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Author Archives: HM Government

Speech: “On too many occasions this year, Bosnia’s leaders have returned to the divisions of the past instead of delivering for the future.”

Statement by Stephen Hickey, Counsellor at the UK Mission to the United Nations, on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Thank you Mr President.

Let me join others in welcoming back Dr Inzko to the Council and by thanking him for his report and briefing. You have the United Kingdom’s continued support in your role as High Representative and we’re grateful for all the work that you do for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people.

Looking back over the reporting period, it’s clear that 2017 was full of promise for Bosnia and Herzegovina; the EU accession path lay ahead, finally unblocked after years of inertia, and the reform agenda had begun to deliver the jobs and growth that so many cried out for when they took to the streets in 2014.

And yet, as the High Representative’s report makes clear, narrow interests, whether personal or political, have instead set back progress this year and dampened the prospects and potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On too many occasions this year, Bosnia’s leaders have returned to the divisions of the past instead of delivering for the future. These setbacks have only served to distract attention away from much needed progress on the reform agenda; reforms that would promote greater security, stability and prosperity across the country.

We saw this clearly in the celebrations in the Republika Srpska on 9th January. The referendum on the National Day was in clear defiance of the Bosnian Constitutional Court’s authority and in direct challenge to the Dayton Peace Agreement. The participation of Serb members of the Bosnian armed forces raised tensions even further, and underscored the urgent need to implement the Defence Review.

In addition, the continued efforts of Bosnian Croat politicians to advocate for electoral reform this year have also distracted attention from the reform agenda and much needed socio-economic reforms. We’ve seen economic legislation blocked and delayed because leaders have chosen to act in the interests of one of the constituent peoples, and not in the interests of all of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s people.

And finally, we’ve seen the Bosniak member of the Presidency undermine trust in the ruling coalition by unilaterally and unsuccessfully launching a revision of the legal case accusing Serbia of complicity in wartime genocide. This sort of backward looking divisive politicking has no place in 2017.

Mr President,

There is still time for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s leaders to deliver this year. Through the reform agenda, they have a clear map charting the way ahead. It’s a path that will lead to growth and stability, but one that needs renewed commitment and engagement. It’s a path that remains central to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU membership; an aspiration shared by so many across the country.

And yet it’s still a path not yet taken, and that has not been without cost. Over $75 million of IMF funding was delayed last week by the failure to adopt the law on excise duties. Over $1 billion of further IMF funding is now at risk.

As my Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson made clear during his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month, it is long past time for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s leaders to work together in order to deliver the reforms that will enable the country to compete and thrive in the modern global economy.

We’ve seen in the past months that they can find common ground. The successful re-run of elections in Stolac show that the authorities can deliver for the people. But it’s also clear that until national interests trump narrow interests, stability in Bosnia will not be entrenched, and our concerns about the political and security situation will remain.

Because continued divisive rhetoric and repeated political crises only put pressure on the country and distract from much needed reforms. So we share the High Representative’s assessment that the EUFOR mission, with an executive mandate, remains vital. We will therefore support the retention of this crucial asset when its mandate is up for renewal in November.

Thank you.

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Speech: The Ambassador’s speech at the Queen’s Birthday Party in Argentina

Good evening to you all. It is a pleasure to welcome so many representatives of the political, social, economic and cultural life of Argentina to the Residence. Your presence is a true reflection of the extensive links that the British Embassy has developed in Argentina.

Several of you have heard me say that no other country in the whole of Latin America can claim to have had through the years a more intense all-round relationship with the UK than Argentina. We can speak of railways, football, immigration, the British Hospital, music, trade, academic exchanges, tourism and great number of other areas in which Argentine and British people have much to share. We are two proud, independent countries with two warm, important peoples.

A good example of this relationship is this building where we are celebrating The Queen’s birthday tonight, the Madero-Unzué Palace. It is a unique piece of architecture intertwining styles and stories of Argentine and British citizens. This year marks the 100th anniversary of its construction by British architects Bassett-Smith and Collcutt, and we are pleased to have here with us today the descendants of the family that lived in this Residence before it was purchased by the UK Government in 1947. Members of the Royal Family, including Prince Charles and Diana, and top artists like the Rolling Stones or Coldplay have all been here, and the place was even declared a heritage listed building by the Argentine Government.

