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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with the President of the United Arab Emirates [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with the President of the United Arab Emirates [July 2023]

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

    The Prime Minister spoke to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, this morning.

    The leaders reiterated their personal commitment to growing the strong defence and trade partnership between our countries, noting that the pledge from the UAE to invest £10 billion in strategic industries in the UK is being delivered well ahead of schedule.

    They welcomed opportunities to further develop economic and technological cooperation between the UK and UAE, including in green industries and nuclear power. The leaders looked forward to working together on this agenda and driving innovation and investment to address climate change ahead of the COP28 Summit in the UAE later this year.

    They also discussed international security issues, including Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Iran’s concerning and destabilising activity. The Prime Minister and Sheikh Bin Zayed highlighted the vital importance of our defence and security relationship, including military cooperation and intelligence sharing.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Poland strengthen foreign policy, security and defence cooperation [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Poland strengthen foreign policy, security and defence cooperation [July 2023]

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

    The UK and Polish Foreign and Defence secretaries signed the 2030 Strategic Partnership following talks at Lancaster House.

    The UK and Poland will deepen their foreign policy, security and defence cooperation following the signing of a new partnership.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace signed a new bilateral ‘2030 Partnership’ with Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau and Minister for National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak at Lancaster House today.

    The partnership sets out joint priorities on issues ranging from Belarus to China, to cooperation on defence capability and operations. It builds on the 2017 UK-Poland Treaty on Defence and Security Cooperation and 3 decades of close cooperation.

    It emphasises the UK and Poland’s commitment to stand together in upholding a resilient international system that protects freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity, defending rights for countries and states trade fairly and determine their own futures.

    The partnership also will see cooperation towards building the next generation of capabilities for our armed forces; increasing the intensity and frequency of joint training exercises; strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence posture; and standing united in our approaches to the Indo-Pacific.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    Just as the UK and Poland fought together to preserve freedom in Europe during World War 2, so today the UK and Poland are standing together once more, at the forefront of international support for Ukraine.

    Our 2030 Partnership commits the UK and Poland to even greater defence, security and foreign policy cooperation into the future.

    In a meeting ahead of the signing, the ministers discussed the close cooperation between the UK and Poland, support for Ukraine, and the defence and security of the Euro-Atlantic area. They also discussed NATO priorities ahead of next week’s Vilnius Summit.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    As historic defence partners and NATO Allies, the UK stands with Poland to defend NATO’s Eastern Flank and support Ukraine against Russian aggression.

    The 2030 Strategic Partnership strengthens our commitment to develop closer military deployments and exercises and deliver on immediate and long-term capability projects.

    The UK and Poland share an historic partnership, stretching back to before the Second World War, which continues to the present day with hundreds of British troops deployed to Poland. Recently, this has included last year’s deployment of Challenger 2 tanks and the ongoing deployment of Sky Sabre air defence systems to Poland.

    Both countries have also been working together to help secure the development of air defence weapons for the future.

    In April, the Prime Minister announced the UK and Poland had signed a major £1.9 billion export agreement to roll out a British air defence system, made by MBDA, across the European nation. The export win will supports hundreds of jobs across the UK, delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, and deepening ties with our key European ally.

    Poland’s President, Andrzej Duda, also visited Downing Street in February to meet the Prime Minister, where they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and their support for Sweden’s accession to NATO.

    The Defence Secretary and his Polish counterpart also signed the Air Defence Complex Weapons Agreement in October. This enables the UK and Poland to cooperate in the development and manufacture of current and future complex weapons and deepen the interoperability of our armed forces.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Second Permanent Secretary appointed at Defra [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Second Permanent Secretary appointed at Defra [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 5 July 2023.

    Nick Joicey appointed as a new second Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

    The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has today announced the appointment of Nick Joicey as a new second Permanent Secretary.

    Nick is currently serving as a Director General in the Cabinet Office. He will start in the coming weeks.

    The second Permanent Secretary will act as Defra Group Chief Operating Officer and will oversee the Strategy and Science and Analysis groups within the department. Current Chief Operating Officer Sarah Homer will take up the role of Director General for Portfolio Delivery.

