Aug302017

UN strongly condemns latest ballistic missile launch by DPRK

United Nations

29 August 2017 – The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the latest ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which flew over Japan, as well as the series of launches that took place on 25 August.

Convening a formal meeting this evening immediately following urgent, closed-door consultations, the Security Council adopted a Presidential Statement through which it condemned the DPRK for its &#8220outrageous actions&#8221 and demanded that the North-East Asia country &#8220immediately cease all such actions.&#8221

&#8220The Security Council stresses that these DPRK actions are not just a threat to the region, but to all UN Member States,&#8221 the statement continued, expressing the 15-member body’s grave concern that the DPRK is, by conducting such a launch over Japan, &#8220as well as its recent actions and public statements,&#8221 deliberately undermining regional peace and stability and have caused grave security concerns around the world.

Moreover, the Council demanded that the DPRK abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes &#8220in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, and immediately cease all related activities&#8221 and not conduct any further tests or provocations.

Earlier today, Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the latest ballistic missile launch, in violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

&#8220The launch undermines regional security and stability and efforts to create space for dialogue,&#8221 said a statement issued by UN spokesperson Eri Kaneko.

According to press reports, early Tuesday morning, the DPRK launched a ballistic missile that travelled some 2,700 kilometers, flying over Japan before crashing into the Pacific Ocean.

&#8220The Secretary-General calls on the Government of the DPRK to fully comply with its international obligations and to work to re-open channels of communication,&#8221 the statement said, adding that Mr. Guterres remains in close contact with all parties concerned.

Aug302017

BCC: Trade mission opportunity to strengthen ties with Japan

British Chambers of Commerce

Commenting as part of the Prime Minister’s trade delegation to Japan, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The links between British and Japanese businesses are deep and strong, and this mission is an important signal of the shared desire to see trade between our two countries grow further in the years to come.

“Japanese firms have been huge investors in the UK over the years, and their long-term commitment in towns and cities across the country is valued and celebrated. Many have put down roots, boosted local employment, forged links with local firms, and built deep UK supply chains. Our business communities have been enriched by their presence and their engagement.

“Increasing numbers of UK companies are also doing business in Japan, selling both their products and their know-how to Japanese clients.

“Boosting two-way trade between the UK and Japan is a major opportunity. Chambers of Commerce across the UK are pleased to be part of the effort to make that happen.” 

Ends

Notes to editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Senior Press Manager

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812

Aug302017

Press release: Sir John Bell to unveil industry-led proposals to build UK’s status as world leader in life sciences

HM Government
  • Sir John Bell outlines findings of independent sector-led review into £64 billion life sciences industry at University of Birmingham
  • the review will inform the basis of government work with the sector towards a Sector Deal in the coming months
  • Business Secretary Greg Clark and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will also announce details of £160 million of funding to support the sector including the NHS

Industry proposals to help the UK’s life sciences sector become an international benchmark for success will be unveiled by Professor Sir John Bell during a speech at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Translational Medicine later today (30 August 2017).

Attended by Business Secretary Greg Clark and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Sir John Bell will outline the industry’s vision for how government can work alongside the sector to boost businesses large and small across the £64 billion life sciences sector.

In the government’s Industrial Strategy green paper, launched in January, life sciences was one of five of the UK’s leading sectors tasked with working with stakeholders across the industry to identify opportunities for how government can support the industry.

The industry-led Life Sciences Industrial Strategy follows Sir John Bell’s comprehensive cross-sector review into the long-term future of the industry and brings together input and recommendations from a broad range of stakeholders, including global companies such as AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson, MSD, GSK and healthcare groups, SMEs and charities.

The report’s recommendations will be considered carefully by the government and used to work towards a sector deal between government and the global life sciences sector.

Sir John Bell is expected to say:

The vision for the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy is an ambitious one and sets out proposals for how the UK can continue to capitalise on its strengths in the sector, both to encourage economic growth and to improve health outcomes for patients.

We have created a strategy which capitalises on our strong science base to further build the industry into a globally-unique and internationally competitive life sciences eco-system, supported by collaboration across industry, government, the NHS, academia, and research funders to deliver health and wealth.

I look forward to working with government to consider the strategy’s recommendations, including those that can be taken forward as part of an ambitious sector deal.

From a cross-section of industry and trade association members of the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy Board:

We welcome the publication of the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy, led by Sir John Bell. The Strategy and Board demonstrate the breadth and vibrancy of the life sciences ecosystem in the UK, the importance of collaboration across the sector, the critical role of the NHS in delivering the development and use of new medical technologies, and the contribution of our sector to the UK economy.

The Strategy provides a holistic and collaborative framework to realise the many exciting opportunities in the future of life sciences in the UK and is a positive first step to cementing the success of our sector.

