At last: UK finally suspends some arms sales to Israel

Foreign Secretary David Lammy yesterday gave a statement to the House of Commons on UK policy on arms export licenses to Israel:

With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on the Middle East.

On taking office, in July, I told this House that this government’s priority in the region would be to advance the cause of peace.

This continues to be our mission, on every front.

In Israel, in the West Bank, in Lebanon, in the Red Sea, and of course in Gaza, where we need an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the immediate release of all hostages, and more aid getting into Gaza.

Over the summer, we were faced with the prospect of full-scale war breaking out between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel.

On each of the three visits I have made to the region, including alongside my Right Honourable Friend the Defence Secretary and my most recent joint visit with the French Foreign Minister, I have urged Lebanese Hizballah, the Lebanese government, and Israel to engage with the US-led discussions to resolve their disagreements diplomatically and to reach a peaceful solution through the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701.

As we continue to work with our allies and partners to push for a diplomatic solution we nonetheless stand ready for the worst-case scenario including the potential evacuation of British nationals. And our message to those still in Lebanon remains clear: leave now.

Mr Speaker, our common goal of peace in the Middle East will never be lasting until there is safety, security, and sovereignty for both Israel and a Palestinian state.

We must all keep at the forefront of our minds the pain, anguish, and horror this conflict has caused for so many ordinary civilians.

The victims of the October the seventh atrocity. the hostages and all those still enduring unimaginable suffering, whether they are hoping to see their loved ones again…or mourning their loss, as the tragic events of this weekend illustrate, as the bodies of six murdered hostages were recovered.

The Israeli people still living under rocket fire not only from Hamas but from other hostile actors explicitly dedicated to Israel’s annihilation, fighting an enemy in Hamas whose appalling tactics endanger countless civilian lives.

And the innocent Palestinians, tens of thousands killed in the fighting – their numbers growing by the day, including distressing numbers of women and children, many mothers so malnourished they cannot produce milk for their babies,families struggling to keep their children alive, disease and famine looming ever larger.

Heroic humanitarians putting their lives on the line to help others, like the brave aid workers I met from United Nations agencies,and from the Palestine Red Crescent Society warehouse I visited alongside France’s Foreign Minister last month.

Indeed, last Thursday, the UK led a session at the UN Security Council, encouraging a continued global focus on the protection of civilians in Gaza, including the need for action on polio.

And now, deeply worrying escalation in the West Bank as well as in Gaza with many communities facing rising settler violence amid an ongoing occupation.

And so many on either side of this terrible conflict convinced that the world does not grasp the reality of Israel’s predicament or the depth of Palestinian suffering.

Throughout my life, I have been a friend of Israel – a liberal, progressive Zionist, who believes in Israel as a democratic state and homeland for the Jewish people which has both the right to exist and defend itself but I believe also that Israel will only exist in safety and security if there is a two-state solution that guarantees the rights of all Israel’s Israeli citizens and of their Palestinian neighbours who have their own inalienable right to self-determination and security.

Mr Speaker, as concern at the horrifying scenes in Gaza has risen. many in this House as well as esteemed lawyers and international organisations have raised British arms export licensing to Israel.

After raising my own concerns from opposition, on taking office, I immediately sought an up-to-date the review. And on my first appearance as Foreign Secretary in this House …I committed to sharing the review’s conclusions.

We have rigorously followed every stage of the process which the previous Conservative government established. Let me first be clear on this Review’s scope.

This Government is not an international court. We have not – and could not – arbitrate on whether or not Israel has breached international humanitarian law.

This is a forward-looking evaluation, not a determination of innocence or guilt. And it does not prejudge any future determinations by the competent courts. But facing a conflict such as this, it is this Government’s legal duty to review export licences.

Criterion 2C of the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria states that the Government will “not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law”.

