Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : The quickest path to peace is for President Putin to end his illegal invasion of Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

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

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Thank you Madam President, and thank you to Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for your briefing. And we welcome the representative of Ukraine to the Chamber for this meeting. The UK deeply regrets all loss of life in this war wherever it occurs. But perhaps we should start with a few facts which Russia tries to hide from the world and its own people.

In the 700 days since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine began, many, many thousands of people have been killed or injured at the hands of Russian forces.

Russia has carried out relentless attacks on civilian infrastructure, homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Russian forces are reported to be responsible for large-scale atrocities, including torture, sexual violence, forced deportations and summary executions.

In the process, staggering numbers of Russian soldiers have themselves been killed and Russian families bereaved. It is the Russian Government alone that is responsible for the death and suffering caused by this war.

No amount of disinformation can obscure the very basic fact that it was Russia who invaded Ukraine unprovoked, and in clear violation of the UN Charter. It is a war that President Putin refuses to end, despite all the damage that it has done to Russia’s standing in the world, and despite the enormous numbers of Russian men and women who have been killed. He has instead chosen to double down on an imperialist fantasy.

Russian strikes continue to rain down on Ukraine using weapons procured from Kim Jong Un in violation of Security Council Resolutions. So, when Russia comes to this Council, intent on disseminating their propaganda, let us instead all remember who is responsible for this war and its terrible human cost; who continues to trample all over the principles of this organisation; and who has the power to immediately bring this war to an end.

And when Russia campaigns to undermine the supply of Western weapons, as they do again today, let us instead be proud to stand resolutely with Ukraine in defence of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. The quickest path to peace is for President Putin to end his illegal invasion. We repeat our call for Russia to respect the UN Charter and to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

Thank you.

07/02/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Iraq has the potential to play a strong stabilising role in the region: UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

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

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Iraq.

Thank you, Madam President, I would like to welcome the representatives of Iraq and Kuwait to the chamber.

Let me start by thanking the Special Representative for her briefing, and for the important work of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq. I would like to highlight three points of particular importance for the UK.

First, we commend the progress being made by Iraq across the breadth of political and economic issues set out by the Special Representative. UNAMI’s contribution to that progress is deeply valued by the United Kingdom. We look forward to discussing the outcome of the Strategic Review being led by Volker Perthes and the future shape and function of UNAMI, in discussion with relevant parties, including of course the sovereign state of Iraq.

Second, Iraq has the potential to play a strong stabilising role in the region. To do so, it is critical that its territory not be used by Iranian proxies to destabilise the region. We offer our condolences to the families of those killed in Iran’s 15 January strike on Erbil. We urge Iran to deescalate tensions in the region. We reiterate our commitment to the Global Coalition against Daesh, which operates within Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government, as well as our commitment to a secure and sovereign Iraq.

Third, we congratulate Iraq on holding its first provincial elections for a decade. We look forward to the holding of elections in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq without further delay and encourage all relevant actors to take steps to ensure necessary preparations are made to ensure they are free, fair and timely. We hope a sustainable outcome on the transfer of budget allocations from Baghdad to Erbil can be agreed and we encourage relevant political parties to play a constructive role to support that.

Finally, Madam President, we welcome the Special Representative’s update on missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property and reiterate the UK’s commitment to the work of the Tripartite Commission. We urge further progress to resolve this long-standing issue.

In closing, can I express the UK’s sincere thanks to you, Special Representative, for your outstanding work in Iraq since 2018 and we commend your powerful and hopeful words as you depart about the future of a stable and prosperous Iraq.

I thank you.

07/02/2024
PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Monaco [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 February 2024.

The UK’s statement during Monaco’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered on 29 January 2024.

Thank you, Mr President,

The UK welcomes Monaco’s commitment to the protection of human rights, and its longstanding guarantees on the freedom of religion and belief within the Principality.

We commend Monaco’s efforts to improve women’s rights, and welcome the repeal of the civil code provisions which prohibit women from remarrying within 310 days of the dissolution of a previous marriage.

We note, however, that there is still work to be done to ensure the protection of women, and provision of equal rights for same-sex couples.

We recommend:
1. Improvements to conditions inside prisons, such as access to daylight, and increasing space for activities, including those outdoors.
2. Reviewing legislation concerning same-sex couples to ensure continuity with rights and recognitions afforded to opposite-sex couples.
3. Conducting an official review of legislative barriers to justice for victims of sexual crimes and domestic violence, including adopting a broader definition of domestic violence in line with the Istanbul Convention.
Thank you.
07/02/2024
PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Belize [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 February 2024.

