Tag: Press Release

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.
June 12, 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.

June 12, 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.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 29 May 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to congratulate him on his re-election.

The Prime Minister reiterated the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and Türkiye, as economic partners and close Nato allies.

He reflected on Türkiye’s ongoing recovery from the devastating earthquakes earlier this year and pledged the UK’s continued solidarity with the Turkish people.

The leaders agreed to continue working closely together to address shared challenges.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : African Union communiqué of 27 May 2023 on Sudan – Troika and EU response [May 2023]

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

Special envoys and representatives from Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union have issued a statement.

Statement by special envoys and representatives from Norway, the UK, the US and the EU:

Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union [the Troika plus EU] welcome the African Union (AU) communiqué of 27 May following the Heads of State and Government Peace & Security Council meeting on Sudan. We agree with the AU’s condemnation of the actions of the 2 warring parties and the suffering they have caused the people of Sudan. The Troika plus EU reaffirms its support for African leadership and the AU’s Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, and welcomes the AU’s work to establish an expanded mechanism and its Core Group to ensure inclusive and coordinated regional and international action to secure a viable peace process, and the resumption of the transition to civilian government and democracy in Sudan.

June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Coronation celebration in Jordan – British Ambassador’s speech [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2023.

British Ambassador to Jordan, Bridget Brind OBE, spoke of the work the UK and Jordan are doing to advance our century-long friendship and partnership.
Good evening Your Royal Highnesses, Ministers, distinguished guests, partners and friends. I’m honoured by your presence here tonight.

On behalf of my family and everyone at the British Embassy and British Council in Jordan, I should like to welcome you and thank you for joining us to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

As the first Coronation in the United Kingdom for 70 years, this was a historic event. It was a truly magnificent spectacle, combining centuries old traditions with new elements reflecting modern Britain.

I was particularly struck by the emphasis on service, diversity and community. The new King said he came to serve and not to be served. Leaders of all faiths were represented, as were all parts of the UK. Guests included world leaders and distinguished guests from more than 200 countries, but also volunteers and representatives of civil society organisations. Some of the key roles in the ceremony were carried out by women.

As a musician, I particularly enjoyed the beautiful music – from songs in Welsh and Greek, to a gospel choir and the rousing sounds of Handel’s Zadok the Priest – played at every Coronation since it was composed for the coronation of George II in 1727 – and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No.4. Of the twelve new commissions composed for the occasion by world-renowned British composers from the worlds of sacred, classical, theatre, film and television music, 5 were by women.

I am delighted that among the guests were both Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania, and also an impressive young Jordanian woman, Sara Abu Wafa, who King Charles met during his visit to Jordan in 2021. She was one of just five representatives of Prince’s Trust International invited to attend the Coronation.

We are honoured by His Majesty King Abdullah’s words on the occasion, sending his warmest congratulations and wishes for a glorious and prosperous reign, and looking forward to continuing to advance a century-long partnership and friendship.

His Majesty King Charles became heir apparent at the tender age of just 3 years old. This makes him Britain’s longest ever King in waiting. We all appreciate the famous Arabic proverb: Patience is the key to everything beautiful.

Patience is just one of the many virtues of leadership that His Majesty has projected across the globe so diligently.

As The Prince of Wales, He represented The Queen, meeting dignitaries and travelling extensively to further British interests and raise the UK’s profile abroad. He is now the United Kingdom’s most important ambassador.

Over decades of his remarkable public service he has championed many social, environmental and charitable causes.

He is widely known to tackle critical global issues head on. Through his love for nature, he has been at the forefront of promoting ecological sustainability for over 40 years. He is passionate about interfaith dialogue and youth empowerment and is Patron or President of more than 400 organisations.

He has founded nearly 20 charities, which together raise over £100 million each year for good causes.

His Majesty’s close affinity with Jordan was marked by his, and Queen Camilla’s, visit to this country as The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in 2021, to mark the centenary of our friendship. His Majesty said then that:

feel this friendship in the most personal of ways, as Jordan has always been a part of my life.

And many of the initiatives and causes he has championed over the years are highly relevant to Jordan.

In response to the threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss, he created the Sustainable Markets Initiative, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. Its mission is to enable the private sector to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. On His Majesty’s visit in 2021, he met Jordanian academic and business leaders to discuss the vital role of the private sector in supporting the economic transition to more sustainable solutions.

In 2006, he founded the Turquoise Mountain Foundation to revive historical areas and traditional crafts, which creates jobs and sustains heritage skills around the world. Working with artisans here in Jordan, it has supported training to develop entrepreneurship and reconnect thousands of children with their cultural heritage.

