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  • PRESS RELEASE : We urge the international community to remain focused on supporting progress towards Syria’s economic recovery and long-term stability – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We urge the international community to remain focused on supporting progress towards Syria’s economic recovery and long-term stability – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    This breadth of UN engagement on Syria underlines the importance of the timely movement of the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Syria to Damascus, as a step towards further improved UN and international support to Syria.

    I will make three points.

    First, the UK was pleased to host Syrian President al-Sharaa during his visit to London on 31 March. 

    This was a significant moment in deepening the relationship between our two countries, which will enable us to make further progress on issues that are pivotal to Syria’s stability, including securing the enduring defeat of Daesh and supporting Syria’s economic recovery.

    In this spirit, I also welcome the newly established Breath of Freedom Taskforce that will work on the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles in Syria.  

    The UK is proud to be a member of the Taskforce and to have announced over $9.5 million of additional funding in direct support of Syrian-led destruction activity during President al-Sharaa’s visit.

     Second, efforts to integrate North-East Syria into the Syrian state are welcome. 

    This includes the appointment of Sipan Hamo to Deputy Minister of Defence, and recent prisoner exchanges.

    We look forward to continued momentum towards the full integration of military and civil structures, which is essential to help strengthen Syria’s institutions and support social cohesion. 

    The completion of all outstanding elections and the formal convening of Syria’s People’s Assembly will be a crucial next step for the political transition.

    Finally, we have seen recent positive examples of strengthened collaboration to address ongoing humanitarian needs and move towards longer term recovery. 

    This includes the joint visit of USG Fletcher and UNDP Administrator De Croo to Syria, the launch of the UN Humanitarian Response Plan, as well as the Syrian Government’s Statement of Recovery Priorities for International Cooperation. 

    The UK will continue to help meet these needs, including for those affected by recent flooding. 

    Maintaining safe and unimpeded humanitarian access across all of Syria remains essential to ensure the UN and partners can deliver vital assistance. 

    Colleagues, it’s welcome that Syria has remained relatively unaffected by the ongoing regional conflict. Still, we urge the international community to remain focused on supporting progress towards Syria’s economic recovery and long-term stability.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement by President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer, Co-chairs of the International Summit on the Strait of Hormuz [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement by President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer, Co-chairs of the International Summit on the Strait of Hormuz [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 April 2026.

    Today, France and the United Kingdom convened 51 countries for an international summit on the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting underlined the determination of the international community to support freedom of navigation, to stand up for international law, and to protect global economic stability and energy security.

    We expressed our strong support for a comprehensive diplomatic settlement to the conflict through negotiations. Diplomacy must prevail.

    The UK, France, and all our partners, will draw on our collective diplomatic, economic and military capabilities to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

    First, we called for the unconditional, unrestricted, and immediate re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The right of transit passage without restrictions or tolls is the bedrock of international trade. Freedom of navigation means navigation must be free. We therefore welcome the announcement today that the Strait will re-open and underline that this must endure. The disruption to global energy security, supply chains, and economic and financial stability must end, for the benefit of communities right across the world, in particular for the poorest and most vulnerable. We committed to coordinating our economic responses and to avoid protectionist actions.

    Second, we confirmed our support for the vital work of the International Maritime Organisation to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels. We will continue to work with the shipping industry to ensure that they can resume operations as soon as conditions permit, including through engagement with shipping operators, insurers, and industry bodies.

    Third, France and the United Kingdom confirmed that they are establishing an independent and strictly defensive multinational mission to protect merchant vessels, reassure commercial shipping operators, and conduct mine clearance operations as soon as conditions permit following a sustainable ceasefire agreement.

    The international mission will be strictly defensive, and will operate in full accordance with international law and in consultation with relevant states. We are grateful to those nations that have indicated their readiness to contribute in compliance with their constitutional procedures, whether through military assets, logistical support, financial contributions or political solidarity, and call on all countries with an interest in the free flow of global trade to express their support for this initiative.

    The UK and France will jointly take forward this initiative, including coordinating military planning with contributing nations. The UK will host the next Leaders meeting in this format.

