UK supports new UN sanctions in Haiti

Press release

The UK announces support for a new UN sanctions regime in Haiti.

On 21 November 2022, the UN established a new sanctions regime in Haiti in UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2653 (2022), adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The new UN sanctions regime has been set up to tackle the issues threatening the peace, stability and security of Haiti. We strongly support this UN action that moves Haiti closer to security and stability with a return to democratic processes as soon as possible.

The UNSC has added Jimmy Cherizier, one of Haiti’s most notorious gang leaders and leader of an alliance of Haitian gangs known as the “G9 Family and Allies” to the list of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo set out in Security Council resolution 2653 (2022).

The UK strongly supports the introduction of a new UN Sanctions regime that will help to tackle the violence and insecurity in Haiti, which worsens wider challenges faced by the Haitian population. The listing of Cherizier is a positive development for the security and stability of Haiti and the Caribbean region. He will be denied access to external funding and assets, significantly reducing his ability to operate.

Published 21 October 2022



FCDO Head of Latin America Department James Dauris’ travel to Guatemala

Deputy Director Dauris will meet with Guatemalan Government Officials, private sector leaders, and broader civil society groups. The Deputy Director’s trip underscores the UK’s strong commitment to the UK-Guatemala solid relationship.

At meetings with Guatemalan government officials, he will discuss shared priorities on a host of issues, including Ukraine, climate change, human rights, transparency and economic prosperity.

On Ukraine, Deputy Director Dauris will discuss the devastating impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on food and energy prices, while commending Guatemala’s own leadership in deploring Russia’s actions, and commitment to engaging multilaterally to end this war.

He will urge Guatemala to continue showing ambition in the fight against climate change. These plans will complement the UK’s investment of US$20 million in Mesoamerica, including Guatemala, through the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, to reduce poverty and create climate resilience from 2023.

Deputy Director Dauris will also encourage Guatemala to seize the opportunities of the UK-Central America Association Agreement, while stressing the need for continued Guatemalan efforts to tackle corruption and improve the business environment.

With the private sector, the Deputy Director will discuss the challenges and opportunities of the global economic environment and strategies to support the long-term development objectives of the Guatemalan economy, including those that have been negatively hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At meetings with civil society groups, Deputy Director Dauris will stress the unequivocal UK commitment to protect human rights, ranging from the situation of media freedom in the country, to listening to human rights defenders and continue advocating for the rights of LGBTQI persons.



Save the date – Government Chemist Conference 2023

News story

The Government Chemist Conference will take place on 20-21 June 2023 at the Royal Society of Chemistry, London with remote attendance options

Image of vegetables in a supermarket with text details about conference date 20-21 June 2023

Meet experts to discuss how science can underpin effective solutions to the escalating challenges facing the global food system.

The event will take place at the Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London on 20-21 June with remote attendance options available.

Our last conference took place in June 2021 as an online event, Safe food for tomorrow’s world.

We will be announcing the programme and opening the registration in January 2023, but keep in touch with updates by signing up to email alerts, or following us on @NML_ChemBioGC using #GCconf2023

Published 21 October 2022



Three Hundreds of Chiltern

News story

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Christian John Patrick Matheson to be Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Christian John Patrick Matheson to be Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern.

Published 21 October 2022



Bar Council Employed Bar Awards

The annual Bar Council Employed Bar Awards were held last night at Gray’s Inn.

The awards celebrated the wealth of talent and vital contributions made by employed barristers across numerous practice areas.

Our nominations included:

  • Cabinet Office, Commercial Policy Team, Legal Team of the Year
  • DHSC Legal Advisers, Legal Team of the Year
  • National Security and Counter Terrorism Team, Legal Team of the Year
  • Sam Littlejohns, Employed Barrister of the Year

GLD were proud to sponsor the Legal Team of the Year award and all those shortlisted for the category were government legal teams, showing the true of talent in GLD.

The National Security and Counter Terrorism Litigation Team were praised for their contribution to supporting the national security and defence of the UK, particularly during the pandemic. Whilst the Cabinet Office’s Commercial Policy Team were recognised for their work developing and delivering the Procurement Bill, a large technical bill which reformed the way government spends £300 billion per annum.

DHSC Legal Advisers took home the Legal Team of the Year prize for their crucial role supporting the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team ensured the rule of law was upheld even in the face of the extreme pressure by providing nuanced, solution-focused, and accessible advice.

Working in a rapidly changing environment, they had to consider the emerging public health picture, novel public law and human rights implications and legal considerations from across all of government.

Professor Chris Whitty even endorsed the work of the team, saying:

The in-house team has been remarkable … to ensure protection for the whole population from COVID in a way which was manageable for citizens, and legally robust.

Employed Barrister of the Year

For the Employed Barrister of the Year in the Public Sector award Sam Littlejohns was recognised for his tireless work with the Department of Health & Social Care Legal Advisers on COVID-19 public health issues from February 2020 to June 2021. He showed impressive leadership, motivating a small team who were working under unprecedented pressure.

Congratulations to all those who were nominated.

It was brilliant that so many GLD teams and colleagues were recognised for their vitally important and hard work supporting the government and ensuring that they govern well within the rule of law.

A full list of winners and shortlisted teams and individuals is available on the Bar Council website.