Since Prince’s Trust International began work in Jordan in 2015, the charity has been collaborating with the government, NGOs, employers and youth groups to develop solutions to the employment challenges faced by Jordanian youth. Last year, over 12,000 students from 204 schools around Jordan participated in the Enterprise Business Challenge programme (a partnership programme with INJAZ) to develop entrepreneurial skills that boost employability.

During his 2021 visit, His Majesty shared his admiration of Jordan’s roles in interfaith cohesion. He paid tribute to His Majesty King Abdullah’s role as Custodian of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem as a vital element in the search for peace in the region. And he underlined the UK’s admiration for Jordan as a constant voice of moderation, fostering greater understanding between different faiths and communities.

As a Patron of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, over the years His Majesty has promoted a better understanding of the Islamic world and championed the integration of young Muslims in the UK. His Majesty cherishes the Islamic World as “one of the greatest treasuries of accumulated wisdom and spiritual knowledge available to humanity” and as “A priceless gift to the rest of the World.”

Over the past year, as His representatives, my Embassy and the British government have continued to develop and strengthen our relationship with Jordan at all levels.

In addition to attending the Coronation last week, we were honoured that His Majesty King Abdullah visited London last November as one of the first world leaders to meet His Majesty King Charles III, and to call on our new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In April, His Majesty King Abdullah and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince attended the historic 200th Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst alongside King Charles. Foreign Minister Safadi made an official visit to his UK counterpart in London in March. Like others, we are looking forward to the happy occasion of the Royal Wedding here in June and wish the Royal couple a lifetime of happiness together.

The warmth of these visits and our other many royal and political interactions over the last year is testament to the enduring closeness of our bilateral relationship, but also to the many concrete areas in which we are cooperating with Jordan in the interests of both our nations.

politically, we are grateful for Jordan’s tireless efforts to promote peace and stability in the region and we value our strategic partnership and joint work on the many challenging regional and international issues. We appreciate Jordan’s principled stance in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and their support on recent evacuations from Sudan

our security cooperation continues to be first-class, with the Armed Forces, Public Security Directorate and other security actors, often in partnership with many of those represented here tonight

economically, we are working to maximise the value of our new bilateral trade agreement to boost economic prosperity in both our countries. And we are supporting Jordan to advance reforms that will help increase trade, investment and economic growth

we are a committed long-term partner in helping Jordan provide a safe haven to millions of refugees from Syria and the region. We are supporting the provision of education, social protection and cash assistance to the most vulnerable people in society

we recognise that societies can’t grow and develop unless men and women can both realise their full potential. We are proud to be supporting efforts to increase the participation of women in Jordan’s economy and security forces, whilst also providing services to survivors of gender-based violence

climate change is the threat of our generation and one that we must tackle together. We support Jordan in delivering the commitments they made at COP26 in Glasgow and in adapting to the impact of climate change

In closing, let me return to the reason for this evening’s celebration and the Coronation of King Charles III. At a time of many global challenges, his leadership qualities offer us all something to admire. So I pay tribute to: His lifelong commitment to public service; His tireless promotion of charitable causes; and His championing of young people, interfaith relations and sustainability.

And I am happy to be able to share with you all a personal message of appreciation from King Charles.

In particular, I should like to thank all of our sponsors this evening, for making this event possible. Their names are on the screen behind me. I am proud of the GREAT British businesses, innovation and world class services we have here in Jordan. I am very grateful for your support and look forward to continuing to work closely with you and further growing our trade links.

I would also like to thank our musicians this evening: the Jordanian group Octave, who have collaborated with the British Council and who played for His Majesty King Charles on his last visit to Jordan; the wonderful band kindly loaned to us for the evening by the Jordanian Armed Forces, and pianist Helena Lloyd who has played music from across the four nations that make up the UK, including pieces and composers represented at the Coronation itself.

I would like to thank all of my team at the Embassy and at the Residence for their work to make this evening possible and for all their hard work throughout the year. And I would like to thank my family for all their support.

Finally, I want to thank all of you for everything you do to contribute personally to the relationship between the UK and Jordan for the benefit of our people.

Please join me in recognising His Majesty’s exemplary commitment and service, and in wishing him every success and strength during his reign.

Long live King Charles. To The King!
June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Producers urged to address ‘flushable’ wet wipes labelling [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 29 May 2023.

Environment Secretary asks producers to address concerns over ‘flushable’ labelling of wet wipes.

Government has stepped up action to tackle harmful plastics and clean up our waterways by challenging producers of wet wipes to address concerns over how they label their products.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has written to wet wipes producers setting out her concerns about the number of wet wipes that are flushed down UK toilets – between 2.1 – 2.9 billion each year – and has asked them to reconsider the use of the word ‘flushable’ on packaging to help prevent sewer blockages and water pollution.

