Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Blow for Putin as UK marks one year free from Russian gas [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 May 2023.

New figures published today show the UK did not import any Russian gas in the 12 months to end of March 2023, while UK gas exports to Europe tripled over the same period.
- New figures published today show UK did not import any Russian gas in the past 12 months
- it comes as Ofgem announce energy price cap reduction, which is set to see average household bills fall by £430
- record renewable energy generation and rise in UK gas exports to Europe helping to kick Putin out of energy market and power up Britain from Britain
The UK has gone a full year without importing any Russian gas – in a boost for the country’s energy security and blow to Putin’s war machine.

New figures published today show the UK did not import any Russian gas in the 12 months to end of March 2023, while UK gas exports to Europe tripled over the same period.

It comes as Ofgem announced a reduction in the energy price cap, which will see household bills fall by around £430.

Today’s figures also show renewables generated a record 46.2% of UK electricity from major power producers over the past 3 months. This is up from just 3.5% for the same period in 2010.

The decisive action taken by the UK to ban Russian gas, support European allies and increase the amount of energy generated from renewable sources is helping to kick Putin out of the global energy market and drive down bills.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

We have led the world in standing up to Putin’s attempts to use energy as a weapon of war and, by slamming the door shut on Russian gas, we are helping to cripple the Kremlin war machine and safeguard the UK.

It’s positive households across the country will see their energy bills fall by around £430 on average from July, marking a major milestone in our determined efforts to halve inflation.

We spent billions to protect families when prices rose over the winter, covering nearly half a typical household’s energy bill, with wholesale energy prices down by over two thirds since their peak as we’ve neutralised Putin’s blackmail.

I’m relentlessly focused on reducing our reliance on foreign fossil fuels and powering-up Britain from Britain to deliver cheaper, cleaner and more secure energy.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Like his efforts on the battlefield, Putin’s attempts to weaponise energy supplies are failing.

Thanks to the steps we and our allies have taken, including to fast-forward the clean energy transition and on energy efficiency, Russian energy revenue continues to be dented and global prices have also fallen.

Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will continue to undermine Putin’s ability to wage war, including by cracking down on the circumvention of our sanctions.

Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine had a devastating effect on global energy markets, forcing up wholesale prices and with it the energy bills of households and businesses in the UK and around the world.

In response, the government took swift action to shield consumers and companies from the worst effects, paying around half a typical household’s bill over the winter and half the wholesale energy costs paid by some businesses.

The Powering Up Britain plan published in March set out the UK’s ambitious plans to scale up affordable, clean, homegrown power and build thriving green industries – boosting the country’s energy security and independence and reducing household bills for the long term.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Peace in Ukraine must be just and lasting – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 May 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland says that Ukraine must be able to secure peace on their own terms. Russian aggression cannot be rewarded.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Today, I would like to talk about peace. We hear many calls for a stop to the fighting in Ukraine in the name of peace. Some of these are well-meaning. But some draw a false equivalence between Ukraine’s struggle to defend itself and its territory, and Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s war in Ukraine is expansionist, but for Ukraine, it is existential. Russia invaded a fellow participating State of the OSCE. Russia’s actions contravene the Helsinki Final Act and trample on the foundational commitments of this organisation. Ukraine is not only defending its right to exist as a sovereign and democratic State; in doing so Ukraine is defending the right of all peoples to live in freedom and peace, without fear of aggression.

The way to peace and an end to the terrible impacts of Russia’s invasion begins with the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. However, Russia has continually shown that it has no genuine interest in peace. A country interested in peace does not bomb warehouses of humanitarian aid. A country interested in peace does not play havoc with the world’s food supply. And a country interested in peace does not put civil nuclear facilities at risk.

The path to a just and lasting peace is one rooted in the UN Charter and OSCE principles. These are principles that all of us, including Russia, have committed to uphold. Ukraine has been clear that it seeks a diplomatic end to the war, as set out in President Zelenskyy’s peace formula. But a truly sustainable and just peace for Ukraine must provide for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It must ensure that those responsible for atrocities are held to account. And it must restore stability and security to Europe and the wider OSCE region.

