Thank you, Madam President,

Thank you, High Commissioner for your update. The systemic discrimination facing the Rohingya in Myanmar prevents them from living safe and dignified lives.

The UK is deeply concerned by the restrictions Rohingya face in accessing healthcare. To combat the growing COVID-19 outbreak in Rakhine effectively, every person needs to be able to access medical facilities, treatment, and Covid-19 testing, regardless of documentation status, religion, nationality or race.

The majority of Rohingya cannot access township hospitals where treatment for Covid-19 takes place. Instead, they often seek treatment in Station hospitals or clinics, however many of those are now closing. We urge Myanmar to allow mobile clinics so Rohingya can safely access medical services for any urgent condition.

It is essential that camp based staff and volunteers have permission to continue life-saving activities. We encourage Myanmar to restore international humanitarian agencies’ access on completion of quarantine, including in conflict affected areas.

The UK also calls on the Government of Myanmar to restore 3G/4G internet services to all of Rakhine and Chin, allowing populations access to lifesaving information including on transmission prevention.

High Commissioner,

What steps should Myanmar take to ensure the Rohingya have equitable access to healthcare during this global pandemic?

The Department for International Trade has today (Monday 14 September) opened a public consultation on the Government’s raw cane sugar autonomous tariff rate quota (ATQ), used to import raw cane sugar into the UK.

As part of the new UK Global Tariff, announced in May 2020, the Government proposed an autonomous tariff rate quota to allow 260,000 tonnes of raw cane sugar to enter the UK tariff free. The Government made clear at the time that this ATQ would be reviewed.

The autonomous tariff rate quota would apply from Friday 1 January 2021, for 12 months, with an in-quota rate of 0%. Once the quota threshold is met, the out of quota tariff most favoured nation (MFN) rate of £28.00 /100kg, would apply.

The consultation will provide the opportunity for participants to provide:

• specific feedback on the proposed raw cane sugar autonomous tariff rate quota, including on the corresponding level; and
• information on interactions with the proposed raw cane sugar autonomous tariff rate quota and the importance of those interactions.

When announcing the Global Tariff Regime, the Government explained that this autonomous tariff rate quota would be reviewed.

International Trade Minister, Greg Hands, said:

For the first time in 50 years the UK is in control of our tariff policy. We get to choose which tariffs suit our economy best.

The government wants to ensure that every voice is heard and reflected in our policy, that’s why we’re honouring our commitment to consult on the government’s ATQ for raw cane sugar.

Autonomous tariff rate quotas (ATQs) allow imports up to a given quantity of a good to be imported into the UK at a lower or zero tariff for a specified period of time. Once imports exceed this given quantity, the UKGT rate will apply. The consultation will be open from Monday 14 September to Monday 5 October at 11:59pm and can be accessed on a dedicated gov.uk page.

The Government will publish its decision on the quota alongside a summary of responses to the consultation once it has considered all the evidence, including the responses to the consultation.

These responses will be considered in light of the principles set out in the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018, as well as the desire to deliver the Government’s ambitious FTA agenda and the maintenance of the Government’s commitment to developing countries to reduce poverty through trade.

The UK’s Global Tariff was designed following widespread engagement with businesses across the UK. It will replace the EU’s Common External Tariff on 1 January 2021, reduce cost pressures for businesses, increase choice for consumers and back UK industries to compete on the global stage.

The Women in Defence Awards are an annual celebration of the value women bring to the defence sector. The final nominees for the 2020 Awards have now been revealed, and Dstl is represented by Dr Kate Gill and Sarah Strangleman.

The Women in Defence Awards are open to all women who excel in their fields across both military and civilian workplaces, and the 2020 Awards shortlist includes nominees from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, MOD, MI5 and Industry and Academia; and to be shortlisted is an incredible achievement in itself.

Kate. who is seconded to the United States (US), is nominated for her work supporting the UK F-35 program via DE&S Lightning Delivery Team (LDT). Her nomination was submitted by the Washington DC British Embassy Science and Technology Attaché and supported by statements from the F-35 Joint Project Office National Deputy, Group Captain Willy Hackett and Ms O’Hearn (F-35 Chief Software Officer, OCIO).

Dr. Gill has championed Software Modernisation in the F-35 program and has been crucial in defining and establishing an F-35 Agile cloud ecosystem. She has worked tirelessly to improve collaboration between US Government, eight Partner Nations and worldwide Industry. As the international lead of an all US team, Dr. Gill’s efforts have been pivotal for the United Kingdom achieving innovative software collaboration in support of a global program. Her contributions have saved the Ministry of Defence millions of pounds, increased aircraft lifetime availability, and improved and streamlined capability.

Sarah Strangleman is currently seconded to Military Strategic Effects (MSE) within the MOD as the UK Defence Exploitation Facility (UK DEF) Liaison Officer. Her citation reads: Sarah’s determination to break down barriers and deliver tangible progress and outputs has led to a significant increase in intelligence and information sharing and wider national and international collaboration. Her work is vital, important, and makes a genuine difference in enhancing the effectiveness between key interlocutors responsible for a portfolio of national interest and significance.

Dstl Chief Executive Gary Aitkenhead said of the nomination:

As well her significant contributions, Kate epitomises the Dstl values: innovative, collaborative, impactful, and I am thrilled she has been recognised for her impact during her US secondment to the F-35 program. Kate’s nomination not only highlights the importance of collaboration in Defence but also emphasises the significance of international partnerships.

Sarah should be congratulated for her nomination. This is a great achievement and truly demonstrates the impact that Dstl’s people have across defence and security. Furthermore, it shows the importance of collaboration between Dstl and partner organisations. Both Kate and Sarah are an asset to Dstl and I am very proud of their achievements.

The Women in Defence Awards 2020 ceremony will be held virtually on Monday 12 October.

Read more about the Women in Defence Awards 2020 and see the full list of nominees and categories at the official website.

Published 14 September 2020
Last updated 9 December 2020 + show all updates