The Pope has returned to Rome after his four-day visit to the UK during which hundreds of thousands of people attended events and gatherings.
During the trip, Pope Benedict XVI has spoken out about what he called the "marginalisation" of Christianity and the march of "aggressive secularism" and has apologised for the abuse of children by Catholic priests.
The pontiff's visit began in Scotland and included numerous public events including Mass at Westminster cathedral and the beatification of Cardinal Newman in Birmingham.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Joint Communiqué between HM Government and the Papal delegation
A Joint Communiqué following a working dinner hosted by Her Majesty’s Government for the Holy See delegation accompanying Pope Benedict XVI on his official visit to the UK on 17 September.
Read the Joint Communiqué
Her Majesty’s Government hosted a dinner on 17 September for the Holy See delegation accompanying Pope Benedict XVI on his official visit to the UK, headed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, H.E. Cardinal Bertone. The U.K. side was headed by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Rt. Hon William Hague, M.P. Those present included a number of senior British Government Ministers and senior officials from the Holy See. The discussion covered a range of areas of shared interest between the U.K. Government and the Holy See.
Her Majesty’s Government and the Holy See share a commitment to bringing an end to poverty and underdevelopment. On the eve of a summit in New York to review progress towards implementing the Millennium Development Goals, they share the conviction that more needs to be done to address the unnecessary suffering caused by hunger, disease and illiteracy. Strong political leadership and respect for the ethos of local communities are necessary in the promotion of the right to life, food, health and development for all.
The British Government and the Holy See share a conviction of the urgent need for action to address the challenge of climate change. Action is needed at every level from the governmental to the individual if we are to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to set in motion the transition to a global low-carbon economy, and to assist poor and vulnerable countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change that are already inevitable.
There was a good exchange of views on a variety of social and economic issues, recognising the role played by faith in the lives of individuals and as part of the fabric of a strong, generous, tolerant society.
The visit of Pope Benedict XVI provided the opportunity to develop a deeper exchange of views between the Holy See and the U.K. Government. Tonight’s discussion provided a useful basis for both sides to continue to pursue initiatives and discussions on areas of common interest to the UK and the Holy See.
Read the Joint Communiqué
Her Majesty’s Government hosted a dinner on 17 September for the Holy See delegation accompanying Pope Benedict XVI on his official visit to the UK, headed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, H.E. Cardinal Bertone. The U.K. side was headed by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Rt. Hon William Hague, M.P. Those present included a number of senior British Government Ministers and senior officials from the Holy See. The discussion covered a range of areas of shared interest between the U.K. Government and the Holy See.
Her Majesty’s Government and the Holy See share a commitment to bringing an end to poverty and underdevelopment. On the eve of a summit in New York to review progress towards implementing the Millennium Development Goals, they share the conviction that more needs to be done to address the unnecessary suffering caused by hunger, disease and illiteracy. Strong political leadership and respect for the ethos of local communities are necessary in the promotion of the right to life, food, health and development for all.
The British Government and the Holy See share a conviction of the urgent need for action to address the challenge of climate change. Action is needed at every level from the governmental to the individual if we are to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to set in motion the transition to a global low-carbon economy, and to assist poor and vulnerable countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change that are already inevitable.
There was a good exchange of views on a variety of social and economic issues, recognising the role played by faith in the lives of individuals and as part of the fabric of a strong, generous, tolerant society.
The visit of Pope Benedict XVI provided the opportunity to develop a deeper exchange of views between the Holy See and the U.K. Government. Tonight’s discussion provided a useful basis for both sides to continue to pursue initiatives and discussions on areas of common interest to the UK and the Holy See.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
PM’s message for Eid
Prime Minister David Cameron expressed his warm wishes to Muslim people in the United Kingdom, to mark the start of the festival of Eid ul Fitr and the end of Ramadan.
With the devastating floods in Pakistan still fresh in everyone’s minds, the PM called Eid “a time for celebration but also a time for contemplation”.
He said:
“As families, friends and communities come together around the United Kingdom to celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and the start of Eid ul Fitr, I want to send you all my warmest best wishes.
“Eid is a special time, a time for celebration but also a time for contemplation.
“The terrible scenes of devastation in Pakistan have shocked us all. I am hugely impressed by how we in the UK have responded to this tragedy, with communities up and down the country coming together to mobilise support.
“As Eid begins we should enjoy this very special time but our thoughts will of course turn to those less fortunate.
Eid Mubarak.”
Source: this message first appeared on the Prime Minister's official website.
With the devastating floods in Pakistan still fresh in everyone’s minds, the PM called Eid “a time for celebration but also a time for contemplation”.
He said:
“As families, friends and communities come together around the United Kingdom to celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and the start of Eid ul Fitr, I want to send you all my warmest best wishes.
“Eid is a special time, a time for celebration but also a time for contemplation.
