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  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister launches new AI Safety Institute [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister launches new AI Safety Institute [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 November 2023.

    World’s first AI Safety Institute launched in UK, tasked with testing the safety of emerging types of AI.

    • Government’s plan for the AI Safety Institute unveiled to cement the UK’s position as a world leader in AI safety
    • new hub will help spur international collaboration on AI’s safe development, with leading AI companies and nations including the US, Singapore and Google DeepMind agreeing to partner with the institute
    • the AI Safety Institute puts the UK’s leading Frontier AI Taskforce on a permanent footing, following two days of praise for its work on AI safety

    A new global hub based in the UK and tasked with testing the safety of emerging types of AI has been backed by leading AI companies and nations, as the world’s first AI Safety Institute launches today (2 November).

    After four months of building the first team inside a G7 Government that can evaluate the risks of frontier AI models, it has been confirmed today that the Frontier AI Taskforce will now evolve to become the AI Safety Institute, with Ian Hogarth continuing as its Chair. The External Advisory Board for the Taskforce, made up of industry heavyweights from national security to computer science, will now advise the new global hub.

    The Institute will carefully test new types of frontier AI before and after they are released to address the potentially harmful capabilities of AI models, including exploring all the risks, from social harms like bias and misinformation, to the most unlikely but extreme risk, such as humanity losing control of AI completely. In undertaking this research, the AI Safety Institute will look to work closely with the Alan Turing Institute, as the national institute for data science and AI.

    In launching the AI Safety Institute, the UK is continuing to cement its position as a world leader in AI safety, working to develop the most advanced AI protections of any country in the world and giving the British people peace of mind that the countless benefits of AI can be safely captured for future generations to come.

    World leaders and major AI companies have today expressed their support for the Institute as the world’s first AI Safety Summit concludes. From Japan and Canada to OpenAI and DeepMind, the collective backing of key players will strengthen international collaboration on the safe development of frontier AI – putting the UK in prime position to become the home of AI safety and lead the world in seizing its enormous benefits.

    Leading researchers at the Alan Turing Institute and Imperial College London have also welcomed the Institute’s launch, alongside representatives of the tech sector in TechUK and the Startup Coalition.

    Already, the UK has agreed two partnerships: with the US AI Safety Institute, and with the Government of Singapore to collaborate on AI safety testing – two of the world’s biggest AI powers.

    Deepening the UK’s stake and influence in this transformative technology, it will also advance the world’s knowledge of AI safety – with the Prime Minister committing to invest in its safe development for the rest of the decade, as part of the Government’s record investment into R&D.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    Our AI Safety Institute will act as a global hub on AI safety, leading on vital research into the capabilities and risks of this fast-moving technology.

    It is fantastic to see such support from global partners and the AI companies themselves to work together so we can ensure AI develops safely for the benefit of all our people. This is the right approach for the long-term interests of the UK.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan said:

    The AI Safety Institute will be an international standard bearer. With the backing of leading AI nations, it will help policymakers across the globe in gripping the risks posed by the most advanced AI capabilities, so that we can maximise the enormous benefits.

    We have spoken at length about the Summit at Bletchley Park being a starting point, and as we reach the final day of discussions, I am enormously encouraged by the progress we have made and the lasting processes we have set in motion.

    The launch of the AI Safety Institute marks the UK’s contribution to the collaboration on AI safety testing agreed by world leaders and the companies developing frontier AI at a session in Bletchley Park this afternoon.

    New details revealed today, as governments from across the globe gathered for a second day of talks, set out the body’s mission to prevent surprise to the UK and humanity from rapid and unexpected advances in AI. Ahead of new powerful models expected to be released next year whose capabilities may not be fully understood, its first task will be to quickly put in place the processes and systems to test them before they launch – including open-source models.

    From its research informing UK and international policymaking, to providing technical tools for governance and regulation – such as the ability to analyse data being used to train these systems for bias – it will see the government take action to make sure AI developers are not marking their own homework when it comes to safety.

