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  • PRESS RELEASE : Combatting Anti Muslim Hatred – UK statement to the OSCE [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Combatting Anti Muslim Hatred – UK statement to the OSCE [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

    Deputy Ambassador James Ford reaffirms the UK’s commitment to tackling anti Muslim hatred and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination and the enjoyment of human rights for all.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    The United Kingdom reiterates its firm commitment to tolerance, non‑discrimination, and the full enjoyment of human rights for all. These principles are at the heart of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. When they are undermined, our societies become less cohesive, less resilient, and less safe.

    We thank Türkiye for raising this important issue today. Anti‑Muslim hatred is a serious and persistent problem across the OSCE area. No one should face intimidation, discrimination or violence because they are Muslim or perceived to be Muslim.

    According to the UK’s most recent official statistics, 45% of police-recorded religious hate crimes targeted Muslims – a level that has been high for many years. This month, the UK Government adopted a new non‑statutory definition of Anti‑Muslim Hostility. This definition was informed by the work of an independent expert working group and a broad evidence‑gathering process.

    The definition has a clear purpose within the UK: to improve understanding of unacceptable hostility targeting Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim, and to provide a practical framework for action. The definition helps public authorities, employers and services recognise when behaviour crosses the line into targeted hostility, unlawful discrimination or prejudicial stereotyping intended to encourage hatred.

    Domestically, this sits alongside wider work to tackle all forms of religiously motivated hate crime and to strengthen social cohesion. The UK continues to support security measures for places of worship, to fund monitoring and victim‑support services, and to promote dialogue between communities. We recognise that antisemitism, anti‑Muslim hatred and other forms of hatred often rise together and must be addressed together.

    Internationally, the UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief for all, and to implementing our OSCE human dimension commitments. We will continue to support ODIHR and the OSCE’s Personal Representatives on tolerance and non‑discrimination, and to share good practice, including on the  implementation of non‑statutory definitions at a national level such as the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and, now, our definition of Anti‑Muslim Hostility.

    Across the OSCE region, we must resist efforts to instrumentalise religion for political ends, and we must confront disinformation and narratives that inflame tensions between communities. The United Kingdom will continue to work with participating States, OSCE institutions and civil society to ensure that every individual can live free from fear, and that diversity is recognised as a source of strength, not division.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ecuador and the United Kingdom hold Bilateral Political Consultations [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ecuador and the United Kingdom hold Bilateral Political Consultations [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

    Ecuador and UK hold political consultations in London, reaffirming strong ties and advancing cooperation on security, trade, environment and education.

    Delegations from Ecuador and the United Kingdom held their first Bilateral Political Consultation in London on 19 March 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, Ambassador Alejandro Dávalos, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean), Chris Elmore MP.

    Noting the strong and historic partnership between the UK and Ecuador, the Consultation reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations and the shared commitment of both countries to maintaining regular political and technical dialogue.

    A range of bilateral issues were discussed, with particular emphasis on security, trade & investment, and environment & climate cooperation. During the meeting, both authorities reflected on the growing people-people links being built between the UK and Ecuador, including through education, business and tourism.

    The Consultation included exchanges on our strong trade relationship. The parties celebrated the developments made in recent years, supported by the Double Taxation Agreement and Andean Trade Agreement. Vice Minister Dávalos also highlighted the strategic importance of the banana trade for Ecuador’s economic growth, its development and labour, and on sustainability and environmental protection.

    On security matters, both parties agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation against transnational organised crime, particularly through enhanced collaboration on maritime security, drug trafficking, information exchange and efforts to combat illicit financial flows. Minister Elmore stressed the UK’s commitment to enhancing regional and international security.

    The parties exchanged views on other areas of mutual interest, including migration, environmental cooperation, and the strengthening of educational opportunities through the UK’s Chevening Programme and the scientific research grants offered by Ecuador in the Galapagos.

    The UK and Ecuador remain committed to strengthening bilateral ties across security, trade, development, environment and climate. At the conclusion of the meeting both parties agreed to continue advancing the issues discussed, and to reconvene in Ecuador in 2027.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Expansion of Meningitis B vaccination offer to Kent Students [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Expansion of Meningitis B vaccination offer to Kent Students [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 19 March 2026.

