December 2022 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

UK Introducing COVID-19 Testing for Travelers Flying In From China - Government Sputnik 31 Dec 2022 -- People arriving to England from China by plane will need to present negative coronavirus test results before boarding their flight, the UK Department of Health and Social Care informs.
More Countries Tighten COVID Rules for Chinese Travelers VOA 30 Dec 2022 -- France and Britain on Friday became the latest in a growing list of countries requiring COVID-19 tests from travelers arriving from China following a surge of infections in the Asian nation.
UK Sends Counter Explosive Ordnance Equipment to Ukraine: Defense Ministry Sputnik 30 Dec 2022 -- The United Kingdom has delivered over 1,000 metal detectors and 100 bomb demining kits to Ukraine as a part of the latest military aid package in 2022, the country's defense ministry said on Friday.
UK military support for Ukraine continues with delivery of counter explosive ordnance equipment UK MOD 30 Dec 2022 -- Hundreds of metal detectors and bomb de-arming kits have been donated to help clear minefields and unexploded ordnance as part of the latest package.
Joint Statement from Foreign Ministers on the Taliban's Ban on Afghan Women Working for National and International NGOs US Dept. of State 28 Dec 2022 -- The following is a statement from the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malta, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States and the High Representative of the European Union.
HMS Prince of Wales Spends More Time in Workshop Than on Seas, Reports Say Sputnik 26 Dec 2022 -- The UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has been in dock for repairs more often than at sea since being commissioned in 2019, British press reported on Monday.
Iran says West admits miscalculation after gamble on riots falls flat Press TV 26 Dec 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani says Western countries bet on a losing horse when they put all their weight behind the recent riots across Iran, noting that they have now admitted their miscalculation concerning the violent unrest.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Arrest Dual Nationals Over Protests RFE/RL 26 Dec 2022 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) says they have arrested seven people with links to Britain, including dual citizens, on charges that they allegedly teamed up with each other to direct ongoing nationwide anti-government protests.
Iran riots: IRGC arrests seven ringleaders of UK-linked criminal network in Kerman Province Press TV 25 Dec 2022 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has arrested seven ringleaders of a UK-linked criminal network who played a key role in the recent wave of riots across the country.
Iran's IRGC Says Arrested 7 Leaders of Group Linked With UK Intelligence Sputnik 25 Dec 2022 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday that it identified and arrested seven leaders of a group allegedly involved in subversive activities and linked with UK secret services during recent mass protests in the country.
UK government set to increase its military budget by more than £1b Press TV 24 Dec 2022 -- The UK government is set to increase its military spending by more than 1 billion pounds to avoid a real-terms cut over the next two years and to help Ukraine with more military armaments, the Telegraph newspaper has revealed.
North Korea: UK spokesperson response to firing of two short-range ballistic missiles UK FCDO 23 Dec 2022 -- North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles from its capital Pyongyang's Sunan area on Friday, according to reports by the South Korean military.
Putin cannot distract from his failures: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 22 Dec 2022 -- Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown condemns President Putin's disastrous invasion and the devastation, death, and suffering that Putin has wrought.
UK statement in response to the Taliban's closure of universities for women in Afghanistan UK FCDO 22 Dec 2022 -- See below the UK's full statement condemning the Taliban's recent decision to ban women from going to university across Afghanistan.
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the investigation of crimes committed by the British military in Afghanistan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2022
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 22 Dec 2022 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
UK condemns North Korea for supplying arms to Russian mercenary group fighting in Russia's illegal war in Ukraine UK FCDO 22 Dec 2022 -- The UK supports the US assessment that North Korea has completed an arms delivery to Russia for the use by the Wagner Group in Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
The UK encourages the African Union and Somalia to seize this opportunity UK FCDO 21 Dec 2022 -- Explanation of Vote by Alice Jacobs, UK Deputy Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council on ATMIS
Joint Statement from Foreign Ministers on Taliban Decision to Ban Women from Universities US Dept. of State 21 Dec 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Governments of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union on the occasion of the Taliban's decision to ban women from universities.
