UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is committed to promoting the health and well-being of all to advance the Sustainable Development Goals – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is committed to promoting the health and well-being of all to advance the Sustainable Development Goals – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2023.

    Statement by Tom Woodroffe, UK Ambassador to the ECOSOC, at the Adoption of the Political Declarations of the High-Level Meetings on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, Universal Health Coverage, and the Fight Against Tuberculosis.

    Mr President,

    I would like to begin by thanking both the former and current Presidents of the General Assembly and the Co-facilitators for their hard work, which has enabled the adoption of the Political Declarations for PPPR, UHC, and the Fight against TB this morning. We are pleased that after many months of negotiations, we have been able to come to a consensus on our collective ambition here at the GA, following the endorsement of the Declarations at the highest levels during their respective High-Level Meetings. The UK is committed to promoting the health and well-being of all and to advancing progress on SDG 3. We stand ready to continue playing our part in implementing the commitments set out in the declarations.

    During the High-level Meetings, the UK announced a package of almost £500 million in support for global health. This includes £295 million to respond to disease outbreaks and improve maternal and child health in low and middle-income countries, £103 million to halt the spread of infectious diseases and support sexual and reproductive health, £95 million to tackle deadly diseases in Africa, and £5 million to combat TB. This funding will contribute to strengthening health systems; boosting collaboration on research and development; improving coordination across human, animal and environmental health sectors; and improving access to safe and effective vaccines, medicines and tests.

    We welcome the increased focus on scaling up investment in primary health care and TB. We must reform the international financial system to release more finance for health systems and pandemic preparedness in developing countries, including through greater investments in the Pandemic Fund.

    However, domestic public resources must be the primary source for stronger health systems, alongside enhanced international support.

    We encourage progress on negotiations on the Pandemic Accord in Geneva to agree on measures to improve PPPR whilst respecting national sovereignty. The most recent UHC global monitoring report paints an alarming picture, and we welcome the commitment to faster global progress to enable wider service coverage, financial protection, and stronger health workforces. And while TB still kills more people than any other infectious disease, we welcome the commitment to redouble efforts to get back on track to end TB by 2030, which will also help us in the fight against Anti-Microbial Resistance.

    We are, however, frustrated that the declarations did not move us forward on gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights, both of which are integral to achieving universal health coverage and our wider health goals for all. Despite that, we hope that these declarations will act as a platform from which we can all move forward with renewed ambition, cooperation and partnership to achieve health and well-being for all.

    And finally, Mr. President, next year’s High-Level Meeting on Anti-Microbial Resistance will be a landmark opportunity to tackle AMR on a truly global scale. We look forward to playing our part in that as we continue to work together to advance global health.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with the Prime Minister of Albania [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with the Prime Minister of Albania [October 2023]

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

    The Prime Minister met Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Spain today.

    He congratulated Prime Minister Rama on chairing a powerful and important debate on Ukraine at the UN General Assembly, and the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence and holding Russia to account.

    They welcomed the UK and Albania’s successful cooperation on fighting criminal people smuggling gangs, and the Prime Ministers highlighted a significant reduction in small boat crossings and an increase in returns to Albania. The leaders also discussed the good progress implementing our landmark agreement on prisoner returns and prison capacity.

    The leaders discussed opportunities to increase our economic cooperation and committed to increase bilateral trade and investment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Emissions scheme to reduce sale of carbon allowances on path to net zero [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Emissions scheme to reduce sale of carbon allowances on path to net zero [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 5 October 2023.

    Tighter emission limits for industries under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, as the 2024 carbon allowance auction calendar is published.

    • Power, aviation and energy-intensive industries given incentive to cut emissions
    • Number of allowances to be auctioned next year will fall by 12.4% to their lowest-ever level in line with net zero targets
    • Ambitious approach will support industries to smoothly transition away from using fossil fuels

    Energy-intensive industries will be incentivised to reach their lowest-ever level of carbon emissions, under detailed plans published today (Thursday 5 October 2023).

    The 2024 calendar for the UK’s Emissions Trading Scheme will limit the number of carbon allowances for companies to buy in 2024 to 69 million – 12.4% fewer than in 2023, and their lowest-ever level. By 2027, this will fall to around 44 million – a 45% reduction on 2023 – before reaching around 24 million by 2030.

