Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : UK and Portugal celebrate the world’s longest diplomatic alliance [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 June 2023.

The UK and Portugal will celebrate the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance with a service at the Queen’s Chapel and a Strategic Dialogue.
- The Foreign Secretary will join His Majesty The King to honour the 650-year-old diplomatic alliance.
- Tomorrow he will meet the Portuguese Foreign Minister to sign a new agreement on international development.
- The UK and Portugal share the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world still in force today.
This week the UK and Portugal will celebrate the 650th anniversary of their alliance, an unprecedented milestone in the history of diplomacy. 16th June marks 650 years since the signing of the Treaty of London in 1373, an alliance originally between King Edward III of England and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor of Portugal.

A service will be held at the Queen’s Chapel in central London where the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, alongside His Majesty The King, the President of the Portuguese Republic and the Portuguese Foreign Minister, will celebrate the historic ties. An original copy of the Treaty, signed almost 20 years after The Plague struck Europe and committing the nations to “peace, friendship and alliance”, will be on display from The National Archive.

Ahead of the events, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

“The rich history between the UK and Portugal says something special about how we see the world and how our people get along. No other relationship on the planet has survived the test of time as well as ours.

“We are now building on those solid foundations to deliver security and prosperity for our countries, progress towards net zero, and support to Ukraine.”

The Foreign Secretary will also host a Strategic Dialogue with the Portuguese Foreign Minister on Friday (16th June), where they will discuss cooperation on climate change, defence and trade. The two ministers will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding, which will strengthen international development cooperation between the UK and Portugal.

The UK and Portugal have been commercial partners for almost seven centuries and now hold a modern trade relationship that delivers clean growth, renewable energy and resilient supply chains. Trade between the two countries more than doubled from 2021 to 2022, now worth £11.6 billion and delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the UK economy.

As NATO Allies, the security and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic is at the heart of the relationship, with both countries providing practical aid and support to Ukraine, and a new bilateral Defence Agreement, due to be signed later in the year, set to take our defence cooperation to the next level.
June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on Ukraine by Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 June 2023.

A statement on delivering high priority air defence equipment to Ukraine.

The Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK defence ministries and the United States Department of Defense today announced that they are partnering together to deliver high priority air defence equipment to Ukraine, addressing its most urgent air defence requirements as Russia continues its brazen missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities.

The initiative will deliver hundreds of short and medium range air defence missiles and associated systems required to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure and further ensure the success of counter-offensive operations in coming months. Delivery of the equipment has already begun and should be complete within several weeks.

The initiative was announced ahead of the June 15, 2023 meeting of the U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels, Belgium. The UDCG brings together some 50 nations providing a variety of military support to Ukraine.

June 16, 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Pakistan – Jane Marriott [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 June 2023.

Ms Jane Marriott OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in succession to Dr Christian Turner CMG who has transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

Ms Marriott will take up her appointment during July 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Dates	Role
2019 to present	Nairobi, British High Commissioner
2016 to 2019	FCO/Home Office, Director, Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit
2015 to 2016	FCO, Additional Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
2013 to 2015	Sana’a, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2012	National Security Council, Deputy Director, Americas, Middle East and Africa
2010 to 2011	Tehran, Chargée d’Affaires and Deputy Head of Mission
2006 to 2010	Roles including FCO, Deputy Head of Afghanistan Group, Senior Advisor to US CENTCOM Assessment Team and Senior Political Advisor to US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
2003 to 2006	Roles including Counsellor (Political-Military and Economic) British Embassy Baghdad, Political Advisor to Coalition Forces, Southern Iraq, Political Advisor to US-led combined Coalition Forces in Afghanistan, and Team Leader (Political-Military), Iraq Policy Unit London
2001 to 2003	FCO, Head of Nuclear Non-Proliferation
1998 to 2001	Roles in the Cabinet Office and Home Office

June 16, 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Kampala inspires the next generation of female leaders [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 June 2023.

The UK, Danish and Swedish embassies and United Nations Office of the Resident Coordinator in Kampala proudly supported ‘Ambassador for a Day 2023’ competition.

Ambassador for a Day is a global initiative, held annually, offering exciting opportunities for young women to become an ‘Ambassador for a Day’. Ambassador for a Day promotes greater gender equality by building ambition, inspiration and momentum for a new generation of female leaders. Successful candidates are selected through essays submitted to a selection panel. This year the focus was on young female students and potential entrepreneurs from across Uganda.

On 1 June 2023, 10 winners were hosted by the British High Commission and partners and were given an opportunity to participate in a series of uplifting activities including shadowing the Ambassadors of the respective embassies and the UN Resident Coordinator, interacting with inspirational women in Business and partook in a pitching session with Damali Ssali the founder of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme – Ideation Corner.

