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PRESS RELEASE : Resident doctors to vote on government offer to end strikes [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 19 June 2026.

Resident doctors will vote on an offer that will see greater opportunities for career progression, better pay and improved working conditions.
- Offer improves resident doctor pay, working conditions and career progression
- Ballot opened on 18 June and will close on 26 June
- Simple majority will end strikes long term
Resident doctors will see greater opportunities for career progression, better pay and improved working conditions if they vote for the government’s transformative offer in a ballot.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is now putting the offer to members for their say. Strikes set to take place this week were called off as a result of this vote.

The government has carefully listened to feedback provided by the BMA resident doctors committee on behalf of their membership and worked with them to strengthen and clarify the offer originally made in March.

The offer would see resident doctors benefit from pay structure reform, leading to more frequent pay rises as doctors gain key competencies and demonstrate increasing capability. The revised offer brings forward pay scale reform so that resident doctors experience the benefit of the pay rises faster compared with the offer set out in March.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, said:

This transformative offer improves the pay, working conditions and job prospects of hardworking resident doctors.

It is a very good offer, and it’s one that will not get any better.

We now all have a chance to draw a line under the disruption of strikes and focus on getting on with the job of caring for patients and fixing our health service.

Resident doctors have had a 28.9% pay rise over the last 3 years – the highest anywhere in the public sector.

Under the offer, resident doctors would see an average pay rise of 4.9% this year, making resident doctors on average 35.2% better off than 4 years ago. There would be even higher pay rises on average for the lowest paid first year and second year doctors – at 6.2% and 7.1% respectively.

The offer would also put money back in resident doctors’ pockets through the reimbursement of mandatory Royal College portfolio fees and mandatory examinations costs, often worth thousands of pounds. It would also raise the flexible pay premia for clinical academic resident doctors to £10,000 in recognition of their unique contribution.

To tackle training bottlenecks that can hinder career progression, the offer would see up to an additional 4,500 training posts implemented over the next 3 years, including 1,000 next year. Two hundred and fifty of these roles will start in February 2027. This builds on the impact of the Medical Training Prioritisation Act – the new law this government has already brought in – which is expected to halve competition ratios for this year’s applicants.

The offer also provides greater stability for locally employed doctors who are employed on a different contract to most resident doctors, allowing them to progress more easily into higher training and improve their terms and conditions.

Professor Francesca Swords, National Medical Director for the NHS, said:

We want the NHS to be the best place to work for resident doctors, and we know we haven’t always got things right.

But we are turning things around: ending the frustration of payroll errors, providing faster turnaround on repaying expenses and offering more training places – and we will not stop this important work.

This offer agreed together with BMA will increase pay further for resident doctors, reimburse them for expensive exam fees, ensure they have better training and job opportunities, and improve working conditions further.

I hope resident doctors are already starting to feel the difference, and I hope that they recognise the further significant improvements this deal could make for them.

In the most recent round of strikes, NHS staff delivered 94.1% of planned care, but every day of strike action affects patients and colleagues, impacts the NHS budget and delays improvements to working conditions.

If this offer is rejected in pursuit of further damaging industrial action, it will be operationally and financially impossible for the government to maintain such a generous offer again.

Resident doctors have until 26 June 2026 to vote on the offer, with a simple majority needed to proceed with the offer and end the strikes for the long term.

Despite major challenges, under this government NHS staff are treating more patients than ever before. The overall waiting list is now 403,000 lower than in June 2024 and 171,000 lower than a year ago.

Thanks to our record investment, modernisation and the remarkable efforts of NHS staff across the country, we are making the NHS fit for the future.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Border Force secures its largest ever cannabis seizure [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 June 2026.

Border Force has seized a record-breaking 12 tonnes of cannabis as part of a major international operation.

The staggering haul deprives organised crime of an estimated £139 million in revenue.

The illegal drugs were detected last month at Southampton Port, crammed into two shipping containers from Canada.

Officers found 1,200 boxes of cannabis inside them weighing around 12 tonnes – making it Border Force’s largest ever cannabis seizure.

Working with Canadian partners and UK law enforcement, expert Home Office intelligence analysts identified the two containers on their way to Southampton, priming officers to make the seizure.

