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  • PRESS RELEASE : New Support Hub launches for victims and survivors of terrorism [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Support Hub launches for victims and survivors of terrorism [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 June 2026.

    A new Support Hub has launched delivering tailored, trauma-informed care for victims and survivors of terrorism.

    Victims and survivors of terrorism will receive around the clock support to help them navigate recovery through a dedicated Support Hub, which opens on 1 June.

    The hub will provide specialist, trauma-informed support for anyone affected by a terrorist incident, ensuring victims can access the help they need at any stage of their recovery.

    Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

    For too long, victims and survivors of terrorism have had to navigate complicated and fragmented support services. I am pleased to say that ends today with the launch of our new Support Hub.

    It will offer a simpler, more joined-up approach for those rebuilding their lives after an attack – providing a single point of contact for timely emotional and practical support, dedicated caseworkers and personalised support plans.

    Delivered in partnership, Victim Support will work with the Peace Collective and West London NHS Trust to bring together leading expertise into one coordinated service.

    Together, they will combine clinical expertise and practical assistance to deliver a coordinated service tailored to the needs of victims and survivors – bringing dedicated caseworkers, personalised support and specialist provision for children and young people together into one place.

    Katie Kempen, Chief Executive at Victim Support, said:  

    The horror of experiencing a terror attack is far-reaching and can have a devastating impact on victims, survivors and their families. The road to recovery can be a long and complicated one. Being able to access the right help at the right time can make a huge difference.    

    We are proud to be working in partnership to deliver specialist trauma-informed support services – including immediate emotional reassurance, practical help, specialist psychological support, and longer-term recovery assistance – to anyone who needs it.

    Delivering on a government commitment, the new Support Hub will operate 24/7 and will assign each victim and survivor a single point of contact for tailored, trauma-informed support.

    Victims and survivors can access the Support Hub via the website or by phone, ensuring support is available quickly and simply when it is needed.

    Dedicated caseworkers will coordinate services and build personalised support plans, with specially trained caseworkers involved to work with children and young people.

    Where needed, the hub will also provide specialist mental health assessments and psychological support via the National Psychology Service for Victims and Survivors of Terror at West London NHS Trust.

    Cheryl Stollery, wife of the late John Stollery – Sousse, Tunisia, said:

    Since surviving the Sousse, Tunisia terrorist attack on 26 June 2015, in which my husband John was killed, I have lived with the profound trauma, grief and challenges it brought to my family. Learning to survive such an attack is beyond belief; the aftermath is different for everyone and often too complex to manage alone, especially where incidents occur overseas.

    Since 2015, I have campaigned for improved, centralised support and championed the survivor voice. Today, I welcome the new victim and survivors Support Hub, which will provide tailored support, clear guidance and renewed hope for those affected.

    Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, said:

    Following a terrorist attack, one of the hardest challenges for many victims is navigating how to access support. From medical care to compensation and the legal system, there is no clear structure and victims are passed from pillar to post whilst their condition worsens, and society moves on.

    Terrorism seeks to shatter our confidence in the government’s ability to keep us safe, and if we don’t properly support those affected, we risk doing the terrorists’ job for them. The Support Hub is an important step forward, and we stand ready to support, and – where required – scrutinise its work.

    William Roberts – Victims and Survivors Service Manager, Peace Collective, said:

    We are very proud to be part of this new partnership with Victim Support and West London NHS Trust. We know that people will need different kinds of support at different points in their lives, and often many years after their experience. The Support Hub is an important step in making support more coordinated, accessible and responsive to those changing needs over time.

    West London NHS Trust Chief Executive, Maria O’Brien, said: 

    It’s vital that victims and survivors of terrorist attacks get the support they need and the launch of this pioneering Support Hub makes that a reality.  

    West London NHS Trust has a strong track record of providing specialist mental health support to those managing the long-term impact of a terrorist attack and other major incidents in London, and we’re proud to bring this expertise nationally so that more people get the help they deserve.

    Tom Clementi, Pool Re CEO, said:

    We know only too well that terrorism has devastating consequences, affecting not only the victims but also disrupting and undermining confidence within the wider community and across the UK.

    As a country we must be prepared should there be an incident, and that means being primed to support those impacted in its aftermath. Pool Re is proud to be part of this launch, which will provide the crucial care to those who need it most.

