Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces veteran community celebrated in HM The King’s Official Birthday Honours List [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 June 2023.

Armed Forces veterans are amongst those recognised for incredible service in this year’s HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2023.

Veterans, and those who have worked in the veteran community for decades have been honoured.

The List includes many individuals who have raised funds for veterans causes, campaigned tirelessly for military charities and volunteered their time to support those who have served.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:

When you join the military, you pledge to fight for King and country.

So it’s immensely poignant that those who have served, or have helped veterans, have been honoured today in the Birthday Honours

The range of contributions, from charity work, to supporting veterans mental health, are inspiring and I warmly congratulate all the recipients.

Major (Rtd) Sally Orange has been awarded an MBE for her work to reduce the stigma associated with mental ill health. Over a 30-year period, Sally has run over 70 marathons and fundraised for over 40 different charities, mainly of a military nature, raising over half a million pounds in donations.

Volunteer work is being recognised in this year’s List, including an MBE for Thomas Hall for his work linking the charity and healthcare systems to create a coherent care pathway in Wales. He has created a series of health discussion groups to share best practice and advice on veteran care, helping to improve understanding of their healthcare needs.

Margaret Bracey has been awarded a BEM to mark her outstanding commitment to the Royal British Legion as one of their longest serving poppy collectors. Margaret sold her first poppy for one penny in 1945 at the age of 12, and continues to volunteer for the charity almost eight decades later.

Anthony Cooper has been awarded an MBE for voluntary services to veterans. Following an extensive injury from an IED, including losing both legs, many fingers, and an eye, Anthony joined the Royal British Legion as an ambassador and works tirelessly to share his story with others, and has raised thousands of pounds for veterans charities.

Charitable services to veterans is also being recognised in this year’s List, with Christine Evans receiving a British Empire Medal recognising her innovative fundraising ideas, including organising a ‘Red Ball’ fundraiser to mark the Centenary of the First World War. To date, Christine’s Poppy Appeals have raised over £300,000 for military charities.

Following a 25 year military career, Albert Duffus is receiving a BEM to recognise his work organising fundraising events for a range of veterans charities and ensuring that the role of the Queen’s Own Highlanders regiment is remembered.

Work to support the veterans of the war in Ukraine featured in this year’s list, with Major General Nicholas John Caplin receiving a CBE for his tireless work to help build Ukrainian capability in the provision of sight loss services for veterans. He is also credited with the establishment of the Disabled Veterans Charity Partnership, a partnership fostering collaboration between key military charities.

Kenneth Keld of North Yorkshire is receiving an MBE for his persistent work to ensure Korean veterans receive recognition for their service.

June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Outstanding public service delivery recognised in HM The King’s Official Birthday Honours List [June 2023]

The press release issued by Cabinet Office on 16 June 2023.

Civil servants who have cut costs for the public sector and delivered vital services are recognised in the HM The King’s Birthday Honours 2023.

This year’s List celebrates the dedication of public servants, as they deliver for the British public, including work done to drive greater efficiency in government and save the taxpayer money wherever they can.

The List also recognises the vital public services run by civil servants, which help communities across the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said:

Working in the public sector is a privilege and the individuals recognised today have gone above and beyond to serve the British people.

I want to thank all those who have devoted their time to delivering exceptional public services, in particular those who have saved the taxpayer money.

Efficiency

Ann Underwood was awarded a CBE for leading an efficiency programme which has saved the Ministry of Defence more than £8 billion. Ann has motivated hundreds of people across Defence to strive for better results for the Armed Forces and the taxpayer.

Another person being recognised for their work protecting taxpayer money is Mark Sheridan from the Fraud Investigation Service. He is receiving an OBE for securing over 1,500 criminal convictions in his role as Deputy Director, and preventing huge revenue losses to fraudsters as a Senior Responsible Officer for Organised Labour Fraud.

Gwynne Goodfield for HMRC has been awarded a BEM for saving taxpayer money in recruitment. Gwynne has made tax graduate recruitment in HMRC more sustainable and significantly more cost-effective, reducing the cost per hire from £2,900 to £1,300, saving £175,000 in 2022 alone.

