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PRESS RELEASE : New offence of forcing people to hide objects in their bodies [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 3 June 2025.

Children and vulnerable people being criminally exploited by gangs will be better protected under new measures, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

A new criminal offence of ‘coerced internal concealment’, to be introduced as an amendment to the landmark Crime and Policing Bill, will crack down on anyone, including gang leaders who force people to hide items inside their bodies to avoid detection.

This practice, also known by the street names ‘plugging’, ‘stuffing’ and ‘banking’, is typically used by organised gangs to transport items like drugs, money and SIM cards from one location to another.

It relies on forcing or deceiving children and vulnerable adults into ingesting or hiding items inside their bodily cavities and is often linked to county lines drug running.

Internal concealment is an extremely dangerous practice. It can be fatal if drug packages break open inside the body and can cause significant physical and psychological harm to those forced to do it.

Where senior gang figures are found to have coerced other individuals to ingest or carry specified items inside their bodies, they will face up to 10 years behind bars.

Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, said:

There is something truly evil about the gang leaders who degrade young girls, young boys and vulnerable adults in this way, forcing them to put their lives at risk.

This new offence will go alongside other measures in our landmark Crime and Policing Bill to turn the tables on the gang leaders and hold them to account for exploiting children and vulnerable adults.

As part of our Plan for Change, this government will give police and prosecutors the powers they need to dismantle these drug gangs entirely and secure convictions that reflect the severity of these crimes.

To deliver the government’s mission to halve knife crime in the next decade and deliver safer streets, it is crucial to tackle the drug gangs that run county lines through violence and exploitation.

That is why the government has committed to investing £42 million into the County Lines Programme this year, to break down the organised crime groups behind this trade.

The latest statistics from the programme show that since July 2024, law enforcement activity resulted in over 1,200 line closures and 2,000 arrests – including the arrest and subsequent charging of over 800 violent offenders controlling the lines.

There were also more than 2,100 safeguarding referrals for children and vulnerable people.

The County Lines Programme also provides specialist support for children and young people to escape the drugs trade.

Over 320 children and young people received dedicated specialist support during this period, which can include one-to-one casework for young people and their families to help prevent exploitation or support their safe exit.

The criminalisation of ‘coerced internal concealment’ will ensure that victims are properly recognised and receive the support they need.

It also sends a clear message to offenders that the punishment for this crime will match the impact of the harm they have caused.

The new offence will join a package of other measures in the government’s Crime and Policing Bill designed to protect children and vulnerable adults, including a specific offence of child criminal exploitation aimed at the ringleaders behind county lines operations.

Kate Wareham, Strategic Director of Young People, Families and Communities at Catch22 said:

Catch22 welcomes the introduction of tougher consequences for adults who force children and vulnerable young adults into carrying drugs through invasive methods of bodily concealment.

From our county lines, child exploitation and our Redthread embedded youth work in A&E services across England, we know the devastating, life changing physical and mental impact of this abuse on its young victims.

Robust, specialist exploitation and violence reduction services are essential to ensure child victims are supported to process their trauma and safeguarded from further harm. But we need to prevent exploitation happening in the first place. By targeting the perpetrators, this new offence of coerced internal concealment is a crucial step forward towards that.

Lucy D’Orsi, the Chief Constable of British Transport Police said:

We welcome this new measure which increases the safety of those at risk and supports bringing their abusers to justice.

Safeguarding the vulnerable is a priority for BTP’s County Lines Taskforce. Our bespoke unit, made up of experienced social work professionals, works to pull the exploited from the clutches of organised crime groups by providing them with fast time support and resources from our specialist partners.

We continue to put the exploited and the vulnerable at the forefront of our fight against county lines gangs and take a zero tolerance stance against anyone who profits from the exploitation of children.