Wet wipes contribute to 94 percent** of sewer blockages, which can lead to damage to properties and can result in sewage-related litter entering the environment. It is estimated that water companies spend £100m each year dealing with this. The Environment Secretary has told producers that labels saying ‘flushable’ or ‘fine to flush’ may encourage consumers to dispose of wipes down the toilet, rather than disposing of them responsibly in the bin.

Wet wipes producers have now been asked to set out how they will address these concerns.

This week (26 May) Water Minister Rebecca Pow attended a summit in Paris, where the UK, alongside 52 other members of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to End Plastic Pollution (HAC), has signed a far-reaching Joint Ministerial Statement that calls for a range of mandatory provisions to be included in the global plastic pollution treaty, currently under negotiation.

Water Minister, Rebecca Pow said:

“It is vital that producers are more transparent with their guidance on flushability, as ultimately wet wipes that are dumped down the toilet can cause damage to our environment and water quality.

“This is alongside the wider action we’re taking on water quality, including tougher enforcement for water companies, more investment and tighter regulation to stop pollution happening in the first place.”

This action follows on from commitments made in the government’s Plan for Water to write to producers and advertising authorities about using the word ‘flushable’ on wet wipes packaging.

The Plan for Water also committed to a public consultation on the proposal to ban wet wipes containing plastic, responding to public calls to tackle the blight of plastic in our waterways and building on recent action from major retailers including Boots and Tesco. The government will work with industry and making sure plastic-free alternatives are always available to the public.

These plans build on our previous efforts to eliminate avoidable plastic waste, including:
- One of the world’s toughest bans on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products announced in 2018
- Restrictions on the supply of single-use plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds in 2020.
- Plastic Packaging Tax in April 2022 – a tax of £200 per tonne on plastic packaging manufactured in, or imported into the UK, that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.
Following the huge success of the 5p single-use carrier bag charge, in May 2021 we also increased the minimum charge to 10p and extended it to all retailers, taking billions of bags out of circulation.
June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK to boost tech, innovation and research ties with India [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2023.

Lord Ahmad is in India for a visit that will accelerate UK-India collaboration on science, technology and health, following a landmark agreement on science, research and innovation signed by the 2 countries in April.
- Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict is visiting India from 27 to 31 May, with a focus on strengthening science, research and innovation links
- he will visit historic cultural sites and high-tech research facilities in Jodhpur, New Delhi and Hyderabad while meeting senior officials from the Indian Government
- Lord Ahmad will announce the UK-India Health-Tech Bootcamp winners, welcoming collaboration between the health and start-up communities in both countries
Building on the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap, Lord Ahmad will meet senior Indian ministers and officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

The visit’s focus on science, technology and innovation emphasises the UK’s commitment to deepen partnerships in these areas across the globe – evidenced by the recent announcement of a new Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.

UK Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

The UK and India are trusted partners united by the unique living bridge that closely connects our countries and people.

Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations.

The visit comes as the UK and India continue to make progress towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An ambitious, balanced FTA would boost our current trading relationship, worth £36 billion in 2022.

A trade deal with India supports the government’s growth strategy to take advantage of the UK’s status as an independent trading nation, creating new trade and investment opportunities and championing free trade.

Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan will be his first trip to his mother’s birthplace of Jodphur as Minister for South Asia and will highlight the region’s rich cultural history.  He will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, and discuss education, sustainability and gender equality with emerging women leaders.

In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad will launch the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, co-developed by the British Council and Microsoft India, which will enhance global employment opportunities for Indian young people, especially young women. The minister will announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot camp boosting health-tech innovations from India.

Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will highlight science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world’s largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot. He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme.

Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

The UK and India enjoy an invaluable partnership. As we deliver the UK-India Roadmap 2030, we are deepening and accelerating our collaboration on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.

With India’s Presidency of the G20, we have an opportunity also fo2r the UK and India to work together to shape and deliver solutions to global problems.
June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Better support for bereaved families and eyewitnesses of homicide and major incidents [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 29 May 2023.

Homicide Service expanded to support more people impacted by homicide and tragedies such as Grenfell Tower fire.
- access to support for children and young people impacted by homicide
- extra investment to see thousands more people eligible for vital support
Bereaved families and eyewitnesses of homicide or major criminal incidents like the Manchester Arena bombing will receive better support than ever thanks to important changes coming into force on Thursday (1 June 2023).