    It puts plans announced earlier this year into action – to reduce the cap on carbon emissions under the Emissions Trading Scheme in line with the UK’s ambitious net zero strategy.

    Through the scheme’s auctions process, companies in industries including manufacturing, power and aviation are required to buy allowances for every unit of carbon they emit. With fewer available to buy, these sectors will need to take further steps to cut their emissions.

    The auction calendar published today by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), on behalf of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme Authority, gives businesses certainty over the next 12 months and sets the scheme on a clear path for decarbonisation for the 6 years after that.

    In a joint statement, UK Emissions Trading Scheme Authority ministers, including Lord Callanan, Julie James MS, Màiri McAllan MSP and Exchequer Secretary Gareth Davies MP said:

    We want to give our industries the confidence to decarbonise, by investing in efficiency measures and moving away from fossil fuels to cleaner, more secure energy.

    The UK Emissions Trading Scheme will cut supply of allowances auctioned, with a 45% reduction by 2027, to help us on our path to net zero.

    The auction calendar for 2024 and introduction of the new net zero consistent cap will help provide certainty for businesses, while spurring investment and helping to grow the economy.

    To ease the transition to a net zero cap, a proportion of allowances that went unused between 2021 and 2023 are now being allocated to auctions to be held between 2024 and 2027 – helping taper the reductions needed over that time. The number of allowances auctioned will still fall significantly each year over this period. There are also programmes in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland providing millions of pounds to help businesses make the changes needed.

    As part of wider changes to the scheme, the UK Emissions Trading Scheme Authority has also committed to exploring measures for the future of the carbon allowances market, including examining the merits of a supply adjustment mechanism. This would provide a means of amending the supply of carbon allowances in response to market conditions.

    A copy of the 2024 UK Emissions Trading Scheme auction calendar can be found on the ICE website. ICE run UK Emissions Trading Scheme auctions and secondary markets on behalf of the government.

    The UK Emissions Trading Scheme Authority is the joint body comprising the UK government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland that runs the scheme.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with the Irish Taoiseach [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with the Irish Taoiseach [October 2023]

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

    The Prime Minister met the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, at the European Political Community meeting in Spain today.

    The Prime Minister and Taoiseach shared their concerns about the continued absence of an executive in Northern Ireland and the democratic deficit this was causing.

    The Prime Minister set out the steps the UK is taking to ensure a return to power sharing and the two agreed to stay in close contact in the coming weeks. The two leaders also touched on their respective positions on the issue of legacy and agreed that teams should continue to stay in touch.

    The leaders also discussed a wider set of issues, including support for Ukraine and bilateral cooperation on security and migration. They also welcomed the recent UK-Ireland agreement on energy as a sign of the good working relationship between the two governments.

    The leaders noted the progress of the UK and Ireland’s historic joint bid to host Euros 2028. They talked about the potential of using the occasion to strengthen bilateral ties and leave a positive legacy in communities, including for grassroots football in Northern Ireland and elsewhere.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Chancellor Scholz of Germany [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Chancellor Scholz of Germany [October 2023]

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

    The Prime Minister met Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the European Political Community meeting in Granada, Spain today.

    The leaders welcomed the strong partnership between the UK and Germany on issues of shared critical importance to both our countries, from economic growth to energy security and strong defence forces.

    The Prime Minister noted Germany’s significant military and humanitarian support to Ukraine, and set out the UK’s plans to support Ukraine’s successful counter-offensive and long-term security and recovery. They welcomed the strong pan-European unity at the EPC on rejecting Russian aggression.

    The leaders also discussed opportunities for cooperation on further developing our renewable energy and clean technology sectors.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government launches intervention at Birmingham City Council [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government launches intervention at Birmingham City Council [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 5 October 2023.

    Five-year intervention launched at Birmingham City Council to fix serious problems.

    • Five-year intervention launched at Birmingham City Council to fix serious problems, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove confirms
    • Commissioners appointed to help return council to sustainable financial footing along with new political advisors
    • Decision taken after consideration of stakeholder views

    Commissioners have been appointed at Birmingham City Council to tackle its serious financial and governance problems after a five-year intervention was confirmed by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove today (October 5).

