Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister’s words to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 May 2023.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued words to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023.

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be a moment of extraordinary national pride.

Together with friends from across the Commonwealth and beyond, we will celebrate the enduring nature of our great monarchy: its constancy, devotion to duty, and service to others.

No other country could put on such a dazzling display – the processions, the pageantry, the ceremonies, and street parties.

But this is not just a spectacle.

It’s a proud expression of our history, culture, and traditions.

A vivid demonstration of the modern character of our country.

And a cherished ritual through which a new era is born.

In the Abbey where monarchs have been crowned for almost a thousand years, representatives of every faith will play a central role for the first time.

And in a fitting tribute to the spirit of service that will define the Carolean Age, people across our country will help their communities with thousands of acts of kindness.

So let’s celebrate this weekend with pride in who we are and what we stand for. Let’s look to the future with hope and optimism. And let’s make new memories, so we can tell our grandchildren of the day we came together to sing: God Save The King.

May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Lula da Silva of Brazil [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 May 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed President Lula da Silva to Downing Street today.

The leaders discussed the great potential in the relationship between the UK and Brazil, including in health, research and development and technology.

On trade, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together to address trade barriers and unlock investment between the two countries.

The Prime Minister praised President Lula’s leadership on climate change and welcomed his reflections on the concerning situation in the Amazon.

The UK would contribute £80 million to the Amazon Fund to help stop deforestation and save the rich biodiversity in the area, the Prime Minister added.

That contribution built on the launch of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership at COP27, which was another strong signal of the UK’s commitment to the protecting the Amazon, the Prime Minister said.

The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine and agreed that Russia’s invasion was unacceptable, as was the killing of innocent civilians.

Peace was in everyone’s interests, both leaders agreed.

The Prime Minister said that while Russia’s forces remained in Ukraine it would be impossible for the country to find peace and reiterated the need for the international community to continue to press President Putin to withdraw his troops.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch and looked forward to seeing each other at the G7 later this month, and to Brazil hosting the G20 in 2024.

May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Kagame of Rwanda [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 May 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame to Downing Street.

The Prime Minister opened by saying his sympathies were with all those affected by the devastating floods in Rwanda in recent days.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Kagame’s leadership of the Commonwealth as current Chair-in-Office, and the leaders discussed the unique opportunities the grouping offered, including in trade, tackling climate change and youth empowerment.

Reflecting on the deep partnership between the UK and Rwanda, the Prime Minister said he hoped to be able to broaden cooperation between the two countries, especially in trade and cyber security.

Discussing the UK and Rwanda’s Migration and Economic Development Partnership, the Prime Minister updated on the court process and reiterated his commitment to operationalise the policy and begin flights to Rwanda at the earliest opportunity.

The leaders also discussed international security challenges, including in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine. The leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just peace for Ukraine and working together to alleviate the global impact of Russia’s aggression.

Both looked forward to attending His Majesty The King’s Coronation this weekend.

May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : People urged to get Covid jab before offer ends [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 5 May 2023.

The offer of a first or second dose of Covid vaccine will end on 30 June 2023 for most people.
- The offer of a first and second dose of Covid vaccine for those at lower risk of severe illness will end on 30 June 2023
- There are eight weeks left for people who are completely unvaccinated to get their first and second doses
- Around 40 million adults across England have already come forward for both doses
People who have not yet come forward for their first and/ or second dose of the Covid vaccine are being encouraged to get their jabs before the offer ends on Friday 30 June.

The NHS’s world-leading vaccination programme has so far delivered over 146 million Covid jabs, helping to save tens of thousands of lives, protect the most vulnerable from serious illness and allowed us to resume our normal lives without restrictions.

For people aged 18 and over, there is an 8-week interval requirement between receiving a first and second dose of Covid vaccine. Appointments can be booked easily online, by calling 119, or people can visit one of the hundreds of walk-in vaccination sites open across the country.

