UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK backs nuclear fuel supply for Ukraine as Shapps visits Kyiv [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK backs nuclear fuel supply for Ukraine as Shapps visits Kyiv [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 23 August 2023.

    The UK supports the supply of vital fuel for Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, as the Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps visits Kyiv.

    • Energy Security Secretary on the ground in Ukraine meeting senior government ministers and energy company leaders
    • government action backs supply of vital fuel for Ukraine’s nuclear power plants with planned £192 million loan guarantee to help power Ukraine over the winter and end its reliance on Russian supplies – further isolating Putin
    • Grant Shapps visits power plant being repaired following Russian bombing

    Grant Shapps has visited Kyiv as the UK took action to support the supply of vital fuel for Ukraine’s plants to help power the country through the winter.

    The Energy Security Secretary travelled to the capital to meet senior government ministers and leading energy industry figures to discuss Ukraine’s recovery and ongoing UK support following the illegal full-scale invasion by Putin’s Russia.

    His visit comes just 2 months after the UK hosted the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, where international commitments for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction topped $60 billion. The UK government also agreed a Memorandum of Understanding committing support to Ukraine’s energy sector and green energy future.

    During the visit on Tuesday, Grant Shapps visited a power station, a critical part of Ukraine’s national infrastructure, that has been badly damaged by Russian bombing and is now undergoing repairs.

    The Energy Security Secretary was later shown around a kindergarten attended by Nikita, the young son of the family he took in under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which was also damaged by Russian shelling. The children performed a song before Mr Shapps played them a recorded message from Nikita.

    The visit came as the UK announced its intention to provide a £192 million loan guarantee through UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the UK’s export credit agency – enabling UK-headquartered Urenco to supply Ukraine’s national nuclear company, Energoatom, with uranium enrichment services, a vital part of nuclear fuel, which will help power Ukraine.

    Once provided, the support will bring the total of the UK’s non-military assistance to Ukraine to nearly £5 billion.

    Nuclear power generates over half of Ukraine’s electricity and the UKEF support announced today is a move towards continuing to supply much-needed power as Ukraine defends itself and recovers from Russian aggression. The support will strengthen Ukraine’s energy security and further isolate Putin by helping the country maintain its independence from Russian nuclear fuel.

    Urenco, renowned for nuclear enrichment services, has been a supplier to Energoatom and Ukraine since 2009. The support announced today will enable the further supply of services, with a significant portion of the deliveries coming from the UK – supporting specialist manufacturing jobs in the North West and Wales and the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

    Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    Our support for Ukraine is unwavering in the face of Putin’s barbaric invasion – the UK continues to stand with Ukraine as they repel Russian attacks and rebuild their country.

    Being here on the ground, it’s truly remarkable witnessing first-hand the sheer courage, resolve and gritty determination of the Ukrainian people.

    Putin has used energy as a weapon of war: the action today to support nuclear fuel deliveries will help Ukraine end their reliance on Russian supplies and bolster their energy security.

    Urenco CEO Boris Schucht said:

    We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing developments in Ukraine and our thoughts are with the people suffering as a result of the conflict.

    Since the start of the invasion, we have provided support to our customer, Energoatom, and its employees, and increased our supply of nuclear enrichment services to help provide energy independence and security of supply in Ukraine.

    We are actively discussing longer term supply with Energoatom and are ready to play our part in supporting their future.  We have the capacity to meet current demand for uranium enrichment services and options to increase this to provide an enhanced offering globally.

    Collaboration from governments, such as in the UK with this agreement, is critical to facilitate this, as well as with customers and the wider nuclear industry, and we will continue to do all we can to play a valuable role.

    During the visit, the Energy Security Secretary met Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov and Minister for Energy German Galushchenko to discuss the UK’s support for Ukraine recovery.

    Mr Shapps’s visit also comes just days before Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day, celebrating its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

    In Kyiv, Grant Shapps met Energoatom’s President Petro Kotin to discuss Urenco’s vital role in supplying nuclear fuel to Ukraine. The Energy Security Secretary also met other Ukrainian energy company leaders to discuss their critical efforts in keeping the lights on for the Ukrainian people and in the recovery.