    Welcoming Nick’s appointment, Defra Permanent Secretary Tamara Finkelstein said:

    Nick has been appointed in a new second Permanent Secretary role as part of our work to build a Defra group that is designed to deliver for the future.

    I am delighted that Nick will be taking up this important role and I look forward to welcoming him back the department at this exciting time.

    Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

    Nick is a highly experienced public servant and will bring a wealth of knowledge from across government.

    I look forward to welcoming him back to Defra where he previously served with distinction as we continue to deliver on our exciting agenda to improve the environment and support our vital food, farming and water sectors.

    Nick Joicey said:

    I am thrilled to be joining Defra as Second Permanent Secretary and Group Chief Operating Officer and excited at the prospect of delivering on Defra’s ambitious agenda of improving our environment, rural communities and food, water and farming sectors.

    I know what a brilliant department it is from my time there as a Director General. I am looking forward to working with the brilliant teams in Defra, across government and in the sectors to see this agenda realised.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia repeatedly demonstrates complete disregard for International Humanitarian Law – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia repeatedly demonstrates complete disregard for International Humanitarian Law – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

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

    UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says that we must not become numb to the true barbarity that Russia has inflicted on the people of Ukraine.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. It has been two weeks since this Forum last sat, and during this period we have unfortunately witnessed Russia continue its barbaric attacks causing death and destruction of Ukraine’s civilians and civilian infrastructure. On 27 June, a missile strike on a restaurant in Kramatorsk killed at least 12 people, including the Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina and four children, and wounding over 60 more. This appalling attack has horrifying similarities to the missile strike on the Kremenchuk shopping centre exactly a year before on 27 June 2022, which killed as many as 25 people, with more than 50 wounded. It is a grim reminder of the enduring resolve and determination of the Ukrainian people to stand up against their brutal and vengeful invader.

    Madam Chair, I draw attention to these two attacks, exactly a year apart, because as we approach 500 days since Putin launched his horrific war of choice, it is perhaps easy to become numb to the true barbarity that Russia has inflicted on the people of Ukraine – day in, day out, night after night.

    Last week, on 28 June, the Russian delegation distributed a Note Verbale [SEC.DEL/274/23] to all delegations complaining at the “unfounded accusations of violations of International Humanitarian Law” that were “frequently made against Russian Servicemen engaged” in the so-called “special military operation”. The Russian delegation sent this Note Verbale whilst Ukrainian emergency services were still trying to rescue civilians from the rubble of the Kramatorsk restaurant attack. Hypocrisy at its worst.

    The thousands of Ukrainian civilians killed; Ukrainian men, women and children subjected to unimaginable atrocities; and Ukrainian children forcibly relocated are a sobering reminder that Russia repeatedly demonstrates complete disregard for International Humanitarian Law.

    Madam Chair, the long running feud between Yevgeny Prigozhin, his Wagner Group, and the leaders of the Russian armed forces reached a peak over the weekend of 24 June. Whilst this is clearly an internal Russian affair, the events that took place directly concern Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    Most notably, Prigozhin, one of President Putin’s own protégés, publically destroyed the regime’s case for the war in Ukraine. He said there had been no aggression from Ukraine or plans, with NATO, to attack Russia. Furthermore, he denounced Russia’s military leadership, accusing them of invading Ukraine for their own personal benefit.

    Madam Chair, during the 07 June FSC Security Dialogue on Private Military Companies, the Russian Delegation described Wagner as a “volunteer formation” which provides assistance to the civilian population. Wagner’s actions, including the atrocities they have committed in Ukraine, demonstrate that this is far from the truth. Despite previous denials, President Vladimir Putin admitted on 27 June that Wagner has been completely financed by the Russian State, apparently at the equivalent to 4% of Russian military expenditure.

    Madam Chair, Prigozhin’s rebellion represents an unprecedented challenge to Putin’s authority, and it is clear that cracks are emerging in Russian support for the war. Prigozhin’s comments confirm that Russia’s brutal invasion was both unjustified and unprovoked. Russia’s leadership cannot justify this war even to itself. Whilst Ukraine is focused on fighting its barbaric invader, Russia is fighting itself.