Building on the success of autumn and spring booster programmes, a seasonal, targeted vaccination offer will remain open for those most at risk, in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). This will help to focus efforts and ensure the most efficient use of NHS resources as we work to cut the backlogs and reduce waiting times.

Health Minister Maria Caulfield said:

As we live with Covid without restrictions on our freedoms, it is right that we move towards a more targeted vaccination offer that prioritises those most at risk, so we can focus our efforts on cutting waiting lists for NHS treatment – one of the Prime Minister’s top five priorities.

As the offer for any adult to get a Covid vaccine comes to an end on 30 June, I would urge those who have not yet come forward to choose to have the first and second Covid vaccine. It takes minutes to get your jab and thousands of sites are open across England.

Vaccines are our best line of defence against the virus. I’ve stayed up to date with mine – it’s quick and easy so I would urge you to do the same before the offer closes.

This year’s spring booster programme continues to gather pace, with over two million eligible people receiving their vital top-up dose.  Roving NHS vaccination teams have been visiting care homes across the country since 3 April, with eligible people living in the community accessing the jab since 17 April. The spring campaign will end on 30 June – the same day the offer of a first or second jab ends.

The JCVI advised the risk of serious illness with Covid continues to be disproportionately greater in those from older age groups, residents in care homes for older adults, and persons with certain underlying health conditions.

NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell said:

The fastest and largest vaccination programme in NHS history has delivered more than 146 million Covid jabs since it began, including more than 45 million first doses, but now it is right as we learn to live with covid, that we move to targeted seasonal campaigns to protect the most vulnerable.

With the existing offer of a first and second dose for everyone set to end alongside the current spring campaign, everyone aged 18 and over who is unvaccinated must come forward for their primary course by the end of June to receive protection.

The vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to boost your protection from serious illness caused by covid – so please do come forward for your dose of protection.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

The Covid vaccines have enabled us to live with the virus thanks to the protection they have given the millions >of people who have come forward to date.

Getting the vaccine remains the best way to avoid severe illness and it can increase your protection even if you have previously had the virus. It only takes a few minutes and I encourage anyone who has not yet done so to come forward before the offer ends.

Should a person move into an at-risk group, the offer of a first or second dose will re-open with the seasonal booster programmes.
May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with the Amir of Qatar [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 May 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to Downing Street this morning.

The Prime Minister thanked the Amir for travelling to London for the Coronation of His Majesty the King, noting that it reflected the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Qatar.

The leaders discussed the exciting opportunities to deepen cooperation between our two countries, including through greater investment in strategic industries such the partnership between Qatar and Rolls Royce to invest in ground-breaking green engineering projects. They highlighted the unique joint RAF squadrons operating in Qatar and committed to further develop our defence cooperation.

Turning to international affairs, the leaders shared their deep concern at the unfolding conflict in Sudan. They stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to facilitate talks between the parties, to end the violence and transition to a civilian-led democratic government.

The Prime Minister also welcomed Qatar’s principled support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion and they agreed our governments would continue to work together to support Ukraine’s defence and recovery.

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister of New Zealand [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 May 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins, at Downing Street today ahead of His Majesty The King’s Coronation tomorrow.

The leaders welcomed the announcement that New Zealand and the UK’s Free Trade Agreement would come into force this month, agreeing it would unlock huge trading potential for both countries.

Reflecting on strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific, the leaders discussed the UK and New Zealand’s shared commitment to uphold stability in the region and how both countries could work closely with partners to improve economic resilience.

The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Hipkins for New Zealand’s strong commitment to Ukraine and the leaders discussed New Zealand’s contribution to Operation Interflex.

The tangible support offered by New Zealand through that programme was clearly making a difference on the battlefield in Ukraine, the Prime Minister said, welcoming Prime Minister Hipkin’s commitment to extend New Zealand’s training through to 2024.

The leaders also discussed the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will be hosted in Samoa in 2024, and looked forward to working closely with Pacific partners to deliver a successful summit.

