HM Government

Thank you Mr President, and at the outset, all the very best for your month as Presidency. I also want to thank High Commissioner Grandi for his compelling but concerning remarks this morning.

We meet today at a crucial time for global displacement, with the number of people forcibly displaced at an all time high since the Second World War. And sadly, the trajectory is only upwards.

Today, I want to share the story of just one of the 65 million people currently displaced around the world. It’s the story of a mother from Rakhine State, faced with the hardest decision of her life: to flee into the unknown or face the violence engulfing the that province she calls home.

“We were happy,” she told a journalist last month. “Now, we are in this chaos. They are killing and burning houses; people are unable to stay.”

Faced with such brutality, she had no choice but to flee with her husband and children, risking the journey to Cox’s Bazaar.

“When we got in the boat,” she said, “we were scared as water was getting in. I was scared that it would sink; people were crying.”

Her husband went missing as they fled, and she said, “I don’t know if he is dead or alive.”

Together with her children, she eventually reached safety – and I pay tribute to Bangladesh for the humanitarian assistance provided to her and to so many others.

But that family’s story has been repeated and repeated and repeated over the past months. Only two days ago, a boat carrying refugees to Bangladesh capsized, claiming the lives of at least four people. And it’s a story that will only keep being told until the conflict pushing them away is fundamentally addressed and they are allowed to return home.

As Filippo rightly said, whether in Burma, in Syria, or anywhere else in the world, this Council has a unique role to play in maintaining the peace and security that would have stopped that family and so many others like them from having to flee their home. And we have a special responsibility also to hold to account those who do not respect international humanitarian law, refugee law and those who fuel displacement.

Simply put, the stark number of people in need today tells us that what we’re doing is not working. Refugees are spending longer and longer displaced, often in poverty with a dwindling hope of return. A new global approach is now needed to tackle protracted crises and a more comprehensive response is required to help the growing number of people currently displaced.

That’s why the UK strongly supports the aims of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework. It focuses on long-term, sustainable solutions. These help build the self-reliance of refugees and ease pressure on countries like Kenya, Uganda or Lebanon that have generously welcomed and hosted so many.

This Framework means delivering jobs, education, better services to refugees and host communities, while also better co-ordinating the international response. The UK actively supports this approach where the new Refugee Response Framework is being rolled out.

We’re also already delivering the sort of long-term response to refugees’ needs that the Framework recommends – including through job compacts to provide tens of thousands of refugees with the opportunity to work in countries such as Jordan or Ethiopia, as well as innovative education programmes and support to host communities and refugees alike.

To make these approaches work, UNHCR has a vital role to play in dialogue with governments, partnerships with other actors, and giving advice and support where needed. In Jordan, we welcome the cash assistance that they are giving to refugees to meet basic food needs. In Turkey, we support the assistance they are providing to refugees to prepare for the oncoming winter. And in the response to the crisis in Burma, they also have a role to play in the returns process in cooperation with the Bangladeshi authorities.

But to deliver all this and more, it is clear that UNHCR, like all the other parts of the UN, will have to reform, and I welcome High Commissioner Grandi’s commitment to this. UNHCR has a central role, working with other agencies, in reforming the humanitarian system. It’s important that UNHCR continues to work better and more collaboratively with partners on the ground, including with development actors. We want to see improved transparency, increased accountability to beneficiaries, more multi-year programming, and a continued scale up in the use of cash.

Because, Mr President, in the face of an unprecedented need, it’s clear that we cannot just do business as usual. We need a new approach, and we look forward to working with colleagues from the Security Council, from UNHCR, and elsewhere to achieve that new approach.

Thank you.

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The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, has today announced the appointment of Elisabeth Stheeman as an external member of the Financial Policy Committee (FPC).

Elisabeth Stheeman’s appointment fills the external position on the FPC created by Dame Clara Furse, who stepped down in November 2016. Elisabeth will serve a three year term, which will begin in early 2018.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond said:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Elisabeth Stheeman to the Financial Policy Committee of the Bank of England. Elisabeth has had an impressive career in financial services and will deliver invaluable experience to the FPC’s work. I wish her well in her new role.

Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney said:

I am delighted to welcome Elisabeth Stheeman to the Financial Policy Committee. The FPC will benefit greatly from Elisabeth’s extensive and varied experience in financial services. In particular, her wealth of experience within the asset management and investment banking industries will bring fresh perspectives to the FPC’s policy deliberations. I look forward to working closely with her and the rest of the FPC to promote the good of the people of the United Kingdom by maintaining financial stability.

Further information

Elisabeth Stheeman is an external adviser to the Bank of England, providing independent advice and senior industry expertise to the Prudential Regulation Authority. Elisabeth is also a current member of the supervisory boards of Aareal Bank AG and TLG Immobilien AG in Germany and Korian SA in France.