    AI Safety Institute Chair Ian Hogarth, said:

    The support of international governments and companies is an important validation of the work we’ll be carrying out to advance AI safety and ensure its responsible development.

    Through the AI Safety Institute, we will play an important role in rallying the global community to address the challenges of this fast-moving technology.

    Researchers are already in place to head up the work of the Institute who will be provided with access to the compute needed to support their work. This includes making use of the new AI Research Resource, an expanding £300 million network that will include some of Europe’s largest super computers, increasing the UK’s AI super compute capacity by a factor of thirty.

    It follows the UK Government’s announcement yesterday of additional investment in Bristol’s “Isambard-AI” and a new computer called “Dawn” in Cambridge, that researchers will be able to access at the same time to boost their research and make AI safe. The AI Safety Institute will have priority access to this cutting-edge supercomputer to help develop its programme of research into the safety of frontier AI models and supporting government with this analysis.

    It comes as government representatives were joined by CEOs of leading AI companies and a number of civil society leaders earlier today to discuss the year ahead and consider what immediate steps are needed – by countries, companies, and other stakeholders – to ensure the safety of frontier AI.

    As the final day of talks come to a close at Bletchley Park, the AI Safety Summit has already laid the foundations for talks on frontier AI safety to be an enduring discussion with South Korea set to host next year.

    Further information:

    Notes for editors:

    U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said:

    I welcome the United Kingdom’s announcement to establish an AI Safety Institute, which will work together in lockstep with the U.S. AI Safety Institute to ensure the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of advanced AI. AI is the defining technology of our generation, carrying both enormous potential and profound risk. Our coordinated efforts through these institutes is only the beginning of actions to facilitate the development of safety standards, build testing capabilities for advanced AI models, and to expand information-sharing, research collaboration, interoperability, and policy alignment across the globe on AI safety.

    Singapore Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo said:

    The rapid acceleration of AI investment, deployment and capabilities will bring enormous opportunities for productivity and public good. We believe that governments have an obligation to ensure that AI is deployed safely. We agree with the principle that governments should develop capabilities to test the safety of frontier AI systems. Following the MoUs on Emerging Technologies and Data Cooperation signed by Singapore and the UK earlier this year, we have agreed to collaborate directly with the UK to build capabilities and tools for evaluating frontier AI models. This will involve a partnership between Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority and the UK’s new AI Safety Institute. The objective is to build a shared understanding of the risks posed by frontier AI. We look forward to working together with the UK to build shared technical and research expertise to meet this goal.

    Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne said:

    Canada welcomes the launch of the UK’s AI Safety Institute. Our government looks forward to working with the UK and leveraging the exceptional Canadian AI knowledge and expertise, including the knowledge developed by our AI institutes to support the safe and responsible development of AI.

    The Government of Japan said:

    The Japanese Government appreciate the UK’s leadership in holding the AI Safety Summit and welcomes the UK initiative to establish the UK AI Safety Institute. We look forward to working with the UK and other partners on AI safety issues toward achieving safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.

    The German Government said:

    Germany is interestedly taking notice of the foundation of the AI Safety Institute and is looking forward to exploring possibilities of cooperation.

    CEO of Amazon Web Services Adam Selipsky said:

    We commend the launch of the UK AI Safety Institute. As one of the world’s leading developers and deployers of AI tools and services, Amazon is committed to collaborating with government and industry in the UK and around the world to support the safe, secure, and responsible development of AI technology. We are dedicated to driving innovation on behalf of our customers and consumers, while also establishing and implementing the necessary safeguards to protect them.

    CEO & co-founder of Anthropic Dario Amodei said:

    While AI promises significant societal benefits, it also poses a range of potential harms. Critical to managing these risks is government capacity to measure and monitor the capability and safety characteristics of AI models. The AI Safety Institute is poised to play an important role in promoting independent evaluations across the spectrum of risks and advancing fundamental safety research. We welcome its establishment and look forward to partnering closely to advance safe and responsible AI.

