Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster led discussions on the subject, stating the importance of getting on the front foot against disinformation and warning that the threat of hostile and brazen disinformation is increasing.

Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster said:

As NATO’s biggest exercise in a decade draws to a close, it is clear we are best equipped to deterring threats when working side by side with allies and partners.

However, we face more than just the conventional threats of old, which is why the UK plays a leading role in all areas of defence including debunking the kind of hostile disinformation we saw from Russia following the tragic attack in Salisbury.

Ministers from the 12 Northern Group nations recognised the value in sharing their own experiences of tackling disinformation as well as acting in unity against future fake news campaigns. It was also made clear that the work undertaken by the Northern Group strategic communications experts will complement the existing activity of NATO, the EU, and the Joint Expeditionary Force.

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 – all of which contributed to NATO Exercise Trident Juncture.

The Environment Agency will start repair work on Portreath sea wall this Thursday (15 November).

The sea wall protects homes and business in Portreath against the risk of flooding.

A large section of the wall collapsed during Storm Eleanor earlier this year, leaving the village of Portreath exposed to the sea. Cormac, on behalf of Cornwall Council, carried out temporary repairs in the immediate aftermath of the storm and erected a temporary defence.

The permanent repairs are expected to cost £990,000 and will be funded by £950k government grant in aid and a £40k contribution from the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

Nick Ely, Area Coastal Engineer at the Environment Agency, said:

Following the damage sustained to the sea wall at Portreath during Storm Eleanor last winter, the Environment Agency has taken the decision to step in and repair the wall. We don’t own the wall and aren’t responsible for it but recognise how valuable it is in protecting the community of Portreath from coastal flooding. We believe it is right to use our discretionary powers in this instance to help protect Portreath and restore the standard of coastal protection to the wider community.

The work will restore the protection from flooding that Portreath had before the collapse. Contractors BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald joint venture (BMM JV) working on behalf of the Environment Agency will access the collapsed section of wall via the Portreath car park and little beach. They will build a new reinforced concrete wall and clad it with stone to match the existing wall, they will also build new concrete access steps, and repair the slipway. BMM JV will also carry out minor works to strengthen the remaining wall.

The current temporary defence will remain throughout the work in order to protect homes and businesses in Portreath. The Environment Agency anticipate work will be completed by March 2019.

Notes to editor

• The Environment Agency, alongside coastal local authorities, builds, maintains and improves sea defences to reduce the risk of coastal flooding.
• In 2018/19, the Environment Agency is investing over £200 million in maintaining existing flood and coastal risk management infrastructure to ensure it continues to protect communities.
• The Environment Agency works in partnership to get the best value for money from government funding. Partnership funding helps schemes to go ahead, reducing the risk of flooding for homes and businesses.

Minister Harriett Baldwin visited Mali on 8-9 November discussing development, humanitarian and stabilisation efforts.

Foreign Office and DFID Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin visited Mali on 8-9 November 2018. Her visit comes as the UK is increasing its engagement with countries across the Sahel, in efforts to stabilise the region and support economic development.

During her visit, the Minister discussed security and development challenges in the country with Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga. The Minister highlighted the importance of the Government of Mali accelerating the implementation of the peace accord, as well as pursuing wider reforms to address drivers of conflict and instability.

Minister Baldwin said:

The UK works in close partnership with the Government and people of Mali on security and development, and I’m pleased we are even now increasing this commitment. The long-term stability and prosperity of the Sahel region is important to us, and we will continue to work alongside international partners to make people’s lives better across the region.

British support in Mali includes providing assistance and training to the Malian security forces as well as logistical and helicopter support to Operation Barkhane and funding for the G5 Sahel Joint Force.

In addition, this year, the UK is Mali’s third largest humanitarian partner, on track to provide £287 million in aid across the Sahel between 2014-2019. In a show of support for the region, the UK has also recently announced that it will increase its significant expand its diplomatic presence in Mali as well as increasing its aid funding further.

The Minister saw this British aid in action, for example seeing a nutrition centre which provides emergency support to Malians suffering from acute malnutrition.

Minister Baldwin said:

Greater investment in health and nutrition, particularly for children, is essential. This year’s flooding and displacement means the numbers of Malians with severe malnourishment are shockingly high, and the Government must find a way to support people before they require life-saving interventions.

She also reaffirmed UK support to the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM) in supporting the development of the Malian Armed Forces and had discussions to push for better international coordination on development, humanitarian and stabilisation efforts.

Further information