This should provide the springboard for any sector deal for the life sciences sector, including the NHS and other stakeholders; this will be vital to ensuring that the recommendations set out in this Strategy are fully implemented.

As the UK leaves the EU, collaboration with, and support from government is more important than ever to maintaining the UK’s position as a global life sciences ecosystem.

The Life Sciences Industrial Strategy, a report to the government from the life sciences sector, is organised under 5 key themes – science, growth, NHS, data, and skills – with proposals to build on the UK’s strengths in each area. These include:

  • Science – Reinforcing the UK science offer by sustaining and increasing funding for basic science to match our international competition and by further improving UK clinical trial capabilities
  • Growth – Improving growth and infrastructure across the country, through a tax environment that supports growth and by attracting substantial investment to manufacture and export high value life science products of the future
  • NHS – Encouraging NHS collaboration by recommending the Accelerated Access Review be adopted with national routes to market streamlined and clarified, including for digital products
  • Data – Making better use of data and other evidence by establishing 2 to 5 regional innovation hubs that would provide data across regions of 3 to 5 million people.
  • Skills – Ensuring the UK has the talent and skills to underpin future life sciences success by delivering a reinforced skills action plan across the NHS, commercial and third sectors

The Strategy also recommends the establishment of the Healthcare Advanced Research Program (HARP), a programme through which industries, charities and the NHS can collaborate on ambitious and long-term UK-based projects to transform healthcare and take advantage of the medical trends of the next 20 years.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is expected to say:

The UK has always been at the forefront of scientific excellence. From the discovery of antibiotics to our world-leading 100,000 Genomes project, we have a proud history of medical breakthrough and innovation.

I want patients to continue to be at the front of the queue for the best treatments available, whether that means early access to trials, giving staff brand new innovations and technology to work with, or being at the heart of research to share best practice quickly across the health and social care system. A strong and growing life sciences sector ensures this, particularly as we negotiate our exit from the EU.

In welcoming the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy, the Health Secretary is also announcing £14 million funding to support 11 medical technology research centres to encourage collaboration between the NHS and industry in developing and bringing new technologies to patients through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). This will mean patients will continue to benefit from new technologies which will help to improve diagnosis and get them the treatment they need quickly.

Business Secretary Greg Clark is expected to say:

The life sciences sector is of critical importance to the UK economy and UK health – with over 5,000 companies, nearly 235,000 employees and a turnover of £64 billion in 2016 – and the government is committed to continuing to help this sector go from strength to strength.

The Life Sciences Industrial Strategy demonstrates the world-class expertise the UK already has in this sector and represents the industry’s vision for how we can build on our world-leading reputation in this field.

We will be engaging with Sir John Bell in the coming months in an effort to work towards a sector deal that helps us seize the opportunities in this area.

Chief Executive of Innovate UK, Dr Ruth McKernan, added:

I know from my own experience that the UK is a world leader in life sciences. These new proposals underline our strength and will keep the nation at the cutting edge. At Innovate UK, we look forward to playing a key role in its delivery.

Working with the research community and exciting companies, with equally exciting ideas, we will drive innovation to create new jobs and deliver greater productivity.

At the launch of the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy, the Business Secretary will reiterate government’s commitment to the sector, announcing the first phase of the government’s investment in life sciences through the Industrial Strategy, with £146 million for leading-edge healthcare, which is expected to leverage more than £250 million of private funding from industry.

This investment, part of the government’s flagship Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, will be spread over 4 years and covers 5 major projects supporting advanced therapies, advanced medicines and vaccines development and manufacturing. These projects are:

  • Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre: A £13 million competition to establish a new centre, in partnership with industry, that will accelerate the adoption of emerging and novel manufacturing technologies
  • Vaccines Development and Manufacturing Centre: To develop and manufacture vaccines for clinical trials and prepare for emergency epidemic threats, government is investing £66 million in a new centre of excellence
  • Advanced Therapies Treatment Centre £30 million investment in 3 new sites will help establish a network of centres, based in hospitals, that will transform the UK’s ability to develop and deliver cell and gene therapies to a large number of patients
  • Expanding the Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing Centre: Enhancing the UK’s offer in the fast-moving field of cell and gene therapy by investing £12 million in doubling the capacity of the Cell and Gene Therapy Centre in Stevenage
  • Research and Development to support innovation at the manufacturing centres: Through a new collaborative scheme, the government is investing £25 million to support SMEs working in this sector and boost innovation

Government has increased investment in research and development over the next 4 years by £4.7 billion to create jobs and raise living standards through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. The Business Secretary has announced that the first £1 billion of investment is being made in 6 key areas in 2017 to 2018, driving progress and innovation that will create opportunities for businesses and sectors across the UK.