    The Meningitis B vaccine will now be offered to everyone who has been offered preventative antibiotic treatment as part of this outbreak.

    • Vaccination will now be extended to everyone who has been offered preventative antibiotic treatment as part of this outbreak.
    • Preventative antibiotics – and vaccination – will also now be offered to the 6th form students (years 12 and 13) in schools and colleges in Kent where confirmed or probable cases are identified.
    • On a case-by-case basis, future risk assessment may also support use in other year groups or settings.
    • Students can, and should, continue to attend schools and colleges as normal. 
    • The NHS Kent and Medway website will be updated shortly with vaccination sites for those eligible.
    • The key intervention to protect people and halt the spread remains for people to come forward for antibiotic treatment. A single course of antibiotics is highly effective in preventing the contraction and spread of this disease in 90% of cases.
    • As a further precautionary measure, we are extending the offer of antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccine to any individuals who attended Club Chemistry from the 5 March until it closed voluntarily on 15 March.
    • 20,000 vaccines from the NHS supply will be made available to the private market, to ease current demand experienced by pharmacies. These will enter the private market within around 48 hours.

    In response to the ongoing Meningitis B (MenB) outbreak in Kent, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is expanding the offer of preventative antibiotic treatment and vaccination to control the outbreak. 

    Preventative antibiotic treatment and vaccination will now be offered to 6th sixth form students (years 12 and 13) in schools and colleges in Kent with confirmed or probable cases. On a case-by-case basis, following risk assessment by the local health protection team, antibiotics and vaccination may also be made available to additional year groups. Students can, and should, continue to attend schools and colleges as normal.

    In addition to the approximately 5,000 students who were initially contacted, vaccination will now be extended to everyone who has been offered preventative antibiotic treatment as part of this outbreak. This includes University of Kent students who live on the Canterbury Campus and other relevant halls of residence; close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases, and students in four education settings in Kent where cases have been confirmed. Anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 and 15 March will also be offered a vaccine and antibiotics as a precaution after one suspected case revisited the nightclub before it shut voluntarily.

    This extension ensures that those most likely to have been in close contact with confirmed or suspected cases are offered longer term protection as early as possible.

    The NHS Kent and Medway website will be updated shortly with vaccination sites for those eligible.

    Patients eligible for antibiotics will now be able to request a vaccination and antibiotics from their local GP immediately – wherever they are in England.

    While preventative antibiotics remain the key intervention to protect people and halt the spread of infection, vaccination is being offered as an additional measure to provide longer term protection for those at increased risk.

    Given current demand on the private MenB vaccine market, 20,000 doses will also be released from NHS supply to support continuity of private provision, enabling up to 2,000 pharmacies to receive vaccines in the next 48 hours.

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: 

    By extending the vaccination programme to everyone who has been offered preventative antibiotics, we are taking an important additional step to protect those most likely to have been exposed. The message is simple: if you have had the antibiotic, you are also eligible for the vaccination.

    People are reminded to remain alert to the signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and to seek urgent medical attention if they or someone they know becomes unwell.

    Background 

    Meningococcal disease (meningitis and sepsis) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and sepsis (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis. 

    The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital. 

    Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include: 

    • a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
    • sudden onset of high fever
    • severe and worsening headache
    • stiff neck
    • vomiting and diarrhoea
    • joint and muscle pain
    • dislike of bright lights
    • very cold hands and feet
    • seizures
    • confusion/delirium
    • extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

    Young people going on to university or college for the first time are particularly at risk of meningitis because they newly mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat. 

    There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection.

    There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningococcal infection. Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and sepsis as early detection and treatment can save lives. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scotland-France ferry link moves closer with £3 million UK Government commitment [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scotland-France ferry link moves closer with £3 million UK Government commitment [March 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 March 2026.

    Investment will upgrade vital Border Force and Customs infrastructure at the port.

    A direct ferry route from Scotland to Dunkirk has today moved a step closer thanks to a £3 million UK Government commitment.

    Funded through the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund, the investment will support the upgrade of vital Border Force and Customs infrastructure at the port. It was announced today [19 March] by the Scottish Secretary ahead of a visit to the Rosyth to meet senior figures from Forth Ports, international ferry operator DFDS, and the operators of the Port of Dunkirk.

