Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : UK commitment to Indo-Pacific reaffirmed as global summit takes place in Singapore [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2023.

UK ministers have attended the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore this week.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO) Minister of State, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, met with global leaders in Singapore for the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue this week.

Their participation reconfirms the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific, a region critical to the UK’s economy, security, and our commitment to an open and stable international order.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia’s foremost defence summit for global leaders and ministers to debate the region’s most pressing security challenges with a series of plenary sessions and bilateral discussions.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Defence Secretary addressed the audience, alongside ministers from Canada and the Philippines, focused on ‘Building a stable and balanced Asia-Pacific’ and regional cooperation.

In March, the Prime Minister announced a deal to join CPTPP – a trade bloc in the Indo-Pacific, which will now have a total GDP of £11 trillion. During his visit to Japan for G7 last month, almost £18 billion of new investment into the UK from Japanese businesses was announced by the Prime Minister, creating more well-paid jobs in the UK and helping grow the economy.

This is in addition to a new semiconductor partnership with Japan and critical minerals partnerships with Canada and Australia; and the Global Combat Air Programme with Japan and Italy, announced last year.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

It has been a great pleasure to meet with my counterpart Dr Ng Eng Hen here in Singapore and to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue to meet defence ministers from across the Indo-Pacific. Singapore is a trading powerhouse that we have much in common with.

We understand that Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security is indivisible and that upholding the rules-based order is a collective effort – that is why organisations like ASEAN are so important. This is why we have applied to join ADMM+, a demonstration of our commitment to strengthening defence and security in the Indo-Pacific. We are committed to promoting prosperity and stability in the region.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said:

Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific prosperity and security are tied more closely together than ever before, and we must work jointly to protect the rules-based international order to safeguard our futures.

The UK is committed to playing a full and active role in ensuring a free, safe and open Indo-Pacific, working with partners in ASEAN and beyond to tackle global challenges.

Arriving in the region earlier this week, the Defence Secretary met with his Singapore counterpart, Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen, on Friday. They discussed continued bilateral cooperation and our partnership through important groups including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

The Defence Secretary also held a series of bilateral meetings while in Singapore, with ministers from China, Indonesia, and New Zealand.

On Friday, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace visited the FPDA wharf at Sembawang Naval Installation where he met Commanders from Australia and New Zealand.

The UK and Singapore are both members of the FPDA, now in their 52nd year. Founded in 1971, the FPDA are a series of agreements between Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK, with the group seeking to strengthen defence and security in the Indo-Pacific and work together to promote stability in the region. Defence Ministers from FPDA nations met earlier today to discuss continued collaboration and strengthening the group.

In 2021, the UK was delighted to become an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, a political and economic union of 10 member states in Southeast Asia, including Singapore. The UK’s Dialogue Partner status was formalised in August 2021, the first dialogue partner ASEAN has included in 25 years.

That same year, the UK deployed Royal Navy ships HMS Spey and HMS Tamar to the Indo-Pacific, following a successful Carrier Strike Group deployment, as part of the UK’s commitment to regional peace and stability. The Prime Minister recently confirmed that the UK’s Carrier Strike Group will return to the region in 2025.

The summit follows a busy few months, during which the UK has taken concrete actions to take advantage of post-Brexit freedoms with an ambitious trade policy in the Indo-Pacific.

More than 1.7 million British citizens live in the Indo-Pacific and our trading relationships with the region were worth over £250bn in 2022. By 2030, the Indo-Pacific is expected to account for more than 40% of global GDP and the region is critical to the UK, to our economy, our security and our values, upholding the international rules and norms that underpin free trade, security and stability. With 60% of global trade passing though shipping routes in the Indo-Pacific, security there has a direct impact in households in the UK.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UNITAMS mandate renewal underlines that the UN will continue to support peace and democracy in Sudan – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 June 2023.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

President, I welcome that with this resolution the Council has sent a unified endorsement of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS).

