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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : African countries saw how Russia blocked the Black Sea and began to support Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with Irish students [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : African countries saw how Russia blocked the Black Sea and began to support Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with Irish students [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 November 2022.

    After Russia blocked the export of grain from the ports of the Black Sea region, the countries of the African continent began to gradually change their attitude towards the Russian Federation and direct the political vector to support Ukraine. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with the student community of Ireland.

    “Today, gradually, country by country, the states of the African continent are beginning to understand what happened. That they were misinformed. That Russia is truly an aggressor, that it does not respect freedom, does not support life, but does the opposite. Several countries have appeared on the African continent that support us, and we can see this from the results of voting for resolutions,” said the Head of State.

    He recalled the results of voting for the UN General Assembly resolution on supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and condemning Russia’s aggression against our state.

    “There was record support for Ukraine, condemnation of Russia’s aggression. More than 140 countries. African countries appeared among them. And that’s great,” stated Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    Also, according to him, some African countries for the first time demonstrated support at the diplomatic stage of the Crimea Platform aimed at the de-occupation of Ukrainian Crimea.

    According to the President, such a change in the attitude of a number of African countries took place after Russia began blocking the export of Ukrainian agricultural products through the Black Sea.

    “African countries saw how Russia completely disgracefully blocked the Black Sea. It blocked the supply of grain – wheat, corn – from Ukraine to the African continent… And when countries began to see it, when the societies of some countries began to feel it, they began to open their eyes,” said the Head of State.

    At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there are still some African countries that, at the level of leaders, see neither the destructive actions of Russia nor the help of Ukraine, which has initiated programs to support countries suffering from the food crisis.

    “There are countries to which we sent ships with grain. We really help them. We really made a corridor in the Black Sea together with the UN. And now ships have departed with wheat, and some African states do not see this at the political level,” the President noted.

    According to the Head of State, this is happening, in particular, due to the powerful influence of Russian propaganda and disinformation, which has been spreading on the African continent for the past 30 years. At the same time, there were no developed relations between Ukraine and African countries for many years.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that currently one of the key tasks for Ukraine and for him personally is the unification of the whole world, including African countries, in order to put pressure on Russia to stop its aggression on Ukrainian territory.

    “Help in the UN is very important for us as well – it is political and diplomatic help. Assistance in voting and supporting relevant resolutions. And here we desperately need the support of the African Union and the countries of the African continent,” said the President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Ramaphosa of South Africa [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Ramaphosa of South Africa [November 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 November 2022.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to Downing Street today for a bilateral meeting and working ministerial lunch, as part of the South Africa State Visit.

    The Prime Minister opened the meeting by noting the significance of this State Visit, as both his first and the first for His Majesty The King. The leaders hailed the deep and historic ties between the UK and South Africa and agreed that this generation must take the partnership between our nations to the next level, both bilaterally and through the Commonwealth.

    On trade, they discussed bolstering cooperation on green hydrogen and sustainable infrastructure, building on the Just Energy Transition Partnership, as well as opportunities to increase exports and access for services. They welcomed new collaboration on cutting-edge science and technology, with the Prime Minister highlighting the Square Kilometre Array intergovernmental radio telescope project as an exciting example of global innovation.

    The leaders also confirmed new bilateral agreements on health and education, which will ensure that the UK and South Africa are working together to improve pandemic preparedness and upskill young people for the jobs of the future.

    The Prime Minister and President Ramaphosa welcomed the opportunity to meet as part of this historic State Visit and agreed their ministers would take away a number of actions to drive the UK-South Africa relationship forward.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government to bring forward amendments to Legacy Bill following months of engagement [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government to bring forward amendments to Legacy Bill following months of engagement [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Northern Ireland Office on 23 November 2022.

    The UK Government has announced its intention to bring forward amendments to legislation seeking to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

    In recent months, the Government has engaged extensively with stakeholders, including victims and survivors in Northern Ireland. The Government has now confirmed it will introduce amendments at Lords Committee Stage that seek to address many of the concerns raised.

