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Keir Starmer – 2025 Speech at the Civil Society Summit

The speech made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 17 July 2025. (This is the redacted civil service issued text)

It’s fantastic to be with you all. As I look around, I see many friends and colleagues.

Great to be here at the Science Museum, which, I have to say, feels like a fitting place to be because this is the home of innovation – celebrating the progress that has transformed so many people’s lives. And in a way, speaking to us, calling us, and inspiring us to do the same today.

Now, as many of you in this room will remember, around 18 months ago, in opposition, in a church near Waterloo Station, I made a promise to people in this room.

I said [political content redacted] we would work in partnership with you. To deliver on every one of our missions and change the country together. I meant that back then.

And the moment I walked through the front door of Downing Street, our work began. And that door is now wide open to you.

Today’s summit is the first of its kind ever. And that’s really important because this is about delivering on the priorities of working people – but it’s also about something even more fundamental than that.

Because I often say – the changes we are making aren’t just about lines on a graph and statistics. They’re about people – and you will understand that better than anyone else.

Take the Drive Partnership. Now, this is a fantastic initiative led by a coalition of civil society organisations. They’ve worked with the police to tackle the drivers of domestic abuse – a really serious issue, hard to deal with, and it is integral to the work we’re doing in government in our Safer Streets mission.

So today, working together in the spirit of partnership, we’re announcing a £53 million investment to roll out the Drive Project nationally across England and Wales.

Delivering together in partnership, taking forward the initiative that you’ve brought forward to us and recognising your power to reach into places government can’t. We’re combining the ability of the government to deliver nationally.

Now, for me, that’s a blueprint for a brand-new way of working. And today, we take one step further with our Civil Society Covenant.

And I’m really proud we’re launching that today because that’s really the hard yards of the eighteen months since I made the promise, because it recognises the national renewal, which requires everyone to play a vital role.

Not the hierarchical, top-down approach of the state working on its own. Not the transactional approach of the markets left to their own devices. But a way forward in partnership – together – by giving civil society a home at the heart of government.

We’re not going to shut charities out and then expect you to pick up the pieces [political content redacted].

Nor am I interested in slogans that sound good but end up being gimmicks for governments to simply hide behind. I’m interested in solutions.

So, we’re also working with businesses, social enterprises, and private investors.

And with the Chancellor’s announcement just earlier this week – the largest social outcomes fund in the world to give struggling families a better start, backed by £500 million in government funding with plans to match this with up to £500 million more from local governments, social investors, and philanthropists. Transforming hundreds of thousands of lives – together. That is about genuine partnership, putting your fingerprints on everything we do.

Take our 10-Year Plan for the NHS, which we announced earlier this month. It’s a really important initiative. We look back proudly on our NHS – it’s been around for 77 years. But we also need to make sure that in decades to come, our NHS was rebuilt and made fit for the future.

And in that 10-Year Plan, we consulted experts, charities, and the public, so every person, no matter who they are or where they’re from, can get the treatment they deserve.

Look at the incredible work of charities already, day in, day out, on the frontline, delivering real change where it’s needed most.

So, I’m proud to announce an exciting new partnership between government and civil society today: Diagnosis Connect. Now, this will transform the way we work together.

This is a new programme linking newly diagnosed patients directly to expert charities.

Helping them navigate which charities they can get to, which support they want from each of them. Very hard to make that journey at the moment. That’s life-changing for people looking for information and support, often at a really difficult time.

Now, that’s putting your expertise directly in people’s pockets with the NHS App.

So that’s going to go on the NHS App, which is a central part of our plan, so people have it as their map to support from the charities they need when they’ve been diagnosed. What a comfort and security that will be for so many people.

But I believe that good relationships need to be honest relationships.

We won’t blindside you with public attacks like the last government did. We need to be honest about the issues people care about and expect us to tackle. Have the tough conversations on issues like migration, social cohesion, and our security as a country.

These are issues where politicians have often chosen to stoke division instead of bringing people together to fix the problem.

Now, we know the damage that does to our communities, so when it comes to issues like immigration, we are working differently. Strengthening our border security and tackling fraud, working with 72 local organisations as we transition people to a digital immigration status to make sure vulnerable communities aren’t shut out of that transition.

And working with community groups to train young people in the skills we need to reduce our dependence on overseas recruitment. Together, we’ll build stronger communities, a fairer system, a better society for everyone.

Most of all, this is about rebalancing power and responsibility. [political content redacted]. Let me tell you what I think people are tired of. I think they’re tired of establishment figures who don’t listen to them and don’t understand the challenges they face.

