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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Violence in the north of Kosovo – joint statement [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Violence in the north of Kosovo – joint statement [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2023.

    This joint statement on violence in the north of Kosovo is by France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

    Joint statement by France, Italy, Germany, the UK and the US:

    We condemn Kosovo’s decision to force access to municipal buildings in northern Kosovo despite our call for restraint. We call on Kosovo’s authorities to immediately step back and de-escalate, and to closely coordinate with EULEX and KFOR.

    We condemn attacks on EULEX in Zvecan.

    We are concerned by Serbia’s decision to raise the level of readiness of its Armed Forces at the border with Kosovo and call all parties for maximum restraint, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens pledge to end plastic pollution by 2040 [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens pledge to end plastic pollution by 2040 [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 May 2023.

    UK signs Ministerial Statement calling for an ambitious global plastic pollution treaty to tackle plastic pollution and protect the marine environment.

    The UK, alongside 52 other members of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to End Plastic Pollution, has signed a far-reaching Ministerial Statement, calling for an ambitious global plastic pollution treaty to tackle plastic pollution and protect the marine environment.

    The HAC is a coalition of over 50 governments that have since agreed to end plastic pollution by 2040.

    The Joint Ministerial Statement, published today, calls for a range of mandatory provisions to be included in the global plastic pollution treaty, currently under negotiation. These include reducing the production and consumption of primary plastic polymers to sustainable levels; eliminating and restricting unnecessary, avoidable or problematic plastics, chemicals and products; and eliminating the release of plastics into nature, amongst others.

    The statement comes ahead of the second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) taking place in Paris next week and sets out the HAC’s key ambitions for INC-2, taking the UK one step further towards the ambition of ending plastic pollution by 2040.

    Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats that we currently face and is interlinked with climate change and biodiversity loss. This Joint Ministerial Statement builds on the UK government’s commitment to help to develop an ambitious, international legally binding treaty that demands urgent action on plastics and drives forward our mission to protect at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.

    Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    Plastic pollution continues to have a devastating effect on our world’s ocean, people and the wider environment. That’s why it’s more important than ever to step up, take action and drive forward the change needed to bring an end to plastic pollution globally.

    I am proud to be amongst other HAC members signing this statement that calls for ambitious new measures within the global plastics treaty and look forward to some productive and high-reaching discussions in the upcoming INC-2 meeting in Paris.

    The HAC statement builds on the UK’s wider commitments and work to protect and enhance the marine environment.

    Earlier this year, delivering on the Environmental Improvement Plan the government announced the designation of the first three Highly Protected Marine Areas in English waters and launched a consultation on proposed management measures for sandeel fishing with the aim to reduce further negative impacts on important marine biodiversity.

    Building on our existing single-use plastic bans and carrier bag charge, the Government is introducing further bans from October on a range of single-use plastic items – including plates, cutlery, balloon sticks and expanded and extruded polystyrene drinks containers. In April, we also announced that we will ban the sale of wet wipes containing plastic subject to public consultation.

    The INC- 2 meeting taking place in Paris is the second out of five sessions with United Nations member states. A global plastic pollution treaty is hoped to be finalised by the end of 2024.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Sundar Pichai [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Sundar Pichai [May 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 26 May 2023.

    The Prime Minister met with Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet – the parent company of Google – at the Government’s Darlington Economic Campus.

    The Prime Minister thanked Mr Pichai for Google’s role at the heart of the UK’s technology ecosystem, and they spoke about opportunities for growth in the industry.

    They discussed the UK’s strengths and ambitions in cementing its position as a science and technology superpower, reflecting on recent government announcements, including the publication of the AI White Paper.

    On Artificial Intelligence, they spoke about striking the right balance to ensure the right regulatory guardrails are in place, whilst driving forward innovation. They discussed possible opportunities for industry and international collaboration on safe and responsible AI development and agreed to remain in touch on this issue.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy programme appointments [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy programme appointments [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 26 May 2023.

    The Prime Minister has today made one re-appointment and one new appointment to his Trade Envoy programme.

    • Theo Clarke MP has been re-appointed as the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Kenya.
    • Rt Hon Conor Burns MP has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the US for Regional Trade and Investment.

    Background:

    • Trade Envoys support the UK economy by supporting British businesses to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the UK’s global trade agenda. They champion Global Britain and promote the UK as a destination of choice for inward investment across all regions of the UK, helping to level up the country.
    • This new appointment will extend the total number of Trade Envoys to 37 parliamentarians, covering 67 markets.
    • The role as a Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy is unpaid and voluntary with cross-party membership from both Houses.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new humanitarian support package in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new humanitarian support package in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2023.