We will continue to support Ukraine to secure peace, but it must be a just and lasting peace. We will also ensure that Russia is not rewarded for its aggression, and that others are not emboldened to do the same. As my Prime Minister said ahead of last week’s G7 Summit, “for the sake of global peace and security, we must show that brutal violence and coercion does not reap rewards”. The G7 Summit demonstrated that our international partners share our resolve; a new range of sanctions and economic measures will constrain Russia’s war machine further. G7 Leaders said: “Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not tire in our commitment to mitigate the impact of Russia’s illegal actions on the rest of the world”.

Mr Chair, through this support, we will ensure that Ukraine can secure peace on their own terms, and have the freedom to choose their own future. As G7 Leaders pledged in Hiroshima, “together with Ukraine, [we will] make every effort to bring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.”

Thank you, Mr Chair.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms support for Ukraine as government hands over presidency of International Transport Forum [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 May 2023.

Transport Secretary highlights devastating impact war has had on Ukraine transport infrastructure and calls for changes to ITF rules to adapt to unprecedented global events.
- Transport Secretary reiterates condemnation of Russia’s war on Ukraine as he hands over UK’s presidency of the International Transport Forum to Lithuania
- joint statement with vice-presidencies Lithuania and Chile highlights impact of war on Ukraine’s transport infrastructure and calls for change to ITF rules to adapt to unprecedented global events
- Transport Secretary due to meet his German counterpart in Berlin later in the week to discuss UK-German cooperation on transport including a possible high-speed rail connection
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has reiterated the UK’s condemnation of Russia’s war on Ukraine – highlighting the devastating impact it’s had on the country’s transport infrastructure – during a 2-day summit of transport ministers from across the world in Leipzig, Germany.

The UK has held the presidency of the International Transport Forum (ITF) for the past year, and today (25 May 2023) issued a statement – in conjunction with vice-presidencies Lithuania and Chile – highlighting the work the ITF has done to support Ukraine in rebuilding its transport systems and infrastructure.

As part of our ongoing support to Ukraine and its people, the UK rail industry has made several donations of critical rail infrastructure and humanitarian aid, recently delivering £10 million in materials to repair rail infrastructure and to facilitate the movement of grain out of Ukraine. Bolstering the country’s skillset, Ukrainian engineers were trained in the UK on how to use the bridge repair materials, too.

In a speech during the forum, the Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

As the UK hands over the ITF presidency, we do so not just with pride at what ITF has achieved over the past 12 months, but also a commitment to continue championing the values and aims of this vital organisation.

But sadly, those values and aims aren’t shared by all. We continue to see parts of Ukraine laid waste by Putin’s illegal war.

Today’s joint presidencies statement, from the UK, Lithuania and Chile, shows Ukraine doesn’t stand alone.

The statement came as the UK handed over its year-long presidency of the ITF to Lithuania during the 2-day annual summit.

The UK also called for amendments to the general rules of the ITF to make sure the organisation can be more flexible in responding and adapting to future unprecedented events as seen with coronavirus (COVID-19) and the invasion of Ukraine.

The ITF is a world-leading intergovernmental organisation for transport policy bringing together over 60 countries, hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Last year, former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps assumed the presidency by outlining 5 priorities for the UK’s tenure: leading global transport transformation by making transport more connected, greener, inclusive, safe and resilient, and innovative.

Also during the summit, Mark Harper chaired meetings of the inter-governmental Zero Emissions Vehicles Transition Council (ZEVTC), which he used to discuss efforts to transition to zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) – essential to decarbonising our roads and meeting global climate targets.

He also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Chile, Brazil, South Korea and Switzerland, discussing how to increase collaboration between the UK and its international partners around the world to tackle shared transport priorities.

