LONDON, Oct. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued text of the following speech: Thank you, Mr Vice-President. The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for his report and remains deeply concerned by the grave human rights situation, particularly in eastern DRC. We are alarmed by continuing reports of unlawful killings, conflict-related sexual violence, the recruitment and use of children, arbitrary detention, and attacks against schools, healthcare facilities and civilian in...
LONDON, Oct. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: During the visit, Lieutenant General Collins met Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolph Haykal, and United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jean Arnault. He was accompanied by Deputy Defence Attache Squadron Leader Craig Pearson. Discussions focused on the security situation in south Lebanon and highlighted the critical role of the Lebanese armed forces in safegu...
LONDON, Oct. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has today taken urgent action under Enterprise Act powers to intervene in BT Group's acquisition of TalkTalk, amid concerns that any collapse of TalkTalk could cause sudden disruption to vital phone and broadband services, putting lives, public services and vulnerable customers at risk. TalkTalk has been seeking a buyer for its consumer and wholesale b...
LONDON, Oct. 4 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Plans for some criminal trials to be heard by judge alone to be scrapped under changes to court reforms * Wider changes to criminal courts to cut the record number of cases waiting to be heard will be fast-tracked * 'Victims will not be waiting endlessly for justice' Justice Secretary pledges Plans for some criminal trials to be heard by judge alone will be scrapped, meaning more serious cases will continue to ...
LONDON, Oct. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Defence Ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and Allies met at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, today (02 October) to advance the JEF's role as a key pillar of European and Euro-Atlantic security. Following guidance from Leaders at the Helsinki Summit in March, Ministers agreed upon further action across the JEF's key priorities. 1. Reinforcing steadfast support to Ukraine through ambitious delivery of the...
LONDON, Oct. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Independent report finds neurodivergent people can flourish in work when given the right support based on their needs rather than a diagnosis. * Connect to Work and Pathways to Work Advisers are already helping neurodivergent people build fulfilling careers, with hundreds moving into work already. * The response sits alongside the government's wider drive to support disabled people and people with health conditi...
LONDON, Oct. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: A fund described by a Belfast community group as offering a "lifeline to deepen relationships" will soon reopen for applications with a total of £500,000 on offer, as the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) prepares to launch the third round of its Connect Fund grant programme. The Connect Fund strengthens collaboration between community and voluntary groups across the east and west of the UK, and has so far awarde...
LONDON, Oct. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Chemicals that could be used to make explosives and dangerous weapons - including those found in the Southport attacker's home - will be tightly controlled under new proposals to boost national security. Under the proposed changes, access to natural materials needed to produce the toxic substances ricin and abrin will be heavily restricted to reduce the risk of people using them to cause harm. During searches of...
LONDON, Oct. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: 28th annual UK-Taiwan Trade Talks The Trade Talks were co-chaired by Minister for Trade Lord Sarwar and Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Cynthia Kiang. The UK and Taiwan discussed opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties, deepen cooperation on digital trade and clean energy, and support collaboration in advanced manufacturing and resilient supply chains. The UK and Taiwan have held annual Trade T...
LONDON, Oct. 2 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Thank you Madam Vice-President, The United Kingdom thanks the Independent Expert for his report and welcomes the Central African Republic's continued engagement with this Council. We welcome progress in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting stability since the 2025 elections. However, we remain concerned by ongoing human rights violations and abuses, the continued insecurity in parts of the country...