Reflecting the government’s priority to provide opportunities for growth across the UK, Pauline Jones from the Department for Work and Pensions in the West Midlands has been awarded an MBE for her innovative work to place individuals from the local community into important roles during the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Education, criminal justice and environmental services

Kavitha Kishen has been awarded an OBEX for her work in the Government Office for Science, which has helped boost the nation’s resilience to threats including terrorism, cyber-attacks, pandemics.

Lawrence Langton from Yorkshire and Humberside, whose work at Forestry England to plant thousands of trees, protect local wildlife, and inspire the next generation to protect their forests, has been celebrated with a BEM.

Shirley Jones, an Inspector from the Department of Education in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, has been awarded an OBE for her outstanding contributions to the lives of many children, young trainees and adults at risk of marginalisation and exclusion from education or employment.

An OBE was awarded to Lisa James from the Ukraine Humanitarian Taskforce, for her community outreach work to help Ukrainians who have fled conflict rebuild their lives in the UK. She has supported many vulnerable Ukrainian guests who have navigated accessing sponsorship, housing, and other public services.

June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Political Honours conferred [June 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street 2023.

The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring the following Honours upon the undermentioned:

Knight Bachelor

The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP; Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth, formerly Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State. For public and political service.

KBE

The Rt Hon Michael Ellis KC MP; Member of Parliament for Northampton North, formerly Attorney General. For public and political service.

June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : HM The King’s first Birthday Honours List recognises extraordinary individuals helping to combat major challenges of our time [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 16 June 2023.

HM The King’s first Official Birthday Honours List has been announced today, marking the incredible public service of individuals from across the UK, in the year of the Coronation.

More than 1,000 recipients have been awarded for their outstanding contributions across all sectors and parts of the UK, including with a renewed focus on those who have had a profoundly positive impact on how society faces up to the most challenging issues of the modern era.

Individuals have been recognised for being inspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and philanthropists.

Other significant contributions relate to the provision of high-quality healthcare and education, as well as individuals whose actions have helped tackle crime or supported families to contribute to society, including helping children achieve their potential.

Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Oliver Dowden MP, said:

This year’s honours list is a testament to ordinary people who have demonstrated extraordinary community spirit, and I pay tribute to all those who have been recognised today.

Our honours system has long been a way of recognising people who make an incredible contribution to life in Britain and beyond.

We are now focussed on levelling up the system to ensure it represents the length and breadth of the country, and I hope that the fantastic stories this year ensure more regional nominations in the future.

High quality healthcare and education

Sheila Reith has been recognised for her contribution to the world of medicine with a CBE for her work in leading the development and pioneering the use of the first insulin injection pen, an action from which she subsequently made no financial gain. Her contribution has changed the way hundreds of millions of people have lived with diabetes ever since.

Philip Cook, a military veteran, of Stockton-on-Tees is receiving an OBE for work which helped turn around the fortunes of several colleges across northern England. Paul Harvey has been awarded an OBE for raising more than £1.5 million for dementia services after being diagnosed with the condition.

Tackling crime, supporting families to contribute to society and helping children.

Suzanne Oldnall, who has worked tirelessly to support domestic abuse victims in Worcester including through the establishment of a drop-in centre, is receiving a BEM.

Recipients who typify the volunteering theme include Trevor Gomes, who is receiving an BEM for his work establishing a youth mentoring programme which equips young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with the skills needed for the world of work and higher education.

Suzanne Jacqueline Richards from Wednesbury in the West Midlands has received an MBE after setting up a charity for the families who have lost loved ones in traumatic circumstances such as murder and terrorism. She set up Smile for Joel up after losing three family members in the 2015 Tunisia terror attacks.

Inspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and philanthropists

Entrepreneurs have received Honours in this year’s List, with Yulian Topazly receiving an MBE for her work helping more than 10,000 women into sustainable employment while George Imafidon who, aged 27, receives an MBE for a grassroots social enterprise he co-founded which brings together young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and employers looking to attract diverse talent.

