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  • Rishi Sunak – 2020 Statement on Financial Services

    Rishi Sunak – 2020 Statement on Financial Services

    The statement made by Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the House of Commons on 9 November 2020.

    Mr Speaker,

    I would like to take this opportunity to update the House on our plans for one of the UK’s most productive and innovative sectors: financial services.

    Financial services will be essential to our economic recovery from coronavirus, creating jobs and growth right across our country.

    And as we leave the EU and start a new chapter in the history of financial services in this country we want to renew the UK’s position as the world’s preeminent financial centre.

    My Honourable Friend the Economic Secretary will lay the foundations later today through the Financial Services Bill.

    And I want to put the Bill into context, by setting out for the House our plans to make this country more open; more technologically advanced; and a world-leader in the use of green finance.

    Mr Speaker,

    Financial services have been fundamental to Britain’s economic strength for centuries. And they remain fundamental today.

    The vigour and creativity of this industry adds over £130 billion of value to the UK economy;

    Employs over a million people;

    And has been a critical source of revenues to support the NHS through coronavirus, contributing nearly £76bn in tax receipts last year.

    And let us put paid once and for all to the myth that “financial services” and the “City of London” are synonyms.

    Two thirds of the people employed in financial and professional services work outside London, in places like Edinburgh, Leeds, Durham, Cardiff and Belfast.

    And around half of all financial services exports come from outside London too with the North and Midlands alone exporting as much as the entire financial services industry of France.

    Mr Speaker,

    This is the start of a new chapter for financial services.

    The industry is better regulated, better capitalised and more resilient than in 2008.

    Coronavirus has reminded us financial services are essential services and the whole House will share my gratitude to the people keeping their local bank branches open;

    Supporting vulnerable customers;

    And working at extraordinary pace to deliver over £60 billion of new loan schemes.

    Reminding us that this industry is at its best when it puts the interest of consumers first.

    And, as we leave the European Union, we have an opportunity to set out a new vision for this sector.

    A vision based not on a race to the bottom, but for a financial services industry that is open, is innovative; and leads the world in the use of green finance.

    I’m taking three steps towards this vision today.

    Mr Speaker,

    Our first task as we write this new chapter for financial services is to give certainty on our approach to regulation after we leave the transition period.

    One of the central mechanisms for managing our cross-border financial services activity with the EU and beyond, is equivalence.

    I remain firmly of the view that it is in both the UK and EU’s interests to reach a comprehensive set of mutual decisions on equivalence.

    Throughout, our ambition has been to manage these cooperatively with the EU.

    But it is now clear there are many areas where the EU is simply not prepared to even assess the UK.

    So we need to now decide on how best to proceed.

    Of course, we will always want a constructive and engaged relationship with the European Union.

    But after four years I think it’s time for us to move forward as a country and do what’s right for the UK.

    To provide certainty and stability to industry, and deliver our goal of open, well-regulated markets I’m publishing today a set of equivalence decisions for the EU and EEA Member States.

    Of course, we’re ready to continue the conversation where we haven’t yet been able to take decisions.

    But in the absence of clarity from the EU, we’re acting unilaterally to provide certainty to firms both here and in Europe.

    I’m also publishing today a detailed framework for our approach to equivalence more generally.

    Our approach here is simple: we will use equivalence when it is in the UK’s economic interests to do so taking a technical, outcomes-based approach that prioritises stability, openness, and transparency.

    And, of course, we now have the freedom to build new, deeper financial services relationships with countries outside the European Union.

    We’re making good on that promise already, progressing our partnership with Switzerland – the second biggest financial hub in Europe after the UK;

    With India, holding a significant economic and financial dialogue just two weeks ago;

    And with Japan, agreeing a new partnership that goes further than the EU’s own financial services arrangements.

    But Mr Speaker,

    Equivalence is not our only tool to ensure openness as a jurisdiction.

    Control of our own regulatory regime means we need to be clear with our trading partners about how overseas firms access the UK’s markets in a way that is predictable, safe and transparent.