    Today’s news follows the G7 Energy Ministers’ meeting in Sapporo Japan, at which the UK, US, Canada, Japan and France agreed a new nuclear fuel alliance to leverage their respective resources and capabilities of each country’s civil nuclear power sectors to undermine Russia’s grip on supply chains and displace Putin from the international nuclear energy market.

    Urenco is the only uranium enrichment company in the UK and is a key part of the government’s plans to rapidly expand nuclear power to provide up to a quarter of all the country’s electricity by 2050, through supporting a resilient nuclear fuel supply chain for the UK and its key international partners.

    UKEF support will be provided through a back-stop / guarantee with funds released by partner banks once financial terms are agreed.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Andrew Patrick presents credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Andrew Patrick presents credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 August 2023.

    On Wednesday 23 August, the new British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, presented his credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

    The British High Commissioner said:

    I am both honoured and delighted to be accredited as the British High Commissioner to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

    The last 75 years of our relationship has shown how much our countries can achieve together, and the significant contribution of the Sri Lankan community in the UK.

    I look forward to building upon those 75 years through strengthening cooperation to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for both our countries.

    From 2013 to 2018, Andrew Patrick served as British Ambassador to Myanmar. Previous appointments have included Afghanistan and South Africa.

    The High Commissioner is accompanied by his wife, Khin Sandar Win, who comes from Myanmar and is a businesswoman.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Libya’s leaders must engage with the UN to give the political process a chance of success – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Libya’s leaders must engage with the UN to give the political process a chance of success – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 August 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

    Thank you, President.

    I thank SRSG Bathily and Ms Al Jerbi for their briefings today. I welcome the participation of the Representative of Libya in our meeting. Let me make three points.

    First, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the violence last week in Tripoli, in particular its impact on civilians. We have already seen the cost of violence and instability in Libya’s neighbourhood this year, from Sudan to Niger.

    Libyan actors must heed this warning and fulfil their responsibilities to uphold peace and security across the country. Individuals and entities who threaten the peace and security or obstruct the political process in Libya may be designated under the Libya sanctions regime.

    Second, these clashes underscore the importance of making urgent progress in Libya’s political process. I welcome SRSG Bathily’s ongoing efforts to facilitate a negotiation between Libyan actors to reach a political agreement for elections.

    Libya’s leaders must urgently engage with SRSG Bathily to give this process a chance of success. I call on Libya’s leaders to work constructively with the SRSG – including by attending any meetings he convenes, to be open to making concessions, and to move the country towards elections.

    Third, Ms Al Jerbi’s briefing highlights the impact of the crackdown on civil society for ordinary Libyans. Competition over control of civic space by Libya’s institutions and recent reports of arbitrary arrests and clampdowns on civil society activity indicate an alarming trend.

    Civic space should be protected to allow Libyans to hold their leaders accountable and to empower everyone to play a role in developing an open, democratic society that allows for freedom of association, operation and assembly.

    President, let me close by calling on Libya’s leaders to consider the impact that the political impasse has on the Libyan people. Libya continues to suffer from the lack of political progress and is unable to make long-term investments in stability, security and prosperity.

    Libya’s leaders should fulfil their responsibilities and make the compromises needed to deliver elections and unlock longer-term political progress.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Pupils in disadvantaged areas to benefit from new free schools [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Pupils in disadvantaged areas to benefit from new free schools [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 22 August 2023.

    Fifteen new free schools to open in areas where education outcomes are poorest to drive up school standards.

    Around 12,000 young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country will benefit from a wave of new free schools, another major step in this government’s work to raise school standards.

    The government has announced today (22 August 2023) that 15 new free schools are set to be opened in parts of the country where education outcomes are weakest, providing more opportunities for local young people.

    Free schools are funded by the government but are not run by the local authority, instead, they are run by other organisations – most commonly academy trusts – but also industry and universities. They have greater freedom to innovate and drive up standards, for example more autonomy over the teachers’ pay and their curriculum.

    The new schools will include 3 schools run by the high performing Star Academies and Eton College, located in Dudley, Teesside and Oldham, spreading the highest standards of education across the North East, North West and West Midlands. These schools will help rapidly increase the progression of talented local pupils into top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

    Free schools and academies have been central to this government’s work to raise school standards, with 88% of schools​ now rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, up from 68% in 2010. In classrooms, England’s children have shot up the international rankings for reading and our 9 and 10 year olds are now the best in the western world.

