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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Americas Minister visits Midwest to promote UK-US trade ties [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Americas Minister visits Midwest to promote UK-US trade ties [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2023.

    UK Minister for the Americas David Rutley travels to the Midwest to promote UK-US trade ties that support millions of livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic.

    • UK Americas Minister travelling to Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky as part of policy to deepen trading ties with states across the US
    • with more than $1 trillion invested in each other’s economies, visit will build on US-UK trade relationships and help create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic
    • David Rutley to meet with key political and business leaders and will attend the 91st US Conference of Mayors in Columbus, Ohio

    The UK’s Americas Minister David Rutley is travelling to the heartland of the American Midwest from today (Tuesday, 30 May) to promote UK-US trade ties that support millions of livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic.

    In a visit to Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, David Rutley will champion the UK as a great investment and business partner for states across the US, building on the more than $1 trillion already invested in each other’s economies.

    The US is the largest destination for UK foreign direct investment, and the UK supports more jobs in America than any other country in the world, with more than 1.2 million people in America working for British businesses.

    Economic growth and the creation of better paid jobs is among the five priorities set out by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Minister Rutley will discuss with political and business leaders how the UK and US can boost cooperation in key sectors to make their economies more resilient, create jobs and protect livelihoods.

    Minister for the Americas and Caribbean David Rutley said:

    The US and the UK have more than $1 trillion already invested in each other’s economies and our relationship drives growth and supports millions of jobs.

    We’re working in partnership to take full advantage of the rich bounty of business opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

    The UK is strengthening trade ties with individual states across the US, in parallel to work with the federal government, and has already signed memoranda of understanding with Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Oklahoma.

    Active engagement with other states, including Texas, Utah and California, is ongoing to sign further arrangements which will make it easier and cheaper for US and UK companies to do business with each other.

    During his time in the Midwest, Minister Rutley will hold bilateral meetings with leading state-level political and business figures.

    In Ohio, Minister Rutley will also attend the 91st annual US Conference of Mayors in Columbus where he will meet with key political figures to showcase how the UK can work with cities across the country in building trading relationships that can help drive regional economic growth.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK donates equipment to the Lebanese Army [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK donates equipment to the Lebanese Army [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2023.

    The spare parts will improve the Land Border Regiments’ Land Rovers recce capability and support their mission to defend the security and stability of Lebanon.

    British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell announced the donation of additional Land Rover spares worth over £400K to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).  This is part of our continuing partnership with the LAF through the UK’s Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF).  The spare parts will improve the Land Border Regiments’ Land Rovers recce capability and support the LAF in its mission to defend the security and stability of Lebanon and on the borders.

    Ambassador Cowell gifted the Land Rover spare parts at a handover ceremony at the Lebanese Army Logistical base in Kfarshima on Tuesday 30 May. In attendance was Brigadier General Johnny Akl, Head of the Logistical Branch representing the Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun and senior Lebanese officers.

    After the ceremony, Ambassador Cowell said:

    I am proud to be able to gift spare Land Rover parts worth £400K to contribute to the Lebanese Armed Forces’ resilience and operational readiness on the frontlines amidst a dire economic crisis.

    Land Rover Defender vehicles form the backbone of the LAF’s mobility. Our UK teams with the Army’s leadership will continue to develop servicing, maintenance and equipment care procedures for the vehicles.

    The role of the LAF remains fundamental to safeguarding Lebanon and its people, particularly in these increasingly challenging times.’’

    Since 2010, the UK has committed over £98 million, through its Conflict, Stability and Security fund, allowing the LAF to optimise its capabilities, and develop and modernise to become a respected, professional armed forces able to defend Lebanon and provide security along its border with Syria.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New guide to boost understanding of video games [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New guide to boost understanding of video games [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 30 May 2023.

    New guide for academics and industry aims to boost understanding of video games to support UK’s world leading sector.

    • New framework for researchers will encourage more analysis on video games and related technology
    • Plans identify priority topics for research including the economic benefits of games, their role in education and potential impacts on player wellbeing
    • Publication fulfils government commitment to develop better evidence following call for evidence on loot boxes in video games

    A new guide to support research and build a better understanding of video games is published today.

    Video games are played by more than half of British adults and the sector is one of the UK’s fast-growing creative industries, contributing £2.8 billion to the economy and employing 27,000 people in 2019.

    To support the potential growth and development of the industry, further research is needed to fully understand players’ experiences, and the impacts of games on individuals, communities and the economy more widely.