    So I’m announcing today that we’ll launch a call for evidence on our overseas regime, before setting out our future approach next year.

    To boost the number of new companies who want to list here in the UK, I’m setting up a taskforce to make recommendations early next year on our future listings regime.

    To build on the 113,000 jobs already supported by investment management, we’ll shortly publish a consultation on reforming the UK’s regime for investment funds.

    To encourage UK pension funds to direct more of their half a trillion pounds of capital towards our economic recovery I’m committing to the UK’s first Long-Term Asset Fund being up and running within a year.

    And to make sure UK financial services exports to the EU remain competitive, we will treat those exports the same as we do for other countries.

    This means UK firms will be able to reclaim input VAT on financial services exports to the EU – support for British industry and British jobs worth £800m.

    Mr Speaker,

    We’re known in this country not just for our openness – but for our ingenuity and inventiveness, too.

    So the second part of our new financial chapter for financial services will use technology to deliver better outcomes for consumers and businesses.

    So we are:

    Building on our existing strengths as a leading global destination to start, grow and invest in FinTech and I look forward to welcoming Ron Kalifa’s report in this important area.

    We’re staying at the cutting-edge of payments technologies where we’ve just concluded the first stage of our Payments Landscape Review and will shortly publish new plans to support the sector.

    And by making sure our regulatory environment is ready to manage the far-reaching implications of technology on money itself.

    We’ll publish a consultation shortly to make sure new forms of privately-issued currencies, known as stablecoins, meet the same high standards we expect of other payment methods.

    And the Bank of England and the Treasury are considering further if central banks can issue their own digital currencies, as a complement to cash.

    Finally, Mr Speaker,

    This new chapter means putting the full weight of private sector innovation, expertise and capital behind the critical global effort to tackle climate change and protect the environment.

    We’re announcing the UK’s intention to mandate climate disclosures by large companies and financial institutions across our economy, by 2025.

    Going further than recommended by the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.

    And the first G20 country to do so.

    We’re implementing a new ‘green taxonomy’, robustly classifying what we mean by ‘green’ to help firms and investors better understand the impact of their investments on the environment.

    And, to meet growing investor demand, the UK will, subject to market conditions, issue our first ever Sovereign Green Bond next year.

    This will be the first in a series of new issuances, as we look to build out a “green curve” over the coming years helping to fund projects to tackle climate change, finance much-needed infrastructure investment, and create green jobs across this country.

    Mr Speaker,

    We’ve set out today our vision for this new chapter in the UK’s financial services industry.

    A vision of a global, open industry, where British finance and expertise is prized and sought after in Europe and beyond.

    A technologically advanced industry, using all its ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for consumers and businesses.

    A greener industry, using innovation and finance to tackle climate change and protect our environment.

    And, above all, an industry that serves the people of this country, acting in the interests of communities and citizens creating jobs, supporting businesses, and powering growth as we direct all our strengths towards economic recovery.

    And I commend this statement to the House.

  • Boris Johnson – 2020 Statement on the Coronavirus

    Boris Johnson – 2020 Statement on the Coronavirus

    The statement made by Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, on 9 November 2020.

    Across the country and around the world this evening,

    people are asking one question about our fight against Covid,

    does the news of progress towards a vaccine – that’s been announced today – mean we are at the beginning of the end of our troubles?

    So, let me set out our assessment.

    The Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine has been tested on over 40,000 volunteers and interim results suggest it is proving 90 per cent effective at protecting people against the virus.

    But we haven’t yet seen the full safety data,

    and these findings also need to be peer-reviewed.

    So we have cleared one significant hurdle but there are several more to go before we know the vaccine can be used.

    What I can say is that if and when this vaccine is approved, we, in this country, will be ready to start using it.

    Earlier this year the UK Government ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine – enough for about a third of the population, since you need two doses each.

    That puts us towards the front of the international pack on a per capita basis – and I should add we’ve ordered over 300 million doses from 5 other vaccine candidates as well.

    If the Pfizer vaccine passes all the rigorous safety checks and is proved to be effective then we will begin a UK-wide NHS led programme of vaccine distribution.