    The launch of the Support Hub comes just over 2 months out from the nation coming together on 21 August to mark the UK’s very first national day for victims and survivors of terrorism.

    The day will honour those whose lives have been tragically cut short as a result of terrorism and recognise those whose lives have been forever changed. It will provide an opportunity for remembrance, reflection and a moment of solidarity across the country.

    Victims, survivors and all members of the public are encouraged to observe the national day in a way which is meaningful to them. This may be in their homes, with loved ones, or together in their local communities.

    The Home Office will host a hybrid inaugural event to mark the first national day.

    The event will be an intimate commemoration, bringing together a small cross‑section of the victim and survivor community, alongside government representatives.

    Invitations are being issued for the event in central London, with a livestream of the commemoration available to anyone wishing to participate. Further details will be shared in due course.

    The delivery of the new Support Hub and national day for victims and survivors of terrorism follows campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition and the government’s commitment to improve support available to them – ensuring their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

  • Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Comments on the Makeup of Labour MPs

    Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Comments on the Makeup of Labour MPs

    The comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 31 May 2026.

    Incredibly, 90% of the new Labour MPs at the last election came from a trade union, charity or public-sector background. Barely 1/5th of the Cabinet has any private-sector experience. In the Shadow Cabinet, 3/4 of us do. That distinction matters.

    The skills Labour MPs have acquired are in lobbying for more funding, campaigning for more benefits or more red tape. Britain needs a new generation of politician.

    Only the Conservative Party can build a team for the economic war effort required after Burnham/Starmer have finished this catastrophic experiment. We will need to fix every aspect of our system at once. There will be no kicking decisions into the long grass, only rolling our sleeves up and getting to work.

    If you’ve ever thought about a career in politics but decided it was too risky or you wouldn’t fit in, now is your time.…We are looking for people from every walk of life who know how to get stuff done.

    In return, I will make politics work for you.

    Britain does not lack talent. It lacks a system that draws that talent into public life. Join my team and help us get Britain working again.

  • David Gauke – 2026 Comments on Zia Yusuf

    David Gauke – 2026 Comments on Zia Yusuf

    The comments made on 29 May 2026 in response to Yusuf referring to politicians as “traitors”.

    I didn’t vote for either of the winners of the last two General Elections but “traitors” for whom a “reckoning is coming”? Really? This very excitable, angry & hyperbolic man should be nowhere near a position of responsibility in a political party that aspires to power.

  • NEWS STORY : Jeremy Hunt Reflects on Political Costs and Economic Challenge

    NEWS STORY : Jeremy Hunt Reflects on Political Costs and Economic Challenge

    STORY

    Jeremy Hunt has used a new interview to reflect on the personal cost of political life and to argue that Britain still faces deep economic challenges. The former Chancellor, now on the Conservative back benches, said politics had made him a poor husband, father and friend, according to The Times.

    Hunt also used the interview to discuss his new book on the British economy and the need for long-term reform. He criticised both Conservative and Labour failures, while arguing that the country’s economic problems required difficult choices on taxation, welfare, pensions and productivity.

    His comments add to the wider debate over whether either main party has a credible plan for growth. Although Hunt is no longer in frontline politics, his intervention will be read in the context of Conservative attempts to rebuild after defeat and Labour’s own internal argument about economic direction.

  • NEWS STORY : Parliament Prepares to Return After Whitsun Recess

    NEWS STORY : Parliament Prepares to Return After Whitsun Recess

    STORY

    The House of Commons and House of Lords are due to return on Monday 1 June after the Whitsun recess. UK Parliament’s business papers showed that neither House was sitting on Sunday 31 May, with Commons business scheduled to resume at the start of the new week.

    The return of Parliament will bring ministers back under direct scrutiny after a period dominated by Labour leadership speculation, questions over public spending and continuing pressure on Government delivery. The House of Commons has listed business for the week of 1 to 5 June, with MPs expected to return to the usual pattern of debates, questions and committee work.

    The timing is awkward for the Government, as the national political agenda has moved quickly during recess. Ministers are likely to face questions on the rail public ownership programme, Labour’s internal divisions, economic policy and the continuing consequences of recent local and devolved election results.