The previous largest cannabis seizure that Border Force undertook was just under 8 tonnes (7,955 kilos) in April 2017 at Southampton Port.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said:

Congratulations to our brilliant Border Force officers for this record-breaking haul.

We will not allow criminal gangs to profit from misery and peddle their vile trade.

More than ever before, we are working with policing and international partners to secure our borders and keep our streets safe.

Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas said:

This biggest cannabis seizure ever shows Border Force’s relentless action to stop drugs reaching UK streets and destroying lives.

My thanks to our officers, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and the Canada Border Services Agency for their dedication, collaboration, and professionalism.

The interception on 6 May 2026 formed a key part of a wider South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) investigation into criminal gangs peddling drugs.

It follows the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) preventing a shipping container with cannabis destined for the UK leaving Canada in April.

SWROCU Acting Inspector, Stuart Cumine, said:

Operations like this, working with partners on a national and international level, disrupt criminal networks, deprive them of funds, and protect communities across the UK from the harm that drug supply and other organised criminality causes.

Canada Border Services Agency President, Erin O’Gorman said:

These seizures reflect the strength of the combined operational focus and intelligence-sharing efforts between Canadian federal law enforcement and our UK Border Force partners. It is the result of a highly coordinated, intelligence-led approach to disrupting transnational organised crime.

The movement of illegal cannabis fuels organised crime networks, and this seizure underscores our collective commitment to combat these criminal activities and keep our borders strong and secure.

Today (16 June 2026), SWROCU have arrested three people on suspicion of facilitating importations.

May’s huge cannabis seizure builds on a record-breaking year of Border Force action.

According to the latest statistics, almost 150 tonnes of illegal drugs (148 tonnes) were seized by Border Force (year ending March 2025), making it the highest amount since records began.

It also represents a 40% year-on-year rise in the quantity of drugs seized.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : SFO to secure further £491,000 from Jakarta expat scammer [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Serious Fraud Office on 19 June 2026.

Investigators track down hidden properties and luxury vehicles linked to man who conned British expats in Indonesia.

Today, the SFO secured an additional £491,967.97 uplift to the 2009 confiscation order against Alan Edwin Gardner, 57, after uncovering additional assets.

Gardner defrauded a number of overseas investors through a fictitious investment scheme targeting British expats by falsely claiming their money was being invested through reputable Swiss bank UBS AG.

Gardner was convicted in June 2009 after an SFO investigation revealed how he had persuaded investors, members of the expatriate community in Jakarta, to hand over their savings on the false promise of generous, and in some cases guaranteed, returns. While investors believed their money was growing, the funds were in reality spent by Gardner on personal expenditure or used to offset betting losses.

SFO investigators recently uncovered that Gardner had acquired additional assets since his original confiscation order was made, including equity in two UK properties, luxury vehicles and a number of bank accounts. The SFO acted swiftly to recover these, and the funds will go back to the public purse.

Gardner was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment by Worcester Crown Court in June 2009. The SFO has already secured £186,151.16 through a previous confiscation order, which Gardner paid in full.

Paul Napper, Head of Proceeds of Crime and International Assistance Division at the SFO, said:

Alan Gardner exploited the trust of British people far from home, convincing them their savings were in safe hands while he spent every penny. A conviction is never the end of the road for the SFO, and our proceeds of crime team will always make sure crime never pays.

21/06/2026
NEWS STORY : MOD Awards Aircraft Spares Contract Worth Up to £70 Million

STORY

The Ministry of Defence has awarded Leonardo UK an initial £27 million contract to supply essential consumable spares for military aircraft across the UK’s fixed-wing and rotary-wing fleet. The contract could be worth up to £70 million over seven years and will support 75 jobs in the UK defence industry.

The Aircraft Consumables Commodities contract covers around 11,000 NATO Stock Numbers, including parts and materials used to keep aircraft operational. The aircraft covered include Typhoon fighter jets, Apache and Chinook helicopters, and A400M and C-17 transport aircraft, some of which are currently deployed on live operations in the Middle East.

