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  • PRESS RELEASE : International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – Joint Statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – Joint Statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2026.

    The UK and likeminded participating States reaffirm their commitment to equality, non discrimination and the human rights of LGBT+ people and call on participating States to uphold OSCE commitments.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the United Kingdom, and my own country, Norway.

    May 17th marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia – IDAHOBIT. This day is an important moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to the equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all people, without discrimination. As we look ahead to Pride Month in June, this commitment must be sustained and translated into action, both within the OSCE and beyond.

    This year’s global IDAHOBIT theme, ‘At the heart of democracy’, underlines a fundamental truth: that respect for human rights, equality and non‑discrimination is essential to strong, inclusive and resilient democratic societies.

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. Yet for many people across the OSCE region and beyond, this promise remains unfulfilled due to their real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. Discrimination, harassment and violence persist in education, employment, healthcare and public life.

    In some participating States, laws and policies continue to criminalise consensual same‑sex relationships, restrict freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, or deny legal recognition and protection to trans and gender‑diverse people. Regrettably, over the past twelve months, the situation for many LGBT+ people in the OSCE region has further deteriorated.

    In many of our societies, transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people still face stigma, harassment, and violence. Intersex people can also face the possibility of medically unnecessary or deferrable interventions. These trends are often exacerbated by disinformation, hostile rhetoric and the shrinking of civic space, which together undermine social cohesion and the security of individuals and communities.

    Human rights defenders and civil society organisations play a vital role in responding to these challenges. Across the OSCE region, they provide support to victims, document abuses, and advocate for inclusive, human rights‑compliant policies. Their work strengthens our societies and contributes directly to comprehensive security. We therefore reiterate the importance of protecting civic space and ensuring that human rights defenders can operate freely and safely, including through full respect for the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

    Mr Chair, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a core OSCE commitment. Participating States have freely undertaken commitments to respect and promote these rights, to combat discrimination, and to protect individuals from violence. Full implementation of these commitments is essential to comprehensive security, and to the credibility of this Organisation.

    On this IDAHOBIT, we reaffirm our solidarity with LGBT+ communities and human rights defenders across the OSCE region and worldwide. We call on all participating States to uphold their commitments, to repeal discriminatory laws and practices, and to promote policies that ensure all people can live free from fear, violence and discrimination.

    We remain steadfast in our commitment to a world in which all people are equal, safe and free to live their lives with dignity and respect.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Address by the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of the Republic of Moldova – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Address by the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of the Republic of Moldova – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 May 2026.

    The UK thanks Deputy Prime Minister Chiveri for his remarks to the Permanent Council, welcomes the resumption of in person 1+1 meetings between Chief Negotiators, and encourages Chisinau and Tiraspol to build on this renewed momentum.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. Deputy Prime Minister Chiveri, welcome to the Permanent Council, and thank you for your remarks this morning.

    The United Kingdom remains a steadfast and consistent supporter of Moldova’s path towards European integration. We were pleased to host the fifth session of the UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue in London last month. We commend the sustained progress your government has made on democratic reform, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights. The United Kingdom also recognises Moldova’s significant contribution to regional security, including in support of Ukraine’s security.

    Deputy Prime Minister, the UK welcomes the resumption of in‑person 1+1 meetings between Chief Negotiators in February and April. These meetings mark an important step forward and underscore the value of sustained, direct dialogue in unlocking meaningful progress. We are grateful to the OSCE Mission to Moldova for facilitating and moderating these meetings. We also welcome the increased activity of the Working Groups, which provide an important channel for addressing issues that affect people’s daily lives.

    The United Kingdom encourages Chisinau and Tiraspol to continue engaging constructively and in good faith across all established formats, and to build on this renewed momentum.

    The United Kingdom recognises and strongly supports the vital work of OSCE Mission to Moldova on reintegration, including through the Mission’s support to implementation of measures agreed under the Berlin‑plus package, delivering tangible benefits for communities on both banks of the river Nistru. Practical cooperation on issues such as education, vehicle registration, and access to land remains essential to building confidence and trust over time.