Prior to this, Elisabeth has worked for over 25 years in the financial services industry, including roles as a Chief Operating Officer in Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley (2007 to 2012), and as a Global Chief Operating Officer for LaSalle Investment Management (2013 to 2014). Elisabeth’s expertise extends across a wide range of areas including capital markets, investment banking, real estate and private equity.

About the Financial Policy Committee

The FPC was established in 2013 and is a vital part of the government’s system of financial regulation.

The FPC is the UK’s macroprudential regulator: its objective is to protect and enhance the stability of the UK’s financial system by identifying, monitoring and addressing systemic risks.

The FPC works with the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to address risks to the financial system as a whole, while the PRA and FCA have responsibility for microprudential and conduct regulation of individual firms, respectively.

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The Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Downing Street earlier today.

The Prime Minister said the UK is proud of the role that we played in the creation of the state of Israel and we mark the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration today with pride and respect.

She noted that the relationship and friendship between the UK and Israel has continued to grow over many years and we are firmly committed to continuing to deepen it across many areas, including trade and investment, science, innovation, technology, and our very close defence and security cooperation, particularly in the fields of counter-terrorism and cyber security.

They discussed Iran, where the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s continued strong support for the JCPOA nuclear deal and the view that we share with our E3 (French and German) partners that it is critical for regional security.

They agreed it was vital that the deal is properly enforced, and that the international community needs to work together to counter Iran’s destabilising activity in the region, including its support for Hizbollah in Syria and Lebanon.

They discussed Syria and Iraq, with the Prime Minister reinforcing the need to defeat Daesh in both countries, and the importance of achieving political settlements to bolster regional security and stability.

They also discussed the Middle East Peace Process, where the Prime Minister made clear that the UK continues to support a two-state solution as the best means of achieving lasting peace, with an Israel that is safe from terrorism and a Palestinian state that is viable and sovereign.

They discussed the need to overcome obstacles to peace, with the Prime Minister noting our grave concerns about illegal settlements.

The Prime Ministers also discussed the fact settlements are not the only obstacle and that the people of Israel deserve to live free from the scourge of terrorism and anti-Semitic incitement.

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At a roundtable today (2 November), government ministers met with consumer groups to ensure consumer rights and protections are maintained once Britain leaves the EU.

Consumer Minister Margot James and Department for Exiting the European Union Minister Robin Walker met with consumer groups including Which?, MoneySavingExpert, Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Scotland, the Consumer Council Northern Ireland and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) at a roundtable hosted by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

During the roundtable, Ministers affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards of consumer protection and delivering the stability and continuity consumers require, as well as discussing steps the Government could take to ensure consumer voices continue to be heard.

BEIS Minister for Consumer Protection, Margot James said:

The UK’s consumer protection regime is among the most robust in the world and the government is committed to ensuring consumers continue to benefit from robust consumer protections after we leave the EU.

That’s why I met with consumer groups today to make sure their views, and those of Britain’s consumers, are represented during the Brexit negotiations.

Minister at the Department for Exiting the EU, Robin Walker said:

This government is committed to ensuring that the consumer’s perspective is fully taken into account as we negotiate EU exit, which is why I was very pleased to meet with consumer groups earlier today and listen to their views.

The UK has a strong track record on protecting consumers – and we are clear that this will continue after Brexit. We are not just a leader in Europe but in the world when it comes to consumer protection.

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Introduction

Lords, ladies and gentlemen; distinguished guests and friends.

Theresa, thank you for your introduction. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be speaking here today, at this event to mark the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, in the presence of esteemed colleagues. I am extremely grateful to BICOM and Jewish News for hosting this important event and for inviting me to speak – it is an honour.

100 years on from the Balfour Declaration, Britain is proud of the role we played in helping to make a homeland for the Jewish people – after so many centuries of persecution.

As the Prime Minister said last week in Parliament, we are proud of the role that we played in the creation of the State of Israel and we will certainly mark the centenary with pride. The Prime Minister said she is pleased about the good trade and other relationships we have with Israel which we are building on and enhancing.

She also said that we must be conscious of the sensitivities that some people have about the Balfour Declaration.

I agree.

It is also vital to look forward towards establishing security and justice for both Israelis and Palestinians through a lasting peace. We believe the best way to achieve this is through a two-state solution based on a negotiated settlement that leads to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Today, the United Kingdom remains a close and reliable friend of Israel.

From the strong and enduring bilateral relationship, built on decades of cooperation in education, technology medical research, business, arts and culture to the trade relationship which between our two countries is at record levels.

Within the region in particular, Israel is an important strategic partner for the UK. Britain’s commitment to Israel’s security remains unwavering as is our support of Israel’s absolute right to defend its citizens. During meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu earlier this year, the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to building on the strong ties that already exist between our two countries and to continue to build upon our people to people ties.

I believe there is great potential for our two countries to work together, as we work to set the foundations for a more stable and prosperous future.

