Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Driver who smuggled children bolted inside hidden van hatch jailed [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 May 2023.

A man who smuggled migrants in a ‘coffin-like’ hide inside the roof of a van has been sentenced to 3 years in prison.

A man who smuggled 4 Vietnamese migrants in a single ‘coffin-like’ hide inside the roof of a van has been sentenced today (11 May) to 3 years in prison.

Nicolai Bogdan Lungan, a 32-year-old Romanian, was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court for assisting unlawful immigration into the UK.

This follows a swift investigation by the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI) unit.

Investigators found that Lungan accepted an offer of earning €6,000 in February this year, to drive a Romanian registered van containing hidden migrants – who were unable to escape without assistance – from Brussels into the UK.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, said:

These criminal and life threatening attempts to smuggle people, including children, into the UK in these incredibly tight, coffin-like spaces are utterly abhorrent and we will not stand for it.

I would like to praise our Immigration Enforcement officers who are working around the clock to prevent this activity and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

No-one should be risking their lives to come to the UK illegally, and today’s case sends a clear message to the smuggling gangs that they will feel the full weight of the law.

The Renault Master van driven by the defendant travelled by ferry from Dunkirk to Dover.

He was stopped by Border Force officers at Dover who noticed that the roof above the driver was covered with padded material and was unusually hot.

When this material was removed, officers found a hatch in the van roof which led to a hide in which they found four 17-year-old children. The migrants were found lying on bare metal in the cramped and insufficiently ventilated roof hatch, which had been bolted shut using power tools.

The migrants inside the hatch had no way of escaping from the hide without assistance. When questioned by officers, Lungan claimed he was travelling to Glasgow to collect furniture which he intended to take back to Romania to open a barber shop.

The defendant was subsequently charged with assisting unlawful immigration and pleaded guilty to that offence at an earlier court hearing.

Chris Foster, Deputy Director for Immigration Enforcement’s Criminal and Financial Investigations, said:

Criminals should be in no doubt of our determination to investigate and bring to justice anyone attempting to smuggle people into the UK and in atrocious conditions such as this.

I hope this sentencing sends a powerful message that breaking the law and putting individuals’ lives at risk will not go unpunished. My team work tirelessly to disrupt this type of illegal activity and we will continue to take action against those who put people’s lives in danger for the sake of making money.

May 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Disabled People meets world class disabled golfers at inaugural championship [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 11 May 2023.
- Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP met leading disabled golfers at the inaugural G4D Open
- Minister surveyed the action at the new international Championship for disabled golfers
- 80 golfers from across the world competing at Woburn Golf Club
Tom Pursglove MP joined more than 80 talented competitors from across the world taking part in the inaugural G4D Open (10-12 May) at the Duchess Course at Woburn Golf Club.

The championship is one of the most inclusive ever staged, featuring nine sports classes across multiple impairment groups.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove, MP, said:

“Sport should be open to everyone. It sparks hope and brings together people from every background. I’m deeply honoured to have attended the G4D Open and seen so many world-class disabled golfers in action.

“One of the most inspiring things about the G4D Open is that the adaptations enable players at the Championship to have the same opportunities to play as everyone else.

“This ethos is so important and will be at the heart of our Disability Action Plan as we strive to make the UK a more inclusive and accessible society for everyone.”

Attending the second day of competition with Tim Hollingsworth OBE – the Government Disability and Access Ambassador for Sport – Minister Pursglove met some of the players, hearing how they got into the sport and took part in a practical demonstration to see first-hand the adaptions that make golf accessible to everyone.

The Championship is held in partnership with The R&A and the DP World Tour and supported by EDGA (formerly the European Disabled Golf Association).

Tim Hollingsworth OBE, Government Disability Access Ambassador and Chief Executive of Sport England, said:

“It is a real pleasure to join the Minister in supporting The G4D Open at Woburn and witness first hand the skills and talents of competitors from across the world.

