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  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is committed to ensuring the UN can operate across its Missions in Yemen – UK at the UN Security Council [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is committed to ensuring the UN can operate across its Missions in Yemen – UK at the UN Security Council [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2025.

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, after the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2786.

    We welcome the Council’s extension of UNMHA’s mandate until January 2026.

    We thank Council colleagues for their engagement in the negotiation.

    We will closely engage with the UN on their review to identify opportunities for further efficiencies, coherence and coordination across United Nations Missions in Yemen.

    As the expiry of this mandate approaches early next year, we look forward to leading further discussions with this Council on the full range of options for UN operations in Hodeidah, including assessing the future viability and sunsetting of UNMHA.

    We remain committed to ensuring the UN is able to operate across its Missions in Yemen, with a view to supporting humanitarian needs, promoting long-term stability and preserving space for a future UN-led peace process.

    We will continue to work closely with the UN Special Envoy, regional and Yemeni stakeholders to achieve this.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Pakistan agree new Business Advisory Council at inaugural Trade Dialogue [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Pakistan agree new Business Advisory Council at inaugural Trade Dialogue [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2025.

    Ministers from the UK and Pakistan have announced new measures to boost trade between the two countries, following the launch of the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue.

    As part of the Dialogue, ministers announced the creation of a new UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council bringing together senior business leaders and government officials to facilitate high value trade and investment. The Council will provide strategic advice on policy reform, offer a confidential forum for engagement, and help promote commercial opportunities by addressing market access challenges and sharing best practices.

    Today’s (14 July) meeting in London was co-chaired by the UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, Douglas Alexander, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan. Both Ministers agreed to annual ministerial meetings to unlock growth opportunities, and support businesses and investors in the UK and Pakistan.

    UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander said:

    Today’s Dialogue marks the next step in our long-standing relationship with Pakistan, taking our trading partnership to the next level and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both our countries.

    By deepening cooperation in key sectors like healthcare and digital technology – areas central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy – we can drive growth, foster innovation, and create jobs.

    Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal said:

    The UK remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners. This Dialogue lays the foundation for a more structured and forward-looking trade relationship. By strengthening collaboration and aligning our priorities, we can expand bilateral trade, attract greater investment, and create sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both nations.

    The UK has also announced up to £200,000 to support Pakistan’s aspirations to attract investment from the UK. The funds will provide technical assistance for investor outreach, and support matchmaking between Pakistani investors and UK-based opportunities. This initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ambitions to increase outbound investment and to strengthening the bilateral investment relationship.

    The Dialogue highlighted shared ambition to build on recent momentum, with bilateral trade increasing by 7.3% during the final quarter of last year. Bilateral trade is currently valued at £4.7 billion. Today’s discussion focussed on key sectors including information technology and healthcare, two priority areas under the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

    The UK’s Industrial Strategy presents a significant opportunity for businesses and investors. The UK is committed to making it easier, faster, and more predictable for international firms to operate in its market. This includes reforms in skills development, innovation, regulation, and planning – creating a more dynamic and open business environment. Through the alignment of the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the UK – Pakistan Trade Dialogue, we are reaffirming our commitment to open and fair trade, and to deepening economic ties with key partners like Pakistan.

  • NEWS STORY : Jacob Corrie’s jail term hiked to 10 years after appeal over sexual abuse of teenagers

    NEWS STORY : Jacob Corrie’s jail term hiked to 10 years after appeal over sexual abuse of teenagers

    STORY

    Jacob Corrie, 31, from Carlisle, will now spend ten years and four months in prison after the Court of Appeal ruled his original sentence was too lenient. Corrie abused two teenagers over several years, targeting a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, grooming them online and coercing them into sending explicit images.

    He first contacted the boy through social media in 2013 and repeatedly abused him between 2013 and 2015, sending sexually explicit messages throughout. In the same year, he also abused a 15-year-old girl, threatening her into silence and later demanding further sexual images, claiming he would share compromising photos if she refused. In 2020, he was separately convicted for sending further threatening messages to the same girl in an attempt to obtain more photos.

    Corrie denied the allegations but later pleaded guilty to nine counts of sexual activity with a child, eight counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual communication with a child. Victim impact statements described how his abuse left lasting psychological harm, including trauma, anxiety and depression. In April, Carlisle Crown Court sentenced him to six years and four months. The Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC, referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, arguing it failed to reflect the seriousness of his crimes. Judges agreed and increased the sentence by four years.