    Madam Chair, the UK and our allies are committed to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. This is the swiftest, and only, path to a just and lasting peace. We will stand by Ukraine for however long it takes. Ukraine will win. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Malaysia – Ailsa Terry [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Malaysia – Ailsa Terry [July 2023]

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

    Ms Ailsa Terry has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Mr Charles Hay MVO.

    Ms Ailsa Terry has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Mr Charles Hay MVO, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Terry will take up her appointment during August 2023.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Ailsa Terry

    Spouse: Adam Terry

    Children: 2

    Year Role
    2022 to Present FCDO, Director, Sanctions
    2021 to 2022 FCDO, Director, G7 Presidency
    2018 to 2021 Cabinet Office, Director/Deputy Director, National Security Secretariat
    2014 to 2018 Brussels, United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union, Counsellor to the Permanent Representative
    2012 to 2014 FCO, China Department, Team Leader, Asia Pacific Directorate
    2011 to 2012 FCO, Head of Operations, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2011 Kabul, European Union Delegation, Political Adviser to the EU Special Representative to Afghanistan
    2009 to 2011 Islamabad, Second Secretary (Political)
    2008 to 2009 FCO, Head of Middle East and Africa Casework Team, Consular Directorate
    2007 to 2008 FCO, Desk Officer, Economic and Financial Affairs, Europe Directorate
    2006 to 2007 Department for Communities, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State
  • PRESS RELEASE : International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752 [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752 [July 2023]

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

    The International Coordination and Response Group have filed an application with the International Court of Justice instituting proceedings against Iran.

    The International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752, made up of the UK, Sweden, Canada and Ukraine, today issued the following joint statement:

    We, ministers representing Canada, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, have taken an important step in our collective effort to ensure Iran is held accountable for the unlawful downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (Flight PS752).

    Iran failed to respond to our request for arbitration sent on December 28, 2022. As a result, this week in The Hague we have jointly filed an application with the International Court of Justice instituting proceedings against Iran in relation to their breaches of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation of 1971.

    As we have reiterated on multiple occasions, Iran’s actions and omissions in relation to the downing of Flight PS752 by 2 surface-to-air missiles launched by members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force amount to violations of Iran’s international legal obligations, for which Iran must take full responsibility.

    More specifically, as stated in our application, Iran has, among other violations, failed to take all practicable measures to prevent the destruction of Flight PS752 by members of its armed forces. Iran has equally failed to advance a full, transparent and impartial criminal investigation and prosecution in accordance with international standards.

    Today’s legal action reflects our unwavering commitment to achieving transparency, justice and accountability for the families of the victims.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – Statement on Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Iran [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – Statement on Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Iran [July 2023]

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

    Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Islamic Republic of Iran. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

    Thank you to the Fact-Finding Mission for their valuable update.

    Over 500 people were killed during Iran’s brutal crackdown last year, following the killing of Mahsa Amini.

    The use of the death penalty has continued unabated this year. Reports of unfair trials and torture in Iranian prisons… media and internet censorship… restrictions on freedoms of speech, expression, religion, and belief. Anything to stifle dissent.

    Mr President,

    Last November’s Special Session of this Council sent a clear signal that the world was watching and that we would not be a silent witness to the brutal repression of the Iranian people. To the plight of women and girls.

    Yet, seven months later they continue to live in fear. Of violence. Of oppression. Still unable to enjoy some of their most basic human rights.

    It is time for the government of Iran to listen. It is time for the perpetrators of these violations to be held to account. It is time for justice for the Iranian people. And for the women and girls of Iran, it’s time for freedom.

    Members of the FFM can you confirm your report will cover the important issue of the targeting and persecution of journalists, their sources, and families, for their reporting on the protests?

    Thank you Mr Vice President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £12m funding for lower carbon aerospace project to upskill South West jobs [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £12m funding for lower carbon aerospace project to upskill South West jobs [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 5 July 2023.

    Minister Ghani has announced £12 million of funding for a cutting-edge new aerospace R&D project at Airbus Filton which will support local jobs.

