Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : UK contributes to new OPCW’s Centre for Chemistry and Technology [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 May 2023.

The facility contains a new laboratory, Technology and Training Hub, indoor training area, and fit for purpose instruction space.
The UK is proud to have contributed over €1,000,000 to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ new Centre for Chemistry and Technology, opened in The Hague, Netherlands today. 64 nations contributed to the funding of the new centre.

UK Defence Minister Baroness Goldie attended the facility’s inauguration – it houses a new Laboratory, Technology and Training Hub, indoor training area, and fit for purpose instruction space which will support knowledge sharing, scientific and technical collaboration, and capacity building activities.

Defence Minister Baroness Goldie said:

Over 25 years ago, the Chemical Weapons Convention came into force, with the vow to eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction, and much has been achieved in that time.

There is still work to be done, and that is why the UK remains committed to giving the OPCW our full support, including funding for this wonderful new centre which has opened today, which will help to deliver on the goal of a world free of chemical weapons.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is responsible for implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), an international treaty that aims to eliminate chemical weapons – a category of weapons of mass destruction.

The OPCW was created to ensure that the convention’s obligations are met and to support all 193 member states to implement the CWC. The Convention took effect in 1997, and since then over 70,000 tonnes of chemical weapons stockpiles have been destroyed.

Nations that are part of the convention work together to:

Destroy all existing chemical weapons verified by the OPCW

Monitor facilities to prevent weapons re-emerging

Provide assistance to member states against chemical threats

Foster international cooperation to strengthen the implementation of the convention and promote the peaceful use of chemistry.

The opening of the new centre comes ahead of the OPCW’s 5th Review Conference taking place next week (15 – 19 May) in The Hague. The conference is an opportunity for member states to review the last five years and set the strategic direction for the next five years.

The OPCW constantly upgrades its capabilities to ensure the Convention can have as great an impact as possible, and the UK continues to contribute and invest to eliminate chemical weapons.
May 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review: UK statement on Serbia [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 May 2023.

The UK delivered a statement during Serbia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The UK welcomes the adoption of a new law on Gender Equality, as well as amendments to the Anti-Discrimination law.

We have significant concerns over the protection of freedom of expression. We urge Serbia address political pressure and harassment of journalists and activists, including through the use of SLAPP lawsuits.

We note too the lack of transparency over revenue sources, and increasingly limited pluralism in the media.

We also note slow progress in securing accountability for the murders of journalists.

We recommend:

Ensure that all threats, intimidation and attacks against journalists and human rights defenders are investigated and brought to a timely conclusion.

Co-operate fully with the IRMCT and commit to prosecute suspected criminals, act to stem denial and relativisation of genocide and war crimes and end complacency towards graffiti celebrating convicted war criminals.

Strengthen the existing normative framework on gender equality, by securing reliable and disaggregated data on violence against women and girls in Serbia, including femicides.

Thank you.
May 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 Tunisia UPR Outcome Adoptions [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 May 2023.

UK statement about Tunisia’s Universal Periodic Review Outcome Adoptions in March 2023. Due to time constraints, this was not delivered in the Council.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom welcomes Tunisia’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review, and its support for recommendations made on amending the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code in line with international standards, and establishing an independent national human rights institution, in line with the Paris Principles, and hope these steps will be taken promptly.

We reiterate our strong recommendation for Tunisia to end the trial of civilians in military courts, now more than ever. We note with concern the large numbers of arrests that have taken place since 11 February, the scope and breadth of which – many under wide-ranging anti-terrorism laws – raise concerns that the primary purpose of the arrests is to remove, or deter, political opposition.

The UK underlines the importance of a transparent, independent and efficient judiciary. We are concerned by recent comments by public figures that presume the guilt of people currently facing charges, and which speculate that judges who acquit suspects would themselves be guilty of a crime. The separation of powers is an essential pillar of a functioning democracy that serves its people.

We reiterate our commitment to work constructively with Tunisia in a partnership based on shared values, foremost among which is the protection of human rights.

May 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK-France Cyber Dialogue [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 May 2023.

The fourth UK-France Cyber Dialogue was held in Paris on 11 May 2023, in line with the commitment made at the 36th Franco-British Summit on 10 March 2023.