It is with regret that I inform the House today, the assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

I have informed my Right Honourable Friend, the Business and Trade Secretary. And he is therefore today announcing the suspension of around 30, from a total of approximately 350 to Israel, as required under the Export Controls Act.

These include equipment that we assess is for use in the current conflict in Gaza, such as important components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as items which facilitate ground targeting.

And For transparency, this government is publishing a summary of our assessment.

Today, I want to underline four points about these decisions.

First, Israel’s actions in Gaza continue to lead to immense loss of civilian life, widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure, and immense suffering.

In many cases, it has not been possible to reach a determinative conclusion on allegations regarding Israel’s conduct of hostilities, in part, because there is insufficient information either from Israel, …or other reliable sources to verify such claims.

Nevertheless, it is the assessment of His Majesty’s Government, that Israel could reasonably do much more to ensure lifesaving food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza – in light of the appalling humanitarian situation.

And this government is also deeply concerned by credible claims of mistreatment of detainees which the International Committee of the Red Cross cannot investigate after being denied access to places of detention.

Both my predecessor and all our major allies have repeatedly and forcefully raised these concerns with the Israeli government. Regrettably, they have not been addressed satisfactorily.

Second, there can be no doubt that Hamas pays not the slightest heed to international humanitarian law and endangers civilians by embedding itself in the tightly concentrated civilian population and in civilian infrastructure.

There is no equivalence between Hamas terrorists and Israel’s democratic government – or indeed, Iran and their partners and proxies.

But to licence arms exports to Israel, we must assess their compliance with international humanitarian law notwithstanding the abhorrence of their opponents’ tactics and ideology.

Third, this is not a blanket ban. This is not an arms embargo. It targets around 30 approximately of 350 licenses to Israel in total for items which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza.

The rest will continue.

Neither will the action we are taking have a material impact on Israel’s security.

This suspension only covers items which might be used in the current conflict. There are a number of export licences which we have assessed are not for military use in the current conflict and therefore do not require suspension.

These include items that are not being used by the Israel Defence Forces in the current conflict, such as trainee aircraft or other naval equipment.

These also include export licences for civilian use – covering a range of products such as food-testing chemicals, telecoms, and data equipment.

Nor will it prejudge the international collaboration, global F-35 programme that supplies aircraft for more than twenty countries – and that is crucial to wider peace and security.

Indeed, the effects of suspending all licences for the F-35 programme would undermine the global F35 supply chain that is vital for the security of the UK, our allies, and NATO.

Therefore, the Business and Trade Secretary has exempted these licences from his decision.

Fourth, the Government will keep our position under review.

Commitment to comply with international humanitarian law is not the only criterion in making export licensing decisions.

We will continue to work with our allies to improve the situation. And foreign policy of course involves tough choices.

But I will always seek to take such decisions in line with our principles – and I will keep this the House updated, in line with my previous commitment.

Mr Speaker, we do not take this decision lightly, but we note that on previous occasions Ministers from all sides of this House – Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat – chose not to licence exports to Israel.

In 1982, Margaret Thatcher imposed an arms embargo and oil embargo on Israel as they fought in Lebanon. onflicts in Gaza prompted Gordon Brown to suspend five licences in 2009 and Vince Cable chose not to issue new licences while conducting a review in 2014.

Like them, this government takes seriously its role in applying export licensing law reflecting the published criteria and the specific circumstances.

But let me leave this House in no doubt. The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.

In April, British fighter jets intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, preventing significant loss of civilian life.

We supported robust action against the Iranian backed Houthis in Yemen, who have attacked Israel directly as well as Israeli-linked shipping.

And Iran should be in no doubt of our commitment to challenge their reckless and destabilizing activity, in the region and across the world.

We will continue to work hand-in-glove with our international partners, to stand up to Iranian aggression and malign activity – wherever it is find and whenever we see it.

We continue to hold Iran to account – including though extensive use of sanctions. And today, we are doing so again.

