The British Embassy in Addis Ababa has given a statement on the killings of Regional State President Ambachew Mekonnen and CDS Seare.

The Ambassador and Embassy of the United Kingdom express their deepest condolences to the Ethiopian Government and people and to the families of those who lost their lives in Saturday’s appalling attacks in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa.

Violence should have no place in Ethiopia’s development and the resolution of grievances, whether political or personal, must be through peaceful means. Open and honest political dialogue grounded in respect for others is essential. We urge calm and restraint from all sides in the days and weeks ahead.

The United Kingdom will continue to stand in support of the government and people of Ethiopia on their reform journey. Just 2 days before he was killed, President Ambachew joined Ambassador McPhail to inaugurate a new Water and Sanitation project in Maksegnit. We will continue to work with the authorities at national and regional level, as well as local communities, on projects such as this to promote a more prosperous, more peaceful Ethiopia. We urge all Ethiopians to unite behind this aim and to come together in the face of these shameful killings.

16-18 year old students in Scotland will join the next generation of business leaders and trade experts tomorrow (Tuesday 25 June) at the National Trade Academy Programme Summer School organised by the Department for International Trade (DIT).

The Summer School will take place at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, where students will design their own export strategy, develop entrepreneurial skills, work alongside business leaders and participate in a National Competition.

The National Trade Academy Programme Summer School was established by DIT to inspire the next generation of exporters, upskill young people as they explore various career paths, and increase knowledge around the opportunities and benefits of international trade.

The participating schools this year include Preston Lodge High School, St Andrew’s RC High School, West Calder High School, The James Young High School, Viewforth High School, Balwearie High School and Knox Academy.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said:

The National Trade Academy Programme Summer School is a great initiative to inspire and educate the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs, giving them great insight into the world of international trade.

It is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the potential of a global Britain and explore the economic benefits of free trade.

During the day, students will increase their knowledge of international trade, build their confidence, experience an interactive style of learning outside the classroom, and compete with other Summer School students across the UK in a series of challenges.

Successful exporting experts from the Scotch Whisky Association, Blazing Griffin, Faraday Grid, Tissue Solutions, Aggreko and the University of Edinburgh will also deliver learning sessions and inspirational talks during the day.

Scotch Whisky Association Chief Executive Karen Betts said:

I am delighted to help the entrepreneurs of tomorrow learn from the global success of Scotch Whisky.

The industry’s exports flourished because of the entrepreneurial spirit of previous generations. With the whisky sector’s important contribution to the UK economy, it is vital that we inspire young people to learn the skills needed for future success.

Jobs in the Scotch Whisky are high-skilled and high-productivity. I hope the National Trade Academy will help those about to leave school understand better the career opportunities in exporting and international trade, including in Scotch Whisky.

Dr Morag McFarlane at Tissue Solutions Ltd said:

With this program, students get a rare opportunity to participate in something that will not only help them gain valuable knowledge about international trade, but also a chance to develop their own capabilities

Working alongside business leaders who have first-hand experience of exporting gives students practical insights while helping them develop their leadership and management skills with a specific focus on business growth and innovation.

Aine Finlayson, Director of Manufacturing at Aggreko, said:

This is great opportunity for the students to learn and network with people from many businesses who export and have a global presence. This type of programme really helps young people solidify their career choices.

Winning teams from each of the three Summer School days will be invited to London for a Prize day, where they will further their learning and the overall challenge winner will be announced.

The National Trade Academy Programme is part of the Board of Trade and aims to upskill the nation on international trade, building a culture of exporting through a range of educational projects and initiatives.

Annual farm accounts in England sourced from the farm business survey.

A new package of UK aid will ensure millions of Palestinian refugees have access to vital health services, basic education and food, Minister for the Middle East Dr. Andrew Murrison announced today (25 June 2019).

A new package of UK aid will ensure millions of Palestinian refugees have access to vital health services, basic education and food, Minister for the Middle East Dr. Andrew Murrison announced today (25 June 2019).

It comes as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides essential services to Palestinian refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria faces unprecedented financial difficulty.

Over the past year services to Palestinian refugees have come under increasing pressure. In Gaza, where there has been a significant deterioration in both the humanitarian and economic situation, food is often unaffordable for many where over half of the population is unemployed and a million people are living on less than £3 a day.

Minister for the Middle East, Dr. Andrew Murrison, said:

Today’s new UK aid package is a vital lifeline for Palestinian refugees who are facing greater uncertainty than ever before. Our support will help UNRWA ensure families have enough to eat, providing basics such as flour, chickpeas and rice. It will also help to keep over half a million children in the classroom and provide essential access to healthcare for more than three million Palestinian refugees.

The UK has been a long-term supporter of UNRWA. It provides stability in the region, which is crucial for Palestinians, but also the region and the wider world, including the UK. I am deeply concerned about the unprecedented challenges UNRWA faces. Unless additional funding is secured, UNRWA may struggle to continue providing food aid in Gaza. I urge other donors to join us in stepping up their support for UNRWA at this critical time.

Only a political solution can provide a just, fair, and realistic settlement for Palestinian refugees, and until that time the UK remains firmly committed to supporting UNRWA’s work and Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.

Last month, on his first visit as Minister for the Middle East, Minister Murrison visited Gaza where he saw first-hand the important work UNRWA is doing to deliver for Palestinian refugees.

Notes to editors

• Today’s announcement of an additional £19 million to UNRWA is new funding from the UK’s Department for International Development and takes UK support to UNRWA for 2019/20 to £65.5 million.
• The package was confirmed by Ambassador James Roscoe, Head of Open Societies and Partnerships at the UK Mission to the United Nations, at the UNRWA Pledging Conference in New York today (25 June 2019).
• UK support to UNRWA is helping to achieve Global Goals 1 and 2 by helping to end extreme poverty and hunger by providing food, vouchers and cash to Palestinian refugees and Global Goals 3 and 4 by providing education and health care services.

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