Following the ITF summit, the Transport Secretary will travel to Berlin to meet his counterpart Dr Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, and Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn.

Next month, the UK will host the Ukraine Recovery Conference – a continuation of the series of annual events dedicated to Ukraine’s transformation. The first took place in London in 2017 as the Ukraine Reform Conference.

This year’s conference will focus on the mobilisation of international and private sector support for the economic and social stabilisation of Ukraine.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act 2023 prevents governance gap in Executive’s absence [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 25 May 2023.

The Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act, which received Royal Assent yesterday (24 May 2023), also allows the UK Government to explore, with the Northern Ireland Civil Service, options for budget sustainability.

Current civil servant decision-making arrangements are due to expire on 5 June. This Act continues these powers until an Executive is formed, and in the absence of ministers enables preparatory work to take place around options for budget sustainability, including further revenue raising. Further, the Act requires that NI departmental accounts are laid in the House of Commons to increase transparency and scrutiny around how public money is spent.

This Act supports the UK Government’s focus on the restoration of the Executive and Assembly. Locally elected, accountable and effective devolved government is the right way for Northern Ireland to be governed, per the vision of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Through this Act, the UK Government is acting to ensure the management of public services and funds can continue, but a restored Executive is necessary to progress much needed and long promised public service transformation.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP said:

I greatly appreciate the ongoing work by Northern Ireland’s civil servants to keep public services going while we are without an Executive. While I am hopeful that locally elected ministers will once again resume their responsibilities in government, this new legislation ensures continued governance for the people of NI.

The government has a responsibility to provide this certainty, and our desire to see an Executive restored recognises that strong local devolved government offers the best way to build a brighter future for the people, communities and businesses of NI.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : International coordination meeting on Myanmar sanctions efforts [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 May 2023.

UK Sanctions Coordinator met with US, EU and Canadian counterparts to discuss continued cooperation on Myanmar sanctions efforts.

On 24 May, the Sanctions Coordinators for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and the services in charge of sanctions policy and implementation of the European Commission and the European External Action Service met to continue to assess and align ongoing efforts related to sanctions on Myanmar.

The partners discussed the significant scope of actions taken since the military coup in February 2021, ongoing coordination efforts, and the importance of continued information and target sharing to support sanctions packages. The UK announced further sanctions on 31 January and 27 March 2023, targeting suppliers to the Myanmar regime of military equipment and other material being used to attack its civilians. The partners identified the continued need for sustained direct cooperation in order to restrict the regime’s ability to carry out atrocities against the people of Myanmar and pressure the regime to change course to restore the country’s path toward genuine and inclusive democracy.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £72 million boost for train services in Manchester and the north [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 May 2023.

This package will improve the passenger experience by having more reliable trains and fewer delays.
- government announces £72 million package to improve train services in Manchester and the north
- funding will deliver a third platform at Salford Crescent to reduce congestion and delays
- marks the latest in an ongoing programme of investment to transform rail services across the region over the next decade
Passengers across the north are set to benefit from fewer delays and more reliable trains after the government announced a £72 million package in Manchester today (25 May 2023).

At Manchester Victoria Station, Rail Minister Huw Merriman revealed the latest of 4 infrastructure upgrades to improve day-to-day journeys for passengers across the region while supporting productivity and economic growth.

The funding will deliver a third platform at Salford Crescent station and track improvement work across north Manchester to help reduce delays, bottlenecks and station overcrowding, meaning passengers will enjoy more comfortable and reliable journeys.

Manchester Victoria Station will also benefit from extra entry and exit points to platforms, making it easier for passengers to travel through the station during busier periods.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

This investment supports our commitment to transforming journeys across the north by achieving much needed infrastructure improvements in Manchester.

Today’s funding, alongside major projects like HS2, the TransPennine route upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail, demonstrates our pledge to improving opportunities for passengers across the region and leaving a positive impact for generations to come.