    The United Kingdom reiterates our longstanding concern over the continued presence of Russian military forces in Transnistria, which is incompatible with Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We underline the importance of the full and unconditional withdrawal of these forces and associated ammunition stockpiles, in line with international commitments.

    Deputy Prime Minister, the United Kingdom stands ready to support further efforts towards achieving comprehensive, peaceful, and sustainable settlement that fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, within its internationally recognised borders. We will remain a committed partner to Moldova as you continue to advance democratic reforms and pursue your European future.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement – Summoning the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement – Summoning the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2026.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has today summoned the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires to the United Kingdom.

    The UK has today summoned the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office following the inflammatory video posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

    The summoning reflects the UK’s strong condemnation of his conduct in taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla. This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people.

    We are also deeply concerned by the detention conditions depicted and have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities. We made clear their obligations to protect the rights of all those involved.

    The flotilla’s attempt to deliver aid underlines the severity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel must ensure significantly more aid can enter safely and at scale through land routes.

    We are in contact with the families of a number of British nationals involved and stand ready to provide consular support at any time.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia rejects peace efforts with intensified aerial attacks – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia rejects peace efforts with intensified aerial attacks – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2026.

    The UK condemns Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilians following Ukraine’s good faith ceasefire offer. Credible peace requires restraint and constructive engagement, not intensified violence.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Words about peace matter only if they are matched by actions. Last week, Ukraine demonstrated that principle by offering to extend the ceasefire brokered by the United States, with the clear aim of reducing civilian harm and opening space for dialogue. That offer was clear, constructive, and made in good faith.

    Russia’s response was to unleash the most intense aerial assault of this war. In the 24 hours up to the morning of 14 May, Russia launched more than 1,470 drones and 56 missiles at Ukraine — the highest number fired in any 24‑hour period since the full‑scale invasion began. In Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities report that 24 people were killed and 47 injured, including children, when a residential building was struck.

    While Ukraine proposes ceasefires to stop the killing and open space for dialogue, Russia seeks or agrees to short pauses for different reasons. These moments of silence are not used to pursue talks or to build confidence. They are used to stockpile missiles and drones and prepare the next wave of attacks. Russia seeks ceasefires for convenience, spectacle and military advantage.

    We have seen the consequences of this approach not only in Kyiv, but across Ukraine. Civilian areas continue to be attacked. Critical services continue to be disrupted. At least 238 Ukrainian civilians were killed and a further 1,404 injured in April – a 13% increase from March and the highest since July 2025.

    Mr Chair, we cannot allow ourselves to become immune to the horror of what we are seeing. Attacks on civilian areas are not normal. The destruction of homes and the killing of families should never be met with resignation or indifference. If we lose our sense of shock, we weaken the principles this Organisation exists to uphold.

    The United Kingdom supports efforts to bring this war to an end. We support serious diplomacy that leads to a peace which is just and lasting. But credibility in peace efforts is demonstrated through actions, not declarations. Russia can show a willingness to move in that direction at any time: by stopping these attacks, by engaging constructively, and by choosing restraint over violence.

    The UK will continue to support Ukraine in defending its people and its territory. And we will continue to work with partners to ensure that these attacks are neither ignored nor normalised.

    Thank you.

  • NEWS STORY : Restorative Justice Pilot Expanded Across England and Wales

    NEWS STORY : Restorative Justice Pilot Expanded Across England and Wales

    STORY

    A national pilot testing the use of restorative justice in youth justice services is being expanded across England and Wales after securing multi-year funding. The project will test a shared practice model across 10 youth justice services, covering Cambridgeshire, Cardiff, Buckinghamshire, the Isle of Wight, Lambeth, Leeds, Northamptonshire, Salford, West Mercia and Southwark. It is being led by Restorative Justice for All, supported by the Youth Justice Board and funded by the Youth Endowment Fund.