On this occasion, France and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to continue cooperation in the field of cyberspace to promote security and stability in a free, open, inclusive, non-fragmented and secure cyberspace. Both countries reaffirmed their engagement to uphold the normative framework based on international law that applies to the conduct of States in cyberspace.

During this dialogue, France and the United Kingdom shared their analysis of the threat and presented the latest developments in their respective cybersecurity policies. They exchanged on their priorities for the ongoing discussions in the various multilateral fora, in particular at the UN where they continue to coordinate their efforts to set up an ambitious Programme of Action on cybersecurity, as well as in the “multi-stakeholder” framework of the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace.

Following UK-France Joint Leaders’ Declaration of 10 March 2023, the two countries discussed the implementation of a joint initiative to take forward international action and our shared ambition to address the threat from commercial cyber proliferation, including commercial spyware.

The two countries also continued discussions on the prospects for strengthening bilateral coordination in response to cyber threats, including via cooperation for ensuring cybersecurity of major events and in the fight against cybercrime.

Finally, the British delegation was invited on Friday 12 May 2023 to visit the new Cyber Campus inaugurated in 2022 in the heart of La Défense. The two countries exchanged on their approaches to fostering the development of a cyber ecosystem

May 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : More cash to rescue Scottish community assets through UK fund [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 12 May 2023.

Even more community projects will be able to apply for UK Government’s expanded £150 million Community Ownership Fund.

More community projects are set to benefit from funding to rescue prized local assets, such as sports clubs, music venues and historic buildings, as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities launches the third round of its £150 million Community Ownership Fund today (Friday 12 May).

Changes to the fund will make it easier than ever for community groups to secure local assets that are at risk of being lost forever – helping to strengthen and level up communities.

The amount of funding all projects can bid for will be increasing from £250,000 to £1 million, meaning that groups can bid for more funding to help save bigger projects from being lost.

The requirement for match-funding is also being reduced to as low as 10%, making it easier for communities to acquire assets without raising additional private funding.

For the first time, Scotland’s 1,200 Community Councils will also be able to apply to the Fund, which has previously only been available to charities and community groups.

The fund is already supporting 15 projects across Scotland with £3.1 million, including the UK’s most remote pub in Knoydart, the Lochranza Hotel Country Inn on Arran, Falkirk Rugby Football Club, and Inveraray Pier.

Minister for Levelling Up Dehenna Davison said:

From far-flung pubs to prized community centres, the Community Ownership Fund is putting vital assets back into the hands of communities, to be enjoyed for generations to come.

We want even more communities to benefit from the fund and that’s why we are making these changes so community groups can apply for even more money to save much loved local assets.

We will continue to grow this fund to empower local people, restoring their pride in the places where they live and levelling up communities across the United Kingdom.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

I wholeheartedly welcome the launch of the UK Government’s latest round of levelling up funding which so far has seen us invest £2.3 billion right across Scotland.

We’ve listened to feedback and made changes to the Community Ownership Fund (COF) so it is easier than ever for even more communities the length and breadth of the Scottish mainland and our islands to bid for funding to save local assets and grow the economy.

Scotland has already been awarded £3.1 million from COF across 15 projects and I want to see these figures surge upwards by community groups working with us to breathe new life into the places where they live, work and play.

The Fund is already helping communities across Scotland seize ownership of prized local assets that are at risk, including:
- Dornie Community Hub. £280,000
- The Old Forge, community owned pub. £219,096.
- Inveraray Pier. £44,332
- Langside Sports Club: Clubhouse and Pavilion Renovation. £100,000
- Lochranza Country Inn: A community buyout of the last remaining inn in the village. £300,000.
- Redevelopment of the New Farm Loch Community Centre. £200,000
- New Galloway Town Hall. £175,000
- Whithorn Town Hall. £300,000
- Forres Town Hall. £300,000
- Rannoch Hub: Establishing a pub and community centre in the Old School. £250,000
- The Aberfeldy Sports Club. £300,000
- Callander Visitor Information Centre. £124,843
- Falkirk Rugby Football and Sports Club, Sunnyside Pavilion. £115,000
- Heart of Newhaven Community: Develop the old primary school building into a community space. £300,000.
- Vogrie Hall Refurbishment. £127,251
Further information on these projects can be found on the UK Government’s map of levelling up projects in Scotland.

