Thank you, Mr President.

I would like to begin by thanking the Prosecutor for her thirty-third report on the situation in Darfur pursuant to Security Resolution 1593, which is her final report to the Council in that capacity.

The United Kingdom would like to express its deep gratitude to the Prosecutor for her unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice over the past 9 years. The continued work of Ms Fatou Bensouda and her team have played a vital role in the effort towards ensuring accountability for the most serious of crimes committed in Darfur.

Mr President, as detailed by the Prosecutor in her report, the situation in Darfur continues to be characterised by intercommunal violence resulting in the deaths and large-scale displacement of civilians.

We call for an immediate end to ongoing violence across Sudan. In this respect, we also urge the Government of Sudan to implement swiftly the National Plan for Civilian Protection, and we underline the need for accountability for crimes committed before, during, and since the revolution in order for Sudan’s transition to succeed.

Mr President, the United Kingdom commends the constructive and sustained dialogue between the ICC and the Government of Sudan, including the facilitation of evidence gathering and access to witnesses, which has enabled significant progress to be made in the case against Mr Abd-Al-Rahman. Here, we particularly welcome the historic visit of the Prosecutor to Sudan, and in particular Darfur, which gave her the opportunity to engage with the victims and affected communities.

Such positive developments are testament to the Government’s meaningful engagement with the Court and genuine efforts to fulfil the transitional justice provisions of the Juba Peace Agreement. We urge the Government of Sudan to build on this positive cooperation, in particular by facilitating the prompt transfer of Mr Harun to the Court to be tried alongside Mr Abd-Al Rahman. We believe that a single trial of these two co accused together is essential to avoid re-traumatising the victims and witnesses through multiple trials. The United Kingdom’s Special Representative for Sudan and South Sudan raised the need for the urgent transfer of Mr Harun with the Government of Sudan this week in Khartoum.

Mr President, the United Kingdom stands ready to assist the Court and the Government of Sudan in facilitating the four ICC arrest warrants which remain outstanding in the Darfur situation, and calls for the surrender of Mr Banda who remains a fugitive from the Court.

Finally, we wish to record our appreciation of the excellent cooperation between the UN and the Office of the Prosecutor, and in this respect we also underline the role UNITAMS can play in supporting the Government of Sudan as they work to deliver accountability and justice for Darfur

In closing, Mr President, I would like to reiterate the United Kingdom’s support for the Government of Sudan’s important progress toward meeting the calls of the Sudanese people for justice and accountability, as part of our wider support to Sudan’s transition to full democracy.

Thank you, Mr President.

I would like to thank the President Agius, and Prosecutor Brammertz for their briefings to us today.

We are impressed that the Mechanism has continued to function so well despite the difficulties imposed on it by COVID-19. Lockdowns have prevented travel, social distancing has required different ways of working, including as regards the Courtroom.

It is also appropriate to express our condolences on the passing of Judge Kam, and we pay tribute to his contribution to international Justice.

We are impressed that the Mechansim has nonetheless been able to progress its work and now we see cases coming to conclusion, with three important judgments scheduled to be handed down this month. Through its tireless work the Mechanism continues to show that impunity is not and will not be allowed to prevail.

We continue to welcome the IRMCT’s work to hold perpetrators of the genocide in Rwanda to account and remain committed to supporting the Mechanism. Building on successes to date, we are grateful for the Mechanism’s continued efforts to progress the case of Félicien Kabuga and ensure the remaining suspected genocidaires face justice. In particular, we would appreciate an update and progress on the case of we note that Protais Mpiranya remains at large and encourage all relevant states to cooperate in his arrest. ,

Mr President,

We commend the Mechanism for making progress in the trials. In fact today, in one of its final judgments focused on the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Appeals Chamber of the Mechanism upheld the conviction of Ratko Mladić. His attempts to outrun and evade justice have failed due to the Mechanism’s tenacity. We hope this decision offers some respite to survivors and the families of his victims.

