Thank you Mr President,

As we have heard from UN Special Coordinator Wennesland, we are seeing an increasingly worrying deterioration of the security situation in the West Bank. It is crucial that all parties take urgent steps to reduce tensions, condemn incitement and avoid further escalation in violence.

The cycle of violence continues to take many lives. We are alarmed by the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, by Israeli Security Forces, including six minors this month. Investigations should be transparent and comprehensive. Where there has been excessive use of force, those responsible must be held to account.

We are also concerned by the increase in Palestinian violence, where two IDF soldiers sadly lost their lives this month after being shot by Palestinians. We repeat our call on all parties to take immediate steps to reduce tensions. We also stress the importance of ensuring access for humanitarian and development organisations, including in Palestinian refugee camps, even during periods of instability.

More action also needs to be taken to tackle settler violence, which has affected IDF soldiers, but affects Palestinians on a daily basis across the West Bank, especially during the olive harvest. The Israeli government needs to end the culture of impunity and bring those responsible to justice.

Mr President, as we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the International Day of the Girl this month, we should all be reminded of the vital role that UNRWA plays in the region, including in providing education and health services to women and girls. But while girls in the OPTs outperform boys at school and represent around 60% of Palestinian graduates, the fact that employment rates remain low, with only 13% of women over 25 employed, needs urgent and meaningful attention.

The UK remains a firm supporter of UNRWA and values its importance as a vital humanitarian and stabilising force. We encourage efforts to improve UNRWA’s serious financial situation, which threatens its ability to deliver vital services later this year if action is not taken.

Mr President, the need for the parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborate to address the escalating situation in the West Bank is urgent. We are working closely with the parties to that end and we welcome the efforts of the UN Special Coordinator to support de-escalation and encourage further work to reverse negative trends on the ground.

Thank you.

I believe strongly that people in Northern Ireland deserve locally-elected decision-makers who are working for them, to address the issues that matter most to people here.

As of earlier today, an Executive can no longer form and I am duty-bound by law to call new elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly as set out in the New Decade, New Approach agreement as soon as practicably possible and within 12 weeks.

Having spoken with the various Party leaders this week, I know no one in Northern Ireland is calling for an election – but nearly all Parties signed up to the Agreement that put us in this position only a couple of years ago.

Today I also met the Chief Electoral Officer to discuss operational considerations to inform my decision about the election date.

It was particularly disappointing to see yesterday that the Assembly was still unable to elect a Speaker, despite all the time that has passed.

At a time when so many are struggling with the cost of living and fearful of what is to come, I understand people’s frustration that MLAs continue to draw a full salary when they are not performing all the duties they were elected to do.

So, I will be considering my options to act on MLA pay.

Right now, the Executive no longer has Ministers in post to act for the people of Northern Ireland.

That means no Ministers to deliver the public services you rely on.  That means no Ministers to manage the budget pressures affecting the funding of your hospitals, your schools, your doctors and nurses.

So in the absence of an Executive I will take limited but necessary steps to protect public finances and the delivery of public services.

I have already met the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Jayne Brady, to discuss this and gather evidence on the state of Stormont’s financial position. I shall hopefully receive more detailed information about this next week.

Then I’ll soon outline our plan of action to make sure that the interests of the people of Northern Ireland are protected.

And to those who have called for “joint authority” of Northern Ireland in recent days, let me say this: this won’t be considered. The UK Government is absolutely clear that the consent principle governs the constitutional position of Northern Ireland. We will not support any arrangements that are inconsistent with that principle.

The byelaws prohibit fishing for salmon and sea trout this autumn, with fishing due to resume in early 2023.

In the North East, the close season for salmon runs 1 November to 31 January. The close season for sea trout also begins on 1 November and runs until 2 April. In Yorkshire, the close season for salmon runs 1st November to 5th April. The close season for sea trout begins on 1st November and runs until 2nd April.

Anglers must check local information and byelaws to ensure they are up to date on local restrictions. More information and specific advice can be found here.

Licence holders who fish for salmon and sea trout are also encouraged to submit their annual catch return. This can be completed online or by sending in a paper catch return, the information is vital to help inform national salmon and sea trout stock assessments.

Wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout are experiencing decline, with stocks now categorised as being ‘at risk’ or ‘probably at risk’. Reducing disturbances on fish when they are spawning and at their most vulnerable helps to protect stocks for the future.

The Environment Agency recognises that fishing is not the sole cause of stock decline but by observing the close season anglers are playing their part in boosting the long-term resilience of iconic fish species.

David Shears, Environment Agency Senior Fisheries Enforcement Officer, said:

Taking steps to limit the pressures on vital fish stocks will help support healthy, thriving populations in our rivers long into the future. 

The annual close season is an important time of year. It improves the resilience and sustainability of our native species, which is important for the wider ecosystem.

Anglers who wish to fish during the winter months are permitted to catch coarse fish, such as grayling, barbel and chub, for which a valid fishing licence is required.

During the close season, enforcement officers from the Environment Agency patrol riverbanks to prevent illegal fishing and protect fisheries. The maximum fine for byelaw offences is £50,000 upon conviction.

Those who suspect illegal fishing should report it to the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.