Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : New British Sign Language GCSE heading for classrooms [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 21 December 2023.

The new GCSE will provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate using British Sign Language.

Pupils across the country will soon be able to take the British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE as the subject content has today (Thursday 21 December) been published, providing pupils with an important life skill and advancing inclusivity within education.

Parents, teachers and organisations from the deaf and hearing communities have provided overwhelmingly positive support for the introduction of the BSL GCSE, following a 12-week public consultation.

The responses have helped ensure the content is knowledge-rich, diverse in its teaching and challenging. Students who take this GCSE will learn to communicate effectively with other signers in work, social and academic settings and possess valuable life skills.

With the aim to have exam board syllabuses approved from September 2025, the BSL GCSE will teach students to effectively communicate using BSL and provide an understanding of the history of BSL in the UK.

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan said:

“It’s fantastic to see such an overwhelming amount of support across both the education sector and the deaf and hearing communities for this new GCSE.

“Studying British Sign Language can open so many doors for young people, giving pupils an understanding of how thousands of people communicate and ultimately even expanding job prospects.

“This new qualification will not only break down barriers and give young people valuable new skills, but also celebrate the history and rich culture of British Sign Language.”

Deputy Chief Regulator of Ofqual, Michael Hanton said:

“We’re grateful to those who engaged with our consultation, which was a crucial step forward for this new and important qualification.

“We will now begin the detailed regulatory work to ensure that the new GCSE in British Sign Language will be high quality and fair for students.”

Influencer and activist for the deaf community, Tasha Ghouri said:

“It’s so important to have inclusivity in schools.

“Accessibility is something I massively stand for and it’s amazing that BSL is now a GCSE course and students will soon have the opportunity to learn the foundations of BSL, the history and how it was formed.

“It’s such a beautiful language to learn. Thank you to everyone who has supported this step in the right direction!”

Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, Susan Daniels OBE said:

“After more than a decade of campaigning for a GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL) we’re delighted we now have the finalised course content published.

“A GCSE in BSL is vital as it will break down barriers and celebrate the rich culture and history of British Sign Language. An incredible amount of work has been undertaken to get to this point, not least from young deaf campaigner Daniel Jillings who fought so hard for the right to study a GCSE in BSL.”

In line with all qualifications, the GCSE is open to all pupils and will be recognised and accepted in school and college performance tables.

An internationally recognised qualification, pupils who study this will develop ways of expressing and negotiating meaning through visual spatial language, communication and visual memory skills that will be an advantage to them for the rest of their lives.

As well as learning how to sign effectively, the GCSE will also give students an understanding of the history of sign language in the UK. This will provide a solid foundation for students’ understanding of how the language reached its current form.

The introduction of this high standard, knowledge rich subject follows on from GCSE and A level reforms brought in since 2010 to ensure improvement to qualifications, ensuring they reflect the knowledge and skills pupils need.

Expanding on this, in October, the Prime Minister set out a bold new plan to introduce a new baccalaureate style qualification. The Advanced British Standard (ABS) will be built on A levels and T Levels, retaining their rigour and focus on building knowledge. At the heart of these proposals are an increase in teaching time of around 200 hours over the course of the qualification, greater breadth and choice for young people, and a core focus on vital maths and English. The ABS will widen students’ career options whilst bringing England in line with major economies such as France, Germany, Japan and the USA.

The recently published special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) improvement plan set out how all children and young people, including those who are deaf or have a hearing impairment, will get the support they need to succeed in their education.

December 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards will officially launch in the New Year following a successful assessment from the Central Digital and Data Office [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 December 2023.

The Ministry of Defence and Office for Veterans’ Affairs are jointly delivering this commitment as part of ongoing improvements to veterans support.

The Ministry of Defence has been working closely with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and Government Digital Services to develop a new digital service to enable veterans who left the Armed Forces prior to December 2018 to verify their veteran status and receive a Veteran Card in the post.