“Golf is a wonderful sport for both our physical and mental health and wellbeing and there has been a lot of hard work in recent years for it to become more inclusive. That’s at the heart of Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy – tackling the inequalities that exist to ensure that everyone has the chance to play sport and be active in their everyday lives.”

Among the players competing in the Championship is world number one disabled golfer, Kipp Popert. The English golfer was born with a form of Cerebral Palsy called Spastic Diplegia and spent most of his teenage years undergoing surgery and treatment on his legs and feet.

The 24-year-old, who competes in able-bodied and disabled events, is hoping his performances will help inspire others into the sport.

World number one ranked disabled golfer Kipp Popert said:

“What The R&A, DP World Tour and EDGA are doing for grassroots golf for disabled people has been brilliant and important, but those getting into the game need something to aspire to and that is what I’m trying to achieve.

“I hope people watching the G4D Open come away thinking that anyone can play golf. It doesn’t matter what your disability is.”
May 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Freedom of the media – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 May 2023.

The UK recalls the importance of media freedom for democracy and security in the OSCE region.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Ms Ribeiro, welcome back to the Permanent Council and thank you for your continued work to promote and defend media freedom since your last report.

We stand behind your mandate and your work, even as others seek to undermine the OSCE’s standards and commitments to media freedom. We agree with the conclusion in your report that it is indispensable work.

Free media play a vital role in promoting human rights and diversity and equality, including gender justice, as well as enhancing security in our region. Yet, as your report notes, last year we saw a global spike in the number of journalists and media workers who have been killed and in the number who have been imprisoned.

Across the OSCE space, the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on media freedom is evident. Many journalists in Ukraine have been injured. Broadcasting infrastructure has been destroyed. Twelve media workers have been killed while on duty, including Ukrainian producer, Bohan Bitik, who was shot and killed on April 26 while reporting for the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, near Kherson. In Crimea, the persecution of dissenting voices, particularly from the Crimean Tatar community, has continued.

In Russia this January, Meduza, one of the most popular Russian-language news portals, was outlawed and declared an “undesirable organization”. In February, journalist Alexander Nevzorov was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment, while RusNews journalist Maria Ponomarenko received a six-year sentence. Telegram channel author Dmitry Ivanov was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison, and journalist Andrey Novashov to eight months in a correctional facility.

In Belarus, 33 journalists are currently behind bars. Many more have fled to avoid being detained. Independent media has been systematically purged and dismantled, with extremely harsh sentences handed down. This includes journalist Andrzej Poczobut from the Polish community in Belarus, sentenced to eight years in prison. In March, Maryna Zolatava and Ludmila Chekina, Editor-in-chief and Director General of the largest independent online news portal in Belarus, were sentenced to twelve years.

Such repressive measures reflect a systematic clampdown by the Russian and Belarusian authorities on media freedom.

Yet our OSCE commitments are very clear. Participating States have repeatedly committed themselves to ensuring media freedom as a basic condition for peaceful societies. The 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists, adopted by consensus, is a road map for us all to provide a safe and enabling environment for journalists, and to ensure our laws, policy and practice fully comply with international human rights law and OSCE Commitments. We should all live up to that decision.

The UK calls for all participating States to uphold their commitments on media freedom, and ensure the safety of journalists and media workers. We will continue to work with you to ensure that media freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy, and a prerequisite for security across our region.

Thank you.

May 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government seeks advice on ‘monkey dust’ [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 May 2023.

The harms of synthetic cathinones are to be re-assessed, to see if some or all, including ‘monkey dust’, may need reclassifying.

An independent review into the harms that monkey dust and other synthetic cathinones pose has been commissioned as the government continues its work to combat drug addiction and violent crime.

Currently a Class B substance, the drug is reported to be responsible for acts of violence and arson – particularly in Stoke-on-Trent.

