April 2023 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Extra evacuation flight from Port Sudan announced UK FCDO 30 Apr 2023 -- Exceptional additional flight from Port Sudan announced, as total number of people evacuated reaches 2122.
UK Foreign Office Announces Additional Flight to Evacuate Citizens From Sudan Sputnik 30 Apr 2023 -- The UK Foreign Office on Sunday announced an additional flight to help its citizens depart Sudan, with a total number of those already evacuated from the conflict-torn country exceeding 2,000.
UK Plans to Buy Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine Sputnik 30 Apr 2023 -- The UK has already provided Kiev with a whopping £2.3 billion in military assistance, remaining its second largest donor after the US. Russia has repeatedly warned that such aid is only prolonging the Ukrainian conflict.
1888 airlifted to safety by UK evacuation UK FCDO 29 Apr 2023 -- 1888 airlifted to safety by UK evacuation, as focus turns to supporting those remaining in Sudan
We will not abandon the women and girls of Afghanistan UK FCDO 29 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan
Evacuation flights from Khartoum due to end in 24 hours UK FCDO 28 Apr 2023 -- The final UK evacuation flight from Wadi Saeedna airfield near Khartoum in Sudan is due to leave on Saturday (29 April) due to declining demand for seats.
NATO ambassadors, top military officials visit United Kingdom's Clyde nuclear base NATO 28 Apr 2023 -- Ambassadors of NATO's North Atlantic Council, military representatives from the NATO Military Committee and other senior military officials on Friday (28 April 2023), visited His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde in Scotland, home to the United Kingdom's independent nuclear deterrent.
United Kingdom - Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II DSCA 28 Apr 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Kingdom of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II for an estimated cost of $31.2 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Record £1.9 billion UK-Poland missile export deal set to bolster European security Gov.UK 28 Apr 2023 -- The UK and Poland have signed a major £1.9 billion export agreement to roll out a British air defence system across the European nation.
UK underlines commitment to NATO Nuclear Deterrence UK MOD 28 Apr 2023 -- Defence Minister Baroness Goldie hosted members of the North Atlantic Council and NATO Military Committee at HMNB Clyde.
The need for accountability in Syria: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon's speech UK FCDO 28 Apr 2023 -- Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, hosted an event at the FCDO on 27 April with the Syrian Emergency Task Force.
Ukrainian children deserve a future that does not involve shrapnel, bunkers and armed checkpoints: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 27 Apr 2023 -- Ambassador Bush stresses that the UK will do everything we can to support Ukraine to defend its homeland, and protect the future of its younger generation.
The UK remains committed to supporting an inclusive, diverse and multi-ethnic democracy in Kosovo UK FCDO 27 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the United Nations at the Security Council meeting on Kosovo
Checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 27 Apr 2023 -- Deputy Ambassador Brown expresses concern regarding ongoing disruptions to the Lachin Corridor and urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume substantive negotiations.
Joint Statement by the Trilateral Mechanism and the Quad on Sudan US Dept. of State 27 Apr 2023 -- The following is a joint statement by the Trilateral Mechanism (the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the United Nations) and the Quad (the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States) on Sudan.
Joint statement on extension of ceasefire in Sudan UK FCDO 27 Apr 2023 -- A joint statement by the Trilateral Mechanism and the Quad on Sudan.
UK and Germany mark next phase in joint tank ammunition programme UK MOD 27 Apr 2023 -- Germany and the United Kingdom will work together on the next phase of development for advanced armour-piercing tank ammunition, it has been announced today.
INDO-UK JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE "AJEYA WARRIOR - 2023" TO COMMENCE AT SALISBURY PLAINS, UNITED KINGDOM India PIB 27 Apr 2023 -- The 7th edition of joint military exercise "AJEYA WARRIOR-23" between India and the United Kingdom is being conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom from 27 April to 11 May 2023.
Calls grow for British government to speak out against Hong Kong's media crackdown Radio Free Asia 27 Apr 2023 -- British lawmakers and the son of jailed media magnate Jimmy Lai have criticized the United Kingdom for failing to oppose China's crackdown on Hong Kong's once-free media and support embattled journalists in the city.
UK Confucius Institutes enable 'transnational repression,' study says Radio Free Asia 27 Apr 2023 -- Chinese staff at the so-called Confucius Institutes across the United Kingdom are recruited to enforce Chinese Communist Party (CCP) discipline and values in the country, new research has found.
China urges UK to stop making groundless accusations against China: spokesperson People's Daily 27 Apr 2023 -- China urges the UK to be prudent in its words and actions, stop making groundless accusations against China and interfering in the country's internal affairs, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.