    CEO & co-founder of Google DeepMind Demis Hassabis said:

    AI can help solve some of the most critical challenges of our time, from curing disease to addressing the climate crisis. But it will also present new challenges for the world and we must ensure the technology is built and deployed safely. Getting this right will take a collective effort from governments, industry and civil society to inform and develop robust safety tests and evaluations. I’m excited to see the UK launch the AI Safety Institute to accelerate progress on this vital work.

    CEO & co-founder of Inflection Mustafa Suleyman said:

    We welcome the Prime Minister’s leadership in establishing the UK AI Safety Institute and look forward to collaborating to ensure the world reaps the benefit of safe AI.

    President of Global Affairs at Meta Sir Nick Clegg said:

    Everyone has a responsibility to ensure AI is built and deployed responsibly to create social and economic opportunities for all. We look forward to working with the new Institute to deepen understanding of the technology, and help develop effective and workable benchmarks to evaluate models. It’s vital that we establish ways to assess and address the current challenges AI presents, as well as the potential risks from technology that does not yet exist.

    Vice Chair and President of Microsoft Brad Smith said:

    We applaud the UK Government’s creation of an AI Safety Institute with its own testing capacity for safety and security. Microsoft is committed to supporting the new Institute and to advancing the close collaboration that will be needed among governments, with industry, and with academic researchers and across civil society. These new steps will be vital to ensuring that innovation and safety move forward together.

    CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman said:

    The UK AI Safety Institute is poised to make important contributions in progressing the science of the measurement and evaluation of frontier system risks. Such work is integral to our mission – ensuring that artificial general intelligence is safe and benefits all of humanity – and we look forward to working with the Institute in this effort.

    Dr Jean Innes, CEO of The Alan Turing Institute, said:

    AI has immense potential to do good, but in order to realise the benefits our societies must be confident that risks are being addressed. We welcome the AI Safety Institute which will generate further momentum in this global endeavour, and we look forward to collaborating in the weeks and months ahead, helping to leverage the Turing’s expertise alongside the science and innovation capabilities of the UK’s universities, research community and wider AI ecosystem, building on the country’s strong track record of delivering work on AI safety, ethics and standards.

    Executive Director of Startup Coalition Dom Hallas said:

    We’re proud to see the UK take this critical step in its work on AI safety because a well-rounded approach to the issues at hand is vital to the AI ecosystem. When partnered with the UK’s other initiatives – and hopefully future ones that tackle talent, compute, and investment – that all focus on safe scaling and AI adoption, the UK is well on its way to creating a state capacity unlike any of our international competitors. Nailing the fundamentals of AI safety and building the regulatory capacity to keep up with the rate of innovation are large steps. When coupled with a well-rounded approach that tackles the needs of our AI startups and scaleups, the AI Safety Institute will help ensure the UK and its businesses’ places as global AI leaders.

    Julian David, CEO of techUK, said:

    techUK welcomes the establishment of the AI Safety Institute which will carry forward the UK’s pioneering work on Frontier AI. We are pleased that the Institute will have three clear objectives: to develop and conduct evaluations on advanced AI systems; to drive foundational AI safety research; and to facilitate information exchange. These are important but complex tasks and it is vital that the Institute has access to the compute capacity and skills that it will need.The diplomatic effort invested in the AI Safety Summit should help to ensure that the Institute is well placed to build further international collaboration on frontier AI. We look forward to working with the AI Safety Institute to facilitate industry collaboration in this important area.

    Professor Mary Ryan, Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise), Imperial College London said:

    The new UK AI Safety Institute is an important step in our understanding of AI risks. Universities will play a critical role with the new Institute in the UK AI ecosystem – accelerating innovation from foundational to applied AI. Only by combining deep technical and academic expertise together with that of industry and policymakers, can we effectively develop frameworks that will ensure the safe, productive and accelerated deployment of AI.

    Shahid Omer, Director of Policy at Universities UK said:

    We welcome today’s announcement that will help to cement the UK’s status as a world-leader in AI research and AI safety. Backed by the world-leading research and innovation of UK universities, this important new Institute can help the UK to further understand and take advantage of AI, in a safe and secure manner.