    We will decide the order in which people are offered the vaccination taking account of recommendations from a group of scientific experts, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

    They’re looking at a range of factors, including the different characteristics of different types of vaccines, to work out the most effective way to protect as many people as possible and save as many lives as we can.

    And we will be setting out more detail about that in due course.

    But – and you know I am going to say this –

    I must stress, these are very, very early days.

    We have talked for a long time, or I have, about the distant bugle of the scientific cavalry coming over the brow of the hill

    And tonight that toot of the bugle is louder.

    But it is still some way off.

    And we absolutely cannot rely on this as a solution.

    The biggest mistake we could make now would be to slacken our resolve at such a critical moment.

    On Friday, SAGE reported that the R is above 1 in England – though this does not take into account the current national restrictions.

    Alas, the death figures are tragically rising, running at an average of over 300 a day – sadly double where they were 24 days ago

    The number of Covid patients in hospital has risen from just over 10,000 two weeks ago to nearly 13,000 on 5 November,

    and we are heading towards the levels of the previous peak.

    Irrespective of whether there is a vaccine on the way or not

    we must continue to do everything possible right now to bring the R down.

    And that is why we hope and believe that mass testing will help.

    Our first pilot began in Liverpool on Friday, in partnership with Liverpool City Council.

    We’ve tested thousands of people there but there are still a lot more to do, so please if you are in Liverpool, get yourself along to a testing centre – there are 19 at the moment with more still to come.

    The more people get tested the better we can protect that great city, and drive the disease down in Liverpool

    so do it for your friends, for your relatives, for your community.

    And I want to thank the fantastic support of the army, the people of Liverpool and Liverpool City Council.

    And we are now going further by sending out hundreds of thousands of rapid lateral flow tests to local authorities right across England – and also of course to the Devolved Administrations.

    We’re also working with universities to establish, as soon as possible, similar mass testing capacity for students up and down the country.

    But while we are making progress this project is still in its infancy.

    And neither mass testing nor progress on vaccines –both vital arrows in our epidemiological quiver, both key parts of our fight against Covid – are at the present time a substitute for the national restrictions, for social distancing, for hand hygiene and all the rest.

    So it is all the more important to follow the rules.

    I know it’s been a tough first weekend of these Autumn restrictions

    and I’m especially grateful to the Royal British Legion and all those who worked so hard to ensure that no virus would stop us yesterday from honouring the memory of those who gave their lives for our freedom.

    But we must get through this to 2nd December, when these measures expire and we plan to move forward with a tiered approach.

    Remember the basics, hands, face, space,

    and the follow the rules,

    that is how we can together protect our NHS, save lives and get this virus back in its box.

    And that is what we will do.

    So thank you.

    And I’m now going to hand over to Brigadier Fossey to talk about how the unrivalled logistical expertise of the British army that’s helping to deliver mass testing to Liverpool.

     

  • Kamala Harris – 2020 Speech Following Election as US Vice-President

    Kamala Harris – 2020 Speech Following Election as US Vice-President

    The speech made by Kamala Harris, the US Vice-President Elect, on 7 November 2020.

    Good evening.

    Congressman John Lewis, before his passing, wrote: “Democracy is not a state. It is an act.”

    And what he meant was that America’s democracy is not guaranteed.

    It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it, to guard it and never take it for granted.

    And protecting our democracy takes struggle.

    It takes sacrifice. There is joy in it and there is progress.

    Because ‘We The People’ have the power to build a better future.

    And when our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake, and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America.

    To our campaign staff and volunteers, this extraordinary team — thank you for bringing more people than ever before into the democratic process and for making this victory possible.

    To the poll workers and election officials across our country who have worked tirelessly to make sure every vote is counted — our nation owes you a debt of gratitude as you have protected the integrity of our democracy.

    And to the American people who make up our beautiful country — thank you for turning out in record numbers to make your voices heard.

    I know times have been challenging, especially the last several months.

    The grief, sorrow, and pain. The worries and the struggles.

    But we’ve also witnessed your courage, your resilience, and the generosity of your spirit.