    The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, which has its Second Reading in the House of Lords today (Wednesday 23 November), seeks to deliver better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles, including victims, survivors and veterans, while helping society to look forward.

    The Government amendments will:

    • Confirm that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery (ICRIR) established by the legislation will be able to conduct criminal investigations where it judges that to be appropriate.
    • Ensure that individuals who knowingly or recklessly provide false information to the ICRIR can be prosecuted and have their immunity revoked.
    • Disapply the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 for individuals who choose not to tell the Commission what they know and are then convicted of an offence so that they face a full, rather than reduced, sentence.
    • Increase the fine for non-compliance with the Commission.
    • Strengthen the Commission’s independence by making clear that the Secretary of State should consult individuals before appointing the Chief Commissioner.

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

    The UK Government understands how important addressing the legacy of the past is for Northern Ireland, and is determined to deliver better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles, including victims and survivors, as well as veterans.

    I have been clear that the Government would consider changes to this Bill seriously. The changes announced today reflect the significant engagement that has taken place on the Bill, and seek to address concerns that have been raised by many stakeholders.

    I also recognise that, even with these changes, this Bill will remain challenging for many, and that concerns will remain. The Government remains absolutely committed to constructive engagement with all interested parties on these concerns, and how they might be addressed, as the Bill continues its passage through Parliament.

    He added: “We must also recognise that a perfect solution to such an intractable  issue is not attainable, and work constructively towards the best possible solution that works for those most impacted by the Troubles and helps society to look forward.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New UK astronauts unveiled [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : New UK astronauts unveiled [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 23 November 2022.

    The UK has new astronauts, following a rigorous selection process and record UK Space Agency investment in the European Space Agency (ESA).

    The UK has a new career astronaut, a parastronaut and a reserve astronaut, following a rigorous selection process and record UK Space Agency investment in the European Space Agency (ESA), announced in Paris today (Wednesday 23 November).

    Rosemary Coogan was selected by ESA as the UK’s third ever astronaut after Tim Peake and Helen Sharman, while former Paralympian John McFall becomes the first ever astronaut with a physical disability from the UK. Meganne Christian successfully completed the astronaut selection process and will become a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve.

    They are among the first astronauts to be unveiled by ESA since 2009. Just over 22,500 people applied for the astronaut call, launched last year, including 2,000 from the UK, while 257 people applied to the call for astronauts with a physical disability.

    The announcement was made at the conclusion of the ESA Council of Ministers meeting in Paris where the UK Space Agency committed £1.84 billion of funding to new missions and programmes.

    Science and Space Minister George Freeman said: George Freeman said:

    Tim Peake’s Principia mission showed us all how space has the power to inspire millions across the country, showcasing the UK’s role as a space science superpower. “Today’s announcement of the next set of UK ESA astronauts is a sign of international respect for both UK space scientists and the UK’s commitment to space for all.

    Just as sport is the ultimate test ground of human endeavour on land, space represents the ultimate testbed for science and technology. “Just as London 2012 Paralympic Games changed the global profile of Paralympics, so space is the ultimate environment to show our commitment to the values of shared endeavour for the good of humanity and the planet. “I congratulate Rosemary, John and Meganne on their remarkable achievement and look forward to them inspiring a new generation.

    Astronauts on board the International Space Station support hundreds of experiments. This research helps develop new materials and medical treatments and gives a better understanding of fundamental scientific processes. It also provides the knowledge required to send humans further out into space, to the Moon and one day onto Mars.

    Astronauts also take part in research as human test subjects, studying the effects of space on the body to help researchers understand ageing processes that affect us all on Earth.

    Rosemary Coogan will join the ESA astronaut corps along with four other new career astronauts from ESA member states.

    The call for candidates with physical disabilities was a world first and was open to those with a lower limb deficiency or who are considered to be of short stature and met other recruitment criteria. ESA plan to invest in the necessary adaptations of space hardware to enable them to serve as crew members on a space mission.