Cross-border aid in Syria cannot be replaced: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Dec 2022 -- Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria
This resolution sends a firm message to the Myanmar military: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Dec 2022 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council meeting on the Situation in Myanmar
Defence Secretary oral statement on war in Ukraine UK MOD 20 Dec 2022 -- The Defence Secretary made a statement to Parliament updating members on the war in Ukraine and the UK's continued programme of military aid.
The Taliban are failing to live up to their commitments to the Afghan people: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 Dec 2022 -- Ambassador Barbara Woodward speaks at the UN Security Council briefing on Afghanistan
UK set to announce new package of 'lethal' arms aid to Ukraine Press TV 19 Dec 2022 -- The UK government is set to announce a major new artillery package for Ukraine as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak prepares to meet with his Nordic, Baltic and Dutch counterparts in Latvia to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Meaningful dialogue must end the cycle of violence across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories UK FCDO 19 Dec 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council Briefing on the Middle East
UK completes deployment supporting Qatar World Cup security UK MOD 19 Dec 2022 -- MOD support to the 2022 FIFA World Cup has successfully completed.
PM opening remarks at JEF Summit: 19 December 2022 Gov.UK 19 Dec 2022 -- The Prime Minister addressed the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Leaders' Meeting in Riga, Latvia.
PM meeting with Prime Minister Kallas of Estonia: 19 December 2022 Gov.UK 19 Dec 2022
PM meeting with Prime Minister Kariņš of Latvia: 19 December 2022 Gov.UK 19 Dec 2022
E3 Statement after UN Security Council Meeting on Iran: 19 December 2022 UK FCDO 19 Dec 2022 -- The governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on the JCPoA.
Iran's continued nuclear escalation is a threat to international peace and security: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 19 Dec 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council Briefing on Iran
UK confirms delivering Brimstone 2 precision-guided missiles to Ukraine despite Russia warnings Press TV 18 Dec 2022 -- Britain has confirmed delivering precision-guided missiles to Ukraine, despite repeated warnings from Russia that Western weapon only serve to prolong the Ukraine war and will be considered "legitimate targets" for the Russian military.
North Korea missile launches, 18 December 2022: FCDO statement UK FCDO 18 Dec 2022 -- The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a statement following reports that 2 ballistic missiles were launched by North Korea.
Statement by the Troika and the European Union on violence in Upper Nile and Jonglei States UK FCDO 16 Dec 2022 -- The Troika (UK, US and Norway) and the EU have issued a statement on the escalation in violence in the Upper Nile and Jonglei, South Sudan.
Naval Oceanography Hosts U.K. Hydrographic Office US Navy 16 Dec 2022 -- Rear Adm. Ronald Piret, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC), and his staff hosted a visit by Rear Adm. Rhett Hatcher, Director of Data Acquisition and National Hydrographer for United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), to CNMOC Headquarters at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi Nov. 28.
£129 million to deliver cutting-edge mini drones for UK forces UK MOD 16 Dec 2022 -- More than 250 "portable" and "packable" mini drones will be delivered to the Armed Forces after the award of a contract worth £129 million to Lockheed Martin UK
UK Gov't Contracts $157Mln Worth of 'Mini Drones' for Army From US' Lockheed Martin Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- The UK-based arm of US aerospace and defense company Lockheed Martin has received a 10-year state contract to deliver over 250 mini drones worth 129 million pounds ($157 million) to the British armed forces, the UK government said on Friday.
Libya's political elite are blocking progress: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 16 Dec 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Libya
Chinese Diplomatic Personnel Forced Out of UK VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- Six Chinese diplomatic personnel left Britain this week for their alleged roles in assaulting protesters at the Chinese Consulate in Manchester in October.
UK commandos took part in 'high-risk' covert ops in Ukraine: British general Press TV 15 Dec 2022 -- A senior British military official has revealed for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine that commandos from the Royal Navy were deployed to the country to take part in "high-risk" covert operations.