The UK’s statement during Belize’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered on 29 January 2024.
Thank you, Ms Vice-President,

The United Kingdom welcomes Belize’s progress on the draft Disability Bill, which would, if implemented, provide for greater protection and rights for those with disabilities in Belize.

We also welcome the establishment of a Women Parliamentarians Caucus, progress in the number of women appointed to senior positions in public service, and efforts to empower women through supporting entrepreneurship.

Nonetheless, we are concerned by the very high instances of violence and abuse against women and girls, and call on the authorities to ensure that cases are investigated and where appropriate, prosecuted.

We recommend that Belize:

Significantly steps up efforts to combat violence and abuse against women and girls, in consultation with local women’s right organisations, and provide support to victims.

Abolishes the death penalty and removes it from its legislation.

Adopts and implements inclusive preventative laws and policies that protect vulnerable groups from violence, discrimination and hate.

Thank you.
07/02/2024
PRESS RELEASE : New standards to improve service for all social housing tenants [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 6 February 2024.

Social housing staff will be upskilled to deliver high quality and professional services for tenants in response to evidence heard at the Grenfell Inquiry.

Social housing tenants will receive a fairer and better service from their housing provider, under new plans unveiled by the Government today.

Through new standards set by Government, providers will need to arm their staff with the skills, experience and knowledge to deliver the excellent service that tenants want and deserve.

This comes after a recent survey of social housing residents showed that a quarter were not satisfied that their landlord listens to their views and acts upon them, while a third of the Severe Maladministration findings from the Ombudsman related to poor complaint handling from landlords.

Unacceptable behaviour will be rooted out as part of a cultural overhaul, with social landlords instructed to adopt strict code of conducts that set out how all staff should perform and act towards tenants.

Minister for Social Housing, Baroness Scott said:

Time and again we have seen tenants ignored, dismissed or not taken seriously. Our new competence and conduct standard sends a clear message to social landlords to treat tenants with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Our landmark Social Housing Act is introducing life-changing reforms – giving tenants a louder voice to challenge their landlord and this will allow us to go further, making sure staff are properly trained and qualified to deliver homes that are safe, warm and decent.

Evidence heard at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry exposed the concerning truth that residents did not always receive an acceptable service and were often treated with a lack of respect by members of staff.

Work to address these grievances is already underway as senior managers and executives will have their skills scrutinised closely under stricter measures and they must work towards required qualifications, with all existing staff enrolled within two years under proposed new timescales.

This could include a Chartered Institute of Housing Level 4 certificate, a Level 5 Housing Diploma or in some cases a foundation degree in housing studies.

Gavin Smart, CEO Chartered Institute of Housing said:

We welcome the government’s support for professionalism in the sector, with a focus on competency and conduct, including mandating qualifications for key senior roles. Qualifications are an effective way of ensuring professionals have the required knowledge and skills. But professionalism is more than a qualification; it’s about following a code of conduct and ethics, and displaying the right behaviours, attitudes, and empathy.

The Social Housing (Regulation) Act is now law, meaning the Regulator of Social Housing will have greater authority to undertake more vigorous inspections of providers, and those failing to comply could lose out on future funding under the Affordable Homes Programme.

As part of wider reforms in response to the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law will set strict time limits for landlords and force them to quickly fix dangerous, including damp and mould, identified in people’s homes – with emergency hazards to be repaired within 24 hours.

But the Government recognises there is more to do to improve quality social housing. That is why the Social Housing Quality Resident Panel will be extended to April 2025, bringing together around 250 residents to represent tenants’ views on forthcoming reforms.

A new competence and conduct standard is the latest step in addressing systemic issues identified following the Grenfell Tower fire – not just the safety and quality of social housing but how tenants are treated by their landlords.

07/02/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Deputy Prime Minister hosts first global conference targeting ‘hackers for hire’ and malicious use of commercial cyber tools [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 6 February 2024.

In a speech today, the Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, has called on governments and businesses to address the proliferation of commercial cyber intrusion tools and services by developing better safeguards and oversight.
UK, and France, hosting 35 nations at inaugural conference to tackle proliferation and irresponsible use of commercial cyber intrusion tools and services.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden will launch new international agreement, signed by participants, to take joint-action – the ‘Pall Mall Process’.

States will be joined by big tech leaders, legal experts, and human rights defenders, alongside vendors involved in developing and selling cyber intrusion tools and services.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, will today call on governments and businesses to address the proliferation of commercial cyber intrusion tools and services by developing better safeguards and oversight.

