Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Appointments to Parades Commission for Northern Ireland [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 13 October 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland invites applications for the appointment of chair and five new members to the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland.

The appointment of the Chair and four of the Commissioners will be made with effect from 1 January 2024 and a further appointment will be made with effect from 1 April 2024.

Further details of the positions and application pack can be found at:

https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles

Alternatively, the application can be obtained by email to PCNI2023@nio.gov.uk. This information can be made available, on request, in other formats.

The closing date for applications is 29 October 2023. Completed applications should be sent by email to: PCNI2023@nio.gov.uk.

Equality of Opportunity

Appointments will be made on merit and with regard to the equality provisions set out in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Sex offender Michael King ordered to spend longer in prison [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 13 October 2023.

A convicted sex offender has been ordered to spend longer in prison after his case was reviewed by the Court of Appeal.

Michael King (57), from East London, has seen his prison sentence for multiple sexual offences increase to 19 years after the Solicitor General referred his conviction as being unduly lenient.

King was sentenced on 14 July 2023 at St Albans Crown Court to 16 years, plus an extended licence period of 4 years.

He was convicted of having sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, attempted sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, indecency with a child, and indecent assault.

The court heard the offences were committed in the early 1990s when the offender was 25 and the victim was nine or 10.

Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson KC MP, said:

The offender is a dangerous predator who preyed on a child for his own sexual gratification. I was appalled by this case and the court has rightfully concluded that he should serve longer behind bars.

On Thursday 12 October 2023, the Court of Appeal increased King’s sentence to 19 years after it was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. His four-year extended license remained unchanged

On 16 May 2023, King was convicted after a trial of seven counts of having sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, contrary to section 5 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956; attempting to commit such an offence; four counts of indecency with a child, contrary to section 1 of the Indecency with Children Act 1960; and three counts of indecent assault, contrary to section 14 of the 1956 Act.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 October 2023.

The Prime Minister met with the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Sweden today.

Discussing the situation in Israel, the leaders condemned the barbaric terror attacks and reflected on the profound implication they had for Israel and the region.

They also underscored the importance of avoiding wider regional escalation and taking steps to ensure that humanitarian concerns were addressed.

It was vital to ensure Jewish communities across Europe felt supported and safe following the recent events, the leaders added.

Discussing Ukraine, the Prime Minister updated on UK support and welcomed Denmark’s strong contribution to the fast jet coalition. They reiterated the importance of continuing to work together to deliver fast jet capability to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

Reflecting on the strength of the UK – Denmark relationship, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to deepening ties between the two countries.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Homes England’s Director of Affordable Housing Grants to retire after 32-year housing career [October 2023]
The press release issued by Housing England on 13 October 2023.

Jackie Jacob has played a critical role in the provision of affordable homes across the country.

Jackie Jacob, Homes England’s Director of Affordable Housing Grants, is to retire in December following a 32-year career with the Agency and its predecessor organisations.

Throughout her career Jackie has worked tirelessly to drive and improve the provision of affordable housing across England, supporting local authorities, housing associations and the wider housing sector including a considerable period in the late 90s with the regulator.

She has played a key part in the delivery of hundreds of thousands of quality, safe, permanent homes to help people in temporary or challenging accommodation conditions.

Jackie has stewarded more than £20 billion in grant funding over the last 15 years alone, delivering thousands of much needed affordable homes each year, with over 90,000 since the beginning of 2020 alone.

Homes England Chief Executive Peter Denton said:

Jackie’s unsurpassed passion and dedication to the sector has translated into a life changing impact on countless individuals and families. Over many years I have seen first-hand her skill in translating policy and strategy into the human, delivering social justice by providing more homes for more people where they are most needed.

I am sad she is leaving, but I wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement. What is wonderful is her approach is infectious and she leaves behind an excellent team who share her dedication. We have now commenced the search for the right person to take on Jackie’s mantle, one of the most important roles in housing.

Jackie added:

After an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career in the affordable housing sector and 32 years at Homes England I am announcing my retirement. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved at Homes England and look forward to seeing the work of the Agency, in the years ahead.

I would like to thank my team for their hard work and dedication in providing the tools our partners need to deliver more affordable homes for those who need them, and I have no doubt they will continue their fantastic work. It has been a pleasure and a privilege working with a wide range of talented people from across the sector.