    The successful candidates have all undergone a process of screening, psychological, practical, and psychometric testing, medical selections and interview selections.

    Rosemary Coogan and her fellow new career astronauts will report to ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, where they will start basic training activities in 2023. Lasting a year and a half, the new recruits will go through an intensive training session, including the physics of spaceflight, new languages, survival training, and how to fly spacecraft. This will be followed by mission specific training that can take up to two years, once assigned to a mission.

    John McFall will be an essential part of a feasibility study to find out what needs to be changed, for example in the spacecraft or on board of ISS, to fly safely.

    This is also the first time ESA has established an astronaut reserve, which is composed of the candidates who were successful throughout the entire selection process and were not recruited.

    They will receive a consultancy contract from ESA, while remaining with their current employers

    Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

    This is a momentous day for the UK Space Agency, our space sector and the country as a whole. Through our investment in the European Space Agency, the UK is playing a leading role in space exploration and collaborating with international partners to use the unique vantage point of space to benefit life on Earth.

    Space has an incredible power to inspire and I am sure Rosemary, John and Meganne will become heroes for many young people and inspire them to shoot for the stars. It’s also important to remember that, behind every astronaut, there is a dedicated team of people, including in the UK, working behind the scenes to achieve the incredible.

    The position of astronaut is just one possible career path in the UK space industry, which generates £16.5 billion a year and employs 47,000 people in various roles from aerospace engineers, satellite technicians, research scientists to entrepreneurs and lawyers.

    As set out in the National Space Strategy, the European Space Agency remains a close multilateral partnership for the UK.

    Research shows every £1 invested in ESA generates an overall return of £11.80 for the UK economy.

    The UK and human space exploration
    The UK Space Agency has been a member of the ESA human exploration programme since 2012, and today invested £1.84 billion at ESA’s Council of Ministers meeting in Paris.

    In 1989 Helen Sharman became the first British astronaut when she was selected for the Project Juno. In May 1991, Sharman spent eight days in space and became the first female astronaut to visit the Mir Space Station.

    Tim Peake was the first British recruit though the ESA astronaut programme in 2009. His six-month Principia mission to the International Space Station launched on 15 December 2015.

    There were over 250 scientific experiments on board the ISS during Tim Peake’s mission and he underwent regular testing to record the effect of space and zero-gravity on his bones, muscles and organs – research to help inform crewed space missions in the future, including possibly to Mars. Peake was also the first UK astronaut to undertake a spacewalk.

     

  • PRESS RELEASE : Supporting resilient and sustainable development in Least Developed Countries – UK statement at UN Second Committee [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Supporting resilient and sustainable development in Least Developed Countries – UK statement at UN Second Committee [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 November 2022.

    UK statement on Least Developed Countries delivered at UN Second Committee.

    Madame Chair,

    Let me begin by congratulating you and the Bureau for your able stewardship of the Second Committee’s work this year.

    The United Kingdom would like to thank Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Al-Thani from the Permanent Mission of Qatar, for his excellent facilitation of the ‘Follow-up to the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries.’ We would also like to thank the G77+ representative, Mr. Nirupam Dev Nath, from the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh, and the LDCs Chair representative, Ms. Dorcas Mwango, from the Permanent Mission of Malawi for their constructive engagement.

    The UK is pleased with the outcomes of this year’s text, as it advocates for international solidarity in support of the Doha Programme of Action. We need renewed global partnership and targeted focus, with full mobilization of the UN system, for sustainable and resilient development in LDCs. This resolution is a step in the right direction.

    The UK is committed to working with LDCs, development partners, and multilateral institutions to progress the six priority areas in the Doha Programme of Action. We look forward to participating in the Fifth UN Conference on the LDCs in March at a high-level, to advance this critical agenda.

    The United Kingdom will continue to support the global goal of providing at least 0.2% of our gross national income to LDCs. However, we know we must go further than this. Partnership between public and private sectors will be essential to meet the SDG financing gap, which is why we will also mobilise up to £8 billion of UK-backed financing per year by 2025 through British Investment Partnerships.