We are announcing new sanctions on four IRGC-Quds Force targets who have a role in supporting Iranian proxy actions in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

Through the UK’s dedicated Iran sanctions regime we have sanctioned over 400 Iranian individuals and entities.

And through our work with partners, we are exposing and containing Iran’s destabilizing weapons development, where soon, we will be introducing further regulations to bolster existing bans on the export of goods and technology significant to Iran’s production of drones and missiles.

So let me be clear – we will continue to work with Israel and our partners to tackle the threat from Iran across the region.

This government will continue to stand for Israel’s security. And we will always do so in a manner consistent with our obligations to domestic and international law.

Mr Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews commented last night:

Lammy: ‘It’s never too late for peace in the Middle East’

‘we must break the cycle of violence’

David Lammy and his French counterpart Stéphane Séjourné write for The Observer on how a ceasefire could enable progress towards a two-state solution – the only long-term route to safety and security:

This is a perilous moment in the Middle East. Israel’s actions in Gaza continue to lead to intolerable loss of civilian life. Hostages taken by Hamas terrorists remain in chains, 316 days since the 7 October attack. There are French and British citizens among them.

Fighting between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah has intensified. Iranian threats of further escalation mean the risks of a full-scale regional war are rising.

What we are witnessing is a destructive cycle of violence. One miscalculation, and the situation risks spiralling into an even deeper and more intractable conflict. This cycle, with its tendency towards escalation, is making progress towards a political solution harder.

Our response is to reconnect – using the joint strengths of our diplomacy to press a common message. We, the foreign ministers of France and the United Kingdom, travelled together last week to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

By making the first joint visit by a British and French foreign minister for well over a decade, we are showing our commitment to working ever more closely together in a new spirit of cooperation, in the interests of our national security, Europe’s security and the Middle East’s security.

Our countries have a strong record of working together to tackle today’s challenges and, 80 years on from the D-day landings and the liberation of France, we must continue to exercise global leadership in an era of renewed geopolitical instability.

The UK and France are united behind a common set of messages which we delivered to Israelis and Palestinians, including in meetings with Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, and the Palestinian Authority’s prime minister, Mohammad Mustafa.

As UN security council permanent members, we share not only a common interest, but a common responsibility to play our part in the security of Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the stability of the region as a whole.

All sides should focus on the recently restarted negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. These talks offer a vital opportunity to secure an immediate ceasefire that ends the horrendous conflict in Gaza. A route to securing the release of all the hostages still cruelly held by Hamas. And a pathway to restoring stability to a region already under immense suffering and facing the prospect of far worse.

Our visit to a Palestine Red Crescent Society warehouse was a stark reminder of the toll of this conflict, which is unacceptable. Without progress towards a ceasefire, this will only worsen. Brave healthcare workers across humanitarian organisations are racing to prevent an all-out polio outbreak but they can only start vaccinating if it’s safe to do so.

It’s never too late for peace. An all-out conflict across the region is in nobody’s interests. All parties need to show restraint and invest in diplomacy. Any Iranian attack would have devastating consequences, not least in undermining current Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

The UK and France are not alone in highlighting the urgency of diplomacy to avoid further conflict. Both of us have talked to counterparts across the region and beyond, who share our desire to see a de-escalation in the current tensions. American, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are playing a particularly valuable role in coordinating the negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal.

And our engagement reinforces our conviction that urgently securing such a deal is in the interests of Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region. Only a deal can relieve civilian suffering. Only a deal can restore communities’ sense of security. Only a deal can open up the space for progress towards a two-state solution – the only long-term route to safety, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

There can be no delays or excuses. We must all come together. Reconnect in the interests of peace.

Only a political solution can deliver the peace we so desperately need. That’s why we want not just a ceasefire in Gaza but why we are urging Israel, Hezbollah and Lebanon to engage with the US-led discussions to resolve their tensions diplomatically, based on the principles set out by UN security council resolution 1701.