“The terrible scenes of devastation in Pakistan have shocked us all. I am hugely impressed by how we in the UK have responded to this tragedy, with communities up and down the country coming together to mobilise support.
“As Eid begins we should enjoy this very special time but our thoughts will of course turn to those less fortunate.
Eid Mubarak.”
Source: this message first appeared on the Prime Minister's official website.
HSBC chairman appointed UK's new minister of state for trade
HSBC chairman Stephen Green has been officially appointed UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment by Prime Minister David Cameron.
Green, 61, will stand down as Group Chairman of HSBC and take up his unpaid ministerial role early next year.
"With Stephen's experience and expertise, I know he will make an invaluable contribution towards this crucial agenda, helping to drive strong economic growth in the UK," the Prime Minister said in a press statement.
Green began his career with the Ministry of Overseas Development, before joining McKinsey & Co Inc in 1977. He joined HSBC in 1982 and became an Executive Director in 1998. He served as Group Chief Executive from 2003 to 2006 before his appointment as Group Chairman, taking over from Sir John Bond. He has worked in Hong Kong, New York, the Middle East and London.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said that the appointment will "hugely strengthen our work to secure the UK's economic recovery, promote open markets and inward investment and support greater access for British companies worldwide".
Green's Ministerial role will be to work across the Department for Business and the Foreign Office, to forge "strong international relationships to open new trade links, promote British business overseas and maximise inward investment to the UK," the Prime Minister continued.
Financial industry speculation has pointed to the bank's chief executive Michael Geoghegan or former Goldman Sachs president John Thornton as Green's most likely successors, according to reports.
However, a hurdle to Geoghegan, 56, getting the chairmanship is his current position as chief executive, the Wall Street Journal said yesterday.
He was recently relocated to Hong Kong to emphasise the bank's Asian focus.
Green has been a vocal supporter of prudent corporate behaviour at HSBC, which is one of the few large banks that did not tap government bailout funds during the global financial crisis.
Placing Geoghegan in the chairman's seat could see Stuart Gulliver, HSBC's highly-paid investment banking chief, promoted to chief executive, the Financial Times said.
Others speculated that the bank would appoint a non-executive director with Thornton, who is an HSBC board member and non-executive chairman of HSBC North America, as a likely contender for the chairman's job.
Useful background
Vince Cable, Business Secretary, said in a press statement that Green's background will be valuable for the trade white paper he aims to publish at the turn of the year.
"In Stephen we will be appointing a Minister with a long career as a leading international banker, one of the few to emerge with credit from the recent financial crisis, and somebody who has set out a powerful philosophy for ethical business.
Green himself said in a statement: "It is an honour to accept this new role with Her Majesty's Government, serving Britain in the vital areas of trade and investment.
"In an increasingly competitive and international world, trade and investment are ever more critical to Britain's economic success and I am delighted to be joining the Government at this exciting and challenging time."
source: Gulf News
Green, 61, will stand down as Group Chairman of HSBC and take up his unpaid ministerial role early next year.
"With Stephen's experience and expertise, I know he will make an invaluable contribution towards this crucial agenda, helping to drive strong economic growth in the UK," the Prime Minister said in a press statement.
Green began his career with the Ministry of Overseas Development, before joining McKinsey & Co Inc in 1977. He joined HSBC in 1982 and became an Executive Director in 1998. He served as Group Chief Executive from 2003 to 2006 before his appointment as Group Chairman, taking over from Sir John Bond. He has worked in Hong Kong, New York, the Middle East and London.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said that the appointment will "hugely strengthen our work to secure the UK's economic recovery, promote open markets and inward investment and support greater access for British companies worldwide".
Green's Ministerial role will be to work across the Department for Business and the Foreign Office, to forge "strong international relationships to open new trade links, promote British business overseas and maximise inward investment to the UK," the Prime Minister continued.
Financial industry speculation has pointed to the bank's chief executive Michael Geoghegan or former Goldman Sachs president John Thornton as Green's most likely successors, according to reports.
However, a hurdle to Geoghegan, 56, getting the chairmanship is his current position as chief executive, the Wall Street Journal said yesterday.
He was recently relocated to Hong Kong to emphasise the bank's Asian focus.
Green has been a vocal supporter of prudent corporate behaviour at HSBC, which is one of the few large banks that did not tap government bailout funds during the global financial crisis.
Placing Geoghegan in the chairman's seat could see Stuart Gulliver, HSBC's highly-paid investment banking chief, promoted to chief executive, the Financial Times said.
Others speculated that the bank would appoint a non-executive director with Thornton, who is an HSBC board member and non-executive chairman of HSBC North America, as a likely contender for the chairman's job.
Useful background
Vince Cable, Business Secretary, said in a press statement that Green's background will be valuable for the trade white paper he aims to publish at the turn of the year.
