The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 July 2023.
Deputy Ambassador Brown says Russia must bear ultimate responsibility for the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.
Chairs, as we said this morning, and as we have seen in detail this afternoon, the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam is a major catastrophe with wide-reaching ecological and humanitarian consequences. Tens of thousands have been directly impacted by the resultant flooding.
Let us be clear. Russia has controlled the area since just after the invasion and must bear ultimate responsibility: none of the suffering that we have seen or the damage caused would have happened if Russia had not launched an unprovoked and illegal war of aggression.
We are still analysing the impact on Ukraine’s grain production, but what is very clear is that this disaster has had, and will have, an unquantifiable impact on Ukraine’s ability to maintain production. An attack on the dam is not just on Ukraine, but on all those who depend on Ukraine’s grain exports to provide food around the world.
The destruction of the Kakhovka is abhorrent. Intentionally targeting exclusively civilian infrastructure is a war crime. And any targeting of innocent civilians or humanitarian workers trying to escape an ongoing humanitarian disaster is not only barbaric, but also a gross breach of the Geneva Conventions.
The links between environmental destruction and security are alarmingly clear. And it is right that we should discuss them in this forum at the OSCE.
The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 12 July 2023.
A collection of 18th-century drawings by botanical artist Simon Taylor (1742-1796) valued at £17,640 is at risk of leaving the UK unless a domestic buyer is found.
38 original drawings of flowers by Simon Taylor played vital part in development of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Collection provides a unique record of what was growing in British gardens, especially Kew, undocumented elsewhere
Export bar decision follows independent advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest
A collection of 18th-century drawings by botanical artist Simon Taylor (1742-1796) valued at £17,640 is at risk of leaving the UK unless a domestic buyer is found.
Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay has placed an export bar on the collection of 38 original drawings of flowers in the hope they can remain in the UK for public study and education.
The minister’s decision follows the independent advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.
The collection of original drawings was highly significant in helping John Stuart, third Earl of Bute (1713-92), in the development of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, which he helped transform into a national botanic garden of international repute for Princess Augusta.
Watercolours by Simon Taylor
The drawings are a significant record of the plants in the garden prior to the involvement of Joseph Banks who became Kew’s first unofficial director in 1768.
They are significant for their aesthetic value, scientific accuracy and provide a unique record of what was growing in British gardens, especially Kew, undocumented elsewhere.The expert committee found the botanical drawings are of outstanding significance in the branches of horticultural, artistic and scientific history.
This assessment was based on the ‘Waverley Criteria’, established in 1952 to decide on works of art and cultural objects which deserve efforts to keep them in the country.
Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:
This collection of watercolour drawings by Simon Taylor – commissioned by the botanist and Prime Minister Lord Bute – helped to sow the seeds for the wonderful Royal Botanic Garden at Kew.
From its earliest days, Kew was a leading hub of research and education. This collection is a significant record of its eighteenth-century origins and what could be found there before it became the garden we know and cherish today.
I sincerely hope that a UK buyer comes forward to save this incredible collection so that the public can continue to learn from and admire it.
Committee Member Peter Barber said:
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are universally recognised as one of this country’s greatest glories. They were the fruit of a partnership between George III’s mother, Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, Dowager Princess of Wales, and his tutor and later prime minister, John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute. But very little survives to show what plants were originally to be found in the Gardens. An opportunity has now arisen to save some precious depictions of these plants for the nation.
Taylor’s 38 finely executed watercolours, commissioned by Lord Bute, are much more than merely pretty pictures. Part of a now dispersed collection of 15 volumes containing nearly 700 paintings, they have the potential to add significantly to our knowledge of Kew in its earliest days. I hope they can find a home in this country where they can most easily and appropriately be studied and enjoyed, and perhaps be joined in the future by more volumes, or at least watercolours, as they emerge.
The Committee made its recommendation on the basis that the drawings meet the first and third Waverley criteria for their outstanding connection with our history and national life and their outstanding significance to the study of history of development of botany in the UK and at Kew Gardens in particular.
The decision on the export licence application for the drawings will be deferred for a period ending on 11 September 2023. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the drawings at the recommended price of £17,640. The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.
Offers from public bodies for less than the recommended price through the private treaty sale arrangements, where appropriate, may also be considered by the Minister. Such purchases frequently offer substantial financial benefit to a public institution wishing to acquire the item.
Notes to editors:
In December 2022, Lord Parkinson discussed the Waverley criteria in a speech to mark their 70th anniversary, and used the opportunity to invite thoughts on the way they work – for instance, whether the Committee should say more about how it has considered items’ connection to the history of other countries as well as to the UK’s, or whether the items it considers are destined for public display rather than private collection. [Read his full speech] (https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/lord-parkinson-speech-at-a-reception-to-mark-70-years-of-the-waverley-criteria)
Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the drawings should contact the RCEWA on 0161 934 4317.