    Last week at the Enders Conference, the Culture Secretary spoke about her desire to maximise potential within the creative industries – of which video games are a key part – with an ambition to grow the sector by an extra £50 billion by 2030; help create a million extra jobs in the sector by 2030; and deliver a Creative Careers Promise that builds a pipeline of talent into our creative industries.

    The Video Games Research Framework, developed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in collaboration with academia, research councils and the games industry, aims to support researchers to build a stronger evidence base for future policymaking.

    Minister for the Creative Industries, John Whittingdale, said:

    Video games are a booming industry – employing thousands of people and contributing billions to our economy, whilst bringing enjoyment to people in fun and challenging ways.

    Today’s plans will encourage more research and study in this area so we can better support the opportunities of this highly innovative sector while also protecting players.

    Professor Tom Rodden, DCMS’ Chief Scientific Advisor, said:

    DCMS supports some of the most exciting sectors in the UK and it is my priority to ensure that policymaking in the department is underpinned by the best possible science, research and evidence to drive growth and enrich lives.

    The Video Games Research Framework aims to facilitate high-quality research in the field of video games – promoting inclusive, transparent and independent practice.

    I am excited to see how adoption of the framework shapes new research and benefits not just policymakers in government, but the games industry and everyone who chooses to make video games a part of their lives.

    The guide sets out a number of priority areas in need of stronger evidence to help academics and industry focus research projects. Priorities recommended by the framework include why people interact with games, their impact on physical and mental health and the effect of in-game features like spending and advertising on players’ experiences. The framework also suggests wider areas of focus, such as the economic potential of the industry and the role of video games in education.

    The framework brings together guidance and examples of recommended research practices, including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) principles on research integrity, knowledge sharing and managing conflicts of interest.

    The document also provides advice and information on data sharing, as academics identified access to industry and player data as a barrier to enabling better research. It outlines researchers’ legal obligations under UK data protection laws and directs users to guidance from expert bodies such as the Information Commissioner’s Office and UKRI on how data should be collected and handled during studies.

    Publishing the framework delivers on the Government’s commitment to support better evidence on the impact of video games after the call for evidence on loot boxes in video games found that research in this area is still emerging.

    Dan Wood, Ukie Chief Strategy Officer and co-acting CEO, said:

    The establishment of a new Video Games Research Framework will provide objective, robust evidence, strengthening our understanding of the impact of video games across society. As a sector, we will never stand still on this issue and will continue to work collaboratively with government, academia, and industry partners, within the principles of the Video Games Framework to ensure any future change is driven through strong evidence.

    Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said:

    The Video Games Research Framework should be a valuable tool for conducting research in the video games sector. TIGA is pleased to see this framework in place and looks forward to seeing it used as a guide for advancing understanding in this dynamic and world-leading industry.

    Professor Peter Etchells, Professor of Psychology and Science Communication, Bath Spa University, said:

    The new Video Games Research Framework provides a much-needed set of standards to advance the scientific study of games in an ethical, progressive and robust manner. My hope is that this will allow us to leverage the power of player data, in order to answer meaningful questions about how games can impact health and behaviour.

    Professor Andrew Przybylski, Professor of Human Behaviour and Technology, Oxford Internet Institute, said:

    The framework provides an actionable blueprint for industry and independent scientists to work collaboratively to harness the power of human play to understand how we shape and are shaped by games.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Asbestos conman Lee Charles ordered to pay back £82,100 [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Asbestos conman Lee Charles ordered to pay back £82,100 [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 30 May 2023.

    A conman who toured England to deceive customers over the disposal of harmful asbestos has been ordered to pay back £82,100.

    Lee Charles of Caldicot Gardens, Grantham, in Lincolnshire, previously pleaded guilty in 2022 to lying to customers and giving false paperwork to hide his deception. He was given a suspended prison sentence.

    The defendant was back at Lincoln Crown Court, May 22, in a case brought by the Environment Agency under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Following a financial investigation into the lawful costs he avoided from his crimes.

    Charles marketed himself as Lincs Demolition Limited for 2 years, claiming he was registered to remove asbestos to gain lucrative jobs from Dorking to Doncaster. He had no legal permit to carry out the work.

    The list of places where the 40-year-old acted out his dishonesty can be found at the end of the release.

    Asbestos is a hazardous substance when disturbed and carcinogenic. The UK banned its use in 1999.

    Having duped his customers, Charles stashed the waste asbestos in hired storage containers at Welbourn, in Lincolnshire. 200 metres from a school and close to a Girl Guide centre.

    Charles told the owners of the storage space he wanted to keep tools there. When he failed to pay the rent on the containers, the owners forced the locks and were confronted with the dangerous contents.

