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PRESS RELEASE : Export bar placed on pocket chronometer from Charles Darwin voyage [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 11 July 2025.

A temporary export bar has been placed on a pocket chronometer present on the second voyage of HMS Beagle, well-known for carrying Charles Darwin.
- The pocket chronometer is valued at £200,000
- The export bar will allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the chronometer for the nation – ensuring it can continue to inspire further research and love of learning for future generations
An export bar has been placed on a pocket chronometer in an effort to protect a key piece of the nation’s history and ensure Charles Darwin’s legacy can continue to inspire for generations to come.

The chronometer is known to have travelled on the second voyage of HMS Beagle, from 1831 to 1836, which is a significant part of our history as the voyage is well known for carrying Charles Darwin. This expedition played a role in the development of Darwin’s evolutionary theory, providing him with observations and collections that led to his groundbreaking ideas on evolution by natural selection.

Chronometers are highly accurate timepieces, designed for marine navigation, that measure time with great precision, especially for determining longitude at sea.

This chronometer played a significant role on HMS Beagle’s important second voyage, as the observation chronometer, helping to map the coast of South America. The success of the voyage strengthened Britain’s leading position in navigation, thanks to the use of chronometres, which – when they returned to Britain five years later – had only lost 33 seconds. The voyage also later helped Greenwich become internationally accepted as the Prime Meridian in the 19th century.

Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said:

Charles Darwin is one of the most well-known figures in our history and has inspired many generations. This chronometer played a part in helping his research on evolution and strengthening Britain’s leading position in navigation.

I hope this chronometer can be saved for the nation so we can continue to learn about the fascinating voyage, the legacy of Darwin and improve our knowledge on the use of chronometers for marine navigation.

Committee Member, Tim Pestell said:

HMS Beagle’s second voyage of 1831-36 is most popularly associated with Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking research on evolution. Less well known is that this scientific mission was used by the Royal Navy to test various scientific instruments then at the cutting edge of technology. The chronometer that is the subject of this export bar is central to this story. Made in 1830, it was used on the Beagle in the key role of observation chronometer, helping map the coast of South America and being taken ashore on the Galapagos Islands. Beagle’s success, and the triumph of its chronometers, was shown when it returned to Britain after five years, losing only 33 seconds in time. Having performed a central role in Beagle’s second expedition, it would be a tragedy for this chronometer, named ‘K’ on board, to be lost to the nation. I hope that the placing of an export bar will allow this wonderful timepiece to be acquired by a museum, where its remarkable story, and its place in us understanding our world, can be told to the public.

The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA).

The Committee made its recommendation on the basis that the chronometer met the first Waverley criterion for its outstanding connection with our history and national life.

The decision on the export licence application for the chronometer will be deferred for a period ending on 10 October 2025 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the chronometer at the recommended price of £200,000 (plus VAT of £40,000). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.

Notes to editors
1. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the panel should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.
2. Details of the item are as follows: pocket chronometer in a silver case made by Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, London, 1830. This partnership was active between 1801-1947. Materials include: silver (case); enamel (dial); brass (movement plate & wheels); steel (various components including arbors & balance spring); gold (hands, gilding); diamond (end-stone) and mahogany (box case). The diameter of the case 55 mm.
3. Provenance: 1831 – 1906 Admiralty, London, in sea service. 1906 Taken in exchange from the Admiralty by E.Dent & Co. 4 Royal Exchange & 61 Strand, London By 2010 Watch trade, London, UK 2011 Private Collection, UK, when re-identified. 2023 Martyn Downer Works of Art Ltd. Cambridge.
4. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.
July 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Boost for Sri Lankan garment sector after new UK trade measures [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 July 2025.

Sri Lankan garment sector set to benefit following reforms to simplify imports from developing countries like Sri Lanka.
- Liberalised rules of origin will now allow for more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to enter the UK tariff-free.
- Further measures will make it easier for countries like Sri Lanka to trade, supporting jobs and growth.
- UK businesses and consumers to benefit from more competitively priced products.
On 10 July, the UK government unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries like Sri Lanka. Upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) make it easier for businesses to trade with the UK and help lower prices on the UK high street.