Details of the drawings are as follows: One folio volume (607 x 450 mm) containing 38 watercolours on vellum, unsigned and undated. Latin binomial names of the plant subjects neatly written on each painting in ink. Contemporary binding in red Morocco gilt, with arms of John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute. Spine title reads “Plants by Taylor. Vol. XIII”.
Provenance: John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute (1712-1792). His executor’s sale of the Bute Library, Leigh and Sotheby, 8 May 1794, lot 1246. The Library Collection of Henry Rogers Boughton, 2nd Baron Fairhaven (1900-1973) established by him between 1927 and 1960, United Kingdom. Thence by descent to the current owner.
The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.
Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. Its strategic vision in Let’s Create is that, by 2030, England should be a country in which the creativity of everyone is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences. ACE invests public money from the government and the National Lottery to support the sector and deliver the vision. Following the Covid-19 crisis, ACE developed a £160 million Emergency Response Package, with nearly 90 per cent coming from the National Lottery, for organisations and individuals needing support. It is also one of the bodies administering the government’s unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund.
The report shows some modest improvements to water company star ratings under the Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) report in 2022, compared to 2021.
Measured against the Environment Agency’s 4-star rating, four companies have stayed the same, three have improved and two have got worse.
Severn Trent Water – 4 stars, the same as the previous year
Northumbrian Water – 3 stars, down from 4 stars
United Utilities – 3 stars, down from 4 stars
Yorkshire Water – 3 stars, up from 2 stars
Anglian Water – 2 stars, the same as the previous year
Thames Water – 2 stars, the same as the previous year
Wessex Water – 2 stars, the same as the previous year
Southern Water – 2 stars, up from 1 star
South West Water – 2 stars, up from 1 star
Since 2011, the Environment Agency has used the EPA to rate each company in England from 1 star to 4 stars. The rating takes into account performance on environmental commitments such as pollution incidents and treatment work compliance. Last year, an updated reporting approach was introduced, with revised metrics and tightened performance thresholds.
This year’s report has found that:
The number of serious pollution incidents has reduced from 62 in 2021 to 44 in 2022 but remains unacceptably high. More than half of serious pollution incidents were from assets of Anglian Water and Thames Water – the Environment Agency has taken enforcement action against both companies.
Total pollution incidents were similar to 2021 and remain too high.
Incident self-reporting was at 82% – the best since the start of the EPA in 2011. However, this contrasts to self-reporting on serious incidents which was only 48%.
The results show that although there have been some improvements, all water companies need to go further and faster.
Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said:
Regulators, water companies, government, eNGOs and many others all want the same thing: better environmental outcomes, including cleaner rivers and seas. We need to work together and take collective responsibility to achieve it.
While there have been some modest improvements, it is unacceptable to still be seeing this level of pollution. We have seen a distinct culture shift from the water industry in recent months and that is welcome – but that must translate to profound, long-term change.
The Environment Agency will play its part by transforming the way we regulate the sector. We welcome this week’s announcement on unlimited penalties which will also improve our enforcement powers.
The report comes as the government today announced new laws to allow the Environment Agency to impose unlimited civil sanctions on water companies for environmental offences. It means it will be quicker and easier for penalties to be imposed, although the most serious cases will still be taken through criminal proceedings.
The Environment Agency has also set out how it will:
Create a bigger specialised workforce to focus solely on water company regulation. By autumn this year nearly 100 officers will be trained in carrying out more detailed audits of water companies to quickly identify issues and put improvement actions in place.
Significantly increase compliance checks for every company – making sure they are sticking to the permits agreed with the Environment Agency.
Recruit more data specialists to make better use of analytics and technology.
Transform huge quantities of monitoring data into stronger regulatory intelligence. That includes using data-driven analytics to map monitoring data against rainfall to detect potential dry weather operation of storm overflows – known as ‘dry spills’. It means the Environment Agency can quickly direct new specialist officers to any sites at risk and stop it happening.
Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:
Today’s report shows there is significant work to do to drive the improvements in our rivers and seas that we need to see.
The government’s Plan for Water is focused on more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement than ever before. I am personally committed to driving that forward and demanding more from each and every water company.
We have also put new regulatory powers in place to allow the Environment Agency to impose sanctions on water companies without always going through the courts. This will be an important tool in its armoury to hold companies to account.
Since 2015 the Environment Agency’s prosecutions against water companies have secured fines of over £150 million. In 2022 the Environment Agency concluded nine prosecutions against water and sewerage companies with fines of more than £4 million.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 July 2023.