    UK universities are well placed to explore both the technological and societal impacts of AI. New funding announced earlier this week will also enable our universities to continue to carry out cutting-edge research into AI, boost the UK’s own AI skills base, as well as help attract talented AI researchers from overseas.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bosnia and Herzegovina is and will remain a single sovereign and multi-ethnic country – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bosnia and Herzegovina is and will remain a single sovereign and multi-ethnic country – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Thank you, President. Let me join others in congratulating China on assuming the Presidency for the month of November and wishing you the best. I also thank Brazil for its excellent stewardship during October. We welcome the unanimous adoption today of the resolution renewing the mandate of EUFOR Operation Althea, and I join others in thanking Switzerland for its efforts as penholder on the text. EUFOR’s presence remains crucial for peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly with rising political tensions across the region.

    I would also like to thank High Representative Schmidt for his latest report, which informs our discussion today.

    President, the High Representative’s latest report paints a very grave picture. It outlines the divisive rhetoric and actions of the Republika Srpska leadership and documents the unprecedented rise in attacks against the Dayton Peace Agreement, Rule of Law, and the High Representative himself. In recent months, we have seen attempts to undo the very fabric and structures of the state, including efforts to undermine state and judicial institutions and calls for the separation of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Faced with this threat, the Security Council must make clear its full support for the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and its structures. The UK takes its obligations under the Dayton seriously and we remain an active member of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board.

    There can be no room for doubt: Bosnia and Herzegovina is, and will remain a single sovereign and multi-ethnic country. And we support the High Representative’s use of his executive powers where the situation requires it.

    We also recognise the positive developments outlined in the latest report, including steps towards greater institutional functionality. We urge all parties to build on the positive momentum from the elections last year by working together and redoubling their efforts to deliver important reforms to enable progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic path. This will help to arrest the economic stagnation and democratic decline that threatens the country’s progress. We hope all parties will show the political will and courage to continue Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey towards a democratic, stable and prosperous future to the benefit of all its citizens

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia is crushing dissent and inciting fear amongst the Ukrainian people – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia is crushing dissent and inciting fear amongst the Ukrainian people – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Ambassador Neil Holland calls for the immediate release of those detained by Russia as part of its continued war of aggression against Ukraine.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. As part of Russia’s strategy to crush dissent and incite fear amongst the Ukrainian people, it has carried out enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary detentions, and judicial harassment. Russia began its campaign when it illegally annexed Crimea.  These practices first utilised on the Peninsula, are now widely used in the Ukrainian territories temporarily under Russian control.

    It is reported that since the start of Russia’s illegal war, Russia has detained over 20,000 Ukrainian civilians. Many are being held on politically motivated charges for peacefully exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Crimean Tatars and those who defend their rights have faced the brunt of Russian persecution.

    In Crimea, the human rights organization, Zmina, reports that Russia is holding 186 political prisoners, including 21 in need of urgent medical care. Furthermore, the Russian authorities are illegally transporting prisoners thousands of miles away from their families and legal representatives to remote areas of Russia.

    In 2021, Russia detained Nariman Dzhelyal, the first deputy of the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar People, and activist cousins Asan and Aziz Akhmetov. Despite international condemnation, the Russian authorities have maintained unfounded charges against these men, sentencing them to 17, 15 and 13 years in prison, respectively. Their ordeal has only intensified with Nariman and Aziz being sent to Minusinsk in Eastern Siberia, and Asan to the notorious Vladimir Central Prison.

    Another victim of Russia’s barbarity is Serhiy Tsihipa, a pro-Ukrainian activist and journalist from Nova Kakhovka who was detained in Kherson and transferred to Crimea in March 2022. Serhiy’s relatives lost all communication with him, left completely unaware of his condition and whereabouts until he appeared in a Russian propaganda video. Last month, Serhiy was unjustly sentenced to 13 years in prison. With no access to him, his relatives fear for his safety.

    The recent UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine found further evidence of the Russian Federation’s use of torture in detention facilities. Former detainees detailed harrowing experiences of “torture rooms” with pliers, knives, saws, and cutters. And we should not forget Dzhemil Gafarov and Kostiantyn Shiring who died earlier this year in Russian detention. Those responsible must be held to account.