Tired of being excluded from decisions about their own lives. Tired of being treated like their experiences don’t matter. They are the people this government is working for.

Something I often talk about is the people I keep in my mind’s eye. Politics is about policies, it is about numbers and statistics, but most importantly, it’s about who you have in your mind’s eye when you make your decisions. It’s the people up and down the country who serve every day, who put in every day, often unseen, but are absolutely irreplaceable.

So, this is an opportunity to say to each and every one of you, and through your organisations, thank you. Thank you for what you put in. To those of you who work tirelessly to make Britain a better place.

And to say that we are keeping our promises. We said we would work differently – and we are. We promised we would listen to you – and we have.

Those initiatives that we are announcing today – they came from you, not us. We put them into something that works in partnership.

We said we would deliver change together – and we will, to build a society of service. Bound together by our common values and finding new pride in our country and our communities.

July 17, 2025
NEWS STORY : Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner Criticises Diane Abbott Over Renewed Racism Remarks

STORY

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has criticised Diane Abbott after the veteran Labour MP said she had “no regrets” about controversial remarks about racism that had previously led to her suspension from the party. Speaking today, Rayner said she was “deeply disappointed” by Abbott’s decision to stand by the comments, where she had compared the racism experienced by black people with the prejudice faced by Jewish, Irish and Traveller communities.

Abbott had apologised for her words in 2023 after suggesting that the latter groups had not suffered racism in the same way as those who are visibly black, but she has now said she still believes what she originally wrote. Rayner warned that such a position “creates a real challenge” for the Labour Party, which has sought to present a united and uncompromising stance on antisemitism under Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Although Rayner herself does not have the power to suspend MPs, she confirmed that the matter would be formally reviewed in line with Labour’s disciplinary processes. Abbott, who remains one of the most high-profile MPs on the Labour benches, has defended her position by saying she has always opposed all forms of racism and accused the leadership of attempting to sideline her. The latest developments risk reopening divisions within Labour at a sensitive time, as the party works to maintain discipline and a broad coalition of support ahead of the next election. A decision on whether further action will be taken against Abbott is expected in the coming days, with both supporters and critics of the MP bracing for the potential fallout.

July 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Nuclear fusion boost as government sets to unblock planning rules [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 17 July 2025.

Government confirms the UK will be the first country in the world to develop fusion-specific planning rules.
- Government backs innovation and growth with plan to develop National Policy Statement to unblock fusion projects
- forms part of golden age of nuclear plans through the government’s clean energy superpower mission
- UK will become the first country in the world to develop fusion-specific planning rules – helping support thousands of skilled jobs as part of the Plan for Change
New clean energy jobs and growth for British businesses are set to be unlocked as the government confirms the UK will be the first country in the world to develop fusion-specific planning rules.

The plans will see fusion introduced into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime, putting fusion energy projects on the same footing as other clean energy technologies such as solar, onshore wind and nuclear.

This will drive growth and unlock benefits for places such as Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire and South Yorkshire where the fusion industry is already supporting thousands of jobs – revitalising industrial heartlands with the clean energy of the future.

Currently, fusion projects must submit an application to the local authority with no set timelines for approval and no guidance on which sites are appropriate – hindering the technology’s development in the UK.

The introduction of a National Policy Statement will provide clarity to developers and streamline the planning process for fusion, giving applicants clearer guidance on where and how quickly projects can be developed. This will give industry certainty, break down regulatory barriers and get projects built quicker to cement the UK’s position at the forefront of the global race for fusion.

The Spending Review also delivered a commitment to invest over £2.5 billion in fusion research and development. This includes progressing with the STEP programme (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) which aims to develop and build a world-leading fusion power plant by 2040 in Nottinghamshire, creating thousands of new jobs with the potential to unlock limitless clean power.

A thriving fusion industry in the UK will support the growth of other technologies, including superconductors, robotics and advanced materials, which in turn will provide highly-skilled jobs for British scientists, engineers and construction workers as part of the Plan for Change.

The government’s clean energy mission is the only route to energy security, lower bills and good jobs for the country, and by setting out clearer planning rules for investors, the UK will maintain its optimum position for fusion industry investment.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

The future of fusion energy starts now. We are backing the builders not the blockers – paving the way for the UK to become a clean energy superpower and ensuring that limitless fusion energy plays a key role in our future clean energy mix.

We are ensuring the clean energy of the future gets built in Britain, supporting the creation of highly skilled jobs and driving growth into our industrial heartlands as part of our Plan for Change.

