The first Ministerial meeting of the Media Freedom Coalition took place today 16 November. As co-Chairs of the Coalition, the UK and Canada are happy to share the Communiqué issued by the Coalition.

The Communiqué recognises that media freedom is essential to the protection of human rights, a cornerstone of democracy and a means to help address the current health crisis through countering false information.

The Communiqué also recognises the continued decline in media freedom caused in part by the rise of authoritarianism. In response, the Communiqué recalls the commitment of all Coalition members to the Global Pledge on Media Freedom agreed at the London Conference 2019.

Moreover, the Communiqué also welcomes:

• new members to the Coalition
• the continuous work of the Advisory Network to support media freedom
• the work of the High Level Legal Panel
• progress of UNESCO to support grass roots work through the global Media Defence Fund, and
• efforts to at the national level to improve the media environment, including through legal protections, so that journalists can carry out their work without fear of harm, arrest or intimidation

The following veterinary medicines were detained and subsequently seized at Border Force, Heathrow Airport following an attempt to import.

This parcel was addressed to a residential premise in the UK and contained:

• 2 boxes of 10 x 5ml vials of Gestavet
• 2 boxes of 10 x 5ml vials of Solvent

These products are non-UK veterinary medicines. The UK authorised version of this product is intended for use in pigs and indications include induction and synchronisation of heat.

These medicines were seized under Regulation 25 (Importation of unauthorised veterinary medicinal products) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013.

The following veterinary medicines were identified by a courier company based at East Midlands Airport. The products were then detained and subsequently seized from Border Force.

This parcel was addressed to a residential premises in the UK and contained:

• 30 x AbGard, Omeprazole Oral Paste 37%w/w
• 10 sachets of AbPrazole Plus x

These products are intended for use in horses and are not authorised veterinary medicines in the UK.

The medicines were seized under Regulation 25 (Importation of unauthorised veterinary medicinal products) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013.

Following an escalation in violence in Ethiopia, Minister for Africa James Duddridge said:

The UK calls for immediate de-escalation and the protection of civilians following further violence in Ethiopia and attacks on Asmara, Eritrea over the weekend.

We are working closely with humanitarian agencies to ensure that aid reaches civilians affected by the fighting.

Background

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab spoke to Prime Minister Abiy on 10 November, emphasising the need for protection of civilians and humanitarian access.

The British Ambassador in Addis Ababa continues to raise the need for de-escalation and an immediate halt to violence with our partners and all parties involved.

UK-funded partners in Tigray are working hard to deliver support in extremely challenging circumstances. This includes to delivering assistance to refugees and host communities including shelter; health; water, sanitation and hygiene; nutrition and protection support.

We continue to raise the need for humanitarian access and restoration of basic services with senior officials in Ethiopia.

The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has today (17 November 2020) signed a new bilateral Air Services Agreement safeguarding the future of air travel between the UK and US past the end of the transition period. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed on behalf of the US, along with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

The arrangement will replace the current EU agreement, preserving the continuation of travel, protecting the economy and ensuring the UK remains one of the world’s leading aviation hubs for both travellers and businesses.

Tens of millions of passengers a year use these vital transatlantic routes, contributing to a trading relationship with the US worth over £230 billion. Today’s announcement will help ensure that the UK remains open for business with major economies around the world by maintaining this critical global link.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

The Air Services Agreement will allow us to continue to travel and trade with one of our closest friends and allies, working together to mutually boost our economies, either side of the Atlantic. This is just one of many steps we’re taking as we move towards a bright new future at the end of the transition period.

The agreement will enter into full legal force after completion of both sides’ procedures for an international agreement.