Veteran Cards have two primary functions: to ensure that veterans can quickly verify their status to access public and charitable sector support if they need it and to provide a recognition of service in the Armed Forces.

The service will officially launch by the end of January 2024 following a successful assessment from the Central Digital and Data Office, with updates on this to follow.

December 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Border Force crackdown on Christmas counterfeit electrical goods [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 21 December 2023.

Border Force seized almost one million items of counterfeit goods worth nearly £200 million in 2023, with fake electricals targeted in the run-up to Christmas.

An intensive Border Force operation to tackle counterfeit electrical goods in the run-up to Black Friday and Christmas led to more than £170,000 worth of seizures.

Operation Rivean, a concerted Border Force operation targeting electrical counterfeit products, ran for 3 weeks from 20 November 2023 and targeted counterfeit electrical being shipped into the UK as Christmas gifts.

The operation saw Border Force officers seize 250 counterfeit Dyson-branded haircare products, which would have a retail value worth more than £98,000 were they genuine.

Officers also seized 120 GHD-branded counterfeit hair styling tools, valued at £31,980, as well as 640 non-branded hair straighteners that were found to be a safety risk as they did not meet health and safety laws and standards.

Furthermore, 8,880 counterfeit Oral B and Philips Sonicare branded electronic toothbrush heads were also seized, worth over £42,000.

Tom Pursglove MP, Minister for Legal Migration and Delivery, said:

We are determined to crack down on the illegal trade of counterfeit goods and the criminals that drive it.

Counterfeit goods fund serious crime, endanger customers, harm legitimate businesses and contribute to the loss of tens of thousands of British jobs every year.

Our Border Force officers have been working relentlessly to seize dangerous electrical counterfeit products, and I urge the public to buy genuine products for Christmas this year.

According to the Intellectual Property Office, an estimated 98% of counterfeit electrical goods fail product safety tests, meaning they can damage other possessions, pose a fire safety risk, as well as cause injury to the consumer and their family.

Among the products seized were 250 counterfeit Dyson-branded products, which included fake Supersonic hairdryers, as well as counterfeit copies of the Airwrap multi-styler, a hair styling tool.

Giles Lane, Senior IP Legal Counsel at Dyson, said:

We welcome UK Border Force’s continued efforts to protect consumers and our owners during this busy time of year. Consumers should be alert to the dangers of counterfeit products – particularly in the holiday season, when counterfeiters capitalise on shoppers looking to secure a deal on their gifts.

Genuine Dyson machines are the product of years of diligent research, development, and engineering. They contain the technology we are known for and are manufactured to our exacting quality, safety, and durability standards. Counterfeiters cut corners and make unsafe goods that put people at risk.

Shoppers looking to purchase the latest Dyson products are advised to buy directly from Dyson – via our website, Dyson Demo stores or trusted retailers.

Operation Rivean forms just part of Border Force’s continued determination to seize counterfeit products all year round. So far this year, there have been over 2,000 separate seizures, with almost one million counterfeit goods removed from the marketplace, which would have had a value of just under £200 million were they legitimate products.

Last week, counterfeit Apple, Samsung and PlayStation products with a retail value of over £500,000 were seized at Felixstowe Port.

Miles Rees, Deputy Directory of IP Enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office, said:

The sale of counterfeit goods is anything but a victimless crime. It has been estimated to contribute to over 80,000 job losses a year in the UK, diverting funds away from legitimate traders and into the hands of criminals.

We are pleased to support the activity by UK Border Force to help disrupt the supply of such illicit goods and protect the public. As well as being linked to serious and organised criminality on a global scale, the trade in these goods presents real dangers for those using them, as they are not subject to the usual safety checks and very often are made to an extremely poor quality.

We continue to work with our partners to highlight the harms to the public, communities and our economy of buying counterfeits, empowering consumers to make informed choices and sending a clear message to the criminals who trade in such goods that this activity will not be tolerated.