    Mr Chair, against the backdrop of this awful record of human rights abuses it is worth noting that this week – on 30 October – Russia marked its Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions under the USSR. We must do all we can to honour the victims of the past by fighting against oppression today. The UK calls for the release of all who have defended human rights and democracy across Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE region. This includes Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alexei Navalny, Ilya Yashin, Maria Ponomarenko, and the three OSCE Special Monitoring Mission members, as well as over 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus.

    All those detained on politically motivated charges must be freed, immediately and unconditionally. We will never tire of speaking out against internal and external repression of fundamental rights. Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 November 2023.

    The Prime Minister met with the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park today.

    They discussed the rapid development of AI and the need to manage the risks in order to seize its opportunities. With Italy taking over the G7 presidency next year, the Prime Minister set out the UK’s support for Italy’s agenda on AI.

    They turned to the ongoing war in Ukraine, where the PM reiterated that support for Ukraine will remain unwavering.

    The leaders also spoke about the need to ensure long-term stability in the Middle East, in light of the growing humanitarian crisis following the terror inflicted by Hamas in Israel. They agreed to support both Israeli and Palestinian civilians now and in the future through continued international collaboration in the region.

    They concluded by committing to work together on the shared priorities, including tackling illegal migration and trafficking in Europe.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK response to Report by the Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK response to Report by the Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Ambassador Neil Holland reaffirms UK support for the OSCE human dimension and calls on Russia and Belarus to cease human rights violations.

    Thank you Mr Chair,

    Welcome back to the Permanent Council, Director Mecacci, and thank you for your remarks. And thank you for your leadership which the UK highly values. Against a background of worsening human rights and democracy indicators in our OSCE region and worldwide, the UK continues to regard the human dimension as a critical part of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to Euro-Atlantic security.

    We continue to support you Director, and the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in your work to support and encourage participating States to implement our shared Human Dimension commitments. From tolerance and non-discrimination to work on democracy, elections and human rights, ODIHR makes an important contribution to ensuring the OSCE lives up to the ambition we set at Helsinki to foster “peace, security, justice and co-operation” within and among our countries.

    There is still much to do to realise that ambition.  Russia’s war affects hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians daily, including children, the elderly and the most vulnerable.   As the Moscow Mechanism reports demonstrated, Russia’s war also lies behind increasing repression of brave human rights defenders in Russia and Belarus.

    We again call on Russia and Belarus to implement their human dimension commitments, to engage with ODIHR and the other autonomous institutions, and to cease violating and abusing human rights and undermining Euro-Atlantic security.

    We put on the record our particular appreciation of your ODIHR’s monitoring of the dreadful, human consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.  It is vital that such grave human rights violations and abuses are recorded and addressed, including through domestic and international proceedings where appropriate.

    Furthermore, we believe that strengthening democratic institutions and practices is a continuous process across the OSCE region.  The UK remains a stalwart supporter of ODIHR’s election observation work and calls on all participating States to implement outstanding recommendations made by you at ODIHR.

    Turning to this year’s Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, we agree that the event was a notable success and commend ODIHR and the Chair in Office for its delivery.  As I said in Warsaw, civil society is crucial in giving a voice to the voiceless and holding governments to account. We must continue to listen to them.

    Finally, looking forward to future challenges, we are in the midst of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another.  Artificial intelligence brings both huge opportunities and risks. This week the United Kingdom is facilitating an international conversation on artificial intelligence in the form of the AI Safety Summit. The UK believes it is vital to ensure human rights are respected, protected and promoted throughout the life cycle of digital and AI systems.  New technologies must provide new means to advocate for, defend and exercise human rights rather than to adversely impact their enjoyment.

    Thank you, Director, and I assure you of the UK’s continued support for ODIHR’s vital work on human rights and democracy. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Singapore secure agreement against ransomware payments [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Singapore secure agreement against ransomware payments [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 November 2023.

    Members of the CRI have signed a joint statement pledging that central government funds should not be used to pay ransoms to cyber criminals.