    The free schools programme provides parents with more choice of good schools, helping to level up opportunity across the country. It enables strong trusts to open high-quality schools in new areas and attract fresh expertise to areas across the country that need it most.

    Free schools outperformed other types of non-selective state schools in England in last week’s A level results. Around 35% of A levels taken by pupils in free schools achieved a grade A or A* compared to 22% studied by pupils in local authority schools.

    Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

    We want to make more good school places available to families, and these 15 new free schools will bring brand new opportunities to young people from Bradford to Bristol.

    Free schools bring high standards, more choice for parents and strong links to industry – and all in the areas where those opportunities are needed most.

    These new schools build on this government’s work to drive up school standards since 2010, with 88% of schools now rated good or outstanding – up from 68% – and high performing academies and free schools in all parts of the country.

    Star Academies chief executive Sir Hamid Patel CBE said:

    The free schools programme continues to inject innovation and creativity into the school system.

    We’re delighted our 3 sixth form colleges – being delivered in partnership with Eton College – will be part of the programme and we look forward to working with our local stakeholders to provide more young people with the high-quality education and aspirational opportunities they deserve.

    Eton College headmaster Simon Henderson said:

    We are delighted by this decision. We believe these new colleges have the potential to be transformative both for the young people who attend and for the wider communities they will serve.

    Collaborative partnership will be key to this project’s success and we are very grateful for the support we have had already from the respective councils, from the local communities and from our colleagues in other educational settings.

    Each Eton Star sixth-form college will create 480 schools spaces and will be run through a strong partnership between Star Academies, a highly successful academy trust, and Eton College, who will provide financial and extra-curricular support.

    Plans have also been approved for the BRIT School North in Bradford, 2 University Technical Colleges (UTCs), 1 new all-through school for pupils aged 4 to 16, a primary school, 2 secondary schools and a further 5 free schools for 16 to 19 year olds.

    The 2 University Technical Colleges (UTCs) have been approved for Doncaster and Southampton to support young people build the skills they need for their future careers, including in health sciences and marine engineering.

    The BRIT School North will create opportunities for rising stars in the north of the country to break into the performing arts industry. It is based on the award-winning performing arts school in South London which helped to launch the careers of Adele, Amy Winehouse and Jessie J.

    Free schools in this wave have been approved where there is the greatest need for good new places, prioritising Education Investment Areas (EIAs)identified in the Levelling Up White Paper and Priority Education Investment Areas (PEIAs) identified in the Schools White Paper.

    These are parts of the country with the lowest education outcomes that the government is investing in to support young people to get the education and skills they need to get a good job and help the economy continue growing.

    The full list of new free schools that have been approved and are expected to open in 3 or 4 years include:

    • Eton Star, a 16-19 school in Dudley
    • Eton Star, a 16-19 school in Teesside
    • Eton Star, a 16-19 school in Oldham
    • BRIT School North, a 16-19 school in Bradford
    • Great Stall East Academy, an all through school from ages 4 to 16 in Swindon
    • Lotmead Primary School in Swindon
    • Dixons Victoria Academy, a secondary school in Manchester
    • Dixons Wythenshawe Sixth Form, a 16-19 school in Manchester
    • Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, a secondary school in Liverpool
    • Bolsover Sixth Form, a 16-19 school in Derbyshire
    • Cabot Sixth Form, a 16-19 school in Bristol
    • New College Keighley, a 16-19 school in Bradford
    • Thorpe Park College, a 16-19 school in Leeds
    • UTC Southampton
    • Doncaster UTC – Health Sciences and Green Technologies
  • PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces to benefit from £89 million battlefield network [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces to benefit from £89 million battlefield network [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 August 2023.

    Military personnel deployed on the battlefield will benefit from enhanced connectivity, following the award of an £89 million contract.

    • UK Armed Forces to benefit from enhanced battlefield connectivity
    • Contract will boost connection with allies on operations
    • Supporting the Government’s priority to grow the economy by backing dozens of UK jobs

    Military personnel deployed on the battlefield will benefit from enhanced connectivity, following the award of an £89 million contract.