There have also been concerns about the impact of synthetic cathinones on people’s heath, with reported effects including hallucinations, psychosis and involuntary body movements.

The Policing Minister has asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to consider whether these substances, including ‘monkey dust’, should be made Class A drugs to keep communities safe. By making this a Class A substance, criminals caught suppling this drug will face a life sentence.

Minister for Crime and Policing Chris Philp said:

These synthetic drugs ruin lives, families and neighbourhoods. Made in labs and pumped into our communities, our drug laws must keep pace with their evolution.

We are tackling the supply and demand for illegal substances to reduce addiction and its effects, including driving down crime and antisocial behaviour.

I look forward to receiving the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ advice on combatting synthetic cathinones in Staffordshire and across the UK.

Driving forward our 10-year Drug Strategy’s whole-system approach to tackling drugs, the review will also explore how other measures such as drug treatment and recovery can combat the harmful impacts of this substance. This is in addition to our drug diversion schemes and housing support interventions to help addicts turn their lives around for good.

Chief Inspector and operational lead on drugs at Staffordshire Police, Rob Hessell said:

We are supportive of exploring the reclassification of synthetic cathinones, which includes monkey dust, from Class B to A, which will protect people from the harm of these drugs.

The reclassification would make the drugs harder to access and introduce tougher penalties for possession.

We have a dedicated operation, together with key local partners, aimed at disrupting the supply of monkey dust in Stoke-on-Trent and safeguarding those vulnerable to associated anti-social behaviour and criminality. It is hoped that by signposting users to support and treatment, through our work with partner agencies, we will be able to reduce the adverse impact the substance has on the local community.

Lisa Healings, Chief Executive of VAST – the local infrastructure organisation for the voluntary and community sector in Stoke-on-Trent said:

It’s great news to hear that the classification of synthetic cathinones is being reviewed.

Reclassification would ultimately make our communities safer for the people who live there and ensure that those affected by substance misuse are able to get the support they need.

The ACMD will now undertake the review and return their advice to the government. Updates will be provided in due course.

May 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : British Army announces 491 new bedspaces for soldiers [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 May 2023.

Soldiers at five Army barracks are set to benefit from new single living accommodation under a £1.2bn programme to modernise and improve the Army estate.
5 barracks are set to benefit under the Army’s Single Living Accommodation (SLA) Programme at Bicester, Camberley, Cottesmore, Blackpool and Ipswich

Part of a £1.2bn investment programme delivering 8,500 bedspaces over the next 10 years

Contracts for 491 new bedspaces have been announced under the Army’s Single Living Accommodation (SLA) Programme, which is investing £1.2bn to deliver 8,500 SLA bedspaces over the next 10 years.

The contracts have been awarded to Reds10 and ESS Modular. Construction will commence in Autumn 2023 and is expected to complete in early 2025, delivering new build SLA for the British Army and on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation at five sites:

St George’s Barracks, Bicester (69 bedspaces)

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Camberley (110 bedspaces)

Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore (75 bedspaces)

Weeton Barracks, Blackpool (69 bedspaces)

Flying Station Wattisham, Ipswich (168 bedspaces)

Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing & Infrastructure, said:

The contract announcement for new Single Living Accommodation at five additional barracks is really good news for our people. This next phase of construction will expand on the provision of new bedspaces already being delivered at other sites across the Army estate.

We have listened to soldiers’ experiences about living on camp, and their feedback is reflected in the design of these buildings, as we strive to continuously improve living conditions for our people.

Each new build SLA will offer single en suite bedrooms, kitchen diners and communal space. The accommodation will use modern methods of construction, incorporating solar panels and the latest materials to support the Army’s net zero targets. Rather than a lengthy onsite build, the companies will use 3D offsite modular construction, incorporating features based on feedback from soldiers including soundproofing, floor to ceiling windows, and individual thermostats with SMART monitors (BEMS – Building Energy Management Systems).

