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Alex Davies-Jones – 2026 Speech at the United for Justice Conference in Kyiv

The speech made by Alex Davies-Jones, the Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, in Kyiv on 7 May 2026.

Friends…

I am so honoured to be here with you all today…

On behalf of the British Government, and the British public –

Which stands, now, and always…

With the people of Ukraine.

We are four years into this brutal war.

Four long years of unspeakable atrocities, and hardship.

Four years in which Ukraine’s children have grown up subjected to terror from the skies…

And the constant sound of sirens.

For some of them, it is all they have ever known.

Four years of families being torn apart, and homes reduced to rubble.

Lives shattered in ways that that most people cannot – and will never have to – comprehend.

And yet, despite everything – Ukraine endures.

Despite the bombs, you stand.

Despite the brutality, you resist.

Despite the pain, you continue to fight.

And all of us here stand with you.

Because the Ukrainian spirit – your courage, your resilience…

Your belief in a better future – has not been broken.

It is that hope we all share:

That together, we can secure a lasting peace…

And rebuild this remarkable country, even stronger than before.

And through the 100 Year Partnership between our two countries, the UK is clear:

We will stand with Ukraine not just in this moment of war…

But in the long work of recovery, and rebuilding for generations to come.

But we cannot speak of peace…

We cannot speak of rebuilding…

Without speaking of justice.

There can be no lasting peace without accountability.

And the UK is unwavering in its commitment to that accountability.

We are supporting Ukraine politically, financially, and practically –

Including £16.5 million for domestic war crimes investigations…

Ensuring Ukraine has the skills and expertise it needs to drive these forward…

With ongoing support for the International Criminal Court…

And we continue to back efforts to establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression…

So those responsible for Russia’s war are held to account.

And justice for victims remains at the heart of this.

Justice for the people of Bucha, and Irpin…

For all Ukrainians whose lives, rights, and dignity have been violated.

And for the children.

Ripped from their homes and the people they love…

As their families weep for their return.

More than 20,000 of them…

Forcibly deported, and denied the chance to come home…

Many subjected to indoctrination camps…

Which seek to erase their very identity as Ukrainians…

To wipe out their proud culture…

And destroy Ukraine’s future…

Something the UN Independent inquiry has described as a crime against humanity.

The international community must not turn a blind eye…

And we will not look away.

We will keep calling Russia out for these crimes.

We demand the return of every child…

And will press for it in every forum we have.

And we are backing words with action…

Supporting Ukrainian-led efforts to verify cases…

Trace children’s whereabouts…

And reunite families.

And we must also pursue justice for the violence that is not so readily seen.

The violence hidden through shame, or stigma…

The rapes, and sexual violence…

Used brutally, and systematically as a weapon of war.

Against women.

Against men.

Against children.

These crimes are devastating…

And they are, so often, underreported…

Because of fear…

Or the sheer difficulty of investigation in occupied areas.

But they must be confronted.

And the UK is helping Ukraine to protect women and girls from sexual violence, and other gender-based crime…

Ensuring that specialist services are there for survivors…

So they can begin to recover and rebuild their lives.

At the same time, we are supporting Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors to pursue survivor-centred justice…

Equipping them with the skills and expertise they need.

And we are absolutely clear:

Ukraine’s recovery can only happen if women are able to play their part.

That is why we champion the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in decision-making…

Which will be critical not only to Ukraine’s reconstruction…

But to securing a just, prosperous and lasting peace.

Yet even in the darkest moments of war, Ukraine has been a leader…

Not least in tech, and innovation.

You have revolutionised the fight against Russian drones…

A threat causing such devastation to your cities, and infrastructure.

In the UK, that same technology is the scourge of our prisons –

Flying in drugs and weapons, and fuelling addiction, violence and organised crime.

We are incredibly grateful to Ukraine for sharing its hard-won experience here…

In January, we announced funding to accelerate anti-drone research…

And we are now launching a new open competition…

Innovate UK are providing £5 million for UK research organisations to build on that momentum…

I hope Ukrainian researchers will consider partnering with them…

So that new relationships will emerge, which can turbocharge this technology.

And as the UK works with Ukraine through our Memorandum of Co-operation, signed last year…

To rebuild its justice system, and strengthen the rule of law…

This is real partnership:

Not a one-way street…

But learning from each other…

To keep our people safe.

As this war continues, our sense of solidarity only grows stronger.