    The UK is today (Friday 26 May) announcing a new humanitarian programme in the DRC, which will spend £21 million this year.

    • new UK humanitarian programme, worth £21 million this year, to focus on extreme needs in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
    • the programme will provide lifesaving assistance in emergencies, support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), treatment for severely malnourished children and help those affected by conflict to recover and re-establish their livelihoods
    • the programme will build on the UK’s track record of providing life-saving humanitarian support to the most vulnerable Congolese

    The UK is today (Friday 26 May) announcing a new humanitarian programme in the DRC which will spend £21 million this year. The programme is part of the UK’s long-term commitment to reducing the impact of humanitarian crises in the DRC through assisting those in greatest need and protecting the most vulnerable.

    The programme will focus on 3 key areas:

    • prioritising humanitarian assistance to those that need it most, those recently displaced and those affected by conflict and disaster
    • protecting those at risk, reducing violence against women and girls, and helping survivors to recover, and to be safe
    • preventing cycles of humanitarian crisis by helping those affected by conflict and displacement to recover, to rebuild livelihoods, and support communities’ resilience

    The humanitarian crisis in the DRC remains one of the world’s most severe, with record levels of displacement and suffering. Through the new programme, the UK will support impacted populations to recover and rebuild their lives. We will continue to work closely with the Government of the DRC and our international partners to support stability, peace and prosperity for all Congolese.

    The programme will build upon the UK’s long-standing humanitarian commitment to the DRC. Since 2017, the UK’s humanitarian programmes have:

    • provided over 2.5 million people with cash, vouchers, or food
    • provided 2.4 million people with shelter and household items
    • treated nearly 350,000 children with severe acute malnutrition
    • integrated over 100,000 children back into school
    • supported 13,000 SGBV/trauma survivors
    • reunited nearly 4,000 separated children

    The UK is committed to tackling humanitarian crises around the world, as set out in the UK government’s Strategy for International Development. The strategy commits to stepping up the UK’s life-saving humanitarian work to prevent the worst forms of human suffering around the world, and to leading globally on a more effective international response to humanitarian crises. The UK will continue to work with the Government of the DRC and humanitarian actors to improve prioritisation of support, protection of civilians, access for humanitarian actors, and the overall effectiveness of the humanitarian system.

    Development Director Laura Mazal said:

    The UK is committed to providing urgent support to the most vulnerable Congolese who are in desperate need. That’s why today I’m announcing $26 million of new humanitarian support.

    UK support will provide lifesaving assistance to those who have been displaced from their homes. It will support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. It will provide treatment for severely malnourished children. And it will help those affected by conflict recover and re-establish their livelihoods.

    But we cannot act alone. The government and international community must work together to save lives, protect civilians from abuses and bring an end to the violence that causes so much suffering.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State honours civic society’s contribution to Northern Ireland’s transformation [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State honours civic society’s contribution to Northern Ireland’s transformation [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 May 2023.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland honoured the crucial work by civic society to support the peace process in Northern Ireland over the past 25 years.

    The Secretary of State has this evening (25 May) honoured the crucial work by civic society to support the peace process over the past 25 years at a reception in the iconic Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

    The reception, part of the Northern Ireland Office’s programme to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, was held three days after the 25th anniversary of the two referenda in  Northern Ireland and Ireland in which 71% of people in Northern Ireland voted ‘yes’ to the Agreement.

    Representatives from community organisations, charities, and public servants who have supported Northern Ireland’s transformation came together to reflect upon the peace, prosperity and other benefits delivered by the Agreement, while looking towards the next 25 years. It also offered the opportunity to acknowledge civic society’s ongoing contribution to the peace settlement.

    Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris paid tribute to the incredible work of community organisations and charities in supporting reconciliation between communities, which created the conditions for prosperity which allowed Northern Ireland’s film industry to flourish and to attract world – leading productions such as Game of Thrones.

    According to the latest figures, screen tourism played a part in attracting one in six out-of-state visitors, accounting for 350,000 visitors and over £50m for the local economy.

    The Secretary of State said:

    The people of Northern Ireland, in voting ‘yes’ in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement referendum, demonstrated their commitment to setting aside their differences, breaking down barriers between communities and building a better future together.

    I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those members of civic society who have worked tirelessly to make that vision of a better, brighter future a reality which they will pass on to the next generation.

    It’s the work of many that has seen Northern Ireland move from peace to prosperity. As a result of that transformative power of peace we have seen the establishment of a thriving screen and film production and tourism industries of which the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is a shining example.

    The UK Government remains committed to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and to continuing to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland, to make it an even better place to live, work and do business.