The changes, announced as part of the UK’s wider Trade for Development offer, aim to support economic growth in partner countries including Sri Lanka while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods.  This announcement builds on the UK’s Trade Strategy published last month.

New measures include simplifying rules of origin, enabling more goods from countries such as Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the Philippines to enter the UK tariff-free — even when using components from across Asia and Africa.

The announcement follows engagement with UK businesses and international partners, major importers and trade associations. This included the Sri Lankan government and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). The most significant positive change for Sri Lanka is that the rules of origin for the garments sector specifically will be liberalised. The changes will ensure that DCTS countries can now source their materials from a wider range of nations and will give manufacturers from countries such as Sri Lanka the opportunity to take advantage of 0% tariffs on garments. These changes are expected to be in place by early 2026.

The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick said:

“This is a win for the Sri Lankan garment sector, and for UK consumers. With the UK being the second largest export market and garments making up over 60% of that trade, we know manufacturers here will welcome this announcement.

“We want Sri Lanka to improve the utilisation of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme for a wider range of goods, not just garments. With the Sri Lankan government’s ambition to grow exports, and with the simplification of rules of origin for other sectors too, we strongly encourage more exporters to explore how they can benefit from the preferences offered by the DCTS.

“The UK remains committed to working towards creating shared prosperity for both our countries.

Responding to the announcement Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Yohan Lawrence said:

“We warmly welcome the UK’s Trade Strategy. JAAF has worked very closely with the UK Government to work on solutions to improve utilisation of the Scheme. We are delighted that, for garments, it will now be possible to source more raw material regionally and continue to qualify for duty free export to the UK. This will be a game-changer for our trade with the UK under the DCTS.

“We believe that the changes will also deliver significant improvements against the objectives of the Scheme. At around USD 675m in value, the UK is the second largest market for Sri Lanka Apparel, accounting for close to 15% of apparel exports, while the industry supports a million livelihoods across the country. This announcement will help secure employment opportunities and ensure sustainable growth in Sri Lanka by allowing us to compete on equal terms with our major competitors, and we expect exports to increase significantly when the new rules come into effect.”

Background

Launched in 2023, following the UK’s exit from the EU, DCTS is the UK’s flagship trade preference scheme. Covering 65 countries (including Sri Lanka) DCTS offers reduced or zero tariffs on thousands of products. It is one of the most generous schemes of its kind in the world. The recent changes further improve this offer. This will open up new commercial opportunities for UK businesses to build resilient supply chains, invest in emerging markets, and tap into fast-growing economies.

In addition to the DCTS changes, the UK will continue to provide targeted support to help exporters in Sri Lanka to access the UK market and meet import standards particularly focused on agri-foods and apparel sectors. This is through programmes being delivered by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board:
- The UK Trade Partnerships programme will continue to support on-going work on strengthening and rolling out Sri Lanka’s national organic standards, alongside completing certification audits of existing beneficiaries, and delivering training on digital marketing.
- Following the work on establishing the SheTrades Commonwealth+ hub in Sri Lanka earlier this year, the UK will continue to support in building policy capacity to mainstream gender into trade policy.
July 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Fairer parking drive as governments crackdown on unjust charges [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 11 July 2025.

Motorists protected as plans to raise standards across the private parking industry unveiled  through a new strengthened Private Parking Code of Practice .

Motorists, families, and private parking operators are set to benefit from improved standards, as a consultation on a new Private Parking Code of Practice is launched today.

Over 35 million people across the UK rely on their cars for everyday life – from commuting to caring responsibilities – but the fear of being hit with unfair parking charges has eroded trust between drivers and some operators.

The strengthened Code aims to create a fairer, more transparent private parking system that supports local economies, high streets, and businesses – delivering on commitments in the government’s Plan for Change.

To better support drivers in vulnerable or stressful situations, such as attending hospital appointments, a new rule is being considered that would uphold appeals where motorists had no reasonable choice but to breach parking terms.

Proposals will ensure fair treatment for motorists and introduce common-sense standards across the industry, including clear signage and mandatory grace periods. These measures will help prevent charges caused by issues like payment machine errors, accidental typos, or poor mobile signal.

Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: 

From shopping on your local high street to visiting a loved one in hospital, parking is part of everyday life. But too many people are being unfairly penalised.

That’s why our Code will tackle misleading tactics and confusing processes, bringing vital oversight and transparency to raise standards across the board. This is another example of how we are fixing the things that really impact people’s day-to-day lives, as part of the Plan for Change.”

The number of parking charges issued is at a record high –12.8 million vehicle keeper requests were made last year, a 673% increase since 2012. While this partly reflects more parking spaces, the current system lacks independent oversight and sufficient transparency.

At present, operators can avoid sanctions for poor practice, leaving motorists vulnerable to unfair or incorrect charges. The new compliance framework will ensure accountability. Under proposals, operators who breach the Code may lose access to DVLA data required to issue parking charges.

The Code will strike a balance—protecting motorists while enabling compliant operators to run efficient, value-for-money car parks.

It marks another step the government is taking to repair Britain’s transport and save people time and money, following the allocation of £1.6 billion funding this year to help local authorities resurface roads and fix the equivalent of up to seven million extra potholes, with an additional £24 billion set aside to build new roads and keep drivers moving over the next five years.

The eight-week consultation also seeks views on:
- Appropriate caps for parking charges and debt recovery fees
- Improvements to second-stage appeals
- Requirements for operators to share data with government to inform future updates to the Code
The consultation is open for eight weeks and available here.
July 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Technology and innovation driving UK growth and closer partnerships with the Indo-Pacific [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 July 2025.

Britain will deepen relations with countries across the Indo-Pacific to bring together UK and Southeast Asian innovation and technology.
- Strengthened ties with Southeast Asia open up new trade and security opportunities to create jobs and boost growth in the UK
- Free and open Indo-Pacific central to Plan for Change – delivering growth and opportunities for British businesses across the country.
- UK to participate in ASEAN Regional Forum for first time – an important forum for security dialogue with one of the fastest growing regional economies
Britain will deepen relations with countries across the Indo-Pacific to bring together UK and Southeast Asian innovation and technology to drive economic growth and create new business opportunities at key meetings in Malaysia today (Friday 11 July).

Stepping up cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on regional security, the visit will see the Foreign Secretary participate in the region’s main security forum– the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – for the first time as Guest of Chair. The UK aims to become a permanent member of the ARF, in recognition of the fact that the greatest threats to ASEAN’s security also impact UK national security, from instability driven by climate change to risk of conflict.

These strengthened security ties demonstrate the government’s Plan for Change in practice – delivering on the commitment to strengthen national security for working people.

The UK will also strengthen cooperation with ASEAN nations to tackle transnational crime including scam centres, illicit finance and illegal migration – protecting our citizens from criminals and the shared threats we face. This builds on the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action as we approach the fifth anniversary of our Dialogue Partnership.

Secure and resilient growth depends on working with Indo-Pacific partners to preserve a stable balance of power, manage conflicts and protect our people from threats such as cyber scams and illicit finance. Strengthening our cooperation builds on recent success in strengthening ties with key allies and partners, and ensuring the UK’s national security.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

There is enormous economic potential in the Indo-Pacific with over 50% of the world’s population and 40% of global GDP. This government is breaking down barriers between businesses in the UK and Southeast Asia to tap into this market.

We are working together to tackle key threats to our mutual prosperity – illegal migration, illicit finance and scam centres. Engaging with our partners on these enemies of growth protects our people and their hard-earned money.

We want to work with partners like Singapore to seize the benefits of AI and technology and manage the risks – supporting the delivery of the ASEAN Community’s Vision 2045 and the UK’s Plan for Change.

Southeast Asia is already the fifth largest economy in the world, home to almost 700 million people, half of whom are under 30. The UK’s accession last December to CPTPP, one of the world’s biggest trade blocs, marked a breakthrough in connecting the UK to a group of economies now worth £11.7 trillion, putting money into UK businesses up and down the country.

On top of attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, the Foreign Secretary will also meet the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan to reinforce the shared ambition to elevate the relationship between the UK and Malaysia to a Strategic Partnership, particularly in the areas of education, energy, defence and trade which will help generate growth.