    The five-year contract has been awarded to BAE Systems to design and manufacture a deployable tactical Wide Area Network (WAN) known as ‘TRINITY’ – delivering a highly secure and state-of-the-art battlefield internet capability to UK forces.

    This contract named Design and Systems Integration Delivery (DSID) will directly support the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by backing 60 UK jobs based in Dorset. It will also see further investment into UK skills from BAE Systems, their partners and across the supporting supply chain.

    Working together with trusted partners, including L3 Harris, KBR and PA Consulting, BAE Systems will combine its defence communications systems expertise and experience to develop, deliver and deploy world-leading network capability to the UK Armed Forces.

    Trinity’s resilience is based on its composition. It is made up of a series of nodes, each able to add, access and move data in a secure network. If a number of nodes are damaged in warfare, the rest automatically re-route to maintain optimum network speed and flow of information, making it highly effective.

    Replacing the existing Falcon network, due to be retired in 2026, ‘TRINITY’ will ensure UK Armed Forces on land can interact faster with allies, whether operating as a single nation or as part of an international coalition, across different battlefield domains.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, said:

    In this continually evolving, multi-domain environment it is vital that our personnel have access to world-leading communications capabilities while on operations.

    We remain committed to working closely with the best of British industry as they support our endeavour to better connect with our allies and their assets in theatre.

    The £89 million will be dedicated to the research and development phase of the programme, with ‘TRINITY’ due to be delivered from December 2025.

    David Armstrong, Group Managing Director at BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business, said:

    In an increasingly complex and fast-paced threat landscape, Trinity will empower the UK Armed Forces with a greater and more efficient view of what is happening, enabling them to make swift, informed decisions when and where it matters most.

    By providing this advantage to front-line decision makers, Trinity reinforces our commitment to equipping the UK Armed Forces with the right tools to stay ahead in the ever-evolving battlespace.

    ‘TRINITY’ is one part of the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LE TacCIS) programme, which is working to provide the next generation of tactical military communications in the land environment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : One week left to extend Child Benefit claim for teenagers [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : One week left to extend Child Benefit claim for teenagers [August 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 22 August 2023.

    Child Benefit automatically stops when children reach 16 but it can be claimed for children continuing their education or training.

    Parents have one week after GCSE results day to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that their 16-year-old is continuing their education or training, to continue receiving Child Benefit.

    Teenagers will find out their GCSE results this week and many will be considering their future and whether to stay on in education. Child Benefit payments stop on 31 August after a child turns 16, but parents can extend their claim if their child is continuing in approved education or training.

    It is easy for parents to update their Child Benefit record. They can use the online service on GOV.UK or the HMRC app to tell HMRC about their child’s plans.

    HMRC recently wrote to parents about extending their Child Benefit claim. The letter included a QR code which, when scanned, directs them to GOV.UK to update their claim online. Any changes will be applied to their Child Benefit claim immediately.

    Child Benefit will continue to be paid for children who are studying full time which can include:

    • A levels or similar
    • International Baccalaureate
    • home education – if it started before their child turned 16 or after 16 if they have special needs
    • T levels
    • NVQs, up to level 3
    • traineeships in England

    Child Benefit will also continue for children studying on one of these unpaid approved training courses:

    • in Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme
    • in Northern Ireland: PEACE IV Children and Young People 2.1, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

    Child Benefit can provide financial support to families, so make sure you don’t miss out if your teenager is still eligible. You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK.

    Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC’s online services. They will need their National Insurance number or postcode and 2 forms of ID to register on GOV.UK.

    The government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out about cost of living support, including help with childcare costs.

    Further information

    More information on Child Benefit for 16-19 year olds

    Parents cannot claim Child Benefit if their child is taking a course that is part of a job contract.

    Parents can view and manage their claim quickly and easily online or on the HMRC app. This includes viewing payment information and proof of their claim, adding additional children and updating their details – all without needing to call HMRC.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major investment to transform future of English chess announced [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major investment to transform future of English chess announced [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 22 August 2023.