Warren Webster, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, MPP Programme Director – Army, said:

Supporting the Army in delivering improved accommodation is a priority for DIO. This is the culmination of a significant collaborative effort and with the award of the contracts, we are now in the delivery phase and well on the way to making these much-needed bedspaces a reality.

These latest contract awards mark the second wave of construction under the Army’s SLA Programme. This first phase, due to complete in 2024, is already underway at Kinloss, Moray; Beacon Barracks, Stafford; Imjin Barracks in Gloucester; and Trenchard Lines, Upavon. Future delivery will include additional SLA at Catterick and at Baker Barracks, Thorney Island.

Over the same timeframe as the Army SLA Programme, 8,000 bedspaces are being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme. This brings the combined provision of bedspaces for soldiers over 10 years to 16,500.
May 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces ICRIR Chief Commissioner [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 11 May 2023.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has appointed The Rt Hon Sir Declan Morgan to be Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has identified The Rt Hon Sir Declan Morgan to be appointed Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The appointment will take place following the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill receiving Royal Assent and establishment of the ICRIR, taking account of any further considerations and final requirements of Parliament.

The ICRIR is a key component of the Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, which represents the Government’s pledge to address the extremely complex and sensitive legacy of Northern Ireland’s past. It is being established as an arm’s length body that will operate independently of government.

Sir Declan, a former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, will begin work from early next month to identify other Commissioners and to consider how the new Commission will carry out its role. He will lead the process to recruit the Commissioner for Investigations. That role is currently advertised, seeking the broadest possible field of experienced candidates, and subject to fair and open competition, with appointment on merit. In light of the announcement of the Chief Commissioner, the deadline will be extended until 01 June to allow him to lead the appointment process and form a panel.

Confirming the announcement via a written ministerial statement to Parliament, Mr Heaton-Harris said:

Sir Declan brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland from 2009-2021. A hallmark of his distinguished career has been his commitment to addressing Northern Ireland’s past. I am confident that he will bring the highest level of experience, expertise and integrity to this post which will help build public confidence in the ICRIR.

May 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Benefit fraud and error falling after Government crackdown [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 11 May 2023.

Total rate of overpayments has fallen from 4.0% in 2022 to 3.6% in 2023.
- The Universal Credit overpayment rate decreased by £400 million in a year
- Tide is starting to turn on benefit fraud after record high levels during the pandemic
Fraud and error in the benefit system is falling, official figures released today show, as the Government restated its determination to drive levels down further and protect taxpayers’ money.

The latest national statistics confirm that in the last year fraud and error rates in 2023 fell to 3.6% (£8.3 billion) from 4.0% (£8.7 billion), with Universal Credit (UC) losses falling from 14.7% (£5,920 million) to 12.8% (£5,540 million). The figures also reveal reduced rates of fraud, both overall and within UC.

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

Our welfare system provides a strong financial safety net for vulnerable people, and no one should be able to cynically abuse that for profit.

We are cracking down on fraudsters, and today’s figures show encouraging progress as DWP works to both prevent new fraudulent claims and collar cases where people have been shamelessly exploiting the system.

While we may be beginning to turn the tide on fraud, there is no room for complacency and still much to do. Our £900 million Fraud Plan will help us deliver savings of over £9 billion for the taxpayer over the next five years.

The rates of fraud and error are coming down, with statistically significant decreases recorded in the UC overpayment rate and rates of claimant error – which has reduced by over a third. The official error overpayments rate is now at the lowest recorded rate.

The overall rate of fraud overpayments is also down from the highest recorded level in 2022 when fraudsters took advantage of the temporary easements the DWP put in place during the pandemic to pay people who needed help.

The Government has been clear that it will crack down on those exploiting the benefits system as they are stealing from those who most need help.

Minister responsible for tackling fraud, Tom Pursglove MP, said:

Benefit fraud is never a victimless crime, which is why it’s entirely right we stop money going to fraudsters and serious crime groups intent on exploiting the system – and is instead paid to the people who need it.