Lammy has been criticised for removing a yellow pin badge expressing solidarity with Israeli hostages when meeting the Palestinian prime minister.

The Foreign Secretary and Stephane Sejourne, his French counterpart, wore the symbols on their suits as they met with Israel Katz, the foreign minister of Israel, on Friday.

Joint statement on the Middle East: 12th August 2024

Joint Statement from the Leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom on the Middle East:

We, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, welcome the tireless work of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States towards an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

We endorse the joint statement of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, President Sisi and President Biden calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations. We agree that there can be no further delay.

We have been working with all parties to prevent escalation and will spare no effort to reduce tensions and find a path to stability. The fighting must end now, and all hostages still detained by Hamas must be released. The people of Gaza need urgent and unfettered delivery and distribution of aid.

We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region, and united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability. In this context, and in particular, we call on Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardise the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardise this opportunity for peace and stability. No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.

President Emmanuel Macron of France

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom

PM meets Ukraine’s President

The Prime Minister met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit yesterday

The Prime Minister met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit yesterday. 

The Prime Minister offered his deepest condolences for the awful attack on a Ukrainian hospital. 

The Prime Minister reiterated that the change in government in the UK meant no change in the UK’s support for Ukraine, as illustrated by the early visit of the Defence Secretary. 

President Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for his kind words in relation to the attack of the hospital, and the immediate steps the UK has taken to further support Ukraine.

They discussed further work to strengthen the maritime capability coalition, broader Ukrainian defensive capabilities, and diplomatic efforts to build on the recent Peace Summit in Switzerland. 

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to speaking further at the European Political Community meeting in the UK next week.

UK to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, PM to tell NATO

The international community cannot waver in the face of relentless Russian aggression, the Prime Minister will tell NATO today

  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer recommits to £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine until 2030/31 and for as long as needed
  • He will warn Allies that the frontline defence of the Euro-Atlantic region is the Ukrainian trenches 
  • Comes after the UK pledges to accelerate lethal aid support to Kyiv 

The international community cannot waver in the face of relentless Russian aggression, the Prime Minister will tell NATO today as he doubles down on the UK’s £3 billion per year package of military funding for as long as needed. 

The confirmation of the UK’s multi-year £3 billion military funding package for Ukraine comes after President Putin unleashed a string of sickening attacks this week, including a devastating attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv. 

The Prime Minister will tell NATO leaders that President Putin’s depraved acts will only serve to steel the international community’s resolve to support Ukraine. 

As well as ensuring Ukraine has the financial support it needs to plan and fuel its defence against Russian forces, the UK will deliver a new package of artillery and 90 Brimstone missiles in the coming weeks. 

The commitment was made by the Defence Secretary after he travelled to Ukraine – at the request of the Prime Minister – on his first full day in the office. 

The UK has also confirmed it will contribute £40 million to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine. The UK is the third largest donor to the Package, ensuring Ukraine can access vital assistance in key areas including counter drone protection, demining of recaptured land and medical rehabilitation of its injured military personnel. 

In addition, the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine will place a new order, worth £300 million, for 120,000 rounds of 152mm soviet-era ammunition bolstering Ukraine’s defences against Russia.

Speaking to President Zelenskyy in their first official bilateral, the Prime Minister underscored that Ukraine is on an irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO. 

The Prime Minister also met President Biden at the White House last night..

The Prime Minister congratulated President Biden for hosting an excellent NATO summit so far. Both leaders agreed that in its 75th year, NATO is stronger and more united than ever. 

They reflected on the importance of the NATO alliance and the special relationship in the context of current geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. They agreed we must continue to do whatever it takes to support Ukraine and ensure aggressors like Putin do not win.

Moving on to discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza, they discussed their shared ambition for an immediate ceasefire to get hostages out, get humanitarian aid in and make progress towards a two-state solution. 