And our shared purpose is clear:

A just and lasting peace for Ukraine…

Because peace without justice is no peace at all.

The UK will continue to stand with you.

Together – we will have accountability,

We will drive recovery…

We will lay the foundations for freedom.

And, just as the Ukrainian spirit is undimmed…

Its courage, unflinching…

Our shared hope for the future, is unbreakable.

Thank you, and Slava Ukraini.

08/05/2026
NEWS STORY : King Approves New Suffragan Bishop of Brixworth

STORY

The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Dr Alexander James Hughes as the next Suffragan Bishop of Brixworth in the Diocese of Peterborough.

Dr Hughes, who is currently Archdeacon of Cambridge in the Diocese of Ely, will take up the role following the retirement of the Right Reverend John Holbrook. The appointment was announced by Downing Street on 8 May 2026.

Dr Hughes was educated at Greyfriars Hall, Oxford and St Edmund’s College, Cambridge, before training for ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge. He served his title at Holy Trinity, Headington Quarry in the Diocese of Oxford and was ordained priest in 2001.

He became Chaplain to the Bishop of Portsmouth in 2003, before serving from 2008 as Priest in charge and then Vicar at St Luke and St Peter, Southsea. In 2014 he was appointed Archdeacon of Cambridge, the post he has held for more than a decade.

08/05/2026
NEWS STORY : Conservatives Lose Control of Hampshire County Council After Nearly 30 Years

STORY

The Conservatives have lost control of Hampshire County Council, ending almost three decades of dominance at one of England’s largest local authorities. The result is a setback for the party in what had long been regarded as secure Conservative territory. Hampshire had been under Conservative control since the late 1990s, but early results from the 2026 local elections showed the party no longer able to command a majority.

All 78 seats on Hampshire County Council were up for election, with 40 required for an overall majority. Before the election the Conservatives were defending a commanding position, having won 56 seats at the previous county contest in 2021 and holding 49 seats immediately before polling day.

08/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : European Political Community Summit in Armenia – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2026.

The UK welcomed Armenia’s successful hosting of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, reaffirmed UK support for Armenia’s democratic resilience, and highlighted the agreement of a new UK–Armenia Strategic Partnership.

Thank you, Mr Chair. And I thank the delegation of Armenia for updating us on the European Political Community Summit held in Yerevan earlier this week.

The UK warmly welcomes Armenia’s hosting of the EPC and commends the Armenian authorities for the smooth organisation of the Summit. We were pleased that the OSCE was invited to attend and that the Secretary General was able to participate.

My Prime Minister met Prime Minister Pashinyan in the margins of the Summit. He commended the significant steps taken to secure peace in the region and thanked Prime Minister Pashinyan for his leadership on the issue.

My Prime Minister also underlined the UK’s steadfast support for Armenia’s democratic resilience – including through practical co-operation on counter-disinformation, cyber security, and supporting an independent judiciary and media.

As the next step in deepening our relationship, our leaders agreed a new UK–Armenia Strategic Partnership, marking a step change in the bilateral relationship and taking cooperation to a new level across defence and security, economic growth, and democratic resilience.

08/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK and others announce that the recipient of the 2026 Democracy Defenders Award is PromoLex from Moldova [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2026.

The Democracy Defenders Award recognises the contribution civil society makes to promoting democracy in the OSCE region. PromoLex promotes democratic values, developing a strong civil society and implementing internationally recognised human rights standards in Moldova.

On behalf of the Democracy Defender Initiative, I would like to inform the Permanent Council of the following matter.

In 2016, the Democracy Defender Award was established to recognize the enormous contribution that civil society makes to defending and promoting democracy in the OSCE region.  The Award honours outstanding contributions to upholding the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.

In keeping with this tradition, we are pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2026 Award is PromoLex.

PromoLex focuses on promoting democratic values, developing a strong civil society, and implementing internationally recognised human rights in Moldova. The organisation is made up human rights activists who work to provide legal assistance, strategic litigation, research, and human rights monitoring.  It is also a leading actor in election observation, contributing to the integrity and transparency of electoral processes through monitoring, independent reporting, and advocacy for electoral reform in line with international standards.”

The 10th Anniversary Democracy Defender Award Presentation and Seminar will take place on 13 May 2026.

In addition to the official presentation of the 2026 Democracy Defender Award, the Seminar, featuring a panel of expert speakers, will explore how civil society can help address democratic backsliding and build democratic resilience in the OSCE region. Invitations have been distributed, and we encourage Delegations’ response and attendance.