Notes to Editors:
- In the late 90s and early 2000s Jackie held senior roles in the affordable housing sector with a focus on housing regulation and investment in London, delivering major housing projects in the capital. In the lead up to devolution in London, she stayed in the region to help support the transition as the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) powers In London transferred to the Greater London Authority
- During the 2008 market downturn, Jackie played a key role in advising the government and the wider sector on possible interventions and helping to deliver the Agency’s response to stabilise the housing market.
- Throughout her career Jackie has been involved in the design and management of multiple Affordable Homes Programmes and other grant and loan programmes. Alongside the main AHP this includes Help to Buy, Custom Build, Affordable Housing Guarantees, Community Led Housing, Move On Fund, and more recently the Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme, her input has been instrumental.
- Recruitment for the new Director for Affordable Housing Grant is now underway.
About Homes England

As the government’s housing and regeneration agency we believe that affordable, quality homes in well-designed places are key to improving people’s lives. We make this happen by using our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to both – bring investment to communities and get more quality homes built.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister deploys UK military to Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel [October 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 October 2023.

The Prime Minister has deployed UK military to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel and reinforce regional stability.
Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft to begin patrols today to help partners track emerging threats to regional security.

Royal Navy task group to deploy to eastern Mediterranean in coming days to help mitigate humanitarian crisis

Military teams bolstered across the region as cooperation with Israel is stepped up

The Prime Minister has directed UK military assets to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, reinforce regional stability and prevent escalation.

Maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft will begin flying in the region from Friday to track threats to regional stability such as the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups.

Meanwhile, a Royal Navy task group will be moved to the eastern Mediterranean next week as a contingency measure to support humanitarian efforts.

The military package, which includes P8 aircraft, surveillance assets, two Royal Navy ships – RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus – three merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines, will be on standby to deliver practical support to Israel and partners in the region, and offer deterrence and assurance.

The Prime Minister has also asked for all military teams in Israel, Cyprus and across the region to be bolstered to support contingency planning and the efforts of neighbouring countries to deal with any spill over from instability in Israel.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spoke to the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, today to understand the wider regional picture and underscore the importance of supporting civilians to leave Gaza.

He also thanked President al-Sisi for Egypt’s assistance in helping British nationals in the area.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

We must be unequivocal in making sure the types of horrific scenes we have seen this week will not be repeated. Alongside our allies, the deployment of our world class military will support efforts to ensure regional stability and prevent further escalation.

Our military and diplomatic teams across the region will also support international partners to re-establish security and ensure humanitarian aid reaches the thousands of innocent victims of this barbaric attack from Hamas terrorists.

The Prime Minister is due to speak to northern European leaders about the situation in Israel at the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Sweden on Friday. They are expected to discuss the vital need to work with partners across the Middle East to support stability, while simultaneously remaining focussed on backing Ukraine’s defence against Russia.

He will also visit British warship HMS Diamond while in Gotland, Sweden, which is on patrol in northern Europe to reinforce security in the region. While on board, the Prime Minister will hear about the capabilities of Diamond’s sister ship, HMS Duncan, which is deployed in the Mediterranean with NATO.

The package of military support, which will work alongside allies already in the region, is a significant demonstration of the UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence and will allow the UK to adapt to the needs of partners as the situation evolves over the coming weeks.

The step change comes after the Prime Minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, and the Defence Secretary discussed the situation with his NATO counterparts in Brussels.

The Foreign Secretary visited Israel to see first hand the destruction Hamas terrorists have caused and to understand how the UK can support the efforts of the Israeli Government to ensure the safety and security of the Israeli people.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

The monstrous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas in recent days have proven why the UK must support Israel’s absolute right to self-defence and deter malign external interference. No nation should stand alone in the face of such evil and today’s deployment will ensure Israel does not.

The Royal Navy Task Group, RAF operations and our wider military support will be an undeniable display of the UK’s resolve to ensure Hamas’s terrorist campaign fails, whilst reminding those who seek to inflame tensions that the forces of freedom stand with the Israeli people.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will facilitate commercial flights to help vulnerable British nationals wanting to leave Israel.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Indo-Pacific Minister boosts climate and technology collaboration with India [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

The focus is on climate and technology cooperation as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan visits India.
- Minister for the Indo-Pacific will unveil UK-India tech initiative in Chennai in boost to environmental collaboration
- Anne-Marie Trevelyan will launch new smart tech project and visit ocean technology centre, in trip focused on climate innovation
- visiting the state-of-the-art Larsen and Toubro (L&T) shipyard, Minister Trevelyan will discuss the electrification of naval fleets and closer maritime security ties
Announcing 2 new technology initiatives, aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing action on climate change, UK Minister for the Indo Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan will arrive in Chennai, Southern India today (13 October). The visit will strengthen the UK’s bilateral ties with India by deepening environmental cooperation and exploring cutting edge technologies, including on climate innovation.

During the 3-day trip from 13 to 15 October, the Minister will announce 2 new technology partnerships with India that respond to global sustainability challenges. The projects will boost joint UK-India business innovation, crucial to the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the UK’s economy.