    For 4 years, you marched and organized for equality and justice, for our lives, and for our planet.

    And then, you voted. You delivered a clear message.

    You chose hope, unity, decency, science, and, yes, truth.

    You chose Joe Biden as the next president of the United States of America.

    Joe is a healer. A uniter. A tested and steady hand.

    A person whose own experience of loss gives him a sense of purpose that will help us, as a nation, reclaim our own sense of purpose.

    And a man with a big heart who loves with abandon.

    It’s his love for Jill, who will be an incredible first lady.

    It’s his love for Hunter, Ashley, his grandchildren, and the entire Biden family.

    And while I first knew Joe as Vice President, I really got to know him as the father who loved Beau, my dear friend, who we remember here today.

    To my husband Doug, our children Cole and Ella, my sister Maya, and our whole family — I love you all more than I can express.

    We are so grateful to Joe and Jill for welcoming our family into theirs on this incredible journey.

    And to the woman most responsible for my presence here today — my mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who is always in our hearts.

    When she came here from India at the age of 19, maybe she didn’t quite imagine this moment.

    But she believed so deeply in an America where a moment like this is possible.

    So, I’m thinking about her and about the generations of women — Black women.

    Asian, White, Latina, and Native American women throughout our nation’s history who have paved the way for this moment tonight.

    Women who fought and sacrificed so much for equality, liberty, and justice for all, including the Black women, who are too often overlooked, but so often prove that they are the backbone of our democracy.

    All the women who worked to secure and protect the right to vote for over a century: 100 years ago with the 19th Amendment, 55 years ago with the Voting Rights Act, and now, in 2020, with a new generation of women in our country who cast their ballots and continued the fight for their fundamental right to vote and be heard.

    Tonight, I reflect on their struggle, their determination and the strength of their vision — to see what can be unburdened by what has been — I stand on their shoulders.

    And what a testament it is to Joe’s character that he had the audacity to break one of the most substantial barriers that exists in our country and select a woman as his vice president.

    But while I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last.

    Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.

    And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message:

    Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before.

    And we will applaud you every step of the way.

    To the American people:

    No matter who you voted for, I will strive to be the vice president that Joe was to President Obama — loyal, honest, and prepared, waking up every day thinking of you and your families. Because now is when the real work begins.

    The hard work. The necessary work. The good work.

    The essential work to save lives and beat this pandemic.

    To rebuild our economy so it works for working people.

    To root out systemic racism in our justice system and society.

    To combat the climate crisis.

    To unite our country and heal the soul of our nation.

    The road ahead will not be easy.

    But America is ready. And so are Joe and I.

    We have elected a president who represents the best in us.

    A leader the world will respect and our children can look up to.

    A commander-in-chief who will respect our troops and keep our country safe.

    And a president for all Americans.

    It is now my great honor to introduce the President-elect of the United States of America, Joe Biden.

  • Joe Biden – 2020 Speech Following Election as US President

    Joe Biden – 2020 Speech Following Election as US President

    The speech made by Joe Biden, President-Elect of the United States, made on 7 November 2020.

    My fellow Americans, the people of this nation have spoken.

    They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory.

    A victory for “We the People.”

    We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation — 74 million.

    I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me.

    I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide, but to unify.

    Who doesn’t see red and blue states, but a United States.

    And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people.

    For that is what America is about: The people.

    And that is what our administration will be about.

    I sought this office to restore the soul of America.

    To rebuild the backbone of the nation — the middle class.

    To make America respected around the world again, and to unite us here at home.

    It is the honor of my lifetime that so many millions of Americans have voted for this vision.

    And now the work of making this vision real is the task of our time.

    As I said many times before, I’m Jill’s husband.

    I would not be here without the love and tireless support of Jill, Hunter, Ashley, all of our grandchildren and their spouses, and all our family.

    They are my heart.

    Jill’s a mom — a military mom — and an educator.

    She has dedicated her life to education, but teaching isn’t just what she does — it’s who she is. For America’s educators, this is a great day: You’re going to have one of your own in the White House, and Jill is going to make a great first lady.