June 3, 2025
NEWS STORY : Interim Report Calls for ‘Fundamental Reset’ of England and Wales Water Industry

STORY

A government-appointed commission has delivered a stark message about the state of water services in England and Wales: the system as it stands is broken, and a “fundamental reset” is now urgently required. Today’s publication of the Independent Water Commission’s interim findings, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe (the former deputy governor of the Bank of England), paints a picture of deep-seated failings on the part of water companies, regulators and even government.

In a report stretching to more than a hundred pages, Sir Jon and his colleagues set out how, over many years, rising pollution levels, crumbling infrastructure and financial mismanagement have eroded public trust. Sewage spills, bursting pipes and chemical contaminants, once treated as isolated incidents, are now described as symptoms of a much wider malaise. Put simply, the industry has become excessively complex, with overlapping regulatory bodies and blurred lines of accountability. The interim report stops short of recommending public ownership of water companies. Instead, it calls for the existing regulatory framework to be overhauled, streamlining oversight so that water providers can focus on long-term investment rather than short-term profit. Sir Jon argues that, by attracting stable and responsible investment, companies will be better placed to replace ageing pipes and meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.

One of the chief complaints highlighted by respondents to the commission’s call for evidence—over 50,000 members of the public and stakeholder groups in total—was the frequency of pollution incidents. Rivers and beaches that once ran clear now regularly host raw sewage discharges after heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, customers continue to face water bills that are among the highest in Europe, with some feeling that they get poor value for money. Behind the headlines of storm overflows and ‘fatbergs’ lies an even more troubling picture, the report suggests. Years of under-investment in sewer and treatment-works upgrades have left some areas with drainage systems that simply cannot cope when heavy rain falls. In other parts, old cast-iron mains, laid as far back as Victorian times, spring leaks so frequently that wholesale pipe replacement seems long overdue.

As expected, water companies have welcomed the commission’s intention to bring in fresh investment—though many remain uneasy about how new funds might be raised without passing even more costs onto customers. “We support measures that will help secure long-term resilience and prevent further deterioration, but bill payers will rightly ask who ends up footing the bill” commented one industry spokesperson. Meanwhile, environmental campaigners and opposition politicians have been quick to criticise what they see as half-measures. Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron called today’s interim findings “a missed opportunity” and renewed his demand to abolish Ofwat, the sector’s economic regulator, and merge it with the Environment Agency into a single, stronger body. Green groups such as River Action and Surfers Against Sewage went further, arguing that only mandatory pollution-reduction targets and legally enforceable environmental objectives will halt the ongoing damage to rivers and coastal waters.

Nevertheless, there were some signs of cautious approval. Several local authorities and consumer bodies emphasised that, at least, the report acknowledges that drinking-water quality and environmental performance cannot be considered in isolation. Rural communities, in particular, have been campaigning for years to see their concerns about low-pressure zones and burst pipes recognised as part of a systemic failure, rather than individual glitches. The Independent Water Commission’s interim findings mark the end of Phase One of its work. Over the past few months, Commissioners have held more than 150 meetings with stakeholders ranging from environmental charities and consumer advocates to water-company executives and regulators. The next phase, now under way, will see Sir Jon’s team delve into the finer details of how reforms might be implemented.

Final recommendations are due in the summer, ahead of a complete report to be delivered later this year. Observers expect more detailed proposals on revising licence conditions, strengthening penalties for pollution events and reshaping Ofwat’s remit. In addition, the commission is likely to examine whether existing legislation is fit for purpose or should be replaced altogether. For now, though, the interim report’s headline message is unambiguous: piecemeal tinkering will not suffice. Without major reform, the water industry risks sliding further into disrepair, leaving consumers to grapple with ever-bigger bills and environmental watchdogs powerless to act. As Sir Jon concludes, “This is a pivotal moment: the choices we make now will determine whether future generations inherit rivers and reservoirs that are cleaner and more resilient—or simply more neglected.”

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Bank on the UK in volatile times’ Trade Secretary tells G7 and European businesses [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 3 June 2025.