The MOD said the contract will give Leonardo responsibility for forecasting, procurement, stock management and obsolescence management for essential spares. Defence minister Luke Pollard said the investment would help maintain aircraft used to protect the UK and support operations overseas, while the MOD said the new system would provide a more efficient model for managing spares across defence aviation.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Up to £70 million investment in essential spares for UK military aircraft [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 June 2026.

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded a £27 million contract to Leonardo (UK) Ltd to supply critical aircraft consumable spares across the UK’s entire fixed-wing and rotary-wing fleet.
- The National Armaments Director Group has awarded an initial £27 million contract to Leonardo (UK) Ltd to supply critical consumable spares for the UK Armed Forces’ entire fixed-wing and rotary-wing fleet, including aircraft on live operations in the Middle East.
- The Aircraft Consumables Commodities contract covers approximately 11,000 NATO-approved “stock numbers” and will run for up to seven years, providing long-term resilience in the supply of essential aircraft spares.
- Leonardo will take responsibility for spares forecasting, stock procurement and obsolescence management across key platforms including Typhoon, Apache, Chinook, A400M and C-17.
The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded a £27 million contract to Leonardo (UK) Ltd to supply critical aircraft consumable spares across the UK’s entire fixed-wing and rotary-wing fleet.

The Aircraft Consumables Commodities (ACC) contract will sustain defence aviation capability for up to seven years, with a total potential investment of up to £70 million, and supports 75 jobs across the UK defence industry.

The three-year contract, with the option to extend for four additional one-year periods, covers the sourcing of approximately 11,000 NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs) – the standardised catalogue references used to identify and procure military equipment. The agreement ensures a reliable and uninterrupted supply of airworthy consumable spares essential for keeping aircraft operational, from blind rivets and washers to cable ties and face masks – all of which play an important role in mission readiness.

Aircraft covered under the contract include Typhoon fighter jets, Apache and Chinook helicopters, and A400M and C-17 transport aircraft, a number of which are currently deployed in support of live operations in the Middle East. The ACC contract therefore plays a direct role in sustaining the UK’s ability to project military force and respond to international commitments.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:

This investment will be crucial in maintaining the military aircraft that keep the UK safe at home and secure abroad, from defending NATO’s airspace from the Russian drone threat to protecting British citizens and partners in the Middle East.

We’re making sure the UK’s historic rise in defence spending is an engine for growth, boosting opportunities across the country including supporting 75 jobs through this contract.

The contract introduces a smarter, hybrid approach to equipment management, distinguishing between “fast-moving” high-demand items, managed proactively by Leonardo directly against stores availability and “slow-moving” low demand items, handled through a more traditional “as-and-when” model. Leonardo will also take responsibility for spares modelling and forecasting, proactive maintenance, stock procurement, and obsolescence management.

Crucially, the new contract consolidates equipment management at depot level rather than supplying individual units directly – a change from its predecessor that delivers a more efficient and cost-effective model. This approach represents a significant improvement in how consumable spares are managed across Defence aviation, reducing complexity and improving responsiveness across the entire fleet.

Lisa Thorne, NAD Head of Support Capabilities and Commodities, said:

We are very proud and privileged to be working with Leonardo, one of our key suppliers. This contract provides vital services across multiple air platforms, ensuring operational readiness and enhanced capability for our forces.

David Arrowsmith, Vice President Support & Service Solutions UK, Leonardo said:

Leonardo is proud to have been awarded the ACC contract and to deepen our long-standing partnership with the MOD. This contract reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, innovative support solutions that keep the RAF’s aircraft mission ready. By taking ownership of the full supply chain, from forecasting and procurement through to obsolescence management, we are best placed to provide the MOD with the responsiveness and efficiency that modern defence operations demand.
21/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Labour MPs Rally Behind Starmer

STORY

A number of Labour MPs have publicly rallied behind Keir Starmer as pressure continues over his leadership following Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election. The Prime Minister is facing renewed speculation about his future, with reports that senior Labour figures are discussing whether he should stand down or agree a transition timetable.

Samantha Niblett, the Labour MP for South Derbyshire, said on social media that constituents at a coffee morning had thanked her for backing the Prime Minister and that comments and emails about her support had been “almost entirely gratitude”. She also said that constituents already knew she backed Starmer and called on others to sign up and contact their own MPs. Michael Payne, the Labour MP for Gedling, also urged the party to “stop the noise”, back the Prime Minister and focus on delivery.