I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of UN personnel in Sudan, who continue to do vital work under extremely challenging circumstances. Let me also underline the UK’s support for the work of SRSG Volker Perthes and all of the UNITAMS team.

The situation in Sudan remains of significant concern. In particular regarding the humanitarian needs of Sudan’s population. This renewal underlines that the UN will continue to support their demands for peace and democracy.

This six-month rollover will also provide the necessary time for the Council to assess the impact of the developing context on UNITAMS’ ability to fulfil its vital mandate.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK urges DPRK to cease missile launches, return to dialogue and to take credible steps towards denuclearisation – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 June 2023.

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

Thank you, President.

The UK condemns the DPRK’s reckless, failed satellite launch on 30 May 2023.

Let me be clear. This launch had nothing to do with peaceful uses of outer space. It was a military reconnaissance satellite, and used ballistic missile technology to launch. As such, it was a further violation of this Council’s resolutions.

It follows 9 sets of ballistic missile tests since the start of 2023, including a solid fuel inter-continental ballistic missile test in April. All part of DPRK’s reckless pursuit of advanced nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities with which it seeks to threaten its neighbours.

While the launch failed, it caused alarm for the people of Japan and the Republic of Korea. But it is the North Korean people who bear the highest costs of these launches, as their government diverts resources away from peoples’ basic economic needs.

Colleagues, this behaviour is unacceptable. DPRK continues to flout the international non-proliferation architecture and poses a threat to global peace and security. We understand it intends to repeat the failed launch as soon as it can.

We are ready to work urgently with all Council members to send a unified message to the DPRK. We continue to urge all Member States to fully implement existing resolutions and to counter the continued development of DPRK’s illegal weapons programmes.

Once again, President, we urge the DPRK to cease these launches, return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Thank you.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK pledges £10m to support Palestinian refugees – UNRWA Pledging Conference [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 June 2023.

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UNRWA Pledging Conference.

First of all we would like to thank Leen Sharqawi and Ahmed Abu Daqqa for their very powerful statements. A reminder, if we needed it, that UNRWA continues to provide a vital beacon of hope for Palestinians.

President, the UK also believes UNRWA plays a critical role in preserving stability in the Middle East in its education services to around 543,000 students, access to health services to 1.9 million refugees, and protection assistance to 5.9 million refugees.

It has also provided 32,000 loans to support sustainable income-generating opportunities. It helps the most vulnerable Palestinian refugees not only to survive but to thrive.

UNRWA cannot do this alone, but relies on us, the international community, to show our support to and solidarity with Palestinian refugees. I am pleased to announce that the UK will pledge £10m [$12.5m USD] to support it in delivering high-quality services.

However, UNRWA faces several financial challenges. It is working to meet this challenge head-on by developing a robust Resource Mobilisation and Outreach Strategy. The international community must collectively support this strategy, and help to address the chronic funding shortfalls by providing predictable, multi-year funding.

We welcome the pledges from others and we support creative thinking about other means to ensure UNRWA’s financial viability to implement its mandate.

The UK continues to believe that a negotiated, two-state solution is the only viable means of bringing the peace and stability that both Palestinians and Israelis desire. Until then, the UK remains steadfast in its commitment to UNRWA and to Palestinian refugees.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Global cyber leaders meet in Estonia [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 June 2023.

Events in Tallinn looked at how the cyber and electromagnetic domain plays a vital role in peacetime and crisis, including its impact on the war in Ukraine.

Cyber and electromagnetic domain experts and leaders came together in Tallinn at the Cyber Commanders’ Forum and CyCon 2023.

Collaboration with our allies and partners from across the world is vital – cyberspace has no borders – and the events provided the valuable opportunity for partners to tackle shared challenges.

General Jim Hockenhull, Commander of Strategic Command, attended on behalf of UK Defence and to represent the thousands of personnel whose diligent efforts help ensure the safety and security of the UK.

