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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 April 2023.

    Deputy Ambassador Brown expresses concern regarding ongoing disruptions to the Lachin Corridor and urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume substantive negotiations.

    Thank you, Chair. The UK Government remains concerned by the ongoing disruption to the Lachin Corridor. The unilateral establishment of a checkpoint further impedes access and runs counter to efforts to secure peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

    The UK Government calls for both sides to refrain from escalation. There is no military solution to this conflict, and Armenia and Azerbaijan must resume substantive negotiations to secure a sustainable settlement to the conflict.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New inspectors of police and fire service appointed [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New inspectors of police and fire service appointed [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 27 April 2023.

    Lee Freeman and Michelle Skeer take up dual roles as His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary in England and Wales and Inspector of Fire and Rescue in England.

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman has announced the appointments of Lee Freeman KPM and Michelle Skeer QPM as new inspectors of police and fire and rescue services. They will both take up the dual roles of His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary in England and Wales and Inspector of Fire and Rescue in England.

    Since May 2017, Mr Freeman has been Chief Constable of Humberside Police. In January 2019, he was asked to support Cleveland Police as interim Chief Constable during a period of crisis. He also served as a police officer at Lincolnshire Police between February 2010 and April 2015, reaching the rank of Assistant Chief Constable. Mr Freeman was awarded the King’s Police Medal in 2023.

    Since March 2018, Mrs Skeer has been Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary, having joined the force in 1990. She performed a variety of operational roles before moving to the criminal investigation department where she held roles at every rank and led on both public protection and serious crime operations. Mrs Skeer was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2017.

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

    I’m pleased to welcome Lee Freeman and Michelle Skeer to these important roles, where they will play a vital part in ensuring that our police forces and fire and rescue services provide the excellent service that the public rightly expects.

    On being appointed, Mr Freeman said:

    I am delighted to be appointed as an HMI and in joining His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue.

    I look forward to working with colleagues across both policing and fire and rescue services in order to ensure the services provided to the public continue to improve.

    On being appointed, Mrs Skeer said:

    I am delighted to be selected for the role as His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue.

    I have enjoyed working in policing for 33 years, and I am looking forward to this new challenge with HMICFRS.

    Lee Freeman KPM and Michelle Skeer QPM were selected following a stringent recruitment process, conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspectors are then appointed by His Majesty The King on the advice of the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister.

    Mr Freeman and Mrs Skeer will take up their duties in August.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Savers set to benefit from simpler tax system [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Savers set to benefit from simpler tax system [April 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 27 April 2023.

    Millions of people could benefit from plans to help them boost their future savings as the government today (27 April) publishes a range of tax measures to make the system simpler and more effective.

    • Government moves towards simplifying Help to Save
    • Action to be taken to help parents who haven’t claimed Child Benefit and may have missed out on credits for their State Pension
    • Government publishes 23 technical tax updates, many of which simplify and modernise the tax system

    The Help to Save scheme – for working people on low incomes who are claiming certain benefits – could be made simpler by reforms to how its bonus is calculated, the length of time an account can be open for and eligibility requirements, all with the aim of enhancing long-term savings habits.

    Help to Save was launched in 2018 and allows certain people entitled to Working Tax Credit or receiving Universal Credit to get a bonus of 50p for every £1 they save. Accounts can be open for a maximum of four years and savers can put a maximum of £50 into their accounts every month.

    The government wants to encourage more people to open accounts, since the scheme began more than £255 million has been saved through it.

    These moves to simplify tax form part of 2023’s Tax Administration and Maintenance Day (TAMD), where 23 technical documents in total have been published.

    Victoria Atkins, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

    Rising prices are putting household budgets under strain – and it’s in tough times like these that many people turn to their savings.

    We want to support savers and make sure the tax system provides them with the options they need to shore-up their finances, helping them through rainy days as well as helping them plan for the future.

    A simpler tax system will also help deliver on the Prime Minister’s priorities of creating economic growth and reducing our country’s debt.

