World news story: British Embassy inaugurates innovative solar energy project in remote community

The British Embassy in Peru, ​​with the technical assistance of UK-based NGO Practical Solutions, this week unveiled a UK-backed renewable energy project in the community of Ocoruro (Puyca District, La Unión Province, Arequipa Region). The project expands electricity to one of the country’s most remote regions. It was inaugurated in presence of the British Ambassador in Peru, Anwar Choudhury; the Regional Governor of Arequipa, Yamila Osorio; and the Vice Minister of Energy, Angela Grossheim.

Located at an altitude of over 4,000 metres, Ocoruro is a very remote and difficult place to access. It is not connected to the electricity grid, but the photovoltaic technology installed by the Embassy has allowed 14 families to tap into the areas’ solar energy. This innovative initiative guarantees the sustainability of the project through the local management of a rural electricity services company.

British Ambassador Anwar Choudhury said: “I am very proud of this project, which has been made possible thanks to British innovation and should serve as a model for future projects in Peru with the aim of providing electricity to remote communities off the electricity grid. The technology exists, the installation is cheap and easy, and it works perfectly in rural areas like Ocoruro”.

Common areas of the community of Ocoruro, such as the main dining room, the primary school and kindergarten, the medical post, and homes now have access to electricity.

The head of the community stated that the power will now be used for the shearing of alpacas, yarn, and the lighting of animal pens, among other uses. Ocoruro’s schools will be able to use computers and multimedia equipment.

The inhabitants of Ocoruro greeted the authorities with a Quechua welcome dance and expressed their gratitude for the British Embassy’s interest in their community.



News story: PM meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven: 16 November 2017

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

“In advance of the Gothenburg Social Summit, Prime Minister Theresa May held a bilateral meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven.

“PM May began by thanking PM Löfven for hosting tomorrow’s important summit, which gathers together heads of State and government, social partners and other key players to work together to promote fair jobs and growth.

“On Brexit, the two leaders discussed the progress made so far in the negotiations on citizens’ rights, Northern Ireland and the financial settlement.

“PM May reiterated her wish for the UK to have the smoothest possible exit from the EU followed by a deep and special partnership.

“Both leaders said they wanted to see further positive discussions ahead of the December European Council.

“PM Löfven said that, post Brexit, he wanted strong UK/Swedish relations as well as a strong relationship between Britain and the EU.

“Mrs May welcomed the deepening of the close defence and security cooperation between the two countries, including in the Baltic region.

“The leaders spoke about working together to tackle terrorism, including the importance of internet and social media companies automatically removing terrorist content.

“The leaders also discussed how important it is for the EU to continue to have a firm and unified position on Russia.”



News story: Apprenticeships from across industry showcased at The Skills Show 2017

The National Apprenticeship Service will be present over the 3 day event, talking to thousands of people about the benefits of apprenticeships and the many opportunities available.

The National Apprenticeship Service will have stands in Hall 6 and Hall 17, and a further stand in the Staffroom – an area dedicated to careers advisers, teachers and parents. The University Zone, with a focus on higher and degree apprenticeships, is being supported by HEFCE and UVAC whilst Spotlight sessions are scheduled to take place over the three days, covering general information on apprenticeships and ‘Meet the Apprentice’ talks.

Three apprentice conferences all take place on Thursday too – with an Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN) and Young Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (YAAN) conference, which includes the launch of the YAAN by Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton. This will be followed by an Employer Conference, being attended by the Chair of the Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network, Helen Grant MP. A Public Sector Conference is also taking place.

During day 1 of the Skills Show the National Apprenticeship Service will also formally announce the theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2018 – taking place from 5 to 9 March. The theme – Apprenticeships Work – will celebrate the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers, local communities and the wider economy.

Sue Husband, director, National Apprenticeship Service added:

The Skills Show will give us the opportunity to talk to young people, parents, teachers and adults looking for a career change, amongst others, about the range of careers on offer through apprenticeships. It is important that we use this opportunity to tell everyone who attends that no matter who you are, how old you are, or where you are from, an apprenticeship will help you achieve your career ambition.

There are conferences taking place at the Skills Show that allow us to celebrate apprenticeships along with our partners and this year it is great for us to have so many apprentice ambassadors joining us.

Having a captive audience at the Skills Show also gives us a great platform to announce the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2018. Having employer and apprentice support over the course of National Apprenticeship Week is paramount to its success and I look forward to seeing how both apprentices and employers alike get involved.

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Press release: UK dismayed by dissolution of Cambodian opposition party

The British government is dismayed to learn of the dissolution of Cambodia’s main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). This effectively renders Cambodia a one-party state in its parliament and delegitimises next year’s General Election.

We renew our calls for the release of CNRP President, Kem Sokha, from detention. We shall consider with partners what further steps we shall take in response to this disturbing development.



News story: Joint statement on trade between UK and the CARIFORUM states

  • Today, Thursday 16 November 2017, Greg Hands, the Honourable Minister responsible for Trade Policy in the United Kingdom (UK) met with the Honourable Ministers and representatives of the CARIFORUM States to discuss the trade relationship between the UK and the CARIFORUM States as the UK leaves the European Union.

  • The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the CARIFORUM States (Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago) and the European Union (EU) and its Member States was signed in and has been provisionally applied since 2008.

  • The UK is in the process of exiting the EU. While the UK remains a member of the EU, trade between the CARIFORUM States and the UK will continue to take place under the terms of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA.

  • The CARIFORUM Ministers welcomed the UK’s commitment to the CARIFORUM-EU EPA and its intention to avoid disruption for its trading partners as it withdraws from the EU. The CARIFORUM Ministers also welcomed the UK’s desire to maintain current market access to the UK following its withdrawal from the EU, and to ensure continuity of the effects of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA.

  • The 2 sides agreed to progress discussions to explore ways to ensure that the existing trade arrangement between the UK and CARIFORUM States, currently governed by the CARIFORUM-EU EPA, will not be disrupted by the UK’s departure from the EU. This will be a technical exercise to ensure continuity in their preferential trading relationship, rather than an opportunity to renegotiate existing terms.

    • The UK’s relationship with the Caribbean is underpinned by our shared history and common values. This statement shows a deep commitment to strengthen UK trading ties with the CARIFORUM group of nations, with bilateral trade totalling £2.1 billion last year.

    As we build our future outside the EU, we will continue to be a champion for free trade and an advocate for the benefits trade can bring, socially as well as economically.