    • £12 million government-backed funding for groundbreaking aerospace R&D project at Airbus Filton set to upskill local staff – furthering one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities to grow the economy.
    • Combined government and industry funding will develop new lower carbon aircraft wing technology – reducing CO2 emissions and fuel burn.
    • Industry Minister announces package following visit to Airbus Filton to open new Wing Technology Development Centre to advance technology on next generation aircraft.

    A new cutting-edge aerospace R&D project supporting highly-skilled jobs at Airbus Filton in the South West will benefit from £12 million in combined government and industry funding, Industry Minister Nusrat Ghani has announced today (5 July).

    The project will develop new aircraft wing technology, in particular for longer aircraft wings, to reduce CO2 emissions from flights and will upskill local employees and apprentices in a range of roles, including technicians and engineers.

    Longer wings make it easier for an aircraft to create lift without using as much fuel, helping to reduce CO2 emissions. The project will explore the technology for a folding mechanism for longer wings, so that they can be retracted and aircraft do not take up more space at airports as a result.

    The funding will be delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme and was announced following Minister Ghani’s visit to Airbus Filton yesterday.

    Minister Ghani also opened a new state-of-the-art Wing Technology Development Centre, which will house the next generation of aircraft wing technologies and production capabilities.

    Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said:

    Our world-class aerospace sector is helping us grow the economy and lead the way on greener air travel, and this new project at Airbus Filton will make sure the South West stays at the forefront of this innovation.

    We’re backing our aerospace sector to soar, and projects like these are helping drive forward our goal of net zero air travel by 2050 and securing high-wage, high-skill jobs across the country in the process.

    Around 2,700 staff work in high-skilled roles at Airbus Filton, which has established itself as the company’s lead UK site for civil aircraft R&D and develops some of the most exciting future technologies in aircraft wing design, fuel systems and landing gear.

    The funding announced today builds on £218 million of support for cutting-edge UK aerospace research projects announced last month at the Paris Air Show, where Airbus also announced Indian airline IndiGo’s historic purchase of 500 Airbus A320-family aircraft.

    This was the biggest single purchase by an airline in commercial aviation history and will be worth billions to the UK economy, with Airbus manufacturing almost all its aircraft wings in the UK.

    The ATI funding announced also forms part of a joint commitment with industry to invest in new aircraft and manufacturing technologies set to help secure at least £20 billion of further private investment in the UK aerospace sector and support over 100,000 jobs across the country.

    Yesterday, Minister Ghani also gave a keynote address at an event hosted by key suppliers to the UK aerospace industry and manufacturers of aircraft components, including GKN, Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems and many other smaller businesses.

    In her speech, the Minister set out the Government’s commitment to backing more innovation and investment in UK aerospace to an audience of companies in the industry – including a range of aerospace SMEs – considering investing in the UK.

    The event marked the first time that the UK’s leading manufacturers in the aerospace sector have come together to give a joint message on their plans for the future and ambitions to attract more investment into the UK.

    Background:

    • The Airbus-led project announced by Minister Ghani is named XWING BETA, and will use cutting-edge techniques and research to develop longer aircraft wing capabilities.
    • The ATI Programme is a joint government and industry investment. Its purpose is to competitively offer funding for research and technology development in the UK, to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive position in civil aerospace and accelerate the transition to net zero aviation.
    • The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has a well-developed approach to supporting the aerospace sector, including: £685 million of funding for the ATI Programme; the Aerospace Growth Partnership sector council which has developed the Destination Zero strategy for aerospace, a technology strategy developed by the ATI, and support for airline sales campaigns.
    • Aircraft components are manufactured using advanced materials. The advanced materials industry contributes £14 billion to the UK economy annually. It is also crucial for achieving net zero targets, as innovation in advanced materials is hugely important for sustainable growth.
  • PRESS RELEASE : DWP launches new Midlife MOT website [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : DWP launches new Midlife MOT website [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 July 2023.

    A new online Midlife MOT has been launched to help older workers with financial planning, health guidance, and to assess what their skills mean for their careers and futures.

    The free Midlife MOT website encourages people to review their skills and help to break down barriers to the labour market, in turn delivering on the Government’s priority to grow the economy. It brings together trusted services, help such as a jobseeker toolkit and charity resources. It will allow people to identify job opportunities across the UK as well as better preparing them for later life and their retirement.

