Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the UK – U.S. SME Dialogues – California [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 October 2023.

Statement follows the seventh meeting of the UK – U.S. SME Dialogues in Indio, California.

On 5 October 2023, the 7th UK – U.S. SME Dialogue was held in Indio, California with over 70 UK and U.S. small and medium sized businesses and business organisations participating.

The Dialogue was hosted by the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians, and is convened by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, and the Small Business Administration with the Department for Business and Trade.

Since its inception in 2018, the UK – U.S. SME Dialogue has continued to bring together small and medium sized businesses on both sides of the Atlantic with UK and U.S. government representatives to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs looking to export across the Atlantic. SMEs are the backbone of the UK-U.S. trading relationship, and the Dialogue reflects the ongoing commitment from both countries to supporting and enhancing UK – U.S. SME trade.

During the Dialogue, a series of panel discussions covered opportunities for SMEs looking to grow through UK – U.S. trade. Attendees discussed the opportunities for SMEs in services trade and opportunities in the green technology sector that can contribute to energy and climate solutions. SMEs also raised their concerns about the barriers they face in exporting and importing, including access to SME finance.

A key focus of the Dialogue was how the UK and U.S. governments can support small businesses, including those owned by under-represented groups and women entrepreneurs, and those in disadvantaged communities, to take advantage of export resources. During the Dialogue, and following a commitment made at the 6th SME Dialogue 2022 held in Edinburgh, the UK announced the launch of updated resources that provide advice and support for SMEs wanting to export to the U.S.
- Doing Business Toolkit: This toolkit contains advice, Top Tips and resources for SMEs looking to grow their business in the UK and export to exciting markets such as the U.S.
- E-Commerce Toolkit: Advice for UK SMEs selling online to the U.S.
October 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appalling attacks on Hroza and Kharkiv: UK statement to the OSCE [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland says Russia’s latest attacks against Ukraine demonstrate the depths of depravity Russian forces are willing to sink to.

Thank you, Mr Chair. When we met yesterday many of us spoke of Russia’s appalling attacks on civilians in Ukraine. We spoke of our concerns for the approaching winter and our determination to support Ukraine to succeed and prevail in the face of Russia’s aggression. It turned out that, even as we gathered in this room, Russia was instigating further unspeakable attacks in which civilians would bear the brunt of this horror.

The village of Hroza has been added to the growing list of places which many of us have come to know for all the wrong reasons. Yesterday afternoon, in this small community, a café and grocery store were destroyed, killing at least 51 people including a child.

We understand that there is no family from Hroza left untouched by this horrific attack. As my Prime Minister said this attack has “demonstrated the depths of depravity Russian forces are willing to sink to.” Those responsible for such an abhorrent attack will face justice. To this end, we welcome the deployment of a field team by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate the attack.

In the early hours of this morning, the city of Kharkiv was dealt another brutal attack, this time on the city itself. It is reported that a 10-year-old boy was killed when a residential building was hit and more than 20 people were injured.

The UK is appalled by the barbaric killing of civilians including children. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and loved ones at this harrowing time.

The UK and our international partners have met too many times in this room, to condemn Russia’s latest atrocities. We cannot allow such actions to become acceptable or normal. Each time we meet reinforces our strong commitment that those responsible will be held accountable. The UK remains unwavering in its support for the people of Ukraine, as they resist Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion. We are fully committed to working with our partners to support Ukraine to achieve a long lasting and sustainable peace in line with the UN Charter.

October 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Court orders drug dealer, Joshua Poulton, spend longer in prison [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General on 6 October 2023.

A drug dealer who sold cocaine worth nearly half-a-million pounds before fleeing to evade arrest has his sentence increased after Court of Appeal intervened.

Joshua Poulton (28), from Solihull, has had his 12-and-a-half year sentenced increased to 15 years and three months after the Solicitor General referred his conviction as being unduly lenient.

The court heard that following the imprisonment of a relative, Poulton took a leading role in a drugs operation.

Poulton employed two men to act as couriers and over seven weeks between October and November 2021, he sold at least 35kg of cocaine worth £470,000 to a number of organised crime groups.

When Poulton realised the police wanted to arrest him, he fled the country travelling to several locations, including the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Portugal, and the United States.

Poulton was later detained in Spain and extradited to the UK in December 2022 to appear in court.

The Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson KC MP, said:

Illegal drugs harm our communities and are often a catalyst for other crimes. The offender was selling vast quantities of class A drugs, and I did not believe his sentence reflected the severity of his crimes.

Thankfully the court agreed and in increasing his sentence, I hope this sends a warning to drug dealers that we will use all our powers to put a stop to your criminal enterprises.

Poulton was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years at Birmingham Crown Court on 18 July 2023.