    And I will be honored to be serving with a fantastic vice president — Kamala Harris — who will make history as the first woman, first Black woman, first woman of South Asian descent, and first daughter of immigrants ever elected to national office in this country.

    It’s long overdue, and we’re reminded tonight of all those who fought so hard for so many years to make this happen. But once again, America has bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.

    Kamala, Doug — like it or not — you’re family. You’ve become honorary Bidens and there’s no way out.

    To all those who volunteered, worked the polls in the middle of this pandemic, local election officials — you deserve a special thanks from this nation.

    To my campaign team, and all the volunteers, to all those who gave so much of themselves to make this moment possible, I owe you everything.

    And to all those who supported us: I am proud of the campaign we built and ran. I am proud of the coalition we put together, the broadest and most diverse in history.

    Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

    Progressives, moderates and conservatives.

    Young and old.

    Urban, suburban and rural.

    Gay, straight, transgender.

    White. Latino. Asian. Native American.

    And especially for those moments when this campaign was at its lowest — the African American community stood up again for me. They always have my back, and I’ll have yours.

    I said from the outset I wanted a campaign that represented America, and I think we did that. Now that’s what I want the administration to look like.

    And to those who voted for President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight.

    I’ve lost a couple of elections myself.

    But now, let’s give each other a chance.

    It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric.

    To lower the temperature.

    To see each other again.

    To listen to each other again.

    To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy.

    We are not enemies. We are Americans.

    The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal.

    This is the time to heal in America.

    Now that the campaign is over, what is the people’s will? What is our mandate?

    I believe it is this: Americans have called on us to marshal the forces of decency and the forces of fairness. To marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time.

    The battle to control the virus.

    The battle to build prosperity.

    The battle to secure your family’s health care.

    The battle to achieve racial justice and root out systemic racism in this country.

    The battle to save the climate.

    The battle to restore decency, defend democracy, and give everybody in this country a fair shot.

    Our work begins with getting COVID under control.

    We cannot repair the economy, restore our vitality, or relish life’s most precious moments — hugging a grandchild, birthdays, weddings, graduations, all the moments that matter most to us — until we get this virus under control.

    On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as transition advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021.

    That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern.

    I will spare no effort — or commitment — to turn this pandemic around.

    I ran as a proud Democrat. I will now be an American president. I will work as hard for those who didn’t vote for me as (for) those who did.

    Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end, here and now.

    The refusal of Democrats and Republicans to cooperate with one another is not due to some mysterious force beyond our control.

    It’s a decision. It’s a choice we make.

    And if we can decide not to cooperate, then we can decide to cooperate. And I believe that this is part of the mandate from the American people. They want us to cooperate.

    That’s the choice I’ll make. And I call on the Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, to make that choice with me.

    The American story is about the slow, yet steady widening of opportunity.

    Make no mistake: Too many dreams have been deferred for too long.

    We must make the promise of the country real for everybody, no matter their race, their ethnicity, their faith, their identity, or their disability.

    America has always been shaped by inflection points, by moments in time where we’ve made hard decisions about who we are and what we want to be.

    Lincoln in 1860 — coming to save the Union.

    FDR in 1932 — promising a beleaguered country a New Deal.

    JFK in 1960 — pledging a New Frontier.

    And twelve years ago, when Barack Obama made history, and told us, “Yes, we can.”

    We stand again at an inflection point.

    We have the opportunity to defeat despair and to build a nation of prosperity and purpose.

    We can do it. I know we can.

    I’ve long talked about the battle for the soul of America.

    We must restore the soul of America.

    Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses.

    It is time for our better angels to prevail.

    Tonight, the whole world is watching America. I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe.

    And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.

    I’ve always believed we can define America in one word: Possibilities.

    That in America everyone should be given the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and God-given ability will take them.

    You see, I believe in the possibility of this country.

    We’re always looking ahead.

    Ahead to an America that’s freer and more just.

    Ahead to an America that creates jobs with dignity and respect.

    Ahead to an America that cures disease(s) like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

    Ahead to an America that never leaves anyone behind.