Once items are detained, Border Force’s specialist international trade teams work with the owners of brands to establish whether goods are genuine. If they are fake, the goods are usually destroyed, and the rights holders must decide whether to privately prosecute the importers.

Those involved in the production of counterfeit goods are highly unlikely to follow health and safety laws – both in manufacturing the counterfeit goods, and also for individuals likely to be being exploited during their production.

Criminals stop at nothing to increase their profit margins, often at the expense of consumers, the environment, legitimate businesses and our economy – and even those working for them, who may often be doing so against their will.

Consumers who believe they have purchased counterfeit goods are advised to contact Action Fraud.

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report smuggling on GOV.UK.

December 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Saudi Arabia emphasise commitment to Middle East security [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 December 2023.

The UK and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership, amid the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea.
- Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence was hosted in London to discuss shared defence and security priorities.
- Maintaining regional security was reaffirmed as a shared priority.
- Future collaboration work across land, sea and air also discussed.
Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps today hosted HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in London. The counterparts discussed the importance of our joint defence activities to strengthen security in the Middle East, with continued building on industrial partnerships covering land and maritime, as well as our Future Combat Air partnership.

Houthi attacks, including the use of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems against global shipping, represent an increased threat to security in the Red Sea.

The UK has demonstrated its commitment to support regional security and stability through the deployment of HMS Diamond to the Red Sea to protect key global shipping lanes. On Saturday morning, HMS Diamond shot down a suspected attack drone which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea.

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

The UK has been, and will continue to be, a critical defence partner of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we are jointly seeking to strengthen security in the Middle East.

It was a pleasure to host my counterpart, where we were steadfast in our commitment to protect the free flow of global trade, while also discussing progress on land, maritime and air programmes.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has the UK’s close support as it undertakes a Defence Transformation under its ‘Vision 2030’. The UK is continuing with our Defence Adviser Programme to Saudi Arabia for a further 3 years, demonstrating our commitment to strengthen cooperation on defence and security matters.

In order to address regional threats and challenges and ensure stability; Saudi Arabia and the UK will look to expand joint cooperation on multiple strategically significant capability areas that match our respective Defence capability plans.
December 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Minister visits Frank Bruno Foundation mental health initiative [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 21 December 2023.

Minister Maria Caulfield celebrates the work of the Frank Bruno Foundation in supporting people with mental ill health get back into work.
- Mental Health Minister lauds former professional boxer’s efforts to help those with mental ill health stay in work via programme of controlled non-contact boxing classes
- Visit comes as government unveils unprecedented £795 million of additional funding to support thousands of people struggling with mental health back into work over next 5 years
- Government is dedicated to boosting nation’s mental health and helping people nationwide to stay healthy, get off benefits and move into work
Pioneering efforts by the former World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Frank Bruno, who is helping people with mental ill health back into work, have been welcomed by Health Minister Maria Caulfield during a visit to the Frank Bruno Foundation in Northampton.

It follows the government unveiling an unprecedented £795 million of additional funding so thousands of people can be helped back into work over the next 5 years, keeping them out of poverty, improving their wellbeing and raising their living standards.

Funding will expand NHS Talking Therapies, so an additional 384,000 people will benefit from courses of treatment over the next 5 years and increasing the number of sessions available.

The former professional boxer has spoken openly about how exercise has played a vital role in his battle with mental health challenges. He set up the Frank Bruno Foundation in 2017, offering wellbeing programmes and structured non-contact boxing sessions for anyone over the age of 10 years who is experiencing problems with mental ill health.

A stay in work scheme is central to the foundation’s work – aimed at helping professionals with mental health difficulties stay in work and prevent long-term sickness. And an innovative wrap-around service helps professionals deal with other contributing struggles such as housing, money worries, addiction, family difficulties and bereavement.

Mental Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, said:

Frank and his team are doing a great job at getting people fighting fit through boxing classes, using innovative techniques to support local people with their mental health and wellbeing. In particular, it’s great to see his brilliant ‘stay in work’ scheme.