    The UK is also committed to addressing food insecurity in LDCs, which was a key area of discussion in this negotiation. We are working alongside partners – such as the UN-led Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance, the G7 Global Alliance for Food Security, the Roadmap – Call to Action and the EU-led Solidarity Lanes – to meet humanitarian needs. We are keeping food and fertilisers moving, providing emergency funding, improving resilience, and accelerating transition to sustainable food systems that will withstand future challenges in places experiencing food crises.

    As we approach 2030, we must accelerate action and ambition to deliver the Doha Programme of Action and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable first. You can count on the UK’s support.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK secures £1.84 billion investment for ESA programmes with support for Earth Observation sector [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK secures £1.84 billion investment for ESA programmes with support for Earth Observation sector [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 23 November 2022.

    • UK government commits £1.84 billion for important space programmes at this year’s European Space Agency Council of Ministers meeting, held in Paris
    • the investment will cover a range of programmes from space sustainability to supporting the UK-built Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover
    • up to £200 million has also been committed to support the Earth observation sector as the EU continues to delay association to the Copernicus programme

    Science, Research & Innovation Minister George Freeman, who led the successful negotiations in Paris with the UK Space Agency, has secured record commitments to grow the UK space sector and deliver on National Space Strategy ambitions, an increase on previous investments made in 2019.

    The landmark deal includes:

    • important UK investment of £315 million in Earth observation and climate programmes: a 45% increase, deploying funds set aside for Copernicus participation to support the sector while EU programme association continues to face delays
    • ESA commitment to the UK-built Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover, which is set to launch to Mars in 2028, with UK industry set to play a leading role in developing a new landing platform
    • UK leadership in space sustainability via satellite management, maintenance and retrieval to support UK ambitions to lead in global space sustainability regulation and innovation
    • leading UK involvement in commercially focused programmes, including communications and navigation, driving further innovation in the satellite industry
    • UK leadership in the Vigil space weather mission, which will travel to a point in deep space known as L5 and give advance warning of dangerous solar storms, enhancing and securing observational capabilities, while supporting expertise such as that delivered by the UK Met Office’s Space Weather Operations Centre
    • enabling the UK to set the standards for satellite climate measurements, with funding secured for further development of the TRUTHS mission, which was first proposed by scientists at the National Physical Laboratory to deliver a 10x increase in the accuracy of climate measurements

    As a founding member of ESA, which is independent of the EU, the UK’s space and commercial satellite sector will play a leading role in future international missions and innovative commercial programmes. There are over 47,000 jobs in the UK space sector, which generates an estimated £16.5 billion every year.

    Satellites provide vital insight into the climate and our environment, and the UK committed in the National Space Strategy to remaining at the forefront of Earth observation technology. New investments will allow the UK to work with ESA to use space to fight climate change and deliver programmes that support our national interest.

    UK Science, Research & Innovation Minister George Freeman said:

    The rapidly growing global commercial space sector is driving a new space race for geopolitical and commercial soft-power. This is the frontline of our science superpower mission.

    Space is a fundamentally collaborative endeavour, so the European Space Agency Council of Ministers was an important opportunity to deepen our international relationships with the goal of advancing space technology for the benefit of all.

    I’m delighted to return from the meeting with such a strong package of commitments, as well as being able to provide support for our outstanding Earth observation sector, to protect it from the uncertainty caused as a result of the EU’s delays, as we continue seeking Copernicus association.

    These new investments will support the ongoing growth of the UK space and commercial satellite sector – creating new jobs around the UK from Cornwall to the North of Scotland – and securing UK leadership in space sustainability. They will put our scientists and engineers at the forefront of some of the world’s most important missions and programmes which drive transformational innovation.

    The UK committed £615 million to ESA’s core space science budget, securing opportunities for UK companies to bid for high-value contracts and establishing new scientific leadership roles for UK universities. Upcoming ESA science missions range from hunting for rocky Earth-like planets outside our solar system (Plato) to sending the first gravitational wave observatory into space (LISA).