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister of Australia [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 May 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Downing Street this morning, ahead of His Majesty The King’s Coronation this weekend.

The leaders reflected on the strength of the UK-Australia relationship, across defence, security and trade, and agreed it was driving economic growth and creating jobs across both countries.

Both Prime Ministers welcomed the opportunities the Free Trade Agreement would also bring for young Australian and British workers through the new mobility scheme, which would extend visa lengths and lift age barriers.

The Prime Minister welcomed Australia’s new Defence Strategic Review and the leaders agreed on the importance of democracies working together to diversify supply chains and improve economic resilience.

The leaders looked forward to seeing each other at the G7 later this month and a summer of strong sporting rivalry between the UK and Australia during The Ashes and FIFA Women’s World Cup.

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Minister visits the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 5 May 2023.

John Lamont was shown around the Synagogue and Heritage Centre by Manager Kerry Patterson and by two members of the Board, Liz Cameron and Deborah Haase.

Liz Cameron is Vice-Chair of the Board and former Lord Provost of Glasgow, in addition to being a volunteer guide on the weekday guiding service. Deborah Haase is Honorary Curator of the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre and trustee on the Heritage Centre Board.

Beginning in the historic synagogue, the group discussed the roots of Scotland’s Jewish communities before visiting the Scottish Holocaust-era Study Centre and displays.

Here, the Minister was shown one of the Learning Kits – about Dorrith Sim – used by school groups who visit to learn about the stories of Jewish refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe.

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

For the past 200 years the Jewish community has made a significant contribution to life in Scotland and it was a real privilege to hear more about this while exploring the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre. Established in 2021, in part through funds from the UK Government-backed Community Security Trust, visitors to Glasgow’s wonderful Category A-listed Garnethill Synagogue can learn about the history and culture of Scottish Jewry, including how Scotland responded to events in Nazi Germany and took in a number of refugees.

The UK Government is committed to supporting Jewish communities so they can live and worship safely. I thank those involved in the only Jewish Heritage Centre in Scotland and urge as many people as possible to visit – and make a donation if able – to support this vital project.

For more information – https://sjhc.org.uk/

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on Luxembourg [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2023.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered a statement at Luxembourg’s UPR at the Human Rights Council.

Thank you, Mr President. Je voudrais souhaiter la bienvenu à la délégation luxembourgeoise et je voudrais la remercier pour les réponses à nos questions.

Tout d’abord, nous reconnaisons le travail formidable de Luxembourg en tant que member de ce Conseil.

We also commend Luxembourg’s progress in furthering women’s rights and empowerment, including its work to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and work to promote gender diversity in the financial sector.

We also welcome Luxembourg’s efforts to strengthen the maximum penalties for crimes of incitement to hatred and violence. However, we note that Luxembourg does not report hate crime statistics, so:

We recommend that Luxembourg:
1. Take effective measures to collect information on hate crimes and report statistics, so as to strengthen the protection of the rights of ethnic and religious minorities.
2. Endorse and encourage use of the Murad Code.
3. Continue to contribute to the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
Thank you et merci, Monsieur le President.
May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on Barbados [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2023.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered a statement at Barbados’s UPR at the Human Rights Council.
Let me start by warmly welcoming the Honourable Minister and his delegation from both Bridgetown and Geneva, and thank him for his presentation this morning.

And let me congratulate Barbados for its recent publication of the Barbados Charter, which reaffirmed rights and freedoms for all.

We also commend Barbados for its abolition of the mandatory death sentence, which the Minister just mentioned, and we encourage the Government to take steps towards full abolition of capital punishment. We also welcome the recent ruling by the Barbados High Court decriminalising consensual same-sex activity, again mentioned by the Minister.

We recommend Barbados:

Ensure the Constitution guarantees the rights of marginalised groups, including the LGBTQI+ community.

Ratify the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Implement a comprehensive approach to reduce and end gender-based violence including domestic violence perpetrated against women and girls.

Thank you.
May 8, 2023