LONDON, Sept. 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued text of the following speech: Thank you, Mr Vice-President. We remain deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Nicaragua. The report describes a troubling concentration of executive power and erosion of the separation of powers. Proposed constitutional reforms will further centralise power and weaken institutional checks and balances. The report also highlights continued restrictions on civic and democratic space. We are...
LONDON, Sept. 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: More councils will be able to bring forward ambitious affordable housing plans thanks to a £21.8 million boost to the Council Housebuilding Support Fund (CHSF). Available until March 2029, the revenue funding will help local authorities build the skills, capacity and partnerships needed to develop strong bids for the Social andAffordable Homes Programme (SAHP). Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: Counc...
LONDON, Sept. 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Thank you, Mr Vice-President. The United Kingdom thanks the experts for their report and also welcomes the continued engagement of OHCHR in Venezuela. We welcome the progress made in Venezuela in recent months. We have seen important confidence building measures, including the release of political prisoners and the start of dialogue between the Venezuelan authorities and representatives of the opposition. We w...
LONDON, Sept. 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Courtrooms for specialist rape and serious sex offences to be rolled out across every Crown Court in England and Wales * Rape cases will be prioritised in the courts, tackling uncertainty and delays for survivors, with specialist upgrades introduced, including private waiting rooms and entrances for victims * New approach will put victims front and centre of the criminal justice system Backed by a multi-milli...
LONDON, Sept. 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Thank you, Mr Vice-President. The UK thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report. Ahead of Burundi's 2027 presidential election, his findings are concerning with reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and the shrinking of civic and political space. The UK calls on Burundi to protect the rights of all citizens to participate freely...
LONDON, Sept. 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Mr Vice President, The United Kingdom thanks the Group of Independent Experts for its update. We remain deeply concerned by the systematic repression of fundamental freedoms in Belarus. Arbitrary arrest and detention, politically motivated prosecutions, torture and ill-treatment all remain tools to silence dissent, while independent media, civil society and trade unions continue to face severe restrictions. W...
LONDON, Sept. 20 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, this morning. The two leaders began by discussing their upcoming visits to New York for the UN General Assembly. The Prime Minister said he would use the trip to drive forward work on issues that matter to people at home, including reducing the cost of living through greater global stability and delivering security for people through ...
LONDON, Sept. 20 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Minister for Women and Equalities launches national taskforce to tackle the rise of misogyny * Government, local leaders and experts will look at misogyny prevention across society - including community and the workplaces - so women and girls no longer need to face harmful attitudes * Bridget Phillipson: "Government will lead from the front to shift the dial and send misogynistic attitudes back to the dark age...
LONDON, Sept. 18 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: More than 230 areas most affected by knife crime will see more police patrols, CCTV and early prevention work as part of a knife crime crackdown across 27 police forces in England and Wales. The Home Secretary is backing local plans developed by police and councils to tackle crimes, save lives and protect local communities. Each plan will be tailored to the area. They will combine tough police enforcement act...
LONDON, Sept. 18 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The United Kingdom is clear: the Falkland Islands are British and they have the right to develop their natural resources as they see fit. This is an integral part of their right of self-determination. In recent weeks, Argentina has continued to threaten businesses and individuals supplying goods and services, directly and indirectly, to the Falkland Islands, including in the hydrocarbons sector. The UK Governm...