Taiwan sharing real-time intelligence with 'Five Eyes': NSB head CNA 26 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan's top intelligence chief on Wednesday said the nation has maintained "real-time" intelligence sharing with the "Five Eyes" alliance formed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The United Kingdom condemns military clashes across Sudan: UK Statement on Sudan UK FCDO 26 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Sudan
UK government launches evacuation flights for British nationals from Sudan UK FCDO 25 Apr 2023 -- The government is starting evacuations to help British nationals leave Sudan, prioritising families with children, older people and those with medical conditions.
Our position on China: Speech by the Foreign Secretary UK FCDO 25 Apr 2023 -- The Foreign Secretary outlined the UK's position on China at Mansion House
Iran imposes retaliatory sanctions against some of EU, UK individuals, entities ISNA 25 Apr 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has in a statement announced sanctions against a number of individuals and legal entities in the European Union and in the United Kigndom in what it says is a countermeasure measure against their acts of interference in Iran's affairs.
UK government response to the situation in Sudan, 24 April 2023: Minister Mitchell's statement UK FCDO 24 Apr 2023 -- Minister for International Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell gave an update to the House of Commons on the government's response to the situation in Sudan.
Europe's military spending highest since Cold War; US tops the list: Study Press TV 24 Apr 2023 -- Europe's military spending surged at a record pace in 2022 -- led by the UK, Germany and France -- with the US continuing to top the list, accounting for nearly 40 percent of global military expenditure, a new study has revealed.
Iran imposes retaliatory sanctions on EU, UK individuals, entities IRNA 24 Apr 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced sanctions against a number of individuals and legal entities in the European Union and in the United Kigndom in what it says is a countermeasure measure against their acts of interference in Iran's affairs.
In retaliatory move, Iran imposes sanctions on EU, British individuals, entities Press TV 24 Apr 2023 -- Iran has imposed sanctions on more than 20 individuals and entities from the European Union and the United Kingdom, after the bloc and London imposed a fresh round of sanctions targeting Iranian officials and organizations.
Insisting on a failed policy: EU, UK impose additional sanctions on Iranian individuals, entities Press TV 24 Apr 2023 -- The European Union and the UK have imposed new sanctions on a number of Iranian individuals and entities over alleged human rights violations, despite the fact that the failure of such a policy has been proven many times over the past years.
U.S., EU, Britain Tighten Sanctions On Iran For Rights Abuses, With Focus On IRGC RFE/RL 24 Apr 2023 -- The European Union, United States, and Britain stepped up their sanction regimes against Iran for human rights violations, with the focus set on the hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) military force.
UK and international partners announce new sanctions on Iranian regime UK FCDO 24 Apr 2023 -- The UK, US and EU are today announcing further sanctions on Iranian regime officials responsible for human rights violations.
UK government statement on Sudan UK FCDO 23 Apr 2023 -- The UK government has issued a statement on Sudan following a military operation to evacuated British embassy staff from Khartoum
PM call with President Sisi of Egypt: 23 April 2023 Gov.UK 23 Apr 2023
Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from UK Foreign Secretary SPA 22 Apr 2023 -- Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received on Friday a phone call from UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
Support for Ukraine accelerated in a show of continued unity at Ramstein UK MOD 21 Apr 2023 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace attended the 11th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group today
U.K. Sanctions Five Russian Nationals Over Jailing Of Kremlin Critic Vladimir Kara-Murza RFE/RL 21 Apr 2023 -- The United Kingdom has sanctioned five Russians after the sentencing to 25 years in prison earlier this week of opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, a British-Russian dual national.

UK sanctions FSB agents and Russian investigators behind arrest of British-Russian national Vladimir Kara-Murza

UK FCDO

PM call with President Guelleh of Djibouti: 21 April 2023 Gov.UK 21 Apr 2023
Report of the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje, April 2023: UK response UK FCDO 20 Apr 2023 -- Ambassador Neil Bush responds to the report presentation by Ambassador Kilian Wahl, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.
57th round of Geneva International Discussions: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 20 Apr 2023 -- Ambassador Bush voices strong UK support for the Geneva International Discussions (GID) as well as for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Kremlin: Nuclear Arsenals of France, UK De Facto Under Control of US Sputnik 20 Apr 2023 -- The nuclear arsenals of France and the United Kingdom are de facto under the control of the United States, and in this regard, the reduction of nuclear potential of Russia and the United States should be discussed taking this factor into account, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
Papua New Guinea, United Kingdom tighten defense relationship Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2023 -- Papua New Guinea and the United Kingdom signed a defense agreement that the Pacific island country's foreign minister said had been "gathering dust for many years," part of a renewed Western focus on the region after China's inroads.
British government fends off growing concern over Chinese infiltration in London Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2023 -- The British police are investigating a number of alleged Chinese police stations in the country as it emerged that a businessman with ties to the Communist Party's United Front operations was photographed rubbing shoulders with then-Prime Minister Theresa May.
