Author: admin

  • NEWS STORY : Reform UK Proposes Abolition Of Cabinet Office In Whitehall Shake-Up

    NEWS STORY : Reform UK Proposes Abolition Of Cabinet Office In Whitehall Shake-Up

    STORY

    Reform UK has set out plans to abolish the Cabinet Office and the post of Cabinet Secretary as part of a proposed overhaul of Whitehall. The plan would create an Office of the Prime Minister and place more power in the hands of ministers and politically appointed advisers.

    The blueprint, associated with Reform MP Danny Kruger, also proposes substantial reductions in parts of the civil service, including policy, communications and human resources functions. Reform argues that the existing machinery of Government is too slow and resistant to ministerial direction, while critics are likely to see the proposals as a move towards politicising the permanent civil service.

    The plan underlines Reform’s attempt to move beyond protest politics and present a programme for Government. It would also create a major constitutional and administrative battle if implemented, particularly with civil service unions and former senior officials who argue that political neutrality is central to stable Government.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Prime Minister call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE: Prime Minister call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 May 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine this evening.

    The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine and set out our ongoing commitment to do everything possible to debilitate and degrade Putin’s war machine.

    He outlined how the UK was ramping up measures to crack down on Russia’s economy including through the new package of sanctions announced yesterday, and that as a result of the UK’s actions to date, there will be less Russian oil on the market, with Russia weaker as a result.

    The leaders reiterated the need to keep up this pressure on Russia and welcomed the strength of the UK-Ukraine relationship. The Prime Minister paid tribute to the people of Ukraine for their enduring courage in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. 

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We call on all parties to conflict to protect civilians – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We call on all parties to conflict to protect civilians – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 May 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Protection of civilians in armed conflict.

    First, it is critical that we press all parties to conflict to not only uphold their legal obligations, but to do all they can to protect civilians and minimise harm. 

    We are deeply concerned at the Secretary-General’s reporting of 37,000 civilian deaths in conflicts in 2025, with Gaza and Sudan suffering the highest toll. 

     The scale of reported attacks on medical personnel and facilities is alarming. 

    This is all the more horrifying as we mark the ten-year anniversary of Security Council resolution 2286, which demanded an end to these attacks. 

    We call on all parties to conflict to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, to protect civilians.

    Second, as conflicts become increasingly complex, we need to hone our tools and evolve our approaches to best protect civilians.

    Technological advances, including AI, are changing the way conflicts are fought. 

    As the Secretary-General made clear, we are witnessing a rapid expansion in the use of weaponised UAVs in conflicts, including in Ukraine, Sudan, Lebanon and the DRC, with reports of the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

    And having listened to the extraordinary intervention of our Russian colleague today, I feel compelled to respond to the hypocrisy. As part of its war of aggression in Ukraine, it has killed over 150 civilians this month alone. Russia is on track to fire more drones into Ukraine this month than any other since the start of the war. Killing dozens, injuring hundreds, and striking homes and civilian infrastructure, including pre-schools.

     But technological advances can also support the protection of civilians. 

    For example, UN peacekeeping missions are harnessing technology to improve situational awareness and protection, and we should continue to support this.   

    Finally, the protection of civilians depends on our collective action. 

    All member states, regional organisations, and the UN play a critical role. 

    We should continue using our diplomatic channels to press parties to conflict for humanitarian access and the protection of aid workers, including by supporting the ICRC Global Initiative.

     The United Kingdom will continue using its role in the Council to advance the protection of civilians and accountability. 

    And we are also proud to have launched, with international partners, the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan to support civilians in one of the most destructive conflicts. 

    We look forward to continuing this international coordination to support civilians in conflict wherever they are.

  • NEWS STORY : LGA Issues Guidance To Help Councils Attract Private Investment

    NEWS STORY : LGA Issues Guidance To Help Councils Attract Private Investment

    STORY

    The Local Government Association has published new guidance designed to help councils attract private investment and support inclusive local growth. The report, produced by Henham Strategy, examines the barriers councils face when trying to turn local development ambitions into investment-ready propositions.

    The guidance says there is appetite from institutional investors, pension funds, developers and businesses to invest in local projects, but that councils are not always perceived as ready for investment. It sets out how authorities can better understand investor priorities and structure propositions that align public value with private capital.

    The publication follows the end of UK Shared Prosperity Fund financing in March 2026, which has left some councils without dedicated resource for investment activity. The LGA argues that better practical guidance can help councils move from general ambition to deliverable schemes that support local economies.

  • NEWS STORY : Commission Proposes €144 Million for Climate Disaster Recovery

    NEWS STORY : Commission Proposes €144 Million for Climate Disaster Recovery

    STORY

    The European Commission has proposed mobilising €144 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund to help Spain, Romania and Cyprus recover from climate-related disasters. The funding would support reconstruction and recovery after major natural disasters in 2025.

    The Solidarity Fund is used to support member states and accession countries dealing with severe natural disasters and major public health emergencies. In this case, the proposed support is intended to help rebuild damaged infrastructure and reduce the immediate burden on national authorities.

    The proposal will need approval through the EU budgetary process before the money can be disbursed. It also reflects a wider political challenge for the EU as climate-related disasters become more frequent and the bloc faces competing demands for spending on defence, competitiveness and resilience.