Business mentors included, Emma Mugisha, Eunice Waweru, Dr Nataliey Bitature, Bridget Brown and Barbara Mulwana.

One of the ‘Ambassador for a Day’ competition winners Gollapalli Pragna Sree of Delhi Public School said:

It was a wonderful opportunity I grabbed upon and it was great having a great conversation with the young women entrepreneurs and learning a lot from every single woman… and it was a great experience meeting with the ambassador winners.

Another ‘Ambassador for a Day’ competition winner Nicole Babirye of Nabisunsa Girls School said:

I thought today was amazing and I’ve always grown up with people saying that I can’t do anything that would be of much value and always doubting my worth and feeling that I have to be perfect but with this Day with this major experience I have learnt the true value of imperfection and I have to value the important things first I will forever be grateful for the welcoming nature of these powerful ladies and I hope to continue learning from them as the future unfolds.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government response to the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel report [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 15 June 2023.

The government has today published its response to the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel report.

The publication of the government response today marks the second anniversary of the Panel’s report being published.

The Panel was established by the government in 2013 to look into the circumstances surrounding Daniel Morgan’s murder in 1987 and the police handling of the case.

The Panel’s report shone a light on examples of corrupt behaviour throughout the investigations into Daniel’s murder which irreparably damaged the chances of a successful prosecution. Most of the recommendations were for policing, however there were several for the government to address.

In her written ministerial statement laid in Parliament today, the Home Secretary acknowledged the progress that has been made by policing, and the Metropolitan Police, in addressing the Panel’s recommendations, but made clear that more must be done to repair the damage to public trust caused by the handling of Daniel’s case.

The Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

The Independent Panel’s report was sobering, and for Daniel Morgan’s family to know that corruption denied them the justice they deserve is simply not acceptable.

There have been serious failures of culture and leadership in the Metropolitan Police, and I have been clear that restoring trust and getting the basics right must be a priority for the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

I am also driving forward work to ensure culture, standards and behaviour across policing is improved at all levels, including reviewing the dismissals process and strengthening vetting to root out those not fit to serve.

The government’s response covers 4 key themes – investigations, tackling corruption, working with inquiries and information management – to reflect the key themes raised in the Panel’s report for the government to consider.

It notes the progress being made by policing to address concerns with tackling corruption, and the importance of the work the government is doing to drive improvement in culture and standards across policing, including strengthening vetting and reviewing the dismissals process so chief constables can remove officers who are not fit to be in the police.

The government has also taken several steps in recent years to tackle police corruption, introducing a new corruption offence in 2017 that applies to police and National Crime Agency officers and carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence. Measures were also introduced following the Policing and Crime Act 2017 to prevent corrupt officers from resigning or retiring early to avoid being held accountable for misconduct.

The government is also currently considering other recommendations in the Panel’s report, such as a duty of candour, which will be responded to in full as part of the government’s response to Bishop James Jones’ report on the experiences of the Hillsborough families.

Alongside the government’s response, today the National Police Chiefs Council will be publishing its response to the Panel’s recommendations for national policing. This follows the Metropolitan Police publishing their response to the Panel’s report in March 2022.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Home Secretary meets French counterpart on tackling illegal migration [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 15 June 2023.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman and French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin discuss issues relating to state security, counter-terrorism and illegal migration.

The Home Secretary met Gérald Darmanin this morning (15 June) at the National Crime Agency, as part of the French Interior Minister’s first official visit to London.

The United Kingdom and France are not merely partners or close neighbours, but the firmest of friends. The 2 counterparts began the meeting noting the excellent progress that has been made on shared priorities. They also expressed their deep concern regarding the recent incidents in Annecy, Brittany and Nottingham, and offered words of mutual condolence for all those affected.

The ministers discussed the importance of security in the face of terrorism and state threats, and agreed to continue working hand in hand to preserve our joint security.

The Home Secretary and her counterpart also discussed important joint progress in tackling illegal migration, to stop the boats in the Channel. Ms. Braverman welcomed the fact that between January and May of this year, the French stopped a greater number of people crossing than those who managed to reach the UK. Both ministers agreed that it would be especially important to continue close cooperation ahead of the summer months, given increased likelihood of small boat crossing attempts during warmer weather.

Speaking after the meeting, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

“The United Kingdom and France are the firmest of friends, and I am delighted to welcome Minister Darmanin to the UK.

“Our cooperation goes from strength to strength, and we are firmly committed to working together in lockstep on our shared global challenges, including stopping the boats.”

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Minister showcases UK’s disability action at UN conference in New York [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 15 June 2023.

The UK’s Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, set out his ambition to make the UK the most accessible place in the world for disabled people to live and work at a UN conference in New York.