Investment into clean, renewable energy will reduce British people’s energy bills and enshrine climate resilience and energy security. Catalysing the clean energy transformation, the Foreign Secretary, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Gan, will announce a landmark pledge of up to £70 million into Singapore’s Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P), advancing the UK and Singapore’s joint efforts to accelerate sustainable infrastructure and investment across Southeast Asia. The UK’s funding, to be delivered through British Investment International’s (BII), will support low-carbon energy projects and innovative business models, protecting energy security and insulating UK billpayers.
July 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and France pledge joint funding for international biodiversity [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 July 2025.

The UK and France reaffirm their leadership in nature finance with matched contributions to support the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits.

Following the UK-France Summit and the State Visit of President Macron, the UK and France have committed joint financial support for the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits (IAPB) to support its transition to an independent not-for-profit entity.

The new funding will support the initiative as it works globally to unlock finance, and support IAPB’s ambitious programme through to COP30 in Belém, including a Policy Lab to help governments develop enabling regulatory frameworks for biodiversity credit markets. It will also advance guidance and standards for robust market infrastructure and grow IAPB’s Community of Practice as a key forum for project developers and practitioners.

IAPB was co-launched by the UK and France in 2023 at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris and brought together over 25 senior representatives from finance, business, science, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities from more than a dozen countries. The Panel’s Framework for High Integrity Biodiversity Credit Markets, launched at CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia, was well received globally, and featured 31 pilot projects showcasing how biodiversity credit markets are emerging worldwide. In June 2025, IAPB became fully operational as an independent not-for-profit entity.

His Majesty King Charles III and President Emmanuel Macron have both expressed strong support for IAPB’s mission since its inception, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in protecting and restoring nature.

The UK has committed £500,000 to support IAPB’s transition to an independent not-for-profit entity. The French Ministry of Environment, together with the French Treasury, has confirmed a matching contribution of €580,000.

This joint commitment highlights the UK and France’s leadership in shaping nature markets and aligning finance with global biodiversity goals to deliver real outcomes for people and planet.

July 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New appointments to British Wool’s board [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 July 2025.

Two new Independent Non-Executive Board Members have been appointed to British Wool’s board (formerly the British Wool Marketing Board) in conjunction with the Devolved Governments.

David Williams has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Board member for a term of three years, from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028.

Susan Millin has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive board member for a term of three years, from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2028.

All appointments have been made in accordance with the 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.

British Wool is a public body that works on behalf of the wool industry to collect, grade, monitor, market and sell British wool to the international wool textile industry for use in flooring, furnishings and apparel. The role of the board members is to contribute to the leadership, scrutiny, and direction of the British Wool Board.

July 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : £100 million cash boost to help thousands into work across the country [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 11 July 2025.

Thousands of disabled people and people with complex health conditions to receive help finding secure, well-paid jobs.
- Latest cash boost will be delivered to four areas in England as part of the Connect to Work programme
- Comes as part of £3.8 billion employment support package over this parliament for sick or disabled people, unlocking work and boosting living standards through the Plan for Change
Thousands of people who are out of work due to health conditions, disabilities or other reasons will be helped to find and stay in jobs thanks to a £100million funding boost announced by the Department for Work and Pensions today [Friday 11 July].

It’s part of the Government’s plan to Get Britain Working again including changing Jobcentres so staff have more time to support people, using better technology, and making sure there are good jobs across the whole country. The Get Britain Working plan gives towns and cities the powers they need to grow and help more people into work.

The £103.6 million funding package will go towards the Connect to Work programme in Kent & Medway, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Greater Lancashire, supporting nearly 30,000 people.

With 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health – one of the highest rates in the G7 – the government is taking action to tackle the pressing challenge, and Connect to Work is part of the government’s wider efforts to reduce economic inactivity and grow the economy by supporting more people into work and out of poverty as part of its Plan for Change.

Minister for Employment Alison McGovern said:

For too long, our country has been held back as towns and cities were left on their own to deal with the consequences of people being out of work. This government is investing to create good jobs, and our plan to Get Britain Working will make sure no one is left on the scrap heap any more.

