I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the United Kingdom and Australia.

Madam President, We remain resolute in our commitment to combating all forms of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia and related intolerance whether that be at home or abroad. Our common commitment on this issue is strong. Discrimination of any kind has no place in society, and we will continue to treat all forms of discrimination with equal seriousness.

Internationally, we believe that one of the most effective ways to tackle injustices and advocate for respect among different ethnic groups is to encourage states to uphold their human rights obligations. We are committed to engaging on UN resolutions which consider how to eliminate racial discrimination. We were one of the first countries to ratify the International Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and we have engaged constructively with its Committee, and HRC Working Groups.

With regard to resolution before us this morning [L3.Rev 1] we thank the African Group for taking on board some of our proposals. However we still have a number of concerns with the text.

We do not agree with the multiple references to the Durban Conference, given the historic concerns over antisemitism. And we can not accept the references to the Durban Review Conference or the positive language welcoming the recent commemorative event in New York.

Madam President, fellow members of the Council, The UK and Australia did not attend the recent 20th anniversary commemorative event for the Third World Conference Against Racism. There were reportedly nearly 40 states who, like us, made the decision not take part. We think we all need to ask ourselves, why so many states stayed away and how we can move forward. If we are to be able to forge a consensus in the future then it is clear that we must come together to find a new approach. The importance of this topic requires that we move forward together on a common path.

Madam President, Racism should be tackled in all its forms and, regrettably, for far too long, the UN has downplayed the scourge of antisemitism. This must end. The UK is clear that we will not attend future iterations of the Durban Conference while concerns over antisemitism remain.

We therefore wish to call a vote on the resolution before us and will vote against the draft text before us.

Thank you Madam President.

Featuring some of Northern Ireland’s finest singer-songwriters, musicians, actors and comedians, concert tickets are free of charge to thank charities and key workers in health, social care and food retail.

Live at the Waterfront! is a landmark concert at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall later this month showcasing Northern Ireland’s musical and artistic talent – past, present and future. It will feature some of Northern Ireland’s finest singer-songwriters, musicians, actors and comedians, in a completely unique show. Taking place on Friday 22nd October, the concert’s dynamic line-up is a celebration of extraordinary artistic talent and features well-known artists, including:

The concert is being jointly produced by NI’s Shine and Snow Water Productions, and will be filmed for television by Green Inc Film and Television. The concert is supported by the BPI, Arts Council NI and NI Screen and is funded by the Northern Ireland Office. It is a forward looking and inclusive event to recognise and showcase the talented people from across Northern Ireland.

Joe Dougan, Concert Promoter from Shine and Carolyn Mathers, Director of Snow Water Productions said:

“We’re hugely excited about the Live at the Waterfront! concert.

“It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the fantastic artists and performers we have in Northern Ireland, to support the arts sector, and to bring them together to perform live after so many months of theatres and concert halls being closed.

“We are grateful for the funding support of the UK Government which made this event possible.”

As a small token of Northern Ireland’s enormous gratitude to key workers who have supported us all throughout the pandemic, over 60% of tickets will be going to key workers in health and social care, food retail and charities.

Audience members will enjoy music ranging from rock, classical, indie, traditional and opera to americana. A selection of Northern Ireland’s much-loved comedians will also make an appearance, including Paddy Raff, Tim McGarry, Micky Bartlett and May McFettridge, who has just completed her 30th year at the Grand Opera House. The audience will also be treated to a medley of highlights from recent films and TV series produced in Northern Ireland. In addition, some of our finest actors, including Ian McElhinney will read from works such as Ciaran Carson, Leontia Flynn, and Seamus Heaney.

Members of the public across Northern Ireland can apply for tickets through local media outlets – look out for information on ticket competitions!

Confirmed line-up for Live at the Waterfront!:

● Abigail McGibbon, who most recently appeared in ‘Sadie’ (Lyric Theatre/ BBCNI) & the Lyric & Abbey Theatres covid reactive pieces ‘Splendid Isolation’ & ‘Dear Ireland’.

● Platinum-selling Downpatrick rock band Ash, who have had over 18 songs in the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart.

● The Grammy nominated Irish Folk band Beoga (“the most exciting traditional band to emerge from Ireland this century” – Wall St Journal) who co-wrote Galway Girl with Ed Sheeran.

● Meteor award-winning traditional Irish singer Cara Dillon.

● Dance group The Delinquents feat: kid Noise from the 21 Artists Mentoring Programme will make their first public performance.

● The magnificent and multi-award winning Foy Vance, whose music featured on numerous TV shows and has recently announced his biggest ever headline show at Belfast’s SSE Arena.

● Glenn Patterson, is Northern Ireland’s foremost novelist. In addition to his ten novels and three non-fiction works, he has written plays for Radio 3 and Radio 4 and has also presented numerous television documentaries BBC and an arts review series for RTE. Glenn co-wrote BAFTA nominated Good Vibrations about the music scene in Belfast during the late 1970s, and subsequent play for the Lyric Theatre.

● Ian McElhinney, best known for his roles as General Dodonna in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Val-El in the Superman prequel Krypton, and as Ser Barristan Selmy in the HBO series, Game of Thrones.