    The government also wants to address the fact that some parents who have not claimed Child Benefit could miss out on building their state pension. Those affected will in future be able to claim National Insurance credit retrospectively as ministers move to tackle this issue.

    When parents claim Child Benefit, they can also receive a National Insurance credit which helps them build their state pension. This is aimed at those who, due to caring responsibilities, are out of work or not earning enough to pay National Insurance, to ensure they are still able to do that.

    The Government wants to ensure that parents who have not claimed Child Benefit are not disadvantaged when they start claiming their State Pension and is announcing a resolution for affected parents.

    Parents do not need to take any action immediately. The government intends to legislate to allow eligible individuals to retrospectively claim National Insurance credit, and the next steps to be taken will be published in due course.

    TAMD is a regular event following the Budget which sets out updates needed to the tax system, allowing these measures to be analysed and discussed in detail by tax and industry experts. As announced at Spring Budget, this year’s TAMD is focused on tax simplification and modernisation, and tackling the tax gap.

    These changes deliver on the government’s commitment for a simpler tax system to help boost productivity and economic growth by reducing time and money wasted. Since the closure of the Office for Tax Simplification the government has committed to putting simplification at the heart of all tax policy making.

    Other measures announced today as part of TAMD include:

    • Tackling promoters of tax avoidance: As announced at the Spring Budget, the government is publishing a consultation on a possible new criminal offence for promoters of tax avoidance who don’t comply with a legal notice from HMRC to stop promoting a scheme and, separately, on speeding up the disqualification of directors of companies who promote tax avoidance.
    • Protecting customers claiming tax: As announced on 11 January 2023, the government will require repayment agents to register with HMRC from next month.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Moldova [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Moldova [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 April 2023.

    Ambassador Bush thanks Ambassador Keiderling for her work, reiterates the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Mission and calls for early agreement on its extended mandate.

    Thank you Mr Chair, and thank you Ambassador Keiderling for your report to the Permanent Council. I join other speakers in thanking you and your team in Moldova for your efforts during a period of immense challenge.

    Ambassador, let me start by reiterating the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Mission and its mandate. The importance of the Mission’s work, including monitoring of the Security Zone, cannot be overstated. We commend the Mission’s efforts against your three goals: to prevent escalation, reverse the deterioration of relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol and find practical solutions to the challenges of everyday life for all citizens. We look forward to continuing our support under an extended mandate and call for early agreement on this.

    Russia’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine continues to impose serious, direct consequences on Moldova and the wider region. Moldova has displayed extraordinary courage in responding to the challenges posed by this illegal war and extraordinary compassion in welcoming almost one million Ukrainian refugees over the course of the conflict, of which more than 100,000 currently reside in the country.

    Meanwhile, it is crucial that we do not lose sight of the needs of the Moldovan people and the government’s reform agenda. As our Foreign Secretary stated during his visit to Chisinau in March, ‘Moldova, you are not alone’.

    Ambassador, the readiness of Chisinau and Tiraspol to continue to meet and negotiate continues to present grounds for cautious optimism. We commend you for facilitating this process, and encourage the Sides to continue discussions, with the shared understanding that all negotiations are designed to lead to the outcome foreseen and agreed by all OSCE participating States at successive Ministerial Councils: an outcome which respects Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, with a special status for Transnistria.

    Starting from this position of shared understanding, the day to day needs of the populations on both sides of the Nistru can be effectively addressed. It is to this end that the UK encourages the parties to continue their efforts to deliver tangible outcomes for their populations. Furthermore, we welcome the progress made by the Mission’s confidence building projects, which provide a valuable contribution to maintaining peace and stability for Moldova. We support your ongoing work to empower women’s voices across Moldova through the Women, Peace and Security agenda and in combatting Gender Based Violence in all its forms. It is firmly our belief that progress against these goals forms the foundation of a sustainable settlement to the conflict.

    We note with regret, the lack of progress in either removing potentially hazardous ammunition from Cobasna, nor the withdrawal of illegally deployed Russian forces stationed in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova. In accordance with UN General Assembly Resolutions, Russian troops situated on Moldovan sovereign territory without host nation consent, must leave. We reiterate our call on Russia to remove its forces without delay and urgently formulate a proposal for resumption of the process of removal and destruction of ammunition from the Cobasna site.

