Supporting international efforts to build Somalia’s long term security and stability

Thank you, Madam President. I’d just like to make a few short remarks in response to the Explanation of Vote by the Russian Federation.

The Russian Federation expressed concerns about references to the relationship between Eritrea and Djibouti. This is a bilateral dispute, but one that the Council has continued to follow with close attention since UN sanctions on Eritrea were lifted in 2013.

When the Secretary-General wrote to update the Council on this issue in July, it was clear that there had been no negative developments in the relationship between Eritrea and Djibouti, and the two countries have continued to act responsibly. But he was also clear there has been no progress towards resolving the outstanding disagreements and that one of the parties continues to view this as a threat to peace and security. Given the divergent views between the parties and between Council members, this text is the fairest outcome and the best way to ensure that the Council can support further progress towards resolving these outstanding issues.

Finally, Madam President, I’d like to thank Council members again for their support for the text, although it’s regrettable that consensus could not be achieved. I especially welcome the Federal Government of Somalia’s engagement in this process and thank them for their constructive approach. This sanctions regime as a central part of international efforts to help Somalia build its long term security and stability and address the threat posed by terrorist organisations such as Al-Shabaab. We strongly support the inclusion of new measures targeting Al-Shabaab finances and are committed to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia to identify, address and mitigate money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Thank you, Madam President.

Capacity in foster care stalling, despite rising demand

Press release

The number of fostering places and carers only increased slightly this year, despite demand being at its highest, new data shows.

Ofsted’s annual fostering statistics show there has been little change in capacity, adding to concerns about the difficulty in finding suitable care for the most vulnerable children in an over-stretched system.

While there continues to be interest in becoming a foster carer, and enquiries from prospective carers have gone up, the figures show a 10% decrease in applications since March last year.

For the first time, today’s statistics also capture the age profile of England’s foster carers, showing that the vast majority – some 65% – are aged over 50, while a quarter of carers are aged over 60.

The statistics come as new Ofsted research highlights the difficulty local authorities and fostering agencies face in making good matches for children. A lack of carers with the right skills and experience is proving to be the most significant barrier to getting a good match, especially for groups of brothers and sisters, and for disabled children and teenagers.

Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Regulation and Social Care, said:

Although today’s statistics show a small rise in foster carers and places, there still isn’t anywhere near enough to meet demand. The difficulty in recruiting carers with the right skills and experience, along with what is potentially an aging carer population, is a mix that could be storing up trouble for the future.

Combined with the urgent need for more residential provision, ensuring a sustainable system, with a pool of carers and homes that meet children’s increasingly complex needs, has to be a priority for the forthcoming Care Review.

Due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), a small number of agencies did not submit data this year. Because of this, numbers may be lower than in previous years, though we have used estimates where possible.

Published 12 November 2020

Whole of Government Accounts

News story

GAD has marked its 10-year long association working on the Whole of Government Accounts, which was launched a decade ago.

The Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) marked its 10-year anniversary and experts at the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) have been involved throughout that decade.

The latest WGA (for 2018 to 2019) shows audited accounts of more than 8,000 public sector organisations. This in turn has produced a comprehensive picture of the UK public sector.

GAD’s involvement

We have supported HM Treasury in the development of the WGA since its inception in 2008. GAD has contributed reports, expertise and analysis in a wide range of areas.

These have included:

public service pension liabilities – where financial assumptions, mortality rates and projected salary increases are used to determine the value of scheme liabilities
provision for clinical negligence – where GAD, appointed by NHS Resolution, undertakes regular reviews to identify movements in the value of likely future settlements

Long term

GAD actuary Sarah Waters said: “Our work is integral to the overall picture of the WGA especially as we now mark 10 years since it began. We have been involved since the start as we helped with the original design.”

“We undertake detailed and long-term analysis of these aspects of public sector finances. It means that these aspects of the report are fully supported by GAD.”

Audit and scrutiny

The WGA is independently audited which provides greater confidence in the figures. The Public Accounts Committee also examine the accounts each year. Further the WGA is used to support longer term fiscal analysis by other organisations such as the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Published 12 November 2020

Are you ready for 1 January 2021? Join us to find out how to prepare

We have been listening to our marine and fishing industries and adapting accordingly. While negotiations on any trade agreements continue, there is still much we can all do to prepare for the changes and opportunities ahead as an independent coastal state.

We would like to offer you an opportunity to join Phil Haslam, Operations Director, at the Marine Management Organisation on a video call where we will update you on the latest guidance and information.

The call will be useful for active fishing businesses fishing in both UK or EU waters, fishers who direct land catch into the EU, and merchants and companies that export fish and seafood to the EU. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions or you can send your questions to us in advance to communications@marinemanagement.org.uk.

North East and North West marine area

Monday 23 November, 16.00 – 17.00
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 916 961A2 0943
Passcode: 045361

East marine area

Tuesday 24 November, 13.00 – 14.00
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 993 2545 0769
Passcode: 801319

South East and South marine area

Tuesday 24 November, 13.00 – 14.00
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 928 2319 1608
Passcode: 005849

South West marine area

Wednesday 25 November, 11.00 – 12.00
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 944 8805 4869
Passcode: 163457

If you would like to attend, simply join one of the video calls by using the details above.

We have extended our helpline hours and our team in fisheries management to assist businesses preparing for the end of the transition period. This will be further extended from 16 November.

We are also assisting fishers and merchants to meet the required deadlines for data submission and this has had a positive response with improvements so far in many areas.

We have developed a ‘one-stop-shop’ signposting commercial fishers, merchants and exporters to the help and support available as they get ready for the end of the transition period.

You can also sign up for e-mail updates on the government’s website.

Foreign Secretary’s call with Arancha González-Laya, 12 November 2020

News story

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab spoke to the Spanish Foreign Minister today to discuss the UK and Gibraltar’s future relationship with the European Union.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab spoke to Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González-Laya today to discuss the UK and Gibraltar’s future relationship with the European Union and the fight against COVID-19.

On Gibraltar, it was agreed that the UK, the Government of Gibraltar and Spain will continue working constructively to find a solution in order to ensure ongoing prosperity in the region. The Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s firm commitment to finding a solution that protects Gibraltar, its people and its economy.

On COVID-19, the Foreign Secretary welcomed Spain’s contribution to COVAX, the international scheme for ensuring equitable access to vaccines.

The Foreign Secretary and Minister González-Laya both looked forward to meeting in person in the near future.

Published 12 November 2020