Changing Jobcentres and providing funding for towns and cities will make sure everyone is included in our economic plan. No more abandoned places.

This latest funding will make a real difference in the lives of people across the country and give them the chance they deserve as part of our Plan for Change.

Connect to Work is being delivered across England and Wales, with the government already providing more than £150 million which will help to support around 41,000 people. In all more than 300,000 people will be supported by the programme over the next five years.

The programme comes as part of a major investment in employment support for sick and disabled people across this parliament – worth £3.8 billion over the course of this Parliament, and includes £2.2 billion delivered for support announced in our Pathways to Work Green Paper over the next four years, to help people find good, secure jobs.

The Connect to Work funding will be used to provide services including:
- Individual support from an employment specialist
- Profiling to identify the work aspirations of participants and development of a plan for them to achieve their goals
- Matching jobseekers with opportunities that suit their needs and circumstances
- Support for both participants and employers during the early employment period to help recruit and retain participants
- Practical support including coaching
The programme is just one of the ways disabled people, those with health conditions or complex barriers to employment can access support – including assistance provided through Jobcentres.

The latest funding support was announced as the Minister for Employment visited a Jobcentre in Preston to meet people already helped into work by existing employment support.

Under the Connect to Work programme Greater Lancashire – which includes Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackpool Council – is to receive up to £38.8 million to support 11,000 participants.

The Minister for Employment met with:
- Julie, who came to the Jobcentre on Universal Credit and faced significant personal challenges to finding work, including mental health struggles and self-doubt. Thanks to the support she received, including access to the Seasiders Traineeship and the Prince’s Trust Explore course, Julie was able to develop her confidence and is now employed as a cleaner at Dunelm – a job she hugely enjoys.
As announced earlier this year, through Connect to Work, up to £42.8million has been allocated to West London Alliance to support 10,800 people, and up to £11.1 million to East Sussex to assist 2,900 people.

It comes as 15 regions will benefit from a share of £1.5 million in funding to launch a pilot for the WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Fund. The pilot could transform how local people with health conditions are supported back into employment rather than writing them off with a fit note, reducing pressure on GPs in the area.

Additional Information
- Connect to Work is a locally-delivered programme and will follow internationally recognised and successful Supported Employment frameworks which support people who are long-term unemployed or facing complex barriers to work, including those with mental health challenges and learning disabilities.
- The funding figures, rounded to the nearest decimal point, for each delivery area in this latest tranche are as follows:
- Greater Lancashire £38.8 million
- Kent and Medway £34 million
- Hertfordshire £19.7 million
- Gloucestershire £11.1 million
July 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Regulator highly critical of charity that shared video supporting Hamas [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 11 July 2025.

The Charity Commission has found misconduct and / or mismanagement by trustees in the administration of the Al-Manar Centre Trust and issued the charity with an Order requiring it to take action on its social media use.

The charity, which operates a mosque in Cardiff, has objects that include advancing Islamic education, and fostering community relationships and religious harmony.

In January 2024, the Charity Commission became aware of a video shared on the charity’s social media account in November 2023. The video contained content that, in the Commission’s view, could be understood as demonstrating support for the proscribed terrorist organisation Hamas.

In February 2024, the regulator launched a statutory inquiry into the charity. The inquiry examined the charity’s social media and website controls, as well as the circumstances surrounding the posting of the video.

Findings

The inquiry was told that the charity’s chair, who was the only trustee responsible for managing the charity’s social media content, posted the video after only listening to its audio. The chair believed that the audio aligned with the charity’s objectives, without reviewing the visual content.

In the inquiry’s view, the video – which was not produced by or for the charity – contains content that presents a positive image of Hamas and its October 2023 terrorist attack on Israel. It also attempts to downplay or justify the attack.

Consequently, the inquiry concluded that the video was likely to lead an ordinary member of the public to infer that the charity was supportive of and/ or glorified terrorism.

The inquiry found that the chair’s decision to rely solely on the audio was wholly inadequate. Furthermore, and in the inquiry’s view, even reviewing just the audio, the chair should have recognised from the narration that its content could be interpreted as supporting Hamas’ actions.