Volunteering

The ‘Big Help Out’ saw millions of people volunteering in their communities on the weekend of the Coronation and those themes are also seen in this year’s List. Examples can be found of extraordinary voluntary and community service, including people involved in Operation London Bridge and the associated security operations.

The oldest recipient, Joan Willett is 106 years old and receives a BEM for her charitable fundraising for the British Heart Foundation. The youngest recipient is Junior Jay Frood who is 18 years old and receives a BEM for services to vulnerable children.

Volunteer work related to the war in Ukraine is also recognised in this year’s list, including an MBE for Dr Alice Good who founded Sunflower Sisters, an organisation which provides matching services and ongoing support for Ukrainians after they arrive in the UK, and Bristol’s Razvan Constantinescu who will receive an MBE after overseeing more than 4,000 boxes of aid for the people of war-torn Odessa and the neighbouring villages who have evacuated to neighbouring countries.

Well-known recipients include Davina McCall for her esteemed career as a broadcaster and campaigner, actress and presenter Vicky McClure for her groundbreaking dementia campaigning where she’s shone a light on the positive impact of music therapy on dementia-sufferers, and footballer-turned-pundit Ian Wright for services to charity and Association Football.

The List also awards three Companions of Honour – of which there are only 65 recipients at any time – Dame Anna Wintour, for her services to fashion and publishing, Sir Ian McEwan for his service to literature and Professor Sir John Bell, for his services to medicine and medical research.

The Prime Minister is determined to make sure that honours represent the length and breadth of the country, so that the honours system captures and celebrates the fantastic contribution of people from every corner of the UK.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour and we call on people from across the UK who know someone who has achieved fantastic things to go to https://www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how they can put someone forward.

June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 June 2023.

A number of military personnel have been granted state honours in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their work in the Armed Forces.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Congratulations to the Service personnel who are receiving state honours from His Majesty The King, in his first Birthday Honours List. These prestigious awards are testament to the talent and dedication of our Armed Forces, and highlight the huge range of skills and talents across our brave personnel.

Royal Navy Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath.

As Knight Commander
- Vice Admiral Richard Charles THOMPSON, CBE
As Companion
- Rear Admiral James Godfrey HIGHAM, OBE
Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders
- Commodore James Robert DEAN, OBE
- Rear Admiral Timothy Christopher WOODS
As Officers
- Commander Charles Michael BARROW
- Commander Ian Gerald DANBURY
- Colonel Jonathan Wyn DOWD
- Captain Francis Durham HIRONS
- Captain Stephen Andrew LARGE
- Lieutenant Colonel Michael John SCANLON
- Commander Fergus Steven WALKER
As Members
- Lieutenant Zachariah Thomas Sidney BLOW
- Warrant Officer 1 Andrew Charles CORNISH
- Petty Officer (Diver) Andrew Robert COULSON
- Warrant Officer 1 (Mine Warfare) John COWAN
- Warrant Officer 2 Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Jamie Paul DOUGAL
- Sergeant James DUNLOP
- Chief Petty Officer (Royal Navy Welfare) Victoria GLASSEY
- Lieutenant Commander Amy GLOVER
- Lieutenant Commander Anthony James Rodney LOFTS
- Sub Lieutenant Adaiah Jekamiah Pelailiah PROVIDENCE-CULZAC, Royal Naval Reserve
- Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering Submarines) Barry John TURNER-MACDONALD
- Captain Richard Ian WATSON
- Major Christopher Alan WEBBER
Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, First Class
- Commander Karen McCULLOUGH, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service
Army Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath.