    In a world first, Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) members have signed a joint statement denouncing ransomware and payments being made to cyber criminals.

    Led by the UK and Singapore, members of the CRI affirmed today (2 November) that relevant funds from central government should not be used to pay a ransomware attacker – the first international statement of its kind.

    It sends a clear message that the global community strongly opposes ransomware payments and is committed to disrupting organised cybercrime.

    The statement was signed on the same day the UK hosted the first ever global summit on artificial intelligence at Bletchley Park and is another demonstration of the UK’s leadership on cyber and tech issues globally.

    Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

    Crime should not pay. That’s why the UK and her allies are demonstrating leadership on cybersecurity by pledging not to pay off criminals when they try and extort the taxpayer using ransomware.

    This pledge is an important step forward in our efforts to disrupt highly organised and sophisticated cyber criminals, and sets a new global norm that will help disrupt their business models and deter them from targeting our country.

    Ransomware criminals typically access a computer through a malicious piece of software and then often encrypt or steal data. The victim is then told that the offenders will decrypt or return the data in exchange for a large fee, paid in cryptocurrency.

    The joint statement makes clear that paying a fee only serves to benefit these organised criminals and provides an incentive to continue offending. It does not guarantee the release of data or the removal of malware from an affected network.

    The CRI is the only dedicated multilateral body that the UK and international partners use to develop robust and effective policies and practices to enhance the global response to ransomware.

    A key ambition of the UK, and all international partners within the CRI, is to stem the flow of money to cyber criminals and build collective resilience through international cooperation and engagement.

    Felicity Oswald, NCSC Chief Operating Officer, said:

    Ransomware poses a significant threat to organisations in the UK and around the world and so international collaboration is essential for bearing down on cyber-criminal operations.

    The joint statement today demonstrates that the UK and a likeminded community of countries do not support payment of online criminals as we know this only makes the threat landscape worse for everyone.

    Many ransomware incidents can be prevented by ensuring that appropriate security measures are in place. We strongly encourage organisations to follow NCSC advice to effectively mitigate the risks and help protect themselves online.

    It has been a long-standing policy that the UK government will never meet the demands of ransomware actors, and no fee has ever been paid by central government, but this is the first time the position has been publicly confirmed.

    Further to this, the National Crime Agency’s Strategic Risk Assessment 2023 states that the biggest threat comes from Russian-speaking crime groups who are tolerated by, and sometimes linked to, the Russian state.

    The UK’s cyber resilience, however, is among the strongest in the world and the government has taken steps to enhance the nation’s defences. This includes the NCSC’s online ransomware hub, which is accessible through their website and provides expert information and practical advice for organisations.

    The UK additionally has the capability to work with international partners to target and disrupt cyber criminals.

    This includes 2 comprehensive sanctions packages which were issued in unison with the United States. The sanctions targeted 18 Russian-speaking cyber criminals who were responsible for extorting at least £150 million ($180 million) from victims globally. In the UK there were 149 victims who collectively lost £27 million.

    The National Crime Agency has additionally been involved in several high-profile operations which have led to the shutdown of prolific organised crime groups. This includes HIVE, which provided ransomware software to cybercriminals and extorted more than $100 million.

    The statement was agreed by all countries present at the Summit. The statement, and the list of signatories, can be viewed on GOV.UK.

    The CRI was created in 2021 and is chaired by the United States. Membership is voluntary.

    More information on the CRI Summit.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the one-year anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the one-year anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Joint statement from the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

    On the first anniversary of the signing of the November 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Pretoria, the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom are united in our recognition of the momentous achievement that ended 2 years of conflict in northern Ethiopia.

    We commend the progress that all parties have since made in their pursuit of peace. The Pretoria Agreement has silenced the guns, and has laid the foundations for normalcy to return to the region. The anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the gains, reflect on the challenges and redouble efforts to deliver peace.