Director of Rugby Falkirk Rugby Kenny Grieve said:

Our project protects community access to a facility which was at risk of closure and enables us to transform it so that we can offer state-of-the-art changing rooms and a teaching space suitable for both male and female participation. It also provides new medical/physio facilities where we can assess any injuries and a new gym for strength, conditioning, and rehabilitation work.

All of this will be available for other sports groups beyond rugby to use, as well as wider community groups such as our local mental health charity, FDAMH, who can use the facilities to deliver their health, wellbeing and recovery programmes. Access to significant capital funding from the UK Government has been pivotal in turning our vision into reality.

The Old Forge Community Benefit Society said:

We are grateful to the Community Ownership Fund whose support helped The Old Forge Community Benefit Society to achieve its goal of a community-owned pub on the Knoydart Peninsula.

Inspire Inveraray Director Linda Divers said:

Inspire Inveraray are highly delighted to receive this funding. For a long time, the pier has been closed off and an eyesore, to see it open and restored for all to enjoy again will be a great asset to the local community and visitors.

We have all worked extremely hard to make this happen and being awarded this funding makes it worthwhile. Thank you, your funding is greatly appreciated.

Today’s announcement is part of the UK Government’s drive to level up local communities and boost local businesses. This will also contribute to the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.
May 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Morocco partnership thriving [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 May 2023.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon has completed a fruitful visit to Morocco for the fourth Strategic Dialogue as UK-Morocco relations go from strength to strength.

Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, visited Morocco from 8 to 9 May 2023. He attended the fourth UK-Morocco bilateral Strategic Dialogue, following and complementing the UK-Morocco Association Council held in Rabat on 16 February.

During his visit, Lord Ahmad visited and prayed at the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, as well as meeting British business representatives based there. On 9 May, Lord Ahmad co-chaired the ministerial session of the annual UK-Morocco Strategic Dialogue with host, Morocco’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr Nasser Bourita. As reflected in their Joint Declaration, the ministers reviewed the deepening collaboration between the UK and Morocco and identified priorities for the next year, under the 4 pillars of cooperation: political, economic, security and defence, and education and culture.

This collaboration includes growing bilateral cooperation in the health and agricultural sectors, as well as on climate, energy and sustainable finance. The Ministers signed a ‘Strategic Cooperation Framework on Climate action, Clean energy and Green growth’. It also includes:

*ongoing exchanges of expertise, such as the joint defence exercises, ‘Jebel Sahara’ and ‘African Lion’, both held in 2022 * collaboration between law enforcement agencies on border security, hostage negotiations, and counter-terrorism efforts

The ministers also discussed regional and international issues of common interest. These included the situation in Sudan and in Libya, developments in Israel and the OPTs, the ongoing global implications of the Russia-Ukraine war, and food security in Africa.

On completing his visit, Lord Ahmad said:

This has been a fruitful visit which has built upon the strong relationship between our 2 countries. It follows on from our collaboration as Guest of Honour at the 15th edition of SIAM last week in Meknes, and we were honoured to have hosted HRH Princess Lalla Meryem at the Coronation of HM King Charles III last week. I am confident that this relationship will continue to thrive, going forward, as our 2 Kingdoms work in partnership on political, economic and security matters, and connect our people and cultures.

May 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK Nationals arriving from Sudan to have access to benefits [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 12 May 2023.

From Monday next week those arriving from Sudan, including UK nationals and those with a valid UK immigration status, will be exempt from residency tests to ensure they can access benefits, social housing, and homelessness assistance on arrival in the UK.

Emergency regulations, which come into force on Monday 15 May, will ensure UK nationals, Irish nationals and those with Home Office leave which provides recourse to public funds, who left Sudan as a result of the violence, will be exempt from the residency tests and therefore be able to access benefits and services faster on arrival in the UK.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP said:

This has been a cross government effort, and we have responded at pace to the fast-changing circumstances so that those arriving from Sudan, including UK nationals, can receive the support they need.

As we turn to the next phase of our response, we stand ready to support those who need help as they arrive in the UK, and these regulations will enable us to provide access to benefits and services as soon as possible to those who are eligible.

Following the escalation of violence in Sudan, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities, and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs have been working with other government departments to ensure a consistent approach in supporting those arriving in the UK, including UK nationals.