As Knight Grand Cross
- General Sir Mark Alexander Popham CARLETON-SMITH, KCB, CBE
As Knight Commander
- Lieutenant General Nicholas Robert Macrae BORTON, DSO, MBE
As Companions
- Major General Paul Raymond GRIFFITHS
- Major General Timothy John HODGETTS, CBE, KHS
- Major General Colin Richard James WEIR, DSO, MBE
Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders
- Brigadier Andrew Stuart GARNER, OBE
- Brigadier Anna Clare LUEDICKE, OBE
- Brigadier Toby Lloyd ROWLAND
- Colonel (now Acting Brigadier) Nicholas THOMAS
As Officers
- Colonel Richard David Hadley BALL
- Colonel Sharon Mary BEATTY, ARRC
- Lieutenant Colonel James CAMPBELL, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Army Reserve
- Colonel David Ronald COCKWELL, MBE
- Lieutenant Colonel Belinda Lorraine FORSYTHE, MBE, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
- Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Rebecca Sarah JACQUES-GREY, Royal Corps of Signals
- Colonel (now Acting Brigadier) Tobias LAMBERT
- Lieutenant Colonel Philip Robert NATHAN, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
- Warrant Officer Class 1 Andrew John STOKES, MVO, Coldstream Guards
- Colonel Tim John SYMONDS
- Colonel Andrew Derrick WATSON
As Members
- Captain Steven John ADAMSON, Royal Corps of Signals
- Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Stuart Richard ALLEN, Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Service Branch)
- Major Daniel Robert AUSTIN, Royal Army Medical Corps
- Sergeant Liam James BAYFORD, Royal Corps of Signals
- Warrant Officer Class 1 Robbie George BEECH, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps
- Lieutenant Colonel James Leonard BROWN, The Royal Logistic Corps
- Lieutenant Colonel Rosanne Kathleen BUCKLEY, Intelligence Corps
- Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Christopher Paul CARTER, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
- Major Peter James CORNISH, The Royal Logistic Corps
- Sergeant Thomas COUPER, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- Colonel Peter Michael John COWELL, The Yorkshire Regiment
- Major Hamish Lawson DAVISON, Royal Tank Regiment
- Lance Corporal Natasha Maria Linda DAY, Royal Army Medical Corps
- Major Steven George DAY, The Yorkshire Regiment
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Johannes Jakobus DU TOIT, The Royal Logistic Corps
- Warrant Officer Class 1 Deborah Anne FAIRCLOUGH, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
- Lieutenant Colonel Wendy FAUX, VR, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve,
- Major Paul John GANUSZKO, Royal Regiment of Artillery
- Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Gareth Russel HALL, Royal Army Medical Corps
- Captain Melissa Jane HENLEY, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
- Major Craig HUTTON, Scots Guards
- Captain Helen JASPER, VR, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve
- Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Iain LAMONT, Corps of Royal Engineers
- Lieutenant Colonel Danny Scott Alan LESLIE, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Captain (now Acting Major) George Wayne LONG, The Mercian Regiment
- Lieutenant (now Acting Captain) Bartholomew Philip LUCAS, Army Cadet Force
- Major Robert MARSHALL, The Royal Logistic Corps
- Major Iain Veitch McDAVID, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Captain (now Acting Major) Matthew Speirs McNAIRN, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
- Major Robert Edward MORFORD, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- Major Harry Anthony NOBLE, Intelligence Corps
- Major William James Devine PATRICK, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Deborah Christine PENNY, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
- Warrant Officer Class 2 James Stephen Christopher ROCHESTER, Corps of Royal Engineers
- Corporal William James ROSS, The Royal Logistic Corps
- Warrant Officer Class 1 Abbas SALIHU, The Royal Logistic Corps
- Major Keith William SCOTT, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
- Major Helen Mary Morrell STAMP, Corps of Royal Engineers
- Major Anthony Russell VINEY, The Yorkshire Regiment
- Major Edward Charles WATTS, The Yorkshire Regiment
- Major (now Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Joseph Francis Caven WOOD, Corps of Royal Engineers
Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class
- Staff Sergeant Lindsey Anne COLLINSON, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps
King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Craig BLANEY, VR, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army Reserve
- Captain David Gary BURGESS, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
- Colonel David Ronald McNEIL, TD, VR, Army Reserve
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Jay SHAW, VR, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve
Royal Air Force Awards

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath.