Concerned states, industry and civil society representatives will come together in an inaugural two-day conference. Over the course of the event participants will, for the first time, discuss joint action to address the commercial market for cyber intrusion tools and services and the threat they pose to international security, human rights and the stability of cyberspace.

As well as attendees from over 35 states, representatives from business and tech companies leading in cyber will also be in attendance. This includes companies such as Apple, BAE Systems, Google and Microsoft.

The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) assessment is that the commercial cyber intrusion sector is doubling every ten years. Where these tools are used maliciously, attacks can access victims’ devices, listen to calls, obtain photos and remotely operate a camera and microphone via ‘zero-click’ spyware, meaning no user interaction is needed. The NCSC estimates this is almost certainly happening at scale, with thousands of individuals targeted globally each year.

Further threats include hackers-for-hire carrying out corporate espionage or services and tools being accessed by hostile states and individuals who threaten UK national security.

Responding to this threat, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden will open the conference by announcing the launch of a new international initiative to be signed by participating states and businesses, the Pall Mall Process. Signing the declaration at the conference, states and other attendees will commit to taking joint-action on the issue, including meeting again in Paris in 2025.

While recognising the legitimate role cyber intrusion tools play in keeping the nation safe, such as supporting national security and law enforcement, attendees will consider measures to discourage irresponsible behaviour as well as ways for all parts of the ecosystem to improve accountability, transparency and oversight to protect our collective security and freedoms.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden commented on the event, “As the threat from malicious use of cyber tools grows, working with like-minded partners is essential to tackle an issue which does not respect borders. I am proud that the UK is building on its existing capabilities and taking action as a world-leader on cyber threats and innovation.”

The UK and France are longstanding security partners and have demonstrated their commitment to taking an international approach to the threats posed by developing technologies. At the 2023 UK-France Summit they committed to working together on cyber and later in 2024, France will host the second in-person AI Safety Summit, following the UK’s inaugural Summit in November 2023.

NCSC Director of Operations Paul Chichester said:

The proliferation of commercially available cyber intrusion tools is an enduring issue, with demand for capability to conduct malicious cyber operations growing all the time.

It’s powerful to see such a broad community come together to discuss how we can make the commercial intrusion sector work better for security and society.

We need a thriving global cyber security sector to maintain the integrity of our digital society, and by working together to improve oversight and transparency in how this capability is being developed, sold and used, we can reduce the impact of the threat to us all.
07/02/2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK first major economy to halve emissions [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 6 February 2024.

New official statistics confirm UK has cut emissions by 50% between 1990 and 2022.
- The UK has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% between 1990 and 2022, while growing the economy by nearly 80%
- UK has over-achieved on the third carbon budget
The UK is the first major economy to halve its emissions – having cut them by 50% between 1990 and 2022, while also growing its economy by 79% – new official statistics released today confirm. This compares to a 23% reduction in France and no change in the USA between 1990 and 2021.

With renewables now accounting for more than 40% of the country’s electricity – up from just 7% in 2010, this shows the UK is leading the way on cleaner energy.

These reductions are largely due to cutting emissions from energy generation, through the shift away from using coal to using renewables. In 2012, coal provided almost 40% of UK electricity, but later this year, this will be zero.

The UK is over-delivering on its commitment to reduce emissions, having already slashed emissions by 50%. We have also cut emissions faster than any other G7 country over the last decade. This has allowed us to take a more realistic approach while reaching our green targets, to ease the burden on hardworking families.

But work isn’t stopping here – since September alone companies have announced plans for £30 billion of new investment across the energy sector, including to advance green technologies and support green industries of the future.

Not only has the UK cut emissions faster than any other major economy since 1990, but also has some of the most ambitious legally binding targets. We have also set more stretching targets for 2030 than most countries. We plan to cut emissions by 68% by 2030, which is more than the EU, Japan or the United States.

Today’s statistics also confirmed the UK has over-achieved on the third carbon budget – making this the third carbon budget target in a row for which the UK has over-achieved, as it did for the first and second carbon budgets.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

The UK is the first major economy – of the top 20 countries – to halve its emissions. This is an enormous achievement by itself but also because we have done this in a pragmatic way – growing our economy by 80% at the same time and protecting family finances.

We have also increased our renewables electricity generation from just 7% in 2010 to nearly 50% now.

With some of the most ambitious targets in the world, we should be proud that we’ve over-achieved on our carbon budget for the third time in a row. We will continue to meet out targets but in a pragmatic way that doesn’t clobber extra costs onto hard working families.