Some of these individuals may require access to welfare benefits and this urgent legislation exempting those arriving from residence tests will ensure that those who need it can access benefits and, where needed, homelessness assistance without delay.

Most arrivals will be able to move quickly on to their onwards destination, either their own home or that of family and friends. When arrivals do not have immediate accommodation available, the local authority may provide emergency overnight accommodation and then support people to move on. The changes made today will help people access the support they need to secure settled accommodation.

If individuals need to access benefits upon arrival they can apply through gov.uk.

Baroness Scott, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said:

I’ve seen first-hand our proud record of supporting refugees and stand by the UK’s commitment to supporting British nationals arriving from Sudan from day one.

Councils are well versed in supporting people fleeing conflict and have a duty to make sure no family is without a roof over their heads.

“We are working closely with local authorities to ensure that reasonable costs associated with the repatriation effort are met.

Jim Harra, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, said:

We’re working across Government to ensure that people coming from Sudan are able to support their families as soon as they arrive. Introducing these measures will allow families to access the help they need, including Child Benefit.

Those currently still in Sudan and unable to return to the UK should check the guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

If currently in receipt of a benefit and unable to return to the UK, they should contact their Work Coach, the relevant disability benefit helpline, or the relevant Local Authority for housing benefit if it is safe to do so. DWP will look to take a flexible and understanding approach where individuals are currently unable to return to the UK from Sudan.

May 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Investment to boost community tree cover across parts of England [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 May 2023.

£2 million has been awarded to projects investigating the best ways to boost tree numbers outside woodlands.
- £2 million has been awarded to projects investigating the best ways to boost tree numbers outside woodlands in areas including Chichester, Cornwall, Kent, Norfolk and Shropshire.
- Projects will test new ways to increase tree cover and strengthen biosecurity, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and meet the government’s 2050 net zero ambitions.
Projects to learn ways to increase tree cover in communities across England and enhance biosecurity will receive a share of over £2 million in government funding, it is announced today (Friday 12 May).

The second phase of the Trees Outside Woodland Research and Development programme will fund projects testing the effectiveness of tree planting methods and approaches in non-woodland areas. This will help increase tree cover in non-woodland areas so that more, healthier trees can be planted in these areas in future, improving people’s health and wellbeing by giving them access to more nature and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Non-woodland treescapes have been badly affected by tree pests and diseases and other issues, so finding ways to boost their numbers effectively will help to meet the aims of the England Trees Action Plan and Government ambitions to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament. Research from the first phase is already beginning to have an impact, as successful approaches piloted will be rolled out in an England-wide grant scheme later this year.

Research projects funded by the second phase will:
- test how to sustainably improve the capacity and biosecurity of locally grown tree planting stock, to ensure more trees can be planted closer to where people live.
- research the most cost-effective and biosecure ways to plant, establish, and promote trees outside woods, enabling increases in non-woodland tree canopy cover.
- focus on sharing this knowledge with Local Authorities to enable enhanced local delivery of healthy and thriving treescapes.
- In the long term, help to increase tree cover within our local communities and deliver on commitments set out within the Environmental Improvement Plan to level up people’s access to nature and improve our mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison, said:

“The Trees Outside Woodland programme has supported myriad pilot projects up and down the country that have bolstered the health and resilience of our non-woodland treescapes. From agroforestry schemes in Cornwall to experimental Miyawaki plots in Kent, the Trees Outside Woodland programme is providing a springboard for innovative research into tree planting.

“Further investment in the programme will build on previous successful work and help Government deliver on our ambitious tree planting targets.”

Director of Trees, Science & Research at The Tree Council, Jon Stokes, said:

“Historically undervalued, the 4.3% of England that is covered with non-woodland treescapes – such as hedges, scrub, trees on farms, parks, and in urban settings – is now recognised among our most important treescapes. This funding is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about growing and protecting these precious trees. These are the trees that people most often see in their daily lives, and they provide essential habitat connectivity and homes for wildlife all across the country. The Tree Council is delighted to help coordinate this amazing collaboration.”

Trees outside of woodlands are worth over £3.8 billion due to their multi-faceted role across the UK’s ecosystems. This includes storing carbon, regulating temperatures, strengthening flood resilience and reducing air pollution. Together, these help to mitigate against climate change, reduce impacts from floods and improve people’s health and wellbeing.