    Lucy Rigby KC said: “Jacob Corrie’s crimes were appalling. I commend Cumbria Police for their thorough investigation and welcome the decision to increase his sentence.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Man who sexually abused teenagers has sentence increased [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Man who sexually abused teenagers has sentence increased [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 14 July 2025.

    A man who sexually abused two teenagers has had his sentence increased following an intervention by the Solicitor General.

    Jacob Corrie [31] from Carlisle has had his sentence increased by four years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    The court heard that Corrie met his first victim over social media when he was 19. Corrie sexually abused the vulnerable boy, who Corrie knew was 14 years old, over two years between 2013 and 2015. Corrie also sent sexual messages via social media.

    Corrie sexually abused the second teenager in 2013, before threatening her not to tell anyone. After the incident, Corrie sent a series of sexual messages to the victim claiming he had compromising images of them.

    The court also heard Corrie had a previous conviction from 2020 after he sent messages to the second victim threatening to send compromising photos to her friends and family unless she sent more pictures.

    In a victim personal statement, one of the teenagers said they do not feel safe in their daily life and suffer from constant fear, anxiety and depression.

    Corrie initially denied the offences before pleading guilty and accepting that he was aware the victims were both aged under 16.

    He admitted to nine counts of sexual activity with a child, eight counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual communication with a child.

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    Jacob Corrie’s crimes were appalling. I commend Cumbria police for their comprehensive investigation, and I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence.

    On 16 April 2025, Corrie was sentenced to six years and four months’ imprisonment Carlisle Crown Court.

    On 11 July, his sentence was revised to 10 years and four months after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Largest fund of its kind to support vulnerable children & families [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Largest fund of its kind to support vulnerable children & families [July 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 July 2025.

    The world’s largest fund of its kind will support vulnerable children and families across the country.

    • Chancellor launches new £500m Fund to break down barriers to opportunity for up to 200,000 vulnerable children and young people and deliver Plan for Change.
    • World’s largest fund of its kind will boost pupil achievement and could fund programmes to reduce reoffending or provide specialist workers for children struggling with exclusion, mental health or crime.
    • Better Futures Fund will run for ten years, with plans to raise another £500 million from local government, social investors, and philanthropists on top of government’s funding
    • The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.

    Struggling and vulnerable families and children are to be given a better start in life after a new government fund was announced today (Monday 14 July), which will provide them with the support and funding needed to access a better education, a safe home, and the caring supportive environment they need to flourish.

    The Better Futures Fund will support up to 200,000 children and their families over the next ten years by bringing together government, local communities, charities, social enterprises, investors, and philanthropists to work together to give children a brighter future.

    It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance, behaviour and overall achievement of pupils, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.

    The fund, which is the largest of its kind in the world, will be launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at a visit to a school today in Wigan, hosted by the charity AllChild. It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance and behaviour, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.

    By investing in early support to tackle challenges like school absence, addiction and re-offending, the fund will help give children the stability and opportunity they need to thrive – delivering on a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life.

    It comes ahead of the government hosting the first Civil Society Summit this week, where the government will set out a comprehensive plan on how this government will partner with experts from outside the traditional corridors of power to create solutions that work for real people – all through the principles of fairness, collaboration and trust.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    I got into politics to help children facing the toughest challenges. This fund will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families a better chance. For too long, these children have been overlooked. Our Plan for Change will break down barriers to opportunity and give them the best start in life.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    This groundbreaking Better Futures Fund represents a major step in partnering with the impact economy, which has long played an important role in strengthening communities and driving inclusive growth.

    As part of the Plan for Change, we’re bringing together government, local authorities, charities, social enterprises and philanthropists to create a powerful alliance that will transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

    We owe them the best start in life. Together we will break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring those who need support most aren’t left behind and have the chance to reach their potential.

    Social Outcomes Partnerships have already been used with success across the UK, with over 180 commissioners using the model across the country. The Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership (GMBOP), for example, works with young adults in the Greater Manchester area who are at risk of homelessness.

    AllChild’s projects have already halved persistent school absences, and 80% of children have improved emotional wellbeing. Other programmes like the Skill Mill offer paid work experience and qualifications, reducing reconviction rates from 63% typically to 8% and three quarters of those in the programme progress to further employment, education or training.

    This fund is a big step in the government’s work with the impact economy – unlocking extra resources from philanthropy, social investors and businesses to tackle urgent social challenges. Today’s announcement comes as the government’s Child Poverty Strategy is to be published in autumn to ensure it delivers fully funded measures that tackle the structural and root causes of child poverty across the UK.

    The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.