"In Stephen we will be appointing a Minister with a long career as a leading international banker, one of the few to emerge with credit from the recent financial crisis, and somebody who has set out a powerful philosophy for ethical business.
Green himself said in a statement: "It is an honour to accept this new role with Her Majesty's Government, serving Britain in the vital areas of trade and investment.
"In an increasingly competitive and international world, trade and investment are ever more critical to Britain's economic success and I am delighted to be joining the Government at this exciting and challenging time."
source: Gulf News
Friday, September 3, 2010
David and Samantha Cameron welcome baby daughter Florence to Downing Street
David Cameron and his wife Samantha have posed for pictures outside Downing Street with their 10-day-old daughter Florence Rose Endellion
Asked how many nappies he had changed, Mr Cameron joked: "Hundreds."
Another journalist asked: "Has Nick Clegg changed any nappies yet?"
Mr Cameron replied: "That's next."
The baby was wearing a white shawl crocheted by a member of the public who sent it in to congratulate the couple on the birth.
The woman, Jane Fraser-Cross, from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, is a local fundraiser and grandmother of six, who likes to be known as "Granny Jane".
Mrs Cameron was wearing an orange dress made by a local dressmaker in which she has been pictured several times before.
Asked if the baby was keeping them awake, she smiled and replied: "Yes."
Mr Cameron bent to kiss the baby on the head and she opened her eyes briefly.
The appearance was delayed by more than 10 minutes and a Downing Street press officer said this was for "operational reasons". It was not clear if there was nappy changing involved.
The Prime Minister said in a statement: "Samantha and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity since the birth of baby Florence.
"We have been really, really touched by all the people who have offered their warm congratulations, and by the many cards, gifts and flowers that we have received."
Florence was born at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro on Tuesday 24th August, weighing 6lb 1oz.
She was not expected until this month, but caught the family by surprise while they were on holiday.
Her middle name, Endellion, refers to the village of St Endellion on the north Cornish coast, near where the Camerons were staying.
The Camerons are also parents to Nancy, six, and Arthur Elwen, four.
Mr and Mrs Cameron lost their other son, Ivan, who suffered from cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, when he died aged six last year.
Florence is only the third baby to be born to a serving Prime Minister since 1849.
Asked how many nappies he had changed, Mr Cameron joked: "Hundreds."
Another journalist asked: "Has Nick Clegg changed any nappies yet?"
Mr Cameron replied: "That's next."
The baby was wearing a white shawl crocheted by a member of the public who sent it in to congratulate the couple on the birth.
The woman, Jane Fraser-Cross, from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, is a local fundraiser and grandmother of six, who likes to be known as "Granny Jane".
Mrs Cameron was wearing an orange dress made by a local dressmaker in which she has been pictured several times before.
Asked if the baby was keeping them awake, she smiled and replied: "Yes."
Mr Cameron bent to kiss the baby on the head and she opened her eyes briefly.
The appearance was delayed by more than 10 minutes and a Downing Street press officer said this was for "operational reasons". It was not clear if there was nappy changing involved.
The Prime Minister said in a statement: "Samantha and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity since the birth of baby Florence.
"We have been really, really touched by all the people who have offered their warm congratulations, and by the many cards, gifts and flowers that we have received."
Florence was born at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro on Tuesday 24th August, weighing 6lb 1oz.
She was not expected until this month, but caught the family by surprise while they were on holiday.
Her middle name, Endellion, refers to the village of St Endellion on the north Cornish coast, near where the Camerons were staying.
The Camerons are also parents to Nancy, six, and Arthur Elwen, four.
Mr and Mrs Cameron lost their other son, Ivan, who suffered from cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, when he died aged six last year.
Florence is only the third baby to be born to a serving Prime Minister since 1849.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The US-UK “special relationship”
When a cross party foreign relations committee recently urged the British Government to adopt a more hard-headed approach towards the US and avoid the phrase “special relationship” there was a palpable sense of relief amongst those who had felt for some time that the phrase was best avoided.
Unsurprisingly, as the British Prime Minister visits the United States this week, the term remains as popular as ever. It seems the Americans are just too polite, or possibly too astute, to suggest it be consigned to history. Instead, just like with previous high profile UK-US meetings, the term is being rolled out to make yet another appearance and will most likely be used just enough times to avoid mass hysteria in the British media.
The Prime Minister’s first official visit to Washington comes at a time of widespread concern within UK media and foreign policy circles that Obama’s ethnic origin and upbringing may have defined a world view that is very different from his predecessors. To be more precise, policymakers are concerned that Obama is less interested in the special relationship because he is not of European origin.
To many observers such conclusions serve only to highlight the unhealthy obsession with the special relationship and the emotional nature of Britain’s friendship with the US. Whilst it may be true the US-UK relationship seems less warm under Obama, it's probably due to his government's focus on new priorities including the establishment of a new multi-polar world that includes the likes of China, Russia, India and Brazil. The alliances of the past will no longer suffice, even for the Americans, and it is therefore only natural that British/ European security is currently less of a priority for them.