We are proud to be supporting the Mechanism by agreeing to the transfer of Radovan Karadžić to serve his life sentence in a British jail. He is one of the few people in the world to have been found guilty of genocide. He, along with Ratko Mladić, was responsible for the massacre of men, women and children at the Srebrenica genocide and helped prosecute the siege of Sarajevo with its remorseless attacks on civilians.

International justice can only be achieved through international collaboration. We call on all Member States to assist the Mechanism. We have a collective responsibility to seek justice for victims. Under resolution 1966 of this Council, there is a clear obligation on all States to cooperate with the Mechanism.

However, regional judicial cooperation in the Western Balkans continues to remain inadequate, which has direct implications for achieving justice for victims. The Mechanism’s referral of Serbia to this Council for a third time, for the failure to arrest and transfer Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta is serious, and follows years of requests, considerations and discussion. We urge Serbia to comply with the Mechanism’s order.

We also call upon States to cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor in its efforts to track the remaining fugitives from justice.

Mr President,

Glorification of war criminals and the denial of genocide continue. This is unacceptable and increases the suffering of the victims. Reconciliation is difficult. We must accept and acknowledge the truth of the past to move forwards. Glorifying the perpetrators and instigators of these heinous acts takes us further away from reconciliation and hinders the achievement of a positive future. The UK will continue to condemn denial and glorification in all its forms and calls on all Member States to do so.

Mr President,

As you have seen through our actions, the UK remains committed to the Mechanism and we reaffirm our willingness to assist it wherever possible in fulfilling its mandate and implementing its vision of being a small, temporary and effective organisation.

Thank you, Mr President.

• Over 70 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across the UK, with more than 41 million people receiving at least one jab
• Public urged to come forward for their first and second doses when eligible

Over 70 million COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered to adults in the UK, the latest figures published today (Friday 11 June) show, as the vaccination programme continues at unprecedented pace and scale.

With 70,253,625 doses administered in total, 41,088,485 people across the UK have now been vaccinated with a first dose (78%), while 29,165,140 people have had both doses (55.4%).

The government met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by 15 April and remains on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July. NHS England has extended the offer of a vaccine to everyone aged 25 and over this week.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:

Our COVID-19 vaccination programme continues at an unparalleled pace and we are almost at the final lap of the race to offer a dose to all adults by the end of July.

70 million total doses is a phenomenal achievement and it’s truly heartening to think that this provides 70 million shots of protection and hope for a country that has battled so hard to keep COVID-19 under control over the past 18 months.

The number of appointments booked over the past few days just goes to show how enthusiastic we are as a nation towards getting the vaccine – I urge all who are eligible to get their jab at the earliest possible opportunity.

A recent study by Public Health England (PHE) shows that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant is similar after 2 doses compared with the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant, and we expect to see even higher levels of effectiveness against hospitalisation and death.

To ensure people have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19, appointments for second doses have been brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for the remaining people in the top 9 priority groups who have yet to receive both doses.

The move followed updated advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which has considered the latest available evidence and has recommended reducing the dosing interval to counter the threat of new variants of concern.

The government and its scientific experts are monitoring the evolving situation and rates of variants closely, and will not hesitate to take additional action as necessary.

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said:

This is another fantastic milestone and cause for celebration. 70 million vaccines administered in total is a testament to the tireless work of our brilliant health and care workforce, who I can’t thank enough for their efforts.

With over 14,000 lives saved, the benefits of the vaccine are clear – when offered the jab, make sure you book your appointment and secure the fullest possible protection you can.

Vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with symptoms. Vaccinated people are even more unlikely to get serious COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital, or to die from it and there is growing evidence that they are less likely to pass the virus to others.

Data from PHE’s real-world study shows the vaccines are already having a significant impact in the UK, reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving 14,000 lives and preventing 42,000 hospitalisations in England.

