The UK shares the concerns expressed by the European Union about the United States’ announcement that it will lift the waiver of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act.

The extraterritorial application of Title III sanctions, which we consider to be illegal under international law, threaten to harm UK and EU companies doing legitimate business in Cuba by exposing them to liability in US courts. We will work alongside the EU to protect the interests of our companies.

The UK, like the EU, believes that the best way of encouraging Cuba to respect democratic freedoms and human rights, to implement political reform or to play a less unhelpful role in Venezuela is through dialogue and cooperation, not isolation.

The website provides all information relating to the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) Government in a single place. It includes the latest news and information, including details on:

• the overall strategy the BAT Government has for the Territory
• all the current legislation for the Territory
• consultations on any new or updates to legislation
• the Official Gazette detailing new legislation, orders and appointments
• how you can apply for project funding and information on some of the projects which have received funding
• the work of our stakeholders

BAT is a wedge shaped sector of the Antarctic continent, with over 99% covered in a permanent ice sheet.

With no native population, the BAT is administered in London by staff in the Polar Regions Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Presence in the Territory is provided by the British Antarctic Survey, the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol vessel.

The UK’s claim to this part of Antarctica is the oldest of any made on the continent. Under Article IV of the Antarctic Treaty 1959, all sovereignty claims to Antarctica are held in abeyance.

To celebrate the festival of Passover and highlight the UK’s strong commitment to the Jewish community the Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, visited Westminster Synagogue.

Mr Hunt was given a tour of the synagogue by Rabbi Benji Stanley, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Marie Van Der Zyl, and synagogue Chair Lord Leigh of Hurley.

Please see the video the FS’s Passover message

Speaking during the visit, the Foreign Secretary said:

It’s a great privilege to be here in Westminster Synagogue for Passover, a festival that celebrates freedom and liberation.

At Passover we look at the arc of history from ancient Egypt, to the Holocaust and the freedom of the modern state of Israel, a thriving democracy, and a huge achievement for all humanity.

As once again we face rising anti-Semitism, we must redouble our efforts to build mutual understanding, compassion and respect in our society, and honour the universal human right of Freedom of Religion or Belief for all.

Chaag Sameach.

The Foreign Secretary was also shown the synagogue’s collection of ancient Torah scrolls from Eastern Europe by Jeffrey Ohrenstein Chairman of the Czech Scrolls Museum. The scrolls saved during the Holocaust were from the Jewish communities of Bohemia and Moravia once centres of Jewish culture and completely devastated by the Holocaust.

Westminster synagogue chair Lord Leigh of Hurley said:

Westminster Synagogue was delighted to welcome the Foreign Secretary to our sanctuary and the Czech Scrolls.

This is a very important time for the Jewish community as we celebrate Passover, our festival of freedom from tyranny, and the first steps towards the establishment of a Jewish home in Israel.

The Foreign Secretary has played his part in remembering the victims of the Holocaust and protecting Israel from unfair attacks. His warm greetings for Passover are greatly appreciated.

Following the visit, the President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews Marie van der Zyl said:

We are delighted that Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt came to Westminster Synagogue today to meet us and show his deep solidarity with the Jewish community.

His Passover address to our community and his warm words mean a lot to us.

FCO Minister of State responsible for Human Rights and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, visited the UK’s oldest synagogue, Bevis Marks on Friday 12, April.

Lord Ahmad’s video message

Lord Ahmad was given a tour of the synagogue by Senior Rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community Rabbi Joseph Dweck and synagogue chair Sabah Zubaida.

Further information

• 500 year old drawing is one of only 28 by the artist known to survive
• Only drawing by Lucas van Leyden not held in a museum collection

Arts Minister Michael Ellis has placed an export bar on a 500 year old drawing worth £11.4 million in a bid to keep it in the country.

The work, A Young Man Standing, by Dutch artist Lucas van Leyden, is one of only 28 drawings by the artist known to survive and his only drawing not held in a museum collection.

Lucas van Leyden (about 1494 – 1533) was primarily famous for his skills as a printmaker. He was the first artist from the Netherlands to gain international fame comparable to that of German Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt and Rubens a century later.

This drawing is thought to be a study for a projected engraving. It depicts a young man in contemporary clothing and was probably drawn from life. The sitter is most likely a nobleman – or a studio model posing as one – given the sword he is shown wearing.

It is believed to date from around 1520. Early in its history the drawing was stuck onto another sheet, perhaps by a collector to better preserve it, suggesting that even then works by van Leyden were considered precious.

Arts Minister Michael Ellis said:

This incredibly rare work by Lucas van Leyden is a true treasure. The drawing showcases his skill as an artist and acts as a record of the 16th century world.

I hope that we are able to keep this work in the UK so that the public can enjoy it.

The RCEWA made its recommendation on the grounds of the drawing’s outstanding aesthetic importance and its significance for the study of the works of Lucas van Leyden.

Reviewing Committee member Aidan Weston-Lewis said:

Apparently drawn directly from a dressed-up model in the studio, this exquisitely crafted drawing offers a charming and rare glimpse into the world of this brilliant but elusive artist.

Van Leyden’s inclusion of credible, contemporary characters like this in his narrative compositions lends them an appealing conviction, and anticipates the work of Pieter Bruegel the Elder later in the century.

One of a small group of the artist’s drawings to have come down to us, this sheet is unlike any of the others in this country and every effort should be made to retain it.

The decision on the export licence application for the drawing will be deferred until 17 July 2019. This may be extended until 17 December 2019 if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made at the recommended price of £11,483,750 plus VAT of £296,750.

Images of the drawing can be downloaded from Flickr.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the drawing should contact the RCEWA on 0845 300 6200.

Details of the drawing are as follows:

• Lucas van Leyden (about 1494 – 1533) A Young Man Standing
• Black chalk, watermark pot with two handles, cut and laid down 11 x 51/8 inches (27.9 x 13.2cm)

The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by The Arts Council, which advises the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.

The Arts Council champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. It supports a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. www.artscouncil.org.uk.