    Following publication, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Somalia, Cyprus, Poland, Belgium, Italy, Canada, Bahrain, North Macedonia, Latvia, Greece, Iceland, Australia, Montenegro, Lithuania, Romania, the Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Djibouti, Czechia, Croatia, Iraq and Albania confirmed they also joined this joint leaders’ statement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 April 2026.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, to Downing Street today.

    The Prime Minister reiterated his personal commitment, and that of the government, to the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Both leaders noted the utmost importance of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights to today’s global stability.

    On the shared challenge of illegal migration, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of showing that the ECHR reflects modern challenges and that it works for people with genuine concerns about border security. 

    The Secretary General provided an update on the Council of Europe’s work to pursue accountability for the atrocities perpetrated in Ukraine and he thanked the UK government for its strong support in this area. 

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We reiterate our commitment to an inclusive political process which safeguards Libya’s unity and stability – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We reiterate our commitment to an inclusive political process which safeguards Libya’s unity and stability – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

    I will focus on three elements that are central to the current situation in Libya. Firstly economic governance, then sovereign resources, then migrants and refugees, and then I’ll look at the way forward.

    First, the United Kingdom welcomes the milestone agreement on a unified budget reached on 11 April. 

    This provides the opportunity to improve economic governance across Libya and strengthen the independence of its financial institutions. 

    We welcome US efforts to facilitate this agreement and urge all parties to implement the budget in full.

    We encourage all Libyan stakeholders to use this milestone confidence‑building measure, both to help rebuild trust between institutions and across political divides. 

    We urge all sides to engage constructively and overcome the obstacles to progressing the SRSG’s roadmap. 

    We reiterate our firm commitment to an inclusive political process, facilitated by the UN, which works towards national elections and safeguards Libya’s unity, sovereignty, and stability.

    Second, this Council’s recent renewal of the Libya sanctions regime demonstrates our collective commitment to safeguarding Libya’s sovereign resources. 

    Strengthened measures to prevent oil smuggling, alongside continued protections for frozen assets, will help ensure that Libya’s wealth is preserved for the long‑term benefit of the Libyan people. 

    We call on all Libyan stakeholders to respect the independence of Libya’s institutions, including the National Oil Corporation and Central Bank of Libya, in order to ensure they can work without interference or politicisation.

    Third, we remain deeply concerned by the situation of migrants and refugees in Libya, including reports of trafficking, abuse, and informal detention. 

    We welcome the authorities’ ongoing cooperation with international partners, including on voluntary returns. But we urge continued efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and close informal detention centres to strengthen protection of migrants and refugees, uphold human rights, and support safe and dignified returns.

    In conclusion, President, inaction is not an option. 

    The Libyan people continue to seek unified governance that can provide security, stability, and opportunity. 

    We urge all parties to prioritise citizens’ interests, to engage seriously with the SRSG’s roadmap in line with this Council’s Press Statement of 3 March, and to support a credible political process that can deliver enduring peace and shared prosperity.

  • NEWS STORY : Susan Harris appointed vice chair of infected blood memorial committee

    NEWS STORY : Susan Harris appointed vice chair of infected blood memorial committee

    STORY

    Susan Harris has been appointed vice chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee, in a move the Government said would help ensure the body remains representative of the wider infected blood community. The appointment was announced by committee chair Clive Smith with the approval of Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, and Harris will replace Joan Edgington in the role.

    Harris has long been involved in campaigning and advocacy for those affected by the scandal. She was infected with Hepatitis C at six months old following treatment for an inherited bleeding disorder, and has since worked with organisations including the Hepatitis C Trust, the Haemophilia Society and the Thalassaemia Association. The Government said her appointment comes as the committee continues work with the community to create memorials recognising those affected by the infected blood scandal.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Susan Harris appointed Vice-Chair of Infected Blood Memorial Committee [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Susan Harris appointed Vice-Chair of Infected Blood Memorial Committee [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 April 2026.

    The Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee, with the approval of the Minister for the Cabinet Office, has announced the appointment of Susan Harris as Vice-Chair.

    Susan has been a longstanding, active and trusted advocate for the infected blood community. Susan was infected with Hepatitis C at just 6 months old as a result of treatment she received for an inherited bleeding disorder.

    Susan has worked with the whole blood community throughout her career, advocating for further support and engaging regularly with the Hepatitis C Trust, Haemophilia Society and Thallesemia Association. 