    Ambassador Keiderling, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your leadership, and to reaffirm the UK’s continued support to you and the Mission in fulfilling your mandate and to secure peace and stability for the Moldovan people.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Specialised Committee on the implementation of the Windsor Framework – joint statement [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Specialised Committee on the implementation of the Windsor Framework – joint statement [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 April 2023.

    The UK government and EU gave a statement following their Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework meeting in London.

    Joint statement by the UK government and European Commission:

    The Specialised Committee on the implementation of the Windsor Framework met today, 27 April 2023, in London. The meeting was co-chaired by officials from the UK Government and the European Commission.

    This was the first meeting of the Specialised Committee following the meeting of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee held in London on 24 March 2023, where the European Union and the United Kingdom adopted the new arrangements relating to the Windsor Framework and agreed to work together intensively and faithfully for the implementation of all the elements of the Windsor Framework.

    The Specialised Committee co-chairs took stock of the work already undertaken and considered the next steps required for the implementation of the Framework, including as regards movement of goods, agri-food, medicines and VAT & excise.

    The Commission and the UK Government also took stock of the work of the Joint Consultative Working Group and noted the adoption of its amended rules of procedure, allowing for the establishment of structured sub-groups to assist the Working Group in carrying out its functions.

    In addition, the UK Government and the Commission reiterated the importance of engagement with business groups, civil society and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland as work on the Windsor Framework is taken forward.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian children deserve a future that does not involve shrapnel, bunkers and armed checkpoints – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian children deserve a future that does not involve shrapnel, bunkers and armed checkpoints – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 April 2023.

    Ambassador Bush stresses that the UK will do everything we can to support Ukraine to defend its homeland, and protect the future of its younger generation.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. I would like to start by expressing my concern regarding this morning’s reports of missile attacks in Mykolaiv, as well as attacks on Kupiansk and Kharkiv over the last week.

    Mr Chair, Russia’s senseless war has upended the lives of Ukrainian children. The physical impact of this invasion is unforgiveable, with an average of four children killed or injured each day. The mental health implications of Russia’s human rights abuses must also not be forgotten. My statement today will focus on the long-lasting psychological impact of Russia’s war on Ukrainian children, exacerbated by displacement, disruption to education and child development, and horrific human rights abuses and violations. Beneath these children’s resilience and courage are the deep and long-lasting scars of trauma.

    Russia’s war has displaced around 3.5 million Ukrainian children. Families have been torn apart, as parents have faced the devastating decision to send their children to safety, whilst they remain in a warzone. Others have had their children taken from them. Separation from one’s parents is a form of trauma, which puts these children at a greater risk of developing psychological issues. Children subjected to long-term separation from parents and families often experience intense fear, panic, grief, depression, helplessness and hopelessness – feelings no child should be expected to endure.

    Russia’s war has interrupted the education of all Ukrainian children and young people in some form. Save the Children have reported that on average, children have spent more than 900 hours in bunkers. 900 hours, which children should have spent learning, playing and socialising. When children emerge from these bunkers, many are confronted with the destruction of their schools, nurseries and playgrounds. And the facilities that still stand are no longer regarded by parents as places of safety, but as places potentially at risk of Russian missile attacks. Children in the temporarily Russian-controlled territories study under a new curriculum, where they learn false historical so-called “facts” about Ukraine in a futile attempt to justify Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine.

    Many parents have tried to shield their children from danger by opting for virtual learning – but this has its own challenges, with frequent blackouts and power shortages caused by Russia’s targeting of critical national infrastructure. These children are deprived of the routine of the school day and interactions with their peers. The absence of structure and socialisation can deeply impact the mental wellbeing and development of children. The UN has reported that Ukrainian children are suffering with impaired memory, shorter attention spans, and the decreased ability to learn.