    The Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios is renowned as a filming location for iconic scenes from the multi award-winning television production Game of Thrones. The Banbridge venue is the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour, featuring authentic sets, costumes, and props from the global hit TV series.

    Executive Director of Linen Mill Studios David Browne added:

    Prior to the Good Friday Agreement, it’s difficult to conceive of circumstances where Northern Ireland would be considered as the filming home for Game of Thrones, nor that the business environment would have existed, to nurture, support and invest in the businesses required to design, build, and install everything in a facility such as this.

    Along with the many local companies we have worked with, we are immensely proud of what we’ve collectively achieved.

    The rave reviews from visitors from all over the world, both for our people and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, certainly validate that pride!

    In September, the UK Government will hold the Northern Ireland Investment Summit to support our vision for a prosperous 25 years ahead. The Summit is a key part of the programme to showcase the remarkable progress in Northern Ireland since the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £40 million biodiversity research programme opens for applications [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £40 million biodiversity research programme opens for applications [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 May 2023.

    A £40 million grant programme launched to help projects around the world put the power of biodiversity at the forefront of our fight against climate change and poverty.

    • £7 million is now available for research into natural climate solutions
    • UK and international applicants can secure grants of up to £750,000
    • Move is part of the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate, established with £40 million of Official Development Assistance funding

    A £40 million grant programme launched this week (Thursday 25 May 2023) which will help projects around the world put the power of biodiversity at the forefront of our fight against climate change and poverty.

    First announced in 2021 at the Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow, the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) was established to bridge research gaps and further understanding on the crucial role biodiversity can play in tackling climate change and poverty in ODA-eligible countries across the world. By fostering collaboration between experts and research disciplines, the GCBC strives to shape decision-making and unlock finance for natural solutions to climate change and poverty.

    During its pilot phase, the GCBC funded a range of innovative projects including:

    • Working with local communities to improve environmental and social outcomes for a disused mine site with a negative legacy in the Philippines
    • Developing temperature resilient wild seaweed cultivars in collaboration with indigenous seaweed farming communities in Malaysia
    • Protecting globally important ecosystems and irreplaceable biodiversity and supporting climate resilient food security by mapping plant bioresources in Tropical Important Plant Areas in Guinea and Ethiopia
    • Creating a community-led governance model that integrates strategies for climate resilience, low-carbon and sustainable growth in a Colombian coffee-growing region

    With around £7 million available in the first round, successful applicants have the opportunity to secure up to £750,000 through the GCBC’s Official Development Assistance programme to deliver policy-relevant research on how the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity can help address climate change and improve livelihoods of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Applications are open to a diverse range of local and international partners, from non-governmental organisations to academic institutions.

    Gideon Henderson, Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, said:

    The launch of this grant programme marks a significant milestone in our fight against the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty.

    Through this £40 million initiative, there is a vital opportunity for researchers, organisations, and institutions to harness the power of biodiversity and explore innovative natural solutions to the climate crisis – creating a more sustainable future for all.

    The establishment and goals of the GCBC will help deliver on our climate and biodiversity commitments, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Global Biodiversity Framework targets, which are inherently intertwined with climate change.

    More information, including on eligibility and how to apply, can be found here: www.gcbc.org.uk

  • PRESS RELEASE : Export bar placed on rare 18th-century gun made for the Sultan of Mysore [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Export bar placed on rare 18th-century gun made for the Sultan of Mysore [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 26 May 2023.

    Export bar placed on Tipu Sultan of Mysore’s Flintlock Sporting Gun to allow time for a UK institution or buyer to acquire it.

    • The elaborately decorated gun was made in India for the Sultan between 1793 and 1794
    • The decision to place an export bar follows the independent advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest

    An 18th-century gun made for the Sultan of Mysore and valued at £2 million has had its export barred to allow time for a buyer to come forward to keep it in the UK for public study and education.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay has placed an export bar on Tipu Sultan of Mysore’s Flintlock Sporting Gun in the hope that it can be put on public display here in the UK.

    The Minister’s decision follows the independent advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

    The elaborately decorated gun was made for the Sultan of Mysore and is dated between 1793 and 1794. The fourteen-bore gun was designed for shooting game and is signed by its maker, Asad Khan Muhammed.

    Known as the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan was a defiant opponent of the British East India Company and its allies during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. He was killed on 4 May 1799 while defending his stronghold of Seringapatam (Srirangapatna).

    Following his death, his distinctive personal weapons were given to leading military figures. This firearm was presented to General the Earl Cornwallis, who had previously fought Tipu between 1790 and 1792.

    The expert committee found the gun to be of aesthetic importance as well as significant to the study of Tipu Sultan and his court, to Lord Cornwallis, to British history, and to the conclusion of the third Anglo-Mysorean war.