PHE analysis also shows that individuals who receive a single dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine have approximately 80% lower risk of death against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant and a second dose of the vaccine can provide 85% to 90% protection against symptomatic disease. Protection against death from the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine rises from approximately 80% after 1 dose to 97% after 2 doses against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant.

Data published by YouGov shows the UK continues to top the list of nations where people are willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine or have already been vaccinated.

ONS data published on 9 June shows that more than 9 in 10 (94%) adults reported positive sentiment towards the vaccine.

Approved vaccines are available from thousands of NHS vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies. Around 98% of people live within 10 miles of a vaccination centre in England and vaccinations are taking place at sites including mosques, community centres and football stadiums.

NHS England’s lead for the NHS vaccination programme, Dr Emily Lawson, said:

Thanks to staff and volunteers, the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme broke more records this week as more than 1 million appointments were made in just one day as we opened to people in their twenties, and more than 85% of people aged 50 and over have now been fully vaccinated.

With well over three quarters of adults having a first dose and more than half now fully vaccinated as part of the biggest and most successful vaccination drive in history, NHS staff continue to throw everything at getting those who are eligible jabbed, as quickly as supplies allow, so when you get that text you’re next for the jab.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock delivered a speech in Oxford on 2 June praising the ‘vaccine heroes’ and reflecting on the lessons learned from the vaccination programme.

Latest UK-wide vaccination statistics

NHS England: vaccine statistics for England

PHE’s real-world data on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines

PHE’s latest study on household transmission

ONS survey on ‘Barriers to COVID-19 vaccination’

YouGov data comparing uptake rates in countries around the world

To date, the government has invested over £300 million into manufacturing a successful vaccine to enable a rapid roll-out.

The UK government is committed to supporting equitable access to vaccines worldwide. The UK is one of the largest donors to the COVAX facility, the global mechanism to help developing countries access a coronavirus vaccine, and has committed £548 million in UK aid to help distribute 1.3 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines to 92 developing countries this year.

Backed by the UK government, the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is available to developing countries at cost and this week we announced the UK will donate at least 100 million surplus coronavirus vaccine doses within the next year, including 5 million beginning in the coming weeks.

Visit the NHS website for advice on how to book or manage a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

New measures for all demersal otter trawls and seines in the Celtic Sea mixed fisheries are to be introduced later this year following the conclusion of negotiations between the UK and the EU on catch limits for shared fish stocks for 2021.

The measures are expected to enter force on 5 September and apply to all types of bottom trawl and seines (excluding beam trawls) as these gears have highly mixed catches including valuable non-quota species with bycatch of cod, haddock and whiting. Discussions on selectivity standards which apply in the beam trawl fleet fishery, where the gear used by a significant proportion of vessels is more selective than current selectivity standards, remain ongoing.

Technical measures have been introduced in recent years aimed at conserving cod, haddock and whiting in the Celtic Sea area. The UK government has undertaken a review of these measures with a view to further reducing unwanted catches of cod and whiting as well as deriving wider benefits to the improvement of selectivity for all species. Proposed measures to be introduced in 2021 will simplify rules currently in force and will extend to cover a wider area of the west Channel (ICES 7e), excluding waters of the crown dependencies. Outside of UK waters, vessels must adhere to EU Reg Art 15 of 2021/92 ‘Technical measures for cod and whiting in the Celtic Sea’.

New measures applicable in UK waters

In order to allow for adaptive management, a new UK statutory instrument will revoke current Celtic Sea technical measures (Art9 of EU Reg 123/2020, EU Reg Art13 of 223/2019 and EU Reg 737/2012). It will provide for detailed technical measures to be introduced through UK and foreign vessel licences in UK waters.

A key change is made in the west Channel (ICES 7e) where a baseline of 100mm codends will replace current complex rules based on catch composition.

In UK waters of the inner Celtic Sea Protection Zone (CSPZ: ICES divisions from 7f, 7g, the part of 7h North of latitude 49° 30’ North and the part of 7j North of latitude 49° 30’ North and East of longitude 11° West), a baseline mesh size of 110mm with a 120mm square mesh panel will apply to demersal otter trawls and seines.