Trade Secretary’s message comes after UK sealed landmark deals with India, the US and EU.
- Jonathan Reynolds to meet G7 and EU counterparts in Paris and Brussels to discuss economic security and global trade.
- Trade Secretary targets economic growth and jobs, saying deals with India, US and EU make UK the most connected economy for global business.
- Visit shows how Plan for Change is reducing trade barriers that will boost exports to the EU.
The UK is a country that counterparts and businesses can bank on in increasingly uncertain and volatile times, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will tell G7 and EU ministers and commissioners on a three-day visit to Paris and Brussels.

He will deliver the message at a G7 Trade Ministerial Meeting in Paris before travelling to Brussels for talks with EU counterparts and a speech to business representatives, policymakers, and diplomats at the European Policy Centre’s Economic Security Forum.

The Trade Secretary’s message comes after the UK sealed landmark deals with India, the US and the European Union, positioning the UK as a global champion of free trade, delivering for British businesses and putting money in the pockets of working people.

This will be delivered through the expected GDP increase by £4.8 billion thanks to the India deal, nearly £9 billion added to the UK economy by 2040 through the EU deal and the thousands of jobs saved across the country because of the deal with the US.

He is also expected to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Šefčovič to progress implementation of the trade deals and ensure businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible.

Jonathan Reynolds will use the visit to reinforce that Britain is open for business as part of this Government’s Plan for Change to deliver on its core mission to grow the economy, raise living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

Ahead of the visit, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Our deals with the US, EU and India are proof that the UK is the most connected country in the world to do business. Along with our modern Industrial Strategy, our Plan for Change is making the UK a safe, stable bet in uncertain times.

We recognise our relationship with G7 allies and EU counterparts must continue to evolve and deliver a better trading environment for our businesses and exporters.

That’s why we want to wipe away costly, business-blocking barriers and open up opportunities to grow our economy, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

The Business Secretary will use his visit to call for the UK’s new relationship with the EU to help businesses, and with almost 100,000 UK businesses exporting goods to the EU last year, and the upcoming Trade Strategy, the UK is continuing its work to build on the recent deals and tear down barriers to doing business around the world.

As part of the trip the Business and Trade Secretary will also discuss the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy being published this Spring in his first ever in person meetings with the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for the Industrial Strategy Stephane Séjourné and Executive Vice-President for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera.

The Business and Trade Secretary will also use the visit to hold in-person meetings with Laurent Saint-Martin, Don Farrell and Maninder Sidhu, the Trade Ministers of France, Australia and Canada respectively.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government protects thousands of miles of bus services from being scrapped [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 3 June 2025.

Bus Services Bill will give local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on.
- bus passengers across the UK – particularly the vulnerable – will be protected from sudden cuts to their services thanks to the Bus Services Bill, which has passed its second reading
- Local Transport Minister visits Blackpool, seeing first-hand how locally controlled bus routes are restoring trust in public transport
- empowering local leaders, government invests recent record £1 billion to improve bus services and drive up living standards by delivering the Plan for Change
Thousands of bus passengers who rely on vital routes to get to work, school or the doctors will be protected from sudden and uninformed cuts to services thanks to the government’s Bus Services Bill.

In a move that will protect thousands of miles of vital bus routes, the Bus Services Bill will end the plight of bus routes being scrapped at short notice, tightening requirements for cancelling vital bus routes – especially those used by vulnerable or disadvantaged passengers.

Councils will identify socially necessary local services, and working with bus operators, put in place strict requirements before these services can be changed or cancelled.

As the Bus Services Bill reached its second reading in the House of Commons yesterday (2 June 2025), the Transport Secretary called for greater accountability and reliability for bus services. MPs have also begun to have their say on proposals to protect vital services and empower local authorities to make the decisions that will benefit their communities.

The bill, which has already passed through the House of Lords, will improve access to opportunities that drive up living standards and so grow the economy, as part of the Plan for Change.