    Susan replaces Joan Edgington as Vice-Chair, who has provided invaluable support to the Memorial Committee throughout her tenure.

    Chair of the Infected Blood Committee, Clive Smith said:

    I am very pleased to welcome Susan as the Vice-Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee. Following Joan stepping down from the role, Susan’s appointment is especially important to ensure the Committee is representative of the whole community.

    Susan has done a huge amount of work to advocate and support the whole blood community. She has also worked closely with the Thalassemia community. I look forward to working with Susan to progress this important work.

    David Abdo also interviewed for the Vice-Chair position and was an outstanding candidate. On the basis of his interview, David is being appointed as an additional committee member. 

    The new Vice-Chair of the Infected Blood Committee, Susan Harris said:

    I am deeply honoured to accept the appointment of Vice Chair for the Infected Blood Memorial Committee. Having witnessed the decades-long struggle for justice and recognition, I am profoundly committed to ensuring that the voices of the infected and affected remain at the heart of our work. 

    I look forward to collaborating closely with the Chair, Clive Smith, and our fellow committee members to deliver memorials that provide not only a site for national reflection but also a powerful, lasting recognition of the lives lost and the injustices endured. It is a solemn responsibility to help shape a legacy that truly honours the resilience of this community, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our collective history is never forgotten.

    The appointment has been agreed, on the advice of the Chair, by the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds. 

    Susan and David will join the rest of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee who are working with the community to create fitting memorials to recognise and remember what happened to people. 

    The Committee is preparing for the Infected Blood: A Service of Recognition, Remembrance and Reflection at St Paul’s Cathedral on 19 May in honour of those impacted by the scandal.

  • NEWS STORY : Former Pride in London chief admits contempt in widening scandal

    NEWS STORY : Former Pride in London chief admits contempt in widening scandal

    STORY

    Christopher Joell-Deshields, the former chief executive of Pride in London, has admitted one count of contempt of court in the latest twist in the long running row over his conduct at the organisation. The case centres on claims that he failed to comply fully with a court order linked to the handover of Pride in London property and access to organisational accounts during an investigation into his behaviour. Reports say he denied other elements of the contempt case, but admitted failing to provide a statement confirming compliance with the order.

    The admission comes after Pride in London said earlier this month that Joell-Deshields’ employment had been terminated following an independent investigation, with an appeal against that decision also rejected. The organisation said it is now putting in place a new governance structure, while interim chief executive Rebecca Paisis said Pride in London would operate to the highest standards.

    The wider scandal is becoming more deeply serious with allegations of misconduct being levelled against Joell-Deshields including financial mismanagement, misuse of sponsor funded volunteer vouchers and claims of a toxic working culture, all of which he has denied.

  • Ian Murray – 2026 Statement on UK Biobank Data

    Ian Murray – 2026 Statement on UK Biobank Data

    The statement made by Ian Murray, the Minister for Digital Government and Data, in the House of Commons on 23 April 2026.

    With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement about the use of UK Biobank data.

    UK Biobank is a non-profit charity, independent of Government. The Biobank brings together data, kindly donated by its volunteer participants, that is shared with accredited researchers globally to make significant scientific discoveries that improve patient health. That includes discovering genes that affect the risk of heart disease or cancer, identifying new ways of predicting dementia, identifying early warning signs for cancers, understanding immunity to covid-19, and work towards earlier detection of Parkinson’s. It is one of the most successful and important studies of its type, and it continues to benefit patients in the UK and around the world. We are all grateful to those individuals who are part of this landmark study that is so important for all of our health.

    On Monday 20 April, the UK Biobank charity informed the Government that it had identified that its data had been advertised for sale by several sellers on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms in China. Biobank told us that three listings that appeared to sell UK Biobank participation data had been identified. At least one of the three datasets appeared to contain data from all 500,000 UK Biobank volunteers. Additional listings offered support for applying for legitimate access to UK Biobank data or analytical support for researchers who already have access to the data. I want to reassure the House up front, however, that Biobank has advised that this data did not contain participants’ names, addresses, contact details or telephone numbers. The Government have spoken to the vendor today and they do not believe that there were any purchases from the three listings before they were taken down.