    We recognise that more needs to be done to protect, sustain and realise peace for all citizens. This includes further progress on:

    • disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration
    • national dialogue
    • the withdrawal of Eritrean and non-governmental forces
    • the return of internally displaced persons
    • full recovery of services
    • support to victims of conflict-related sexual violence
    • the implementation of a credible transitional justice and accountability process for the victims of atrocities
    • continued monitoring and verification of compliance with the agreement

    We are working with the Government of Ethiopia and Interim Regional Administration of Tigray, with the African Union and with civil society partners to support Ethiopia’s recovery from the devastating impact of this conflict.

    We continue to urge all parties to implement the Agreement in full and to find solutions to address challenges, as soon as possible, through dialogue.

    Today marks one year since the parties committed to a path of peace over conflict in northern Ethiopia. This is an important example and a moment to promote peace throughout Ethiopia. The ongoing violence in Amhara and Oromia, as well as continuous human rights violations in many places, remains disturbing. We continue to stress the need for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians, for a cessation of hostilities as well as an inclusive dialogue.

    On this notable anniversary we encourage all people in Ethiopia, and in the region, to choose dialogue and peace over war and conflict.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 November 2023.

    The Prime Minister met with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park this morning.

    The leaders discussed the importance of a better global understanding of the capabilities and risks surrounding frontier AI and how we can work together on this. The Prime Minister also welcomed the European Union’s support of the landmark Bletchley Declaration which will deepen international coordination on AI safety.

    Both leaders agreed to work closely together on issues of international peace and security, in particular dealing with the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and continuing to back Ukraine against Russian aggression in Europe. Both agreed that stepping up our efforts to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a key priority.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tenth International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tenth International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    The UK and other countries gave a statement on behalf of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists, calling on Russia to stop repressing journalists.

    Mr Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists: Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and my own country, Canada.

    Ten years ago, Mr Chair, in 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/163 proclaiming November 2nd as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists and condemning unequivocally all attacks and violence against journalists and media actors, including torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, intimidation and harassment in both conflict and non-conflict situations.

    Regrettably, over the past 10 years, in the OSCE region and around the world, journalists have continued to be subject to these threats and abuses, and we have seen, furthermore, the expansion of violence and harassment in the digital sphere as well.  Intimidation, threats of violence and attacks against journalists have a chilling effect on media freedom and interfere with the exchange of information, opinions and ideas. This, in turn, has a detrimental impact on our societies, on democratic institutions and on our security.

    Women journalists are disproportionately at risk of and affected by harassment, threats and attacks and are particularly targeted by online gender-based violence including harassment. A recent UNESCO discussion paper on global trends in online violence against women journalists found that 73% of women journalists surveyed had been threatened, intimidated, and insulted online in connection with their work. UNESCO and Reporters Sans Frontières have also reported alarming increases in the detention and extrajudicial killing of women journalists over the last several years.

    In this context, we welcome the recent launch by the Representative on Freedom of the Media of new Guidelines for monitoring online violence against female journalists. The Guidelines aim to provide a systematic monitoring and reporting system which will assist in protecting women journalists and preventing online violence from escalating.  We also encourage participating states to support the efforts of the International Partnership for Information and Democracy and the Media Freedom Coalition in addressing the specific attacks on women journalists and media actors in the exercise of their work, including sexual and gender-based discrimination and violence, intimidation and harassment, online and offline.

    Ending impunity for crimes against journalists requires states to take action to ensure accountability by investigating allegations of violence against journalists in a timely, impartial, and effective manner; by bringing perpetrators to justice and by ensuring that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

    Far too often, however, we see that instead of protecting journalists and investigating the crimes committed against them, states have instead criminalised journalism itself.

    In 2023, the Russian Federation has fallen even farther on the RSF World Press Freedom Index which has observed that, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, almost all independent media have been banned, blocked and/or declared “foreign agents” or “undesirable organisations.”

    In March, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested and now faces up to 20 years in prison on espionage charges.

    In June, Novaya Gazeta Europe was declared an “undesirable organisation” and Novaya Gazeta reporter Elena Milashina was attacked upon her return to Chechnya to cover a political trial. Novaya Gazeta’s former editor, Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov was declared a “foreign agent” in September.