This clarity for investors follows a major backing of £61.9 billion for clean homegrown power in the Spending Review, in which a golden age of nuclear was confirmed with the selection of Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first small modular reactors and £14.2 billion investment to build Sizewell C.

Developing the fusion NPS will also help fusion energy projects move faster along the process from identifying sites to the start of construction.

This follows the government’s £20 million investment into the ‘Starmaker One’ British fusion investment fund which is expected to unlock £100 million of private investment in the UK – driving economic growth.

Tim Bestwick, CEO, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), said:

The inclusion of fusion energy in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime is a clear indication of the government’s support for fusion.

Fusion promises to be a safe, sustainable part of the world’s future energy supply and the UK has a huge opportunity to become a global hub of fusion and related technology.

Fusion-specific planning rules will help provide certainty about investing in UK fusion developments, and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in the quest to commercialise fusion energy.

Notes to editors

The government plans to consult on a detailed National Policy Statement for fusion energy by March 2026.
July 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Patients with long-term conditions to receive help from charities [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 17 July 2025.

Hundreds of thousands of patients with long-term conditions will be automatically referred to specialist charities at the point of diagnosis.
- Better support to understand and manage conditions from day one, improving quality of life and avoiding unnecessary hospital visits, supporting an NHS fit for the future as part of the Plan for change
- Announced by the Prime Minister at the Civil Society Summit – the service is yet another example of how the government is working with civil society to deliver for working people
Hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with long-term health conditions will receive extra help and support from expert charities, under a new service announced by the Prime Minister today (Thursday 17 July).

Diagnosis Connect will ensure patients are referred directly to trusted charities and support organisations as soon as they are diagnosed – providing personalised advice, information and guidance to help them manage their condition and feel more in control. This support is designed to complement, not replace, their usual NHS care. It recognises the vital role that civil society plays in helping repair the health of the nation.

With one in four people in the UK living with two or more long-term conditions this early, tailored support is vital. Patients living with multiple health issues often face the greatest challenges and the highest risk of complications. By helping people understand and manage their conditions from day one, the new service will help reduce flare-ups, improve quality of life and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

The service, due to be launched in 2026, will support a quarter of a million people in its first two years focusing on areas like diabetes, mental health and lung conditions. It will be scaled up to reach hundreds of thousands more over the coming years.

The initiative, developed by the Richmond Group, was announced by the Prime Minister at the Civil Society Summit at the Science Museum, where he launched a new Civil Society Covenant to build stronger partnerships between government and charities, faith organisations, philanthropists, social investors and grassroots groups to deliver real results for working people.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

Being diagnosed with a long-term condition can be overwhelming. People are often handed a leaflet or a phone number and left to find help themselves—right when they’re feeling scared, confused and unsure where to turn.

We’re changing that. Just as people with cancer or dementia are often guided to well-known charities for specialist advice and support, this new service will make sure patients with other long-term conditions are directly referred to trusted organisations from the moment they’re diagnosed.

It’s about making it far easier to give people the emotional support, practical guidance and confidence they need to manage their condition and live fuller, more independent lives. Our Plan for Change is delivering for patients and making an NHs fit for the future.

In its first stage, launching in 2026, Diagnosis Connect will focus on patients diagnosed in primary care—such as at their GP surgery. Patients will be automatically connected with specialist charities that offer helplines, information, local support groups and services tailored to their condition.

As the programme expands, a digital referral system will allow NHS teams in all healthcare settings—including hospitals—to connect patients to a broad network of voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations.

Initially, the service will focus on key areas such as diabetes, lung conditions and mental health, with further conditions added over time.

As part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to shift the health service from analogue to digital, patients will be sent a text or push notification via the NHS App with information about relevant support groups and charities should they wish to seek further help.

Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association and Chair of The Richmond Group of Charities said:

240 people of all ages wake up to stroke every day in the UK having lost the ability to move, speak or even swallow with lifelong repercussions for their mental health and quality of life. As the UK’s only stroke-specific support charity, we know the huge difference it makes to people affected by stroke to get information, help, and guidance easily and accessibly when they need it most.

We have recently been trialling a similar programme to ensure people affected by stroke know about our services right from the point of diagnosis. So, we’re confident that Diagnosis Connect can help transform the early stages of recovery and rehabilitation for the 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK today and their loved ones. As the Government reforms the country’s healthcare, charities, like ourselves, have real potential to be an invaluable support for those who need us.

Gemma Peters, Chief Executive Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

We welcome today’s commitment from the Government to work in partnership to ensure support is available for people from day one. From the moment someone hears the words ‘you’ve got cancer’ lives are turned upside down and having the right support in place is vital.