As Companion
- Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Torquil Ian MUNRO, CBE
Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

As Commanders
- Air Commodore Anthony John BEASANT
- Air Commodore Emily Jane FLYNN, OBE
- Group Captain Sara Bridget MACKMIN
As Officers
- Wing Commander Tracey Louise AFFLECK
- Group Captain Leonie BOYD
- Group Captain James Matthew CALVERT
- Wing Commander Victoria Ann FULTON
- Wing Commander Craig Robert LEDIEU, MBE
- Wing Commander Anthony John LETT
- Wing Commander Victoria Tuesday WILLIAMS
- Wing Commander Jonathan Robert Gibson YOUNG
As Members
- Sergeant Matthew James BREESE
- Squadron Leader David Gary COOPER
- Warrant Officer Andrea Jane CULLEY
- Chief Technician Martin Richard DARBON
- Squadron Leader Elizabeth Margaret DAWSON
- Squadron Leader Brendan Christopher DUNNE
- Squadron Leader Robyn Elizabeth HACKWELL
- Wing Commander Lorna Jayne HOBAN
- Air Specialist 1 (now Acting Corporal) Prem Dorje LAMA
- Squadron Leader William Anthony LEATHER
- Sergeant Paul David MITCHELL
- Squadron Leader Gary MONTGOMERY
- Sergeant (now Acting Flight Sergeant) Robyn Caroline MUSCROFT-BLOOMFIELD
- Squadron Leader Andrew SPOUR
- Flight Lieutenant David Alexander TAYLOR
- Squadron Leader Princejit Singh UBHI
Royal Red Cross

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class
- Flight Sergeant Anita Rosemary WIEJAK
King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal
- Flight Lieutenant Graham John BLACKBURN
- Air Specialist Class 1 Westley WHYTE
June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Outstanding contributions to human rights recognised on Overseas and International Honours List [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2023.

Over 100 people awarded for exceptional service to the UK overseas or internationally in The King’s Birthday Honours List.
- Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service Richard Moore knighted for his contribution to British foreign policy and national security during the war in Ukraine
- Terry Waite, co-founder and president of Hostage International, among 110 people recognised for their exceptional service to the UK overseas or internationally
- honours go to activist and photojournalist Marcus Bleasdale as well as former UK Ambassador to Myanmar Vicky Bowman for their brave contributions to human rights
Over 100 people have received awards for their exceptional service to the UK overseas or internationally in The King’s Birthday Honours List, including for contributions to British foreign policy, humanitarianism and protecting human rights.

Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, Richard Moore, is knighted for his outstanding contribution to British foreign policy and national security, leading the organisation during an exceptionally challenging period which has seen the first major conflict on European soil since the Second World War.

Others recognised include Terry Waite CBE, co-founder and president of Hostage International, who is appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George [KCMG] for his services to charity and humanitarian work. Aged 84, he continues to play a crucial role in providing emotional and practical support to people in the UK and internationally, including hostages and their families, children, young people and the homeless.

Photojournalist and human rights activist Marcus Bleasdale is made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George [CMG]. For over 20 years, he has risked his life in conflict zones and areas of severe poverty photographing some of the world’s worst unreported human rights atrocities, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.

Former UK Ambassador to Myanmar Vicky Bowman is also made a CMG for her sustained and brave contribution to promoting human rights, democracy and transparency in Myanmar. Since retiring from the Diplomatic Service following 4 years as ambassador, she has supported businesses in areas including environment policy and investments in the country as Director of the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business.

Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said:

At a time when the world faces many challenges, I am always impressed by the incredible work being done globally. The UK’s impact internationally depends on exceptional people like those honoured in His Majesty’s Birthday Honours list. I congratulate everyone receiving an award and thank them for their dedication and service.

The Birthday Honours list also recognises a number of non-official contributions receiving OBEs, MBEs and BEMs including:

Philip Bigley

Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Hostage International, receives an OBE [Officer of the Order of the British Empire] for services to those affected by Kidnap and Hostage Situations Internationally.

Phil Bigley is recognised for an exceptional and sustained contribution to supporting individuals and families affected by kidnap and hostage situations overseas. In 2004, Phil’s brother Ken, a British engineer, was taken hostage while working in Iraq and killed. The kidnap and murder became a high-profile case globally, putting the Bigley family under immense public scrutiny, and also inspiring huge public support. Having gone through this ordeal personally, Phil turned this tragedy into something positive by helping others in similar situations.