Speaking on the first day of COSP16, the Minister addressed the high-level gathering in a major speech, outlining the UK’s plan to ensure the voices of disabled people are properly heard to help grow the economy for everyone.

The Minister hailed the UK’s commitment to disability rights and inclusion at the 16th Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP16) this week.

Addressing COSP16, Minister for Disabled People, Health & Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said:

“The global context of numerous humanitarian and economic crises, plus the continuing impact of the pandemic, means disability inclusion risks falling further down the agenda.

“The UK remains committed to championing disability rights and inclusion globally.

“Following the launch of our international Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy last year, the UK is focussed on embedding its principles across our huge diplomatic and development network.”

The Minister took part in a series of bilateral meetings and roundtable discussions with his international counterparts from the USA, Canada, Germany, Norway and other nations at the UN’s headquarters, as part of a global agenda to strengthen international collaboration for the rights of disabled people.

In the UK, the Government is working to achieve this through a number of important reforms across government, including the forthcoming Disability Action Plan, which will be consulted on with disabled people and stakeholders later this year.

These reforms will help to deliver the Prime Minister’s priority of creating better-paid jobs and opportunities for everyone across the country.

During the conference, the Minister delivered the UK national statement to the global representatives in which he vowed to promote: “the full, active, and meaningful participation of disabled people in our work”.

He also took part in a discussion on life-changing Assistive Technology (AT), of which the UK is at the forefront thanks to the AT2030 programme run by Global Disability Innovation Hub. It develops new inclusive technologies with the potential to enhance the lives of millions of people.

At a side event co-hosted with the Canadian delegation, the Minister discussed inclusion strategies and plans to improve the social and economic inclusion of disabled people, reducing poverty and increasing accessibility.

At another side event co-hosted with German representatives, he discussed how to close the digital divide to ensure disabled people can benefit from innovation by investing in initiatives that promote digital accessibility.

Additional Information
- The full text of Minister Pursglove’s national statement can be found here: The UK will continue to promote the full, active and meaningful participation of disabled people in our work: Minister Pursglove statement at the General Assembly – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted in December 2006 and it entered into force on 3 May 2008. Article 40 of the Convention stipulates that “The States Parties shall meet regularly in a Conference of States Parties in order to consider any matter with regard to the implementation of the present Convention.”
- Since 2008, 15 sessions of the Conference of States Parties have been held at United Nations Headquarters, New York.
- The Ministerial segment of COSP is a high-level gathering of decision-makers. Ministers participate in a range of events and bilateral meetings, with the aim of strengthening international political commitment for the rights of disabled people.
- The COSP16 is being held this year in an in-person format at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This is the first fully in-person COSP since the beginning of the pandemic.
June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Emergency convoy leaves UK with vital flood equipment for Ukraine [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 15 June 2023.

An emergency convoy of lorries carrying donated flood equipment, including pumps and temporary barriers has today (Thursday 15 June) left the UK for Ukraine, following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in the Kherson region last week.

Equipment donated by the Environment Agency will offer a significant capability to pump water out of flooded areas and protect from further flooding in Southern Ukraine. Alongside, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is leading a major relief programme in the area following the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and considerable amounts of flood water causing danger to life.

Donated equipment includes three high volume pumps, six mobile pumps that can be used to pump water out of affected areas, and 15km of temporary barriers, which can be used to deflect water and protect critical infrastructure. Environment Agency high volume pumps have the capacity to remove 1750 litres per second from affected sites.

The UK government has moved quickly to bolster its support to Ukraine as it deals with severe flooding from the dam breach, which is expected to last for weeks and leave many in need of food, water and basic supplies. Flooding from the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam is having an untold impact on over 42,000 people in the Kherson area. The floods have submerged an estimated 100,000 hectares of agricultural area, important for grain and oil seed production, and vital for maintaining supplies to the global South. This compounds an already dire situation, as so much of Ukraine’s agricultural land has been mined and destroyed as part of Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this week, an additional convoy of life-saving equipment set off from Ashford in Kent, organised by the Home Office, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council and supported by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The convoy, which left from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, included 19 rescue boats and more than 2,000 items of flood recovery equipment including helmets, life jackets, throw lines and pumps. It is expected to arrive in L’viv, Ukraine, in the coming days.

Today’s deployment follows the announcement on 10 June that the UK government is giving an extra £16million in humanitarian support as Ukraine deals with the aftermath of the destruction of the Nova Kakhova dam. This builds on our existing humanitarian support of £220 million which is allowing partners, such as the Ukraine Red Cross, to help evacuate civilians affected by the flooding.

Alongside this the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine has already delivered two specialist rescue boats, search and rescue equipment, and trauma medicine to Kherson to assist the ongoing rescue operations by the State Emergency Services.