Currently, there are almost 3.5 million people living with cancer across the UK and too many people face unacceptable differences in their experiences of diagnosis, treatment, and care because of who they are or where they live. This has to change. Better is possible and through our work with the government we want to ensure that everyone living with cancer gets the best care the UK has to offer.

Macmillan is here for everyone. No matter your question or your needs specially trained advisers are available on our Support Line and more ways to get support can also be found on our website.

Duleep Allirajah, Chief Executive of The Richmond Group of Charities, said:

We are delighted that the government, as part of its 10 Year Health Plan, has committed to this pioneering digitally enabled service, helping more people diagnosed with health conditions to manage through expert support from charities.

Being diagnosed with a health condition can be a time of worry, questions and fears for the future. It’s when access to the right kind of support makes all the difference. Charities provide vital guidance, understanding and support to individuals, through personalised information, helplines, access to specialists and links to others who also live with the condition.

The Richmond Group of Charities helped develop this proposal for automatic referrals to specialist charity support. We look forward to this becoming second-nature, so that all people with long-term conditions can benefit from support when they need it.

Partner comments:

Chris Larkin, Associate Director of Services at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

There are currently around one million people in the UK living with dementia. A third of those are undiagnosed, leaving them to face the devastating realities of dementia without access to the vital care, support and treatment that a diagnosis can bring.

For those who do manage to access a diagnosis, they tell us that finding the right support can often feel like trying to navigate a maze, with multiple dead ends and wrong turns.

Diagnosis Connect has the potential to hand families a map and steer them in the right direction, towards people who understand dementia, guiding them from diagnosis through to end of life.

Alzheimer’s Society’s services are a lifeline for people affected by dementia. We’re ready to work with the Government and share our knowledge from supporting people through one of the hardest times in their lives.

Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said:

We are delighted to see Diagnosis Connect being taken up by the government, an approach Asthma + Lung UK has already championed as a game-changer for people newly diagnosed with lung conditions. As the NHS shifts its focus from moving more care out of hospital and into the community, ensuring people have access to advice and support to manage chronic health conditions is crucial. It makes absolute sense for the government to work in partnership with health charities to do this, capitalising on our vast expertise and community connections.

Respiratory illness is the leading cause of emergency hospital admissions, yet levels of basic care for lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are worryingly low. Signposting people to organisations like Asthma + Lung UK from the moment they are diagnosed can make all the difference. We know that with the right support and information, people are better able manage their lung conditions, meaning they can stay well and out of hospital. We all have a role to play in supporting the NHS and keeping patients safe and supported. Asthma + Lung UK is committed to doing our part, together with other charities.

Dr David Chaney, Director of Services, Community and Improvement at Diabetes UK, said:

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be an overwhelming and often lonely experience. It can be difficult to know where to turn. Getting the right support from day one can make all the difference, giving people the best chance of living well with diabetes and reducing their risk of developing devastating complications in the future.

We’re delighted to see the Government harnessing the support offered by charities, through Diagnosis Connect. By connecting people to charities from the moment of diagnosis, this initiative will help embed early, compassionate support into everyone’s diabetes journey, so no-one faces a life-changing diagnosis alone.

Nick Moberly, Chief Executive at the MS Society, said:

We’re really pleased the government is supporting Diagnosis Connect. More than 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, and this new service has real potential to ensure everyone gets timely information and vital support at diagnosis to help them live well with MS.

This first stage is a positive step forward in better connecting the NHS to charities. Together with the Richmond Group we look forward to developing Diagnosis Connect to help provide personalised advice, information and guidance to our communities in England.

Helen Buckingham, Chair of National Voices, said:

Being diagnosed with a new and potentially serious health condition can be an overwhelming, burdensome and sometimes frightening experience. We know from our members that providing support at the point of diagnosis is vital to ensuring that people have the skills and confidence to manage their condition, reducing the risk of deterioration.

The VCSE sector, properly funded, can play an important part in making the 10 Year vision a reality. This is just one example of the value of enabling the sector to perform their unique role in the health system; supporting the people they advocate for. We hope to see many more.

David Newbold, Director of Community at Parkinson’s UK, said:

We are pleased to see the government launch the first phase of Diagnosis Connect. This new initiative builds on the great work of many charities in supporting people as soon as they are diagnosed with a health condition.