There were also failings by trustees, at the time the video was posted, to undertake adequate diligence and monitoring of online content posted by the charity. The inquiry found that the video did not further the charity’s objects for the public benefit.

Despite receiving regulatory advice in 2014 on protecting the charity from extremist abuse, the Commission found that the trustees had failed to implement adequate social media controls. At the time of the incident, the charity’s social media policy consisted solely of a basic flowchart and lacked meaningful guidance or oversight mechanisms.

As a result of the trustees’ misconduct and / or mismanagement regarding the posting of the video and lack of adequate social media controls, the Commission issued an Official Warning to the charity.

Additionally, in October 2024, the Commission made an Order directing the trustees to take actions on the charity’s use of its website and social media, which included a review of all material on its website and social media platforms.

The trustees complied fully with the Order.

Joshua Farbridge, Head of Compliance Visits and Inspections at the Charity Commission, said:

A charity’s reputation can be severely damaged in an instant through reckless use of social media.

Our inquiry concluded that the conduct of the trustees fell below the standards expected of them. Inadequate controls over social media led to the sharing of harmful content, and there is no excuse for failing to properly review content before it is shared by a charity.

Our swift intervention, which included an Official Warning and a legal Order requiring specific action to be taken, underscores the Commission’s firm commitment to ensuring charities are not misused in supporting or glorifying terrorism.

The full inquiry report can be found on gov.uk.

July 13, 2025
NEWS STORY : Charity Commission Condemns “Reckless” Cardiff Mosque Al‑Manar Centre Trust over Pro-Hamas Video

STORY

The Charity Commission has issued a formal warning to the Al-Manar Centre Trust in Cardiff after finding the trustees had shared a video that could be interpreted as supporting Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation. The regulator described the charity’s conduct as “reckless, grossly mismanaged and falling far below the standards expected of those entrusted with public confidence and charitable funds” and the trustees of the charity have agreed in the future not to promote terror, violence or hate speech.

The offending video was posted to the mosque’s Facebook page in November 2023 and remained online for nearly three days. It contained content that appeared to glorify or justify the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The Charity Commission reported that the trustee responsible admitted he hadn’t even watched the full video before sharing it, relying solely on the audio and a flowchart to decide if the content aligned with the charity’s aims. The Commission dismissed this as a dereliction of duty and noted that even the audio should have raised red flags.

This wasn’t the charity’s first brush with extremism-related concerns. It had been warned by the Commission as far back as 2014 to strengthen its safeguards against such risks, but despite this, the trustees still lacked even basic social media controls, leading the Commission to issue a statutory order requiring them to remove all potentially harmful content and implement proper oversight procedures. The Commission’s head of compliance, Joshua Farbridge, said the trustees had shown an “alarming lack of care” and stressed there was “no excuse” for their failure. He warned that charities can lose public trust in an instant through careless online behaviour, particularly when it involves material that could be construed as supporting terrorism. The Al-Manar Centre has since complied with the regulator’s demands, revising its governance procedures and removing the problematic content.

July 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Over £1bn in investment deals as UK-France launch new Industrial Strategy Partnership [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 11 July 2025.

The UK and France have launched a new Industrial Strategy Partnership following a successful UK-France Summit, where over £1 billion worth of investment deals into the UK have been confirmed.
- New Partnership is first of its kind in Europe, boosting UK-France collaboration in key high growth sectors.
- Follows a successful UK-France Summit, where leading firms announced a billion pounds worth of investment creating thousands of highly skilled jobs.
- Deals are the latest vote of confidence and show the Plan for Change is working – as recent survey puts UK as joint-top global investment destination.
A new partnership between the UK and France will deepen economic collaboration and unlock billions in valuable investment into high growth-driving sectors – boosting the economy and delivering on the Plan for Change.

The announcement comes following yesterday’s 37th UK-France Summit, where leading French companies announced investments worth over £1 billion into the UK, creating thousands of highly-skilled jobs across the country – helping to put more money in people’s pockets.

This builds on the tidal wave of investment the government has welcomed into the UK since taking Office, worth over £100 billion, alongside 384,000 jobs created since the election.