The President welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent comments on establishing closer relationships with our European counterparts, as well as the UK’s commitment to AUKUS. They reflected that at a time when we face growing challenges across the world, we are at our strongest when we unite and work together.

This morning [Thursday, 11 July], the Prime Minister will tell NATO allies during a special session on Ukraine that the alliance must follow in the footsteps of its founders and stand up for the values the international community holds so dear. 

He will also warn that the frontline defence of the Euro-Atlantic region is the Ukrainian trenches. 

He will say: “NATO was founded by the generation who defeated fascism. They understood not just the value of our strength, but the strength of our values. 

“Those values are under attack once again. Putin needs to hear a clear message ringing out from this summit – a message of unity and determination, that we will support Ukraine with whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to uphold our shared values and our shared security. “ 

The UK has delivered almost £12.5bn in military, humanitarian and economic support for Ukraine since Russia’s illegal and miscalculated full scale invasion in February 2022. 

This year alone, the UK has committed 200 new air defence missiles, more than £300 million worth of advanced drones and 50 new sanctions to suffocate profit streams fuelling Putin’s war machine. 

Since the launch of Putin’s assault, the Ministry of Defence estimates that more than 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured in pursuit of his pointless ambitions.

Israel to ‘legalise’ five outposts in West Bank

The UK government has released a statement in response to Israel announcing that five outposts are to be ‘legalised’ in the West Bank.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “The UK strongly opposes the announcement that five outposts are to be legalised in the West Bank as well as further punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority.

“Israel must halt its illegal settlement expansion and hold to account those responsible for extremist settler violence.

“We are clear that actions by Israel to weaken the Palestinian Authority must stop. We call for longer-term measures to be put in place to ensure continued correspondent banking relations and assurance that Israel will release frozen funds without delay.

“The UK’s priority is to bring the Gaza conflict to a sustainable end as quickly as possible and ensure a lasting peace in the Middle East, through an irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.”

Official condemnation, then – but all the while the UK continues to supply weapons to Israel.

More than 16,000 Palestinian children have been slaughtered during the current conflict. Tens of thousands of innocent families have seen their lives shattered.

I wonder if Sir Keir Starmer’s incoming Labour government will do anything different to address the plight of the Palestinian people, or will it be more of the same – business as usual for the arms dealers, words not deeds and more hand-wringing from our political leaders as the slaughter continues? – Ed.

Funding commitments show UK as ‘force for global good’ at G7 Summit

SUNAK’S LAST STAND ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE?

The Prime Minister will make the case for a world economy that is more peaceful, stable, and prosperous and for bold reforms to global governance to make it more inclusive and responsive to citizens as he attends the second day of the G7 Leaders Summit in Italy today (Friday 14 June).

  • PM to call for peaceful, stable, prosperous world economy at G7. 
  • Millions of development funding to help tackle climate change in Africa. 
  • New programme to fund safe and responsible AI projects across the globe.

During a global outreach session focused on Artificial Intelligence and Energy, and Africa and the Mediterranean, he will argue that this means reforming the international financial system to unlock the finance we need to accelerate progress against the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening the voices of the most vulnerable at the top table of international politics. 

He will outline the importance of supporting countries in delivering their own clean energy transitions, and in harnessing the opportunities presented by AI.

To support this he will announce multi-year ODA funding which could exceed £100m, including several high-impact African projects and a £20m expansion of the AI for Development programme into Asia – building on £38m the UK is already investing in Africa.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The UK is committed to driving a more effective international system that improves lives for people across the globe and at home. 

“The green transition and the development of AI are key components of this, and the funding announced today will help ensure that these seismic changes happen in a way that works for all.”

The AI for Development programme, was launched at the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit in November 2023 to fund safe and responsible AI projects for development around the world, beginning in Africa.  

The UK-Canada partnership, with support from the US, Australia, and other partners, will help ensure this ground-breaking technology is accessible to as many people as possible across the globe as well as deliver new AI labs to train the next generation of developers, policymakers and thought leaders, to drive responsible and inclusive AI policy. 

