Thank you, Madam President. Let me begin by thanking Under-Secretary General Khare for his briefing. I will focus my remarks on three areas: UNAMID’s contribution to Darfur; the Mission’s drawdown and liquidation; and the future of Darfur.

Almost fourteen years ago to this day, the Security Council authorised the deployment of African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) – the first and only hybrid African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission – in response to the conflict in Darfur.

The United Kingdom expresses its deep appreciation to all personnel who served throughout UNAMID’s deployment. In particular, we pay tribute to UNAMID personnel who gave their lives to bring stability to Darfur.

We also acknowledge the unique partnership between the United Nations and the African Union throughout this deployment, a partnership that we hope will continue as both organisations continue to support Sudan.

Madam President, throughout its deployment and during its drawdown, UNAMID has operated in challenging conditions and had to navigate numerous obstacles in order to implement the resolutions of this Council. Whilst there are many lessons to be learned, it is undeniable that the Darfur we see today is more peaceful and stable because of UNAMID’s contribution.

It is our hope that the lessons learned from UNAMID’s deployment and drawdown will help to inform future peacekeeping operations and transitions, to consolidate peacebuilding gains and support lasting, sustainable peace wherever the UN is deployed.

The United Kingdom welcomes the Government of Sudan’s cooperation during UNAMID’s drawdown and urges their full cooperation with the remaining liquidation phase, in line with resolution 2559.

In particular, we stress the need for federal and state level cooperation, including the safety and freedom of movement of personnel and assets. The close coordination of all stakeholders is essential to ensure the liquidation of UNAMID’s assets is responsible and transparent, in line with UN regulations and best practice.

The destruction of many former UNAMID sites following their handover to local authorities is deeply regrettable. We therefore reiterate the expectation for remaining sites to be used for civilian purposes, so that they can continue to benefit local communities in new ways.

Madam President, Darfur, and Sudan more widely, has seen a significant period of change in recent years and we welcome the commitments made to peace and the transition to democracy. Now that peacekeeping forces have drawn down, it is crucial to continue to build upon and consolidate peacebuilding gains.

For this reason, the United Kingdom repeats its call for the full and sustained implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement.

We welcome the recent decrees establishing the Darfur ceasefire monitoring mechanisms and urge the swift deployment of the Field Teams, as well as the operationalisation of the Peace Commission, the swift deployment of joint security forces, and the full implementation of the National Plan for Civilian Protection.

Whilst peacekeeping may have come to an end in Darfur, the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and its integrated Country Team will continue to play a crucial role in supporting the Government of Sudan’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in Darfur.

In conclusion, the United Kingdom reiterates the need for continued cooperation between all stakeholders, across the UN system and beyond, during the remaining liquidation phase of UNAMID and through the deployment of UNITAMS, in order to consolidate the progress in peace and security that have been made in Darfur.

Thank you.

The Government has launched a consultation on a new approach to making regulation, including proposals for a revised Better Regulation Framework – you can find the consultation here.

The UK’s recent exit from the EU provides an opportunity to ensure that the UK has an approach to regulation that is as effective as possible, and promotes innovation and growth in the economy.

The Better Regulation Framework is the system within which government departments and regulators have to operate when ministers propose new regulation. It is an important element of good government and ensures that both regulatory and deregulatory proposals are based on robust evidence and analysis; while assessing the impacts on business and civil society organisations to avoid unnecessary burdens.

The (RPC – the independent Better Regulation watchdog – plays an important role in the current framework by:

• offering independent scrutiny of the evidence and analysis underpinning government regulation, and assess whether impact assessments and post-implementation reviews are fit for purpose;

• producing opinions that comment on the quality of the Government’s assessment of impacts and consideration of alternative options to regulation, of the proposed approach to monitoring and evaluation, and make these available to ministers and Parliament; and

• performing as the independent verification body – verifying the impact of government regulation on business.

We welcome the Government’s consultation. It asks some important questions about how the regulatory process might operate in future:

• Scrutiny of regulatory proposals: The consultation asks about the role that scrutiny plays in ensuring policy decisions are based on robust evidence and analysis, and whether scrutiny earlier in policy-making process could encourage alternative options to regulation. The consultation also asks whether scrutiny should be conducted independently from government.