Buses remain the most used form of public transport across England, but approximately 300 million miles of bus services operating outside London were slashed from 2010 to 2024, with passengers left frustrated at the lack of accountability.

MPs also debated how the bill will allow local authorities to emulate the success of locally controlled bus networks.

To mark the milestone, the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, visited Blackpool last week to hear first-hand from passengers how the locally controlled Blackpool Transport buses have put their needs first to deliver services that allow them to access jobs and social opportunities that drive up their quality of life.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

We’re committed to giving local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on. Our Bus Services Bill is a big step forward, protecting vital services that people depend on to get to work, school, or essential appointments.

We have taken a decisive step towards better buses, building on our £1 billion investment to improve and maintain bus services, keeping people connected, driving up living standards and growing the economy in line with our Plan for Change.

The plans will lift the ban on local authorities establishing their own bus companies, making it easier for them to control services and shape routes to work better for local people.

As part of this, the government will also reduce some of the complexities and red tape involved in bus franchising, including reducing the minimum period between local areas taking control and being allowed to run services.

The bill will also empower local authorities to work alongside private operators to improve bus services if they choose not to pursue full ownership.

The government is also investing a near £38 million to bring 319 new zero emission buses to communities across England, while nearly £1 billion is being invested in England to improve bus infrastructure with new bus stops and digital timetables, introduce more frequent and more reliable buses and expand fare discounts.

The bill will also improve safety for both passengers and staff by mandating that staff, including drivers, undertake training to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour, including acts of violence against women and girls.

Mayor for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

Deregulation of buses came at the expense of passengers, with a shrinking network, high fares and a service not fit for the rapid growth and scale of ambition we are seeing in Greater Manchester.

As the first area to bring buses back under local control, our Bee Network is putting people and businesses before profit, reversing decades-long decline in buses with rapidly growing numbers of passengers served by a more reliable, affordable and integrated network. This is central to supporting economic growth, higher productivity, access to new jobs, homes and public services and opening up opportunity for all.

This bill is vital to reforming transport networks across the country, putting power back in the hands of locally accountable leaders to ensure services work for the communities they serve.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:

On my first day as mayor, I started the legal process to bring buses back under public control because good public transport is how we unlock growth and opportunity for local people. I hear every day from people fed up with poor bus services.

This can’t go on, so I’m pleased the government is working with mayors and local authorities to bring in legislation that will support our effort to improve bus networks across the country. It is crucial we fix the broken bus market so we can provide the reliable, affordable public transport people need.

Professor Karen Lucas, Director of Manchester Urban Institute, said:

The new buses bill will finally put a halt to the decimation of socially necessary services after years of unregulated cuts that have left many vulnerable people and low-income and rural communities stranded. This is a good first step in the right direction, but more local action is needed.

Lydia Horbury, Bus Users UK Director for England, said:

The protection of socially necessary bus services is vital to ensuring that everyone – regardless of age, income, or ability – can access education, employment, healthcare and their wider community. For too long, communities have been left stranded by sudden cuts to lifeline routes.

Strengthening the framework around these services, as proposed in the Bus Services Bill, is a crucial step toward building a truly inclusive and reliable transport network outside London. We support any measures which empower local authorities to safeguard these routes and the passengers who depend on them.

Ben Plowden of Campaign for Better Transport said:

Buses are the most used form of public transport, connecting millions of people to jobs and education, shops and services, friends and family. Preserving vital bus services has long been central to our campaigning, so the new protections in the Bus Services Bill are very welcome indeed.

Protecting existing services and identifying and filling gaps in the network is the way to ensure everyone can access opportunities and stay connected.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

The government has moved rapidly to bring about better buses by providing local leaders with the right tools to improve services for their communities. We welcome the Bus Services Bill and its commitment to back passengers and the services they rely upon.
June 3, 2025
NEWS STORY : SFO Launches Investigation into Alleged Multi-Million-Pound Fraud Targeting Thurrock Council

STORY

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today opened a formal investigation into an alleged multi-million-pound fraud against Thurrock Council, marking a significant escalation in probing the collapse of solar farm investments that nearly bankrupted the Essex authority in late 2022. Under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987, the SFO has issued notices compelling banks and other financial institutions to hand over documents and information related to the scheme, which was orchestrated by Rockfire Investment Finance Plc and associated companies within the Rockfire Group.