Since 2019, we have been trialling our own pioneering service, Parkinson’s Connect, which refers newly diagnosed people to our community of support. So we believe Diagnosis Connect will supercharge our service, ensuring no one is left uncertain of where to turn when diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

We look forward to working with the DHSC and the NHS to shape and deliver this vital new programme.

Rachel Power, Chief Executive, The Patients Association said:

This is a welcome initiative that rightly recognises the vital role expert charity support plays in helping patients manage long-term conditions. Our work shows that patients living in underserved neighbourhoods often struggle to get the information they need and face barriers when communicating with healthcare professionals. Early access to trusted charities at the point of diagnosis can make a real difference.

For it to truly succeed, the referral system needs to capture the full diversity of support available, from established national charities to grassroots community organisations. Done right, this could help reduce health inequalities and be transformative for all patient outcomes.

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said:

When people are struggling with their mental health, it can be hard to know where to turn. Charities like Rethink Mental Illness and Mental Health UK offer trusted, user-informed advice and support, built with and regularly reviewed by the people it’s designed to help. Diagnostics Connect will help ensure people get the best possible guidance when they need it most.

Our work in areas like Somerset, Sheffield and Tower Hamlets has shown the positive impact of the NHS working in partnership with charities and community groups to create smoother pathways to care. This initiative is an important step forward, strengthening the third sector’s vital role in complementing the NHS and ensuring people get the support they need.

Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive, Versus Arthritis said:

More than 450,000 people are diagnosed with arthritis every year, so it is essential they can access the right information, care and support swiftly.

As the UK’s leading arthritis charity, we are encouraged by the Government’s new initiative to connect people at the point of diagnosis with expert charities like Versus Arthritis.

Living life in the grip of the pain and fatigue caused by arthritis can leave people isolated and too often kickstart a downward spiralling of both mental and physical health. Early intervention and support at this crucial time will enable people to manage their condition and navigate the health system with greater confidence. We look forward to working with the Government and our partners in the Richmond Group of Charities to deliver this important new service.
July 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Pharmacist time freed up to treat patients more [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 17 July 2025.

Pharmacists will benefit from better access to pharmacy services as part of 10 Year Health Plan, under new proposals set out by the government today.
- Government freeing up pharmacist time so they can treat patients more
- Qualified pharmacy staff could get expanded roles to improve patient access and allow pharmacists to focus more on frontline care
- Move part of delivery drive of the 10 Year Health Plan, moving care closer to the community
Patients will benefit from better access to pharmacy services under new proposals set out by the government today.

As part of the immediate work to start delivering the 10 Year Health Plan, the Department of Health and Social Care has published plans to modernise pharmacy supervision rules, to allow registered pharmacy technicians to take greater responsibility and enable pharmacists to focus more on frontline patient care.

The changes, which have been welcomed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK and the General Pharmaceutical Council, will modernise pharmacy practice and make better use of the skills within pharmacy teams.

This will give pharmacies greater flexibility in how they deploy their staff, freeing up pharmacist time to deliver more clinical services and to help advise patients on prevention as well as sickness as part of the government’s Plan for Change while ensuring that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can work to the top of their profession.

Minister Stephen Kinnock said:

We have hit the ground running in delivering our 10 Year Health Plan, and this is another immediate and tangible change that will mean patients get better care closer to their home, while we also modernise the NHS.

Pharmacists will be able to spend more time providing clinical care, while qualified pharmacy technicians can take greater responsibility for routine tasks.

This will improve patient experience and help avoid delays in accessing medicines when the pharmacist is not available.

These are simple, common-sense changes that will help pharmacies run better, saving staff and patient time.

The draft legislation follows extensive consultation with pharmacy professionals and stakeholders. It is expected to come into effect by the end of 2025 and the bulk of the measures will have a one-year transition period to allow for the development of professional standards and guidance.

It will expand who can supervise the dispensing of medicines, empower the pharmacy workforce to deliver better care and unlock clinical expertise, so communities are served more effectively by their local pharmacy and delivering on the Plan for Change by improving care in the community and reducing pressure on the NHS.

This is another example of this government’s commitment to support the pharmacy sector – and builds on the package of recently enacted measures to dispense medicines more quickly and efficiently.

We have invested a record amount in the sector with the largest uplift in funding seen by community pharmacy for over a decade.

These further measures will help transition community pharmacy from being largely focused on dispensing medicines to becoming integral to the Neighbourhood Health Service, supporting the shift from hospital to community set out in our 10 Year Heath Plan.
July 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New appointments to Board of the Office for Environmental Protection [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 17 July 2025.

Two appointments and two re-appointments to the OEP Board.