    The team of six commissioners will be led by Max Caller CBE, an experienced local government professional and former commissioner, and will be able to provide advice and challenge the council whilst making decisions directly, if necessary. They will have powers relating to governance, finance and recruitment and bring expertise in local government improvement, finance, HR, equal pay, housing, ICT and commercial projects.

    The commissioners will be joined by Lord John Hutton, a former Defence Secretary and Business Secretary, and former Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs as political advisers to the council. The advisers will not have the legal power of commissioners but will support the political leadership of the council as they take the difficult decisions that will be required.

    Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove:

    Residents have been let down by Birmingham City Council’s failure to get a grip of the significant issues it faces, from its equal pay liability to the implementation of its IT system.

    We are always committed to protecting the interests of taxpayers and we will take whatever action necessary to ensure this happens in Birmingham.

    That’s why today I have taken the decision to intervene and appoint a team of commissioners to help return the council to a sustainable footing moving forward.

    A package of intervention proposals were outlined in the Oral Statement made to Parliament by the Levelling Up Secretary last month (September 19), which stated the Government was ‘minded to’ intervene to protect residents and taxpayers in the city. The plans were subject to a representation period of five working days with views from stakeholders considered before the final decision was made today.

    It comes after Birmingham City Council issued a ‘section 114 notice’ on September 5 – an admission its backdated equal pay liability, estimated by the council as being up to £760 million, along with an in-year budget deficit that includes the costs of implementing an IT system are larger than the council’s available resources

    The local authority subsequently issued a ‘section 5 notice’ and a further ‘section 114 notice’ on September 21 because it failed to secure a decision relating to its equal pay liability.

    A local inquiry will be launched in due course. It is anticipated it could look at the fundamental questions’ about how the issues facing Birmingham have developed and would examine the council’s ongoing management of issues identified in Lord Bob Kerslake’s review of the authority in 2014, and the non-statutory intervention afterwards.

    The independent review, commissioned after the ‘Trojan Horse’ investigation into a number of Birmingham schools, found successive administrations had failed to tackle deep-rooted problems – and highlighted a culture of sweeping problems under the carpet, rather than tackling them head-on.

    Further information:

    • Max Caller CBE was the Chief Executive of the London Boroughs of Hackney and Barnet, and a Chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. He has experience in multiple interventions, including having previously been Lead Commissioner at Slough, Lead Inspector for the Liverpool and Northamptonshire Best Value Inspections, and a Commissioner at Tower Hamlets. Mr Caller also has experience of working with Birmingham City Council, having been appointed by the Council as one of their Non-Executive Advisors following the non-statutory intervention.
    • John Coughlan CBE has significant expertise in local authority governance, is the former Chief Executive of Hampshire County Council and has extensive experience of local government interventions especially in children’s services. Mr Coughlan has been asked to focus on broad improvement, by supporting cultural change and transformation and driving forward work on the long-term sustainability of the Authority. His role will operate alongside his role as Commissioner for Special Educational Needs and Disability services in Birmingham, for which he reports to the Secretary of State for Education.
    • Chris Tambini is the former Director of Corporate Resources at Leicestershire County Council, where he has held other roles including Section 151 Officer and Head of Strategic Finance. He was the President of the Society of County Treasurers and also worked at city unitary councils. Mr Tambini will focus on the financial position and recovery of the Authority. This will include supporting the Authority’s work to develop and implement a plan for managing the significant equal pay liabilities that led to the Section 114 notices, and overseeing the steps needed to manage other budget pressures for 2023/24 and beyond, and to return the Authority to a position of long-term financial sustainability. It will also include considering what action may be necessary to ensure the Authority has appropriate and effective processes, governance and capacity in relation to its overall financial management.
    • Pam Parkes FCIPD is the current Executive Director for People and Transformation at Essex County Council, is a FCIPD qualified senior practitioner and was part of the Best Value Inspection Team in Thurrock Council. Pam Parkeswill focus on supporting Birmingham to improve its Human Resource and Organisational Design capacity and to find solutions to the Equal Pay issue, including ensuring that appropriate steps are being taken at the required pace to address and manage its equal pay liabilities, in a way that is both sustainable and represents value for money.
    • Jackie Belton is the Chief Executive of the London Borough of Bexley, the former Executive Director of Operations at the London Borough of Newham where she was responsible for Housing, Planning, Regeneration and Environment, and was Assistant Director of Housing Strategy at the London Borough of Camden. Jackie Belton will focus on supporting the Authority’s housing function.
    • Myron Hrycyk is the Cabinet Office’s Crown Representative for Oracle, IBM and Microsoft. Myron Hrycyk has held prior senior executive roles as Group Chief Information Officer and Chief Procurement Officer at Severn Trent Water and as Chief Information Officer at Yusen Logistics. Myron has worked in a range of sectors including Financial Services, Technology, Utilities and Logistics. Myron will focus on supporting the Authority to rectify its Oracle issues, improve IT and provide commercial insight.
    • Lord John Hutton held roles as Defence Secretary and Business Secretary under the previous Labour Government. In 2010 he led a major review of public sector pension provision, and more recently he was appointed Chair of Make UK. He is currently the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Turkey and a current member of the House of Lords.
    • John Biggs is the former Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets and held prior roles there as Leader of the Labour Group and Council Leader. He has also served in the London Assembly. He has now retired from elected politics.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Getting great people to steer our great institutions [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Getting great people to steer our great institutions [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 5 October 2023.