Russia is losing and the world can see that Putin is lying: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 15 Dec 2022 -- Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown condemns President Putin's senseless and brutal actions in his illegal war against Ukraine.
Evolving our collective approach to counter-terrorism: Lord Ahmad statement at UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Dec 2022 -- Statement by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon at the Security Council open debate on counter terrorism
Rights experts urge UK to redraft controversial Northern Ireland bill UN News 15 Dec 2022 -- The United Kingdom should rewrite proposed legislation covering the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland, known as the "Troubles", because it fails to comply with the obligation to investigate serious violations and denies truth and remedy for the victims, two UN human rights experts said on Thursday.
MOD launches independent inquiry to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by British Armed Forces in Afghanistan UK MOD 15 Dec 2022 -- The Ministry of Defence has today established an independent statutory inquiry to investigate and report on allegations of wrongdoing by the British Armed Forces in relation to their conduct of deliberate detention operations in Afghanistan. The inquiry will investigate alleged activity during the period mid-2010 to mid-2013.
China urges UK to stop political manipulation, saying consul general's return 'a normal rotation' Global Times 15 Dec 2022 -- China strongly urges the UK to honor its obligations under relevant international laws and bilateral consular agreements, to immediately stop political manipulation, and take credible measures to enable the normal performance of Chinese diplomatic and consular missions in the UK, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Thursday.
China recalls six diplomats asked to waive immunity over Manchester consulate attack Radio Free Asia 14 Dec 2022 -- China has withdrawn six of its diplomats from the United Kingdom, including a consul general who admitted to assaulting a Hong Kong protester inside the Chinese consulate in Manchester, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Wednesday.
UK statement at the UN vote on ending Iran's membership on the Commission on the Status of Women UK FCDO 14 Dec 2022 -- Ambassador Barbara Woodward delivered a statement to the UN Economic and Social Council
UK sanctions Russian military commanders, Iranian businessmen over Ukraine war Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- Britain has imposed new sanctions against senior Russian military commanders for their role in the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as Iranian businessmen over allegations of involvement in the production and supply of military drones to the Kremlin.
U.K. Sanctions Russian Military Officials, Iranian Drone Company And Businessmen RFE/RL 13 Dec 2022 -- The United Kingdom has announced a new package of 16 sanctions targeting senior Russian commanders for their involvement in the Russian military and Iranian businessmen and officials involved in the production and/or supply of drones to Moscow, which is using the aircraft in its war against Ukraine to decimate the country's energy infrastructure.
New UK sanctions target senior Russian commanders following strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure UK FCDO 13 Dec 2022 -- UK announces a new package of sanctions in response to Russia's continued strikes on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
UK 'Open-Minded' on Sending Long-Range Strike Systems to Ukraine to 'Punish' Russia Sputnik 13 Dec 2022 -- The United Kingdom has delivered over £3.2 billion ($4 billion US) in military support to Ukraine this year, and pledged £2.3 billion ($2.6 billion) more in 2023. Meanwhile, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, ordinary Britons have recently suffered the worst fall in living standards since record-keeping began in 1948.
Dstl specialists support USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier visit UK MOD 13 Dec 2022 -- Radiation science experts from Dstl's Nuclear Emergency Monitoring Team provided critical safety cover for the visit of the nuclear-powered carrier.
UK signs Plan for Defence Cooperation with Saudi Arabia UK MOD 13 Dec 2022 -- Defence Secretary meets Saudi Arabian counterpart to discuss defence cooperation.
UK claims on Tehran-Moscow military coop. unacceptable: Russia IRNA 12 Dec 2022 -- Russian embassy in London has ruled out claims made by the UK on delivery of Iran-made weapons to Russia, describing London's policy as in line with the United States agenda.
Russia categorically rejects UK foreign secretary's claim of military deal with Iran Press TV 12 Dec 2022 -- The Russian embassy in London has roundly dismissed the "inappropriate statements" of British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who spuriously claimed Iran was sending armament and munitions to Russia for its military campaign in neighboring Ukraine.