Cutting fraud delivers on the Prime Minister’s priorities, reducing our national debt and helping to curb inflation by protecting the hard-earned money of taxpayers.

We’re starting to see the rates of fraud and error move in a positive direction, thanks to our preventative work, alongside vigorously pursuing fraudsters using the full range of our powers to show that crime does not pay.

Last year the Department for Work and Pensions launched a robust plan to drive down fraud and error from the benefits system. The “Fighting Fraud in the Welfare System” plan sits alongside investment of £900 million that will deliver £2.4 billion of savings by the end of next year, growing to over £9 billion by 2027/28.

This additional funding will allow the Department to review millions of Universal Credit claims over the next five years. They also provide intelligence on new and emerging ways to identify fraud and error entering the welfare system.

As part of the fraud plan, when parliamentary time allows, DWP plans to introduce a raft of new powers, including strengthening the penalty regime by introducing a new civil penalty for cases of fraud, which will act as a deterrent to those cynically seeking to exploit the system.

The new powers would also include requirements for organisations, such as banks, to share data securely on an increased scale to check levels of savings and whether claimants are living abroad. There are also plans to increase DWP officers’ powers to conduct searches, seize evidence, and make arrests.

If you believe your circumstances have changed, we encourage you to get in touch with us so that we can ensure your entitlement is correct. More information on this can be found on Gov.uk.
May 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Moscow Mechanism Report on Belarus – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 May 2023.

At OSCE Permanent Council UK says the extent of repression and the number of political prisoners in Belarus is staggering.
Thank you, Mr Chair. The UK fully subscribes to the statement delivered by Ambassador Grønbech-Jensen on behalf of the 38 invoking States and would like to add some points in our national capacity. I want to thank Professor Ascensio and his team for this credible and important report and commend those who shared their testimonies with him.

Mr. Chair, the Moscow Mechanism report from November 2020 noted “massive and systematic” violations of fundamental freedoms by the Belarusian authorities. It is deeply concerning that this trend has not only continued but in fact further intensified:

A large part of civil society has been destroyed by the State.

Peaceful demonstrations are routinely and brutally repressed.

One quarter of all civil society groups have now been forced to close, including children’s rights groups and organisations working to support other vulnerable members of society.

The extent of repression and the number of political prisoners is staggering. The report concludes that “Belarus is implementing a broad policy of arbitrary arrest and detention”. Belarus is holding almost 1,500 of its citizens as political prisoners. Many prisoners are subject to torture and cruel and degrading treatment.

I would like to take this opportunity as my colleagues did to raise one such case; that of former presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka. Mr Babaryka has been hospitalised in unclear circumstances amid reports of brutal treatment in prison.

We call upon the Belarusian authorities to ensure his safety and provide him with immediate and proper medical care. Moreover, we urge them to release Viktar Babaryka and all other political prisoners immediately and unconditionally.

The report also highlights the recent legislative and constitutional changes in Belarus which have “facilitated the operation of an authoritarian regime”. These include amendments to undermine freedom of speech and association, restrict political rights, and extend the death penalty. The amendments further demonstrate the disregard and contempt of the Lukashenko regime for basic democratic freedoms and the rule of law.

As Professor Ascensio notes, the Belarusian government has even violated its own constitution to support Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine. They have used this illegal war as a means of justifying their own illegal repression, violently supressing peaceful anti-war protests and arresting those who disagree with the war.

The UK is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for these human rights violations are held accountable. We welcome the ongoing work of the International Accountability Platform for Belarus and UN OHCHR in documenting and preserving evidence. As Ambassador Grønbech-Jensen stated, impunity is not an option.

We deeply regret and condemn the lack of cooperation by the Belarusian authorities throughout this process. We urge Belarus to immediately cease ongoing human rights violations, including the systematic repression of civil society, independent media, opposition groups, and trade unionists. And once again we urge the Belarusian authorities to respond to this report and fully implement their international obligations and OSCE commitments.