The funding announced today follows closely on the heels of a new timetable launch in December 2022, which was supported by £84 million of government investment to deliver a better performing timetable and extended platforms for longer electric trains with more seats to better serve passengers.

As a result, delays across central Manchester have already decreased by 40% compared to 2019/20 levels, which exceeds initial expectations.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said:

This new investment will help make train services more reliable for the people of Manchester and beyond, marking another milestone in a decade’s worth of rail improvements across the region.

An efficient railway is key to levelling up and the improvements achieved through this package will help boost local economies and connect people to opportunities, as well as friends and family.

Today’s announcement is the latest step in transforming services over the next decade through the Manchester Task Force – a cross industry body, including representatives of:
- Network Rail
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Transport for the North
- local train operators
In order to deliver for passengers quickly while providing value for money for taxpayers, Network Rail has today withdrawn a previous planning application for rail infrastructure work in the city.

We have asked the task force to consider alternative options to better serve passengers and support the £26 million already injected to improve services at Manchester Piccadilly, Airport and Oxford Road stations.

Combined with ongoing electrification projects and the TransPennine route upgrade already underway, the latest measures will pave the way for an enhanced timetable from the middle of the decade and the introduction of future HS2 services into the city.

Network Rail’s Tim Shoveller said:

Today’s announcement is really positive, allowing us to get on with fixing the infrastructure around central Manchester so we can run trains more reliably.

The rail industry has come together to work on these proposals, building into a long-term vision that will get the best for our passengers and freight users alike.

We also have ambitious plans for the future of Manchester Oxford Road. We’re removing our previous planning application so we can move forward with a new approach, something we’ll be consulting residents and businesses on later in the year.

This isn’t the only way the government is investing in Manchester. The recent trailblazer devolution deal committed to supporting reforming local rail in the region, including pilots of pay-as-you-go ticketing and integrated London-style transport on the Bee network.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

There is a massive opportunity to change rail journeys for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and the North for the better, and this infrastructure investment is a welcome next step to help make that happen.

Through the task force and our trailblazer deal, we will continue working with government and the industry to help shape the comprehensive package of improvements needed to transform rail travel and support our growing economy, so that we can create more jobs and homes.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Access to vital legal support extended to millions of vulnerable people [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 25 May 2023.

Over 6 million more people now eligible for legal aid advice and representation.
- domestic abuse victims will face fewer barriers to funded assistance in the courts
- proposals deliver on recommendations to support victims in family courts
Domestic abuse victims and children are among millions more people who will have access to legal aid under major government investment to support those who need it most.

The move will see over 6 million more vulnerable people and families able to access funded legal support as the government pledges £25 million to boost the legal aid system every year.

It means domestic abuse victims on universal credit and seeking a protective order for themselves or their children against their attackers can access legal aid funding more easily without facing a means test.

Those who share a house with their abuser will also benefit from changes to disputed or inaccessible assets – which will no longer be considered when assessing someone’s financial eligibility for aid.

Taken together, these measures also go further to support victims of coercive control by making them eligible for legal help without needing to access funds from joint assets.

It comes as the government publishes a progress report following recommendations made by an expert ‘Harm Panel’ to improve responses to domestic abuse and safeguarding across the family justice system.

The report shows positive progress is being made across the family courts such as the launch of a new investigative approach pilot in three family courts and a review of the presumption of parental involvement.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk, said:

Widening access to legal aid secures justice and strengthens the rule of law.

These changes mean more vulnerable people like domestic abuse victims will be able to access the protection of the courts.

Other measures which will come into force over the next 2 years include:
- Free legal representation will be available to anyone under the age of 18, as well as for parents challenging traumatic and difficult medical decisions such as withdrawal of their child’s life support – removing one more burden for families
- Making everyone eligible for legal aid to defend themselves in the Crown Court, ensuring fair trials and ending the so called ‘innocence tax’ where people were forced to pay for a legal defence even if they were then found not guilty
- Increasing the amount of income someone can receive before having to contribute to legal aid fees by over £3,000 for civil cases and over £12,000 for criminal cases in the magistrates’ court
Justice Minister Lord Bellamy said:

We have made huge strides since the Harm Panel published its report and delivered cultural changes across the family justice system to ensure domestic abuse victims feel supported and protected.