With over 30 nations represented, the Cyber Commanders’ Forum (CCF), hosted by the Estonian Defence Forces Cyber Command, covered topics including cyber education, training, and emerging and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Cyber Conference (CyCon) 2023 saw over 600 cyber experts from nearly 50 countries come together to address current cyber security challenges through presentations, focus sessions, and breakout groups.

This year’s CyCon had a theme of Meeting Reality which included discussions on new technologies, both the benefits and opportunities they provide also the new threats they pose.

Speaking about the events, General Jim said:

Strategic Command leads cyber for UK Defence. It is a vital domain where global events are shaped – including the conflict resulting from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

There could be no more appropriate hosts for this year’s Cyber Commanders’ Forum and Cyber Conference than Estonia and Poland. UK Defence is proud of our close relationships with these vital allies, forged through our deployed contribution to NATO’s enhanced forward presence both here in Estonia and in Poland under Operation CABRIT.

It is essential that Allies, our partners in industry, and academia make a collective effort to operate together effectively in this domain to protect our nations, defeat and deter our adversaries. These events play a significant role in this integration and I am delighted to represent UK Defence at both.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial Appointments [June 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 June 2023.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
- Dr Kay Swinburne and Mr Darren Mott OBE as Lords Whips (Baroness in Waiting and Lord in Waiting respectively).
His Majesty has been pleased to confer peerages of the United Kingdom for Life on Dr Swinburne and Mr Mott.

Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist, previously a Lords Whip (Baroness in Waiting), has resigned from Government.
June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The US, UK and Qatar launch initiative to continue lifesaving assistance to Somalia [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 June 2023.

The United States of America, United Kingdom and Qatar launch a $10.5 million initiative to continue lifesaving drought and resilience response in Somalia.

Today (25 May 2023) the United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the British Embassy in Mogadishu, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) announced the launch of a $10.5 million drought assistance and resilience program through the Building Resilient Communities in Somalia (BRCiS) consortium.

The trilateral partnership builds upon famine prevention and resilience investments made by USAID, UKAID, and QFFD in 2021 to 2022. It will enable BRCiS to sustain lifesaving service delivery while accelerating recovery efforts over the next 6 months.

Severe drought, compounded by conflict, in Somalia has left 6.6 million people severely food insecure. Since January 2022, more than 3 million people have been displaced and mortality rates have surpassed those in 2017. An estimated 43,000 deaths have already occurred – half of which were among children under the age of 5. Without continued support, more than half a million children under the age of 5 are at risk of severe malnourishment and death this year.

Mike Nithavrianakis, British Ambassador to Somalia said:

The situation in Somalia remains critical. We applaud our partners’ sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance which helped to avert nationwide famine this year. This is significant, but humanitarian aid alone cannot address the crisis. That is why the UK is reinforcing BRCiS’ response through continued collaboration with the US and Qatar.

The tripartite collaboration will for the first time combine investments from the UK, US, and Qatar under one program, BRCiS. This will ensure the continued delivery of emergency cash assistance to purchase food and multi-sector humanitarian assistance, alongside resilience activities to ensure communities are protected and empowered.

Perrine Piton, BRCiS Chief of Party said:

These contributions will save lives. The funds will enable us to reinforce market-based systems that drive supply and demand initiatives while ensuring 41,000 people receive emergency food assistance (multi-purpose cash); 330,000 individuals have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene materials; and 175,000 people are provided with lifesaving health and nutrition services.

US Ambassador Larry André said:

BRCiS will continue to support the Somali people in their communities. Partnership – iskashi – is at the heart of the work of the United States with Somalia. This extension expands that partnership with the UK and Qatar to build on past success.

His Excellency Dr Abdullah bin Salim Al-Naimi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Somalia, said:

The drought crisis has cast a shadow on the already worsening humanitarian situation in Somalia due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This affected millions and has increased the threat of famine, displacement, food insecurity, and severe malnutrition among children, which imposes on everyone without exception.