Between 2016 and 2020, Thurrock Council invested millions of pounds into bonds tied to solar farms, enticed by promised returns of between 3–6 per cent alongside the return of the initial investment. Rockfire marketed multiple tranches of these bonds to local authorities and other investors as a “green” way to secure modest yields. However, the group subsequently fell into administration, triggering alarm when Thurrock was effectively declared bankrupt in December 2022. The financial collapse forced a series of council tax hikes and cuts to essential local services, leaving residents to shoulder the fallout from what many now see as reckless decision-making.

Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the SFO, emphasised the gravity of the situation:

“Today’s action is a significant step in our investigation concerning this suspected criminality. We are grateful for the assistance of Essex Police, Thurrock Council and others in the early stages of this enquiry.”

Ephgrave’s remarks underline the collaborative approach between the SFO and local law-enforcement agencies. By compelling information from banks and other intermediaries, investigators hope to unearth the detailed paper trail that led to the council’s ill-fated foray into renewable-energy bonds.

Although details of the alleged fraud remain tightly under wraps, several troubling facts have already emerged. Rockfire’s administration was triggered in 2023 after a shortfall in bond returns left the company unable to meet its obligations. Several councils across England, including Thurrock, were reported among its major investors. Critics now question whether due diligence was properly carried out when the bonds were initially underwritten, especially given the overly optimistic yield forecasts and the complex financial structures underpinning the solar farm projects.

Thurrock Council’s financial predicament has been high-profile in local government circles since 2022, when auditors first flagged significant pension and debt liabilities. The losses incurred through the Rockfire bonds dealt a final blow, forcing the authority to appeal to central government for assistance and prompting urgent reviews of its investment policies. Council leaders concede that the rapid expansion into renewable-energy bonds was intended to secure steady revenue but instead backfired, plunging the borough into severe fiscal distress.

The SFO’s investigation remains at an early stage. No arrests have been made, and it is unclear whether charges will follow. By invoking Section 2 powers, the agency can demand any relevant documents, including confidential bank records, and require individuals to answer questions under oath. That legal leverage often proves pivotal in unravelling suspected frauds of this scale. Local residents and council staff have welcomed the probe, hoping it will shed light on how decision-makers sanctioned such large outlays with seemingly inadequate safeguards. One unnamed council officer commented: “There was a sense of optimism around renewable investments, but people didn’t expect it to end up like this. We need clarity on who was advising us and whether warnings were ignored.”

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and India hold high level dialogue in Delhi [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2025.

Sir Oliver Robbins met India’s Foreign Secretary in New Delhi for the annual UK-India Foreign Office Consultations.

Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is in India to review progress across the UK and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He met India’s Foreign Secretary, Shri Vikram Misri, in New Delhi today [3 June] for the annual UK-India Foreign Office Consultations.

They welcomed the significant breakthroughs achieved across the full breadth of the partnership since consultations in London last year, including the announcement of the historic trade deal. Economic growth is the number one mission of the UK Government. Both agreed to work towards implementing the shared vision of the two prime ministers for an ambitious partnership between the UK and India over the next decade.

This year’s consultations included the inaugural Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue, aimed at building mutual understanding of systems and agreeing areas for future cooperation on key sectors such as technology and defence.

Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO, said:

I’m delighted to be in India to help advance one of the UK’s most vital partnerships in the world. In a more complex world, there is strong ambition from both governments to take this partnership to even greater heights. I’m looking forward to working with Foreign Secretary Misri to make that a reality.

During the visit, Sir Oliver is also expected to meet a wide range of Indian government partners including on the G20 and home affairs.