    Its assessment was based on the ‘Waverley Criteria’, established in 1952 to decide on works of art and cultural objects which deserve efforts to keep them in the country. At a speech to mark the 70th anniversary of the criteria last year, Lord Parkinson noted the important role they had played in preserving cultural heritage and sharing it with a wide public audience, and took the opportunity to invite thoughts on how they should continue to operate. He asked, for instance, “are we considering items’ connection to the history of other countries, or whether they are destined for public display rather than private collection?” His full speech can be found on gov.uk

    Committee Member Christopher Rowell said:

    This is the finest and most elaborately decorated of the personal firearms made for Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, a large state in South India. Dated 1793–4, this fourteen-bore gun was designed for shooting game and is signed by Asad Khan Muhammad. It is extremely beautiful as well as technically advanced.

    The mechanism allows two shots to be fired from the single barrel without reloading, revealing the probable influence of itinerant French gunmakers. Tipu’s court was sophisticated and its workshops produced a variety of fine metalwork including weaponry and ordnance, which was stylish as well as deadly.

    Tipu was fascinated by Western technical innovations, including rocketry, but his leanings towards France antagonised Britain, which waged four wars against Mysore. In 1799, he was killed as the British army overran his capital, Srirangapatna [Seringapatam]. Among the victorious officers was Colonel Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington and hero of Waterloo.

    This superbly executed sporting gun was presented to General Earl Cornwallis, victor of the previous war against Tipu in 1790-2, which had forced the Sultan to cede half his territory.

    Tipu was known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’ and his personal emblems are ubiquitous, from the tiger with brass-inlaid eyes carved into the hardwood stock to the stylised tiger stripes inlaid in silver along the blued steel barrel. One of the silver mounts depicts a tiger attacking European soldiers, an image redolent of ‘Tipu’s Tiger’ in the V&A.

    Given its aesthetic significance, its impeccable provenance, its scope for further research and its relevance to both British and Indian history, I hope that this superb fowling piece made for the unfortunate ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, will be acquired by a British Institution where it can be appreciated by all.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

    This visually striking firearm is a significant antiquity in its own right, as well as an illustration of the important, interconnected history between Britain and India.

    I hope that it can be shared with the widest possible public and used to deepen our understanding of a fraught period which shaped both our nations.

    The decision on the export licence application for the gun will be deferred for a period ending on 25 September 2023 (inclusive). At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the gun at the recommended price of £2 million.The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for four months.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Women’s participation during crises – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Women’s participation during crises – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2023.

    Emma Logan (UK delegation to the OSCE) says that the series of restrictions imposed by the Taliban are effectively erasing women and girls from Afghan society.

    Thank you, Mr Chair, for convening us on this important topic at a time when threats to gender equality continue to increase. And I would like to thank our expert panellists for their sobering updates, reminding us of the terrible situation Afghan women face in terms of participation in political and public life.

    At the global level, the Global Gender Gap Report 2022 shows that Political Empowerment is the largest remaining gender gap, and it is also the subindex with the widest dispersion among countries. The report says that at the current rate, it will take 155 years to close this Political Empowerment gap. Clearly, speeding up progress to increase women’s meaningful and representative participation in decision making processes is vital, both to enable women to realise their right to full and equal political participation and because women’s political leadership plays a critical role in securing and strengthening democracy. We must get more women into civic and political leadership roles, and we must promote and support women’s rights organisations and movements as a critical part of strengthening the enabling environment for women and girls’ full and equal political participation.

    Since August 2021, the Taliban have imposed a series of restrictions effectively erasing women and girls from society. No other country treats its women and girls the way the Taliban do. Their decisions have no grounding in religion and will cause untold damage to the people and country of Afghanistan.

    The toll on women and girls’ mental health has been huge. Afghan women self-censor for fear of reprisal, and opportunities for basic human interaction outside of their homes are being curtailed. Underpinning this, is an exclusive power sharing arrangement that excludes anyone but the Taliban from having a say on Afghanistan’s future.

    Educated and empowered Afghan women would help Afghanistan by contributing to society, the economy, development and peace across the country – without this, Afghanistan will not achieve stability or prosperity.

    The United Kingdom calls on the Taliban to respect international law, and uphold the human rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, and ethnic and religious minorities. We will continue to advocate for Afghan-led efforts towards inclusive governance, and remain committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan.

    Turning briefly to Ukraine, and with thanks to our Ukrainian speaker, as reported by the UN, many female leaders at all levels have been spearheading the country’s humanitarian response to Russia’s illegal and premeditated invasion, joining the army or leading public service delivery. Female health workers and entrepreneurs are providing essential services and goods to the war-affected population, with women’s organisations on the ground leading humanitarian assistance, advocacy, and public outreach to support their communities.