  • NEWS STORY : MEPs Back Mandatory Screening of Foreign Investments

    NEWS STORY : MEPs Back Mandatory Screening of Foreign Investments

    STORY

    The European Parliament has approved new rules making screening of foreign investments mandatory in sensitive sectors across all member states. MEPs backed the agreement with EU governments by 508 votes to 64, with 90 abstentions.

    The revised framework covers areas including defence, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical raw materials and financial services. It is designed to identify potential risks to security or public order while keeping the EU open to foreign investment where there is no strategic threat.

    The legislation strengthens co-operation between national screening authorities and the European Commission, including on transactions within the EU where the ultimate owner is based outside the bloc. The Council still needs to give final approval before the new rules enter into force, with application expected 18 months later.

  • NEWS STORY : EU and US Move Towards Tariff Deal with Safeguards

    NEWS STORY : EU and US Move Towards Tariff Deal with Safeguards

    STORY

    The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on legislation to implement the tariff elements of last year’s EU-US Joint Statement. The package is intended to stabilise transatlantic trade and avoid a further escalation in tariffs after renewed tensions with Washington.

    The main regulation would eliminate remaining EU customs duties on US industrial goods and provide preferential access for some seafood and non-sensitive agricultural products. EU negotiators also secured a safeguard mechanism, a reinforced suspension clause and a sunset clause under which the regulation would lapse at the end of 2029 unless extended.

    The agreement still needs formal approval by the EU institutions before entering into force. It is politically important because the EU is trying to maintain a predictable trade relationship with the United States while retaining the ability to respond if Washington fails to honour its side of the arrangement or targets European exporters.

  • PRESS RELEASE : RAF aircraft dangerously intercepted by Russian jets over Black Sea [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : RAF aircraft dangerously intercepted by Russian jets over Black Sea [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 May 2026.

    UK Rivet Joint aircraft repeatedly and dangerously intercepted by two Russian jets over the Black Sea.

    An RAF Rivet Joint aircraft was repeatedly and dangerously intercepted by two Russian jets last month over the Black Sea. 

    One Russian Su-35 aircraft flew close enough to trigger emergency systems on the Rivet Joint, including disabling the autopilot system.

    In another dangerous intercept, a Russian Su-27 aircraft conducted six passes in front of the British aircraft, flying as close as six metres of the Rivet Joint’s nose.

    The Rivet Joint aircraft was carrying out a routine flight in international airspace over the Black Sea and was unarmed, which is part of the UK’s work alongside allies to secure NATO’s Eastern Flank.

    Despite the dangerous Russian actions, the RAF crew remained calm and professional throughout and completed their planned flight.

    This week, representatives from the UK Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office démarched the Russian Embassy to condemn the pilots’ dangerous and unacceptable behaviour.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace. These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation.

    I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding professionalism and bravery of the RAF crew who continued with their mission despite these dangerous actions.

    Let me be very clear: This incident will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend NATO, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression.

    This incident was the most dangerous Russian action against a UK Rivet Joint since 2022, when a Russian plane fired a missile over the Black Sea.

    The RAF Rivet Joint is a reconnaissance aircraft that uses advanced sensors for electronic surveillance, enhancing situational awareness and helping keep NATO territory safe.

    This latest incident comes amid continued Russian aggression and heightened military activity in Eastern Europe and the High North.

    The intercepts came just days after the Defence Secretary exposed nefarious Russian submarine activity over critical underwater infrastructure in the North Atlantic, where British personnel, ships and aircraft were deployed alongside our Allies.

    The UK remains ironclad in its commitment to support our allies and defend every inch of NATO territory and its 1 billion citizens.

  • NEWS STORY : Former Conservative Party Chairman Sir Jeremy Hanley Dies Aged 80

    NEWS STORY : Former Conservative Party Chairman Sir Jeremy Hanley Dies Aged 80

    STORY

    Sir Jeremy Hanley, the former Conservative Party chairman and minister under Sir John Major, has died at the age of 80 following a short illness. His family confirmed that he died on 22 May 2026 and thanked staff at Torbay Hospital for the care they provided during his final days.

    Hanley served as Conservative MP for Richmond and Barnes from 1983 until 1997, and was brought into the Cabinet in 1994 as party chairman and minister without portfolio. He held the post for a year before moving to the Foreign Office, having previously served as a defence minister in Major’s Government.

    After leaving front-line politics, Hanley remained involved in business and public life, including work with Brain Games Network and other organisations. He was also known beyond Westminster as the son of actors Dinah Sheridan (1920–2012), best remembered for The Railway Children, and Jimmy Hanley (1918–1970).

  • NEWS STORY : Government Introduces Financial Services Reform Bill

    NEWS STORY : Government Introduces Financial Services Reform Bill

    STORY

    The Government has introduced new financial services legislation which ministers say will support growth, increase investment and strengthen consumer protections. The Financial Services and Markets Bill is intended to modernise regulation of the sector, support lending to businesses and maintain the UK’s position as a leading global financial centre.

    The Bill includes measures to widen access to credit unions, simplify regulation and update the statutory framework for the bank ring-fencing regime. The Government said the reforms would help financial firms make decisions more quickly, reduce overlapping regulation and make it easier for businesses, including smaller firms, to access finance.

    Ministers said the legislation would also improve consumer protections, including clearer terms and conditions and changes to the Financial Ombudsman Service to help resolve disputes more quickly. The Government said the Bill would also include a power, subject to an independent review, to protect access to face-to-face banking services where communities rely on them, particularly in rural areas and for people who are not online.