    New £1 million package will support children attending schools in disadvantaged areas across England to learn and play chess, improve visibility and availability of the game and fund elite playing.

    • Package of measures worth almost £1 million will inspire the next generation of chess players, bringing chess to a wider audience, whilst supporting the development of elite players.
    • Plans will see 100 new chess tables installed in public spaces, and grants for schools in disadvantaged areas to get more primary school children playing chess
    • Investment in the English Chess Federation will ensure players receive world-leading training and development opportunities, and help make England a chess heavyweight
    • Plans form part of Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer’s mission to give young people “someone to talk to, something to do and somewhere to go” outside of school

    Chess will receive a major boost, thanks to a package of measures announced today.

    The package will support primary school children attending schools in disadvantaged areas across England to learn and play chess, improve the visibility and availability of chess in communities, as well as fund elite playing as part of a combined package worth almost £1 million.

    The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will invest £500,000 in the English Chess Federation (ECF) over two years, in order to develop the next generation of world-class talent. Funds will support expert coaching, training camps and cutting-edge computer analysis for international events to assist current grandmasters and up-and-coming players.

    Investment into the ECF will include funding for junior training camps and one-to-one coaching with England internationals, prioritising access for young chess players to take part in an educational, productive activity that helps develop critical thinking skills. A portion of the money will be dedicated to support visually impaired and deaf players to compete in their own elite level competitions.

    This investment comes following a speech at the Onward think tank in July, where Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer set out her commitment to ensure that young people have “someone to talk to, something to do and somewhere to go” outside of school.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    Chess is a brilliant way for young people to develop skills such as patience and critical thinking. It is something constructive on which to spend their time and feel part of. It inspires creativity and sparks the competitive spirit.

    We want to give more young people the opportunity to find the thing that they love and realise their potential. So this package is focused on getting more young people playing chess and supporting them to develop their talent.

    We’re also equipping our elite chess players with expert coaching to help them dominate at the highest levels of the global game and restore England’s reputation among the best in the world.

    English Chess Federation Director of International Chess Malcolm Pein:

    The unprecedented grant funding will be transformational for English chess, helping to train more grandmasters and beginning the process of regaining England’s former status as a force in international chess.

    The funds will enable us to support a training programme and pipeline for our growing pool of young talent as well as assist our elite players, seniors, visually impaired and deaf players to compete for top honours in their respective international competitions. The funding will also enable the ECF to revitalise the chess tournament circuit here at home.

    Alongside the support committed to elite players, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) will provide £250,000 to 85 Local Authorities throughout England to install 100 new chess tables in public parks and outdoor green spaces, to allow more people to play, connect, tackle loneliness, and develop problem solving skills.

    Local authorities which are currently receiving the Levelling Up Parks Fund (LUPF) and have been identified as communities most in need of improved quality green space will determine where to locate the chess tables.

    In addition, the Government has set out plans to encourage more primary school children, particularly girls, to learn to play the game. The Department for Education will award grants of up to £2,000 to at least 100 schools in disadvantaged areas across England, subject to interest.

    The grants will enable them to purchase chess sets, provide access to weekly online chess tutorials, and set up online learning platforms and curriculum planning materials for teachers. This will give even more young people access to a productive, enriching activity, helping them build relationships and develop key skills that can be used beyond the game.

    Children’s Minister Claire Coutinho said:

    Chess is for everyone, regardless of background. I’m thrilled that more primary school children will learn how to play, boosting their concentration, problem-solving and wellbeing in the process.

    From providing in-person tuition to helping pupils enter competitive tournaments, this funding will support schools to spark a passion for chess in children across the country.

    Learning to play chess is already a skill that young people aged 14-24 can choose to pick up while working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). Since 2021, 8,000 young people have pursued chess as part of the Skills section of their DofE.

    Harriet Hunt, International Master and former World Girls’ Champion said:

    My own journey into international chess was inspired by the world-leading England players and teams at that time. I am delighted that this government funding will enable the next generation of English talents to reach their potential and compete successfully at the highest level internationally’.

    David Howell, Grandmaster and UK No.1:

    Chess has been my life and, as a professional player, the news of support from the government is music to my ears. Hopefully this will inspire the next generation of chess players, as well as bringing the joys of the game that I love to an even wider audience.