Defence Secretary meets US defence and security leaders in Washington, DC UK MOD 19 Apr 2023 -- UK Defence Secretary has concluded a planned visit to Washington, DC.
Parliament Members Warn UK Failing to Adequately Replenish MoD's Stocks Sputnik 19 Apr 2023 -- The UK's stocks are running low on weapons and ammunition primarily because of the support it has been giving Ukraine during Russia's ongoing special military operation.
PM meeting with Taoiseach Varadkar of Ireland: 19 April 2023 Gov.UK 19 Apr 2023
Fulfilling the promise of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement: 19 April 2023 Gov.UK 19 Apr 2023
G7 Japan 2023 Foreign Ministers' Communiqué US Dept. of State 18 Apr 2023 -- The text of the following communiqué was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.
G7 Foreign Ministers Highlight Concerns About Russia, China VOA 18 Apr 2023 -- Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations condemned Russia's war in Ukraine and highlighted the need to engage with China to address global challenges as they closed their meetings in Japan on Tuesday.
G7 foreign ministers promise tougher measures against Russia, call out China Press TV 18 Apr 2023 -- Top diplomats from the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies have vowed to take a more unified stand against Russia and China.
Russia summons US, British, Canadian ambassadors over 'interference' in internal affairs Press TV 18 Apr 2023 -- Russia has summoned ambassadors of the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada to object to their "gross interference" in its domestic affairs.
Press release on UK ambassador to Russia Deborah Bronnert being summoned to the Foreign Ministry Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Apr 2023
Rights group says banks are withholding pension pots from U.K.-based Hong Kongers Radio Free Asia 18 Apr 2023 -- London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch has accused banks of perpetrating a "brazen asset grab" by withholding up to U.S.$2.4 billion in the pension pots of Hong Kongers who have emigrated to the United Kingdom under its British National Overseas visa scheme.
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Cleverly US Dept. of State 18 Apr 2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 18 Apr 2023
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace to the Pentagon DoD 17 Apr 2023
Situation in Sudan, April 2022: joint statement from the Foreign Secretary and US Secretary of State UK FCDO 17 Apr 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has given a joint statement with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the situation in Sudan.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly On the Situation in Sudan US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2023
UK condemns sentencing of British-Russian Opposition Leader Vladimir Kara-Murza UK FCDO 17 Apr 2023 -- The UK has summoned the Russian Ambassador after the politically-motivated conviction and sentencing of British dual-national Vladimir Kara-Murza in a Moscow court today.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Bilateral Meeting With UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace DoD 17 Apr 2023
U.S., U.K. Defense Leaders Discuss Ukraine, AUKUS in Pentagon Meeting DoD News 17 Apr 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Ben Wallace, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defense, to the Pentagon today to discuss the short-term and long-term implications of the U.S.-U.K. alliance.
UK, German Air Force Escort 3 Russian Military Planes Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- The air forces of the United Kingdom and Germany have escorted three Russian military planes transiting over the Baltic Sea, the UK air force said on Monday.
UK May Deploy Warship to Indo-Pacific on Permanent Basis Sputnik 17 Apr 2023 -- The UK government is in talks to place a warship to the Indo-Pacific region for a permanent deployment, British newspaper reported on Monday citing a government source.
RAF Voyager refuels mid-air with Sustainable Aviation Fuel UK MOD 17 Apr 2023 -- The Royal Air Force has successfully completed a Voyager air-to-air refuelling flight, powered by an approximately 43% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
A solid fuel missile is a significant increase in the DPRK's ballistic missile capabilities UK FCDO 17 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Woodward, at the Security Council meeting on DPRK
UK statement on ongoing violence in Sudan UK FCDO 15 Apr 2023 -- The UK has strongly condemned the ongoing violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support forces in Khartoum and multiple cities across Sudan.
PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 14 April 2023 Gov.UK 14 Apr 2023
Major funding boost to progress future fighter jet programme UK MOD 14 Apr 2023 -- A £656 million funding allocation will propel the sixth-generation fighter jet programme into the next phase, focusing on technology.
Troika and European Union Envoys statement on Sudan UK FCDO 13 Apr 2023 -- Special Envoys and Representatives from France, Germany, Norway, the UK, USA, and the EU have issued a statement on heightened tensions in Sudan.
PM meeting with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands: 13 April 2023 Gov.UK 13 Apr 2023
U.S., France, UK Complete Counter-Mine Exercise in Arabian Gulf US Navy 13 Apr 2023 -- Forces from France, the United Kingdom and the United States completed a two-week exercise in the Arabian Gulf, April 13, focused on countering mines.
PM call with Prime Minister Modi of India: 13 April 2023 Gov.UK 13 Apr 2023
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi holds telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom India MEA 13 Apr 2023 -- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with H.E. Mr. Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
UK sanctions Abramovich and Usmanov's financial fixers in crackdown on oligarch enablers UK FCDO 12 Apr 2023 -- New sanctions announced target those who have knowingly assisted sanctioned Russia oligarchs to hide their assets in complex financial networks.