Some people have told me that the Embassy has been a little quiet over the past few years, but what I can tell you for certain is that we are going to get out there and engage with Argentina. There is much work to do. We are coming back. Britain is back.

This rich bilateral relationship has gained great momentum in the past year, as reflected in the joint statement that both Governments signed last September, the ministerial-level visits, the visits to the UK by multi-party groups of deputies and senators, and the creation of parliamentary friendship groups. I am very grateful for the presence of deputies and senators here tonight. As I said before, this Embassy is constantly looking to open new channels and build new bridges with this country’s Government and society. This is a combined effort between our Embassy and my colleague and friend Carlos Sersale, Argentine Ambassador in London.

We are pleased to see that these efforts have not remained mere wishes and that we are able to show concrete results, including joint scientific research agreements, anti-corruption co-operation projects and UK Export Finance’s decision to grant a package of up to £1,000 to finance trade with Argentina, to mention only a few. At the same time, we see more and more opportunities to build bridges between our peoples, for instance through an increased number of Chevening scholars, exchange opportunities in sports like rugby and football – we are going to have the England rugby team here at the Embassy in June – or the launch of new low-cost flights between Buenos Aires and London, because, in my view, the important thing in relations between countries is not just the relationship between the two Governments but also people-to-people links.

At a time when uncertainty reigns in many parts of the world, it is important that each country should play its part, open up to the world and not shut themselves off, aiming for fair, inclusive development. We are very pleased that Argentina is playing a leading role in the international community and getting ready in the coming months to host a WLO conference, the WTO ministerial meeting and hold the presidency of the G-20 and other international forums.

We are going to work shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues in Argentina, looking for opportunities to build a fairer, more inclusive world.

Although we are focused on the future, we will not ignore the past. 2017 marks 35 years of a very painful event for our peoples. It is important to take into account and show proper respect for all those affected by the conflict, not only veterans and their families but also, in particular, the people for whom the Islands are their home.

We wish to pay proper tribute to the fallen, in a true spirit of reconciliation. It is worth highlighting the progress made in the process of identification of Argentine soldiers buried in Darwin Cemetery, with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross, under an agreement signed by our Governments.

I am particularly grateful for the presence at this event of authorities from the Commission of Families of the Fallen and representatives of South Atlantic conflict veterans’ organisations.

In the same spirit of reconciliation we will, in a few minutes, hear the Royal Marines Band play the Argentine and British national anthems. The Band members have come specially from the UK to take part in this event, an initiative for which I thank Captain Andy Hancock, who is about to finish his tour of duty as the Embassy’s Defence Attaché.

I would also like to give very special thanks to all the sponsors who have made this celebration possible. You will see our sponsors here tonight, their support is very important to us. And I would also like to thank all members of the Residence and Embassy team who have worked very hard over the past few months to make sure that you enjoy the event tonight.

This is a very important day to us. It is the day when we celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday. It represents our National Day and it is also an opportunity to pay tribute to an exemplary Head of State.

Lately, several people have spoken to me about the story of Queen Elizabeth’s reign and I have concluded that everyone has watched The Crown. The TV series is not bad, but let me tell you that I had the opportunity to meet the Queen on three occasions and my admiration for her has grown over the years. The monarchy has had the ability to change in order to identify itself with the society it represents. Through her example, the Queen has shown an interest and a sense of devotion and service that very few can match. She has now reigned for over 65 years and continues to work for her country, day after day.

So I am now going to invite you to make a toast to the Heads of State and the peoples of our two countries. I personally have chosen to toast the Argentine President with a glass of Malbec and the Queen with a genuine single malt Scotch. I trust you will understand that this is one of the sacrifices that diplomats sometimes have to make.

Thank you for your patience. I was not going to speak, but my colleagues said that I was going to have a captive audience, and so you have been. Thank you all for coming. Enjoy the party!

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Press release: Faulty defibrillator: users urged to check battery connection

People and organisations should check if they have the defibrillator model, LIFEPAK 1000 Automatic External Defibrillators (AED), because a technical fault with some of them means they may not deliver an electric shock to the heart to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

This issue could potentially affect all LIFEPAK 1000 devices. There are 10,068 devices in the UK.

These devices are available in public places such as schools, airports, football stadiums and leisure centres. They are often known as public access defibrillators (PAD) as they are intended to be used by anyone. They are also found in hospitals, clinics and ambulances. The manufacturer’s logo on the front cover may vary, displaying ‘Medtronic’ or ‘Physio-Control’.