This government is determined to help as many people as possible stay healthy, get off benefits, and move into work. That’s why we’ve just unveiled £795 million of new funding to provide more mental health treatments nationwide and help those with mental health conditions stay in or find work.

Former professional boxer, Frank Bruno, said:

I am honoured that the Frank Bruno Foundation received a visit from Maria Caulfield. We are providing a unique service to the mental health community in Northamptonshire and it is having a really positive impact.

The minister was really interested in our work and I was keen to hear how the government is looking to improve the future of mental health care.

I was delighted the minister got into the boxing ring with me and pledged to continue the fight against mental health challenges. If there was somewhere like this foundation available when I was ill it could have really helped, so we need to see more services like this made available.

Mum of one, Jo, from Northampton, who has bipolar disorder, said:

This place is like a family and has really helped me. I came to the foundation because I suffer from bipolar and coming here has really helped with my confidence and self-esteem. I have used the coping mechanisms I have learned here to help me in my life.

Deni first came to the foundation in May 2021 and is now a full-time member of staff who works as a mental health development officer.

Deni from Northampton, who suffered crippling anxiety attacks and struggled to leave his home, said:

I was really lucky to come here and enrol in programmes – and I now love helping other people. This is a safe place that tests your boundaries but where you also feel comfortable.

With its additional funding, the government is boosting 4 key programmes – NHS Talking Therapies, Individual Placement and Support, Restart and Universal Support – to benefit up to 1.1 million people over the next 5 years and help those with mental or physical health conditions stay in or find work.

NHS Talking Therapies provides evidence-based psychological therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy, for treatment of mild and moderate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders.

The additional £795 million investment will also fund an additional 100,000 Individual Placement and Support places over 5 years, which will help people with severe mental illness gain and retain paid employment.
December 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK signs first of its kind financial services agreement with Switzerland [December 2023]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 21 December 2023.

• Chancellor Jeremy Hunt signs the Berne Financial Services Agreement – a ground-breaking pact on financial services cooperation

• UK businesses to provide financial services to the Swiss domestic market, and vice versa, more easily

• Berne Financial Services Agreement provides access to the Swiss market that no other country will have, while also providing certainty for businesses and upholding high standards of regulation

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (21 December) signed the Berne Financial Services Agreement, a first of its kind pact on financial services cooperation, with his Swiss counterpart Karin Keller-Sutter.

The agreement sets sectors where the UK and Switzerland will mutually recognise each other’s domestic laws and regulations on financial services, making it easier for corporate and high net worth clients in the two markets to do business with each other.

The Berne Financial Services Agreement enables the frictionless, cross-border provision of financial services between the UK and Switzerland across areas such as asset management, banking, and investment services. For certain sectors it means that a firm based in the UK will be able to serve clients in Switzerland while largely following UK rules, and vice versa.

The agreement also secures unique access for British insurance brokers to the Swiss market. From the start of 2024, Switzerland will require any non-Swiss firms to establish a base in the country before serving Swiss clients. The UK will be the only country in the world not required to do this, putting British brokerage firms at a significant advantage to international competitors as they can continue to do business as they always have done.

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

“The Berne Financial Services Agreement is a global first and builds on the UK and Switzerland’s strengths as two of the world’s largest financial centres.

“It cements open access for financial services between our two nations for decades to come, helping us grow the economy and serving as a blueprint for future agreements with other key trading partners.”

The Berne Financial Services Agreement will make open access in financial services legally binding between the UK and Switzerland for decades to come, all while maintaining high standards of regulation, market fairness and investor protection. Both countries will also have the freedom to revise or introduce new domestic regulation as they see fit.

The agreement provides an opportunity for the UK and Switzerland to work together to strengthen international financial standards. It will also help level the playing field for some smaller firms, who will no longer have to invest time and money in navigating unfamiliar Swiss rules.

Financial advisors will also benefit. British financial advisers to high-net-worth individuals will no longer need to be registered by Swiss registration bodies to serve Swiss clients. This will remove requirements to sit Swiss examinations or provide documentation evidencing suitability, cutting red tape for the UK’s financial advisory industry.