He joined the team at Hostage International in 2005, after they helped him and his family in their time of need, and has since selflessly devoted a huge amount of his personal resources and expertise into working with the families and victims of hostage. He is currently the Chair of the Board of Trustees, a role he performs alongside being a caseworker, providing direct pastoral support and advice to families and former hostages. His unwavering compassion, commitment and professionalism is recognised with an OBE.

Philip Bigley said:

I am both shocked and honoured to have been nominated for this award, which I graciously accept in memory of my brother, Ken, and on behalf of our family. I wish to thank the many inspirational people at Hostage International that dedicate themselves to helping those affected by kidnap.

Megan Bick

Trustee, British Emergency Action in Russia and the Republics, receives an MBE [Member of the Order of the British Empire] for services to Civil Society Development in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Megan Bick is recognised for an outstanding and sustained contribution to marginalised groups and civil society development in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Her work in the employment of various international and UK government agencies over the last 3 decades, has had a significant impact in improving the lives of vulnerable people in the region.

She has also used this accumulated knowledge and experience in her unpaid role as a Trustee of The BEARR Trust, a British charity focussed on the health and social welfare of disadvantaged people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In this role, she has helped the Trust in launching its Ukraine Emergency Appeal. In just over a year the Trust has sent about £500,000, raised by its supporters, to around 60 organisations in Ukraine and Moldova, who have used the money to provide vital shelter for displaced people, to buy emergency food and medical supplies, to organise evacuations, and to provide psychological support.

Megan Bick said:

I’m thrilled the work of The BEARR Trust has been acknowledged and the honour should be shared between all those past and present who have contributed to the strengthening of the voluntary sector in Eastern Europe, so crucial at times of adversity.

Nimo Hassan Abdilahi

Director, Somalia NGO Consortium, is also recognised with an MBE for services to Humanitarian Assistance and Development in Somalia/Somaliland.

Nimo Hassan is recognised for her outstanding contribution to humanitarian assistance and development in Somalia and Somaliland. She is an exceptional humanitarian with over a decade of service working on the frontline in one of the most challenging environments in the world to be an aid worker. Somalia today is currently in the midst of a historic humanitarian crisis, with millions of people acutely food insecure.

Nimo, in her current position as Director of the Somali NGO Consortium, has played a critical leadership role, advocating on behalf of international and national civil society on the crisis and barriers to more effective response. This role regularly puts her on a global stage with seniors from the humanitarian and development sector in New York, Washington, Geneva, London, Brussels and Nairobi bringing an essential and grounded field-level voice from Somali people into international forums at such a critical moment in the humanitarian crisis in the country.

Nimo Hassan said:

I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious recognition for the work I am privileged to do every day. This is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those who are not represented in the global forums on pertinent issues that impact their daily lives. In an interconnected world we all have a duty to uphold right to a dignified life.

David Wright

Lisbon Area Representative and lately Vice-Chairman, the Portugal and Atlantic Islands Branch of the Royal British Legion, receives a BEM [British Empire Medal] for services to the Royal British Legion in Portugal.

David Wright is recognised for an outstanding and sustained contribution to the Royal British Legion in Portugal. For many years, as the Vice-Chairman of the Portugal Royal British Legion branch and Lisbon area representative, he has been the driving force behind numerous initiatives to support British veterans and their families living in Portugal, such as the Poppy Appeal, monthly members’ lunches and in particular, for his planning and delivery of the highly successful Remembrance Sunday events in Lisbon.

He has also voluntarily supported other organisations in the Lisbon area with his time and energy with significant benefits to the British and wider community in the Lisbon area, and to the UK’s reputation in Portugal.

David Wright said:

Receiving this award is an extraordinary honour. I am deeply grateful and humbled to be recognised in this way. It is also very much a testament to the support and encouragement I have received from my family, friends, and colleagues along the way. We have enjoyed some great times together.
June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Over 100 arrested in record breaking illegal working crackdown  [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 16 June 2023.

The Home Office deployed over 300 immigration officers on over 150 enforcement visits in one day to crack down on illegal working across the UK.