Further information:
- Sir Oliver Robbins was appointed Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in January 2025. As PUS, he is Head of the UK’s Diplomatic Service and the most senior policy adviser to the Foreign Secretary. The PUS is responsible for the management of the FCDO in the UK and its embassies and high commissions around the world.
- The UK and India agreed a landmark trade deal on 6 May, which will redefine the partnership for the next generation, strengthening trade links, supporting jobs, and delivering shared prosperity. The deal is expected to increase bilateral trade already worth £43 billion by another £25.5 billion.
- The UK’s Plan for Change sets out milestones the UK Government aims to reach by the end of this Parliament.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Dame Vera Baird DBE KC appointed as Interim Chair of the CCRC [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 3 June 2025.

Dame Vera Baird DBE KC has been appointed as the Interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).

His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has approved the appointment of Dame Vera Baird DBE KC as the Interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The appointment will commence on 9 June 2025 and will end on 8 December 2026. The CCRC Chair role has been vacant since Helen Pitcher’s resignation on 14 January 2025.

The Lord Chancellor has requested that Dame Vera carry out a thorough review of the operation of the CCRC, to increase public confidence in the organisation and the important work it undertakes investigating potential miscarriages of justice.

In order to bring stability to the organisation at this crucial time it was important to ensure that the post holder was an exceptional individual with sound knowledge and experience of examining the criminal justice system and a strong track record of leadership.

The CCRC

The CCRC was established by the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 and commenced operation in 1997. The CCRC considers – on application – cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland where a miscarriage of justice is alleged or suspected. The CCRC decides if there is any new evidence or new argument which raises a real possibility that an appeal court would quash a conviction or reduce a sentence.

The appointment of the CCRC Chair is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and this appointment complies with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Appointments of CCRC Commissioners are made by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, who receives advice from the Lord Chancellor.

Biography

Dame Vera Baird DBE KC’s biography is as follows:
- Member of the Women’s Justice Board
- Visiting Professor in Practice at the Mannheim Centre, London School of Economics
- Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College Oxford
- Hon Professor of Law at Exeter and Newcastle Universities
- Hon Doctorates at Northumbria and Loughborough Universities
- Former Victims Commissioner for England and Wales (2019-22)
- DBE for Services to Women and Equalities 2017
- Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria (2012-19)
- Chair of Association of Police and Crime Commissioners 2016
- Association of PCCs’ National lead for Supporting Victims (2012-19)
- Solicitor General for England and Wales (2007-2010)
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice (2006-7)
- Member of Parliament for Redcar 2001-2010
- Former Practising Criminal Barrister and QC
- Author of many articles, chapters & reports, most recently The Baird Review into Greater Manchester Police.
- Patron of Respect, Operation Encompass and Board Member of Revolving Doors
Dame Vera Baird DBE KC has declared the following political activity on behalf of the Labour Party: public speaking, Chair of the Women’s Branch Hornsey and Friern Barnet Constituency (HFBC), member of the HFBC Fabian Society, member of the Labour Women’s Network and campaigning in elections.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 June 2025.

More than £4 billion drive towards autonomous systems to shape UK military future and boost export potential, supporting the Plan for Change.

UK troops and warships will be protected by drone and laser weapon technology through a major £5 billion investment, as the UK seeks to become the leading edge of innovation in NATO under the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and driven by lessons from Ukraine.

The major funding package includes more than £4 billion for autonomous systems and a further investment of nearly £1 billion for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) this Parliament – including the iconic DragonFire laser – boosting frontline capabilities while creating 300 skilled jobs across the country.

DragonFire is set to be the first high power laser capability entering service from a European nation, with the first Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer due to be fitted in 2027.

The SDR recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy. To help achieve this, it says Defence must incorporate uncrewed and autonomous systems in high numbers over the next five years and make targeted investment in the development of novel directed energy weapons.