● JC Stewart, who has co-written with Lewis Capaldi, Niall Horan and was named MTV’s Artist of the Month for his latest EP.

● NI Music Prize winner Jordan Adetunji who is currently taking the UK Hip Hop scene by storm.

● May McFettridge, Northern Ireland’s very own queen of comedy, who has just completed her 30th year at the Grand Opera House.

● Micky Bartlett, A regular feature on BBCNI and the General Banter Podcast AND Fresh from his Third consecutive tour of Australia, Micky has recently sold out several nights at Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall.

● Composer and multi-instrumentalist Neil Martin, who has performed across the world from Mostar Bridge and the Royal Albert Hall, as well as being played on the International Space Station, will perform on the Uilleann pipes.

● Northern Ireland Opera will feature NI Opera Stars and Musicians from the Ulster Orchestra.

● Multi Arena selling comedian Paddy Raff.

● Roe, who at just 21 has played Glastonbury, and has also supported Snow Patrol, Kodaline and Robbie Williams. Her latest single made Radio 1’s Track of the Week and enjoyed over one million streams.

● Ryan McMullan, whose song-writing talent has led to sold-out shows across the world.

● Mercury nominated singer-songwriter Soak who received the Irish Choice Music Prize Album of the Year.

The project, which is run in HMP Hewell and HMP Aylesbury, not only helps recycle bikes, but also provides specialist training to prisoners helping them gain valuable skills and providing more job opportunities after they are released. Once they have completed their training, they achieve the City & Guilds Level 1 and 2 qualification in bike maintenance.

The repurposed bikes will be distributed to hospital staff and children from disadvantaged backgrounds across England.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said:

Equipping prisoners with the skills to help secure a job upon release is vital to enabling them to turn their lives around, providing them with a purpose and allowing them to give something back to society.

The Lifecycle project is a terrific scheme, providing skills in demand, and recognising the doctors, nurses and other key workers who have been the heroes of our pandemic response.

Governor of HMP Hewell Ralph Lubkowski, said:

This is a great opportunity for all of the prisoners at our repair shop. It helps them gain experience and pick up valuable skills which are very well respected on the job market, and will be a very positive addition to our Pathways to Employment strategy here at Hewell.

We are proud to be working in partnership with the Lifecycle Project to deliver this innovative recycling programme.

The Lifecycle Project team said:

The ambition of the Lifecycle Project is to create a circular economy by upskilling and providing employment opportunities for ex-offenders, while creating sustainable transport in local communities and promoting health and wellbeing to key workers: ‘Donate, Renovate and Relocate’.

This initiative will have long-term sustainable benefits, helping people move to a healthier, zero carbon mode of transport and reducing waste. We are delighted to be part of it.

The first delivery of donated bikes into prisons is due to made later this month with the first delivery of bikes being made to keyworkers from the end of November.

The programme is run by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and The Lifecycle Project (founded by Bouygues E&S Solutions, InfraRed Capital Partners and Vercity).

The scheme has so far saved around 200 bikes and members of the public can donate bikes at Lifecycle Project hubs; Peterborough Hospital, West Middlesex Hospital and John Radcliffe Hospital, before being sent to HMP Hewell and HMP Aylesbury.

OPSS has produced safety tips on how to use fireworks responsibly and considerately.

Only buy from licenced sellers

Make sure you buy fireworks from licenced in-store and online retailers. Do not buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites. Remember it is illegal for under 18’s to buy fireworks.

Let fireworks off on traditional celebration dates and adhere to the fireworks curfew

People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates. The firework curfew is midnight on Fireworks Night, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm the rest of the year. Firework timings may differ in Scotland. Search ‘fireworks’ on gov.scot for more advice.

Follow the instructions

Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on the box, so you know important things like how far away people need to stand. If you do not understand the instructions and warnings, do not use the firework. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak it in water overnight. Then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.

Understand what fireworks you can use at home

Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public. A consumer firework will fall into either category F2 or F3 depending on how much of a safety distance it requires. Check you have enough space to safely use a firework before you buy it. Category information can be found on the label.

Be considerate to animals when letting off fireworks

If you plan to let off any fireworks, let your neighbours know in advance so they can plan for pets that might be affected.

If you live close to horses, let their owners know well in advance that you are letting fireworks off. Site your fireworks well away from them and aim them in the opposite direction. It is important to be considerate to horse owners as they cannot easily move horses away from fireworks.

Notify nearby farms and stables if you are planning to use fireworks. Do not let off fireworks if they will disturb wildlife habitats, or roosting bats and birds.

Keep pets safe

On nights where fireworks are being let off, keep dogs and cats inside with somewhere to hide and give small outdoor pets extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is partnering with Chartered Trading Standards Institute, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Child Accident Prevention Trust, British Fireworks Association, Association of Convenience Stores, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, British Horse Society, British Veterinary Association, Kennel Club, Wood Green, Welsh Government, Health and Safety Executive, Association for Science Education, Home Office, Communications Consumer Panel (CCP), and Fire and Rescue Services to raise awareness on how to use fireworks safely and considerately.