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  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Philippines agree government infrastructure partnership [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Philippines agree government infrastructure partnership [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 23 September 2026.

    Today, the United Kingdom and the Philippines have finalised a government-to-government (G2G) Partnership to strengthen bilateral trade cooperation on infrastructure. 

    The Partnership, signed on 23 September by UK Trade Minister Lord Sarwar and Philippine Finance Secretary Federick Go, marks a major step in the two countries’ long-term economic cooperation. It will mean that priority Philippine government infrastructure projects can be considered for support from UK Export Finance, the UK’s export credit agency. 

    This innovative Partnership is designed to widen opportunities for the Philippines to draw on competitive UK-backed finance – UK Export Finance currently has up to £5 billion of capacity available for eligible projects in the Philippines – and utilise the best of British expertise, goods and services, driving growth for both countries. 

    The Partnership will help connect the Philippines with UK expertise in sectors including transport, clean energy, healthcare, water, digital infrastructure and advanced technology, supporting growth and innovation in both economies. It also puts the UK Government’s recently published Government-to-Government Strategy into action by creating a route for cooperation on project development, financing and delivery. As the Philippines invests in national infrastructure, UK businesses with world-leading capabilities are well placed to engage in priority projects. 

    This is the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy taking flight: expanding government-to-government commercial partnerships, deepening international cooperation and opening new opportunities for UK businesses in growth-driving sectors. 

    Minister of State for Trade, Anas Sarwar, said:

    “Delivering on our recently published G2G Strategy, this partnership shows the UK building modern trade relationships that will deliver tangible economic benefits – jobs and growth – both at home and abroad.

    “This G2G is a route for the Philippines to access UK expertise, goods, services and financing; and for British businesses to partner with the Philippines and participate in future projects.”

    His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent, said:

    “This partnership reflects the strength of the UK-Philippines relationship and our shared ambition to deliver high-quality, sustainable infrastructure.

    “It will create new opportunities for the Philippines to access world-class UK infrastructure. I look forward seeing the innovation and growth this will deliver for both our countries.”

  • NEWS STORY : Manchester Chosen to Host 2027 G20 Leaders’ Summit

    NEWS STORY : Manchester Chosen to Host 2027 G20 Leaders’ Summit

    STORY

    Manchester will host the 2027 G20 Leaders’ Summit, bringing heads of government from the world’s largest economies to the city. The meeting will take place at Manchester Central Convention Centre on 27 and 28 November 2027.

    The summit will be held during the UK’s year long presidency of the G20, with additional meetings planned at locations across the country. The Government said its priorities would include strengthening global economic stability and encouraging international investment, while Manchester City Council expects the event to benefit the city’s hospitality and visitor economy.

    The G20 includes 19 countries alongside the European Union and African Union, collectively representing approximately 85 per cent of global economic output, 75 per cent of international trade and two thirds of the world’s population. The UK last hosted a G20 summit in London in 2009, when leaders agreed measures intended to support the global economy following the financial crisis.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Manchester to host world leaders at the 2027 G20 Summit [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Manchester to host world leaders at the 2027 G20 Summit [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 23 September 2026.

    The UK will host the twenty second G20 Leaders’ Summit in Manchester next year, convening the major global economic players to deliver on our shared goals and address the most acute global challenges we face. 

    The G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place on 27 and 28 November 2027. Over two days the UK will host heads of government from G20 members. We will use the summit to reinforce global economic stability – essential for working people in the UK.

    As well as the Manchester Summit, locations across the UK are also set to host further events throughout the year – bringing the G20 to nations and regions across the UK. The Government is determined to ensure the Summit and the year-long Presidency will benefit people in every part of the UK. 

    The work of the G20 and our relationship with G20 partners has real impact in the UK. In recent years G20 members have brought thousands of investment projects into the UK, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs. The UK last hosted the G20 Summit in 2009 where world leaders pledged to make an additional $1.1 trillion available to help the world economy through the financial crisis and restore credit, growth and jobs.

    The G20 brings together 19 of the world’s largest economies and the European Union and the African Union. Together, it makes up 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population and is the main international forum for coordinating the world’s largest economies.

    The Leaders’ Summit will be held at the Manchester Central Convention Centre in Manchester city centre. As well as world leaders, it will host thousands of diplomats and delegates from international organisations.

    First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said:

    Hosting the G20 in Manchester next year will be an opportunity to showcase some of the best that British communities and industries the length and breadth of this country have to offer.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig said:

    We’re proud to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Greater Manchester, and are ready to welcome people from across the world to our city region.

    Greater Manchester has changed the world over centuries as the home of innovation and trailblazing ideas, and is being recognised as an emerging star of the global economy.

    With the spotlight on us, we look forward to working with the Government to deliver a G20 Summit that will help boost growth and bring real benefits to people here and throughout the country.

    Leader of Manchester City Council Garry Bridges said:

    It’s a huge honour to be chosen as the host city for the G20 and reflects the city’s growing international stature.

    We look forward to welcoming world leaders and thousands of delegates from across the globe and showcasing the best of what our city has to offer.

    The opportunities flowing from this major event as the eyes of the world are on Manchester are immense, both in the short term for our hospitality sector and in the longer term for attracting investment, visitors and jobs.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen [September 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 September 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, this afternoon at the UN General Assembly.

    The two leaders discussed the importance of working towards a successful outcome for the next EU-UK summit later in the year.

    They also reflected on the challenges the EU and UK face in responding to the threats from Russia in Ukraine and in relation to hybrid warfare and disinformation.