Minister Trevelyan will visit the National Institute of Ocean Technology for insights into India’s deep-sea programs, marine systems, and vessel management. The Minister will then meet Tamil Nadu’s Environment Forest and Climate Change Secretary and learn about UK’s partnership with Tamil Nadu on climate, including the Climate Compatible Growth Programme. At Anna University’s Climate Studio, the Minister will see the unique climate modelling systems on weather forecasting and rainfall prediction.

To reaffirm the UK’s commitment to regional security, Minister Trevelyan will tour Indian manufacturing company Larsen and Toubro’s state-of-the art shipyard at Kattuppalli. Last year the UK and India formed an Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (EPCP), bringing together expertise from the Royal Navy and UK industry with that of the Indian Navy and Larsen and Toubro. The partnership will be at the centre of industry innovation on the electrification of warships.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

The UK and India are close partners, joining together our unique expertise to work towards a shared goal: increasing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our collaboration on a range of issues, including climate change, technology and maritime security, is crucial for addressing global challenges and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Minister Trevelyan will launch the UK supported “Smart district” project, alongside Tamil Nadu’s IT Minister, Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. This initiative will help respond to global sustainability challenges, by piloting the placement of sensors throughout the district to collect real-time data on water and waste management, and environmental quality. These sensors will identify patterns and trends to help inform decision making on resource allocation and management.

Returning to Chennai, the Minister will speak to Chevening alumni working in gender and women’s participation.

Minister Trevelyan’s visit forms part of UK’s long-term commitment to the region. Ensuring a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific is a key priority for the UK, which is reflected in recent visits to the region by the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly.

During a visit to the G20 in India last month, the Prime Minister strengthened regional trade ties and forged new partnerships to deliver jobs, growth and security for the British people. In meetings with India’s Prime Minister Modi, the leaders reflected on the close and growing ties between the UK and India, exemplified in the ‘living bridge’ between our people.
October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new support to Morocco following earthquake [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

UK is supporting Morocco with a contribution of up to £1.45 million to support Moroccan–led recovery following last month’s earthquake.

FCDO Minister of State, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, has announced up to £1.45 million to support Moroccan-led recovery following the devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Marrakech–Safi region on 8 September.

The new funding will help address both immediate needs and support longer-term development in the communities most affected, in line with Morocco’s 5-year recovery plan.

In addition to support to health services and shelter, this will expand collaboration with farmers and cooperatives to bring high quality local agricultural products to market, whilst protecting local biodiversity.

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

Seeing first-hand how the Moroccan people have got back on their feet following the devastating earthquake last month, I’m full of admiration for their strength and resilience.

The UK is always willing to help our friends in need and the additional £1.45million announced today will help support Moroccans as they rebuild their lives.

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth said:

The UK is committed to supporting Morocco following the devastating earthquake last month and this new funding will help the Moroccan–led recovery.

The UK-Morocco partnership is thriving and we stand ready to provide further support.

Today’s announcement comes in the week that Marrakech hosts the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, with Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt both attending.

As part of his bilateral visit programme today, Minister Mitchell will meet UK and other NGOs supporting the Moroccan response including representatives from Global Diversity Foundation (GDF), a Lead Partner on Defra’s Darwin Initiative challenge fund.

GDF, in partnership with Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (MBLA), were already working in coordination with local authorities to support sustainable agriculture in the region. They will continue and expand this longstanding partnership, working with farmers and cooperatives in the affected areas to bring high quality local agricultural products to market, whilst conserving local biodiversity and enabling communities recover from the earthquake.

The Chancellor will visit Le Trou Au Mur, a British-run restaurant in Marrakech’s Medina, to meet with the owner and other British business people who have contributed to the earthquake relief effort.

The UK’s International Search and Rescue Team (UK-ISAR) were deployed immediately after the earthquake last month and supported the Moroccan’s authorities’ search and rescue efforts in remote areas of the Atlas Mountains, near the epicentre of the earthquake. The team provided a range of services, from searching for survivors among the rubble to helping vulnerable people to leave buildings at risk of collapse.

In addition to the ISAR team, the UK deployed the UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT) which assessed immediate and longer term needs to inform the response.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister Kristersson of Sweden [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 October 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson ahead of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Summit in Gotland today.

Meeting onboard HMS Diamond, the Prime Minister thanked the Swedish Prime Minister for hosting the summit. The leaders discussed the Strategic Partnership they will sign later this afternoon, and the Prime Minister said it showed how the friendship between the UK and Sweden had accelerated and deepened in recent years.

Discussing shared European challenges such as energy security and illegal migration, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together to find common solutions.

Reflecting on the war in Ukraine, the leaders reiterated the international community’s steadfast support for Ukrainian sovereignty. They discussed how partners could continue to most effectively support Ukraine’s progress, including in the Black Sea.

