those who are most involved in the pornography industry and accurately establish what the general public thinks of the current rules governing pornography.

We want to hear from a wide range of views, whether it be a worried parent, those enforcing the laws to stop exploitation or someone directing or performing in pornography themselves, to speak up and support our review.

Extreme pornography can have a damaging impact – we owe it to our children and indeed to the whole of society to put the guard rails back in place.

This review will help us fully understand what we must now do to protect those most affected as well as future proofing the law to keep pace with an ever-evolving pornography industry.

Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Saqib Bhatti said:

The Pornography Review will be key to informing what we do next to tackle any harmful impact the industry may have on those working within it, or society at large.

The invaluable evidence the public, experts and industry provide will be integral to what Baroness Bertin recommends later this year.

Ian Critchley, QPM, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Child Abuse and Investigation said:

I very much welcome this government commissioned review led by Baroness Bertin. It is one that is essential in tackling harmful sexual behaviours. This is in addition to the whole scale use of smart devices by teenagers and now under 10s, which gives them increased access to harmful material including violent pornography and indecent images of children.

The Online Safety Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation for a generation and it will help us to improve the safety of children and young people. In tandem with this review will provide a greater evidence base allowing us to better understand the impact violent pornography is having on the behaviour of young people and adults who continue to pose the greatest risk of harm to children. It will then ensure we can work together across agencies to prevent what has become normalised behaviour which is causing some of the greatest harm often with lifelong consequences.

The Pornography Review, announced last year, builds on the government’s work to take the long-term decisions for a better future for our children and grandchildren through the Online Safety Act, by stopping children from accessing pornography online by requiring services to establish the age of their users, including through age verification and age estimation tools.
January 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The security situation across the Sahel is deteriorating – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on West Africa.

Thank you, President. I’m grateful to SRSG Simão and Dr Théroux-Bénoni for their briefings this morning. Let me make four points on security, democracy, climate change, and humanitarian need.

First, as we’ve heard, security across the Sahel is deteriorating. The UK is particularly concerned about the situation in Mali, where UNOWAS has a crucial role to play after MINUSMA’s withdrawal. We encourage UNOWAS, through its good offices, to help bring all signatories to the 2015 Algiers Accords back to the negotiating table.

The UK welcomes ECOWAS contributions to regional security and supports the potential of the Accra Initiative. We also stand ready to support the region and the UN for the upcoming Africa Counter Terrorism Summit. We reiterate that the region’s security challenges are only exacerbated by the destabilising chaos of Russian mercenary group Wagner.

Second, democracy is under pressure. Timelines for the restoration of constitutional governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea continue to slip. We echo ECOWAS’ calls for a return to constitutional order, and we encourage recommitment to transition timetables. We call on Niger to agree a transition timeline with ECOWAS.

The United Kingdom congratulates Liberia for its recent peaceful transfer of power, and welcomes the Peacebuilding Commission’s role supporting this process. We urge redoubled efforts on UNOWAS’ regional work to prevent election-related tensions.

Third, the Security Council has recognised the adverse effects of climate change on security and stability in the region. We welcome UNOWAS’ work in the climate-security nexus. The UK is supporting work in the region to build the resilience of those most vulnerable to climate change.

Fourth, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Since 2019, UK aid has supported over 15 million in the Sahel with life-saving assistance, but humanitarian needs are still going unmet. We call on all actors to ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.

In closing, President, in light of the regional challenges we’ve all set out here today, we should recommit to even closer work with UNOWAS and the regional organisations. We join others in calling for a presidential statement of the Council to reflect this commitment.

I thank you.

January 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : We will not stand by and allow the Houthis to threaten civilian vessels: UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

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

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

Thank you, President and we thank also the US and Japan for tabling this resolution.

The United Kingdom condemns in the strongest terms the illegal and unjustified attacks in the Red Sea by Houthi militants.

Yesterday, the Houthis attempted their largest attack yet, launching at least 21 missiles and drones towards international shipping lanes. 15 percent of all global seaborne trade passes through the Red Sea.

These attacks threaten to spike the availability and prices of food and energy, which would inevitably hit the world’s poorest the hardest. Yesterday’s was the twenty-sixth such attack since the 19th of November.

This was despite this Council’s demand on the 1 December for the Houthis to stop all such attacks immediately. On 3 January, the UK joined 11 countries in a statement warning against further attacks.

So we are using all diplomatic means possible to deter these attacks and that is why we voted in favour of this resolution.

US and UK military assets in the Red Sea successfully repelled yesterday’s attack. We will not stand by and allow the Houthis to threaten civilian vessels and hold global food and energy supplies hostage.

If necessary, and as previously stated by the UK Defence Secretary, we will not hesitate to take further action to deter threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

The UK is committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and trade in the Red Sea.

I thank you.

January 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Over 14.6 million Ukrainians will need humanitarian assistance this year – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Thank you, President, and I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director Wosornu for their briefings today.

Amid New Year celebrations elsewhere, Ukrainians entered this New Year in darkness, without heating, without shelter, and with air raids ringing.

Ninety drones were fired at Odesa, Lviv and other cities on New Year’s Eve. Another massive assault took place on Monday as temperatures across Ukraine dropped as low as minus 20. Over 1,000 towns and villages in nine regions were left without power.