    Today’s announcement is informed by consultation with the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group and other representatives from civil society, purpose-driven business, and local government. Over the coming months Government will build on this and develop a strategic approach to working with the impact economy, who have long played an important role across the UK economy in unlocking innovation, driving inclusive growth and strengthening community resilience.

    Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said:

    Partnering with impact capital to tackle child poverty was a personal priority for me coming into government – which is why I set up the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group to advise on the development of this brilliant fund, which we’ve been delighted to support as a government. I’d like to thank Dame Elizabeth Corley for chairing the group and all the members for their hard work.

    Louisa Mitchell MBE, Chief Executive Officer, AllChild said:

    I warmly welcome the government’s Better Futures Fund as a pivotal step toward transforming how we support children and families across the country. It’s vital that children engage with the right support and opportunities, at the right time, in the right way. Holistic support that is rooted in each child’s local community, builds on their strengths, and places trust and relationships at the heart of delivery.

    I hope this fund will be a catalyst for a new way of working – one which prioritises prevention, shared accountability for locally identified outcomes, and genuine cross-sector partnerships. This is how we can ensure every child no matter where they live has the support and opportunities they need to flourish.

    Richard Rigby, Head of UK Government Affairs, The King’s Trust said:

    At The King’s Trust, we know that timely support can change the course of a young person’s life. Potential is everywhere but opportunity is not. The Better Futures Fund is an investment in the potential of young people who are too often left behind. We welcome this commitment to early intervention and collaboration with organisations like ours to tackle inequalities and help young people build brighter, more secure futures. By getting behind young people, we can all help to make the UK a healthier, wealthier, more positive and cohesive place.”

    Further details on the fund will be set out in due course. It will be delivered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

  • NEWS STORY : Government Launches Major Review to Secure Post Office’s Future

    NEWS STORY : Government Launches Major Review to Secure Post Office’s Future

    STORY

    The UK Government has today launched a comprehensive review into the future of the Post Office, inviting postmasters and customers to help shape its direction for the next decade. This marks the first such in-depth examination in 15 years and comes in the wake of significant challenges, including the Horizon IT scandal and evolving consumer behaviours. The “Post Office Green Paper,” published on 14 July 2025, aims to usher in a “decade of renewal” for the vital national institution. It seeks to transform the organisation’s culture and ensure its continued relevance in a rapidly changing world. Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas emphasised the need for a fresh vision, stating, “This Green Paper marks the start of an honest conversation about what people want and need from their Post Office in the years ahead.”

    A 12-week public consultation, open until 6 October 2025, will gather views on several key areas. These include how Post Office services should adapt to meet changing consumer needs, ways to strengthen the relationship between the Post Office and its postmasters, and options for modernising the network while ensuring services remain locally accessible. The consultation will also explore how the Post Office can improve and develop its banking services. The review acknowledges the Post Office’s enduring importance, with research published alongside the Green Paper highlighting its social value of approximately £5.2 billion per year to households and £1.3 billion annually to small and medium-sized businesses. Despite a decline in traditional postal services and a rise in online transactions, the Post Office has seen growth in areas such as bank deposits and parcel drop-offs.

    To support this transformation, Ministers have announced a proposed new subsidy package of up to £118 million. This funding will support the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further investment in the network, protecting key services like access to cash and government services, and helping to deliver cost-saving measures. Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office Chief Executive, described this as a “once-in-a-decade opportunity” for a national conversation about the role of post offices in communities across the UK. The Post Office will also be launching a survey in partnership with the National Federation of SubPostmasters, the Voice of the Postmaster, and the Communication Workers Union to gather further input. The government is also considering changes to the Post Office’s ownership structure, including the possibility of a mutual model that could hand ownership to its thousands of subpostmasters. This comprehensive review aims to rebuild trust, embed a culture of transparency and accountability, and ensure the Post Office remains at the heart of communities for generations to come.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Future of the Post Office to be shaped by postmasters and customers [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Future of the Post Office to be shaped by postmasters and customers [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 July 2025.

    Government launches the Post Office Green Paper, the first comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years.

    • First comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years, with customers and postmasters shaping its future.
    • Post Office Green Paper will seek to transform the organisation’s culture in the wake of the Horizon scandal and changing customer demands.
    • Better services at the heart of new £118 million subsidy to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further network investment, moving the organisation closer to delivering growth in line with the Plan for Change.

    Postmasters and the public will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Post Office for the first time in 15 years, as the Government sets out its vision for the next decade for the organisation.

    The Post Office Green Paper, published today, will move further and faster to deliver a decade of renewal for customers and postmasters, building on the cultural reset being led by Post Office Chair Nigel Railton that will be so crucial to its success.