We believe that independent scrutiny of regulatory proposals ensures that policy making is based on the best evidence and promotes better regulation. We agree with the proposition that there should be strong challenge early in the process to ensure alternative options are considered before a regulatory solution is chosen – see our earlier article

We see a role for technical scrutiny, conducted by experts, which we believe supports and strengthens democratic scrutiny. Our current role provides constructive technical challenge to government, to support Parliament in its democratic scrutiny and to reassure external stakeholders that the wider impacts are being properly considered as regulatory decisions are made.

We also believe that scrutiny itself needs to be delivered transparently and we encourage the Government to allow independent scrutiny of the full range of regulation with the minimum number of exemptions – again, see an earlier article

• Focus of assessment: The consultation asks whether the process of assessment and scrutiny can be streamlined and focused on areas of core economic impact, with separate guidance on wider impacts (for example impacts on trade or on innovation).

We believe that policy makers’ assessment of regulatory proposals needs to assess the direct, indirect and wider impacts of the policy options (so include, for example, impacts on trade or on innovation) and communicate these in a way that is transparent for those affected and to Parliament.

• Evaluation after implementation: The consultation suggests a mandatory review of regulation after two years’ performance (sooner than the current five years), together with a requirement to revise, replace or sunset the regulation, where expected outcomes are not being met or are more costly.

We support a rigorous approach to learning lessons from how regulation works in practice, and assessing the actual impacts of regulation. We also believe that conclusions from the review of regulation should be acted upon.

• Accountability for regulation: The consultation questions whether the current approach to calculation of the business impact target (BIT) score is appropriate in assessing the overall impact of regulation. It also discusses techniques from the past (“one-in, X-out”) and from abroad (baselining the stock of regulation) to target the appropriate level of regulation.

We believe that government should be transparent about, and accountable for, the total impact of regulation. We acknowledge that there are different methods for accounting for the impact of regulation and that the Government needs to decide how much regulation it wants to create.

• Role of regulators: The consultation includes a number of proposals about making independent regulators more flexible in their approach; more focused on competition and innovation; with greater delegated authority, but also accountability.

We believe that independent regulators have a significant role to play in ensuring efficiency in the economy, but with the responsibility to uphold the principles of better regulation. Given the significant impact of independent regulators across the economy, we believe that the Government should ensure that regulators can be effective, but also face appropriate scrutiny and accountability for their decisions.

The consultation presents important questions that will affect those impacted by regulation for many years to come. We encourage such stakeholders to respond to the consultation by 1 October 2021, to help the Government to finalise a new Better Regulation Framework that is fit for the future.

As President Kenyatta begins his three-day visit to London, the UK announced KES 20 billion of new government and private investment into Big Four Projects, including affordable housing and manufacturing.

Speaking at Mansion House in the City of London, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced KES 5.2 billion of UK Aid to be matched by KES 3.5 billion of private investment to finance 10,000 green affordable homes for Kenyans.

These quality homes will be energy and water efficient properties for low and middle-income families, and will contribute to Kenya’s goal of building 500,000 new affordable homes by 2022. The investment will go directly into projects, and is a combination of UK government aid and privately raised funds.

On a packed first day of the President’s visit to the UK, focussed heavily on trade, business and climate change, the President will also met COP26 President Alok Sharma at the historic Kew Gardens to celebrate progress on the Kenya-UK Year of Climate Action.

The UK announced KES 550 million of new UK funding to accelerate Kenya’s climate transition, including projects supporting renewable energy, clean cooling, and forest restoration – including Kaptagat Forest.

In the London’s historic financial district, the Foreign Secretary also announced:

• The launch of the Nairobi International Financial Centre, in partnership with the City of London. This partnership will deepen links between Kenya and London, the world’s leading financial centre – cementing Nairobi’s status as a financial hub;

• KES 67 million of new UK funding for policy advice and technical assistance to support the development of green manufacturing in Kenya, including manufacturing of electric vehicles. This builds on the UK’s Manufacturing Africa programme, which has already supported KES 4.2 billion of new manufacturing investment into Kenya;

• The completion of the KES 33 billion Kipeto Wind Farm, backed by the UK’s Actis in partnership with the US Government.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

This £132 million package of new UK-Kenya deals from the UK government and British firms will support investment in the region, including building new green affordable homes, connecting households to clean energy, and boosting manufacturing.

This package of investments will create new jobs and unlock new opportunities for UK and Kenyan businesses by strengthening the relationship between Nairobi and the City of London.

Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, said:

As we kick off this historic visit by President Kenyatta, today’s UK partnerships have the interests of Kenyans at their core. Our significant support on affordable housing and green opportunities will deliver sustainable jobs to last, building on the success our long lasting friendship.

Ukur Yatani, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary National Treasury & Planning said:

Through collaboration with partners like TheCityUK, the NIFC will attract increased investment and financing into the country, which will not only contribute to the wider efforts to drive economic growth following the pandemic, but it will also support the achievement of our wider economic goals under Kenya’s Vision 2030 roadmap.

Earlier this year, the UK and Kenya ratified a new Economic Partnership Agreement to provide continuity for KES 200 billion of annual trade between Kenya and the UK, including duty and quota free access to the British market for Kenyan exports.

The Foreign Secretary also announced today the UK Government will help Kenyan firms take advantage of this trade deal, by funding a KES 2.7 billion digital customs system to help smooth trade.

Notes for Editors

1. President Kenyatta is in the UK on a three-day Guest of Government visit. The centrepiece will be co-chairing the Global Education Summit with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Alongside that, he is having meetings and attending events across the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership, on trade, climate change, development and health. More information on our Strategic Partnership can be found here

2. Kenya and the UK ratified an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to boost annual trade worth already KES 200 billion a year in May 2021. The full agreement can be found here

3. The UK will bring the world together to tackle climate change at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow this October and November. More information on today’s announcement can be found here

• Work to restore the lower Otter river valley to a more natural state is now underway
• Excavation of tidal creeks starts in August
• Vegetation clearance will go ahead in the autumn

The £15 million project is the English arm of a €25.7 million Anglo-French venture, Promoting Adaptation to Changing Coasts (PACCo), supported by Interreg France Channel England. Work is also going ahead on a similar project in the Saâne estuary, Normandy. 

The PACCo project is looking at how climate change threatens coastal areas and the adaptation work that will be needed to deal with the threats.  Such adaptation will bring with it the possibility of long-term social, environmental and economic benefits, such as improved well-being for residents and visitors, more environmental tourism and a greater variety of wetland birds inhabiting the area.

The main site compound and offices, in a field alongside the junction of Granary Lane and South Farm Road, have been set up and materials needed to build a new embankment road are being brought in.

During August contractors, Kier, will begin excavating a new system of tidal creeks between Big Bank (towards the northern end of the project area) and South Farm Road (this work will be done without the removal of hedgerow and using a methodology agreed with RSPB). Parking restrictions have recently been introduced along South Farm Road to allow for work to progress safely.

Throughout the summer Kier will also continue work on Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club’s pitch at their new site just off the B3178 East Budleigh Road. In the autumn the main vegetation and tree clearance around the site, including at the old tip on South Farm Road, will take place.

A liaison group has been set up with members including councillors, organisations and residents, in order to help keep local people up-to-date with what is happening.

Project manager for the Environment Agency, Dan Boswell said:

This is an important project demonstrating how countries can work together to find solutions to help tackle climate change. I’m really pleased that the work is now underway.  It will have huge benefits, not only through the way we adapt to meet the challenge of climate change, but to the people and wildlife that share this area.

Director of Nature Recovery with Devon Wildlife Trust, Peter Burgess, also welcomed the start of the work:

The Lower Otter Restoration Project is hugely complex and has required a great deal of courage, commitment and sheer hard work to get to this exciting stage.

 Devon Wildlife Trust is following the project very closely and is looking forward to the overwhelming benefits allowing more space for wildlife and natural processes will bring. Our estuaries are some of the richest habitats for wildlife anywhere in the country – providing critical nursery areas for fish and billions of creatures at the base of the food chain and vital food for a host of water birds.

The success and lessons learnt through LORP will be critical in influencing many more exciting projects across the south west which are essential if we are to rebuild our coastal habitat health and the wealth of benefits they provide for people.

The Lower Otter Restoration Project is being carried out in partnership with the Environment Agency, landowners Clinton Devon Estates and the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Trust. More information is available at: www.lowerotterrestorationproject.co.uk.

Note to editors

The French arm of the project is in the Saâne Valley in Normandy and includes building a new water treatment works and moving a campsite at Quebeville.

It is thought that up to 70 estuarine sites in northern France and southern England may benefit from the PACCo project, by following the model being used on the Lower Otter and Saâne Valley.

The Foreign Secretary also launched the Nairobi International Financial Centre, and its formal partnership with the City of London.

