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PRESS RELEASE : British businesses celebrated as The King’s Awards for Enterprise mark their 60th anniversary [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 May 2026.

Recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise announced, celebrating the achievements of outstanding businesses from across the UK.
- 186 recipients announced in The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards
- The King’s Awards for Enterprise mark 60 years of celebrating outstanding UK business excellence
- In this milestone year, the Awards are expanding to champion the next generation with the launch of The King’s Award for Enterprise – Young Founder.
- The new Young Founder category will spotlight founders aged 18–30 who are actively leading their businesses and building success with impact.  
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of outstanding businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital contribution to economic growth and improving lives.

This year marks a significant milestone for the Awards, as they celebrate 60 years since the first honours were conferred in 1966. Established in 1965, the programme has since recognised more than 8,000 exceptional UK businesses, highlighting the strength, innovation, and ambition of British enterprise.

To mark this anniversary year – and to ensure the Awards continue to reflect the evolving landscape of UK business – a new category has been introduced: The King’s Award for Enterprise – Young Founder. Created as part of the Department for Business and Trade’s Small Business Plan, the Award will recognise founders aged 18–30 who are actively leading their businesses and driving growth and opportunity.

A total of 186 awards have been issued with one company, Bristol-based Tailfin Ltd, being recognised for two Awards. The Awards span a diverse range of sectors and celebrate the ambition, ingenuity, and success of the UK’s business community.

Overall, 76 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 52 for Innovation, 36 for Sustainability and 22 for Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).

By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations, and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth and to put more money in more working people’s pockets.

Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation said:

“A huge congratulations to every business receiving awards this year, who once again have illustrated the best of British innovation and talent.

“These awards show that right across the UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding and it’s only right that we champion these successes.”

Out of the 186 awards, 164 (89%) went to SMEs, and of those, 24 (13%) are micro-businesses, with 10 employees or less.

Smaller businesses are the beating heart of this government’s growth mission and providing them with the right support to overcome barriers and reach their full potential is an absolute priority.

Earlier this year, the government set out key actions to clamp down on the scourge of late payments that shutter 38 businesses every day.

Those measures follow on from last summer’s launch of the Small Business Plan by the Prime Minister that also launched the Business Growth Service, which is already transforming the government support offer for small firms, and increased access to finance for SMEs and entrepreneurs with a massive £4 billion finance boost.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating 60 years since the first Awards were conferred in 1966. Formerly known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the programme was renamed four years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s wish to continue the remarkable legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising the very best of UK business. Since their inception, over 8000 British businesses have been recognised with this royal accolade.  

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each successful business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
06/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Healthcare workers must never be targets in conflict – UK statement at the UN Arria meeting on protecting medical care in conflict amid evolving threats [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Arria meeting on protecting medical care in conflict amid evolving threats.

Ten years ago, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2286, a landmark commitment to protect the wounded and sick, and the medical and humanitarian personnel caring for them during armed conflict.

The United Kingdom was proud to co-sponsor that resolution. Yet attacks on health care continue to rise.

The number of medical personnel and patients killed in conflict zones doubled last year, reaching record levels, with Sudan, Myanmar, and Palestine amongst the worst affected.

We are also deeply concerned by recent attacks on medical staff and facilities in Lebanon.

This anniversary must be used to consider how we ensure Resolution 2286 delivers real and practical protection on the ground.

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom calls on all parties to conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including in relation to the protection of medical and humanitarian personnel.

The UK is proud to co-sponsor a workstream under the ICRC’s Global International Humanitarian Law Initiative and to have supported the Australian–led Political Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

Second, all parties to conflict must be held accountable when they fail to comply with international humanitarian law. We underline the importance of transparent and timely investigations when health workers, humanitarian, and medical facilities are harmed.

States must consider allowing access to independent fact-finding missions, conduct their own investigations, and share findings transparently.

These steps are essential to ensuring accountability.

Third, as new technologies emerge, they must be developed and used in full compliance with international humanitarian law.

The growing use of uncrewed aerial systems risks further endangering already fragile operating environments, particularly for civilians and medical workers.

We have seen the grave consequences of misuse in contexts including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Ukraine.

Chair, access to health care is critical to peace and security.

We must do more to ensure that medical personnel can deliver that care safely, in line with international humanitarian law.