    The model is intended to help youth justice practitioners deliver restorative approaches consistently for children aged 10 to 17. It sets out 10 practical steps, from referral to follow-up, and supports both direct and indirect restorative justice work. The Government said the approach is grounded in the Child First evidence base, centred on victims and designed to allow flexibility for local needs

    The pilot follows a 2025 co-design phase involving frontline practitioners, a dedicated Restorative Justice Practitioners Board and insights from 15 children with lived experience. Coram will independently evaluate the programme through a randomised control trial, with the aim of building stronger evidence on what works for children, victims and communities.

  • NEWS STORY : CMA Calls for Road and Rail Procurement Overhaul to Cut Infrastructure Costs

    NEWS STORY : CMA Calls for Road and Rail Procurement Overhaul to Cut Infrastructure Costs

    STORY

    The Competition and Markets Authority has called for an overhaul of public road and rail procurement after warning that fragmented and short-term approaches are increasing costs, slowing delivery and limiting innovation in major infrastructure projects.

    The regulator’s market study into public road and rail civil engineering said around £19 billion of taxpayers’ money was spent on public road and railway infrastructure in 2023/24, excluding High Speed 2. It said long-standing problems in the market included funding uncertainty, short-term decision-making, complex regulation and gaps in public-sector procurement capability.

    The CMA said external research highlighted in its report suggested that UK and devolved Governments could potentially save up to £5 billion a year by addressing weaknesses in the sector. It recommended that the Treasury take strategic ownership of system-wide reform, with a clear sector plan, more credible long-term project pipelines, multi-year funding and procurement designed around long-term value rather than short-term cost.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New mass transit taskforce to reshape the future of transport in towns and cities [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New mass transit taskforce to reshape the future of transport in towns and cities [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 21 May 2026.

    The new taskforce will make recommendations to improve transit systems so they can be delivered more efficiently across the UK.

    • new taskforce will tackle barriers to delivery of mass transit systems across the UK, supporting economic growth, jobs and new homes
    • experts from planning and industry brought together to speed up building of beat blockers to development, unlocking connected trams, buses and railways
    • comes as government is to consult on new devolved powers to help mayors introduce mass transit systems

    New tram, light rail and bus networks in towns and cities have taken a step forward, as the government today (20 May 2026) launches the new Mass Transit Taskforce.

    The group, which includes leading experts from the world of transport, industry, finance and academia, will identify the biggest hurdles facing the introduction of mass transit systems across the UK and how to overcome them.

    Mass transit encompasses networks of trams, light rail and high-frequency buses that move large numbers of people quickly across towns and cities, and has transformed urban life in places like Greater Manchester, Nottingham, the North East and the West Midlands. These systems connect people with jobs, homes, public services and opportunities, while cutting congestion and carbon emissions.

    Working independently, and led by Chair Bridget Rosewell CBE, the taskforce will draw on best practice from across the world to make recommendations on how mass transit systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently.

    Other members of the taskforce will include:

    • David Milner, Managing Director of Create Streets
    • Richard de Cani, Chief Officer for Global Business and Markets at Arup
    • Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group

    The Urban Transport Group will also provide the secretariat for the taskforce.

    Currently, factors like planning processes, fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land get in the way of delivering these systems, and the taskforce will seek to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, and making targeted recommendations to government.

    To go alongside this, the government is also announcing that it will consult on measures to devolve additional powers to mayors, allowing them to have final say over decisions related to public transport – including mass transit.

    Known as Transport and Works Act orders (TWAOs), the devolution of these powers will ensure local leaders have more tools to deliver local transport, which meets the needs of local people.

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

    Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing.

    That’s why I am delighted to announce the formation of the Mass Transit Taskforce, which will use its skills and vast knowledge to deliver real and practical recommendations to shape the future of urban transport for years to come.

    Meanwhile, we’re putting power in local hands, empowering mayors to deliver mass transit in their towns and cities so they can make decisions for the communities they know best.