The Home Office has conducted a record number of visits targeting illegal working in one day, as part of a nationwide operation.

During the operation, which took place across the UK yesterday, Immigration Enforcement officers arrested 105 foreign nationals found working without the right to do so during 159 illegal working visits.

The arrests took place at commercial premises including restaurants, car washes, nail bars, barber shops and convenience stores.

Suspects were arrested for offences including illegal working and possession of false documentation, with sums of cash seized at some locations.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended an early morning visit in Brent, North London, to observe Immigration Enforcement officers at work as part of the day of action.

Home Secretary, Suella Braverman said:

Illegal working harms our communities, cheats honest workers out of employment and defrauds the public purse as no taxes are paid. As the Prime Minister has set out, we are committed to tackling the abuse of our laws and borders.

We know the prospect of black-market employment is a significant attraction for migrants considering making dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK.  Operations such as today send a clear message that we will not stand for this.

Of those arrested, over 40 were detained by the Home Office, pending their removal from the UK, with the remaining suspects being released on immigration bail. It is also expected that a number of the arrests will result in voluntary departure from the UK.

Offenders of over 20 different nationalities were found to be working without the right to do so in the UK.

The operation builds on the ongoing work by Immigration Enforcement officers to clamp down on illegal working which is a key part of the government’s approach to stopping the boats. This work tackles illegal migration by breaking the business model of criminal gangs who use the offer of black market jobs as one way to draw people to the UK illegally.

In the first quarter of 2023, Immigration Enforcement teams delivered 1,303 enforcement visits, a 57% increase on the same period last year, and since the PM set out his plan to stop the boats in December, arrests have now doubled since the same period last year.

Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, Eddy Montgomery, added:

This result demonstrates the dedication and professionalism of our officers to take action against immigration offenders, as well as employers who are not complying with the rules. Our enforcement teams are working around the clock to deter immigration offending and help protect the public.

Working closely with partners and agencies including the police and the National Crime Agency, we are tackling illegal working at every level. It is vital that we not only identify individuals in breach of immigration law but target the people smuggling networks behind this type of criminal activity.

June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and South Carolina State hold inaugural Working Group meeting [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 June 2023.

First South Carolina Working Group meeting under the UK – South Carolina trade MoU takes place in Columbia, SC.

On Friday 16th June 2023, the UK and the State of South Carolina held the inaugural government to government working group under the auspices of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and trade relations between the US state of South Carolina and the United Kingdom in Columbia, SC.

Consul General for the United Kingdom in Atlanta, Rachel Galloway, and Deputy Secretary of Commerce for the State of South Carolina, Ashely Teasdel, led the working group attended by officials from the respective governments. The discussion focused on improving cooperation and sharing best practice. This is in addition to exploring opportunities for increasing bilateral trade in the automotive, advanced manufacturing, life sciences sectors, and state procurement.

The UK and South Carolina have a strong trading relationship, with the state exporting £1.2 billion worth of goods to the UK and importing £1.3 billion worth of UK goods in 2022. Several UK companies have subsidiaries based in South Carolina including, Doncasters Trucast Inc, GKN Aerospace, and Sigmatex. UK companies employ over 12,000 South Carolinians in the state and almost 5000 jobs in the Palmetto state are supported by exports to the UK.

South Carolina and the UK agreed to facilitate further bilateral policy and research and development exchange ahead of a future session to be held in late 2023, which will involve representatives from industry as part of continued work to deliver for businesses in the UK and South Carolina.

June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK urges Malian authorities to uphold responsibilities and allow the UN Mission to fulfil its mandate – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2023.

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

Thank you, President. And thank you SRSG Wane for your briefing. I welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Diop in our meeting today. I want to underline our unwavering support for the hard work and courage of MINUSMA’s peacekeepers and other UN staff. On behalf of the United Kingdom, I pay tribute to the two Burkinabe peacekeepers killed and the seven injured in the recent attack in Timbuktu region.

President, no one can deny the scale of the challenges facing the Malian people. Severe security and humanitarian threats. Political instability. A fragile Peace Agreement.