    Working hand in hand with postmasters and the public the Government will ensure the network is put on a path to a strong and sustainable future with Post Office branches remaining at the heart of communities across the UK.

    This includes on the Post Office’s ownership model, with concepts including mutualisation on the table for consideration following the publication of the final Horizon Inquiry report later this year.

    The report is expected to provide recommendations on improving the structure of the Post Office so that this miscarriage of justice is never allowed to occur again, protecting postmasters whilst also providing reassurance for customers.

    This follows an unprecedented period in which the Post Office has faced a series of major challenges, from the Horizon IT scandal to significant changes in consumer behaviour, such as a rise in online shopping and falling demand for traditional post.

    Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    Post Offices continue to be a central part of our high streets and communities across the country. However, after fifteen years without a proper review, and in the aftermath of the Horizon scandal, it’s clear we need a fresh vision for its future.

    This Green Paper marks the start of an honest conversation about what people want and need from their Post Office in the years ahead.

    I look forward to hearing the views of customers, business owners and postmasters so we can build a Post Office capable of serving the public for generations to come.

    The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 6th October 2025. It will examine key areas including:

    • How Post Office services should evolve to meet changing consumer needs
    • Ways to strengthen the relationship between the Post Office and its postmasters
    • Options for modernising the network while ensuring services remain within local reach
    • Ensure the Post Office is well-equipped to adapt to consumer trends
    • How the Post Office can improve and develop the banking services it provides

    Research published alongside the Green Paper today also highlights the important role the Post Office still plays in the daily lives of people and businesses, adding social value of around £5.2 billion per year to households and £1.3 billion annually to small and medium sized businesses.

    As part of the Government’s commitment to securing the future of this vital national institution, Ministers have also announced plans to award a new subsidy package of up to £118 million to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further investment to improve the network.

    This funding will protect key services, including access to cash deposits and withdrawals as well as key government services, such as passport applications and the DVLA, alongside helping the Post Office deliver cost-saving measures in its Transformation Plan, part of the New Deal for Postmasters.

    Notes to editors:

    • The £118 million in funding is subject to the completion of subsidy control processes and compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.
    • The Post Office operates over 11,500 branches across the UK.
    • Last month, the Government achieved the milestone of £1 billion in compensation payments to over 7,300 postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal.
    • Research published alongside the Green Paper can be found under Annex A: The Value of the Post Office Network
  • PRESS RELEASE : 5,000 jobs secured as construction starts on Port Talbot green steel project [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 5,000 jobs secured as construction starts on Port Talbot green steel project [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 July 2025.

    5,000 steel jobs have been secured following the start of construction on Tata Steel’s Port Talbot electric arc furnace project today.

    • Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens join Tata Group Chairman to break ground on construction of electric arc furnace that will secure thousands of jobs.
    • Latest good news shows how UK’s modern Industrial Strategy is backing Welsh industry, following landmark energy support package slashing energy costs for Tata Steel and other UK steel firms.
    • Industry Minister Sarah Jones to chair meeting of Steel Council together with industry leaders at 7Steel this morning to work towards finalising UK’s Steel Strategy.

    5,000 jobs have been secured following the start of construction on Tata Steel’s electric arc furnace (EAF) at Port Talbot steelworks today (14 July).

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will join Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, Wales Secretary Jo Stevens and other government and company representatives to break ground on the project and start construction later today.

    The construction milestone, made possible by a £500 million UK Government grant provided as part of the improved deal for Port Talbot’s transition which the Government agreed after only 10 weeks in office, is a major win for Welsh steelmaking in the run-up to the launch of government’s Steel Strategy this year.

    This morning, Industry Minister Sarah Jones will chair a meeting of the Steel Council at 7Steel in Cardiff to work towards finalising the upcoming Steel Strategy – backed by up to £2.5 billion of investment – and reflect on a series of recent wins for the industry with senior leaders from across the sector, including British Steel and UK Steel.

    This includes slashing energy costs for steel producers via new measures announced in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, strengthening the UK’s steel safeguard measures to protect the industry from spikes of foreign steel imports and bolstering the UK’s procurement rules to ensure UK-made steel is considered wherever possible for use on public construction projects.

    The Government is also backing the steel sector by working closely with the US to secure the removal of 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium, while the UK remains the only country in the world not to pay a 50 percent tariff rate.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This is our Industrial Strategy in action and is great news for Welsh steelmaking backing this crucial Welsh industry, which will give certainty to local communities and thousands of local jobs for years to come.