Payne later wrote in LabourList that Starmer’s support for Ukraine, work with allies and focus on public services formed a record “worth defending”. He said Labour should not “spend its time indulging Westminster psychodrama” and argued that changing leaders would invite demands for an early general election. The public backing came as it is reported that Starmer was considering his political future, while other Labour figures continued to debate whether Burnham should replace him as party leader and Prime Minister.

21/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Jeremy Corbyn Criticises Burnham’s Economic Plan After Makerfield Victory

STORY

Jeremy Corbyn has criticised Andy Burnham’s economic approach following the Greater Manchester mayor’s victory in the Makerfield by-election. Corbyn said that Burnham seemed “to be accepting too much of the austerity that we’ve had imposed upon us and doesn’t appear to be doing anything, as I can see it, differently internationally”.

Burnham won the Makerfield contest on 19 June, returning to the House of Commons and strengthening speculation that he could challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership. He used his victory speech to call for “fundamental change” in Britain, including changes to the economy, immigration, education and industry, and said the result showed Labour had a final chance to change direction.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Minister Chapman visits Lebanon, announces £13m in aid [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2026.

Baroness Chapman announced a new £13m UK humanitarian package to Lebanon to help deliver vital assistance to people affected by the crisis.

On a joint visit to Lebanon with her French and Qatari counterparts, Development Minister Jenny Chapman, concluded a two-day visit to Lebanon, her first as a Minister.

The visit underscored the urgent need for de‑escalation and showed the UK, France and Qatar’s united support for Lebanon and their commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance, in partnership with the Government of Lebanon.

Baroness Chapman announced a new £13m UK humanitarian package to Lebanon to help deliver vital assistance to people affected by the crisis, including the provision of, protection, education, healthcare, food and other basic services. This brings total UK support announced since March to £43 million.

Accompanied by Ambassador Hamish Cowell, Development Minister Chapman and her French and Qatari counterparts Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships Éléonore Caroit and Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, met with President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed, reiterating support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and state institutions.

Development Minister Chapman welcomed recent direct talks between Israel and Lebanon and reiterated support for diplomatic efforts as the best route toward lasting peace, security and stability.

With her French and Qatari counterparts and Minister Haneen Sayed, Baroness Chapman visited UK-funded programmes in Beirut and Saida. At the Grand Serail, she met the Government’s Disaster Risk Management Unit, which alongside the Lebanese Red Cross is leading the nationally coordinated, data-driven response to the humanitarian crisis. She praised the dedication of healthcare workers and first responders, stressing that attacks on those carrying out such vital duties are unacceptable and that all sides must ensure their protection in line with International Humanitarian Law.

They then visited with UNICEF Country Representative Marcoluigi Corsi, a collective shelter in Jnah for families displaced in the recent conflict escalation. Baroness Chapman saw how the UK and partners are supporting the Government-led response in delivering essential education and protection services to displaced children and families in a challenging environment.

In Saida, Baroness Chapman visited Al Murjan High School a collective shelter hosting displaced families, and heard from UKISF partner ABAAD, about Gender Based Violence challenges amidst the conflict. With UKISF support, ABAAD has provided psychological first aid, strengthened shelter safety systems, delivered Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) sessions for women and girls, and more.

With Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Imran Riza and UNOCHA’s Representative Kristen Knutson, Baroness Chapman joined by French minister Éléonore Caroit, visited a shelter in Saida hosting displaced families and heard about the impact of the humanitarian crisis. She saw first-hand how UK support through the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund is providing water, sanitation, hygiene, protection and food assistance to vulnerable people.

At the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) centre, Development Minister Chapman and French minister Éléonore Caroit heard about LRC’s frontline role as first responders and the impact of the conflict on south Lebanon. Through the British Red Cross, UK support is strengthening LRC’s crisis preparedness. Minister Chapman handed over 8 UK-funded ambulances to the Red Cross, in the presence of LRC Secretary General George Kettaneh and the British Red Cross.