The leaders also discussed the situation in Israel. The Prime Minister updated on the UK’s military package deploying to the region in the coming days. The Royal Navy ships and RAF aircraft would support partners throughout the region to promote stability, he added. Both leaders agreed on the importance of the international community working together to relieve any humanitarian impact.

The leaders looked forward to speaking to their JEF partners later in the day.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : More than 100,000 incidents of alleged war crimes committed during the Ukraine conflict – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

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

Thank you, President, we’d like to thank Mr. Ebo for his very helpful briefing.

Russia has given many excuses in this Council about what its illegal war of aggression was supposed to achieve.

Russia claims its invasion was defensive, and was born of a desire to protect rights enshrined in the UN charter.

It claimed it was about Denazification.

But now, Russia’s real plan for peace, almost 600 days into its 3 day special operation, is quite clear.

Last week, after relentless Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, President Putin said that the Ukrainian economy and military would collapse ‘within a week’ without the assistance of other States.

This is the ‘resolution’ that Russia is striving for – the complete submission of a UN member state.

Russia claims that it is Western support that stands in its way.

But, much as we are proud to assist Ukraine, it is in fact, the courage and unity of the Ukrainian people that will ensure that Russia fails and that Ukraine will prevail.

And the reality is this. Russia’s war has already been a failure. A historically shameful one.

The Ukrainian people know too well what Russian conquest would mean for them.

There have been more than 100,000 incidents of alleged war crimes committed during the conflict, including the murder and torture of civilians, and unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure with explosive weapons.

There has been torture, sexual and gender-based violence by Russian forces that the UN and other international bodies have documented extensively.

And the sham referenda have shown that for Russia, a people’s right to self-determination is found only at the tip of a Russian bayonet.

At the same time, the callous sacrifice of many thousands of Russian troops has made clear the value the Russian government places on its own people.

International assistance to Ukraine is not what is prolonging this war.

The fact is, Russia’s military objectives are unachievable.

Ukrainians will rightly continue to fight fiercely to defend their land for as long as it takes.

And the world is united in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

That will not change.

International assistance to Russia however, is illegal and immoral.

That is why Russia is relying on heavily sanctioned States such as Iran and DPRK for help with procuring arms.

Iranian drones in Russian hands have killed civilians and caused vast economic damage across Ukraine.

Russia is negotiating deals for huge numbers of weapons from the DPRK to be used against Ukraine.

In turn, the DPRK seeks military technology to bolster its own illegal weapons programme, further destabilising the region.

These deals are a serious risk to international peace and security and violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions, for which Russia itself voted.

President, the Russian Ambassador said we hadn’t proposed any solutions.

We have, and I’ll do it again.

To start with, Russia should end its illegal invasion and withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s sovereign territory.

It’s not complicated.

It’s what the General Assembly and International Court of Justice have demanded.

A just and lasting peace can be achieved through the broad principles set out by President Zelenskyy based on the UN charter.

International support for his initiative is growing, and the UK is proud to support those efforts.

October 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Major commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 October 2023.

The MOD will support major events to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June 2024.

The Ministry of Defence will work with veterans’ charities and memorials to host major commemorations on the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings next year.

Veterans of the Normandy campaign will be at the heart of official events on the 80th anniversary of D-Day: 6 June 2024.

They are invited to register with the Royal British Legion to express their interest in attending the commemorations.

The commemorative events will allow communities to come together to pay respect to those who died during the Normandy Landings and remember the sacrifices of those who took part in the operation.

On D-Day, 6 June 1944, the United Kingdom, the United States and their allies launched a combined naval, air and land assault on Nazi-occupied France.

By the end of the day the allies had established a foothold along the French coast to begin their costly advance to liberate northwest Europe, finally achieving victory over the Nazis a year later.

For the first time, the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, Normandy, will host commemorations for a major anniversary of D-Day.

The memorial was part-funded by the UK Government and was inaugurated by President Macron of France and Prime Minister Theresa May during commemorations for the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019.

Events will also take place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery in Normandy, the final resting place of 4,144 members of British and Commonwealth service personnel who died during the Normandy Landings.

The Ministry of Defence will also support the traditional anniversary service at Bayeux Cathedral.

Members of the Armed Forces will lead the commemorations in June 2024 as veterans and special guests meet to remember those who gave their lives for the liberation of Europe during the Second World War.

The events will bring the UK and its allies together to remember our shared history as we recommit to working together to protect peace and security today.

Members of the public will be included in a campaign of events, tributes and broadcasts to ensure the whole country can pay respect to the fallen of D-Day.

More information about the commemorations will be announced next year.

October 20, 2023