At the start of a three-day visit to the UK to co-host the Global Education Summit with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, President Kenyatta witnessed the signing of a new memorandum of understanding between TheCityUK and the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority, establishing a formal partnership, including closer collaboration with the London Stock Exchange.

This will help to channel international investment into Kenya and the wider region, making sure firms and investors are able to make the most of trade and investment opportunities.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

This £132 million package of new UK-Kenya deals from the UK government and British firms will support investment in the region, including building new green affordable homes, connecting households to clean energy, and boosting manufacturing.

This package of investments will create new jobs and unlock new opportunities for UK and Kenyan businesses by strengthening the relationship between Nairobi and the City of London.

British insurer Prudential intends to be the first firm to set up in Nairobi’s new International Financial Centre, while Kenyan mining company Mayflower Gold announced plans to dual list its shares on both the London and Nairobi Stock Exchanges in a deal worth £14 million.

Prudential PLC Chair Shriti Vadera said:

Africa is an important part of our long term growth strategy and I am delighted that the UK and Kenya are collaborating on financial services, where there are many opportunities for innovation. Prudential is proud to be working with both countries on this initiative.

We believe that deepening the financial sector across the continent is key to building and driving economic resilience, development and growth in a region of great promise and opportunity. Joining the International Financial Centre in Nairobi is testament to our long-term commitment to supporting financial sector development across Africa.

President Kenyatta also secured the backing of UK investors to boost affordable housing and manufacturing across Kenya. £28 million of private investment in Kenyan manufacturing was confirmed today as a result of the UK’s Manufacturing Africa initiative, and UK company ARC Ride announced plans to invest £4.5 million in growing its fleet of electric vehicles in Kenya.

The Foreign Secretary also announced a new £58 million fund, anchored by £35 million of UK government investment, which will finance the construction of 10,000 green affordable homes in Kenya. This is on top of £53 million of investment in Kenyan affordable housing announced during the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Kenya earlier this year.

A new digital customs system for Kenya will make it faster and easier for goods to move between Kenya and the UK, and between Kenya and the rest of the world. Delivered by TradeMark East Africa, and backed by £18 million of UK funding, this will boost Kenya’s economy, allowing firms to take greater advantage of the recently ratified UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement and grow our £1.4 billion mutual trade.

Earlier in the day, President Kenyatta met with COP President Alok Sharma at Kew Gardens to celebrate progress on the Kenya-UK Year of Climate Action. The UK announced £3.7 million of new UK funding to accelerate Kenya’s climate transition, including projects supporting renewable energy, clean cooling, and forest restoration. UK-backed InfraCo Africa will also invest £3.3m in off-grid solar to provide clean energy access to 6,000 families in rural Kenya.

Tomorrow, President Kenyatta will meet with the Prime Minister ahead of attending the Global Education Summit on Thursday.

Further information

The £132 million announcement today is as follows:

• a new £58 million fund, anchored by £35 million of UK Government investment, which will finance the construction of 10,000 green affordable homes in Kenya
• £28 million of private investment in Kenyan manufacturing through the UK’s Manufacturing Africa initiative
• £18 million of UK grant funding for a digital customs system to help smooth Kenya’s international trade, including with the UK, and allow firms to take greater advantage of the UK-Kenya trade deal ratified at the start of 2021
• £4.5 million investment by UK company ARC Ride to expand their fleet of electric vehicles in Kenya
• £3.3 million investment from UK-backed InfraCo Africa to finance expansion of off-grid solar in Western Kenya, providing 6,000 Kenyan homes with access to clean energy
• £3.7 million support from the UK government to back Kenya’s green transition including projects supporting renewable energy, clean cooling, and forest restoration – including Kaptagat Forest, a project spearheaded by Kenyan marathon legend Eluid Kipchoge
• £1 million of UK aid funding for technical support, to structure Kenyan infrastructure projects so they are able to attract private investment
• £0.9 million investment from InfraCo Africa, backed by the UK government, in Nopea Ride, an electric taxi service
• £0.5 million of UK funding for policy advice on how to support the development of green manufacturing in Kenya, including of electric vehicles
• Mayflower Gold, a Kenyan mining company that employs 400 people, will float £14m of shares on the London and Nairobi stock exchanges

The UK has supported the set-up, business case development and investor proposition of the Nairobi International Financial Centre through Financial Sector Deepening.

The MoU comes shortly after the Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a roadmap to cement the UK’s position as an open and global financial hub, and enhance relationships with jurisdictions around the world. Read more here.

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