    We continue to hear credible accounts of conflict-related sexual violence against children by Russian forces, including the rape of a 16-year-old girl in front of her sister, and the horrific report from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of a child as young as four being sexually abused. It is hard to comprehend how a child so young could process this type of trauma; we must do all we can to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine, and beyond.

    Ukrainian children are absorbing the horrors of Russia’s war, with it taking root in their core development. Two boys were seen role-playing armed guards at a checkpoint – mimicking the sound of gunfire. Six-year-old Kira now draws pictures of soil, shrapnel and metal. Parents have reported that their children are having nightmares, reliving the horrors they have endured and wondering if normality will ever return.

    Despite condemnation from the international community, the Kremlin shows no remorse and no compassion for the suffering they have inflicted. We will continue to call on Russia to respect humanitarian principles, including allowing humanitarian access to the territories it temporarily controls, and the special protected status of children, notably: access to education, protection against sexual violence, and family reunification.

    Mr Chair, in conclusion, Ukrainian children deserve a future that does not involve shrapnel, bunkers and armed checkpoints. The UK will do everything we can to support Ukraine to defend its homeland, and protect the future of its younger generation. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major reform of gambling laws to protect vulnerable users in smartphone era [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major reform of gambling laws to protect vulnerable users in smartphone era [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 27 April 2023.

    People at risk of gambling-related harm will be better protected under government plans to update betting rules for the digital age.

    • Plans include a mandatory levy on betting firms to pay for treatment of addiction, new player protection checks and stake limits for online slots
    • Move will see Gambling Commission get tougher powers and follows recent high-profile fines against gambling operators for failing to protect people at risk
    • Problem gambling affects an estimated 300,000 people and can lead to people losing life-changing sums of money

    Millions of people enjoy gambling every year – whether that be putting money on a horse, playing at a casino, or a bet on the football – and much of this is now done through smartphones. Technology has transformed the industry and people can bet 24 hours a day through ‘mobile virtual casinos’ in their pockets.

    Most people play without issue, but there are too many cases of addiction, catastrophic financial loss and, in some tragic cases, suicide. For example, one player was allowed to lose £70,000 over a 10-hour period, while one customer was allowed to place a £100,000 bet immediately, even though he had a £70,000 credit limit.

    Estimates suggest that there are approximately 300,000 problem gamblers in the UK – and problem gambling rates are higher for players in online casino games than those playing in bingo halls, casinos and pubs.

    Last month, the Gambling Commission fined William Hill over £19 million for failures including allowing a customer to spend £23,000 in just 20 minutes.

    Betting companies are already required to prevent harm, but there have been repeated instances where they have allowed losses which the majority of the population could never afford. The measures set out today will shield players in the grip of addiction from harm and hold gambling firms to account when they fail in their responsibility. They include:

    • A statutory gambling operator levy to ensure that operators help fund treatment services and research, including through the NHS. ​Currently the size of the contribution is not mandated and not all betting companies pay their fair share – some have paid as little as £1.
    • New stake limits for online slots games that will be between £2 and £15 per spin. We will also consult on measures to give greater protections for 18–24 year olds who the evidence shows are at heightened risk of harm.
    • Frictionless player protection checks to protect those most at risk of harm before unaffordable or harmful losses are incurred.
    • Extra powers for the Gambling Commission to enable it to tackle black market operators through court orders and work with internet service providers (ISPs) to take down and block illegal gambling sites.
    • Rules to prevent bonus offers harming vulnerable people – for example, looking at how free bets or spins are constructed and targeted to stop them being harmful.
    • Closing loopholes to make sure under-18s cannot gamble either online or via cash fruit machines, and includes bringing football pools betting in line with National Lottery play for over-18s only.
    • A new industry ombudsman to deal with disputes and rule on redress where a customer suffers losses due to an operator failing in their player protection duties.
    • A review of the current horserace betting levy to make certain racing continues to thrive.

    These are the most comprehensive reforms to the gambling sector since the Gambling Act was introduced in 2005, and delivers on the 2019 manifesto commitment to review this act.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    We live in an age where people have a virtual mobile casino in their pockets. It has made gambling easier, quicker and often more fun, but when things go wrong it can see people lose thousands of pounds in a few swipes of the screen.

