I was deeply concerned by yesterday’s multiple Houthi missile launches and attacks from Yemen at Saudi Arabia, threatening densely populated civilian areas and commercial infrastructure, including in Riyadh, for the fourth time in five months. We will be calling on the United Nations to investigate how ballistic missiles found their way into Yemen in contravention of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Those responsible for launching these missiles – and their backers – must cease these dangerous and provocative actions. A return to political dialogue remains vital to ensuring an end to the conflict in Yemen for the sake of the Yemeni people and regional security. These missile strikes and attacks undermine diplomatic efforts towards peace. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of such serious national security threats.

LLWR workforce celebrate their £8,000 donation to Macmillan Cancer Support

LLWR responded to its charity of the year like never before and raised a record £8,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The sum included a company donation of £2,250 and Sue McDonald, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan, Cumbria, was delighted with the total.

She said: “It has been fantastic working alongside everyone at LLWR for the last year. The enthusiasm to fundraise was awesome and everyone was keen to get involved with the many, varied activities. I was blown away to discover that the total raised for Macmillan Cancer Support was £8,000.

“This will make a real difference to the lives of local people living with cancer. I’d like to say a massive ‘thank you’ from Macmillan and from me personally, to everyone who has played a part in raising this phenomenal total.

“Big thanks also to LLWR for allowing the fundraising to happen and for the generous corporate donation. I hope everyone concerned is feeling really proud.”

Published 12 April 2018

A new programme director has been appointed with immediate effect to implement the UK’s new communications infrastructure for emergency services.

Bryan Clark joins the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) after working in the technology sector for more than 30 years, previously serving as Director of Digital and Change at Her Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service.

Before entering the public sector Mr Clarke was the CEO of Sumerian Europe Ltd, and he previously spent 15 years as Partner and European CIO of KPMG. Earlier in his career, Mr Clarke held numerous technical and management roles including project management, analytics consulting and product management.

Bryan replaces Gordon Shipley who is leaving ESMCP after 5 years as Programme Director.

Joanna Davinson, Chief Digital, Data and Technology Officer for the Home Office said:

Bryan’s experience will be invaluable in leading the programme as it moves into its vital delivery phase.

Gordon Shipley played a crucial role in driving the programme forward, from its inception in 2013 to where it is today. We would all like to thank Gordon for his achievements, and we wish him well for the future.

Bryan Clark added:

I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the programme delivering the Emergency Services Network at such an important time and look forward to working closely with the 3 emergency services, and colleagues across the Home Office and in other government departments, and in the Scottish and Welsh administrations.

Our emergency services deserve the best technology we can provide to help them do their often difficult and demanding job, and I am passionate about delivering value for money and ensuring that technology delivers what the business needs.

I look forward to the challenge of making sure the new network can enable the emergency services to become more efficient and make the day-to-day jobs of individuals on the front line easier. I am very excited to take up this amazing role and build on the excellent work done to date.

UK Minister for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Minister of State at the Department for International Development.

On her arrival in Luanda, Minister Harriett Baldwin said:

I’m delighted to be in Angola for my first visit and I look forward to discussing with government ministers and civil society representatives how we can work closer together on issues important to the UK and Angola. This includes economic cooperation, demining, and women’s empowerment, all in support of shared prosperity.

I am also interested in how our countries can work together to combat the terrible illegal wildlife trade, following the recent Giants Club meeting in Botswana which I attended alongside Angolan representatives, and ahead of the major conference we are hosting in London this October.

Notes:

Minister Harriett Baldwin is the UK’s Minister for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Minister of State at the Department for International Development. She is responsible for Africa, consular policy and international crime.

Published 12 April 2018