    Ahead to an America that never gives up, never gives in.

    This is a great nation.

    And we are a good people.

    This is the United States of America.

    And there has never been anything we haven’t been able to do when we’ve done it together.

    In the last days of the campaign, I’ve been thinking about a hymn that means a lot to me and to my family, particularly my deceased son Beau. It captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America.

    And I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the more than 230,000 families who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus this year. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Hopefully this hymn gives you solace as well.

    ’And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,

    Bear you on the breath of dawn,

    Make you to shine like the sun,

    And hold you in the palm of His Hand.′

    And now, together — on eagle’s wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do.

    With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country and a thirst for justice, let us be the nation that we know we can be.

    A nation united.

    A nation strengthened.

    A nation healed.

    The United States of America.

    God bless you.

    And may God protect our troops.

  • Nicola Sturgeon – 2020 Comments on Joe Biden Becoming US President

    Nicola Sturgeon – 2020 Comments on Joe Biden Becoming US President

    The comments made by Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, on 7 November 2020.

    I warmly congratulate President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their success. Theirs is a historic victory that will be welcomed by progressives across the globe. Women and people of colour in particular will feel inspired by the historic nature of Vice President-elect Harris’ achievement.

    I welcome the commitment that was so evident in the Biden/Harris campaign to leadership and multilateral cooperation on the many challenges faced by countries across the world, from COVID-19 to climate change.

    Scotland and America share deep and longstanding bonds of friendship, and I look forward to these being renewed and strengthened in the years ahead.

  • Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on Remembrance Sunday

    Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on Remembrance Sunday

    The comments made by Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 8 November 2020.

    Many of the men and women on parade today have already taken part in efforts to fight coronavirus and many more will do so in the weeks to come. I applaud their selflessness.

    Whilst remembrance looks different this year, we have made extra efforts to demonstrate our undiminished respect for those who have gone before, and our firm commitment to the continued safety of the British people.

  • Oliver Dowden – 2020 Comments on Remembrance Sunday

    Oliver Dowden – 2020 Comments on Remembrance Sunday

    The comments made by Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on 8 November 2020.

    Remembrance Sunday is an important date in our national calendar when we come together as a nation to remember and give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedoms.

    While this year’s service is a little different to normal, I want to encourage everyone to get involved from their own homes – watch on your TV, research your family history – but most importantly, keep safe.

  • Boris Johnson – 2020 Comments on Remembrance Sunday

    Boris Johnson – 2020 Comments on Remembrance Sunday

    The comments made by Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, on 8 November 2020.

    We come together every November to commemorate the servicemen and women from Britain and the Commonwealth who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

    In this time of adversity, no virus can stop us from honouring their memory, particularly when we have just celebrated the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War.

    And in times of trial, our tributes matter even more. So let’s come together once again and remember those to whom we owe so much.

  • Therese Coffey – 2020 Comments on Winter Package to Support Families

    Therese Coffey – 2020 Comments on Winter Package to Support Families

    The comments made by Therese Coffey, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on 8 November 2020.

    We want to make sure vulnerable people feel cared for throughout this difficult time and, above all, no one should go hungry or be unable to pay their bills this winter.

    We know this has been a challenging time for many, and we have consistently supported the lowest-paid families, protecting 9 million jobs with furlough and boosting welfare support by £9.3 billion.

    This package builds on that support, and by extending our successful Holiday Activities and Food programme, as well as funding a £170 million Covid Winter Grant Scheme, we are making sure families get the help they need.

  • Dominic Raab – 2020 Comments on Joe Biden’s Election as US President

    Dominic Raab – 2020 Comments on Joe Biden’s Election as US President

    The comments made by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, on 7 November 2020.

    My congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on winning this election, with more votes than any candidate in US history. President Trump fought hard in what proved a close contest.

    We’re looking forward to working with the new administration on all of our shared interests, from tackling Covid-19 to counter-terrorism, and collaborating closely through our Presidencies of COP26 and the G7 next year. The friendship between the UK and US has always been a force for good in the world.