She later visited a displaced family benefiting from UK support. Through the World Food Programme, the UK is contributing to the Government of Lebanon’s Shock Responsive Social Safety Net that is providing a vital lifeline amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Minister for Development Jenny Chapman said:

The US-Iran agreement is an important step forward in reducing tensions, supporting regional stability, and reopening vital routes for global trade. Our priority now is to support its implementation and help create the conditions for a lasting peace, including an end to hostilities in Lebanon.

Reckless and disproportionate Israeli escalation in Lebanon must end, as must Hizballah’s attacks on Israel, which have dragged the Lebanese people into yet another conflict they have not chosen.

Here with my partners from France and Qatar, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the conflict. We are coming together to emphasise the importance of delivering stability in the Middle East, and of a robust and lasting ceasefire in Lebanon.

We remain committed to working with the Government of Lebanon to ensure they can deliver the response needed to support stability and resilience.

Ambassador Hamish Cowell said: 

Baroness Jenny Chapman’s visit to Lebanon comes at a critical moment, as Lebanon faces the continuing impact of conflict.

We will continue to coordinate with the Government of Lebanon and humanitarian partners.

De-escalation is needed urgently. All parties must respect the ceasefire and uphold international humanitarian law.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Government procurement to prioritise national security [June 2026]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 June 2026.

Chancellor and Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister announce new drive to use power of public spending to strengthen national security and economic resilience.
- New procurement guidance will protect national security and enhance supply chain resilience across critical sectors
- Government separately confirms £5 billion in contracts awarded to British firms since March, accelerating delivery of the modern Industrial Strategy in priority sectors, and supporting growth in key industries
- Communities across the country to benefit from Farnborough to Huddersfield, and Edinburgh to Solihull
Every year the government spends around £400 billion on public procurement, and for far too long this spending has been focused too narrowly on short-term requirements and upfront costs.

This has left the UK exposed to global shocks, with recent events showing the fragility of global supply chains. This new guidance draws a line under that approach and works to protect the UK’s national security and build resilience in critical sectors.

Through the new guidance, the Chancellor, alongside the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, highlight the power of public spending to safeguarding sovereign capability, supporting businesses, jobs, and skills across the UK, with real money going straight to communities from Farnborough to Huddersfield, and Edinburgh to Solihull.

The Chancellor will also today confirm that British founded-firms have already seen a £5 billion surge in new government contracts since March, targeting high-growth sectors central to the Industrial Strategy.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

We have the right economic plan – using the power of public procurement to protect our national security and strengthen the UK’s economic resilience.

British companies are delivering the innovation and resilience we need in a more uncertain world. This government will continue to back British businesses as we strengthen our national security and economic resilience.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said:

From the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine driving up energy bills, recent events show why we need to protect our national security, and invest in home-grown British expertise and industry to secure our sovereign capability.

For too long, governments have prioritised short-term buying decisions that leave us vulnerable to the actions of others. This guidance will change that. From shipbuilding in Barrow to steel in Scunthorpe, we will make national security a priority and back British businesses and jobs.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:

Every child deserves access to world class support with their schoolwork, regardless of where they’re from or what their parents can afford. Today we are making that a reality.

These six British companies are developing world-leading AI that genuinely works in the classroom – safe, effective, and built around the needs of both pupils and teachers.

Up to 450,000 disadvantaged children will benefit from this ambitious investment. This government is breaking down barriers to opportunity and giving every young person the best start in life.

Cabinet Office Minister Chris Ward said:

This government is determined to make every penny of our procurement budget work for British businesses and national security. This is another big step toward that, and to boosting growth and resilience across the country”.

Since March, the government has awarded a number of new deals to British firms including:
- A new digital platform to support RAF pilots in flight
- AI fraud detection tools to help HMRC identify tax errors faster
- Essential road and vehicle recovery services on the strategic road network.
Up to 450,000 disadvantaged pupils are set to benefit from future-generation technology in AI tutoring from 2027. Six British organisations are among those selected and will receive £1.8 million to help build the next generation of safe and effective AI tutoring tools that will set the global standard for effective AI models.

Mayoral Strategic Authorities are also playing a crucial role in the new push, such as with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Combined Authority procuring new local electric buses and steel from UK businesses.