Pilot projects that have so far been funded by first phase of the Trees Outside Woodland Research and Development programme increased tree cover within communities through subsidised and free tree schemes, boosting community tree nurseries, planting trees on farmed landscapes, enhancing agroforestry schemes, boosting community orchards, and exploring experimental Miyawaki plots.

The Trees Outside Woodland Research and Development programme is delivered in partnership by The Tree Council, Natural England, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and five Local Authorities – Chichester District Council, Cornwall Council, Kent County Council, Norfolk County Council and Shropshire Council.

Today’s announcement comes during National Plant Health Week which aims to raise public awareness and engagement on how to keep our trees and plants healthy. By identifying threats such as pests and diseases, we protect the benefits plants and trees provide to the public, to wildlife, the environment and our economy. More information can be found on the Plant Health Action.org website.

The funding comes from HMT’s Shared Outcomes Fund – to find out more please visit GOV.UK.
May 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Regulator investigates charity funding orphanage in Bangladesh [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 12 May 2023.

The Charity Commission launches inquiry into Asia Pacific Childrens Fund over concerns about money spent overseas and sent to related parties.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Asia Pacific Childrens Fund to examine concerns about the trustees’ administration and management of the charity, including around payments to connected parties and overseas expenditure.

The charity was established in 2008 to aid those in poverty, particularly in Asia. It is based in London but funds an orphanage in Bangladesh.

The Commission first engaged with the charity in 2021 on a proactive basis over concerns around international cash couriering. During compliance visits to the charity, the regulator identified a number of further concerns which represented breaches of the charity’s governing document and charity law.

The Commission used its powers to obtain and analyse the charity’s bank statements and found payments to private companies linked to some of the charity’s trustees, which the trustees have been unable to sufficiently explain.

As part of its purposes, the charity states that it funds an orphanage in Bangladesh, and this is where most of its money goes. However, the Commission is concerned that the trustees cannot fully account for all its expenditure to this end, or clearly explain how the orphanage and the funds it receives are managed.

These concerns, exacerbated by a lack of documentary evidence and the charity’s often late statutory annual returns, are evidence of misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity. Therefore, an inquiry was opened on 3 April 2023. It will examine the following regulatory issues:
- the administration, governance and management of the charity by the trustees
- conflicts of interest and or loyalty and related party payments
- financial controls and management of the charity and whether its funds have been properly expended solely for the exclusive charitable purposes and can be accounted for
- whether or not the trustees have complied with and fulfilled their duties and responsibilities as trustee under charity law
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.
May 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK-Republic of Korea Senior Economic Dialogue 2023 – joint communiqué [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 May 2023.

Ministers from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a Senior Economic Dialogue in Seoul on 12 May 2023.

The Vice Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lee Dohoon, and the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, held the inaugural UK-ROK Senior Economic Dialogue in Seoul on 12 May 2023.

The two Ministers reviewed key areas of bilateral and international economic collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea noting their shared values and interests, and their desire for increased cooperation.

The UK and ROK reaffirmed their strong commitment to using their voices to uphold and promote the rules-based international economic system, including free and open trade, and to advance new global trade rules that are fit for the 21st century. Both countries agreed to cooperate to enhance economic security, strengthen the resilience of critical supply chains and to coordinate efforts to address future challenges and build prosperity.

The UK and ROK reiterated the importance of supporting climate-vulnerable and developing countries to obtain access to the funds they need to build climate resilience. They welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent for the Strategic Development Partnership, with the aim to deepen bilateral development cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two Ministers discussed the UK’s International Technology Strategy and ROK’s recent policy on critical and emerging technologies such as AI, quantum, and biotechnology. They shared the view that the two countries could coordinate more closely on critical and emerging technology policy.

The two Ministers agreed to provide their support for the conclusion of the UK-ROK Digital Partnership, which is currently under discussion. They also expressed their hope for the successful operation of intergovernmental channels, including the ROK-UK Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation, to further enhance bilateral cooperation in the future.

The ROK and the UK agreed to hold regular Senior Economic Dialogues with Ministers from the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. These dialogues will be preceded by inter-sessional meetings at director-general level, to explore substantive cooperation and review their implementations.

May 17, 2023