    The UK space sector will benefit from the following commitments:

    • £217 million towards the global exploration programme, supporting robotic missions to Mars and contributing to the Artemis Moon programme, including the Argonaut (European Large Logistics Lander), Gateway space station and commercial lunar communications systems
    • £206 million for telecommunications programmes, building on the success of the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications in Harwell, to enable faster 5G and future 6G connectivity, develop new optical and quantum communications systems, and support constellations of Low Earth Orbit satellites
    • £111 million to bolster space safety and security, improving forecasting and building resilience to dangerous space weather, protecting critical national infrastructure, tackling the growing challenge of space debris and catalysing growth and further investment in high-potential areas including in-orbit satellite servicing and manufacturing
    • £71 million to back new technologies, helping smaller businesses develop new ideas and products, reducing reliance on non-European nations for important electrical and electronic components, supporting emerging areas such as space-based solar power, and creating radioisotope heat and power systems derived from nuclear waste, to fuel a new generation of missions

    Through our investments in ESA, we are taking part in a range of ambitious programmes that will help keep the UK at the forefront of Earth observation technology and knowhow. This includes investment in Aeolus-2, ESA Digital Twin Earth and InCubed-2, as well as additional, targeted funding in TRUTHS and the FutureEO programme. The package of measures delivered through ESA, as part of a wider programme of support for the UK’s Earth Observation sector totals £122 million.

    Additional investments include over £30 million on satellite navigation innovations and £13 million to support commercial spaceflight, as we countdown to the first satellite launches from UK soil.

    Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:

    From protecting our own planet to exploring new worlds, we invest in these programmes because they benefit humanity and deliver a strong return to the UK economy.

    Our membership of ESA adds significant firepower to our national space ambitions, complementing the UK Space Agency’s work to catalyse investment, deliver new missions and capabilities, and champion the power of space for businesses and people across the country.

    Taken together, this represents the most ambitious and comprehensive package of investments with ESA ever. This also comes following last week’s fiscal statement last week, in which the Chancellor pledged to maintain the UK’s commitment to increasing R&D investment to £20 billion per year in 2024 to 2025.

    Copernicus and Earth Observation

    These investments come in the context of continued delays from the EU in agreeing the UK’s association to the EU research programmes, including the Copernicus Earth Observation programme.

    The Earth observation sector has suffered instability as a result of this uncertainty, which is why the government has announced a package of up to £200 million in support today, deployed as part of the funding initially allocated to EU programme association, and which has not been utilised for this purpose for 2 years given the ongoing delays.

    A £122 million segment of the package has been committed to 5 of ESA’s outstanding programmes, with a further £66 million being allocated to 12 UK-led projects.

    The package covers a robust range of national and international projects across all facets of the sector, from gathering and processing, to the application of, Earth observation data. There is a strong focus on climate and meteorological science, building on the UK’s significant strengths in this area, while delivering direct benefit to the UK economy and supporting our shared global ambition to combat climate change.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Royal Navy ships to be fitted with advanced new missile system [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Royal Navy ships to be fitted with advanced new missile system [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 23 November 2022.

    Royal Navy frigates and destroyers will get a significant boost to their long-range precision strike capabilities following a new partnership between the UK and key NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) ally, Norway.

    Strengthening defence ties between the UK and Norway, the Royal Navy will receive the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), outfitted on a total of eleven Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers, in a collaboration with the Norwegian government.

    Measuring nearly 4 metres long, the NSMs are a fifth-generation missile using integrated sensors and autonomous target recognition to precisely strike enemy ships and targets on land at distances of more than 100 nautical miles (115 miles) at high subsonic speeds. It can elude enemy radar and defence systems by flying at sea-skimming altitude and using evasive manoeuvres.

    Announcing the maritime capability upgrade, the Defence Secretary also met with Northern Group Defence Ministers on board the Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, alongside in Oslo.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    We have a long history of defence cooperation with Norway. This new agreement cements our partnership with one of our closest allies, whilst strengthening our Royal Navy with a new surface to surface strike capability.