    Mr Chair, these are regrettably only a few examples of the Russian Federation’s campaign to intimidate journalists and stifle media freedom.

    Repression of journalists is also particularly appalling in Belarus as has been documented by the last Moscow Mechanism report as well as various reports by UN mechanisms. Freedom of expression has been undermined by repressive legislation and overly-broad definitions of extremism. Almost all independent media has been suppressed, and editors and journalists have been among those targeted for arbitrary arrest. The Belarusian Association of Journalists reports that over 30 journalists and media workers are currently imprisoned.

    In both Russia and Belarus, journalists have specifically suffered for speaking out against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Journalists and media actors in Ukraine – including those working in occupied areas – have also suffered while trying to report on the war itself. At least 15 media actors have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022.

    As OSCE participating states we have all made commitments to create an enabling environment for media freedom that includes doing our utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media actors, avoiding undue restrictions on their work and taking effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against them.  With this in mind, and in order to better safeguard journalists and media actors throughout the OSCE region, we are also firmly of the view that the position of Representative on Freedom of the Media should not be left vacant.

    On this day dedicated to ending impunity for crimes against journalists, we must all recommit to fulfilling these important requirements for ensuring their safety. Ensuring the safety of journalists is integral to maintaining a strong and diverse media landscape which is crucial to challenge those in power to do better and to demand accountability.  It is a cornerstone of democracy and vital to our comprehensive security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK airlift to Egypt delivers vital equipment to support aid crossing to Gaza [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK airlift to Egypt delivers vital equipment to support aid crossing to Gaza [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Shipment follows 21 tonnes of essential supplies delivered last week, and £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    • Royal Air Force delivers vital aid to Egypt to support civilians in Gaza, as Foreign and Defence Secretaries continue diplomatic push.
    • Equipment, including forklift trucks and belt conveyors, delivers on urgent requests by partners on the ground.
    • Shipment follows 21 tonnes of essential supplies delivered last week, and £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    A second UK flight carrying equipment that will support humanitarian agencies to deliver lifesaving supplies to Gaza arrived in Egypt today.

    This will be followed by several further flights to deliver 30 tonnes of vital equipment such as forklift trucks, belt conveyors and lighting towers, which have been specifically requested by UK partners in the region, including the Egyptian Red Crescent.

    The equipment will be set up close to the Rafah border crossing – increasing the capacity of agencies to manage and deliver significant quantities of aid to those in Gaza. Rafah is currently the only entry point for aid into Gaza.

    This follows the delivery of 21 tonnes of essential supplies, including wound care packs and water filters, which arrived in Egypt last week and was handed over to partner agencies working on the ground in Gaza.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    With an acute humanitarian crisis unfolding, today’s RAF airlift demonstrates yet again that the UK is committed to helping all suffering civilians.

    Our armed forces have rapidly deployed to get our partners on the ground what they urgently need and stand ready to continue supporting the humanitarian effort.”

    The flights follow the UK Government’s £30million increase in support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling its original commitment.

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said:

    The UK is determined to drive international efforts to ensure lifesaving aid reaches the people who need it most.

    This equipment, specifically requested by our partners on the ground, will bolster essential supplies including food and medicine to be delivered to large numbers of civilians.

    We continue to call for the regular delivery of humanitarian supplies into Gaza and the opening of more entry points to relive those who are suffering.

    The UK continues to call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, minimise civilian casualties and for immediate access for lifesaving aid into Gaza, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel as a priority.

    All UK aid undergoes rigorous oversight and multiple safeguards are in place to prevent it benefiting Hamas.

    Since 7 October, ministers have been engaging with countries across the Middle East and international community to prevent the conflict from spilling over.

    Middle East Minister Lord Ahmad visited Israel and the West Bank this week discuss efforts to prevent regional escalation and the two-state solution with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

    On 20 October, the Prime Minister visited Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to speak with the Prime Minister Netanyahu, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

    The Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary have both recently travelled to the Middle East to call for humanitarian pauses to allow aid to enter Gaza and allow civilians, including British nationals, to leave.