Professor Elizabeth Fisher and Caroline May have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), and Professor Dan Laffoley and Dr Paul Leinster CBE have been reappointed for second terms.

Elizabeth Fisher’s and Caroline May’s new roles will run from 1 July 2025 until 30 June 2029. Dan Laffoley’s and Paul Leinster’s second terms will run from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2026.

The appointments have been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) was created in November 2021 under the Environment Act. It is an independent statutory body with a remit to protect and improve the environment by holding government and other public authorities to account in England and Northern Ireland.

Biographies

Professor Elizabeth Fisher
- Professor Elizabeth Fisher is Professor of Environmental Law at the Faculty of Law and a Fellow of Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford.
- She has over three decades of experience as an environmental law academic and writes widely on environmental law and administrative law in national common law jurisdictions.
- She was General Editor of the Journal of Environmental Law from 2012 to 2022 and from 2022 to 2025 she held a Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship for a project exploring legal imagination and environmental law.
- She is a Delegate of Oxford University Press and has served as Vice Dean of the Oxford Law Faculty. She is also an Overseas Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law and has been a Member of the OEP’s Advisory Group on Environmental Principles since 2023.
Caroline May
- Caroline May has been a specialist environmental lawyer for over 35 years. She is currently head of the environment, ESG and safety practice for Europe, Middle East and Asia at global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, where she has been a partner since 2006.
- She is Chair of the Law Society Climate Change Committee which produced the world’s first professional services guidance on climate change.
- She is Honorary President of the Legal Sustainability Alliance and a former Director of leading sustainability NGO, the Aldersgate Group. She sat on the National Council of the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association (UKELA) for 6 years.
- She is a Freeman of the City of London and is listed in the Ends Power List 2024, as a Green Ambassador for the UK by Legal 500, and in the Guide to the World’s Leading Environmental Lawyers.
Professor Dan Laffoley
- Professor Dan Laffoley is a scientist, communicator, explorer and marine biologist, with over four decades of experience in the UK, Europe and around the world. He is a UK and international expert on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and conservation.
- He is Emeritus Marine Vice Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Commission on Protected Areas responsible for global targets and guidance on ocean protection.
- Prior to that he led the development and scale-up of the marine conservation work of Natural England and English Nature. He has been responsible for the creation of many global, European and UK public and private sector partnerships, alliances and frameworks that underpin modern-day marine conservation.
- This work includes creating the concept behind Blue Carbon, scaling up knowledge and action on ocean warming, acidification and deoxygenation, scaling-up work on marine World Heritage and conservation of the High Seas, and various global guidance on implementing MPAs and marine spatial planning.
Dr Paul Leinster CBE
- Dr Paul Leinster CBE has over 40 years of practical experience in environmental management, science, policy and regulatory development and implementation in the private and public sectors.
- He is Chair of Water Resources East, the Cambridge Water Scarcity Group, the Bedfordshire Local Nature Partnership, the Great Ouse Rivers Trust, and the Upper and Bedford Ouse Catchment Partnership and is a Board Member of Delphic HSE.
- He is a visiting professor at Cranfield University where from October 2015 to December 2020 he was Professor of Environmental Assessment and was a Member of the Government’s Natural Capital Committee.
- Immediately prior to this, he was Chief Executive of the Environment Agency for more than seven years. Prior to joining the EA in 1998 he worked for more than 20 years in the private sector.
July 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : ODIHR’s latest report adds to the mountain of evidence detailing serious concerns with Russia’s actions in Ukraine – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 July 2025.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s appalling actions in Ukraine – including civilians deaths, CRSV and widespread use of torture – as detailed in ODIHR’s seventh interim report on reported violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Today I would like to address the issue of civilian casualties from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Firstly, every death in this conflict is a tragedy. These are people, not statistics, and for each life lost, many more are destroyed as a result. We cannot allow the normalisation of such death and destruction here or anywhere else.

Secondly, we must remember that Russia chose to start this war. There was no threat to Russia or Russians or Russian speakers in Ukraine. What Russia feared was Ukraine escaping Moscow’s orbit. It feared a prosperous, successful and sovereign Ukraine on its doorstep. The responsibility for the increased risk to Russians, Ukrainians and our collective security sits squarely with Moscow.

But just as President Putin chose to start this war, he could choose to end it. President Trump has called for the senseless killing to stop and proposed an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine agreed to it. Russia rejected it. Despite Moscow’s attempts to obfuscate, these are the facts.