Environment Agency Chief Executive, John Curtin said:

The images coming from Kherson following the devastation around the Nova Kakhovka Dam are heart-breaking. We can only begin to imagine the impact on communities of this flooding. We stand ready to do whatever we can to help our Ukrainian colleagues save lives and support their recovery efforts.

The equipment we have sent includes large pumps that will have a real effect on removing flood water from affected areas and our barriers can help protect critical sites like hospitals and schools from further floods.

Environment Secretary, Thérèse Coffey said:

I am pleased we are sending pumps, boats and other equipment to help the humanitarian response to the dam destruction devastation causing flooding and driving Ukrainians out of their homes and villages.

Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, Chris Philp said:

This donation is a testament to our ongoing support of Ukrainian services and aid organisations, which are in desperate need of equipment following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam.

I am immensely proud that we are once again supporting the recovery efforts in Ukraine by donating a further convoy of life-saving equipment, including 19 rescue boats.

This aid package is part of the UK’s total support for Ukraine which so far totals £1.5 billion in economic and humanitarian support, which has paid for the delivery of more than 11 million medical items as well as food supplies, ambulances, and shelter kits. Additionally, we are providing military support in the form of air defence missiles and training for Ukrainian recruits and pilots.

The Prime Minister has met with President Zelenskyy in Moldova, Hiroshima and Chequers to discuss how best the UK will continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

The UK is also set to host the Ukraine Recovery Conference later this month, which will bring together governments and industry leaders to develop a concerted multi-sector plan to help Ukraine to recover from Russia’s illegal invasion.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine Recovery Conference will help in Ukraine’s recovery – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 June 2023.

Ambassador Holland tells the 2023 Struga Conference on the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE that the Ukraine Recovery Conference will help unlock the potential of the private sector for Ukraine’s recovery.

Mr Chair, we have heard much today about economic and environmental issues facing our region. As my Delegation colleague said at the start, its biggest security issue – Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine – also presents some of the largest economic and environmental challenges. This is why I would like to say few things on the future of Ukraine’s recovery.

Ukraine’s reconstruction needs will be immense and will require unprecedented collaboration between government, the private sector and international institutions. That is why next week, at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, we will start the process to help unlock the potential of the private sector.

The Conference will bring together governments, business leaders and civil society, mobilising the international community to help secure for Ukraine a more modern, open, and resilient economic future.

We want the Conference to result in a new business compact; new fiscal support; an announcement of plans for an EBRD capital increase to pave the way for increased investment; a framework for progress on war risk insurance; a pronouncement of Ukraine’s reform plans; a showcase of tech partnership opportunities; and a G7+ green energy initiative to support longer-term transition.

The Conference won’t be a pledging conference, but we encourage fellow States to come with offers of support, nonetheless.

The programme will comprise plenary sessions, breakout sessions, a business fair, and His Majesty the King and First Lady Zelenska will host receptions for senior heads of delegations.

We encourage States to send suitably senior political and business representation, as well as maximum business signatories to the Business Compact.

Mr Chair, Ukraine’s recovery from Russia’s war of aggression will show President Putin that his attempts to destroy Ukraine will only produce a stronger, more prosperous and more united European nation.

We look forward to welcoming delegations in London.

Thank you.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Free prescription age frozen at 60 [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 15 June 2023.

Everyone aged 60 and over will continue to receive free prescriptions, the government has confirmed today.
- Prescriptions will continue to be free for anyone aged 60 or older
- Decision follows consultation on the upper age limit at which prescriptions are paid for
- Free prescriptions remain available for those most in need
Everyone aged 60 and over will continue to receive free prescriptions, the government has confirmed today.

The announcement comes in response to a consultation launched by the Department of Health and Social Care in 2021 looking at whether the age free prescriptions become available should be aligned with the State Pension age, which is currently 66.

Taking into account a number of factors, including current cost of living and increased medical needs due to an ageing population, the government has decided to freeze the age at 60.

Minister for Health Neil O’Brien said:

This government recognises the pressures with the cost of living caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That’s why we are providing cost of living help worth £3,300 on average per household over last year and this, among the most generous help anywhere in Europe.

It’s also why we have decided to maintain the prescription exemption age where it is. Nine out of 10 prescriptions are already free at the point of use and on top of that we also provide financial help to others on low incomes who don’t automatically get prescriptions for free.

Prescription charge exemptions will also remain in place for those aged under 16 or aged 17 and 18 but in full time education, while those in receipt of certain benefits can also receive free prescriptions.

People on a low income who do not qualify for an automatic exemption can also seek help under the NHS Low Income Scheme.

For those who do not qualify for an exemption or the NHS Low Income Scheme, prepayment certificates (PPC) are available to help with frequent prescriptions should they be required.

The annual PPC can be paid for through 10 instalments. This means people can have as many prescription items as needed for just over £2 per week.
June 16, 2023