    Jitendra Singh, father of UK’s No.1 chess prodigy Shreyas Royal said:

    I was struggling to support my son with the required chess tournaments and coaching instrumental to his development at such a young and crucial age.

    With this grant from the government we will be able to help more kids flourish at the game through the hard-working organisations of the English Chess Federation and chess in Schools and Communities. I believe that it is also a very beneficial hobby and would love to see more people getting into the game from this monumental announcement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is extremely alarmed by increasing settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is extremely alarmed by increasing settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 August 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

    Thank you, President, and I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing.

    The UK is extremely alarmed by the growth of settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. So far in 2023, UN agencies have recorded 591 settler-related incidents resulting in Palestinian casualties, property damage or both. That is the highest monthly average of incidents since records began. This includes the murder of Palestinian Qusai Jamal Maatan by settlers, which the UK condemns.

    The displacement of over 400 Palestinians across seven communities from their land due to ongoing settler violence is unacceptable. As an occupying power, Israel is obliged under international humanitarian law to properly provide security for the local population.

    Israeli authorities must do more to hold to account and prevent those who have made the lives of Palestinians – such as in the communities of Al Qaboun and Al Mughayyir – intolerable. This includes thoroughly investigating every instance of settler violence to bring those responsible to justice and end the culture of impunity.

    The UK condemns the abhorrent terrorist attacks in Tel Aviv on Saturday 12 August, the West Bank town of Huwara on 19 August, and the South Hebron hills just today. These attacks have taken the lives of a further four innocent Israelis. The Palestinian Authority must tackle terrorism and incitement.

    We also see continued violations of international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including evictions and demolitions. On Friday 17 August, Israel demolished a West Bank Protection Consortium school in Ein Samiya. The continued demolition of Palestinian property and the evictions by Israeli authorities from their homes are contrary to international humanitarian law, it renders Palestinians at risk of forcible transfer, and causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians. This is harmful to the peace process. Israel must also urgently provide a clear, transparent route to construction for Palestinians in Area C.

    President, UNRWA faces a deep funding crisis. UNRWA can only be a stabilising force in the region whilst it is able to deliver vital services to the Palestinian refugees. We call on members of the council and UN member states to work collectively to fill critical funding gaps.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 August 2023.

    The Foreign Secretary and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong had a friendly and productive meeting in Sydney today (Monday 21 August).

    The Foreign Secretary welcomed progress and ongoing collaboration on AUKUS. He reiterated the UK’s full commitment to the AUKUS partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific, as set out in the UK’s Integrated Review Refresh 2023.

    The Foreign Secretary welcomed Australia’s new international development policy and acknowledged close UK-Australia cooperation on shared international development and humanitarian priorities. He also reiterated the UK’s willingness to work with Australia on climate issues, particularly to support Pacific Island Countries which are on the front line of the climate emergency.

    The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the UK’s determination to work together with Australia to maintain the pressure on Russia and sustain support for Ukraine.

    Both looked forward to seeing each other again in Australia in 2024 for the next iteration of the Australia-UK Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting (AUKMIN). They agreed that the UK-Australia relationship was modern, enduring and forward-looking, and look forward to continuing their close cooperation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Consumer Council for Water board member reappointed [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Consumer Council for Water board member reappointed [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 21 August 2023.

    Robert Wilson’s second term as a board member will run until December 2026.

    Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has reappointed Robert Wilson to the board of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

    Robert’s first term as a board member for the CCW – the independent, statutory body that represents all water and sewerage consumers across England and Wales – ended on 30 June 2022 and was subsequently extended until 30 December 2023. His second term, announced today, will run until 30 December 2026.

    The reappointment has been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

    The Consumer Council for Water provides advice and information on water matters and investigates complaints if customers have tried and failed to resolve issues with their water company or retailer.

    Biography:

    • Robert Wilson is an experienced businessman, Chairman and Non-Executive Director across the private, public and charity sectors.
    • He now invests in innovation and technology-driven SMEs, supporting them as an adviser to aid growth and international trade.
    • Robert is a former Member of Parliament for Reading East, as well as a Minister at the Cabinet Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.