Thirdly, Mr Chair, when it comes to civilian casualties, let us remember that Ukraine permits access to independent organisations who provide impartial reporting and verification of developments on the ground. Many of these, including the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, have requested equal access to Russia. But these requests have been denied. We strongly urge Russia to allow access by independent international bodies who can offer impartial analysis of incidents in the Russian Federation, which would be of benefit to all OSCE participating States.

A timely example of factual reporting from an independent organisation, this week ODIHR published their seventh interim report on reported violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine. The report covers some of the deeply concerning issues that we have raised in this room. For example, ODIHR reported that in the six months to 31 May 2025, the number of verified civilian casualties in Government-controlled areas of Ukraine was over 50% higher than in the corresponding period in 2024.

ODIHR’s report also covered the 4 April attack on Kryvyi Rih, which involved a Russian ballistic missile hitting a playground and killing 20 civilians, including nine children. Colleagues will remember that we held a Special Permanent Council on this shocking incident. ODIHR states: “Following analysis of photographs and videos, as well as eye-witness statements and other publicly available evidence, ODIHR has reasonable grounds to believe that, contrary to the Russian Federation’s claims, there were no military objectives in the area immediately prior to or at the time of the strike.”

There is much more of concern in ODIHR’s report, including testimony that conflict-related sexual violence is intensifying and increasingly cruel. And the reconfirmation of ODIHR’s previous findings on the widespread and systematic use of torture by the Russian authorities against detained Ukrainian civilians and POWs. We are appalled by these findings and urge the full implementation of the recommendations within the report.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

July 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 16 year olds to be given right to vote through election reforms [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 17 July 2025.

Sixteen year olds will be given the right to vote in all UK elections as part of seismic changes to modernise UK democracy.
- Modernisation of UK democracy will see 16 and 17 year olds able to vote in next general election
- Voter ID to be extended to include bank cards to help more people exercise their democratic right
- Tougher new rules to guard against foreign political interference and abuse of campaigners
Sixteen year olds will be given the right to vote in all UK elections as part of seismic changes to modernise UK democracy, delivering a key manifesto commitment and helping to restore trust in politics through our Plan for Change.

This will mean young people, who already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military, will be given the right to vote on the issues that affect them. This will bring UK-wide elections in line with Scotland and Wales and is a major step towards meeting a manifesto commitment, ushering in the biggest change to UK democracy in a generation.

The plans, published today [17 July] in a new strategy paper, will boost democratic engagement in a changing world, and help to restore trust in UK democracy.

As part of the plans, the government is going further to make sure eligible voters are not deterred from voting, by expanding voter ID to permit the use of UK-issued bank cards as an accepted form of ID at the polling station. This is alongside harnessing more digital options to support voters and polling station staff, including allowing accepted IDs such as the Veteran Card and UK driving licence to be used at polling stations when they become available in digital format.

A new digital Voter Authority Certificate will also be created to ensure Electoral Registration Officers can meet the digital needs of voters, reduce printing costs and ensure faster delivery.

An increasingly automated voter registration system will also make it easier for people to register to vote and reduce the need to fill out their details across different government services on multiple occasions.

Major new changes will boost transparency and accountability in politics by closing loopholes that would allow foreign donors via ‘shell companies’ to influence UK political parties. Meanwhile, new requirements on unincorporated associations will mandate checks on donations over £500 to tackle foreign interference and protect UK democracy from those who attempt to undermine it.

Alongside this, the reforms will allow the Electoral Commission to take action and enforce heavier fines of up to £500,000 on those who breach political finance rules, and enable tougher sentences for those who abuse election campaigners – stabilising the foundations of UK democracy.

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:

“For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline.

“We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give sixteen year olds the right to vote.

“We cannot take our democracy for granted, and by protecting our elections from abuse and boosting participation we will strengthen the foundations of our society for the future.”

Minister for Democracy, Rushanara Ali, said:

“We are modernising our democracy, so that it is fit for the 21st century. By delivering our manifesto commitment to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy, supporting our Plan for Change.

“By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.”

Alongside expanding the right to vote, we are going further to restore and maintain public trust by ensuring elections are as accessible as possible for legitimate voters.

That’s why the government is making common sense changes to move towards an automated electoral registration system, stripping complexities and barriers for voters to make their lives easier. Learning from countries such as Australia and Canada, which have high rates of legitimate voter registration via automated systems, the government will bring the UK’s democracy into the 21st century.

At the same time, far too many people are being deterred from voting because of voter ID rules, with the Electoral Commission finding that 4% of non-voters at the 2024 General Election saying that a lack of voter ID was a key reason they didn’t vote, equating to around three quarters of a million people across Great Britain.