On Friday 6 October 2023, the Court of Appeal increased Poulton’s sentence to 15 years and three months imprisonment after it was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

October 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) remains a priority for the United Kingdom [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2023.

At the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2023, the UK reiterates its commitment to Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Madame Moderator,

The right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is a longstanding human rights priority for the UK. Conflict and insecurity are often rooted in intolerance and persecution on the grounds of religion or belief.

In 2023 the UK hosted an international Ministerial conference on FoRB. During the conference, the UK announced new funding to support FoRB defenders as well as funding and expertise for countries prepared to make legislative changes to protect FoRB.

Since the conference, we have continued to make this a priority in our work. We have worked with at the UN, G7 and in the OSCE, to promote FoRB. In June this year, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a UK-UAE co-penned resolution on Tolerance and International Peace and Security, including wording on FoRB.

The UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for FoRB, Fiona Bruce MP has chaired the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) for the past two years, The Alliance has broadened its membership, growing to 45 members, friends and observers.

The Alliance conducts regular joint advocacy on the cases of individual prisoners of conscience and has issued statements highlighting the issues facing religious minorities such as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Baha’i community and Jehovahs Witnesses, as well as those facing Jews and Christians.

Our commitment to FoRB is unwavering, and we look forward to continuing our work with the OSCE.

October 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – Working Group on Rights of People of African Descent [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2023.

Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on the Rights of People of African Descent. Delivered by UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Thank you Mr President.

We are hugely proud of the modern and diverse country the UK has become. A successful multi-national, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith state. One where every citizen – regardless of their background – enjoys rights, opportunities, and the expectation of being treated with the kindness and respect that we like to think characterises British society at its best. People of African Descent have made, and continue to make enormous contributions to British society, including at the very top of our government.

The UK takes racism and racial disparity very seriously, which is why we were pleased that the Working Group’s report recognised the UK’s robust legal framework which protects people against discrimination, measures such as our Online Safety Bill which will clamp down on online racist abuse, and our pioneering use of data on race and ethnicity which the Working Group identified as best practice.

However, it is regrettable that the report did not sufficiently consider the complex and nuanced drivers of racial disparity in the UK – nor the differences in outcomes between different ethnic minority groups – coming to the unfounded conclusion that racism was always the primary driver of poorer outcomes.

Indeed, it did not mention our Inclusive Britain action plan to tackle negative disparities in several areas the report highlights, across health, education, employment, and crime and policing. The 74 actions that we are delivering are designed to close outcome gaps between people from different ethnic backgrounds, promote unity and build a fairer Britain for all.

Mr President,

Due to the late reception of the report, we did not have nearly enough time to provide a full written response to the Working Group ahead of today’s presentation, as is normally the practice. This is unfortunate, and we would appreciate being given more time to consider reports from Special Procedures visits in the future.

October 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New £88 million sensing equipment to protect UK Armed Forces [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 October 2023.

New technology with capability to detect, identify and monitor the presence of toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents to be operational by 2028.
UK Armed Forces personnel will be better protected on the battlefield through world-leading chemical detection sensors, under an £88 million contract announced today.

Led by Strategic Command alongside a pan-defence team, thousands of personnel across the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will benefit from wearable personal chemical agent sensors, ensuring they can detect dozens of toxic chemical threats and take immediate action to protect themselves and others.

It will be a first of its kind for UK Armed Forces, as the wearable sensor will be able to detect multiple chemical threats from both vapours and aerosol – different ways in which chemical threats can be dispersed and affect an individual.

Under the contract, UK company Smiths Detection will develop three next-generation chemical sensor products for the MOD, to be operational by 2028. They are:

Wearable personal chemical agent sensor – a device that continually monitors the environment around the user.

Survey chemical agent sensor – a portable device to check potentially hazardous areas or surfaces.

Remote capable, standoff chemical sensor – an enhanced sensor for use in fixed locations.

As new hazards emerge in the future, the equipment can be continually updated and improved, identifying a greater range of chemical threat coverage.

Supporting hundreds of skilled people at Smiths Detection and creating around a dozen new jobs at their Hemel Hempstead site, the contract boosts the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the UK economy. The company sources components and services from numerous UK suppliers, bolstering the UK manufacturing industry, and investing in British production capability.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said:

It’s vital we protect our Service Personnel, and this cutting-edge technology is so important to reduce the threat posed by toxic chemicals across a range of environments globally.

Not only is it an impressive piece of equipment that will be designed and manufactured here in the UK, but the ability for it to be continually developed and improved is exactly how we want Defence procurement to be – deliverable, effective and ambitious.

Smiths Detection President, Roland Carter said:

We’re honoured to have been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence to supply this next-generation technology. Since our business inception, nearly 70 years ago, we have been designing, developing, manufacturing, and servicing chemical sensing technology. This technology protects defence forces, including the UK MoD, and communities from known and emerging threats.

