British ambassadors in Chile, Brazil and Uruguay, Fiona Clouder, Alex W Ellis and Ben Lyster-Binns, respectively visited the Falkland Islands on a familiarization tour and to try to establish closer links with the Islands.
The British and Spanish foreign ministers sought to highlight a renewed drive toward an ‘ad hoc’ dialogue on Gibraltar this week, but in doing so drew firm red lines that signaled just how difficult that task will prove. The coordinated message was positive and hinted at the possibility of talks ‘in the near future’ if a format could be agreed. But on core issues, there was no change.
The rate of UK Consumer Prices Index inflation fell to 0.3% in January, its lowest level since records began. Cheaper petrol and lower food prices, helped by a supermarket price war, cut the rate from 0.5% in December, Office for National Statistics figures show.
A Chilean delegation representing the city of Antofagasta visited the UK to explore energy efficiency best practices and new technologies. The visit was an essential component of the “Action Plan for the city of Antofagasta´s Sustainable Energy Strategy” project that the British Embassy Santiago is currently supporting through the Prosperity Fund.
British ex Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has made a powerful intervention in the campaign to grant Chagossians the right to return to their homeland, reports the UK Chagos Support Association.
Britain's HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) department has requested Argentina’s AFIP tax bureau information on the criminal report filed in Buenos Aires against HSBC on allegations the bank helped more than 4,000 clients to evade taxes by stashing their money in secret Swiss bank accounts.
The Falklands Islands Pensions Board is pleased to announce that HM Revenue & Customs in the United Kingdom has approved the Falkland Islands Pensions Scheme (FIPS) as a Qualifying Recognized Overseas Pensions Scheme (QROPS).
University of Kent Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow visited Chile from 1 to 3 February 2015. Dame Julia, who is also the incoming President of Universities UK, the body representing all UK Universities, had discussions with senior Chilean officials, including the Deputy Minister of Education, Valentina Quiroga.
Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced at Portsmouth Naval Base a new national shipbuilding strategy in advance of a decision later this year on orders for the brand new Type 26 Global Combat Ship. The Chancellor also announced that these multi-million pound ships will be based at the Navy bases in Portsmouth and Plymouth.
The South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) has been awarded a quarter of a million pounds towards the final phase of the Habitat Restoration, or rodent eradication Project, reports South Georgia's Newsletter. The third phase of the several years program is scheduled to begin in February.