    The work of the Mass Transit Taskforce is already underway, with evidence already being gathered ahead of its first recommendations in 6 months.

    Further details on the taskforce, including its full membership and immediate next steps, will be announced in due course.

    Bridget Rosewell CBE said:

    Integrated mass transit systems can transform how people move around our towns and cities, connecting communities with jobs, homes and opportunity.

    I am pleased to chair this taskforce as it looks closely at the barriers to delivery and provides practical recommendations to government and local leaders on how to turn ambition into reality.

    Today’s announcement builds on a package of measures the government has taken to give local leaders greater control over transport in their areas.

    Spending Review 2025 committed £15.6 billion to Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlements, more than doubling investment in local transport across England’s largest city regions.

    The Bus Services Act, which became law in October 2025, marked a new era for bus travel – making it easier for local authorities to take control of routes, protecting passengers from sudden cuts and lifting the ban on councils running their own bus companies.

    The government’s Better Connected strategy, launched in April 2026, goes further still – setting out more than 40 commitments to make everyday journeys simpler and more affordable. Among its measures, local leaders are being given new tools to introduce tap-and-go contactless travel across buses, trams and trains, replicating the joined-up systems already in place in cities like Liverpool, London and Nottingham.

    Together with record investment in local roads and today’s Mass Transit Taskforce, the government is delivering on its commitment to give local leaders the powers and funding they need to build transport networks that work for their communities.

    Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said:

    We have ambitious plans for our region, and a mass transit system is a key part of that – by improving connections and boosting growth.

    But we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering mass transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change. Local leaders know their areas best – putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve.

    North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:

    I am pushing on with our project to take the North East’s Metro system to Washington, where residents have been campaigning to be part of the network since it opened in 1980.

    That shows how much people value world-class mass transit and I’m proud to be building Metro’s first new extension for 30 years as North East Mayor. Our iconic Metro system was the UK’s first modern mass transit system when it opened in 1980 and has since carried more than 1.7 billion people.

    It is a lifeline for so many people, with over 30 million journeys every year taking people to jobs, education and other opportunities. The government’s taskforce will help support my ambition to take Metro to new places as the heart of the Angel Network, a world-class integrated transport network where buses and mass transit can best meet the needs of local people.

    Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

    Mass transit is a crucial layer of the West of England’s transport system for the future. This is on top of the better buses, more trains and stations, and safer roads and active travel that we’re working to deliver.

    The government’s new Mass Transit Taskforce will bring additional expertise as we look at the best potential routes for mass transit in our region to move people around more quickly – whether that’s trams, light rail, or new buses. Just weeks ago, the historic Devolution Act empowered mayors with more levers to make things happen for our areas. Today, it’s brilliant to see even more powers being moved out of Westminster and into the West of England so that we can do more, faster.

    Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said:

    Liverpool was the birthplace of the world’s first intercity passenger railway, so we know better than most how transformative great transport can be – not just for how people get around, but for jobs, investment and opportunity too.

    That’s why I’ve pledged to get a rapid transit system up and running in the Liverpool City Region before Euro 2028, starting with bus rapid transit to better connect our communities and make it quicker and easier for people to get to work, education and the opportunities they deserve.

    For too long, big transport projects outside London have felt harder than they need to be. So it’s really encouraging to see government taking practical steps to help unblock delivery and put more power in the hands of local leaders. That’s how we turn plans on paper into spades in the ground.

  • Yvette Cooper – 2026 Comments on Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

    Yvette Cooper – 2026 Comments on Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

    The comments made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, on 21 May 2026.

    It is vital we act now to save lives – outbreaks like Ebola do not stop at borders, and neither can we.