The funding outlined today includes £57m of ODA to the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, which will accelerate the roll-out of improved, climate resilient infrastructure in developing countries. It will provide even more countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia with the UK expertise needed to support improved, climate resilient infrastructure. 

The multi-year ODA funding will include up to £35 million into the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa will catalyse greater investment into sustainable infrastructure projects across the continent. The finance will help to bridge Africa’s infrastructure deficit, by accelerating investment at scale into new green infrastructure.  

Partnering with the World Bank and the EU to support African regional electricity transmission and strengthen climate resilience, £15m will contribute to the Zambian side of the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector as part of a $300m project that will link the Southern and East African Power Pools.

Leading with our development partners to invest in energy infrastructure in Zambia will aid the country to access clean energy. This is vital for poverty reduction and economic development.  

This investment, alongside a £300,000 contribution for mapping by the British Geological Survey in Angola, will be crucial in supporting the economic development along the length of the Lobito Corridor. 

The funding also includes £500,000 for an initiative to support planning, prioritisation and implementation of green infrastructure initiatives between the UK, the Government of Kenya and the wider G7.

Focusing on transport projects selected from the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII), this innovative partnership will lead to closer cooperation with the Kenyan Government on strategic infrastructure and investment and is the first partnership between the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and AGII.

All very impressive – and lots of nice pictures for the family album – but is it enough to save the Tory government and Rishi Sunak’s job?

Chancellor in US to stress importance of being stronger when standing together

  • Jeremy Hunt will visit New York today, followed by a two-day trip to Washington D.C. for the IMF Spring Meetings.
  • Chancellor in New York seeking to strengthen ties between the British and US economies.
  • Hunt will amplify UK leadership on international issues at IMF Springs, including support for Ukraine and condemnation of the Iranian regime’s attack on Israel.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will today embark on a three-day trip to the U.S., visiting New York before heading to Washington D.C. to attend the annual International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings. 

The Chancellor will be in New York looking to build upon the rock-solid economic relationship between the UK and US – one which mirrors the strength of the geopolitical alliance between the two and is based on shared values on the world stage.

Mr Hunt will meet with a range of executives from the likes of Bloomberg, Comcast and Blackrock setting out the case for Britain’s financial services and creative industries. Both sectors are important for a UK economy that is bouncing back, with Britain boasting the largest film and TV industry in Europe while also being the largest net exporter of financial services globally. 

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “At times of instability across the globe, we are reminded that we are stronger when we stand together. The US is our most important strategic ally and we are both at the forefront of keeping the world safe.

“Our economic relationship sees $1 trillion invested in one another’s countries and I will be looking to deepen it further during my time in New York.”

The Chancellor will then head to Washington D.C. on Wednesday for the IMF’s Spring Meetings, at which he is expected to highlight the professionalism and bravery of Royal Air Force aircraft in intercepting a number of Iranian attack drones fired at Israel.

Additional RAF planes have been deployed to the region and the UK continues to work urgently with regional partners to stabilise the situation. Britain’s position continues to be for an immediate humanitarian pause in Gaza leading to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life, as the fastest way to get hostages out and aid in.

Amid global instability, Mr Hunt will stress the need to stick to a plan for the British economy that has already seen real progress being made – with inflation down from its peak of 11.1% to 3.4%, rising wages consistently outstripping that inflation, and official statistics showing growth across the economy in 2024 thus far.

Such progress helped to deliver record cuts to National Insurance for 29 million working people at the start of April – with the average worker earning £35,000 starting to see the benefits of an over £900 per year saving in their payslips this month – as part of a long-term ambition to end the unfair double tax on work. 