    Paul Salter, an Environmental Waste Crime Officer for the Environment Agency, said:

    Lee Charles’ crimes were not just illegal, but dangerous. He has been ordered to pay back, and this sends out a clear message to others who flout the law that waste crime does not pay.

    Not only do we use environmental law to prosecute those who abuse the environment, but we also use the Proceeds of Crime legislation to ensure that criminals are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activity.

    We support legitimate businesses, and we are proactively supporting them by disrupting and stopping the criminal element backed up by the threat of tough enforcement as in this case.

    We continue to use intelligence-led approaches to target the most serious crimes and evaluate which interventions are most effective.

    If you see or suspect waste crime is being committed, we urge you to report it immediately to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Once exposed, Charles abandoned the storage containers at Welbourn, moving his activities to an unpermitted waste site 16 miles away near Sleaford. He continued to store asbestos unsafely, posing a risk to public health.

    In 2015, illegal waste activity was estimated to cost over £600 million in England alone, with the figure for the UK likely to be much higher.

    The Environment Agency’s permitting system enables businesses to carry out their operations, while robust regulation provides the level playing field legitimate businesses need to prevent being undercut by irresponsible or illegal operators.

    Additional information:

    Charles previously pleaded guilty to two counts of operating a waste operation without a permit between 2017 and 2019, contrary to Regulations 12, 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    He also pleaded guilty to two counts of keeping or disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm, contrary to Sections 33(1)(c), 33(6) and 157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    The list of locations are:

    • Abingdon
    • Barton-upon-Humber
    • Boston
    • Burntwood
    • Cambridge
    • Caterham
    • Doncaster
    • Dorking
    • Erdington
    • Birmingham
    • Grantham
    • Gravesend
    • Great Yarmouth
    • Huntingdon
    • Ipswich
    • Kettering
    • Kings Lynn
    • Leicester
    • Lincoln
    • Loughborough
    • Luton
    • Mansfield
    • Market Rasen
    • Melton Mowbray
    • Newark
    • Norwich
    • Nottingham
    • Oakham
    • Peterborough
    • Scunthorpe
    • Sidcup
    • London
    • Sleaford
    • Spalding
    • St Ives, Cambridgeshire
    • Stockport
    • Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester
    • Stourbridge
    • Walsall
    • Warsop
    • Wellingborough
    • Worksop.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of lay member Elisabetta Sciallis to the Civil Procedure Rule Committee [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of lay member Elisabetta Sciallis to the Civil Procedure Rule Committee [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 30 May 2023.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of Elisabetta Sciallis as a lay member of the Civil Procedure Rule Committee for 3 years from 1 June 2023.

    The Civil Procedure Rule Committee (CPRC) is the statutory body that governs the practice and procedure to be followed in the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal, the High Court, and the County Court.

    This appointment was made by the Lord Chancellor after consulting the Lord Chief Justice.

    Appointments to the CPRC are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Biography

    Ms Sciallis is a Principal Policy Advisor in Consumer Rights for Which?; a role she has held since 2022.  Prior to this, she worked as an Executive for the UK European Consumer Centre at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and, as a qualified lawyer with 18 years’ experience in commercial and consumer law, she has also lectured at Brunel University.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Three members appointed to the Legal Services Board [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Three members appointed to the Legal Services Board [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 30 May 2023.

    Mike Freer MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, has approved the appointments of Clare Brown, as a non-lay member and Kate Briscoe and Lizzie Peers, as lay members of the LSB.

    Mike Freer MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, has approved the appointments of Clare Brown, as a non-lay member, and Kate Briscoe, as a lay member, of the Legal Services Board; both for a period of 4 years from 1 June 2023.

    Mike Freer MP has also approved the appointment of Lizzie Peers, as a lay member of the Legal Services Board, for a period of 4 years from 1 October 2023.

    Biographies

    Clare Brown is a Barrister at 2 Temple Gardens. She is on the Treasury A Panel and is frequently instructed by the Government in high profile public law cases. She formerly worked for the European Court of Human Rights and for the Ombudsman of Human rights in Bosnia. Clare is also a senior lecturer on the Bar Course at City Law School, University of London.

    Clare has not declared any political activity.

    Kate Briscoe is the CEO and Co-Founder of LegalBeagles; the UK’s largest legal advice forum as well as JustBeagle; an independent search and legal comparison site to directly connect consumers to 10,000 regulated law firms across England and Wales. She has served as an expert panel member for the Solicitors Regulation Authority and, as a consumer rights advocate and consumer litigator, at Howlett Clarke Solicitors.

    Kate has not declared any political activity.