    So we are stepping in to update the law for those most at risk of harm with a new levy on gambling operators to pay for treatment and education, player protection checks and new online slots stake limits.

    This will strengthen the safety net and help deliver our long-term plan to help build stronger communities while allowing millions of people to continue to play safely.

    Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said:

    Technology has completely transformed how people bet. Everyone has the freedom to enjoy a flutter on the horses or football through their phones, anytime, anywhere – and most people do so without any issues.

    But for some people the availability of 24/7 online betting has compounded or created problem gambling, which can lead to life-changing financial loss and in the most tragic cases suicide.

    The legislation covering the gambling sector was written in 2005. It needs updating to reflect how we live today. The measures we are announcing will protect at-risk players, while allowing the millions who bet regularly to do so unhindered.

    Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, said:

    The review is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver positive change for gambling in Great Britain and for all people impacted by it. Everyone at the Commission welcomes today’s publication of the White Paper and is determined to work with government and partners to make these changes a reality.

    Given the correct powers and resources, the Gambling Commission can continue to make gambling safer, fairer and crime free. This White Paper is a coherent package of proposals which we believe can significantly support and protect consumers, and improve overall standards in the industry.

    As the detailed implementation of the review now begins, we will also be reiterating to all operators that the Commission will strongly maintain its focus on consumer protection and compliance.

    Minister for Public Health, Neil O’Brien said:

    Without the right support in place gambling can easily become harmful – especially for at-risk players – leading to devastating impacts on people’s savings, relationships and health.

    Today’s white paper is a huge step towards protecting people from the damaging impacts of gambling.

    A statutory levy will help problem gamblers access the right care at the right time, complementing our commitment to provide NHS gambling addiction treatment clinics in every region across the country.

    Today’s White Paper and proposals follow a call for evidence and are based on nearly 16,000 written submissions sent to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) during the process.

    They build on the government’s recent work with the Gambling Commission and others to ban the use of credit cards in gambling, introduce tighter age verification checks for betting online and cutting the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to £2 per spin.

    The white paper follows the Premier League’s voluntary decision to ban gambling advertising from the front of clubs’ shirts from the end of the 2025/2026 season, and the White Paper includes proposals for all major sports governing bodies to sign up to a cross-sport Code of Practice on gambling sponsorship. It will be designed to improve standards where gambling sponsorship is prevalent in sport similar to what is in place in the alcohol industry.

    The white paper will support the ‘land-based’ gambling sector including casinos, arcades and bingo halls, while maintaining safeguards to protect vulnerable groups. Bingo halls, seaside arcades and casinos create employment, generate tourism and provide entertainment. Outdated and overly restrictive rules on gaming machines will be reformed so casinos and arcades can have more machines. We will consult on the protections needed for gaming machines to be able to accept cashless payments directly.

    The measures

    Statutory gambling operator levy

    The first statutory gambling operator levy will replace the current voluntary levy which is not fit for purpose. As it stands not all betting companies pay their fair share and some have paid as little as £1. The NHS and many researchers do not take funds from the voluntary levy due to their concerns over the source of funding.

    A new levy will be paid by gambling companies. Its proceeds will be ring-fenced for funding for research, education and treatment, including through the NHS.

    The levy will be collected by the Gambling Commission and spending will be approved by the government. The rate will be subject to further consultation, which will take into account factors such as business size, operating costs and problem gambling rates. The government’s priority is to ensure there is sufficient long-term funding for high-quality research and treatment of gambling harm and addiction.

    New online stake limit

    A new stake limit for online slots will be introduced with the default maximum stake of between £2 and £15 per spin, subject to consultation. The measure will help prevent runaway and life-changing losses and level the playing field between the online and land-based sectors. As it stands there is no limit on bets for online slots whereas in-person slot machines in pubs, arcades, bookmakers have a limit of £2 and casinos have limits of up to £5.

    Public Health England research has shown younger adults can be particularly vulnerable to gambling harms, and with a problem gambling rate of 8.5 per cent for online slots, casinos and bingo, the government will launch a consultation on options for specific protections for under 25s, including a lower stake limit or other controls.