The Chancellor will also underline the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and how Britain is keeping up pressure on Russia via its sanctions regime – the largest and most severe package ever imposed on any major economy, with over 2,000 individuals and entities now sanctioned. This follows an announcement last week in which Britain acted in conjunction with the U.S. to significantly extend the scope of sanctions on imports of Russian metals by bringing the world’s two largest metal exchanges into the scope of the existing ban. 

Mr Hunt will meet with G7 and G20 partners, as well as chairing a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. During his meetings, the Chancellor will promote collaboration on issues including artificial intelligence, global economic security and supply chain resilience. British support for developing countries is also on his agenda, including driving reform of the international financial system so it can support all countries in addressing global challenges. 

On his attendance of the IMF Spring Meetings, Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “The UK’s resilient economy is on the up, and it is from this improving position that we can be the best partner possible to our friends around the world – including standing steadfast with Ukraine in its fight against President Putin and standing up for Israel’s security.” 

The Chancellor last visited the U.S. in October last year, speaking to executives from tech giants including Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft as he travelled to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. The U.S. is Britain’s largest single trading partner, worth 17.7% of total UK trade – with this totalling £315.1 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2023. 

PM statement on Iranian regime’s ‘reckless’ attack against Israel

IRAN launched drones in a retaliatory attack on Israel last night.

Iran was responding to an Israeli attack on their embassy in Damascus earlier this month in which a senior military leader was killed.

Israeli defences, with the support of US allies, intercepted ‘hundreds’ of missiles in last night’s attack and it’s understood there are few casualties

Words from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the Iranian regime’s attack against Israel:

I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region.

“Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.

“The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. 

“Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”

UK Military Activity in the Middle East

Statement from UK’s Ministry of Defence

In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks.

We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region. These will bolster Operation Shader, which is the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria. In addition, these UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.

We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation.

Statement on 10th Anniversary of the Russian annexation of Crimea

The UK Government has issued a statement on the 10th Anniversary of the Russian annexation of Crimea

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “Ten years ago Russia illegally, and unacceptably sought to annex Crimea. An action which, eight years later was used to launch its full-scale invasion into Ukraine.

“Today, Russia continues to deprive Ukrainians in Crimea of their liberty, waging a brutal and systematic campaign of human rights abuses and violations. This is unacceptable, and Russia must be held to account.

“We want to be clear that the UK will never recognise Russia’s illegal claims to the region, or to any Ukrainian territory and that we will continue to do all we can to stop Putin’s war machine, and support Ukraine in their fight, for as long as it takes.”

Ukraine: Prime Minister statement

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a statement to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

When Putin launched his illegal invasion two years ago, the free world was united in its response. We stood together behind Ukraine. And on this grim anniversary, we must renew our determination.

I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago and I met wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Each harrowing story was a reminder of Ukraine’s courage in the face of terrible suffering.

It was a reminder of the price they are paying not only to defend their country against a completely unjustified invasion, but also to defend the very principles of freedom, sovereignty and the rule of law, on which we all depend. 

The UK is going further in our support. I announced last month the biggest single package of defence aid to Ukraine, taking our total support to £12 billion and signed a ten-year agreement on security cooperation – the first of its kind. 

This is the moment to show that tyranny will never triumph and to say once again that we will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow. 

We are prepared to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, until they prevail.

First Minister Humza Yousaf to attend Ukrainian memorial service

Solidarity with Ukraine

On the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the First Minister will attend a service held at Edinburgh Castle in memory of those who have died during the conflict.

The event is a collaboration between the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh Branch and the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Great Britain.

During the service, the First Minister will deliver a reading as well as lay a wreath alongside Mr Andrii Kuslii, Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and members of the Ukrainian communities living in Scotland.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “On the second anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine, I want to make it clear that the people of Scotland remain steadfast in support of the country and its brave citizens.

“Ukrainians are fighting for freedom, the rule of law, and the right of countries across Europe to coexist in peace and security.

“As we mourn the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people, we also look ahead positively, hoping for a day soon when Ukraine can live in peace as a free, sovereign, European nation.”