    The bravery of the women of Ukraine in the face of Russian atrocities embodies the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people. These mothers, daughters, sisters and protectors of Ukraine demonstrate strength, compassion and integrity in support of the defence and governance of their country, their people and their principles.

    Mr Chair, as you and the Secretary General have outlined for us, we can only build a fairer, freer, and safer world if we put women and girls at the heart of the OSCE’s work. Women’s leadership, perspectives and knowledge are essential for local, national and regional progress. At the PC/FSC earlier this year we discussed the issue of Women, Peace and Security, which demonstrated that participating States remain overwhelmingly in favour of the OSCE doing more on this across our region. The UK stands ready to support.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Four new Members appointed to the Board of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Four new Members appointed to the Board of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 26 May 2023.

    The Secretary of State has appointed Martin Esom, Alex Lacey, Bradley Pritchard and Jonathan Sellins for terms of three years commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Martin Esom

    Appointed for a three year term commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Martin is Chief Executive of Waltham Forest Council, a position he has held since 2010. During his time at the Council, he has led on a national award winning gang prevention programme and a multi-agency child sexual exploitation protection strategy. Between 2012 and 2018, he was Chair of the London Prevent Board which drives critical work in relation to counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation across the capital.

    He has also taken forward the regeneration of the borough, focussing on returning streets to walking and cycling though the multi award winning Enjoy Waltham Forest programme. Other significant successes include transforming the leisure and culture offers for residents, culminating in the Council’s successful bid to become both London’s first ever London Borough of Culture and then MJ Local Authority of the Year in 2019.

    He is a trustee of the William Morris Gallery, and is a Non-Executive Director at the Health and Safety Executive where he Chairs the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee.

    Most recently, Martin took on the role of London Local Authority Strategic Coordination Chief Executive (London Gold) where he was responsible for coordinating activity across all London boroughs and a member of the London Strategic Coordination Group (SCG).

    Martin is an environmental health officer by training. He was awarded the ‘Ronald Williams Gold Medal’, on graduating, by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, where he later served as a Board Member and Trustee for eight years. His first role after qualifying was as a Health and Safety enforcement officer.

    Alex Lacey

    Appointed for a three year term commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Alex Lacey is the Operations Director at Silverstone Circuits, with over 27 years’ experience and a significant depth of knowledge and experience operating major sporting events and large-scale venue management within a sports environment.

    She has overseen the design and delivery of a range of projects including the 200 bedroom Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and Silverstone Escapade (luxury residences development), all whilst ensuring the day to day business and delivery of events is not impacted.

    Alex was awarded an Associate Member status of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, is a member of the Motorsport UK Race Committee and has played an active role in the Major Event Organisers Association.

    Bradley Pritchard

    Appointed for a three year term commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Bradley is a former professional footballer, having played for Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient and Stevenage whilst in the Football League. He has represented teams at all levels in the non-league football pyramid, most recently representing Lewes FC in the Isthmian Premier Division.

    Bradley is currently a member of the Chair’s Panel for The Football Association’s Judicial Panel and Exception’s Panel, as well as an Arbitrator Specialist member for the panel of arbitrators and mediators for Sport Resolutions.

    He established a non-profit organisation called Sporting Way which runs emotional wellbeing programmes in schools, colleges and youth centres in London and the South East of England.

    Bradley is a board member for the Sport for Development Coalition and a Council member for Kent FA.

    Jonathan Sellins

    Appointed for a three year term commencing on 14 March 2023.

    Jon Sellins has been involved in running large venues and major events for over 35 years. His career began in 1987 when he was fortunate to join Wembley PLC, the former owners of the old Wembley Stadium, Arena and Conference Centre. He spent almost 10 years at the Wembley Complex working across all the venues and learning about major sporting events, large concerts, exhibitions & conferences.

    Since then his career has encompassed the Millennium Dome, Earls Court & Olympia, the London 2012 Olympics, Tottenham Hotspur, Wembley Stadium, some muddy obstacle races around the world and latterly The Roundhouse in Camden.

    Between June 2017 & June 2020 Jon was Group Operations director at The Football Association where he was responsible for the operation of both Wembley Stadium and The National Football Centre at St George’s Park. As both a venue operator and a fan, Jon is passionate about venue safety.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Board Members of the Sports Ground Safety Authority are remunerated £265 a day. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Government’s Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Martin Esom, Alex Lacey, Bradley Pritchard and Jonathan Sellins have not declared any significant political activity.