    This outbreak is a stark reminder that global health threats require a global response. The UK is working hand-in-hand with partners – boosting much needed funding but also sharing our technical expertise,  to contain the outbreak, protect our security, and support those most at risk.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is assessing routes by which travellers enter the UK from the affected countries and will be working with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department for Transport, and Border Force to ensure information is available to them on Ebola symptoms and how to access healthcare if unwell. The UK has updated its travel advice and advises against all but essential travel to some parts of the DRC.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK steps up support to stop spread of Ebola in eastern DRC [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK steps up support to stop spread of Ebola in eastern DRC [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2026.

    The UK has announced up to £20 million to support communities affected by the deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    • Up to £20 million of new UK aid funding to help contain the recent outbreak of Ebola in Eastern DRC.
    • Funding will support a DRC-led response to protect frontline responders and local communities. 
    • UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to co-chair ministerial group to coordinate Government response.

    The UK has allocated up to £20 million in new funding to contain the deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The funding will help the World Health Organisation, UN, international and NGO partners respond rapidly to the outbreak by strengthening disease surveillance, supporting frontline health workers, improving infection prevention and control, and helping affected communities access lifesaving care. 

    Most confirmed cases are in the Ituri region of eastern DRC – a region already facing significant humanitarian and security challenges.

    Alongside this funding, UK humanitarian partners are already responding to contain the outbreak. The UK has been working with leading international humanitarian organisations to contain the outbreak. Through the Strategic Assistance for Emergency Response (SAFER) consortium, the UK is pivoting funding to improve water, sanitation and hygiene systems, ensuring frontline responders and local communities have vital personal protective equipment, and strengthening Ebola containment measures. 

    The UK is also refocusing efforts to protect maternity facilities and support civil society organisations to strengthen prevention and control, and mitigate the risk of increased birth complications and sexual violence during the outbreak.

    Today [21st May] the Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care chaired a cross-government meeting to coordinate the UK’s response to the outbreak, including how to protect British nationals overseas and work with international partners.  

    UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    It is vital we act now to save lives – outbreaks like Ebola do not stop at borders, and neither can we.

    This outbreak is a stark reminder that global health threats require a global response. The UK is working hand-in-hand with partners – boosting much needed funding but also sharing our technical expertise,  to contain the outbreak, protect our security, and support those most at risk.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is assessing routes by which travellers enter the UK from the affected countries and will be working with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department for Transport, and Border Force to ensure information is available to them on Ebola symptoms and how to access healthcare if unwell. The UK has updated its travel advice and advises against all but essential travel to some parts of the DRC.

    Additionally, UKHSA has activated the Returning Workers Scheme, which aims to protect and monitor the health of individuals travelling from the UK to affected areas for their work. Organisations deploying workers to affected areas where they may be exposed to Ebola through their work should register those workers with the scheme.  

    Dr Mike Reynolds, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: 

    While the current outbreak of Ebola affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is serious, the risk it poses to the UK population is low. UKHSA continues to monitor and assess the situation closely and the NHS has safe procedures in place for any such cases and specialist centres where they can be looked after. 

    The UK Public Health Rapid Support Team stands ready to activate should requests for support be received from the DRC or Ugandan government, WHO, or other partners involved in response on the ground. 

  • NEWS STORY : Equality Guidance On Single-Sex Spaces Laid Before Parliament

    NEWS STORY : Equality Guidance On Single-Sex Spaces Laid Before Parliament

    STORY

    The Government has laid the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s updated draft Code of Practice before Parliament, setting out guidance on the Equality Act following the Supreme Court ruling on the legal meaning of sex. The draft guidance is intended to help organisations understand how to apply equality law in services, public functions and associations.

    The code addresses the provision of single-sex spaces such as toilets, changing rooms and wards, and has already prompted strong reactions from campaigners, service providers and unions. Ministers have said the aim is to give clear and accessible guidance, while critics have warned that implementation may be legally, practically and socially difficult.

    The issue remains one of the most sensitive in British politics, sitting at the intersection of women’s rights, trans rights, workplace policy and public services. Parliament will now consider the draft code, with the Government facing pressure both to ensure legal clarity and to avoid creating new uncertainty for organisations expected to apply the rules.