Providing humanitarian and relief support would alleviate millions affected by humanitarian conditions, helping them to withstand these complex situations further, and working to save lives, which is primarily a human duty.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement completes tour of Northern Ireland [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 2 June 2023.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement has concluded its 800 mile tour across Northern Ireland from London to mark the 25th anniversary of its signing, the first time the original UK copy of the Agreement has returned to the region since its signing on 10 April 1998.

Provided on loan from The National Archives in London to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland to mark the anniversary of the peace deal, the document made its first public appearance in Northern Ireland in a quarter of a century in April.

The Agreement’s tour was facilitated by the Northern Ireland Office.

Since April, the document has gone on display at Queen’s University Belfast, Hillsborough Castle, Strule Arts Centre in Omagh, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Omagh Library, Belfast Central Library, Linenhall Library, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, Derry Central Library, Craigavon Civic Centre and Bangor City Hall.

The document will go on display at Hillsborough Castle from June until September.

The original UK Government’s signed copy of the Agreement features the signatures of the then Prime Minister Tony Blair, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the late Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam and Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs David Andrews.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, said:

It is fantastic that the original Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement has returned to Northern Ireland for the first time since its historic signing 25 years ago, and that the public has had the opportunity to see the document across various locations in Northern Ireland.

The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement was an incredible achievement, helping to lay the foundation of a more prosperous Northern Ireland that we see today. It’s important that current and future generations are aware of its significance in helping to create a more peaceful society in Northern Ireland.

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) Acting Director, David Huddleston, said:

We have been pleased to host the display of the original Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement at PRONI at venues across Northern Ireland, as part of our ongoing commitment to provide community access to public records.

The opportunity to view the document up close and reflect on its historic significance has been taken up by many people, of different ages and backgrounds. The roadshow forms part of PRONI’s centenary programme of activities bringing archives to local audiences.

Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives, Jeff James, said:

The National Archives is an essential resource for our democracy, a public good and an asset for future generations. Our conviction is that archives are for everyone, including all communities who call Northern Ireland home. We were therefore delighted to work with the Northern Ireland Office and PRONI to facilitate the tour of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Projects such as these demonstrate the power of archives in changing lives for the better, as they promote reconciliation, understanding and enhanced dialogue between individuals. The tour ensured this important document was seen by the communities where it has had the greatest impact – helping young people understand the past, and those affected heal from its wounds.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Independent advisers appointed by government to help stabilise future of professional rugby union [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 2 June 2023.

Government has appointed Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling as independent advisers to work on the future stability of rugby union.
- RFL’s former CEO Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling of UK Sport appointed to work with the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby Limited on their plans for the future of professional rugby union.
- Independent advisers will support solutions on the financial, sporting and regulatory challenges facing rugby following the failures of Worcester, Wasps and uncertainty at London Irish.
Former RFL CEO Ralph Rimmer, and UK Sport Board Member Chris Pilling have been appointed by the government as independent advisers to support the RFU and PRL in their work on the future sustainability of rugby union.

Following the recent failures of several clubs and the wider challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, rugby union has a unique opportunity to reshape its future strategic financial and sporting direction.

The government supports the RFU and PRL’s work to stabilise professional rugby union including attracting new capital investment. It shares the concerns of fans about where the game goes next, and has appointed two independent advisers to work with the RFU and PRL on their plans to restructure the Professional Game Agreement.

The issues at Worcester, Wasps and London Irish have laid bare the challenges facing the sport of rugby union. The inability of rugby clubs to raise capital investment and the financial challenges at various levels within the game have contributed to the need for urgent work to help secure rugby union’s immediate future and advise on its future direction.

The appointment of Rimmer and Pilling as independent advisers will add to the work being undertaken by the RFU and PRL, and has been made with their full agreement. They will provide further independent support and scrutiny on their vision to lead the game to a sustainable future.

Ralph Rimmer delivered substantial financial and regulatory reforms during his time with the Rugby Football League, while Chris Pilling will bring extensive sports management and financial sector expertise to the role.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:

This is a challenging time for rugby union and Ralph and Chris have agreed to utilise their experience to help the game develop a clear path for the future.