The Homicide Service, backed by £5.27 million of government funding, provides essential services and practical support to families bereaved by murder or manslaughter – such as emotional and practical support like transportation as well as trauma and bereavement counselling and help navigating the criminal justice system.

Currently, the service – delivered on behalf of government by charity Victim Support – provides services for people who have been bereaved through murder or manslaughter.

But thanks to new measures coming into effect this week – and following a successful pilot in London which expanded the programme to eyewitnesses of homicide these life-changing services will be expanded to provide support to all those who directly witness a homicide or major criminal incident across England and Wales – approximately 1,200 more people.

Figures show that 8 out of 10 bereaved family members who have accessed support through the Homicide Service have reported a better outlook on life with 6 out of 10 saying it improved their health and sleep.

Today’s news builds on the government’s wider commitments to place victims at the heart of the justice system through the Victims and Prisoners Bill ensuring those impacted are always supported and have somewhere to turn.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, said:

The Homicide Service provides vital support to the families of victims under the worst of circumstances – ensuring they have the emotional and practical help they need to cope with their loss.

By expanding the service to include eyewitnesses and bereaved families of major incidents across England and Wales thousands more people will be able to access the support they need as early as possible.

For the first time ever the Homicide Service will provide support to children and young people in the community after a major incident or local murder that impacts them directly such as a teacher, pupil or religious leader.

This will ensure the most vulnerable in society can receive professional help as quickly as possible to cope with traumatic events that could adversely impact their mental health.

Ellen Milazzo, Head of the National Homicide Service at Victim Support, said:

We are honoured to continue to deliver the National Homicide Service, which provides such vital support to those whose loved ones are killed through murder or manslaughter. We set up the service in 2010 and it has gone from strength to strength ever since. Expanding it to include support for direct eyewitnesses to homicide or a major criminal incident where a person is killed, alongside enhanced support for children and young people, is a brilliant step. These changes will enable us to deliver the best possible service for victims and ensure everyone impacted by homicide gets the help they need.

Justice Minister, Edward Argar, said:

This expansion of the Homicide Service, and additional new funding, will help ensure that more people bereaved through homicides and major criminal incidents across England and Wales, and eyewitnesses to those events, know they have somewhere to turn for help, where they can get the support they need.

The enhanced service will work alongside other government measures to help the victims and bereaved of major incidents. In March the government committed to creating an Independent Public Advocate (IPA) as part of the Victims and Prisoners Bill. This will work on behalf of families and provide dedicated support in the aftermath of major incidents like Hillsborough to guide them from as close to the incident as possible to the conclusion of any inquiry and ensure they get access to all available support services.
June 6, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK to boost tech and innovation ties with India [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2023.

Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad will visit India from 27 to 31 May to accelerate science and technology ties.
- Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict is visiting India from 27 to 31 May, with a focus on strengthening science, research and innovation links
- he will visit historic cultural sites and high-tech research facilities in Jodhpur, New Delhi and Hyderabad while meeting senior officials from the Indian government
- Lord Ahmad will announce the UK-India Health-Tech Bootcamp winners, welcoming collaboration between the health and start-up communities in both countries
Lord Ahmad is in India for a visit that will accelerate UK-India collaboration on science, technology and health, following a landmark agreement on science, research and innovation signed by the 2 countries in April.

Building on the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap, Lord Ahmad will meet senior Indian ministers and officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

The visit’s focus on science, technology and innovation emphasises the UK’s commitment to deepen partnerships in these areas across the globe – evidenced by the recent announcement of a new Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.

UK Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

The UK and India are trusted partners united by the unique living bridge that closely connects our countries and people.

Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations.

The visit comes as the UK and India continue to make progress towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An ambitious, balanced FTA would boost our current trading relationship, worth £36 billion in 2022.

A trade deal with India supports the government’s growth strategy to take advantage of the UK’s status as an independent trading nation, creating new trade and investment opportunities and championing free trade.

Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan will be his first trip to his mother’s birthplace of Jodphur as Minister for South Asia and will highlight the region’s rich cultural history.  He will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, and discuss education, sustainability and gender equality with emerging women leaders.

In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad will launch the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, co-developed by the British Council and Microsoft India, which will enhance global employment opportunities for Indian young people, especially young women. The Minister will announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot camp boosting health-tech innovations from India.

Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will highlight science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world’s largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot. He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme.

Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

The UK and India enjoy an invaluable partnership. As we deliver the UK-India Roadmap 2030, we are deepening and accelerating our collaboration on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.

With India’s Presidency of the G20, we have an opportunity also for the UK and India to work together to shape and deliver solutions to global problems.
June 6, 2023