New guidance on national security and resilience

The new guidance sets out the process for departments to use the national security exemption within the Procurement Act 2023 in key sectors to support the country’s national security and economic resilience. To support this new approach, the government has appointed dedicated Sector Leads in key departments across Whitehall.

These Leads will support Ministers and oversee upcoming procurements, so they can appropriately apply the national security exemption for contracts – supporting national security and stronger supply chains, while helping ensure the UK is better prepared in an increasingly uncertain world.

Alongside this, the Treasury will be writing to accounting officers across government on the importance of protecting national security through future spending decisions. This will provide guidance on the use of the exemption to deliver value for money.

Both new pieces of guidance are consistent with our international trade agreements and complement the government’s work with international partners to improve the security and resilience of key sectors, ensuring that we can collectively respond to global challenges.

This includes recognising that our global trading partners and close allies will often have suppliers well-placed to help us meet our security needs. Our approach is built on collaboration; trusted international partners and global suppliers are at the heart of our procurement strategy, bringing the innovation and resilience we need to stay secure.

The government also announced the publication of the Supply Chain Centre’s mission statement and action plan this week, setting out a new cross-government approach to securing the inputs the UK economy relies on and boosting supply chain resilience.

Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy and Insights, British Chambers of Commerce:

“The world order has shifted dramatically in the last five years and a stronger government focus on economic security and supply chain resilience is one we support.

Our Chambers are involved in infrastructure projects across the UK and know how investment in British firms can be transformative for local economies and communities.

One third of all the money that government spends is on procurement so its potential to shift the dial is huge.

Opening the system up to more SMEs is also one of the best and quickest ways to increase the impact this spending has. Chambers will be keen to get involved in the supply chains for these projects to maximise that effect.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : National Drought Group meets after dry spring and recent heatwave [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 19 June 2026.

Weather whiplash continues as climate change brings increasingly volatile weather.

Just three months after the last drought officially ended, the parched conditions this spring have increased the risk of drought this summer.

The National Drought Group met yesterday (Thurs 18th June) and heard that while water resources remain in a relatively healthy position following an exceptionally wet winter, some areas are already seeing the impacts of drier conditions.

Spring has seen a marked north-south divide emerging, with Northern England receiving 90% of average rainfall in recent months compared to just 50% in Southern England.

East Anglia is set to return to prolonged dry weather next week, while Devon & Cornwall are on a watchlist to also enter prolonged dry weather later in the summer. The late May heatwave – which brought six consecutive days above 30°C in some areas and a new May record high of 35.1°C in West London – has added to concerns if these conditions are repeated.

As we mark the infamous drought of 1976, industry leaders at the drought group discussed the action being taken to prepare for summer. The Environment Agency is working with water companies on their drought plans and is actively monitoring water levels and rainfall patterns.

National Drought Group chair and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, Helen Wakeham, said:

We enter summer in a generally favourable position, but we can never be complacent ahead of those crucial drier months.

Heatwaves will continue to be a concern as they can drive spikes in water demand, so we need to continue to work collaboratively to use our finite water wisely.

While many of us enjoy the hot weather, we ask everyone to be mindful of their water use. Every drop saved leaves more available for farmers, our local rivers and wildlife.

The National Drought Group brings together the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, hydrologists, and conservation experts to share intelligence on water resources, ongoing research, and preparations for future drought – working collectively to protect the country’s finite water supplies.

The group noted the particular pressure prolonged dry weather places on the farming sector. Farmers have reported issues with the growth of spring crops and have had to begin irrigating earlier than normal because of the dry soils. The Environment Agency is working closely with farmers to understand and respond to their water needs, alongside longer-term work with government to build resilience in a changing climate.

National Farmers’ Union Deputy President, Paul Tompkins, said:

Food security depends on profitable farm businesses having reliable access to the water needed to produce food for the nation. Irrigation is vital for the growth of many crops.

With current projections for summer water availability ranging from moderate to poor in parts of the country, it is essential that farmers and growers retain the flexibility within their licences to access water when it is available to sustain crop production.