    Replacing the Harpoon surface-to-surface weapon, due to go out of service in 2023, the world-class anti-ship missile will be fitted to three vessels at pace and will be ready for operations onboard the first Royal Navy vessel in a little over 12 months. The collaboration will result in more ships equipped with the highly sophisticated naval strike missiles which in turn will contributes in enhancing the security in our common areas of interest.

    The missile system will be integrated in UK Dockyards through Babcock and BAE with Norwegian support, the missile system is manufactured by Kongsberg Defence Aerospace.

    NSM will enhance collaboration and interoperability with several of our key strategic partners. In the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea Region users, and soon to be users, include Norway, the US, Poland, Germany, and Canada. Both the US and Australia will operate NSM in the Pacific region.

    Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram, said:

    This is a significant task with an ambitious timeline. Both nations have established a designated team with a strong mandate to ensure the success of this common effort. The Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is supporting the joint team with their expertise and the planned integration on the UK vessels.

    The meeting of Northern Group Defence Ministers on HMS Queen Elizabeth, will see discussions on the implications of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, security developments in Northern Europe, and Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership applications.

    The Northern Group is a UK initiative which aims to promote more coherent, efficient and effective defence and security co-operation in northern Europe. It comprises 12 nations; Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : COP15 – UK nature agencies set out vision to restore nature to avoid ‘profound threat to humanity’s future’ [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : COP15 – UK nature agencies set out vision to restore nature to avoid ‘profound threat to humanity’s future’ [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 November 2022.

    The UK’s leading nature agencies have today set out their plan to boost nature recovery at home and abroad ahead of the key international biodiversity summit in Montreal taking place next month.

    In a joint statement the UK’s six official nature conservation bodies said that there has never been a more critical time to invest in restoring and enhancing nature across the UK and stressed how the economy cannot thrive without progressing environmental protections.

    At an event at the Royal Society in London, nature conservation agencies from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland stressed that we must expand our ambition to achieve the UK’s commitment to halt species decline, go further and faster on nature recovery and do much more to align action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, and tackle climate change.

    The statement was made at an event hosted by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) at the Royal Society in London in the run up to the 15th Convention on Biological Diversity which is due to take place in Montreal, Canada next month, after two years of delay.

    At the event, the UK’s six nature conservation agencies pledge to support governments, businesses and society to work together to:

    • Commit to ambitious global targets at COP15 to enhance biodiversity
    • Support governments around the world on nature recovery with the UK’s world-leading knowledge and skills in the nature sector
    • Drive public and private investment in nature-based solutions
    • Embed environmental security and nature recovery into all decision making
    • Deliver on the UK government’s policies to protect and enhance nature

    Many of these commitments have been driven by the ground-breaking Nature Positive 2030 research which was published at the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow last year and shows through a series of case studies how nature recovery is not just necessary, but also achievable and affordable.

    Tony Juniper, Natural England Chair said:

    Next month’s meeting of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity represents the best and last chance we have to halt and reverse the decline of Nature around the world. This isn’t just about saving rare species, it’s about sustaining the web of life upon which humankind ultimately depends, for food, water, health and climate regulation. Safeguarding all of that means that as the world charts a route to low carbon it must at the same time go high Nature.

    We will support the UK Governments to bring countries together and agree an ambitious plan for the recovery of the natural world backed by strong targets for 2030, making this a ‘Paris moment’ for Nature. The meeting has the chance to significantly increases the mobilisation of resources to implement such a plan. We know from numerous examples of nature recovery that we have helped deliver that this will be money well spent, and certainly cheaper than dealing with the consequences of not taking action”.

    Minister for International Nature, Lord Benyon said:

    A healthy natural environment is the cornerstone of a healthy climate, secure and clean water supplies and a resilient food supply.

    Only by working collaboratively together, sharing knowledge and arguing for high ambition we will achieve a set of robust commitments in Montreal which restore the natural world and tackle the twin challenges of nature loss and climate change

    At the Royal Society event the leaders of the UK’s nature conservation agencies said that they stand ready to support the four UK Governments both as advisers and as delivery partners.