In the UK area of 7e,f,g,h,j outside the inner CSPZ, a baseline mesh size of 100mm will apply. A 100mm square mesh panel will also be required except in the area of 7e east of 5° west.

In the whole area (UK waters of 7e,f,g,h,j) a maximum twine thickness of 6mm single or 4mm double will apply and strengthening bags will be prohibited other than for vessels targeting Nephrops. Specific derogations will continue to apply subject to further evidence gathering and consultation:

• The defined threshold for the Nephrops vessels (>5% Nephrops in the catch) will continue to apply and there will be specific technical measures/derogations for these fisheries.
• Current measures for vessels targeting sole in the area of 7f east of 5° west will continue to apply.
• Within the CSPZ vessels catching more than 55% whiting or more than 55% hake, angler and megrim may continue to use a 100mm codend with a 100mm square mesh panel. A new derogation will apply pending ongoing scientific assessment of the use of lighter twine in inshore fisheries.
• Vessels operating otter trawls and bottom seines in the 12 nautical mile belt of 7f may use a codend of 100mm and a 100mm square mesh panel. In this circumstance the use of a square mesh panel will be optional.
• Vessel operating otter trawls and bottom seines fishing west of 5 West in 7e (within ICES rectangles 28E3 and 28E4) or inside the 12 nautical mile belt of 7f, may use a codend of 100mm with single twine of maximum 5mm thickness. In this circumstance the use of a square mesh panel will be optional. This is conditional upon trial evaluation.

The measures are intended to be flexible and take account of any evidence that supports further derogations. Proposals for gathering evidence for further derogations can be submitted to the MMO.

The Government anticipates consulting on selectivity measures applying in the Nephrops fishery in the Celtic Sea later this year.

Square mesh panels must be fitted as per licence conditions.

Chart 1 – Rules applying in UK section of the Celtic Sea Protection Zone (CSPZ) excluding waters of the crown dependencies.

Outside of UK waters, vessels must adhere to Art 15 of 2021/92 ‘Technical measures for cod and whiting in the Celtic Sea’ attached at the bottom of this document.

Timing

It is anticipated that these new measures will apply from 5 September, at which point licence conditions will come into force.

Derogations will be kept under review at least every two years or in the light of any new evidence and further changes will be subject to consultation.

The timing provides three months to adjust to the new measures and businesses are advised to check with net manufacturers that supply will be available.

Subject to availability, funding may able through the Fisheries and seafood scheme for improved selectivity relating to the Celtic Sea measures. This applies prior to 5 September.

For funding information please email: FaSS.Queries@marinemanagement.org.uk

If you have any questions concerning these measures, you should contact the MMO on 0330 123 1032 or by email to info@marinemanagement.org.uk

Single Area Licence conditions

The new single area licence conditions will apply to beam trawlers (both UK and non-UK vessels). Current single area licensing rules that are in place to ensure that catches of Dover sole currently only apply to UK vessels.

The new provisions, which are expected to enter force on 4 October, will now apply to vessels of all nationalities within British fishery limits as defined within licence conditions and excluding waters of the crown dependencies.

Beam trawlers that fish in the relevant area (UK waters of 7e east of 5 West, see chart below) must not fish outside ICES area 7e on the same trip and must depart from and return to a UK port. Alternatively, vessels will be able to fish outside ICES area 7e on the same trip provided they contact the UKFMC before commencing fishing in the relevant area and prior to exit and on request make the vessel available at a checkpoint.

Where a vessel is not required by the UK FMC to facilitate an inspection it may continue to any area outside ICES area 7e.

Details of the new measures will be incorporated into vessel licence conditions.

Chart 2: Single Area Licence – Relevant area (UK waters excluding waters of the crown dependencies).

If you have any questions concerning these measures, you should contact the MMO on 0330 123 1032 or by email to info@marinemanagement.org.uk.