06/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : 52nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Estonia [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

UK Statement at Estonia’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you Vice President,

The UK acknowledges the demanding security context facing Estonia, shaped by Russia’s aggression, persistent cyber and hybrid activity, and efforts to weaken democratic trust and societal cohesion. We commend Estonia’s continued leadership in upholding democratic values, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including its proactive approach to countering disinformation and strengthening national resilience.

We welcome Estonia’s continued progress on gender equality and minority inclusion. We also commend Estonia’s principled and sustained support for Ukraine in response to Russia’s aggression.

We recommend that Estonia:
1. Strengthens its response to violence against women and girls, including by progressing consent‑based sexual offences legislation and ensuring accessible, adequately resourced protection, support and justice for victims.
2. Continues advancing equality for LGBT+ people by strengthening comprehensive anti‑discrimination protections and improving the prevention, investigation and prosecution of hate speech and hate‑motivated crime.
3. Ensures that measures adopted on national security grounds remain consistent with human rights obligations – including freedom of religion or belief, freedom of association and the rule of law – while safeguarding the effective participation of minority communities in democratic and public life.
06/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : 52nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Mozambique [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

UK Statement at Mozambique’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The United Kingdom recognises the government’s commitment to improving its human rights framework and acknowledges the challenges Mozambique faces, including insecurity, humanitarian pressures, and climate‑related impacts.

However, we remain concerned by reports of human rights abuses and disproportionate restrictions on civic and political space. Allegations of intimidation and violence undermine trust in institutions. A safe and open civic and political space is essential to democracy.

We recommend that Mozambique:
1. Strengthens the independence and effectiveness of accountability and oversight mechanisms – including the judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission – to ensure prompt, impartial and transparent investigations of alleged violations, including by security forces.
2. Continues implementing the national legal framework on internal displacement, with particular attention to protection and essential services for children affected by conflict.
3. Prioritises finalising a National Action Plan on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights by the end of 2026.
Thank you.
06/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : 52nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Niger [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

UK Statement at Niger’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you Mr Vice-President,

We welcome Niger’s continued engagement with the UPR process.

These include efforts to advance and protect the rights of women and girls, especially in terms of access to essential health services and protection from gender-based violence, as well as steps taken to improve conditions of detention and maintain a moratorium on the death penalty.

We recommend that Niger:
1. Continues advancing the rights of women and girls by strengthening laws to support survivors of sexual violence, including access to specialist health services, and by further deterring child marriage through the criminalisation of those who enable it.
2. Enshrines the abolition of the death penalty in law, in line with the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, and by continuing the commutation of existing death sentences.
3. Supports continued monitoring of human rights in Niger, including minority rights, by establishing the planned National Observatory for Human Rights and Fundamental Liberties and committing to protecting its independence.
Thank you.
06/05/2026
NEWS STORY : UK Urges Namibia to Strengthen Protections for Women, Trafficking Victims and LGBT+ People

STORY

The United Kingdom has called on Namibia to take further action on gender-based violence, human trafficking and LGBT+ equality during the country’s latest Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council.

Eleanor Sanders, the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, delivered the statement in Geneva on 4 May 2026. She said the UK welcomed Namibia’s constitutional commitment to human rights, but encouraged further progress in ensuring equal rights and equal access to services for all.

The UK recommended that Namibia expand support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, improve access to justice and increase transparency around data. It also called for wider access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescent girls in rural areas.

06/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : 52nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Namibia [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

Statement by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, at Namibia’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President,

The United Kingdom welcomes Namibia’s constitutional commitment to human rights, and encourages continued progress in delivering equal rights and equal access to services for all.

We recommend that Namibia:
1. Expands support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, improves access to justice and data transparency, and increases sexual and reproductive health services for adolescent girls in rural areas.
2. Establishes referral procedures for trafficking across the country, trains frontline responders, and openly publishes data on identified victims, referrals, investigations, prosecutions and support provided.
3. Promotes LGBT+ equality with anti-discrimination laws, accessible reporting and public data.
Thank you.
06/05/2026
Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments at No 10 Tackling Antisemitism Forum

The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 5 May 2026.

Thank you all for being here. We have a lot of work to do so it’s very important we gather here to do that work.

Thank you Louis. That was incredibly powerful, and honest, and courageous. I think it’s really important we heard you speak, in your words, saying how you feel, and what it feels like to be Jewish in Britain right now.