Similarly, even though the US will continue to be the UK’s most significant bilateral ally for the foreseeable future, it is also apparent that the relationship will be less important in a world increasingly dominated by the multilateral process. In this new world order Britain will be expected to forge a common European security and energy policy and to establish strong relationships with emerging world powers such as India and Brazil and midsized powers such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Britain should remain confident that it will continue as a privileged US ally, not least because the Americans wish to maintain their status as both an Atlantic as well as Pacific power. This requires the Americans to remain fully engaged with Europe and its big countries. Therefore the US cannot ignore Britain’s status as Europe’s largest military power and still one of the world’s largest economies - expected to remain that way even in 2050 - when it will also be the largest economic power in Europe. Britain also continues to be a leading investor in the US (BP is a case in point) and maintains close cultural and military ties that bind the two together.
It’s therefore rather surprising to see articles appear in respected British publications suggesting the UK has little to offer the United States. Even the Prime Minister’s suggestion that Britain is America's “junior partner”, whilst probably nothing more than a self-deprecating remark in the best British tradition, only serves to support this line of thinking.
In a world where geopolitical power is set to become increasingly diffuse, Britain must gradually reduce its dependence on the special relationship and learn to foster new friendships and alliances in order to maintain its privileged status in world affairs.
Mr. Zulfi Caar Hydari is a British financier based in Dubai. He is Co-Founder and CEO of HBG Holdings and Co-Chairman of British Conservatives Abroad for Dubai and Northern Emirates. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/zak_hydari
Unsurprisingly, as the British Prime Minister visits the United States this week, the term remains as popular as ever. It seems the Americans are just too polite, or possibly too astute, to suggest it be consigned to history. Instead, just like with previous high profile UK-US meetings, the term is being rolled out to make yet another appearance and will most likely be used just enough times to avoid mass hysteria in the British media.
The Prime Minister’s first official visit to Washington comes at a time of widespread concern within UK media and foreign policy circles that Obama’s ethnic origin and upbringing may have defined a world view that is very different from his predecessors. To be more precise, policymakers are concerned that Obama is less interested in the special relationship because he is not of European origin.
To many observers such conclusions serve only to highlight the unhealthy obsession with the special relationship and the emotional nature of Britain’s friendship with the US. Whilst it may be true the US-UK relationship seems less warm under Obama, it's probably due to his government's focus on new priorities including the establishment of a new multi-polar world that includes the likes of China, Russia, India and Brazil. The alliances of the past will no longer suffice, even for the Americans, and it is therefore only natural that British/ European security is currently less of a priority for them.
Similarly, even though the US will continue to be the UK’s most significant bilateral ally for the foreseeable future, it is also apparent that the relationship will be less important in a world increasingly dominated by the multilateral process. In this new world order Britain will be expected to forge a common European security and energy policy and to establish strong relationships with emerging world powers such as India and Brazil and midsized powers such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Britain should remain confident that it will continue as a privileged US ally, not least because the Americans wish to maintain their status as both an Atlantic as well as Pacific power. This requires the Americans to remain fully engaged with Europe and its big countries. Therefore the US cannot ignore Britain’s status as Europe’s largest military power and still one of the world’s largest economies - expected to remain that way even in 2050 - when it will also be the largest economic power in Europe. Britain also continues to be a leading investor in the US (BP is a case in point) and maintains close cultural and military ties that bind the two together.
It’s therefore rather surprising to see articles appear in respected British publications suggesting the UK has little to offer the United States. Even the Prime Minister’s suggestion that Britain is America's “junior partner”, whilst probably nothing more than a self-deprecating remark in the best British tradition, only serves to support this line of thinking.
In a world where geopolitical power is set to become increasingly diffuse, Britain must gradually reduce its dependence on the special relationship and learn to foster new friendships and alliances in order to maintain its privileged status in world affairs.
Mr. Zulfi Caar Hydari is a British financier based in Dubai. He is Co-Founder and CEO of HBG Holdings and Co-Chairman of British Conservatives Abroad for Dubai and Northern Emirates. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/zak_hydari
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Conservatives Abroad Annual Conference
Conservatives Abroad Poland will host the Conservatives Abroad Annual Conference starting Friday 15th October in Krakow Poland.
The Executive Committee of Conservatives Abroad Dubai and Northern Emirates agreed that David Haigh will represent Dubai at the conference this year.
Marek Matraszek is Branch Chairman of Conservatives Abroad Poland.
The Executive Committee of Conservatives Abroad Dubai and Northern Emirates agreed that David Haigh will represent Dubai at the conference this year.
Marek Matraszek is Branch Chairman of Conservatives Abroad Poland.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)