Our changes to the legal aid means test will also make the justice system fairer for those who need it most.

The changes to legal aid access for domestic abuse victims were part of a package of recommendations made by the ‘Harm Panel’ to better safeguard vulnerable people against domestic abuse in family courts.

Its report found serious failings in the family courts with concerns that lengthy courtroom battles were re-traumatising victims, and that allegations of domestic abuse were not taken seriously.

The progress report published today shows the government has delivered a number of changes to better protect children and parents including:
- a ban on perpetrators cross-examining their victims in court
- automatic special measures for victims such as protective screens and giving evidence via video link
- clarifying the law on ‘barring orders’, to prevent perpetrators from bringing their ex-partners back to court, which can be used as a form of continuing domestic abuse.
Legal aid provides support for people who are unable to afford legal representation or need financial help in taking issues to court.

Expanding the eligibility criteria helps more people access the justice system to get the support they need.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with leading CEOs in AI [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 May 2023.

A joint statement between the PM and leading CEOs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) following a meeting to discuss the development of safe and responsible  AI.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met the CEOs of OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic today to discuss joint action to ensure the development of safe and responsible Artificial Intelligence and how to establish the right approach to governance for the next technological frontier. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Chloe Smith, also joined the meeting.

The PM made clear that AI is the defining technology of our time, with the potential to positively transform humanity.

But the success of this technology is founded on having the right guardrails in place, so that the public can have confidence that AI is used in a safe and responsible way. The PM set out how the approach to AI regulation will need to keep pace with the fast-moving advances in this technology. That is why the UK Government has deliberately adopted an agile response to unlock the opportunities whilst mitigating the risks of the technology, as outlined in our AI White Paper.

The potential impacts of AI transcend borders and have implications for the world economy. He outlined that AI safety will increasingly be an international endeavour – as agreed at the G7 – with the UK well placed to lead the international discussion regarding the measures and guardrails that are needed. This work would build on the UK’s engagement already underway through other international forums.

The PM and CEOs discussed the risks of the technology, ranging from disinformation and national security, to existential threats. They discussed safety measures, voluntary actions that labs are considering to manage the risks, and the possible avenues for international collaboration on AI safety and regulation. The lab leaders agreed to work with the UK Government to ensure our approach responds to the speed of innovations in this technology both in the UK and around the globe.

The PM spoke about the UK Government’s ambitions to advance capability in AI and harness AI’s potential to deliver better outcomes for the British public, with emerging opportunities in a range of areas to improve public services. The CEOs agreed to work closely with the Foundation Model Taskforce, which is backed by an initial £100m of start-up funding, to deliver this. The Taskforce will advance approaches to AI safety which will inform international approaches.

AI will improve life dramatically, from transforming industries to delivering scientific breakthroughs. The PM and CEOs committed to work together to ensure society benefits from such transformation.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Giving NHS patients more control over their own care [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 May 2023.

New features in the NHS App improve patient experience and support elective care recovery, as well as helping reduce ongoing pressure on the health service.

A big leap forward in providing NHS patients with more direct control over their care – including allowing them to manage their hospital appointments – is being rolled out in participating trusts across England.

Finding ways to reduce pressures on the NHS took on more urgency as elective care capacity was reduced during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As trusts worked to support unprecedented demand on emergency and non-elective care, elective care waiting lists rose.

The Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) has been a strategic partner in one of the newer and more innovative ways to help tackle this – developing new features for hospital appointments in the NHS App, which is fast becoming the digital ‘front door’ to the NHS.