And if recent events haven’t given us pause for thought, that really should.

About the responsibility each one of us has to face this challenge head on. And about what’s at the stake in the conversations we have today.

Last October, at Heaton Park, a deadly terrorist attack shocked the nation.

Similarly, last week’s terrorist attack in Golders Green was utterly appalling. But they were not isolated incidents.

It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them.

These disgusting attacks are being made against British Jews. But, make no mistake, this crisis – it is a crisis for all of us. It is a test of our values. Values that aren’t guaranteed, they are earned. Every single day. Through our actions.

So, it is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities. Of course we do, but we have to show with action. And that responsibility lies with each and every one of us.

Because it is our fight too. It is about the kind of country that we all want to be.

And that’s what today is about. Because only by working together can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society.

I have seen this poison up close. I have seen the damage it does when it takes hold. And I know what it demands to root it out – a coordinated approach, an unwavering resolve and zero tolerance for failure. And that is what we must do today. My government is using the full force of the state to that end. We have begun, as we must, with immediate protection.

In recent months, as antisemitic incidents have risen, we have acted decisively to strengthen the safety of Jewish communities. And last week, we announced an additional £25 million in funding.

That money is being used to increase police patrols, enhance security at synagogues, schools and community centres, and place specialist and plain-clothes officers in communities to prevent serious harm before it occurs.

That is the right thing to do. But what a sad thing to read out that list of acts to you – protecting synagogues, schools and community centres. I repeat those words.

Because of course, we cannot accept a future where communities feel safer only behind higher walls. Security is essential – but it is not enough. We must also deal with the forces that drive this hatred in the first place.

So, we are confronting them directly. One of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents. We are investigating of course all possibilities. And we are clear that these actions will have consequences if that proves to be the case.

Our message to Iran, or to any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society, is that it will not be tolerated. That is why we are fast tracking legislation to tackle these malign threats.

And we are clear eyed about the fact that antisemitism does not have one source alone. Islamist, far-left and far-right extremism all target Jewish communities.

That is why this Government has put in place the first coordinated national plan to strengthen cohesion and confront extremism in all of its forms.

This is not about tinkering around the edges. Our plan is a complete step change in how we protect communities: moving beyond piecemeal responses to a sustained, nationwide effort – one that ensures that people across the United Kingdom can live freely and without fear.

We are strengthening our ability to disrupt extremism – stopping those who spread hatred from entering the country and giving the Charity Commission stronger powers to act against organisations that enable it.

We are holding technology companies to account, requiring them to remove illegal extremist content or face serious penalties. And we have introduced stronger powers to deal with protests, ensuring intimidation is not tolerated on our streets.

And when these vile acts are committed, we are bolstering the response of our justice system – working to speed up sentencing for offences so that consequences are swift and the deterrent is clear.

But it is also important to recognise that so often this hatred does not begin with violence – it begins with ideas, with misinformation, tropes and conspiracy theories, and with attitudes that, left unchecked, can take root and spread. So, in those spaces where the shoots of antisemitism begin to grow, we are stepping in.

We have commissioned independent reviews into antisemitism in education and health services. Across the NHS, we are rolling out antisemitism training for staff.

And in our schools, colleges and universities, we are investing £7 million to tackle antisemitism, while making sure Holocaust education is taught in all schools.

And, today, we are going further. We already expect universities to set out clear disciplinary consequences for antisemitism, and to enforce them. And so we will hold them to account on that.

But today, I can announce that we will lift the bar higher: when abuses take place, we are calling on universities to demonstrate action. We will now expect them to publish the scale of the problem on their campuses, as well as the specific steps they have taken to clamp down on it. There will be zero tolerance for inaction.

In our cultural venues and spaces we will also expect more. Where public funding is being used to promote or platform antisemitism, the Arts Council must act, using its powers to suspend, withdraw and claw back funding.

And, today, we are mandating an independent audit of how allegations are handled. This will be a hard-edged review of where systems are failing and where they need to be strengthened. We will not and cannot accept complacency, delays, or weak enforcement. And where complacency is found, it will be challenged and addressed swiftly.

And we will also address a quieter but no less serious harm: the way rising security costs are forcing Jewish artists and organisations out of public life. That is exclusion – and it is unacceptable.