    Player protection checks

    In a move aimed at supporting those who may be suffering harm or in the grip of addiction, gambling operators will now be required to do more to protect customers.

    Betting companies will be required to conduct seamless player protection checks on the highest spending gamblers to check they’re not incurring harmful losses. These checks will happen instantaneously, and will not impact gameplay, unless there are signs of financial harm where people may have declared bankruptcy, or are racking up debts to fund their gambling.

    The checks will be targeted to where there is the most risk of harm. They are not about checking up on people having a flutter on the football or placing the odd bet on horse racing.

    Around eight in ten players will never undergo checks. Checks will happen in the background against information already available online, so those who are checked will not notice.

    Only about three percent of the highest spending accounts will have more detailed checks, similar to those carried out when people buy products through online credit agencies or sign up to some mobile phone contracts.

    New powers for the Gambling Commission

    New powers will be given to the Gambling Commission to tackle and block unlicensed black market gambling firms from operating in the United Kingdom. It will do so through court orders and work with ISPs.

    Illegal operators often try to subvert the system, including on player protection requirements, and this move will further strengthen the regulatory environment protecting those most at risk of harm.

    The White Paper proposes reforming the fee structure for the Gambling Commission to give it greater flexibility to respond to any emerging risks and challenges posed by the industry. While the Commission continues to take strong action against operators who break the rules, cases with devastating financial harm are still occurring, and in the worst cases lives are being lost as a result of gambling harm and addiction.

    Restricting bonus offers

    The call for evidence showed that while millions of people enjoy an occasional bet every year without issue, particular groups such as those suffering addiction and harm, are at greater risk from certain aggressive advertising practices.

    Bonus offers, such as free bets or spins, can drive harmful behaviour and trigger people to spend more than they intended. The Gambling Commission will take a closer look at how bonuses are constructed and targeted to prevent them being used in harmful ways and its work will inform new rules to stop dangerous practices.

    Horseracing levy

    The knock-on impact of the gambling White Paper on the horseracing industry will be minimal, but there will be a review into the current horserace betting levy to make certain racing continues to be appropriately funded for the future.

    Other measures

    In addition, the government’s white paper also today confirms it will:

    • Remove loopholes to prevent under-18s from accessing any form of online gambling, cash prize fruit machines or widely accessible scratchcards;
    • Review the fees which local authorities can charge for premise licences and create new powers for local leaders to conduct impact assessments when considering new applications.
    • Review of online game design rules to look at limiting speed of play and other characteristics which exacerbate risks.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Germany mark next phase in joint tank ammunition programme [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Germany mark next phase in joint tank ammunition programme [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 April 2023.

    Germany and the United Kingdom will work together on the next phase of development for advanced armour-piercing tank ammunition, it has been announced today.

    • British and German armies to work together on next steps for advanced armour-piercing tank ammunition development
    • Enhancing NATO interoperability through standardised Main Battle Tank ammunition
    • Improving lethality on UK’s future Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks and German Leopard 2 tanks

    Germany and the United Kingdom will work together on the next phase of development for advanced armour-piercing tank ammunition, it has been announced today.

    UK National Armaments Director, Andy Start, met his German counterpart, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, where they signed a Statement of Intent to work together on the Enhanced Kinetic Energy (EKE) round – an advanced armour-piercing ammunition providing a step change in the Army’s ability to defeat evolving enemy threats.

    Demonstrating that the new munition passes all legal and regulatory standards, this next phase of “qualification” marks a significant milestone in the ammunition’s programme. Ongoing discussions will seek a joint programme to be stood up this year, with the aim for the EKE ammunition to be used on the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank and German Leopard 2 tank.

    As the programme develops, the sharing of work between the countries will be key to ensuring a sustainable industrial capacity for both nations’ industries, sustaining jobs across the UK and supporting the UK Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

    UK Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said:

    We’re very pleased to work with Germany on this programme, helping equip our respective Armed Forces with a crucial battle-winning capability.