This award is testament to our leading technology and the knowledge, commitment and ingenuity of the people in our organisation who everyday help to make the world a safer place.

Sensing chemical threats is a fundamental part of the UK’s Counter-Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear capability. The contract, placed by the UK MOD’s procurement arm Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and supported by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), will encompass the development, manufacture, and initial in-service support for the programme.
October 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : AUKUS personnel collaborate on UK submarines for future security [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 October 2023.

Representatives from Australia and the US have joined Royal Navy personnel in Faslane to watch and understand how to maintain nuclear-powered submarines.
First joint US and Australian AUKUS visit to the UK to support development of Australian submarine maintenance workforce.

AUKUS personnel hosted in Faslane, Scotland.

Maintenance of rotational submarine force under AUKUS partnership to boost global security.

Representatives from the Australian and US Submarine Support organisations have joined Royal Navy personnel in Faslane for the first time, to watch and understand how to maintain nuclear-powered submarines, which will support future global stability.

Forming an Advance Verification Team (AVT), subject matter experts from all three AUKUS nations have joined British shipyard personnel to develop their understanding of the maintenance and industrial skills required to maintain a nuclear-powered submarine.

Following a similar visit to Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in August this year, the AVT learnt about the requirements needed to provide an Australian-based facility that can support both UK and US maintenance activity during a future forward-deployed submarine presence in the region.

Under the AUKUS partnership, the Royal Navy, with its Australian and US counterparts will work together to meet shared threats and uphold stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

This visit marks a tangible step forward for AUKUS delivery, driving knowledge-sharing and development in Australia that will be critical to the success of the programme.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge MP said:

The AUKUS partnership is a truly tangible demonstration of our ongoing commitment to global security.

These visits are crucial for teams from all three nations to understand how best to work together as we strike ahead on the AUKUS programme, delivering cutting-edge capability to protect ourselves, and our allies and partners, for decades to come.

Further to understanding how to maintain and support nuclear-powered submarines, the visit sought to build trilateral relationships and communications between the teams who will deliver the submarine rotational force.

Based in Faslane for two weeks, the AVT have spent time understanding and developing the skills needed to take the AUKUS partnership forward. The visit has successfully shown the extent of the similarities and differences between our ways of working, as well as highlighting areas that will best support the development of maintenance capability in Australia.

Rear Admiral Simon Asquith, Director Submarines, said:

This is an exciting moment for AUKUS delivery, marking initial trilateral efforts to ensure Australia can support US and UK submarine presence in Western Australia.

The AVT successfully paved the way for future collaboration from all partner nations and we look forward to this continued close working with both Navies and industry going forward.

The AUKUS partnership is a strategic endeavour that strengthens the three nations’ national security, promoting peace and stability.

Last month, the AUKUS partnership celebrated its two-year anniversary, and earlier this year the three AUKUS nations announced a way forward for the programme, with the first generation of AUKUS nuclear submarines to be built in the UK and Australia, based on the UK’s world-leading submarine design.

Last week, a further £4 billion of investment was announced for the AUKUS partnership. The contracts will progress the programme through the design, prototyping and purchase of main long lead components for the first UK submarines, allowing construction to commence in the coming years and ensure the stability and resilience of our domestic supply chain.

Building on more than 60 years of British expertise in designing, building and operating nuclear-powered submarines, the contracts will support thousands of highly skilled jobs in the UK – a clear demonstration of how the AUKUS programme supports the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

The SSN-AUKUS submarines will be the largest, most advanced, and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, combining world-leading sensors, design, and weaponry in one vessel.
October 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the Australia-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2023.

The governments of Australia and the UK issued a statement at the inaugural Australia-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality (4 to 5 October 2023).

The following statement was released by the governments of Australia and the United Kingdom on the occasion of the inaugural Australia-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality (4 to 5 October 2023):

At the inaugural Australia-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality (4-5 October 2023), Australia and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to achieving gender equality and the human rights of all women and girls, in all their diversity, including through collaborative global leadership.

The Dialogue occurred at a time of escalating global attempts to pushback on gender equality and regress on the human rights of women and girls. In this global context – with crises, conflicts, and climate change – both countries stressed the importance of protecting, promoting and fulfilling human rights at the core of international norms through partnership and collaboration that makes progress towards, and mitigates risks to achievement of, gender equality.

Australia and the United Kingdom are committed to global leadership and action on the related agendas of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and ending all forms of gender-based violence. The discussion highlighted the value of national action plans for effective implementation of the WPS agenda, including on the four pillars of prevention, protection, participation and relief and recovery, and in relation to such contemporary challenges as climate change. Australia and the United Kingdom agreed to strengthen collaboration on prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual violence, including through the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict and the International Atrocity Prevention Working Group, as well as efforts to strengthen the international legal architecture.