Today’s publication covers greenhouse gas emissions statistics up to 2022, and show total greenhouse gas emissions were 50% lower in 2022 than in 1990. Despite rises in some sectors from 2021 levels, as the UK continued to recover from COVID-19, 2022 saw an overall fall in greenhouse gas emissions in the UK – with a decrease of 3.5% from 2021, and 9.3% lower when compared to 2019, the most recent pre-pandemic year.

These statistics show the UK is making significant progress towards net zero. While statistics from recent years remain impacted by the unprecedented economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the long-term trend shows that UK is rapidly driving down emissions – meeting and exceeding its carbon targets.
07/02/2024
PRESS RELEASE : New data sharing powers save taxpayers £137 million since introduction [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 6 February 2024.

The government will retain data sharing powers introduced in the Digital Economy Act (2017) after a statutory review published today finds they have saved taxpayers at least £137 million since coming into force.
- The government will today announce that it is retaining the Digital Economy Act (2017) following a statutory review of the legislation.
- The statutory review finds the Act has enabled more than 100 data sharing pilots across 70 local authorities and 17 government departments or agencies.
- Baroness Neville-Rolfe hailed the decision as “a vital step that will help to keep public money safe for years to come.”
The government will retain data sharing powers introduced in the Digital Economy Act (2017) after a statutory review published today finds they have saved taxpayers at least £137 million since coming into force.

The Act was introduced to provide a permissive legal gateway for data sharing between public bodies in order to combat fraud against the public sector and reduce debt owed to the public sector.

The statutory review shows the powers have enabled more than 100 data sharing pilots across 70 local authorities and 17 government departments or agencies since 2018. These pilots typically involve public bodies pooling and comparing datasets to identify anomalies that indicate suspicious activity.

Savings of £137 million were identified through a number of pilots enabled by the Digital Economy Act, including:
- £99.5 million of fraud was identified in Covid-19 loan schemes through an ongoing pilot run by the Cabinet Office on behalf of HM Treasury, the Department for Business and Trade, and the British Business Bank – the Covid-19 Loan Schemes Fraud Analytics Programme – using HM Revenue and Customs data to identify companies who have misrepresented their trading status, such as annual turnover, to fraudulently receive loans;
- £14.9 million of fraud was identified in council tax and housing benefit systems by the National Fraud Initiative, who compared 20 million local authority records with data from HM Revenue and Customs;
- £5.1 million of fraud was identified in shadow company accounts by using data from HM Revenue and Customs to identify companies fraudulently misstating their accounting and corporate practices to avoid paying tax; and
- £5 million of overdue council tax was recovered by 29 local authorities using data from HM Revenue and Customs to identify debt owed by those in employment.
The statutory review is based on a formal consultation into the effectiveness of the legislation and evidence from completed data sharing pilots. It was commissioned to fulfil a requirement to review sections of the Act to ensure it works effectively. The review had been due to take place in 2021 but was delayed by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Based on the conclusions of the review, Baroness Neville-Rolfe has decided to retain the fraud and debt powers in the Digital Economy Act, rather than amend or repeal them. The government will today simultaneously lay a report summarising the conclusions of the statutory review in the UK Parliament, Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, and Northern Ireland Assembly.

An overwhelming majority (95%) of consultation respondents who have used powers said they were useful to combat fraud. Already, four of the pilots have been converted to standard practice, with plans for further pilots to be converted, including onboarding over 300 local authorities to a scheme identifying overdue council tax.

The consultation found respondents had no privacy concerns about the new powers. This finding backs up a recent report published by the Information Commissioner’s Office which concluded the Digital Economy Act has mechanisms in place to ensure robust scrutiny is applied to all data sharing agreements.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister of State, Cabinet Office, said:

Retaining the Digital Economy Act – rather than allowing it to sunset – is a vital step that will help to keep public money safe for years to come. The review we have conducted shows that data sharing between public bodies saves taxpayers millions, which is why increasing the integration of data across the public sector is a priority for this government.

Through the Public Sector Fraud Authority we are already stepping up our fight on fraudsters using these powers – and there is still more work to do as we take the long-term decisions to build a brighter future for Britain.

The statutory review into the Digital Economy Act was overseen by the Public Sector Fraud Authority, which was set up by Rishi Sunak in 2022 as part of a step change in the way the government fights fraud against the public sector. In its first year of operation, the Authority far surpassed its initial savings target of £180 million, delivering total savings of £311 million for taxpayers, according to figures released in its 2022-23 Annual Report.