Malian civilians, and armed forces, have paid a heavy price.

Through MINUSMA, and other UN agencies – as well as bilateral security, development and humanitarian efforts – we have made huge investments in pursuit of the stable, prosperous, democratic society the Malian people deserve. This has come at great cost over the past decade. Not just financial, but also in terms of human lives, many of them UN peacekeepers.

MINUSMA still has an important role to play in supporting the Malian people. Following the Secretary-General’s review, we stand ready to adapt the mission to improve its impact. But for the Mission to function properly, the four parameters set out in the review must be met.

These parameters are not unreasonable. They are not imposed upon Mali from outside. They are commitments that have been made by the Malian transitional authorities. To their people, their neighbours and to the international community. To deliver a timely political transition; to implement the Peace Agreement; to uphold UN freedom of movement in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement, and to respect the mandate set by this Council.

So against the four parameters, first, we urge progress on a timely and peaceful transition to constitutional order by March 2024. We call for the full participation of civil society in this Sunday’s constitutional referendum and in presidential elections next February.

Second, urgent efforts are needed to revive dialogue between the signatories to Mali’s faltering Peace Agreement, building on the International Mediation proposals.

Third, restrictions on MINUSMA’s movements – on which there has been no improvement – need to be lifted.

Fourth, obstruction of MINUSMA’s mandated human rights tasks must end. The tragic massacre in Moura of over 500 people by Malian forces and the Wagner Group is deeply concerning. There must be accountability for these crimes. MINUSMA must be allowed to fulfil its human rights mandate without fear of reprisals. Ultimately it is for the Malian transitional authorities to choose its partners. But let’s be clear: the Wagner Group, whether operating autonomously or under direct control from Moscow, is not the answer – in Mali or anywhere else.

President, the United Kingdom – with most members of this Council – remains committed to supporting MINUSMA’s efforts to help build the future Mali’s people deserve. We sincerely hope the Malian transitional authorities will live up to their responsibilities and allow the UN Mission to fulfil its mandate.

This is a choice only they can make.

Thank you.

June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New child maintenance powers to protect victims from domestic abusers [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 16 June 2023.

A government-backed Bill ensuring victims of domestic abuse can receive financial support for their children without contact from their abuser, has been approved by Parliament today (Friday 16 June).
- Parliament approves new powers to stop child maintenance economic abuse
- New law will allow Child Maintenance Service to intervene in payments
- More financial protection for children in separated families
The new law will allow the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to intervene on behalf of parents where abuse is evident, using its powers to collect and make payments.

This set-up, called Collect and Pay, is already used by 37% of parents using the CMS. It provides extra protections for parents who have experienced domestic abuse by avoiding the need for contact and preventing perpetrators from inflicting financial abuse and control.

Work and Pensions Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie said:

“Domestic abuse and coercive control are abhorrent crimes. This positive change will enhance our existing support for domestic abuse victims and ensure they can make a child maintenance claim without the fear of having to deal with an abusive ex-partner.”

The Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Bill will gain Royal Assent in the coming weeks after successfully passing both Houses of Parliament. It will build on the CMS’s existing procedures to protect both paying and receiving parents who are vulnerable to domestic abuse, ensuring more children in separated families are supported. The Private Members’ Bill was taken through Parliament by Sally-Ann Hart MP and Lord Farmer, with support from the Government.

The change comes following recommendations by a leading expert on domestic abuse, Dr Samantha Callan, who led an independent review into the CMS’s support for victims.

Dr Samantha Callan said:

“I am heartened that the Government have so quickly legislated to strengthen support for parents experiencing domestic abuse following my Review. This extra layer of protection for both parents and children was an important one of my recommendations to build on the CMS’s substantial reform in this area.”

Another government-backed Bill – the Child Support (Enforcement) Bill – which is soon also to become law, will simplify the court process of recouping child maintenance arrears, while continuing to protect paying parents’ appeal rights. This change in this Bill will make it easier and quicker for the CMS to take enforcement action and recoup money owed to families.

Together these changes will significantly strengthen the CMS’s existing support for vulnerable families.
June 17, 2023