    At the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference which concluded last week in Egypt, the UK government set out its ambitious commitments to recover the UK’s nature and provide a secure, sustainable future for all.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK concerned about Russian violations of international humanitarian law – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK concerned about Russian violations of international humanitarian law – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 November 2022.

    Ambassador Neil Bush criticises the Russian government and military for reported violations of international humanitarian law in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

    Thank you to both co-chairs for hosting this joint Permanent Council-Forum for Security Cooperation (PC-FSC) meeting on this important issue. I wish to thank the two speakers for their interventions. The UK continues to fully support the crucial work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and its unique role in upholding International Humanitarian Law (IHL). It is vital that we all uphold our commitments on IHL.

    Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we have been seriously concerned about Russian violations of International Humanitarian Law. The two Moscow Mechanism reports show we were right to be concerned. The reports noted “clear patterns of serious violations of IHL attributable mostly to the Russian armed forces”. Including the magnitude and frequency of the indiscriminate attacks. Carried out against civilians and civilian objects. Reports of torture. The execution of civilians. Unlawful detention. Enforced disappearances. Targeting civilians on their streets, in their cars, on their bicycles, on their balconies and in their homes. Victim-activated booby traps.  The rape of women. The rape of children. Violence towards men. The killing of journalists. Targeting of hospitals, of schools. The use of cluster munitions. Shallow graves. The threat of cholera. The use of filtration centres. These constitute an affront to humanity.

    Furthermore, ODIHR’s Interim Report expressed “clear concern” for Russia’s “general disregard” for the “basic principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions set out by IHL, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity”.

    Mr Chair, the targeting of critical civilian infrastructure has continued since these reports were published. Russia is trying to maximise civilian hardship over winter. Last week up to 10 million households were left without electricity. Water supplies have been hit. And we know that vulnerable groups suffer disproportionately – be it the elderly, those with medical conditions or disabilities. As President Putin will be aware, attacks which disproportionately kill civilians, and destroy objects indispensable to the survival of civilians, are prohibited under international humanitarian law. Evidence of war crimes has been mounting including in Bucha, Irpin Borodianka and Izyum with more and more allegations coming to light in Kherson. These actions are morally bankrupt.

    Both Moscow Mechanism reports document acts of sexual violence carried out by members of the Russian Armed Forces. This evidence exists because of the bravery of survivors, who, by telling their stories, break down stigma and enable justice. Their courage is striking when juxtaposed with the cowardice of their attackers, who hide behind propaganda spread by Russian government officials. Denying crimes of sexual violence is tantamount to defending them. Colleagues, I repeat the message that the UK has delivered many times: the use of sexual violence as a weapon is a war crime. We, the international community, will end impunity for sexual violence and hold those responsible to account.

    And it is not only civilians suffering. There is mounting evidence that Russia has failed to abide by its obligations under the third Geneva Convention – that all prisoners of war should be treated humanely, afforded appropriate medical treatment and basic necessities, and be protected from humiliating and degrading treatment. The UN Officer of the High Commissioner of Human Rights has documented the use by Russian forces in Ukraine of prolonged beatings, dog attacks and putting people in stress positions. Mr Chair – Wars have rules and these prohibit a detaining power from prosecuting prisoners of war for having participated in hostilities, or for lawful acts of war committed in the course of armed conflict.

    We need accountability. Those members of the Russian Government and individual members of the Russian military who have breached international humanitarian law and committed war crimes must be held to account. We are working through the OSCE, with Ukraine’s Prosecutor General and with international bodies like the International Criminal Court to pursue accountability for these crimes. The countless victims of Russia’s illegal invasion deserve justice.