A changing world

As International Development Secretary, I see and make decisions everyday about our changing world and about some of the poorest and most troubled places.

It is staggering but true that there are more refugees and displaced people now than at any time since World War Two – with over 15 million in the Middle East region in particular.

In fact, the Middle East and North Africa is the only region in the world where poverty rates are expected to rise in the coming years… if nothing changes, the number of people living in extreme poverty will continue to escalate.

There are already 29 million children living in poverty in the region and many countries in the region also have a poor track record on women’s rights; development is going into reverse.

The Middle East is therefore not just a security challenge, but a development challenge too.

Violence and conflict are pulling people back into poverty.

We are seeing the enormous potential of people squandered – because governments and leaders have failed to create the conditions for stability, opportunity and growth…conditions where fairness and human endeavour can flourish.

As a result some areas of the world have become fertile territory for extremist groups and organisations and their poisonous ideologies.

Extremist groups are seeking to control schools and what they teach by repressing all freedom of thought and a secular education.

Which is why we must invest in those people and communities so that we can end the hateful ideology that seeks to create division across countries, communities and people.

And let me say, that 100 years on from the Balfour Declaration, it is deplorable that anti-Semitism has once again raised its ugly head in our country.

We will fight it wherever it appears.

And speak out against intolerance, hatred and bigotry in all its forms.

And together we must ensure that it appears no more.

UK development

The UK has a critical role to play in development and in helping to tackle the root causes of terror and violent extremism.

Education is a critical part of this.

Education is critical to breaking down barriers, in attitudes, perceptions about people and cultures.

By investing in education and education systems we are able to go across boundaries, in a world where physical borders have less and less meaning.

Today across the Middle East in particular, we see over 10 million children out of school in a region that is experiencing the largest reversal of education progress in history.

In the Middle-East, Britain has led a global campaign to ensure there is no lost generation of Syrian children. Last year, we helped get over 700,000 children into formal education.

Protecting and educating a generation of vulnerable young people is critical to development to turn them away from the toxic messages of extremists and instead providing new opportunities through education, skills and work.

As believers in the two state solution, DFID’s work is focussed on building the institutions of a future Palestinian State through our work in education and in providing basic services from water to health.

This includes job creation through economic growth opportunities for women and young people.

But also to build and support people to people ties across communities through co-existence programmes and support.

And we are working across communities and across the region to support peace and stability.

I have seen for myself the very best of Jewish organisations and charities around the world including here in the UK doing such amazing work by investing in people.

Because education, skills and jobs are crucial to opening up opportunities and widening horizons… bringing hope and the possibility of a better future.

The case for open markets, private sector investment and technology has also never been stronger in development.

This is how we can transform the poorest and most unsecure parts of the world, and help countries stand on their own two feet.

It is to no country’s benefit if we leave millions of people without hope or aspiration… another generation locked into the vicious cycle of the politics of hate and repression.

Working with Israel

I have always been struck by the exceptional achievement that is the state of Israel.

A country that has turned desert into fertile and plentiful land.

A country that started with nothing, in a struggle for subsistence and survival and is now a world leader in technology and innovation.

A country that despite the challenges of a turbulent region has become a democratic success story.

A country that is at the forefront of the skills revolution, whether in technology, life skills, vocational skills and is creating the most practical solutions to enhance the lives of the poorest and most marginalised in the world.

The desire and responsibility to want to help others, coupled with a can do attitudes, is Ladies and Gentlemen, precisely the sort of Jewish Homeland that was dreamt by Herzl and was of course was supported by the historic letter – the Balfour Declaration.

I have long admired Israel’s extraordinary ingenuity and leadership in technology and innovation, and I am delighted that the UK is working so closely with Israel, in so many ways.

For example the Israel/UK Tech Hub helps the UK to ally with Israel’s status as the “Start-Up Nation” – with more start-ups per capita than anywhere but Silicon Valley – and with its incredible innovative and entrepreneurial culture.

And in turn Israel is partnering with the UK’s world-leading science, research and the fast growing tech sectors.

In my role as Development Secretary I am keen that we continue this collaboration and work together to help create jobs and opportunities in the poorest parts of the world and also to provide essential support to the most vulnerable and marginalised in society.

The UK is also committed to deepening our partnership – across trade, security, and cultural interests – and working together to tackle pressing global issues.

This is important for security and stability in the UK, and across the world.

Conclusion

On this Centenary, it is fair to say that the Balfour Declaration was indispensable to the creation of a great nation.

In the decades since its birth, Israel has prevailed over what has sometimes been the hostility of neighbours to become a liberal democracy and a dynamic hi-tech economy.

In a region where many have endured authoritarianism and misrule, Israel has always stood out as a free society.

Britain will stand by these values and stand by Israel.

And by doing so we stand up to tackling this region’s challenges in the short-term and for the long-haul – working to build a more prosperous, more stable future for us all.

These values were precisely the sort of values that were central to the historic letter we commemorate today.

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