We will ensure that the Arts Council and Home Office funding can be used to cover protective security costs, so that participation is not determined by fear.

There is, of course, more work to do – and we won’t stop playing our part. But this is not a task that government do alone.

Every part of society has a responsibility to respond with determination and force. Because there are too many people who don’t see antisemitism for what it is: anti-Jewish hatred, racism, pure and simple.

That is why, today, I am asking you – each and every one of you – to reflect. On what form antisemitism takes in the sectors that you lead. In how it may be allowed to fester and spread. And on the work that you are currently doing to stamp it out.

And then, even more importantly, I am calling on you to act. With urgency. To look clearly at where you are succeeding – and just as clearly at where there is still work to be done. And to commit to the tangible action that Jewish people in this country need to feel safe again.

Because stopping antisemitism is not someone else’s responsibility. It is all of ours. That is the test before us. And only by working together will we meet it.

So, thank you for being here today – we have a lot of work to do – and we’re now going to move through to the Pillared Room to discuss that work further. So please come through and join us in the Pillared Room to continue the work that we have started today.

06/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Nearly £50 million government backing to power up drone and flying taxi tech and crack down on illegal drones [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 5 May 2026.

Funding will help develop a numberplate ID system for drones, helping police better protect UK skies and prosecute illegal users.
- British jobs, innovation and long-term economic growth will be supported by £26 million to bring drones and air taxis to UK skies faster
- nearly £20.5 million committed to develop numberplate ID system for drones – helping police better protect UK skies and prosecute illegal users
- plans will cut red tape and boost the UK’s next-generation aviation technologies, estimated to contribute up to £103 billion to the UK economy over the next 25 years
Drone deliveries, flying taxis and smarter emergency services could be a step closer to use in UK skies, as the government awards almost £50 million to unlock growth in the drone and advanced air mobility sector, today (5 May 2026).

Part of the £46.5 million investment will also see a crackdown on ‘faceless’ drones, which can be used in suspicious or illegal activity, through the first bespoke drone identification system. The measures will make it easier for police to identify illegal or nuisance users and clear the way for legitimate drone operators.

Delivered through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the funding will also cut red tape and support the regulatory, digital and security foundations needed to bring drones and advanced air mobility – such as electric flying taxis – into more routine use across the UK.

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said:

We’re backing the next generation of British aviation innovators with nearly £50 million to drive drone regulation reforms and unlock barriers to growth that will create jobs, lower emissions and further the UK’s world-leading aviation reputation.

Innovation must go hand in hand with strong security – that’s why over half of our investment will develop a new ID system to track drones in real-time, supporting emergency services and building public confidence in an industry that could be worth up to £103 billion by 2050.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

This funding will create a numberplate system for the skies.

Law enforcement will be able to identify and take action against those who break the law, taking drones out of the sky and protecting the public.

Hybrid Remote ID works by sending out the drone’s ID and location during flight so nearby devices can pick it up, sharing flight details through a secure online system that authorised people can access even when they are not nearby and recording historic data.

The funding also includes £26.5 million to drive smarter regulation and cut red tape – making it easier for drones to be used in everyday public services and driving economic growth across the UK.

This includes speeding up approvals for drone operations for emergency responses, medical logistics and infrastructure inspection, driving forward regulation to get flying taxis in the sky from 2028. Drone operators will also benefit from a streamlined digital application process, reducing the time required to navigate regulations and prepare applications.

The government is clear that regulation must support growth (PDF), with a focus on faster, more predictable approvals and a better experience for operators, while maintaining the UK’s high safety standards.

Today’s announcement is part of the UK government’s broader ambition to maintain and expand the country’s position as an aviation superpower – including work to strengthen UK research and innovation, ensuring high-growth sectors such as robotics and AI have the support they need to thrive.

This follows other commitments to accelerate airspace modernisation, invest £2.3 billion in the development of green aircraft and provide £63 million support for sustainable aviation fuel.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Director Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

Our work going on right now is laying the foundations for commercial operation in the future, unlocking routine drone deliveries, long-range inspections and hospital logistics.

This vital funding supports the next generation of aerospace, strengthening safety and bringing economic growth for the UK.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:

This is a welcome investment in the sector by the government. To lead in advanced air mobility requires a regulatory system that can move at pace while maintaining the highest safety standards. The UK’s CAA has been a serious and constructive partner.