The Berne Financial Services Agreement is only possible due to new freedoms granted to the UK following its exit from the European Union. The agreement will enhance the UK and Switzerland’s already thriving financial services relationship. Between 2016 and 2022, UK trade in financial and insurance services with Switzerland grew by 53% – reaching £3.28 billion in 2022.

The UK financial services sector is a significant contributor to the domestic economy and was valued at approximately £254 billion in the four quarters to Q2 2023. In 2020, around 40% of financial services to Switzerland were exported from UK regions outside of London and the South East, and two out of three jobs in financial services are based outside of London. This means that the benefits of the Berne Financial Services Agreement will be felt across the UK, bolstering jobs and growing the UK economy.

Separate to the Berne Financial Services Agreement, the UK is also currently negotiating an enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Switzerland that will boost ties and cover the full range of trade between the two countries.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

“This is just the latest deal we have struck with Switzerland to help our world-leading UK financial services companies access this lucrative market and grow UK-Swiss trade in services.

“This deal complements the work we’re doing with Switzerland to agree a new, modernised free trade agreement and will help the UK reach our goal to export a trillion pounds of goods and services a year by 2030.”

Miles Celic, chief executive officer, TheCityUK, said:

“The Berne Financial Services Agreement marks a significant milestone for two of the world’s leading international financial centres. This innovative framework not only simplifies engagement in financial services, reduces barriers, and enhances efficiency, but it also strengthens market confidence and fosters innovation.

“It establishes a new and ambitious benchmark for how major financial centres can collaborate to establish gold-standard agreements, contributing to a more resilient, competitive, and interconnected global financial landscape.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with businesses and governments in both countries to ensure this agreement is effectively implemented across our industry.”

Joe Cassidy, partner, financial services, KPMG; chair, TheCityUK Switzerland Market Advisory Group, said:

“The Berne Financial Services Agreement is a historic deal shaped by collaboration between governments, regulators, and industry leaders in both countries. It also paves the way for enhanced cooperation between other major global markets.

“As an industry, our immediate focus is on its full and effective implementation, alongside negotiating an innovative and complementary UK-Swiss Free Trade Agreement. An FTA with provisions for mobility, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and digital services will significantly enhance the MRA and set the standard for the second-country model in financial services regulatory cooperation.”

David Postings, chief executive, UK Finance, said:

“The UK-Switzerland Mutual Recognition Agreement is a landmark agreement. Given it’s been drafted specifically for the financial services sector, the market access provisions and measures aimed at removing regulatory barriers go much further than those normally included in trade deals. The innovative agreement sets an ambitious precedent and we hope it will serve as the new standard for future deals with other financial centres around the world.”

Denis Vangelatos, regulatory risk and international trade sanctions director – EMEA, Aon, said:

“The Berne Financial Services Agreement represents a fantastic opportunity for the UK and Swiss insurance sectors to continue to cooperate and flourish using a dynamic and forward-looking outcomes based approach to regulation.

“This new approach not seen in other trade agreements will foster innovation, increase market access, reduce cross border friction and, through mutual recognition, create a deep and trusted partnership for two of the world’s leading financial centres.”

Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, said:

“This is a great day for the UK’s and Switzerland’s financial services sectors. The Mutual Recognition Agreement will deliver huge benefits for firms in terms of increased market access and stability enhancing commitments. This will help to boost cross-border investment, jobs, growth and competitiveness in both our countries.

“We hope the MRA sets a template for the UK’s future trading relationships, helping contribute to setting new rules and standards in the vital industries of the future including tech, creative industries and digital trade in the 21st century.”

For more information, read the full text of the agreement and explanatory material.

December 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN humanitarian access at Bab al Hawa remains a critical lifeline for 4.1 million Syrians – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 December 2023.

Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

Thank you President. And thank you to Special Envoy Pedersen and Director Doughten for their briefings.