The Prime Minister met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre at the NATO Summit in Lithuania today.
The leaders praised the extensive cooperation between the UK and Norway on defence and security, from our membership of the Joint Expeditionary Force to our consistent leadership within NATO.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to providing maritime defence and security in the High North, agreeing protecting the region was critical for Euro-Atlantic security. They agreed to look to deepen defence cooperation further.
The leaders welcomed the collaboration between the UK and Norway on energy security. The Prime Minister reflected on the importance of offshore wind farms in shoring up energy supplies across Europe, and agreed we needed to deepen collaboration to increase provision.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 July 2023.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the courage and bravery of Ukraine’s Armed Forces on the front lines.
They discussed the increasing progress of the counteroffensive, and the Prime Minister outlined a new package of UK support for Ukraine.
The Prime Minister welcomed the fact that the MAP requirement for Ukraine had now been removed, smoothing the path to full NATO membership in the future.
The Prime Minister and the President agreed on the importance of the security arrangements to be announced by the G7 this afternoon.
They marked a new high point in support from the international community and would give Ukraine an even greater level of endurance against Russian aggression, the Prime Minister said.
Both agreed the arrangements will not be a substitute for NATO membership and looked forward to building on the new security framework as soon as possible.
The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 July 2023.
The Security Minister convened a meeting of the Joint Fraud Taskforce to discuss measures to tackle fraud including an online fraud charter.
Representatives from across the private sector met at 10 Downing Street to update government on progress made to tackle fraud and protect the public from scams.
The Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, convened a meeting of the Joint Fraud Taskforce (JFT) to drive forward delivery of the commitments made in the Fraud Strategy, published earlier this year. With several actions already implemented, members of the group agreed to use the forum to continue to monitor progress.
Representatives discussed the development of an online fraud charter with the tech sector to respond to the growing volume of fraud originating on social media platforms. The charter will ensure that tech firms take action to block scams, make it easier to report frauds and ensure that fraudulent content is removed swiftly. The Security Minister has also called on tech firms to implement stronger measures to tackle fraud on their platforms ahead of the introduction of the Online Safety Bill.
Anti-Fraud Champion Anthony Browne said:
Collaboration with industry is key to blocking fraud at source.
Since stepping into my role, I’ve worked at pace with industry to ensure we are delivering on our commitment to cut off the channels fraudsters use to target us and protect people’s hard earned money.
I will continue this conversation with tech sector bosses to ensure they are doing everything in their power to disrupt the callous fraudsters operating online and better protect their users.
Previous Joint Fraud Taskforce meetings have overseen the development and agreement of charters covering sectors such as retail banking and telecoms. The telecommunications charter has already resulted in massive action by the operators, with over 600 million scam texts blocked and vast numbers of scam calls filtered out before they can reach the public.
Representatives also discussed the development of a cross-government anti-fraud public awareness campaign to streamline and simplify messaging to the public. The Security Minister encouraged partners to collaborate with government on the preparation and delivery of the campaign.
Today’s meeting is the first since the publication of the government’s Fraud Strategy which set out a whole system response to tackling these crimes in the light of how they have evolved through modern technology.
This included the creation of a new National Fraud Squad to overhaul how these crimes are investigated by taking a proactive, intelligence-led approach, backed by 400 new specialist investigators, working with local forces, international partners and the UK intelligence community to shut down fraud cells.
Other measures in the strategy include:
banning cold calls on all financial products such as types of insurance or sham crypto currency schemes
working with Ofcom to use new technology to further clamp down on number ‘spoofing’, so fraudsters cannot impersonate legitimate UK phone numbers
banning the use of so-called ‘SIM farms’ commonly harnessed by scammers to reach thousands of people at once
reviewing the use of mass texting services
rolling out tailored support to victims at a local level across the whole of England and Wales through the National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit
launching an independent review of the challenges in investigating and prosecuting fraud to speed up the justice process, punishing more scammers and ensuring sentences match the severity of the impact on victims
deploying the UK intelligence community to identify and disrupt more fraudsters overseas
publishing regular data on the volume of fraudulent content hosted on different websites and platforms to incentivise companies to root these out and better protect users.
Organisations in attendance at the JFT included:
HM Treasury
National Cyber Security Centre
National Economic Crime Centre (NECC)
City of London Police
National Trading Standards
UK Finance
Cifas
OFCOM
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 July 2023.
A UK government spokesperson statement issued on 12 July on the South China Sea.
On the 12 July 2023, HMA Manila delivered a speech organised by the Stratbase ADR Institute in Manila, noting the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal which, established in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), delivered a unanimous decision on the South China Sea Arbitration which is binding on the two parties – the Philippines and China.