    The UK Government’s £3 million funding is subject to the conclusion of a commercial agreement between Forth Ports (operator of the Port of Rosyth) and a ferry operator, as well as approval of their business case.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    My plan to build a stronger and more secure economy is the right one – cutting the cost of living, cutting the national debt and creating the conditions for growth.

    Backing Rosyth with this £3 million investment would be a major boost to Scotland’s infrastructure and tourism, and would make the area a more attractive place to live, work and start a business in the years to come.

    Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said:

    With the UK Government delivering £3 million in investment, this new direct ferry service would connect Scotland to Europe’s doorstep. The UK Government is backing Scottish businesses to grow, export and compete on the world stage. 

    It would boost tourism, open up new markets for Scottish businesses, create jobs, take freight off our roads and grow Scotland’s economy. This is a big step forward and I hope we will soon see the first ferry set sail. This is a major vote of confidence in Scotland’s, and the UK’s, economic future.

    Mathieu Girardin, Executive Vice President and Head of DFDS’s Ferry Division, said:

    We are pleased to see the UK Government’s commitment to strengthening port infrastructure in Rosyth. This is an important step in bringing a new route between Scotland and mainland Europe closer to reality. While a few elements still need to be addressed, we see strong potential in the route and look forward to continuing our discussions with all partners involved to move the project forward.

    Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Forth Ports said:

    Forth Ports welcomes this step from the UK Government to support the growth of the maritime freight and passenger sector in Scotland.  A ferry service from Rosyth to mainland Europe is a key part of the Forth Green Freeport and this funding helps create the market conditions needed to see the ferry take a step closer to reality .

    Daniel Deschodt, Executive Vice President of the Port of Dunkirk, said:

    The establishment of a direct maritime link between the ports of Rosyth and Dunkirk is a significant strategic asset. This new freight and passenger ferry service will enhance connectivity between the two countries, facilitating smoother trade flows and serving as a powerful catalyst for economic growth. It will stimulate port activity, boost local employment, and strengthen the logistics, competitiveness, and tourism of both regions within Europe.

    The new route – fifteen years after the last passenger service ended between Scotland and mainland Europe – would operate from Rosyth to Dunkirk with both freight and passengers, subject to a commercial agreement between Forth Ports and a ferry operator. It would link with Dunkirk’s state-of-the-art rail terminal, which connects the port to major centres across the European Union, opening up significant new opportunities for Scottish exporters.

    The EU is a key market for Scottish businesses, accounting for nearly half (45%) of exports. This new link would help drive economic growth in Scotland by strengthening logistical competitiveness, export capability and tourism opportunities. It would also create local jobs to support the ferry’s operation. It comes at a time when the UK and EU are seeking to strengthen cross border trade cooperation through the new EU/UK trade agreement.

    Over the last two weeks, the UK Government has been running a series of masterclasses to help Scottish businesses sell their goods and services overseas. Experts were joined by the UK Business Centre in Lille to discuss the opportunities available in the French market and more widely in Europe.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with NATO Secretary General Rutte and President Macron of France [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with NATO Secretary General Rutte and President Macron of France [March 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 March 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, this morning.

    The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the egregious Iranian strikes on Qatari energy facilities.

    Attacks on critical infrastructure risked pushing the region further into crisis, the leaders agreed.

    Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, the leaders reiterated the importance of securing the key maritime route and supporting freedom of navigation for shipping.

    It was vital partners worked together on a viable plan, the Prime Minister added.

    The leaders agreed to speak again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) – UK response [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) – UK response [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

    The UK welcomes ODIHR Director Telalian to the Permanent Council and reiterates its strong support for ODIHR’s work on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. Many colleagues wish to speak on this item; I promise to be brief.

    Director Telalian, welcome back to the Permanent Council. Thank you Maria for your report and for your Office’s work providing professional and expert support to OSCE participating States, national human rights institutions and civil society.