Thousands of Ukrainians missing loved ones from their family gatherings this Easter: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 12 Apr 2023 -- Ambassador Bush says the arrival of Spring is overshadowed for a second year by Russia's destructive and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Remarks by President Biden Marking the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement The White House 12 Apr 2023
On-the-Record Press Gaggle by NSC Senior Director for Europe Amanda Sloat Previewing the President's Trip to Northern Ireland The White House 12 Apr 2023
Joint Expeditionary Force Chiefs of Defence meet in Helsinki UK MOD 12 Apr 2023 -- The Chiefs discussed Baltic Sea and the High North security, the future development of the joint force and the groups' commitment to wider regional stability.
PM meeting with US President Joe Biden: 12 April 2023 Gov.UK 12 Apr 2023
Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom The White House 12 Apr 2023
UK urges Malian authorities to take steps towards Peace Agreement implementation: UK Statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 12 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council briefing on Mali
Report: 'Chinese Spies' Slipping Into UK Using Citizenship of Third Countries Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- MI5, the Security Service of the United Kingdom, has reportedly warned cabinet ministers that "Chinese spies" are slipping into the country by obtaining citizenship in third countries and using their visa-free access to the UK.
British General Says Ukraine War Could Last For 'Decades' RFE/RL 11 Apr 2023 -- General Sir Richard Barrons is a former commander of the British Joint Forces Command and is now chairman of the defense and security company, Universal Defense & Security Solutions.
Biden Arrives in Ireland to Support, Celebrate Peace Deal VOA 11 Apr 2023 -- President Joe Biden often mentions his Irish roots. But this week's visit to the Emerald Isle, where he has arrived, is no vacation, he said Tuesday.
PM marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement Gov.UK 11 Apr 2023 -- Today we reflect on the beginning of a new chapter in the people of Northern Ireland's history, with the commemoration of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 25 years ago.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the joint statement by the United Kingdom and France on the 25th anniversary of their ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 11 Apr 2023
As Russia sources weapons for its war, it is violating the very UN sanctions it helped to draft: UK Statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 10 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Alice Jacobs at the UN Security Council debate on export of weapons and military equipment
UK Defense Ministry Says Trained Over 10,000 Ukrainian Soldiers During Operation Interflex Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- The Defense Ministry of the United Kingdom said on Thursday that it had already trained over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers on the UK territory as part of operation Interflex and planned to train a total of 20,000 recruits this year.
Britain Blocks UN Webcast Of Security Council Meeting On Ukrainian Children Called By Russia RFE/RL 05 Apr 2023 -- Britain has blocked a UN webcast of an informal Security Council meeting on Ukraine scheduled for April 5 at which Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's commissioner for children's rights, is due to speak.
UK Flagship Aircraft Carrier to Be Deployed in Mediterranean to 'Deter' Russia: Reports Sputnik 05 Apr 2023 -- UK aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth will be deployed in the Mediterranean Sea this year to demonstrate the country's naval power and deter "Russian aggression," a British daily reported on Wednesday.
HRC52: UK Core Group statement on Item 2 Resolution: South Sudan UK FCDO 04 Apr 2023 -- UN HRC52: UK Core Group statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan. Delivered by UK's Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.
HMS Birmingham steel cut milestone supports thousands of UK jobs UK MOD 04 Apr 2023 -- Steel has been cut on the first of the second batch of Type 26 warships, following a £4.2 billion contract awarded to BAE Systems in November 2022.
UN HRC52: Statement on human rights in Syrian Arab Republic UK FCDO 04 Apr 2023 -- Draft resolution L.16 on the human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, as delivered by Simon Manley, UK Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva.
National Cyber Force reveals how daily cyber operations protect the UK UK MOD 04 Apr 2023 -- The NCF outlines how it conducts responsible cyber operations to counter state threats, support military operations, and disrupt terrorists and serious crime
UN HRC52: UK General Comment on the situation in Myanmar UK FCDO 04 Apr 2023 -- UK General Comment on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, as delivered by Simon Manley, UK Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva.
UN HRC52:General Comment: L.19 Situation of human rights in DPRK UK FCDO 04 Apr 2023 -- UN HRC52: General Comment - L.19 The situation of human rights in the DPRK, as delivered by UK Ambassador to the WTO & the UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.
£161 million contract for F-35 jet maintenance supports 140 UK jobs UK MOD 04 Apr 2023 -- The UK's fleet of F-35 Lightning stealth jets will be maintained and supported in a new £161 million contract, keeping them ready for global combat operations
HRC52: Statement on High Commissioner's report on South Sudan UK FCDO 03 Apr 2023 -- Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan.

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April 2023 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News