President, today in our final session of the year on this item, we should reflect on the situation in Syria over the last 12 months.

12 months in which there has been no progress on the political process. No improvement in civil or political rights for Syrians, or on arbitrary detentions. No improvement in the conditions to enable the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees.

The humanitarian crisis has deepened. And the captagon trade has only grown. As we enter the new year, we believe there are three areas where the Council can meaningfully focus.

First, the threat posed to the region from actors within Syria remains of grave concern. We are particularly concerned by the continuing attacks against the Global Coalition Against Daesh in northeast Syria; the increasing tensions along the Jordanian-Syria border; and the reported strikes into Israeli territory by the Assad regime and Iranian-affiliated forces. Regional escalation serves nobody’s interest.

Second, UN humanitarian access at Bab al Hawa remains vital. Over three-quarters of all UN aid transits via this crossing and it remains a critical lifeline for 4.1 million Syrians. The Syrian regime’s current permissions expire on 13 January – we fully expect them to be renewed. Crossline operations can complement, but not replace, the essential support which cross-border mechanisms provide.

Finally, we need to continue to support the UN Special Envoy in his efforts to convene a meeting of the Constitutional Committee as soon as possible in the new year.

Mr President, 18th December marked eight years since this Council unanimously adopted resolution 2254. As we’ve said many times, implementation of this resolution remains the only way to end this conflict and provide sustainable peace and stability to the Syrian people.

December 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Statement in response to legacy inter-state case by the Irish Government [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 20 December 2023.

Statement follows confirmation by the Irish Government that it intends to pursue an interstate case against the UK regarding the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act.

The UK Government profoundly regrets the decision taken by the Irish Government today to bring this unnecessary case against the UK.

The decision comes at a particularly sensitive time in Northern Ireland. It did not need to be taken now, given the issues are already before the UK courts.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery (ICRIR), led by Sir Declan Morgan KC, is continuing its work ahead of its full establishment next year. The UK Government urged the Irish Government, before considering action, to engage directly with the Commission to understand better its plans for the implementation of the legislation, particularly given that effective information recovery for many families will require cross-border cooperation. It is a matter of considerable regret that it has chosen not to do so.

Although the Irish government refers back to the Stormont House Agreement nine years ago, the reality is that there was no cross-party consensus or agreement to the practical implementation and out-workings of that agreement.

The Tánaiste has stated that the Irish Government is intent on pursuing a victim-led approach. They have been critical about our proposed approach on the grounds that it moves away from a focus on criminal prosecutions. We believe that the Irish Government’s stated position on dealing with legacy issues is inconsistent and hard to reconcile with its own record. At no time since 1998 has there been any concerted or sustained attempt on the part of the Irish state to pursue a criminal investigation and prosecution based approach to the past.

We note, in particular, the former Irish Justice Minister and Attorney General’s 2014 reference to an informal decision on behalf of the Irish Government to not investigate Troubles cases – something that he restated publicly in 2021 in response to our proposals.

Indeed the Irish Government should urgently clarify the number of criminal prosecutions brought in Ireland since 1998 relating to Troubles cases.

It is also a matter of public record that successive UK and Irish Governments during the peace process worked closely together on a range of initiatives which have provided conditional immunity and early release from prison.

While this step is disappointing, it is one for which the UK Government was prepared. The UK Government remains confident that the Act provides a robust and effective framework to allow the ICRIR to discharge our legal obligations.

We will continue robustly to defend the legislation, including to ensure that the work of the ICRIR can continue without impediment while proceedings are ongoing. The overriding purpose of the Legacy Act is to enable more victims and survivors to obtain more information faster than can be achieved under current legacy mechanisms. We cannot afford further delay in the provision of effective legacy outcomes – both for families and wider society.

The bilateral relationship with Ireland is, and always will be, one we value deeply. Despite this misguided action, we will continue to work to minimise the consequences and protect the interests of the people and businesses that bind us together.