Australia and the United Kingdom will drive evidence-based prevention and response to gender-based violence in the Indo-Pacific region, with knowledge-sharing and advocacy. Australia and the UK agreed to continue global collaboration and joint advocacy to address both sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including engagement on a safety-by-design approach. Both countries re-affirmed their commitment to the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-based Online Harassment and Abuse. Australia and the United Kingdom will pursue opportunities to tackle modern slavery, including through collaboration and joint advocacy in multilateral fora that integrates gender, as well as sharing lessons and good practices from regional programming and capacity-strengthening initiatives.

Related to health and wellbeing, Australia and the United Kingdom reiterated their commitment to the full realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all persons, and to prevent, screen and treat cervical cancer, including efforts to accelerate uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, including through the work of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

The centrality of gender equality to sustainable development, shared prosperity and political stability was considered in relation to gender-responsive social protection, trade and women’s economic empowerment. Australia and the United Kingdom will maintain advocacy and action on gender-responsive social protection as an effective means of addressing poverty and supporting gender equality outcomes across the life course, including addressing gender-based violence and responding to the impacts of climate change. Both countries agreed to partner with diverse stakeholders on research and dialogues that centre gender equality in social protection, especially in Asia and the Pacific.

There was agreement to strengthen coordination and collaboration on advancing gender equality in international trade, including through the exchange of information and good practices, as well as in multi-lateral fora. Both countries recognised that international trade should reduce inequities and inequalities, and committed to action under the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement, particularly the Trade and Gender Equality chapter, and to the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment. On women’s economic empowerment, Australia and the United Kingdom agreed to explore opportunities in Southeast Asia, such as relating to gender-lens investing and climate-smart investments.

In pushing forward on gender equality, both countries concurred on strengthened engagement with other countries and civil society organisations, including women’s rights organisations, across multilateral fora, informal working groups and broad coalitions in support of women’s and girls’ human rights. In coming months, Australia and the UK will work together in preparation for the 2024 sessions of the Commission on the Status of Women and the Commission on Population and Development, as well as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings.

October 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement following the PM’s meeting on migration [October 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 October 2023.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni chaired a small-group meeting on migration and organised immigration crime at the European Political Community Summit in Granada, Spain today.

The meeting was attended by the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Albania and the European Commission. The participants agreed to an eight-point plan to address growing levels of illegal migration to mainland Europe together – please see below for their joint statement:

Italy, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, France, Albania, and the European Commission expressed a shared commitment to support one another to tackle the challenges of irregular migration and committed to:

Take robust action, together and in cooperation with partner countries, to tackle migrant smuggling along the routes and at external borders, including through joint action to close down the supply chains of organised gangs through information exchange, operational cooperation, measures to stop all vessels involved in smuggling and awareness raising campaigns.

Update the legal framework to strengthen our fight against people smugglers, ensuring harmonisation of criminal offences and working together at the UN level with the UNODC.

Develop comprehensive partnerships with key countries to address root causes of migration and support sustainable development through education, job creation and climate adaptation actions.

Support partner countries to strengthen border protection to prevent unauthorised border crossings, as well as search and rescue capacities, through the deployment of personnel, equipment, and other material.

Support partner countries, including through UNHCR and IOM, providing adequate levels of funding to ensure an appropriate response to mixed movements by ensuring protection and enhancing assisted voluntary return and reintegration.

Strengthen cooperation on return and readmission supporting one another through a network of liaison officers in partner countries, sharing of expertise, diplomatic outreach and return operations.

Provide opportunities of humanitarian admission and resettlement to those entitled to protection, and other legal pathways in line with our respective legal orders.

Strengthen cooperation on visa policy and recognise the importance of effective visa regimes in controlling irregular migration and ensuring cooperation on readmissions.
October 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with the President of Ukraine [October 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 October 2023.

The Prime Minister met Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the European Political Community Summit in Spain today.

The Prime Minister offered his deep condolences for the terrible attack on a funeral in Ukraine earlier today, saying it demonstrated the depths of depravity Russian forces are willing to sink to. He reiterated the steadfast support of the British people for Ukraine and outlined our plans for continued support in the autumn and beyond.

The leaders discussed further international military assistance to Ukraine, including on maritime security and air defence, and support for the development of Ukraine’s domestic defence production.

President Zelenskyy raised ongoing concerns about Russian attacks on grain shipments and commercial vessels in the Black Sea, and the Prime Minister committed to supporting secure routes to ensure vital Ukrainian grain can reach countries in need.

October 7, 2023