The new features include the ability to see all appointments and referrals in one place in the NHS App, as well as book, change and cancel hospital appointments. Currently, these are live in the 28 acute trusts across the seven English NHS regions which have this functionality. Many more are expected to join them over the coming months.

ACE has been working with suppliers from ACE’s Vivace community of industry expertise, as well as NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, since January 2022. A proof-of-concept application programming interface (API) aggregator was built quickly, then developed into a beta in April 2022 due to the need to use live patient data in testing.

ACE has been key to:
- surfacing data from multiple hospital patient admission systems and Patient Engagement Portals (PEPs)
- developing a sophisticated system of APIs to gather and aggregate this data
- accelerating delivery speed by working as an integrated part of the NHS team
- developing an app style in keeping with the wider NHS App ecosystem, so that patients have confidence in the service, and that it is part of a joined-up system.
An added value was the speed at which ACE could bring suppliers on board, including individual PEP providers, which enable digital interaction with NHS services.

Providing better access to information and services is designed to improve patient experience, as well as enable conditions to be managed more effectively. Minimising the number of missed appointments, meanwhile, will free up appointments for those who need them, reducing waiting times and making more efficient use of clinicians’ time.

The next phase of the programme will see further features launched in the NHS App for patients in participating trusts. These will include receiving notifications and messages, the ability to complete pre-consultation questionnaires and being able to access documents relating to their appointments.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to deteriorate – UK statement at the Security Council [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 May 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

President, the security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has deteriorated further to the detriment of both Israelis and Palestinians.

In Gaza, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other militant factions fired 1,748 rockets at Israel. Indiscriminate rockets from Gaza caused the needless deaths of an Israeli and 4 Gazans. The UK condemns unequivocally the indiscriminate fire of rockets against civilians and all forms of terrorism. The UK Foreign Secretary welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and militant factions in Gaza, and is grateful for the support of Egypt, Qatar and the US. We urge all parties to honour the ceasefire and prevent further loss of life.

President, the UK supports Israel’s right to self-defence. But Israeli conduct must always be in line with international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, humanity, proportionality and military necessity. We were concerned by the reports of at least 12 civilian deaths, including 6 children, in Israeli strikes in Gaza.

This month, we have also seen further deaths in the West Bank, where Israeli security forces have killed 110 Palestinians this year, including militants and civilians. If killing continues at this rate, 2023 will be the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since UN records began in 2004. Israeli security forces must show restraint in their use of force and investigate civilian casualties. 19 Israelis, residents and tourists including Lucy, Maia and Rina Dee, have already been killed in terrorist attacks in 2023. The Palestinian Authority must also re-assert control over Area A and take steps to tackle terrorism.

President, a solution to this conflict won’t be found until both Israel and the Palestinians tackle inflammatory rhetoric and incitement, as they agreed in Sharm El Sheikh on 19 March. Yet only last week, we heard from President Abbas and Israeli participants in the Flag March in Jerusalem racist slogans and slurs. Such rhetoric and incitement, including by both Israeli and Palestinian political leaders undermines the cause of peace.

Israel must also tackle increasing settler violence and coercion which on Monday resulted in the forcible transfer of the Palestinian population from Ein Samiya and desist from settler expansion which is illegal under international law.

Finally President, the United Kingdom also strongly supports the historic Status Quo governing Jerusalem’s holy sites and values the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s important role as custodian.

The UK remains firm in its belief that a negotiated two state solution, based on 1967 lines with Jerusalem as a shared capital, is the only way to ensure a lasting peace, security and prosperity between the two parties.

At the General Assembly committee meeting on voluntary contributions to UNRWA in June, it is vital that the international community puts the agency onto a sustainable footing to protect the delivery of critical services to millions of Palestinian refugees. UNRWA is crucial to stability throughout the region.

As the Foreign Secretary stated on 14 May, the UK will support all efforts to promote dialogue and create a pathway towards a just and sustainable peace. The first step on that pathway is clear: both sides must honour the commitments they made in good faith in Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh.

June 2, 2023