Today’s autonomous systems investment – of which more than £2 billion is new funding following the Government‘s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027– will see autonomous systems, including drones improve accuracy and lethality for our Armed Forces, and boost UK export potential.

It comes after major announcements ahead of the SDR publication, including: the building of up to a dozen new attack submarines for the Royal Navy; up to 7,000 new UK-built long-range weapons to procured; at least six new munitions and energetics factories in the UK; more than £1.5 billion to improve the state of military housing; and more than £1 billion for pioneering technology to spearhead battlefield engagements.

The new DEW capabilities will give the UK an edge, creating low cost and sustainable alternatives to missiles to shoot down targets, such as drones, at the speed of light, reduce collateral damage and have a low-cost per shot, reducing reliance on expensive ammunition.

The systems will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate – whether at sea, on land, or in the air – and will work alongside crewed assets, such as current and future fighter jets.

Both investments reflect the SDR’s vision for UK innovation to be driven by the lessons from Ukraine – harnessing drones, data and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer.

The SDR sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It ends the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and will also drive innovation, jobs and growth across the country, allowing the UK to lead in a stronger NATO as part of this Government’s Plan for Change.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

These investments will mean the most significant advance in UK defence technology in decades. We will ensure our Armed Forces have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

We are delivering the Strategic Defence Review’s vision to put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, by backing British industry and fast-tracking the kit of the future into the hands of frontline troops.

This Government’s Plan for Change will harness the benefits of technology, create hundreds of new jobs and make defence a powerful engine for economic growth.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

A strong economy needs a strong national defence. That’s why we are delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War—putting innovation and industrial strength at the centre of our national security strategy.

Additional funding for autonomous systems maximises the defence industry’s potential to drive long term economic growth and productivity – helping us deliver our Plan for Change while keeping the UK safe.

A new DEW will be created for the British Army this decade, alongside DragonFire being integrated on four Royal Navy warships, with the first ship due to be fitted in 2027, forming part of a layered air defence system to better protect UK forces while reducing collateral damage and reducing reliance on expensive ammunition.

DEW technology already supports 200 high-skilled UK jobs, with a further 300 positions to be created across the Ministry of Defence and industry partners. It’s another example of defence as an engine for UK economic growth, delivering on the Plan for Change.

In addition, a new Drone Centre will be established to accelerate exploitation of small, uncrewed air systems across all three military services, helping to deliver them to the front line faster.

The Centre will provide a central knowledge base to tackle any emerging legislative changes, develop best practice and better manage the interaction with industry. Crucially, it will apply battlefield lessons from Ukraine where drones now kill more people than traditional artillery. Detailed organisational arrangements will be developed over the coming months.

During the SDR process, 1,700 individuals, political parties, and organisations submitted more than 8,000 responses. 200 companies provided written contributions, more than 120 senior experts took part in the review and challenge panels, and nearly 50 meetings took place between the Reviewers and our senior military figures.

June 3, 2025
Lindsay Hoyle – 2025 Statement on Late Government Announcements

The statement made by Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, in the House on 2 June 2025.

Before we come to the next piece of business, I will make a brief statement. This morning, the Government published the strategic defence review. The Prime Minister made a speech and held a press conference in Glasgow, in addition to other media appearances. That follows several days of media briefing. I am disappointed that, once again, the Government appear to have breached the principle set out in paragraph 9.1 of the “Ministerial Code” that

“When Parliament is in session, the most important announcements of government policy should be made in the first instance in Parliament.”

I recognise that the timing of policy announcements is not always wholly within the Government’s control. There may be a need to co-ordinate announcements on international trade with trading partners, for example, or announcements may be delayed by last-minute legal intervention. The announcement of the SDR, however, was wholly at the Government’s discretion, so it is highly regrettable that Ministers have chosen, once again, to hold a major media event before coming to the House. That shows complete disregard for the House and for hon. Members. I note that Ministers, when they were in opposition, were not slow to complain when previous Governments made major policy announcements outside Parliament. In fact, the SDR was due at Easter, so I am sure that a day would not have mattered.