    Lizzie Peers has over nine years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director across a variety of national and local organisations including the University Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, the Ministry of Justice, DEFRA, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.  She has over 20 years of experience as an external auditor and regulator with the Audit Commission and Ernst and Young LLP.

    Lizzie has not declared any political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Widespread ewe-phoria as Shaun the Sheep becomes Countryside Code Champion [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Widespread ewe-phoria as Shaun the Sheep becomes Countryside Code Champion [May 2023]

    The press release issued by Natural England on 30 May 2023.

    New campaign will encourage young people to “respect, protect and enjoy” the countryside.

    Shaun the Sheep was today (30 May) revealed as the new champion of Natural England’s Countryside Code.

    A new baa-rilliant campaign with Aardman will see the popular animated character encourage children and young people to “respect, protect and enjoy” the countryside. From Mossy Bottom farm, Shaun and friends will follow the Countryside Code and show children how to care for nature, follow signs and share the space with others.

    It follows research from Natural England’s Children’s People and Nature Survey which revealed that 80% of children and young people agreed that looking after the environment was important to them, and 83% said they wanted to do more to look after nature and wildlife.

    Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:

    Shaun the Sheep and his endearing friends are the perfect illustration for the next generation of explorers on how to respect, protect and enjoy nature, whether in parks in towns and cities, at the seaside or in the countryside.

    We know that children care deeply about the environment, and that 85% of children feel happy spending time outdoors – so it’s really important that we help young people enjoy the invaluable health and wellbeing benefits that nature offers, while giving it the respect it deserves.

    Since the Covid 19 pandemic, more people have experienced the joys of nature – whether spotting rare birds across the network of National Nature Reserves or walking through grasslands and saltmarshes along the recently renamed King Charles III England Coast Path.

    In response to more people wanted to visit the countryside and green spaces, Natural England refreshed the Countryside Code and updated guidance for land managers giving everyone access to guidance on how to enjoy the great outdoors safely and responsibly.

    Under the updated guidance which extends to all green space, waterways and parks in cities, people are encouraged to “be nice, share the space and say hello” to fellow users of the countryside. The code has simple reminders to respect those working in the countryside, to dispose of litter responsibly; avoid feeding livestock; to not light fires; and to stay on marked footpaths to protect crops and wildlife.

    Rachael Peacock, Senior Brand Manager at Aardman, said:

    It’s great to be working with Natural England on this engaging and informative Countryside Code campaign.

    Living on Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun’s connection to the countryside makes him a baa-rilliant and fun ambassador for nature, and we look forward to encouraging families to enjoy the outdoors respectfully.

    Natural England and Aardman have created a suite of assets to help inform children and young people about the messages of the code, and how to ensure the outdoors is a place for everyone to enjoy. The assets will be hosted online and available for download in use across promotional materials.

    Follow our social media channels and see where Shaun’s next countryside adventure will take him.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits British armed forces on NATO’s ‘Eastern Flank’ [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits British armed forces on NATO’s ‘Eastern Flank’ [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2023.

    James Cleverly will meet UK military personnel leading NATO’s mission in Estonia. He will then visit Norway for a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.

    • James Cleverly to meet UK military personnel leading NATO’s mission in Estonia protecting its ‘Eastern Flank’ by land, sea and air
    • he will meet members of the new Estonian Government and visit a school for Ukrainian refugee children
    • Foreign Secretary will then visit Norway for a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers with support to Ukraine, and Sweden’s accession high on the agenda

    The UK’s commitment to NATO and the defence of its ‘Eastern Flank’ will be underlined today (Tuesday 30 May) as the Foreign Secretary arrives in Tallinn to begin a 2-leg visit to Northern Europe.

    In his first trip as Foreign Secretary to Estonia, James Cleverly will meet members of the new Estonian Government to highlight the UK’s role as a steadfast security partner, committed to deterring aggression and defending all NATO Allies in times of crisis and conflict.

    As a demonstration of that partnership, the Foreign Secretary will visit the Royal Navy’s amphibious flagship, HMS Albion, currently in the Baltic Sea for 2 months taking part in military exercises with allies in the region, to hear from British military personnel across all 3 British armed forces, including some of the 850 UK troops currently stationed in the country as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.

    He will also underline the UK’s strong desire for continued close cooperation on issues of importance to European security, including sustained support for Ukraine and working together to tackle illegal migration.

    Cleverly will then visit Oslo for an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers to call for Sweden’s swift accession to the Alliance ahead of the Vilnius Summit in July. Both Norway and Estonia are also members of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), the group of like-minded, northern European nations protecting democracy, security and stability in the region, complementing wider NATO activity.