    In closing, every day since the 24 February, we have seen the tragic consequences in Ukraine of Russia’s aggression, but every day we have also been reminded of the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. The United Kingdom will continue to do everything we can to support Ukraine, including through diplomacy, humanitarian aid and supporting accountability. The single biggest step to preventing further breaches of international humanitarian law in the OSCE area would be for Russia to withdraw fully and unconditionally from the whole territory of Ukraine. Let us ensure that becomes a reality.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and South Africa to work more closely on tackling pandemics and climate change [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and South Africa to work more closely on tackling pandemics and climate change [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 November 2022.

    British and South African researchers will save lives in the UK, South Africa and beyond – thanks to 9 collaborative research projects announced today.

    • UK and South Africa launch new agreement on health, building on close work on climate and other global challenges.
    • commitment made as South African President Ramaphosa, UK Health Secretary and HRH The Earl of Wessex visit the Crick Institute, the biggest biomedical research facility in Europe, and Kew Gardens
    • additional UK funding will aid future pandemic preparedness across 18 African countries

    British and South African researchers will save lives in the UK, South Africa and beyond – thanks to 9 collaborative research projects announced today.

    Institutions from across the UK and South Africa will undertake research into vital issues from health systems and financing to mental health and surgery.

    The projects formed part of a new agreement to enhance the UK-South Africa health partnership, signed by the South African Health Minister and UK Health Secretary today at the Francis Crick Institute in London, during the President of South Africa’s State Visit.

    The new agreement also includes new UK funding to bolster South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases and is supporting genomic sequencing to improve antimicrobial resistance surveillance on the African continent.

    With UK support, more than 17,000 genomes have been sequenced to date in South Africa. The new support will enable detection of dangerous diseases faster across at least 18 African countries, building resilience into our health systems and protecting the world against future pandemics.

    The partnership will prioritise building vaccine manufacturing in Africa so that vaccines can be developed and reach those who need them faster, including the most vulnerable. This in turn will mean the world will be better prepared for future pandemics.

    The UK and South Africa are also working together to protect global health systems from the increasing threat of climate change.

    UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    It is vital for countries across the world to work together to tackle global challenges like climate change and pandemic preparedness. This will benefit us all.

    The UK and South Africa have shown global leadership in joining together to protect people by preventing the spread of dangerous diseases, and by working to halt climate change – including through the ground-breaking Just Energy Transition Partnership, to help countries move away from using fossil fuels.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    Strengthening the partnership between the UK and South Africa is not only crucial in improving health and patient outcomes in both countries but it is also vital to add to the global resilience of our health systems.

    Through this partnership we will reinforce our shared commitment to ensuring the world is better prepared for future pandemics through joint research and building capability for disease surveillance including antimicrobial resistance.

    It was excellent to meet President Ramaphosa at the Francis Crick Institute, where staff showcased the best of innovative research technology the UK has to offer. I look forward to building on this important relationship with South Africa in the months ahead, to drive more effective global health systems, promote clinical and regulatory excellence and above all protect patient safety.

    UK Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Thérèse Coffey, and His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex also accompanied President Ramaphosa to Kew’s Royal Botanical Gardens, where a partnership with South African institutions is helping to preserve biodiversity and address climate change.

    A long-term partnership between Kew and South Africa National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), a key player in South Africa’s sustainable development, is ensuring the long-term survival of South Africa’s exceptionally rich plant diversity. The President and the Minister were able to see the flourishing fauna, such as the King Protea and heard from Kew’s experts on biodiversity.

    UK Secretary of State for the Environment Thérèse Coffey said:

    This visit highlights the fantastic biodiversity of South Africa and our longstanding scientific collaboration to protect nature. Both countries are working together to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

    At the upcoming UN Convention on Biological Diversity meeting in Montreal, we will work together to accelerate global efforts to end species extinction, increase protections and support a sustainable future for our planet.

    Recognising South Africa’s status as one of the world’s most nature diverse countries, Ministers discussed the importance of the upcoming negotiations for a post-2020 global biodiversity framework at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity meeting in Montreal. The negotiations are an opportunity for the globe to agree a Paris moment for nature, to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to significantly increase the mobilisation of resources to tackle nature loss.