December 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak hosts final meeting of 2023 Business Council [December 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 December 2023.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted the final meeting of the 2023 Business Council earlier today.

He thanked business leaders for their support over the past year. He noted progress to stabilise the economy, which has resulted in inflation falling well below half – to 3.9% – delivering one of the Prime Minister’s key priorities.

The Prime Minister explained how businesses are continuing to choose the UK as a top global investment destination, pointing to the examples of: Tata Group’s £4bn UK gigafactory, BMW’s £600m commitment to develop electrical vehicle production in the UK, Nissan’s £2bn to support two new electric vehicle models in Sunderland and £2.5bn from Microsoft for AI infrastructure. He thanked Council Members for their support for the Global Investment Summit in November, at which a further £29.5bn of investment was announced.

The Prime Minister and the Business Council discussed the economic and business outlook, and how this is being perceived on the frontlines of the economy. Council members agreed that, with inflation now more than halved, there is an opportunity for more economic growth and dynamism in 2024.

The Prime Minister also raised the economic benefits of AI and other technologies, following the successful AI Safety Summit he hosted at Bletchley Park. He asked Council Members about barriers to adoption and where new technologies have led to increased innovation and productivity.

He announced that a new ‘AI Opportunity Forum’ will be launched in January – which will be co-Chaired by Franck Petitgas, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Business and Investment, and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Michelle Donelan. It will explore in more detail the adoption of AI technologies across the private sector.

He concluded by thanking the members of the Business Council for their contributions which bring an important perspective to the big decisions the Government is taking to build a better Britain.

December 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary calls for increased European coordination on humanitarian crises during visit to Paris and Rome [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 December 2023.

David Cameron will visit French and Italian capitals today to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and maintain support for Ukraine over the winter period.
- David Cameron will travel to Paris and Rome for talks with French President Macron, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and foreign minister counterparts
- he will call for increased coordination between allies to address the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza as well as maintaining support for Ukraine
- discussions will also focus on working together to tackle illegal migration
At a time of volatile international crises, Foreign Secretary David Cameron will visit the French and Italian capitals today (19 December) to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as well as maintaining support for Ukraine over the winter period.

During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will reiterate his call for a sustainable ceasefire, leading to a sustainable peace, and for increased coordination across European allies to ensure life-saving aid can get into Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. The Foreign Secretary will also urge continued support for Ukraine to defend itself through military, humanitarian and economic means.

Tackling illegal migration is also high on the agenda, with the UK working alongside France and Italy to stop the criminal gangs. This follows the UK signing landmark deals with the 2 countries that have seen small boat channel crossings drop by a third.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

As we face some of the greatest challenges to international security in a lifetime, our response must be one of strength and resilience with our European allies.

From the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza, to Putin’s brutality in Ukraine, it is more important than ever to strengthen our alliances and make sure our voice is heard.

In Paris, the Foreign Secretary will meet French President Emmanuel Macron, and Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to discuss maintaining support for Ukraine and finding a long-term political solution that supports Israel’s security and the rights of Palestinians to live in peace. They will also discuss how the UK and France can continue to coordinate their humanitarian responses in Gaza.

The visit will also look ahead to a milestone year for UK-France relations in 2024, which will mark 120 years since the signing of the Entente Cordiale and 80 years since the D-Day landings, 2 watershed moments for the 2 countries.

Following the Prime Minister’s visit over the weekend, the Foreign Secretary will then travel to Rome for talks with the Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and to address Italian ambassadors gathered at the Italian foreign ministry for their annual Heads of Mission conference.

The Foreign Secretary will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s meeting with PM Meloni this weekend. Top of the agenda for the Rome programme will be boosting the 2 countries’ close cooperation on illegal migration.

They will welcome a new agreement between the 2 countries to contribute £4 million to the International Organization for Migration’s assisted voluntary returns project in Tunisia. The joint funding will go towards providing humanitarian assistance and support for vulnerable and stranded migrants to return home safely.
December 26, 2023