Thank you, Mr Chair.
May 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on Liechtenstein [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 May 2023.

The UK delivered a statement during Liechtenstein’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Mr Vice President,

First let me warmly welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the other members of the Liechtenstein delegation.

The United Kingdom commends Liechtenstein’s human rights record and we look forward to its Presidency of the Council of Europe later this year.

Liechtenstein has made significant progress in furthering LGBT+ rights, including its recent decision allowing adoption by same-sex couples. We strongly encourage Liechtenstein to go further and enact legislation to grant the LGBT+ community the right to marry.

We recommend Liechtenstein:

Continues its work to strengthen rights and protections afforded to the LGBT+ community, including through enacting legislation to allow the marriage of same-sex couples.

Takes effective measures to systematically fight discrimination and xenophobia towards religious minorities.

Continues to pursue efforts to achieve de facto gender equality, especially in politics and in senior managerial positions, as women in Liechtenstein continue to be underrepresented.

Thank you, Mr President.
May 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian civilians pay the price for Russia’s savage attacks: UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 May 2023.

The United Kingdom says it will not allow Russia’s aggression and brutality to become normalised, as Russia unleashes yet more strikes across Ukraine.

Thank you. Mr Chair, this week many participating States of the OSCE commemorated the anniversary of the end of the Second World War. However, the people of Ukraine were not able to reflect in peace and safety. On Saturday and Sunday, air raid alerts sounded across two thirds of Ukraine. Missile strikes were reported in Kharkiv, Kherson, Nikolaev and Odesa on Monday morning. Civilians were yet again among the casualties, once more paying the price for Russia’s brutal attacks. These strikes hit a Ukrainian Red Cross warehouse in Odesa and a mobile hospital in Mykolaiv. Such callous attacks harm the most vulnerable people in Ukraine, those in greatest need of humanitarian support. Such attacks are particularly inexcusable and repugnant.

It has also been reported that in a separate incident, members of Ukraine’s State Emergency Service were killed by shelling in Kherson. They were engaged in de-mining operations, working selflessly to make the area safer.

Further East, the fields surrounding Bakhmut are grey and cratered after relentless bombing. The city itself has been almost entirely destroyed. Russia has turned this once thriving city into a wasteland.

Mr Chair, on Tuesday, the same day that Russia launched waves of missile strikes at Ukraine’s capital, President Putin marked Victory Day with a speech in which he claimed that a war had been unleashed against Russia. Yet, as all of us in this room know, it was Russia that unleashed an unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is Russia that has bombarded Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure, killing thousands of civilians in the process. It is Ukraine that defends itself, regaining territory and liberating thousands of Ukrainian people.

Despite Russia’s continual assaults, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have held firm. Ukraine’s resilience and bravery, coupled with military, humanitarian and economic support from the UK and other partners, will ensure that they will prevail. We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Since we last met, Mr Chair, the IAEA has warned of the “potentially dangerous” situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Russia’s disregard of international law and its continued military presence has put Ukrainian nuclear facilities at risk. This endangers local populations and the wider region. The responsibility for such danger lies squarely with Russia. This is sovereign Ukrainian territory, and the Plant must be returned to Ukraine’s control to ensure its safe and secure operation. We support all efforts to reduce the risks to the Nuclear Power Plant caused by Russia’s illegal invasion, including the IAEA’s work.

The price that Ukraine’s civilians and infrastructure are paying for Russia’s horrendous attacks must not become normalised. The UK and our partners will continue to work to hold those guilty of atrocities to account. Russia must end its doomed aggression against Ukraine, and cease its shameful attacks on the Ukrainian people. It is Ukraine that fights for the OSCE’s core principles: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is Russia that is on the wrong side of history.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

May 16, 2023