This investment is a further step towards positioning the UK at the leading edge of the eVTOL sector, as it moves towards commercial operations.

Stephen Wright, Chairman and Founder of Windracers, said:

This is a significant step forward for the UK’s drone and advanced air mobility sector. Targeted investment alongside practical regulatory reform is exactly what is needed to unlock real-world operations at scale.

At Windracers, we see first-hand how autonomous aviation can strengthen supply chains, support critical services and operate reliably in some of the most challenging environments.

We are proud to work alongside the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority as a trusted partner, helping to shape a regulatory environment that supports UK innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
06/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Call for bids for strategic communications projects in Ukraine [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

The British Embassy Kyiv invites proposals from non-profit organisations for project work under the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) Ukraine, for the period from 01 July 2026 to 31 March 2027. The ISF Ukraine is building on the past 10 years of the UK goverment’s support to strategic communications in Ukraine.

In the context of the full-scale invasion, the battle in the information environment is more important than ever. That is why we are supporting the Government of Ukraine (Cabinet of Ministers (CMU)) to stand up a refreshed, central Government Communications system. It will put audience insight data at the heart of communications planning, to better deliver policies through effective strategic communications interventions for Government.

The Government of Ukraine vision of this support is provided in the Annex A, covering gaps in needs and resource requirements. The project proposals should focus on the following (see Annex A for reference):
- Objective 1. Enhance GoU capacity to collect, analyse and utilise audience-centric research and insight, to inform effective Strategic Communications planning.
- Objective 2. Support GoU to plan, coordinate and convene communications output across GoU ministries, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Objective 3. Support GoU to deliver effective, data-driven national communications activity through paid-for and earned-media engagement.
The project proposals should align with the Theory of Change:
- If GoU have the capacity to commission and analyse audience research, then GoU can design and deliver tailored and effective policy-backed strategic communications interventions targeting key audiences, and counter hybrid information environment-based threats more effectively.
- If coordination on communications between GoU ministries is enhanced and the strategic communication is delivered through a ‘one voice’, centrally coordinated function, then Ukraine will be in a better position to win the information war.
- If GoU can develop and deliver data-driven, policy-led communications strategies and interventions, then domestic GoU policy can be better informed and implemented for the public good.
The project proposals should cover the following outcomes/results (see Annex A for reference):
- Outcome 1: A Research and Monitoring team, that successfully produces contextual analysis of thematic regular and snap polling, and emerging trends, is established and operates effectively. The Office’s work informs clear recommendations for effective messaging and communications tactics to Strategic Communications planners. This team will also lead evaluation for government communications activity.
- Outcome 2: A One Voice Communications Team conveying and coordinating proactive and reactive comms planning across GoU ministries and agencies is established and operates effectively. This team will operate based on UK GCS best-practice principles and the processes of this unit will therefore be developed in conjunction with the CMU and the UK’s StratComms Adviser to GoU.
- Outcome 3: The Government of Ukraine establish and implement policy-led and data-informed Communications Strategies aligned to support the delivery of the Prime Minister’s top policy priorities across owned and earned media activity.
- Outcome 4: Ukrainian Government Communications frameworks and best practices are developed and adopted, building on UK GCS best practice and adapted to the Ukrainian context.
Only non-profit organisations are invited to send Proposals. This call for proposals is open for International Organisations (IOs), International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and local civil society organisations (CSOs), that can also apply in consortium of few CSOs. Successful projects should have sustainable outcomes and should clearly identify the change that will be brought about. All proposals should make clear how they complement existing activities supported by other donors and international partners, and how work in the regions complements national level activity.

The indicative maximum funding for this project is £1,500,000. This may be in addition to co-funding and self-funding contributions; indeed, this will be considered a merit. Call for proposals is competitive and only one selected project will receive funding. The Embassy reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without incurring any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds of such acceptance or rejection or provide feedback on unsuccessful proposals.

The British Embassy Kyiv will carry out due diligence of potential grantees, including seeking references, as part of the selection process.

Call for proposals is competitive and only one selected project will receive funding. The Embassy reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without incurring any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds of such acceptance or rejection or provide feedback on unsuccessful proposals. If organisations are not contacted by 31 July, they have been unsuccessful in this round.
06/05/2026