    They emphasised the importance of working together to meet the common security threats faced by Europe, to reduce illegal migration and to respond to unfair competition and overcapacity in global markets.

    Finally, the leaders also discussed the initiatives underway to address AI safety, including in relation to the UK’s Presidency of the G20 in 2027.

    The Prime Minister said he looked forward to hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Manchester next year.

    They agreed to stay in close touch.

  • NEWS STORY : Bentley Investment Takes Weekly UK Automotive Total Above £1 Billion

    NEWS STORY : Bentley Investment Takes Weekly UK Automotive Total Above £1 Billion

    STORY

    Bentley has completed a £350 million investment at its Crewe factory as it prepares to manufacture its first fully electric vehicle. The Government said the investment would support approximately 4,000 existing jobs at the site.

    The announcement takes the value of automotive investments revealed within seven days to £1.02 billion. McLaren has announced investment of £500 million, while Nissan has committed £170 million.

    Bentley has installed new manufacturing, design and logistics facilities at Crewe, alongside workforce training. The Government is providing £7.5 billion to support electric vehicle manufacturing, sales and charging infrastructure, while consulting businesses over the planned ending of sales of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Commits £331 Million to Climate and Nature Security

    NEWS STORY : UK Commits £331 Million to Climate and Nature Security

    STORY

    The UK Government has announced £331 million of international funding intended to address security risks associated with climate change and the loss of natural habitats. The package was unveiled by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband at the United Nations General Assembly.

    Of the total, £330 million will be provided to the Global Environment Facility between 2026 and 2030. The funding will support sustainable agriculture and fishing, access to food and clean water, and measures addressing desertification, deforestation, drought and flooding.

    A further £1 million will be given to the United Nations Climate Security Mechanism, which works with countries to identify environmental pressures that could contribute to conflict and humanitarian emergencies. The Government said climate related disruption can affect the UK through higher food prices, disrupted supply chains, displacement and greater international instability.

  • NEWS STORY : Defence Industry Promises 50,000 Annual Opportunities for Young People

    NEWS STORY : Defence Industry Promises 50,000 Annual Opportunities for Young People

    STORY

    The Government and major defence companies have agreed to provide 40,000 employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities for young people each year by 2030. The annual number is intended to rise to 50,000 by 2035.

    Companies participating in the agreement include Airbus, Babcock, BAE Systems, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Rolls Royce and Thales. The commitments include at least 14,000 apprenticeships by 2035 and a 25 per cent increase in work experience placements and programmes for young people who are not in employment, education or training.

    The agreement will form part of the forthcoming Defence Jobs Plan and follows a £182 million Government package for defence skills. Ministers say approximately 53,000 additional workers will be required across the defence industry by 2035, while the wider Defence Investment Plan is expected to support more than 60,000 new roles.

  • NEWS STORY : Free Summer Bus Scheme Provided 14.5 Million Child Journeys

    NEWS STORY : Free Summer Bus Scheme Provided 14.5 Million Child Journeys

    STORY

    More than 14.5 million free bus journeys were made by children during August under the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme. Children aged between five and 15 were able to travel without charge on participating services across England.

    Figures supplied by participating operators showed substantial increases in child passenger numbers. The Bee Network in Greater Manchester carried nearly 1.7 million children during the month, an increase of 748,000 compared with the previous summer, while one service in north east England recorded a rise of 710 per cent.

    The Government said the scheme formed part of its wider attempt to reduce the cost of bus travel and encourage greater use of public transport. A £2 bus fare cap is due to begin in January 2027, while time restrictions on concessionary passes for disabled passengers are also being removed.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Pledges £88 Million for Humanitarian Support in Gaza and the West Bank

    NEWS STORY : UK Pledges £88 Million for Humanitarian Support in Gaza and the West Bank

    STORY

    The UK Government has announced an £88 million package of humanitarian and early recovery support for Palestinians. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the funding during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

    The package is intended to provide healthcare, clean water, sanitation, waste management and protection services in Gaza and the West Bank. The Government expects supported facilities to provide medical consultations for as many as 900,000 people, while 1,000 children with blast injuries could receive rehabilitation and prosthetic treatment.

    Funding is also expected to provide emergency water supplies for 150,000 people and mental health support for 21,000 people. The package includes previously announced commitments alongside new funding, with the Government allocating a total bilateral aid budget of £127 million for Palestine during the 2026 to 2027 financial year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Trump of the United States [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Trump of the United States [September 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 September 2026.

    The Prime Minister met the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, at the United Nations General Assembly today. 

    The leaders began by emphasising the value of the closeness of the relationship between the UK and the US, noting their warm and constructive phone calls since the Prime Minister took office. 

    They welcomed the importance of trade between the two countries, with the Prime Minister noting how existing agreements brought clear benefits to British people back home. He said he was committed to making Britain feel good about itself again, through setting a clear direction and reindustrialisation, and making sure this was a draw-a-line moment for the country. 

    The leaders discussed migration, with the Prime Minister setting out how summer small boat crossings were at the lowest in six years and net migration is also down, while noting the valuable contribution made by those who came legally to Britain.

    Turning to international affairs, the leaders spoke about the importance of reopening global shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and how Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, with the Prime Minister noting how the conflict clearly impacted the cost of living at home. The leaders also discussed the importance of securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, with the President recognising the strength of the UK’s support for the Ukrainian people since the war began. On Diego Garcia, the Prime Minister said he was committed to working with all parties to find a solution. On the Falkland Islands, the Prime Minister set out that Britain would stand firm in the face of threats. Finally, the leaders discussed the case of British citizen Jimmy Lai, with the Prime Minister reiterating the need for his immediate release.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.