British foreign policy and diplomacy: Foreign Secretary's speech, 12 December 2022 UK FCDO 12 Dec 2022 -- Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, gave a speech at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office setting out his vision for UK foreign policy.
PM meeting with G7 leaders: 12 December 2022 Gov.UK 12 Dec 2022
Iran summons UK envoy over "meddlesome" remarks, sanctions People's Daily 11 Dec 2022 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Saturday summoned the British ambassador over the "meddlesome" remarks of some British officials regarding Iran's internal affairs and the imposition of sanctions against a number of Iranian nationals.
Argentina blasts UK military drills on disputed Malvinas Islands; summons envoy Press TV 10 Dec 2022 -- Argentina has blasted Britain's military exercises in the disputed Malvinas Islands, summoning the UK's ambassador to Buenos Aires in protest at the drills.
Iran summons British ambassador IRNA 10 Dec 2022 -- Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday summoned the British ambassador to Tehran Simon Shercliff for interventionist remarks by British officials.
Russia is perpetrating this war of aggression with weapons sourced from Iran: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 09 Dec 2022 -- Statement delivered by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Ukraine
PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 9 December 2022 Gov.UK 09 Dec 2022
U.K. Says It Has Sanctioned 30 More Political Figures, Rights Violators RFE/RL 09 Dec 2022 -- The United Kingdom has announced a new wave of sanctions that targets 30 individuals and entities -- including several Iranian and Russian officials -- it says are oppressing fundamental freedoms around the world.
UK sanctions target 30 corrupt political figures, human rights violators and perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence around the world UK FCDO 09 Dec 2022 -- The Foreign Secretary announced sanctions that target corrupt political figures, those violating human rights, and perpetrators of sexual-violence in conflict.
The recent ceasefire is an opportunity to ensure peace prevails in the Democratic Republic of the Congo UK FCDO 09 Dec 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on MONUSCO
PM announces new international coalition to develop the next generation of combat aircraft UK MOD 09 Dec 2022 -- The UK, Italy and Japan will join forces to develop the fighter jets of the future.
Policy paper - Joint Statement from Prime Ministers of UK, Italy and Japan: 9 December 2022 UK MOD 09 Dec 2022 -- As leaders of Italy, Japan and the UK, we are committed to upholding the rules-based, free and open international order, which is more important than ever at a time when these principles are contested, and threats and aggression are increasing.
UK, Japan and Italy Launch Project to Develop 6th Generation Fighter Sputnik 09 Dec 2022 -- The United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy have agreed to launch the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to jointly develop a new generation fighter by 2035, the UK Prime Minister's Office said on Friday.
UK summons Iranian Chargé d'Affaires after Iranian regime executes protestor UK FCDO 09 Dec 2022 -- The UK government summoned the Iranian Chargé d'Affaires on 8 December following the execution of a protestor.
Iran and Russia's 'sordid deals' threaten global security: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 09 Dec 2022 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has called out 'sordid deals' between Russia and Iran as threats to global security.
Putin must immediately cease attacks on Ukraine's civilians: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 08 Dec 2022 -- Ambassador Neil Bush says that Russia is trying to break Ukrainian resolve through its brutal attacks on civilians, hospitals and energy infrastructure.
Seven Nations Meet to Address Space Security DoD 08 Dec 2022 -- The Department of Defense participated in the annual Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative Principals Board, hosted by the New Zealand Defense Force and New Zealand Ministry of Defense, December 6-8.
Joint Statement Through the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse on Standing with the Women and Girls of Iran US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Chile, Iceland, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Putin made a grave miscalculation when he chose to invade Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 07 Dec 2022 -- Ian Stubbs (UK delegation to the OSCE) says Russia has attempted to distract from failures on the battlefield with a campaign of lies, threats and propaganda.