    Once the Government were made aware of the situation, we took immediate action to protect participants’ data. First, we worked with Biobank, the Chinese Government and the vendor to ensure that the three listings that UK Biobank informed us included participant data had been removed. I want to thank the Chinese Government for the speed and seriousness with which they worked with us to help remove the listings and the ongoing work to remove any further listings. Secondly, we ensured that the Biobank charity revoked access to the three research institutions identified as the source of the information. Thirdly, we have asked that the Biobank charity pauses further access to its data until it has put in place a technical solution to prevent data from its current platform from being downloaded in this way again. I can confirm to the House that this pause is now in place. UK Biobank has also referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

    We are still working with Biobank to ascertain from it the specific detail of what has happened. We have asked it to investigate how this data ended up for sale online as a priority, but I wanted to ensure that the House was aware of the incident and the action that the Government are taking.

    Officials have been in regular contact with UK Biobank since the Government were made aware of the issue on Monday. I personally spoke to the chief executive and chair last night, alongside the Minister of State for Science and the Minister for Health Innovation and Safety. We have received assurances that the charity will conduct a rapid board-level review of the safeguards in place for accessing its data.

    As I mentioned, in the short term, Biobank will suspend downloads from its platform. That is until a new system is brought in to control analysis downloads to approved researchers and will significantly enhance data access controls and safeguards. We have advised the chair and chief executive of Biobank to write to all participants as soon as possible to ensure that they are aware of what has happened.

    In summary, and to be clear to the House and to those people affected, the charity has assured us that the data did not contain anybody’s names, addresses or contact details. It includes only data of people who have explicitly opted in to be part of the Biobank. Those are people who have given their explicit consent that this data can be used, in the knowledge that it will be shared with researchers globally.

    Participants have done a great service to the people of this country, and human health globally, through their participation. For example, valuable research is being carried out at McGill University in Canada into chronic pain, which afflicts millions of people here in the UK. We expect UK Biobank to remain one of the leading health research resources.

    This has been an unacceptable abuse of the UK Biobank charity’s data, and an abuse of the trust that participants rightly expect when sharing their data for research purposes. The Government take the incident extremely seriously, which is why we have acted rapidly to support the UK Biobank charity in its response and why I wanted to update the House at the earliest opportunity.

    The Government will soon be issuing new guidance on control of data from research studies. I take this opportunity once again to urge all businesses and charities to ensure that that their systems and data-sharing processes are as secure as possible. We wrote to businesses last week about the cyber-security tools available to them—for free—from the Government and the steps they should take to maximise security. Ensuring the safe use of UK data is a priority for the Government. I commend this statement to the House.

  • Anna Turley – 2026 Comments on Jeremy Corbyn and Antisemitism

    Anna Turley – 2026 Comments on Jeremy Corbyn and Antisemitism

    The comments made by Anna Turley, the Labour Party chair, on 23 April 2026.

    Zack Polanski’s rewriting of history is beyond the pale. Not only is it downright offensive, but it is completely wrong.

    Labour has a proud tradition as an anti-racist party. But under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, we endured the most shameful period in our history and the equalities watchdog found that we had acted unlawfully in our discrimination and harassment of the Jewish community.

    For Polanski to dismiss that as ‘propaganda’ shows his own determination to court the worst of the worst into his own ranks.

    Keir Starmer booted the antisemites out of the Labour party when he became leader. The Greens have now opened their arms to them. The contrast could not be clearer.

  • NEWS STORY : Manchester tram derailment under investigation after Piccadilly incident

    NEWS STORY : Manchester tram derailment under investigation after Piccadilly incident

    NEWS STORY

    The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation after a Metrolink tram derailed on the approach to Piccadilly tram stop in Manchester on 5 April. The tram, travelling from Ashton to Bury, was moving at about 8mph when the wheels on one axle left the track, though the driver was initially unaware and the tram continued into the stop, where passengers were able to get off. No injuries were reported and only minor damage was caused.

    Investigators said they will examine the sequence of events leading to the derailment, including the design, maintenance and management of the track, the condition and management of the tram itself, its operation at the time and any underlying contributing factors. The RAIB said its work is independent of any inquiries by the tram industry or the Office of Rail and Road, and that a final report with any safety recommendations will be published when the investigation is complete.