Mark Cheeseman, Chief Executive, Public Sector Fraud Authority, said:

To fight fraud, we need to continually challenge ourselves to use data and technology to its fullest extent in an ethical manner. These powers, and their use, have delivered significant savings for the taxpayer by supporting public bodies to prevent, detect and recover money stolen by fraudsters.

The Public Sector Fraud Authority will continue to challenge itself, and the public sector to use the latest data and analytics tools to find and prevent fraud against the public sector.
07/02/2024
PRESS RELEASE : We condemn the multiple attacks by Iran-aligned militant groups in Syria and Iraq – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 February 2024.

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

Thank you, President and Under Secretary General DiCarlo for your briefing.

The United Kingdom fully supports all efforts to maintain and enhance international peace and security, including in Iraq and Syria. We are committed to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.

We condemn the multiple attacks since October 2023, by Iran-aligned militant groups against the Global Coalition and Iraqi military bases in Syria and Iraq. Despite warnings, those strikes have continued and intensified, with an attack on 26 January killing three American personnel and injuring many more. We fully support the US right to self-defence and their right to respond.

Daesh continue to pose a grave threat to those countries and to the wider region and conducted its biggest attack in years last month in Iran. Its ability to direct, enable and inspire attacks continues to represent one of the most significant global terrorist threats and the sole objective of the Global Coalition, of which the UK is a leading member, is to counter Daesh.

The UK remains committed to working with our counter terror partners in Iraq and Syria to tackle the threat from Daesh and prevent their resurgence.

President, Iran’s political, financial and military support to militant groups is destabilising the region and threatens our collective ability to counter Daesh. So, we call on the regime to rein these groups in and act now to prevent further attacks by its proxies and partners in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. As I said earlier, we are committed to de-escalation of regional tension.

President, the Houthis’ continued attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea are illegal and unacceptable.

This Council is clear in resolution 2722 that we condemn Houthi attacks and call on them to stop. This Council has supported international efforts to enhance protection of shipping in the Red Sea.

Our actions and presence in the Red Sea is designed to protect innocent lives, preserve freedom of navigation and deter further attacks on shipping. We acted alongside our US allies, and with the support of many international partners, in self-defence and in accordance with the rule of law.

We are committed to working with all members of this Council and the international community to protect international peace and security in the Middle East and throughout the world.

Thank you.

05/02/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Key step for UK-Saudi defence relationship [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 February 2024.

Ministers progress talks on new strategic partnership during meetings at the World Defense Show in Riyadh.
- Decades-long defence relationship between the UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deepen following bilateral meetings
- Ministers agree to continue work towards building a partnership to explore development of advanced new weapons systems, including precision-guided missiles and armoured vehicles
The defence relationship between the UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has deepened, after the Defence Secretary and Minister for Defence Procurement met their counterparts in Riyadh, where they agreed to progress work on creating a partnership to develop advanced new capabilities.

Alongside bilateral meetings at the World Defence Show, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, met their counterparts, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud and His Excellency Talal Al-Otaibi, to discuss ways in which both countries could combine industry expertise and capabilities.

Further bilateral engagement will continue to build on our strategic defence partnership through equipment collaboration, the exchange of ideas, joint training and doctrine, industrialisation, and human capital development.

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

In an increasingly contested world, where we can no longer rely on a peace dividend and must be prepared to respond to growing threats, reinforcing our key defence relationships with allies and partners is more important than ever.

The UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share a decades-long defence partnership, founded in mutual security interest, reliable UK support, and longstanding industrial collaboration.

We will continue working to build our relationship even further, strengthening and deepening our collaboration for the future.

A particular focus for planned collaboration will be land-based systems including air defence capabilities and armoured vehicles, and uncrewed aerial systems along with complex weapons including precision-guided missiles.

This would be achieved through the creation of a Strategic Capability Partnership Committee, with a focus on developing cooperation in equipment and industry, research and development, and training.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

This is a significant moment as we work towards laying a foundation for closer collaboration between the UK and Saudi Arabia, drawing on the expertise of our defence industries.

Strengthening our relationship in the long term will invigorate the UK defence industry, and allow us to go even further in building the advanced new capabilities which will keep us safe from the threats of the future.

The UK and KSA share a decades-long defence partnership, founded in mutual security interest, reliable UK support and longstanding industrial collaboration.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Defence Secretary to hold bilateral meetings with his counterpart, and to reaffirm the relationship between both countries.
05/02/2024