This decision contains clear rules that apply for maritime claims, the lawful uses of maritime spaces – including freedom of navigation and overflight – and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
A UK government spokesperson said:
“As provided for in UNCLOS, the Arbitral Tribunal’s decision is final and legally binding on both parties. We call on the Philippines and China to abide by its terms.”
“The UK does not take a position on competing sovereignty claims, but strongly opposes any claims that are not consistent with UNCLOS. Adherence to international law, including UNCLOS, is fundamental to ensuring there continues to be a safe, prosperous and stable South China Sea. The UK will continue to encourage the resolution of disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.”
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 12 July 2023.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has reappointed David Mahoney and Tove Okunniwa as Board Members of Sport England for terms of two years and three months. Tove Okunniwa will take up duties as Vice Chair of the Board.
David Mahoney
Reappointed from 28th July 2023 until 27th October 2025.
Since April 2016, Mr Mahoney has been Chief Operating Officer for the England and Wales Cricket Board. Prior to this, he was the Director of Policy/Director of Policy and Government Affairs/Director of Content Policy at Ofcom. This role was held between April 2009 and April 2016. From October 2008 to August 2009, Mr Mahoney was Director of Digital Britain.
Tove Okunniwa
Reappointed from 2nd June 2023 until 1st September 2025.
Since 2017, Ms Okunniwa has been the CEO of London Sport, a centre of excellence for sport and physical activity behaviour change in London. In 2015, Ms Okunniwa founded TVE Consulting, a consultancy advising clients and agencies on marketing and brand engagement. Ms Okunniwa was here for two years. Prior to this she worked for Havas Media Group UK from 2014 to 2015.
Remuneration and Governance Code
Remuneration for these roles is set at £218 per day. This reappointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. David Mahoney and Tove Okunniwa have not declared any significant political activity.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 July 2023.
Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic. As delivered by the UK.
Thank you, Mr Vice President.
The United Kingdom remains concerned by the increasing disregard for human rights in CAR by all actors, including state actors, which MINUSCA’s most recent reporting suggests are responsible for violations including arbitrary arrests and detentions. We are particularly concerned by the ongoing presence of the Wagner Group and call for their immediate withdrawal from CAR. We reiterate our call for the Government to ensure that all State-aligned security actors comply with international humanitarian and human rights law and that all perpetrators of violations or abuses are held to account.
We are also concerned by President Touadera’s plans to overhaul CAR’s constitution, which risks undoing recent democratic gains. The referendum serves as a distraction from the main issues facing CAR, including the dire humanitarian, security and economic situation.
Mr Vice President, ensuring transparent democratic processes is crucial to CAR’s future stability. Local elections, which have been postponed in favour of the constitutional referendum, would have been an opportunity to bring democracy closer to communities and citizens, and would have formed part of the democratic restructuring that is integral to securing lasting peace in CAR. We hope that free, fair and peaceful local elections will be held as soon as possible.
Mr Agbetse,
Thank you for your update. Given the situation in CAR continues to deteriorate, how can the international community help ensure the long-term viability of the Peace Agreement and the effectiveness of existing accountability mechanisms in CAR?
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 July 2023.
Nearly 200 organisations have been recognised in this year’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards, the highest number since it launched in 2013.
Nearly 200 organisations have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community, a record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting the Armed Forces community.
This year, organisations across a range of sectors including transportation, education, finance, and healthcare have been recognised in the awards. Of the Gold Award winners, 28% are either micro or small sized organisations, while 47% are large organisations with over 500 employees. This not only demonstrates the importance of the Covenant, but the skills and benefits that ex-service personnel can bring businesses.
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said:
I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, delivered by Defence Relationship Management has a current total of 641 holders. Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.
To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.
This year, Marks & Spencer Plc, Motorola Solutions UK Ltd, Hilton and Toyota Manufacturing UK are among the household names that have been recognised, alongside many small organisations including the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
Director of Corporate Affairs and Forces Community Network Sponsor at M&S, Victoria McKenzie-Gould said:
One of the things I’m most proud of as a colleague at M&S is our history of supporting our Forces. I’m proud that spirit lives on, led by our amazing Forces Community Network, who have helped steer us in just a few years from Bronze to now Gold accreditation in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. From working actively to recruit Forces leavers to giving reservists time off to play their part serving our country, it’s fantastic to see this recognised by the Ministry of Defence. Thank you to them and more importantly to our fantastic Armed Forces community.
CEO at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Sharon Smith said:
As a Gold Award holder, we will continue to promote our advocacy via support and collaboration with members, through our events and via regular engagement with businesses across the two counties. We will also ensure that HR policies are updated, so that Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged; to include a comprehensive Reserve Forces Training Mobilisation policy.
Full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Award holders can be seen here.
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