To safeguard our domestic food supply, we must build resilience to climate volatility. To secure farmers and growers’ access to water during shortages, they need enabling planning rules and regulatory reforms that support on-farm water storage, investment in water efficiency and innovation in more water-efficient crops and systems.

The public also has a vital role to play. Small changes at home can make a surprising difference – a leaking toilet alone can waste up to 400 litres a day, a similar amount to what most people use in three days. Simple measures like fitting a water butt, using the eco setting on dishwashers and washing machines, and installing a low-flow shower head all add up to meaningful savings that help keep rivers healthy and taps running.

Met Office Head of Environment and Energy Sarah Davies said:

The weather in recent months highlights the variability we can experience, with a notably dry spring followed by a much wetter start to June, and more settled, drier conditions returning more recently.

Looking ahead to the rest of June and into July, the Met Office long range forecast suggests conditions are likely to remain widely dry and settled, with above average temperatures for many areas. However, there remains the potential for more changeable and unsettled periods at times.

Climate change means the risk of drought is increasing and the last decade alone has seen droughts in 2018/19, 2022 and 2025.

This summer marks the 50th anniversary of England’s last severe drought, which resulted in widespread ecological devastation, crop failures, rota cuts and standpipes, plus a swarm of billions of starving ladybirds.

Notes to editors

DROUGHT AND CURRENT WATER RESOURCES
- Most of the country was in drought or prolonged dry weather last summer. East Anglia moved to prolonged dry weather status in July 2025 and was the final area to move back to normal status in March 2026. Parts of the region (Cam & Ely Ouse, North-West Norfolk and North Norfolk catchments) will move into prolonged dry weather next week.
- Devon & Cornwall are on a watchlist to also enter prolonged dry weather later in the summer. No areas are in drought.
- The recent heatwave saw significant peaks in water demand, including some public supply outages.
- Reservoir storage is currently 88.6% with chalk groundwater levels generally normal.
- River flows are decreasing but around two-thirds are still around normal for this time of the year. However, the Burn, Yare, Ely Ouse and Cam in East Anglia are notably low. The River Till in Northumbria is exceptionally low.
- The dry spring has seen an early start to the irrigation of crops in the east and south east with higher demand on farm irrigation reservoirs. There are also some concerns for non-irrigated crops, such as wheat and barley.
- A dry and hot summer will increase the risk of a “flash drought” as experienced in the summer of 2022.
WEATHER WHIPLASH
- This year has been marked by weather whiplash. A wet start made way for a very dry spring, with just 65% of average rainfall across March, April and May.
- However there has been a marked north-south split. Northern England saw 90% of average rainfall, compared to just 50% in Southern England.
- The late May heatwave saw six consecutive days above 30C in some areas, including a new May record high of 35.1C in West London.
- The three warmest springs on record for England now stand as 2024, 2025 and 2026. Nine of the ten warmest springs since 1884 have occurred in the last 20 years.
- June has seen a return to wetter weather, with England seeing 89% of its average monthly rainfall already.
- The UKHSA has issued an amber heat health alert issued for East of England, London, South East and the South West. Yellow heat health alert has also been issued for East Midlands and West Midlands.
CURRENT AND FUTURE ACTIONS
- Water companies are continuing to drive down leaks, and the Environment Agency is working closely with them to ensure they follow their drought plans.
- The Environment Agency expects to see more focus on nature-based solutions, such as wetlands and catchment management, to help hold more water when it rains.
- All National Drought Group members are embedding learnings from last year’s drought, which will help identify emerging drought risks earlier.
- The Environment Agency has just updated its summer prospects for irrigation, with most of the country indicating moderate to good, but parts of East Anglia and West Midlands are projected to be moderate to poor in a dry summer.
- The Environment Agency is working with abstractors to manage dry weather pressures. Abstractors are advised to contact the EA as soon as possible if they have any concerns and there is a wide range of support available to help improve resilience this summer and beyond.
- After last year’s record-breaking temperature, we know many fishery owners are prepared to take action to protect fish from reduced oxygen levels.
- A third round of Local Resource Option screening studies are now open until 5 July which are designed to support groups of farmers in identifying practical, local solutions to improve their long-term water resilience.
21/06/2026