08/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK provides cyclone support to Solomon Islands [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2026.

The UK Government stands with the people of Solomon Islands following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected and commend the leadership of the Solomon Islands Government, local authorities and communities for their swift response, alongside humanitarian partners.

UK support is helping people recover, rebuild, and stay safe in four key areas:

Supporting children and families to recover

Under this area the UK has provided US$150,000 to enable United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to repair damaged homes and schools and restore access to clean water through its Today and Tomorrow Initiative. This support will help children return to learning, improve safety, and ensure families have access to basic services as communities recover.

Rapid financial support for the national response

Given the widespread damage caused by Cyclone Maila, Solomon Islands has received a rapid payout of US$500,000 through the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC). UK support to this regional insurance mechanism helps Pacific governments access immediate funding after disasters, easing pressure on national finances and enabling faster response for affected communities.

Meeting urgent needs in the hardest-hit communities

Through UK-backed support from the Start Fund, World Vision is helping 2,000 of the most vulnerable people with clean water, sanitation, shelter and food security. This assistance, supported by over US$270,000 in funding, is helping families meet their most critical needs.

In addition to this support, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated $2.5 million to support urgent needs in Solomon Islands. The UK is a longstanding partner to the CERF and is the largest overall donor to the fund since its inception in 2006, contributing more than $2 billion in total over the years.

Reaching thousands with lifesaving assistance

As a partner to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund, the UK is supporting the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society to deliver health, water, sanitation, shelter and protection assistance to around 7,500 people. A pay out of US$350,000 has been allocated to those that have been severely affected.

The UK remains committed to standing alongside Solomon Islands as recovery efforts continue.

08/05/2026
Keir Starmer – 2026 Statement to Mark 81 Years Since VE Day

The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 7 May 2026.

As we mark eighty-one years since VE Day, we give thanks to the men and women of our armed forces, who triumphed over tyranny to secure victory and safety for our country.

The courage and selflessness displayed by our World War II veterans is interwoven into our national fabric. We will never forget the immense sacrifices that were made by so many and we will continue to protect the peace that they fought for.

Their bravery lives in the stories that have been passed down through generations, and in those who serve our armed forces tirelessly today to keep our nation secure.

I thank them for their dedication and service.

08/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UNISFA plays a critical role in protecting civilians and maintaining stability in Abyei – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2026.

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan.

First, the United Kingdom underscores UNISFA’s critical role in protecting civilians and maintaining stability in a fragile environment.

It is essential that UNISFA is able to deliver its mandate in full.

We are concerned by continued restrictions on UNISFA’s freedom of movement, the limited progress by the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities against key mandate benchmarks agreed last November and the presence of unauthorised forces in violation of Abyei’s demilitarised status.

We also again strongly condemn the drone attacks on the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism logistics base in December, which killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured nine others, and we extend our deepest sympathies to their families.

We urge accountability and call on all parties to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and premises in accordance with international law.

Beyond this tragic human cost, the attack has also led to the first complete suspension of the Mechanism’s physical presence since its creation, which has significantly impacted border monitoring and demilitarisation.

Second, we remain concerned at the acute humanitarian and protection situation in Abyei.

More than 20,000 people are currently displaced in the region, and access constraints are limiting the delivery of vital assistance.

We are also deeply concerned by reports of a pattern of conflict-related sexual violence, including against children.

We call on all actors to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and to protect civilians, in line with international law.

Third, it is critical that progress is made against the benchmarks agreed in resolution 2802.

The continued failure to convene joint mechanisms and delays to police deployment are deeply concerning.

We urge Sudan and South Sudan to re-engage in dialogue and take concrete steps towards demilitarisation and agreed governance arrangements.

08/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement following the meeting of the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 7 May 2026.

The UK Government and European Commission gave a statement after the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework meeting.

The Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework met in Brussels today, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

The co-chairs took stock of the implementation of the Windsor Framework since the last meeting on 3 December 2025. They reaffirmed the importance of continued work to deliver the full, timely, and faithful implementation of the Windsor Framework.

They welcomed the further progress made in the Windsor Framework’s implementation across various areas and noted the remaining work to be undertaken to deliver in full the safeguards underpinning the flexibilities for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) area, they noted the satisfactory functioning of the SPS inspection facilities and individual labelling requirements, as well as the positive direction in the provision of information in the general SPS certificates. Progress should however continue on the remaining pending issues, including full compliance of certificates, box-level labelling, and ensuring that flexibilities are applied for compliant goods only. They also took note of the robust ongoing preparatory work for the interplay between the Windsor Framework SPS provisions and the future EU-UK SPS Agreement, which is undertaken to fulfil the commitment from the Common Understanding(1) from the EU-UK Summit of 19 May 2025.