I am not responsible for compliance with the ministerial code, which is a matter for the Prime Minister—it is the Government’s code, not the House’s code—but I regard this as a particularly blatant breach. I have invited the hon. Member for North Dorset (Simon Hoare) to consider whether the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee might usefully inquire into the matter.

Ministers are elected as Members of Parliament first, before they get their ministerial roles, so they should recognise the importance of the House. It is amazing that, in opposition, Members think that everything should be discussed on the Floor of the House, but when they are in government, their memories are short on that point.

I have been here through many SDRs. In fact, in one of the major SDRs with Lord Robertson, we did not even know the effect on everybody’s constituency until it was read out from that Dispatch Box. What has changed? I will tell you what has changed: the disregard for Members who sit on the Back Benches. I am here to defend those on the Back Benches, so please, I hope we have no more of this.

All I would say is that it is the Government’s ministerial code. They should be ashamed of not enforcing it.

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister hails trade deal successes for Scotland [June 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 June 2025.

From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks.
- Prime Minister visits historic distillery in Glasgow to discuss trade deal benefits for the Scotch Whisky industry
- Follows UK hat trick of trade deals with India, US and EU – improving people’s lives across the country
- Deals will help drive growth in Scotland and put more money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people
From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks.

The Prime Minister discussed the huge growth opportunities and benefits for Scotland during a visit Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow today.

Visit comes after Prime Minister visited BAE Govan this morning to announce the Strategic Defence Review, which will see significant investment in Scotland . More than £2 billion a year is already spent by the Ministry of Defence with industry organisations of all sizes in Scotland, supporting over 25,000 skilled jobs in Scotland.

The world-renowned Scotch Whisky industry is set to boom globally – with the Scotch Whisky Association announcing they forecast £1 billion of extra exports in five years, plus 1,200 new jobs thanks to the tariff reductions as part of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

India is an important market for Scotland, with 457 Scottish businesses exporting a total of £610 million in goods there last year.

Under the India trade deal, tariffs have been cut on a range of iconic Scottish goods, from whisky tariffs halved from 150% to 75% and dropping to 40% after 10 years to salmon reduced from 33% to 0%. Iconic Scottish brands like Irn Bru and Scottish shortbread will also see reduced tariffs.

Scotland’s thriving life sciences and health tech hubs will be strengthened by IP commitments on areas such as trade secrets and copyright, helping companies export to India with confidence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Our trade deals with India, US and the EU will slash tariffs on key industries and open markets set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people, delivering on our Plan for Change.

Scotland is home to some of the most world-renowned products, which can now be enjoyed across the globe – all whilst saving Scottish businesses money.

That is why we have secured these deals, and why we will continue to go further and faster to improve the lives of everyone in the UK.

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

Our trio of trade deals shows we are championing Scottish products and businesses on the global stage. From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets. But more importantly as part of our Plan for Change this means more money in people’s pockets.

By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we’re creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders.

Mark Kent, Chief Executive Officer of the Scotch Whisky Association, said:

As the UK’s largest food and drink export to 180 markets worldwide, Scotch Whisky producers welcome the work being done to reduce trade barriers around the world. The landmark UK-India free trade agreement will be transformational for the Scotch Whisky industry over the longer term and has the potential to increase exports to India by £1bn over the next 5 years and creating 1,200 jobs across the UK.

It’s also constructive to see a potential reduction in the burden on exporters through the UK agreement with the EU. We continue to support the UK government’s efforts to address the issue of tariffs with the US and establish a pathway to return to the zero-for-zero tariff arrangement we have had with the US on spirits for more than 30 years.

The new agreement with the European Union, the UK’s largest trading market, will directly address challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019. The Scottish salmon industry has estimated that between 2019 and 2023, Scottish Salmon export values experienced a net loss of around £75 million. The deal with the EU makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to European markets.
June 3, 2025