The NIHR Medtech and In vitro diagnostic Co-operatives (NIHR MICs) build expertise and capacity in the NHS to develop new medical technologies and provide evidence on commercially-supplied in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests. The NIHR MICs will provide funding over five years for leading NHS Organisations to act as centres of expertise; bringing together patients, clinicians, researchers, commissioners and industry. 11 centres across England have been designated NIHR MICs.

The Life Sciences Industrial Strategy Board members quoted above include the:

  • Association of British Healthcare Industries
  • Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
  • AstraZeneca
  • BioIndustryAssociation
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Immunocore Ltd
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • MSD
  • Northern Health Science Alliance Ltd

The full Board brings together representation from across the sector, including industry, academia and charities.

Aug292017

Jeremy Corbyn comment on Kezia Dugdale resignation

Labour

Jeremy
Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party, said:

“I’d like
to thank Kezia Dugdale for her work as Scottish Labour leader and the important
role she has played in rebuilding the party in Scotland.

“Kezia
became Scottish leader at one of the most difficult times in the history of the
Scottish Labour Party, and the party’s revival is now fully under way, with six
new MPs and many more to come.

“I want
to thank Kez for her tireless service to our party and movement, and look
forward to campaigning with her in future for a country that works for the many
not the few.”

Ends

Aug292017

‘Sustaining peace’ strategy must cover entire peace continuum – UN deputy chief

United Nations

29 August 2017 – Addressing how best United Nations peacekeeping operations can augment global efforts to sustain peace, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has said that the nature of today’s challenges requires seamless work across peace and security, human rights and sustainable development.

&#8220Peacekeeping operations need clear, realistic and up-to-date mandates, with well-identified priorities, adequate sequencing and flexibility to evolve over time,&#8221 Ms. Mohammed told the Security Council during an open debate on ‘peacekeeping operations and sustaining peace.’

&#8220Coherence, complementarity and collaboration between UN peace and security efforts and its development and humanitarian work are also essential for preventing conflict and mitigating risks, fostering more sustainable outcomes and ensuring that no one is left behind,&#8221 she added.

‘Sustaining peace’ is a term that emerged from the 2015 review of the UN peacebuilding architecture. In their resolutions on the review, the Security Council and the General Assembly defined sustaining peace &#8220as a goal and a process to build a common vision of a society […] which encompasses activities aimed at preventing, the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict.&#8221

&#8220Implementing the Sustaining Peace Agenda requires an inclusive strategy that supports the diverse range of our missions and takes account of the entire peace continuum, from prevention, conflict resolution and peacekeeping to peacebuilding and long-term development,&#8221 Ms. Mohammed said, underscoring the vital role the Security Council plays.

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed addresses the Security Council open debate on “United Nations peacekeeping operations: their potential contribution to the overarching goal of sustaining peace”. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

In this regard, she added, the reform of the UN system has been designed to reinforce the links between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustaining Peace Agenda.

&#8220We must work together across silos and address the humanitarian-development-peace nexus as well as the root causes of violence and conflict,&#8221 she said.

The debate also explored how peacekeeping operations can adapt to changing political and operational challenges through the various stages of UN missions’ engagement and how they can be designed around support for building inclusive and effective national institutions and strengthening national capacities.

Sustaining peace can only be achieved through a broader vision of prevention, she stressed, adding that prevention measures and peace processes must be driven by national leadership and inclusive ownership that recognize the needs and contributions of all segments of society, including women and youth as agents of development and peace.

The complexity of current conflicts requires a multi-dimensional approach that prioritizes a range of initiatives, including providing crucial protection for civilians under threat and strengthening institutions, as well as the rule of law to enable respect for human rights to be strengthened at all levels.

Sustaining peace can only be achieved through a broader vision of prevention UN deputy chief Amina Mohammed

They require disarmament, demobilization and the reintegration of armed groups, and a focus on justice and reconciliation, credible elections and the extension of legitimate and accountable State authority.

In many ways, one of peacekeeping’s most important contributions to peace is the preparation for a smooth and effective peacekeeping drawdown and handover to the UN Country Team, as seen recently in successful examples of this in Cote d’Ivoire and soon in Liberia.

&#8220To ensure that we are on the right peacebuilding track, we must get the politics right,&#8221 the Deputy Secretary-General said.

Peacekeeping operations are political instruments that ideally accompany a locally-owned peace process. To this end, missions provide good offices and work closely with different parties and communities to achieve and implement peace agreements.

In considering all these areas, a broader and more sustained level of engagement by the members of a united and strong Security Council &#8211 individually or collectively &#8211 is essential to ensure that Member States, the UN system, and all our partners are aligned behind a common purpose and a common vision for action that integrates all pillars of the UN and bring all its activities together in a truly integrated fashion, Ms. Mohammed concluded.