The co-chairs also took stock of the ongoing work in the area of customs. They welcomed the finalisation of the work to grant Union representatives access to all relevant UK IT systems. They noted the ongoing discussions at technical level on customs duties of business to consumer parcels. They stressed that further work to ensure that the Windsor Framework arrangements in the customs and trade area are implemented properly should also continue.

They welcomed the technical flexibilities in the functioning of the Duty Reimbursement Scheme for the benefit of Northern Ireland operators whilst maintaining the necessary protection of the Union Single Market.

The co-chairs took stock of the work of the Joint Consultative Working Group and its structured sub-groups, noting its good functioning and the usefulness of the exchange of information.

They reiterated the importance of the joint engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders, which should continue, thus supporting the advancement of the Windsor Framework implementation.

The co-chairs also noted the conclusion of their work relating to the exchange of views on the implications of the Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Resilience Acts for the proper functioning of the Windsor Framework, in line with Article 13(4) of the Windsor Framework, following on from the delegation of that responsibility by the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee. They would report to the Joint Committee co-chairs on their work with a view to advancing the process foreseen under Article 13(4) of the Framework at the next Joint Committee meeting.

08/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : World Press Freedom Day 2026 – Joint statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2026.

Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen of Finland delivered a statement on World Press Freedom Day on behalf of the UK and 33 other countries, stressing that a free, independent media is essential to peace and security across the OSCE region and beyond.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, members of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists: Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and my own country Finland. The following participating States have also aligned with this statement: Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Cyprus, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine.

To mark World Press Freedom Day, we recognise the vital yet increasingly perilous role that journalists and media actors play in conflict situations, and the important link between a free media and both global and national security. The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is “Shaping a Future at Peace”. At a time when international peace seems more elusive than it has for a long time, a free, independent, pluralistic media can make an important contribution to both achieving and sustaining peace.

During conflicts, independent media coverage helps provide accurate and timely information that is critical for the communities affected. Factual, timely reporting can save lives and livelihoods. Public interest journalism can strengthen information integrity and act as a defence against disinformation and propaganda, both of which could increase as the security situation worsens. A free media can be an early warning mechanism in identifying and reporting possible war crimes. It can also play a part in encouraging dialogue during conflicts and fostering mutual understanding, and raising the voices of those often marginalised in mediation and peace processes.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 129 journalists and media workers were killed in 2025, making it the deadliest year since CPJ began collecting such data more than 30 years ago. Reporters covering conflicts are afforded protection under international humanitarian law, and recognised by UN Security Council Resolution 2222 (2015), yet in reality, where once a jacket emblazoned with the word “PRESS” offered protection, it is now often seen as a target.

This is clearly demonstrated by the Russian Federation’s illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine: a significant number of journalists have been killed or subjected to arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearance by Russia while exercising their profession. Media infrastructure and media workers have become direct targets of Russian attacks. We call on the Russian Federation to immediately and unconditionally release all media actors imprisoned because of their professional activities, including in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

In Russia itself and in Belarus media actors have been harassed, attacked and imprisoned for their professional activities on politically motivated charges, on the basis of so called “anti-extremism” and “anti-terrorism” laws, the audience itself is often criminalized for searching for independent information.

Journalists not only have to deal with increased physical danger; they also face growing online abuse – particularly women – while media organisations have to contend with increasing state censorship, greater financial pressures, a significant rise in disinformation that undermines public trust, and the challenges brought by new technology, including AI.

In fact, global media freedom is under the most sustained attack in decades – at a time when it is also increasingly important to our mutual security and prosperity.

We remain deeply concerned by the erosion of media freedom in other parts of the OSCE region, which take a variety of forms, well described and illustrated in the recent RFOM report. We will continue to support RFOM in exercising his vital and unique mandate, and denounce all efforts to reduce the freedom of the media and curb freedom of expression.

So, amid the high level of conflict in the world today, we call upon states to support a free, independent media as a contribution to “Shaping a Future at Peace”. We also appeal to states to protect those reporting on conflict, and work towards ending impunity for crimes against journalists in the OSCE and worldwide.

08/05/2026