The manufacturer, Physio-Control, has sent a safety alert to people with affected defibrillators with instructions for action. If you have not received an FSN from the manufacturer, please contact them directly. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a Medical Device Alert.

The fault is due to intermittent connection between the battery and device contacts because of wear and subsequent corrosion between both components. This could fail to deliver a shock to resuscitate a patient.

It is important that the manufacturer’s instructions are followed by completing and returning the confirmation sheet immediately.

People should check that the serial number listed in their confirmation sheet matches the serial number on the label located on the back of the device.

If your device powers off unexpectedly, either during inspection or during patient treatment, immediately remove and reinstall your existing battery to restore power to the device. If power is not restored, replace the battery with a spare battery and call Physio-Control immediately to arrange for servicing of your device.

It is important to implement a weekly schedule of battery removal and reinstallation for all LIFEPAK 1000 devices until contacted by Physio‐Control to arrange repair for any affected devices. Removing and reinstalling the battery on a weekly basis will help make sure your device is ready for use. It is also important to always carry a fully charged spare battery.

As part of the maintenance and testing schedule, users of the LIFEPAK 1000 Defibrillator should always follow the Operating Instructions which direct users to routinely inspect both the battery well and battery contacts, especially if the devices have been exposed to vibrations or the battery has been installed for an extended period without being removed.

John Wilkinson, MHRA’s Director of Medical Devices said:

These devices deliver life-saving treatment and it is vital they operate correctly when needed in an emergency.

People who are responsible for them should carry out the checks recommended by the manufacturer.

If you have any questions please contact Physio-Control on 0808 258 0094.

Notes to Editor

  1. View the Medical Device Alert

  2. View the Field Safety Notice.

  3. Customer support for Physio-Control: 0808 258 0094, option 4, 08:30 – 17:00, Monday – Friday

  4. For more information on the manufacturer please visit their website

  5. Report any problems with medical devices to us via the Yellow Card Scheme

  6. MHRA is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. MHRA is a centre of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency which also includes the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health.

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Press release: Helen Stephenson CBE will be the next chief executive of the Charity Commission

Helen Stephenson, who has been Director of Early Years and Childcare at the Department for Education since 2014, will join the Commission on 18 July. She succeeds Paula Sussex in the role.

Helen has extensive experience of senior leadership across the public and voluntary sectors, having previously served as Director and Deputy Director of the Office for Civil Society, and has filled senior roles at the Big Lottery Fund and the Shaftesbury Society. She has also, until recently, been chair and trustee of the National Childbirth Trust, and was part of the Advisory Council of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.

In her current role, Helen leads a large team in delivering and implementing a multi-million pound childcare programme, and was responsible for taking the Childcare Act through Parliament. At the Cabinet Office, Helen’s responsibilities included delivering government policy on charities, social action and volunteering, social investment and the National Citizens Service.

Helen Stephenson said:

The charitable sector plays a crucial role in our national life and I am delighted to be joining the Charity Commission at this important time. It is an honour to be leading the dedicated and talented team at the Commission and Paula is handing over an organisation that is in excellent shape, well equipped to meet the challenges of the future. I look forward to working with the Commission’s staff to continue the ambitious plans we have set.

William Shawcross, Chairman of the Charity Commission, said:

It is wonderful that Helen is joining us. The board and I are confident that she will be an outstanding leader and will build on the progress we have made in recent years. I know our excellent staff will give Helen a warm welcome and I look forward to working with her.

Helen Stephenson – career

2014-2017 Director of Early Years and Childcare, Department for Education

2011-2014 Director, Office for Civil Society and Government innovation Group

2007-2011 Deputy Director, Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office

2004-2007 Head of Strategic Policy and Partnerships, the Big Lottery Fund

2001-2004 Senior Policy Advisor, New Opportunities Fund/ Big Lottery Fund

Helen Stephenson – voluntary experience

2014-2017 NCVO Advisory Council 2015-2017 Trustee and Chair, National Childbirth Trust 2013-2017 Board Member, Big Society Trust

Honours

2014 – CBE for services to Civil Society in the Birthday Honours list

Ends.

PR 41/17


Notes to editors

  1. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales.
  2. To find out more about our work, see our annual report.
  3. Search for charities on our online register.
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