    The website signposts to key organisations and charities, including the NHS, Mind, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and the Department for Work and Pension’s (DWP) find a job portal.

    As part of this, MoneyHelper has created a financial tool which will provide a personalised report to help people understand what to prioritise to improve their financial position, from now through to retirement.

    The Midlife MOT was originally launched in Jobcentres across England with work coaches working with claimants to encourage planning for later life and boosting their confidence. Following the initial success, the Government has looked at ways of reaching more people with the service and making it accessible for everyone – right across the UK.

    Helen from Bolton is someone who has recently benefitted from the Government’s Midlife MOT offer. She wanted a new challenge and recently found a job as a cleaner in a primary school after having received tailored support from her local Jobcentre.

    This included taking part in a Midlife MOT session where Helen, who is in her sixties, improved her confidence levels by conducting a stocktake of her skills and understanding how valuable she would be to an employer. Her story shows that people are never too old to retrain and develop new skills.

    Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP said:

    We are all living longer and planning for later life is essential but knowing where to start can be daunting. Our digital Midlife MOT is open to everyone and easy to access, and will give people the tools to make informed decisions – on their personal finances, their health and on their careers. I would encourage older people in particular to invest the time to see exactly what it can do for them.

    Andy Briggs, CEO of the Phoenix Group and Older Workers Champion for the Government added:

    The introduction of an enhanced digital MOT, that’s open to all, is welcome news and, with a focus on work, wealth and wellbeing, it will be an essential tool in helping people make the most of their longer lives. So much so, that Phoenix Group has piloted its own version of the midlife MOT which will be rolled out to colleagues in the coming months.

    The desire to stay in meaningful work for longer is already important to many people. More experienced, older workers offer a wealth of knowledge but are often written-off or overlooked for no good reason. Age is no barrier to learning and I encourage businesses to invest for all, to enjoy the benefits of greater retention and more skilled employees.

    The digital Midlife MOT forms part of the Government’s wider package to help older workers find and move into work as well as helping those already in work understand what support is available. In the Spring Budget, the Chancellor announced that the DWP will be increasing the number of people who can access in person Midlife MOT support via their local Jobcentre, from 8,000 to 40,000 a year.

    The Government’s digital offer will be continually reviewed to ensure it is as interactive and tailored as possible and people will soon be able to access content specific to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Minister for International Trade visits Bangladesh to strengthen trade and investment ties [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Minister for International Trade visits Bangladesh to strengthen trade and investment ties [July 2023]

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

    UK Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston MP arrived in Dhaka yesterday [4 July] for a visit focused on strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries.

    The UK is committed to working with Bangladesh to create a trade and investment relationship that will create jobs and grow both economies. The total trade in goods and services between the UK and Bangladesh reached a record £4.7 billion at the end of 2022.

    Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston said

    “The UK has a strong and enduring relationship with Bangladesh, and our trade with the country has grown significantly over the past year.

    “My first visit here demonstrates the UK’s strong ambition to work with Bangladesh to achieve an enhanced trade and investment relationship. I look forward to working with the Government of Bangladesh on increasing mutual prosperity by addressing barriers to market access and trade.”

    Minister Huddleston will meet Salman F Rahman MP, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They will discuss the Aviation Trade and Investment Partnership, signed by the UK and Bangladesh in May 2023, which will strengthen Bangladesh’s aviation sector and create jobs in both countries.

    The Minister will also meet Tipu Munshi MP, Honourable Commerce Minister, to discuss the UK’s world-leading Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which came into force last month, and makes it easier for Bangladesh to trade with the UK.

    Bangladeshi exporters now benefit from simpler and more generous Rules of Origin, which means that they are able to produce goods using components from many more countries and still export these with zero tariffs to the UK.

    Following the joint communique on Aviation Trade & Investment Partnership, Minister Huddleston will meet Mahbub Ali MP, Honourable State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism. Discussions will focus on the UK’s offer to helping Bangladesh realise its ambition of becoming the next aviation hub in South Asia.