    There are hundreds of public institutions in the UK, from museums and galleries to the NHS, national parks and regulators. They need exceptional people to steer them and make decisions that benefit society.

    Think about a Trustee of the National Gallery for example, who needs to lead and develop the strategy of one of the largest and most unique collections of art in the country.

    Or the Chair of National Highways, who has a vital part in planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining England’s major roads.

    Or a Member of the Youth Justice Board, who monitors and advises on the operation of the Youth Justice System to ensure that children’s needs and the rights of victims are equally met.

    These positions are called public appointments, and they are responsible for effectively running many of the public services that the British people depend on daily. They are varied and interesting roles – some of them are chairs or non-executive directors of boards, others might be trustees or committee members. They guide the institutions that spend billions of pounds of public money each year.

    The stakes for public appointees are therefore high, which is why it’s crucial that we get the right people in these roles.

    I oversee the teams in Government that make these appointments – and we’ve decided to start doing things differently.

    First, we’re going to make things happen faster.

    It’s no secret that recruitment across the public sector can be slow. But we want to change that. We are going to get campaigns off the ground earlier and do everything possible to avoid unnecessary delays, by streamlining some of our processes and working smarter through our new digital platform.

    Second, we are going to think ahead.

    We will work with board Chairs and government departments to make strategic assessments of what skills and experience boards need, and then target our recruitment to better meet these needs.

    Candidate care will also be at the heart of our new approach.

    We will endeavour to get the ‘little things’ right, because we know that replying to emails quickly and following up after interviews can go a long way to improve someone’s experience of getting hired.

    Most importantly, we want to ensure a wide range of people apply for public appointments.

    These roles demand varied skill sets, different experiences and unique perspectives. People from all walks of life are needed to govern our public institutions so that they work for the whole of the UK. It’s not a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential.

    I am interested in diversity in all its forms, including regional diversity. I do not want anyone to think that all of these roles are based in London – because in fact over half of the roles we are currently recruiting for are in other regions of the UK, and many with unspecified locations can be undertaken from wherever you’re based. My mission is to make sure there is a spread of public appointees across the whole of the UK, reflecting the views and priorities of different people.

    Becoming a public appointee is by no means a ‘one way’ deal – it is hugely rewarding. Public appointees get the chance to improve vital public services, get more involved with their communities, make a difference to society and work with a wide range of talented people. Some of these positions are remunerated, and many are part-time, requiring 2 to 3 days per week, or as little as a few days a year.

    Everything you need to know about applying to a public appointment is online, and my team will be there to help you every step of the way.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Persecution of the Baha’i faith in Iran – FCDO statement [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Persecution of the Baha’i faith in Iran – FCDO statement [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2023.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has released a statement calling on Iran to cease the persecution of the Baha’i faith in Iran.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:

    Reports of the ongoing persecution of the Baha’i  faith in Iran are intolerable in 2023. We call on Iran to release all elderly and medically vulnerable Baha’is imprisoned in Iran and to halt their practice of demanding excessive bail sums from arrested Baha’is.

    The UK is committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief and will continue to work with partners to promote the rights of the Baha’i community in Iran.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The contempt Russia is showing for human life is inexcusable – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The contempt Russia is showing for human life is inexcusable – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2023.

    Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown says that, as winter approaches, the UK will continue its support for Ukraine’s vital infrastructure.

    Last weekend, in the space of 24 hours, Russian forces launched 71 attacks upon Ukrainian residential districts: damaging homes, shops and medical infrastructure. This included overnight shelling on the city of Kherson. Whilst civilians slept, at least one person was killed and six were injured including two children and their mother. All these victims were attacked in their homes. The contempt Russia is showing for human life is inexcusable.

    The UK is appalled by Russia’s barbaric missile attacks across Ukraine. Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime. Those responsible will be held to account. Our commitment to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people is unwavering. If Russia is serious about a diplomatic end to its illegal war, then Russia must observe its obligations under international law; immediately cease attacks on civilians and critical national infrastructure; and withdraw its forces from the entirety of Ukraine.

    As winter approaches, the UK and our international partners sadly anticipate Russia ramping up its attempts to break Ukrainian resolve. Last October, Russia began its systematic targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. 400 energy facilities were damaged, affecting around 4.5 million people. Combined with the targeting of hydroelectric dams and reports of damage to vital water supply infrastructure, millions of civilians were left for prolonged periods without electricity and water. Mothers gave birth in hospital basements and makeshift facilities, whilst shelling and drone attacks continued around them; oncology centres, which provided life-saving care for cancer patients, were destroyed; and hundreds of health-care professionals were killed or injured.

    Mr Chair, history will remember, in the cold hard winter months, despite being plunged into darkness and deprived of fundamental necessities, the brave and resilient Ukrainians who continued to fight against Russian aggression. And continued to fight for the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. And so, Ukraine will not fight alone.

    To support Ukraine this winter, the UK is providing generators to ensure vital facilities, such as hospitals, have power. The UK has also contributed to assisting Ukraine’s efforts to repair infrastructure and reconnect households and key facilities to electricity and gas supply.

    To help the Ukrainian people remain resilient against Russian aggression the UK has funded UN agencies to provide cash assistance, insulation, and support for energy and heating. The UK has also funded the Red Cross to assist with winterisation efforts across Ukraine, alongside programmes to strengthen the capacity of national actors.

    Mr Chair, the UK and its international partners will not allow Russia to break the foundations and values of the European security architecture. We will support Ukraine as it defends the rights of all sovereign democratic States to exist without fear of aggression.

    Over the past months, with the support of its international friends, Ukraine has only become stronger. On 13 June the UK announced a £92m Air Defence Package. This is one of several packages that aims to protect Ukrainian critical national infrastructure and defend against air strikes. Alongside this, Ukraine’s energy production has expanded with seven functioning nuclear power reactors and two more incoming. Domestic production of natural gas has also increased. And the Ukrainian grid is growing more and more resilient.

    Mr Chair, we remain in awe of the courage, strength, and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression. The UK and the international community will not let Ukraine face these challenges alone. We will not let Ukrainians face this winter alone. We will stand by Ukraine until the peace is won.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – ID with High Commissioner on Religious Hatred [October 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – ID with High Commissioner on Religious Hatred [October 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2023.

    UK Statement on religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. Delivered by UK’s Ambassador to the WTO & UN, Simon Manley.

    High Commissioner – thank you for your update.

    Religious intolerance divides societies. It rips communities apart. There is no place for hatred including the burning of the Quran we saw earlier this year. Indeed – we must address all manifestations of religious intolerance wherever they occur. Whether that be:

    • Rohingya in Myanmar: (where) huge numbers were killed and driven from their country because of their religion.
    • Uyghurs and Tibetans in China who see their religious sites destroyed; their cultural practices denied;
    • Or the Baha’is in Iran: harassed, prosecuted and imprisoned for their faith.

    All these situations, and more – must be part of this debate.

    High Commissioner, as you have said – the right to freedom of expression can only be limited under clear and narrowly defined parameters. Sometimes this will cause offence. But causing offence does not necessarily equate to inciting violence or hatred. Blasphemy laws that carry the death penalty clearly do not fall under permissible restrictions.

    Implementing HRC resolution 16/18 remains the most effective way to combat religious intolerance. This framework is consensual. It is action-orientated. And, most importantly it has led to positive change. We must reunite around this approach so that, working together, not divided,  we can overcome hatred together.

    Thank you.