Boosting participation is crucial to restoring faith in democracy, and adding the Veteran ID card last year to the accepted forms of Voter ID was just the start of this. Through the new plans, the government is going further to allow UK-issued bank cards to be used as ID when voting, making it far easier for more voters to meet the requirements.

This change will allow us to continue to protect the integrity of the UK electoral system, while allowing greater accessibility. Bank cards, which are issued after the applicant has passed necessary security checks for a bank account, will add a widely and commonly carried item to the range of documents already accepted. Research on the ownership of bank cards shows that over 96% of the UK population has a bank account, with the majority expected to also have a bank card.

These measures will strike the right balance by continuing to protect voters from the risk of impersonation, while also removing barriers to ensure legitimate voters are not prevented or discouraged from exercising their right to vote.

Another key aspect of the reforms is ensuring UK democracy is protected and all voters, candidates, campaigners and electoral staff are safe from intimidation, harassment and abuse.

This behaviour is on the rise, particularly against women and ethnic minorities – with recent Electoral Commission research showing 55% of candidates at the 2024 General Election experienced abuse. The reforms will crack down on these unacceptable practices, delivering tougher sentences for those who intimidate campaigners and stronger protections for candidates in public life by removing the requirement for their home address to be published and openly available.

This supports ongoing work including through the Defending Democracy Taskforce, which was given a new mandate by the Prime Minister to coordinate and drive forward government’s response to the full range of threats to UK democracy.

That includes working across government with the police, parliamentary authorities, and the Electoral Commission to actively review our levers to tackle the harassment and intimidation of elected representatives, candidates, and electoral staff.

In relation to political finance, the changes being brought by the government will effectively meet an evolving and sophisticated threat of illicit money being funnelled from abroad to political parties. Tough new rules will ensure that in the future, ‘shell companies’ will not be permitted to make political donations to UK political parties.

This will end the status quo, where a new company registered today, owned by anyone, funded from anywhere, without even a single day of trade, can donate and have influence in UK politics.

The introduction of ‘Know your Donor’ checks will increase scrutiny of donations, requiring recipients to conduct enhanced checks to decrease the risk of illegitimate donations entering our system, guarding against foreign interference. This will close loopholes, reinforce our democracy and protect our citizens from those who seek to undermine and harm our society.
July 17, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK to Give 16 and 17 Year Olds the Vote in Historic Electoral Shake-Up

STORY

The British government has confirmed that 16 and 17 year olds will gain the right to vote in all UK elections, bringing England and Northern Ireland into line with Scotland and Wales. The reform, expected to be in place before the next general election, will add around 1.5 million potential voters to the electoral roll. Ministers say the change recognises that many teenagers already work, pay taxes and even serve in the armed forces, and deserve a say in how the country is run.

Supporters argue it will boost democratic engagement and create lifelong voting habits, with evidence from Scotland suggesting turnout among 16 and 17 year olds can exceed that of older first-time voters. The government also plans automatic voter registration, expanded forms of voter ID, stricter rules on political donations and new protections for candidates from intimidation.

Opponents claim the move is politically motivated and warn that teenagers may lack the maturity and experience needed to make informed choices. Polling of the age group shows mixed feelings, with many unsure if they even want the vote. The measure will be introduced in a new Elections Bill and is expected to pass comfortably, marking the biggest change to voting rights since the franchise was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1969.

July 17, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 4 June 1925

4 JUNE 1925

The Prince of Wales’s visit to Durban was marked by scenes of great enthusiasm. The town was en fête, and there were several functions in the Prince’s honour in the course of the day.

The Prime Minister, receiving the freedom of Dundee, made an appeal to the citizens to work for a fairer city in the years to come, which would be an example to the world and a happy home and heritage for her children and children’s children. The splendid site on which Dundee stood, said Mr Baldwin, should stimulate them to see that the newer city was worthy of that site for all the people.

Contracts amounting to nearly £3,500,000 have been placed in Great Britain for the new cruisers and submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

A spread of the anti-foreign riots at Shanghai is reported, and further encounters between patrols and rioters have resulted in a number of deaths. British sailors have been landed, and a number of foreign residents rescued from positions of danger.

Inquiries regarding the new Industrial Alliance proposed by the Miners’ Federation show that none of the Unions is prepared to bind itself to an alliance without further consultation and consideration.

By 147 to 37, the Canadian House of Commons rejected a Protectionist motion by Mr Meighen designed to define the tariff issue on which the Conservatives of the Dominion will base their main appeal at the next General Election.

July 17, 2025