  • NEWS STORY : Wes Streeting Sets Out Alternative Labour Programme

    NEWS STORY : Wes Streeting Sets Out Alternative Labour Programme

    STORY

    Wes Streeting has set out a series of policy positions that put him at odds with both Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Tony Blair. In an interview reported by The Independent, the former Health Secretary said Labour should consider cutting national insurance and issuing new North Sea oil and gas licences.

    Streeting also criticised Starmer’s leadership, saying voters did not have an emotional connection with the Prime Minister and that the Government had a problem of substance as well as presentation. He said Labour should stick to its manifesto commitments on Europe in the short term, while still supporting the UK’s eventual return to the European Union.

    His comments come ahead of a possible Labour leadership contest later this year and after he resigned from Government to prepare for a challenge. Streeting also criticised elements of Blair’s recent intervention, arguing that the former Prime Minister’s approach did not sufficiently address inequality and the political forces driving public discontent.

  • NEWS STORY : Burnham Reportedly Considering Snap Election if He Becomes Prime Minister

    NEWS STORY : Burnham Reportedly Considering Snap Election if He Becomes Prime Minister

    STORY

    Andy Burnham is reportedly considering calling a snap general election if he becomes Prime Minister, according to a report cited by Reuters. The report said Labour insiders believed Burnham could seek an electoral mandate if he were to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as party leader and enter Downing Street.

    The same report said Burnham was considering Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as a possible Chancellor and that Angela Rayner could return to Cabinet. Reuters said it had not independently verified the claims and that Burnham, Rayner and Mahmood had not immediately responded to requests for comment.

    Burnham would first need to win the Makerfield by-election on 18 June before any leadership move could be launched. His potential return to Westminster has intensified pressure on Starmer, whose leadership has been under renewed scrutiny following Labour’s poor local election performance.

  • NEWS STORY : Foreign Secretary to Visit China and India for Global Talks

    NEWS STORY : Foreign Secretary to Visit China and India for Global Talks

    STORY

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is due to travel to China and India for talks covering global security, trade and international health issues. Reuters reported that Cooper will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice President Han Zheng before travelling to Shenzhen for discussions focused on science and technology.

    The visit follows the Government’s attempt to reset relations with China after Keir Starmer’s trip earlier this year. The talks are expected to cover issues including the Strait of Hormuz, the war in Ukraine and the recent Ebola outbreak, with ministers arguing that engagement with major powers is necessary during a period of heightened international instability.

    Cooper is then expected to travel to India, where she will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other figures connected with the UK-India Vision 2035 initiative. The visit comes after the two countries signed a free trade agreement last year, although implementation has faced difficulties linked to UK steel import restrictions.

  • NEWS STORY : Former M&S Chief Executive Appointed to Youth Employment Role

    NEWS STORY : Former M&S Chief Executive Appointed to Youth Employment Role

    STORY

    Former Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland has been appointed as Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Work and Pensions to support the Government’s Youth Guarantee. He has been asked to convene business leaders and help improve the route into employment, education or training for young people.

    The appointment follows interim findings from the Government-commissioned review led by Alan Milburn into youth inactivity. The DWP said around one million young people are not in employment, education or training, and that Bolland’s experience through Movement to Work would help bring employers into the design and delivery of support.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said Bolland’s appointment showed that the Government was serious about tackling the issue. Bolland will advise ministers on the response to the Milburn review and work with businesses, charities, disabled people’s organisations and young people themselves as part of the wider programme.

  • NEWS STORY : GTR Services Transfer Into Public Ownership

    NEWS STORY : GTR Services Transfer Into Public Ownership

    STORY

    Govia Thameslink Railway services have transferred into public ownership, bringing Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express under the management of DfT Operator Limited. The move took effect on 31 May 2026 and forms part of the Government’s wider programme to bring DfT-managed train operators into public ownership ahead of the creation of Great British Railways.

    DfT Operator Limited said eight in ten passenger rail journeys that will ultimately fall under Great British Railways are now delivered by publicly owned operators. Ministers have argued that the change will make the railway more accountable and allow train operators and Network Rail to work more closely together on performance and passenger experience.

    The transfer is politically significant because GTR is Britain’s largest train operating company and covers major commuter and airport routes across London and the south east. The Government said public ownership would support improved services while also reducing subsidy and maintaining safety and sustainability, although the practical impact will depend on whether passengers see fewer cancellations and better reliability.