Urging all Sudanese parties to unite behind a civilian-led government UK FCDO 07 Dec 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on Sudan
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Bilateral Meeting With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace DoD 07 Dec 2022
U.S., U.K. Military Chiefs Discuss Ukraine, China DoD News 07 Dec 2022 -- The vicious Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, far from breaking the back of Ukrainian civilians, have increased resistance to Vladimir Putin's invasion, senior U.S. and British military leaders said yesterday.
Defence Secretary joins AUKUS partners in landmark first meeting UK MOD 07 Dec 2022 -- UK Defence leaders have visited Washington to hold talks with US and Australian partners.
UK orders thousands of new anti-tank weapons to restock amid Ukraine war Press TV 07 Dec 2022 -- UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace says thousands of new anti-tank weapons have been ordered by the British government as part of a £229-million contract with a Swedish arms manufacturer to replenish supplies amid the war in Ukraine.
UK orders thousands more anti-tank weapons to bolster stockpiles UK MOD 07 Dec 2022 -- A £229 million deal will see thousands of Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW) systems assembled in Northern Ireland and delivered to the British Army.
The devastating humanitarian impact of Russia's systematic strikes on Ukraine's critical infrastructure: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 06 Dec 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine
Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks' Meeting With U.K. Permanent Under Secretary of Defence David Williams DoD 06 Dec 2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with UK FCDO Permanent Under Secretary Barton US Dept. of State 05 Dec 2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Cleverly and FCDO Parliamentary Under Secretary Rutley US Dept. of State 05 Dec 2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with UK National Security Adviser Barrow US Dept. of State 05 Dec 2022
Russian Public Support Dropping for War on Ukraine - British Defense Ministry VOA 04 Dec 2022 -- The British Defense Ministry says a recent poll shows Russian public support for the war on Ukraine is dropping.
Russian oil: EU agrees on level of price cap EC/CEU 03 Dec 2022 -- The Council decided today to set an oil price cap for crude oil and petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (CN code 2709 00) which originate in or are exported from Russia, at USD 60 per barrel.
G7 agrees oil price cap: reducing Russia's revenues, while keeping global energy markets stable European Commission 03 Dec 2022 -- The international Price Cap Coalition has finalised its work on implementing an oil price cap on Russian seaborne crude oil. EU Member States in the Council have also just approved in parallel its implementation within the EU.
Questions and Answers: G7 agrees oil price cap to reduce Russia's revenues, while keeping global energy markets stable European Commission 03 Dec 2022
Price Cap On Russian Oil Should Be Lowered To $30 Per Barrel, Ukraine Says RFE/RL 03 Dec 2022 -- Ukraine has welcomed a $60 price cap on Russian oil agreed by the European Union, the Group of Seven (G7) group of advanced economies, and Australia, but said it should be lowered to $30 per barrel to hit Russia's economy harder.
UK COVID-19 cases rise above one million in a week again People's Daily 03 Dec 2022 -- The number of COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom (UK) has risen above one million once again, in a worrying sign of a new winter wave, official figures showed on Friday.
UK announces urgent support to Somali people facing famine UK FCDO 02 Dec 2022 -- UK Minister for Development visits Somalia and commits vital UK aid in response to the growing risk of famine.
Russia has violated OSCE's core principles: UK closing statement at OSCE Ministerial Council 2022 UK FCDO 02 Dec 2022 -- Ambassador Neil Bush condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and stresses that the OSCE and the European security architecture are worth fighting for.
PM call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye: 2 December 2022 Gov.UK 02 Dec 2022
OSCE Ministerial Council Plenary 2022: UK statement by the Foreign Secretary UK FCDO 01 Dec 2022 -- UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverley says the disaster in Ukraine will only end when Russia halts its barbaric war and withdraws fully and unconditionally.
£15.4 million contract for first cutting-edge Navy crewless submarine UK MOD 01 Dec 2022 -- Project Cetus will deliver the largest and most complex crewless submarine operated by a European Navy.

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December 2022 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News