    Ahead of his visit, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    In Estonia, across land, sea and air, British personnel are on the frontline protecting Europe’s security and deterring Russia’s cruel and catastrophic aggression.

    As NATO Allies, we are stronger than ever before – unified against hostility and in defence of democracy and freedom.

    Not only is our military leading the way, our diplomats are working across the globe to galvanise our partners and strengthen international efforts to ensure Putin faces the consequences of his barbaric actions.

    Cleverly will see first-hand how British forces personnel are leading NATO’s land and air missions to Estonia, helping to protect it on land, at sea and in the air.

    At Amari air base, the Foreign Secretary will witness RAF Typhoons taking to the skies as the current lead nation for Baltic air policing out of Estonia, and see British Army Apache and Wildcat helicopters supporting multi-national exercises.

    Cleverly will speak to Estonian tech company founders to promote economic ties between the UK and Estonia. He will review progress on the UK-Estonia tech partnership, which aims to develop new technologies in areas such as digital health and sustainable energy as well as creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

    The Foreign Secretary will also pay a visit to a school set up in Estonia for children of Ukrainian refugees, who have fled the conflict in their country. Estonia has taken in more than 46,000 Ukrainians since the war began, offering them a safe haven away from Russian bombardment.

    On Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary will visit Oslo for an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, where he will seek to shore up political and military support to Ukraine.

    He will also use the gathering as part of a continued push for Sweden’s swift accession to NATO ahead of the Vilnius Summit in July, telling allies that its full membership will significantly boost NATO’s collective strength.

    The Foreign Secretary’s trip follows visits to Moldova, Georgia and Kazakhstan in March, 3 more countries facing Russia’s malign activity on their doorstep.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chief Medical Officer for England on vaping [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chief Medical Officer for England on vaping [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 30 May 2023.

    Professor Sir Chris Whitty writes for The Times that marketing vapes to children is unacceptable – they should only have a role in helping smokers quit.

    The key points about vaping (e-cigarettes) can be easily summarised. If you smoke, vaping is much safer; if you don’t smoke, don’t vape; marketing vapes to children is utterly unacceptable.

    Cigarettes are the biggest cause of entirely preventable illness and death in the UK. Smoking substantially increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, many cancers, dementia and lung disease among others. It harms those around the smoker, including children and unborn babies.

    The cigarette industry model has always been to addict people to nicotine as early as legally possible, in the great majority of cases as teenagers. Once addicted, most smokers subsequently want to quit but this is very difficult. The deliberate industry-induced addiction has taken their choice away, despite claims by some industry lobbyists to be ‘pro choice’. To be pro nicotine addiction is to be anti-choice.

    Helping smokers to quit is one of the best things we can do for their health. Using vapes (e-cigarettes) is a quitting tool many addicted smokers find effective, and given the multiple and immense health risks of smoking it is much safer to vape than to smoke. Swapping from smoking to vaping is therefore a positive health move.

    Vaping is however not risk-free. We do not know the long-term effects of many vape ingredients and companies deliberately inducing nicotine addiction in others to maximise profits is not in the interests of the person being addicted. Non-smokers should therefore be encouraged not to start vaping, and in particular not to use vapes containing ingredients such as nicotine, the main aim of which is to addict them.

    When it comes to children, we should be even more explicit. Companies trying to addict children for profit are behaving in a shameful way. Yet it is undoubtedly happening. In England, the proportion of 11 to 15 year olds using vapes increased from 6% to 9% from 2018 to 2021 and is still rising. Companies are marketing products targeted specifically at children using colours, flavours and cheap disposable options, whatever they may claim.

    Unsafe, illegal vapes have also been pushed in our communities, with recent reports showing they can contain dangerous chemicals like lead and nickel. High levels of inhaled lead damages children’s central nervous system and brain development. Some products contain nicotine when claiming they do not, or contain harmful cannabis THC chemicals.

    Announcements to reduce the marketing of vaping products to under 18s are a very welcome step in ending the harm that some parts of the vaping industry has created in children. The government has launched a call for evidence on further opportunities to prevent children vaping and I encourage people with evidence to submit it.

    We should continue to encourage smokers to swap to vaping as the lesser risk, while preventing marketing and sale of vapes to children.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Relocation of the illegal outpost in Homesh [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Relocation of the illegal outpost in Homesh [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2023.

    FCDO spokesperson statement on relocation of the illegal outpost in Homesh.

    An FCDO spokesperson said:

    The UK opposes Israel’s decision today to allow the relocation of the illegal outpost in Homesh. Israel must honour recent commitments made in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh and uphold the commitments Israel itself agreed and signed in 2004.