    This government is committed to a bright future for our steel industry, which is why we provided £500 million of funding to make this project possible. Our modern Industrial Strategy has set out how we’ll back the sector even further, including by slashing energy costs for firms like Tata Steel to level the playing field, as part of our Plan for Change.

    The start of construction on Tata Steel’s EAF marks a significant step forward in Port Talbot’s transition to greener steel production, and is expected to reduce the site’s carbon emissions by around 90 percent.

    The success of the project – and Tata Group’s continued investment in British industry – is testament to the UK’s strong and valued relationship with India, following the trade deal the Government agreed with India in May which will add billions to the UK economy going forward.

    During the groundbreaking event to mark the start of construction, the Business Secretary will tour the site of the new EAF, meet with senior management at Tata Steel and take part in a demonstration with a virtual reality headset to see how the new EAF will look when operational.

    Tata Group Chairman Mr Chandrasekaran said:

    This is a proud day for Tata Group, Tata Steel and for the UK. Today’s groundbreaking marks not just the beginning of a new Electric Arc Furnace, but a new era for sustainable manufacturing in Britain. At Port Talbot, we are building the foundations of a cleaner, greener future, supporting jobs, driving innovation, and demonstrating our commitment to responsible industry leadership.

    This project is also part of Tata Group’s wider investment in the UK, across steel, automotive, and technology among others, which reflects our deep and enduring partnership with this country.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    The UK Government acted decisively to ensure that steelmaking in Port Talbot will continue for generations to come, backing Tata Steel with £500 million to secure its future in the town, along with £80 million to support workers and the wider community. Our Steel Strategy will also deliver up to £2.5 billion of investment to rebuild the UK industry, maintain jobs and drive growth.

    The construction of Tata’ s new furnace realises the promise we made to the community, while the development of floating offshore wind, plans for a Celtic Freeport and millions more for local regeneration all mean that Port Talbot has a bright future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Update on Enhanced UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement negotiations [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Update on Enhanced UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement negotiations [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 July 2025.

    An update following the first round of negotiations on an Enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Turkey.

    The first round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey took place in Ankara between 23 June and 2 July 2025.

    The UK and Turkey have a strong economic relationship, with trade between the two totalling around £28 billion in 2024, making Turkey the UK’s 16th largest trading partner. Trade with Turkey’s growing market of 86 million people directly supported around 57,100 jobs across the UK in 2020.

    Economic growth is our first mission in government and FTAs have an important role to play in achieving this. The UK is the second largest services exporter in the world, but in 2024 only 34% of UK exports to Turkey were services. A stronger trade relationship with this fast-growing economy will unlock new opportunities for UK businesses and contribute to jobs and prosperity in the UK.

    Negotiations during round one were constructive, with both countries working towards agreeing ambitious outcomes in key areas. Discussions covered sustainability and collaboration, including Women’s Economic Empowerment and Labour rights, as well as the regulatory environments of both countries. Productive discussions were also held on Trade in Services, including Digital, Financial and Professional Business Services.

    The UK’s existing FTA with Turkey replicates the effect of the EU-Turkey Customs Union. Industrial products are already fully liberalised and agricultural goods are partially liberalised. During the first round of negotiations both sides worked to establish baselines and respective ambitions across trade in goods.

    The government will only ever sign a trade agreement which aligns with the UK’s national interests, upholding our high standards across a range of sectors, alongside protections for the National Health Service.

    The second round of negotiations is expected to take place in the Autumn of 2025.

    Any organisations or individuals interested in speaking to the Department for Business and Trade about negotiations with Turkey should do so by emailing tur.fta.engagement@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 14 July 2025.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of Habib Motani as a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board for four years from 18 April 2026.

    Mr Motani qualified as a solicitor in 1980. He is a Consultant to Clifford Chance LLP having spent over 30 years as a partner in the firm’s banking and finance practice. He is a Visiting Professor at the School of Law at the University of Edinburgh and a Trustee at: The British Institute of International and Comparative Law, the Institute of Ismaili Studies and The Aga Khan University (International) in the United Kingdom. He is also a member of the Steering Group of the Canary Wharf Multi-faith Chaplaincy.

    The Legal Services Board (LSB) is the independent body overseeing the regulation of lawyers in England and Wales. Its goal is to reform and modernise the legal services marketplace by putting the interests of consumers at the heart of the system. It is independent of government and the legal profession and oversees the approved regulators, which themselves regulate lawyers.

    The LSB also oversees the Office for Legal Complaints and its administration of the Legal Ombudsman scheme that resolves complaints about lawyers.

    Appointments and reappointments are made, by the Lord Chancellor, under the Legal Services Act 2007 and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This reappointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.