The partnership forms part of the UK’s recent modern Industrial Strategy – a new approach that will create a more connected, high-skilled and resilient economy to kickstart an era of economic prosperity, the central mission in the government’s Plan for Change.

This partnership is a collaboration in key growth sectors including in technology, clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing, supporting a quicker green and digital transition and building our economic resilience to drive economic growth and innovation.

It advances a cross-Channel trade relationship worth £104 billion in 2024 and reaffirms the UK’s position as a global investment destination, the same week a Deloitte survey found that international finance leaders see the UK as the joint-most attractive destination when it comes to investment.

It also builds on the strong collaboration which already exists between the UK and France across vital areas including energy, aviation, tech and finance – all of which fall under the key growth sectors identified in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy.

Today’s announcement follows Wednesday’s roundtable attended by leading French and British firms hosted by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Eric Lombard and French Digital Affairs Minister Clara Chappaz.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

This is our first Industrial Strategy Partnership with a major European partner, and will combine our joint expertise across energy, advanced manufacturing, technology and more, helping deliver our Plan for Change by boosting growth to deliver more money in people’s pockets.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

This milestone is an exciting new chapter in our already strong relationship with France and will boost both countries’ key sectors by driving two-way innovation and investment, delivering on our Plan for Change.”

Our Modern Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to kickstart an era of economic prosperity and this partnership will serve as a welcome anchor at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty. It is built on the best of foundations, with both our businesses and citizens sharing deep links.

Today’s deals show that the UK is open for international companies to expand their businesses in a wide range of priority sectors, including:
- Veolia has announced a £70 million investment to transform an existing, disused industrial facility to a state-of-the-art plastics sorting and recycling facility in Shropshire, creating more than 130 local jobs.
- Thales, in conjunction with partners, is planning £40 million of AI-focussed R&D investment as part of its CortAIx UK AI Accelerator, which will employ 200 people.
- Comand AI are investing £35 million over the next five years to set up an office in the UK, in their first step to becoming a pan-European defence company.
- Pernod Ricard is investing a further £17.5 million in its Scotch whisky producer, Chivas Brothers, to create two new bottling lines at its Kilmalid site near Glasgow.
- LVMH will operate at least twenty Sephora stores by 2028, with a need of 800 additional recruitments.
- EDF confirmed earlier this week that thousands of UK jobs and apprenticeships will be created as it announced it will take a 12.5% stake in Sizewell C – in a major boost for UK growth and energy security. Assystem will double its nuclear workforce in the UK, creating 1,000 new engineering, digital and project management jobs. Urenco also signed a 15-year deal with EDF to produce fuel for nuclear power stations, supporting Urenco UK’s workforce of more than 1,400 people.
- French company Ardian has also in the last week finalised its acquisition of an additional 10% stake in London Heathrow as a gateway for growth with a further £888 million investment, taking their investment into the airport to £2.85 billion, supporting the site’s 80,000 jobs.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds also met with French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Éric Lombard yesterday, to discuss the importance of French investment in the UK and how this new partnership will enable more collaboration in key sectors such as clean energy, tech and economic resilience.

UK companies are also continuing to succeed in the French market, delivering on the government’s AI opportunities action plan, from capability to R&D. British tech unicorns are winning tens of millions of pounds in significant contracts with French corporates, driving jobs and growth at home.

This includes Synthesia’s new partnership with Decathlon to create a pioneering AI avatar lab, ElevenLabs’ collaboration with M6 and TV5 Monde, and Darktrace’s contract with GL Events, a French major events operator. BT is also connecting more than 80 French-headquartered companies including Alstom and Michelin in France, with operations totalling approximately £130 million last financial year.

The refresh of the Lancaster House defence partnership is also creating new opportunities in the UK’s aerospace and defence sectors, supporting over 2,750 highly skilled jobs and representing billions to the UK and French economies through joint export promotion and capability projects which benefit the UK’s defence industries, including MBDA and Airbus.

The agreement with France follows the Industrial Strategy Partnership committed to between the UK and Japan in March, preceding publication of the Strategy in June.
July 13, 2025