We have seen several high profile clubs and their fans left devastated in recent times and this additional independent advice will be of huge benefit to the RFU and PRL as they look to implement a new strategic direction for rugby.

Ralph Rimmer said:

I absolutely recognise the importance of this sporting pyramid to communities across the country.

I also understand from my own experiences in Rugby League the challenges and pressures which the sport currently faces and I’m confident that I can help all parties in creating not just a sustainable future but also an exciting one.

Chris Pilling said:

I am delighted to have been asked by the government to support the work of the RFU and the PRL to seek the best solutions to help secure a better, more sustainable long-term future for rugby union.

The independent advisers will begin work immediately to help provide solutions to the financial, sporting and regulatory challenges facing the game as it charts a more sustainable path for the future.

Bill Sweeney, CEO, Rugby Football Union said:

The RFU and PRL have been working collaboratively for some time on a joint strategy to stabilise and transform Rugby Union following the exceptional challenges created by COVID.

Government choosing to work with us on this process is an important and much appreciated development and we are delighted to welcome Ralph and Chris to support the work we are doing to re-shape the future of the professional game.

The restructuring of the Professional Game Agreement into a strategic partnership provides a great opportunity for all stakeholders to set aside self-interest and collaborate to reset and secure the future long-term sustainable growth of the professional game including developing the strongest possible second tier.

Simon Massie-Taylor, CEO, PRL said:

We welcome the Government acknowledging the role that they play in helping stabilise the future of the Premiership.

And we are looking forward to working with Ralph and Chris as we finalise our plans for the future of the professional game with our partners at The RFU, RPA and other key rugby stakeholders.

In the coming days we will also announce our newly-formed Sporting Commission. And former government adviser Sir Nigel Boardman has also commenced work on formulating new financial regulations, as part of our Financial Monitoring Panel, with the first elements planned to be in place for the start of the new season.

During the pandemic, the government stepped in to provide a financial lifeline to keep elite and grassroots rugby afloat, and as key stakeholder in the future of professional rugby union is taking action to further protect its investment on behalf of taxpayers.

Rimmer and Pilling will work closely with the RFU, PRL and private equity partners CVC over the coming months in an independent capacity, and report directly to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Steps forward made on pay following constructive discussions with unions [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 2 June 2023.

Civil Service staff are in line to receive a one-off payment of £1,500 this year, following constructive discussions between the Cabinet Office and unions today.

The one-off payment recognises the hard work of staff and is part of the highest pay increase for the Civil Service in 20 years.

In April this year, the Civil Service pay remit guidance allowed departments to award a 4.5% pay increase for staff, with the potential for an extra 0.5% increase for lower paid staff.

The positive development in pay follows a constructive meeting with unions, who met the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Jeremy Quin, today.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Jeremy Quin said:

We are determined that civil servants are rewarded fairly for the vital work they do across the country, in delivering the Government’s agenda and providing services to the general public.

I am pleased with the constructive engagement we have had with Civil Service trade unions, and to be announcing that departments will be allowed to make a £1,500 payment to every member of staff at Grade 6 and below.

This is both fair to the taxpayer and a recognition of the financial pressures civil servants have faced over the last year.

Employers making such payments will take the usual steps necessary to do so, including in relation to discussions with their relevant trade unions, with the aim of finalising any decisions as soon as possible.

The non-consolidated payment takes into consideration fairness to the taxpayer and the requirement to support the promise to halve inflation this year.

The payment will apply to the current financial year’s pay.

The one-off payment will apply to staff working in non-Senior Civil Service grades. Senior staff pay is set separately as part of the Senior Salaries Review Body process.

As part of the positive engagement between the government and unions, the government has also agreed today to continue the ongoing consultation on the Civil Service Compensation Scheme, but not take any action or make any changes to it before 2025. The government remains committed to reform and recognises the importance of getting any reforms right and managing their introduction.

You can read more here.

June 12, 2023