Responders are rapidly making repairs and I do not doubt the resilience and the determination of Ukrainians to defend their freedom and their territory. But these attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop.

In addition, Russia’s use of ballistic missiles from the DPRK is a sign of recklessness and desperation. It violates multiple resolutions.

All UN Members have an obligation to implement UN resolutions. So I call on Russia, a P5 country, to halt its trading in arms with the DPRK, and to implement all UNSC resolutions in full, and to restate its commitment to the global non-proliferation regime.

I also call on Iran, the DPRK, and any third party that is providing material support to the Russian war machine to cease immediately. Ending Russia’s access to foreign weapons will help end this war.

Now more specifically, President, near the front lines in Ukraine, the situation is even worse. The UN’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2024 refers to entire communities pummelled daily, regions where no hospital or clinic has been left untouched by war. People have been without water and gas in their homes for over a year now.

As we heard from OCHA, over 14.6 million people, about 40 percent of the Ukrainian population living in Ukraine, will need humanitarian assistance in 2024. The UK has committed $472.72 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the region since 2022 and our support will continue.

But as I heard during my visit to Kyiv, Russia continues to impede humanitarian access for millions of people living in the temporarily controlled territories. Civilians are struggling to access water, food, shelter and other essential services. And the situation is expected to get worse as the cold weather intensifies.

So Russia must, as this Council has said repeatedly, allow humanitarian organisations safe and unimpeded access to these areas immediately.

Mr President, New Year is a time for resolutions. We suggest Russia make three. To abide by the UN Charter and Council resolutions, to stop its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to withdraw its military from Ukrainian soil.

Thank you, President.

January 10, 2024

PRESS RELEASE : UK Government levelling up funding in Wales tops £2.5 billion [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 10 January 2024.

Investment in every part of Wales is helping to grow the economy and deliver benefits for communities.

Communities across Wales are benefitting from over £2.5 billion in UK Government levelling up funding to transform their local areas, which is the equivalent of over £800 for every person in Wales.

This huge funding boost has seen the UK Government working with local partners to deliver projects that transform communities, create thousands of jobs and grow the economy.

In 2023, this included two new £160 million Investment Zones in north-east and south-east Wales, two Freeports in Anglesey and Milford Haven and Port Talbot alongside a further £319 million in Levelling Up Funding for projects across Wales such as £20 million to transform Barry Docks waterfront and £18.8 million to improve visitor facilities at the National Slate Museum in Gwynedd.

The £2.5 billion investment from the UK Government also includes £790 million in City and Growth Deals which now cover every part of Wales and are delivering jobs and local growth. The Swansea Arena, part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, is now open for business and has a full programme of events.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

2023 was a fantastic year for both the scale and pace of new investments in Wales and I’m delighted to see that our levelling up funding for communities across Wales now stands at more than £2.5 billion.

It has been brilliant to see projects where work has been completed and the community is already seeing huge benefits, such as the Baglan Bay Technology Centre in Port Talbot, which is now open for business. This ground-breaking building is the first of its kind in Wales and offers high tech office and laboratory space to a host of innovative companies, part funded by the UK Government’s investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal.

“And I’ve seen countless other projects where work is already underway, or nearing completion. The construction of the Pentre Awel health and well-being centre in Llanelli is moving at pace and will soon create over 1,800 jobs and training opportunities in a world-class medical research facility.

Another highlight was seeing construction begin on the High Value Engineering centre in Blaenau Gwent. This new centre for Coleg Gwent will provide space for 600 students to gain valuable new skills and has received £9 million directly from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

These investments are making a huge difference to communities and I’m looking forward to seeing many more transformational projects across Wales in the coming year.

As well as large scale funding, the UK Government is also working directly with local communities to safeguard the places that are important to them. The Community Ownership Fund has invested over £4 million in a range of projects from community-run pubs and shops to refurbishing village halls, chapels and community centres.

The Welsh Secretary met many of the people who have been instrumental in saving these important community assets. He added:

It’s such a pleasure to meet the recipients of the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, such as the people behind saving Llandyrnog Village Shop in Denbighshire and the Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne.

They are the heroes of their local areas, brimming with ideas and enthusiasm and it’s fantastic that we can help them achieve a long-lasting future for these much-loved places.

This year, communities across Wales are set to benefit from even more projects opening, such as a new transport hub in Porth and a new dual carriageway at Coed Ely, near Llantrisant in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Both these schemes will help people access workplaces and leisure facilities more easily, improve connectivity right across the region and grow the economy.

The table below sets out the UK Government’s investments in Wales.

(£m)	Wales
Levelling Up Fund (3 rounds)	440
UK Shared Prosperity Fund	585
Community Ownership Fund	4.2
Community Renewal Fund	47
Freeports	52
Investment Zones	320
Long Term Plan for Towns	80
Sports Grassroots Facilities Fund	14
Strength in Places	47
City and Growth Deals	790
Launchpad	7.5
Regional Investment Fund	130
TOTAL	2516.7

January 10, 2024

Tag: Press Release

Chris Tyas OBE

Notes to editors