    The standardised ammunition will not only benefit battlefield collaboration with many of our NATO allies, but has important export potential for UK and German defence industry partners.

    The EKE rounds would be fired from the L55A1 turret on Challenger 3 and Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks, supporting interoperability with NATO allies. The agreement follows both countries announcing the gifting of a squadron of their respective Main Battle Tanks to support Ukraine in its fight to counter Russia’s illegal invasion.

    DEU State Secretary for FMOD Benedict Zimmer said:

    The programme for 120mm EKE tank ammunition once again proves that the United Kingdom and Germany remain to co-operate as very close partners and friends.

    Under the terms of the new agreement, Germany and the UK will also remain open for additional nations to join the cooperation or be export recipients, as well as continuing discussions on potential collaboration for other types of 120mm tank ammunition.

    UK National Armament Director & Chief Executive of Defence Equipment & Support, Andy Start, said:

    The UK will continue to drive stronger collaboration between partner nations to address current and future procurement needs. This approach maximises our collective strength to drive standardisation across NATO, and provides the opportunity for nations to improve availability and realise efficiencies.

    The UK and Germany are close Allies, working together on several key defence initiatives including joint air policing missions in Estonia, as well as through land forces with the Joint Amphibious Battalion.

    German National Armament Director, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, said:

    With the Statement of Intent being signed, the United Kingdom and Germany will consider the request to allow for additional partners to join the programme as soon as possible.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Inquiry opened into North London religious charity, Keren Shmuel, over failure to submit annual accounting documents [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Inquiry opened into North London religious charity, Keren Shmuel, over failure to submit annual accounting documents [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 27 April 2023.

    The Charity Commission is investigating Keren Shmuel’s repeated non-compliance with annual reporting requirements.

    The regulator of charities in England and Wales has opened a statutory inquiry into Keren Shmuel following the charity’s repeated failure to file its annual accounting documents on time.

    Keren Shmuel was established in 1996 for the advancement of the Jewish religion and religious education, which it achieves through grant-making.

    The charity drew the regulator’s scrutiny in January 2017 when its annual return and accounts for the financial years ending 2014 and 2015 were still outstanding. Despite a final warning and deadline from the Commission, the required information was not submitted and the charity became part of the Commission’s class inquiry into charities failing to submit their annual accounting documents for two or more financial years.

    As part of that inquiry, the Commission directed the trustees under section 84 of the Charities Act 2011 to submit the charity’s outstanding accounting documents. In March 2017, these documents were submitted and the charity ceased to be part of the class inquiry.

    However, the trustees have twice since failed to meet their legal obligations to file the charity’s annual accounting documents on time, for the financial years ending 2019 and 2021. This is continuing evidence of the trustees’ misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity. It is the trustees’ legal duty to ensure that the charity’s annual accounting documents are submitted on time.

    The trustees of Keren Shmuel have demonstrated repeated failure to comply with this duty, which warrants further investigation from the Commission as part of an inquiry. The inquiry will examine the administration, governance and management of the charity by the trustees. The inquiry will also examine:

    • the financial controls and management of the charity
    • the conduct of the trustees

    The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.

    It is the Commission’s policy to publish a report upon concluding an inquiry to detail its findings, conclusions, and any regulatory action taken.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Ripon [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Ripon [April 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 April 2023.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Anna Eltringham, KHC, Team Rector of Oxted Team Ministry, in the Diocese of Southwark, to the Suffragan See of Ripon, in the Diocese of Leeds, in succession to The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley following her appointment as Bishop of Newcastle.

    Background

    Anna was educated at St John’s College, Durham and trained for ministry at the South East Institute of Theological Education. She served her title at Holy Innocents, South Norwood, in the Diocese of Southwark, and was ordained priest in 2009.

    Anna was appointed Team Vicar, Oxted Team Ministry, also in the Diocese of

    Southwark, in 2014 and was appointed to her current role as Team Rector in 2019.

    Additionally, Anna has served as Dean of Women’s Ministry since 2017 and has been an Honorary Chaplain to the Monarch and Honorary Canon at Southwark Cathedral since 2020.