    We particularly welcome ODIHR’s reporting on the human consequences of Russia’s full‑scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The findings set out in ODIHR’s Eighth Interim Report of December 2025 again document the devastating impact of Russia’s aggression on civilians, and Russia’s continued violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

    We thank you for continued work on human rights challenges in the wider region and to support civil society under pressure. We warmly welcome your vital election observation activities and ODIHR’s recent contributions to strengthening election observation in the digital age.

    The UK continues to believe that a comprehensive concept of security as you outlined at the beginning of this meeting lies at the heart of the OSCE and the future peace and security of our region. ODIHR’s work across the human dimension remains indispensable. Rest assured of continued UK support in the months to come.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Record-breaking order for British Steel as UK and Nigeria sign landmark £746 million ports deal [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Record-breaking order for British Steel as UK and Nigeria sign landmark £746 million ports deal [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 March 2026.

    UK Export Finance announces support for UK exporters to supply high-value projects in Nigeria.

    • Major vote of confidence in UK manufacturing as UK Export Finance guarantees £746 million ($902m) to fund the redevelopment of two of Nigeria’s major trading ports 
    • A record-breaking £70 million ($95m) contract for British Steel is the result of at least £236 million of the overall deal being invested into British companies  
    • A Memorandum of Understanding will also be signed today between the UK and Nigeria to explore and develop future trade and investment opportunities 

    Thousands of skilled UK jobs will be supported and hundreds of millions invested into the economy as a historic financing deal is signed today [Thursday 19 March] between the UK and Nigeria.   

    The £746 million sum will be used to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure facilities located in Lagos, the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the TinCan Island Port Complex. It will be delivered through UKEF’s Buyer Credit Facility coordinated and arranged by Citibank, N.A London Branch (“Citi”). 

    The agreement between UK Export Finance, the UK government’s export credit agency (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Finance, will deliver significant benefits for British businesses, with at least £236 million of supplier contracts directed to British companies.  

    British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets to construction companies Hitech Nigeria and ITB Nigeria for the ports deal, amounting to a £70 million contract that represents British Steel’s largest export order backed by UKEF. It follows from the Government’s newly announced Steel Strategy which seeks to revitalise the steel sector.

    It comes as the Prime Minister welcomes The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Downing Street today, with the leaders discussing shared priorities to strengthen the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership.

    Peter Kyle, Business and Trade Secretary said: 

    Hot on the heels of our landmark Steel Strategy, this is a major win for British Steel made possible by UK Export Finance which is testament to the quality of UK-made steel and the booming UK-Nigeria relationship. 

    Through our new Strategy we’re backing British steelmakers for long-term success at home and abroad, and this contract will reinforce British Steel’s world-class expertise while supporting jobs and growth in Scunthorpe.

    Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigerian Minister of Marine and Blue Economy said: 

    The modernisation and upgrading of Nigeria’s ports represents a major step forward for the country and aligns closely with the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of the marine and blue economy. Through strategic partnerships such as this with the United Kingdom, we are laying the foundation for a new era of efficiency, transparency and competitiveness in Nigeria’s port system. Modern infrastructure, supported by digitalised and automated processes, will transform the way our ports operate and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

    Nigeria’s port operations will be transformative. Turnaround times for vessels and cargo dwell times within the ports are projected to fall sharply as automated processes replace paperwork-heavy procedures and as expanded capacity removes longstanding bottlenecks. The modernised infrastructure will enable faster clearance of imports and exports, reduce demurrage and logistics costs for businesses, significantly improve the predictability and transparency of cargo movement and generate more revenue for national development.

    Alongside the NPA deal announcement, the UK and Nigeria will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for potential future collaboration. The MOU sets out Nigeria’s priority project pipeline, seeking UKEF finance and support, with the UK set to benefit directly through substantial supply chain participation. The signing signals a clear commitment from both governments to deepen their long-term partnership on trade, infrastructure and sustainable growth. 

    Hitech Nigeria and ITB Nigeria have been at the forefront of some of Nigeria’s most transformative infrastructure projects and advanced engineering. 

    The Steel Strategy highlights one of many initiatives that the Government is already doing including those on energy prices, skills, procurement and financing support of projects such as the Scrap Metal Taskforce and the new Trade Defence Measures. 

    Allan Bell, British Steel CEO said: 

    This is a record-breaking contract for British Steel and a major boost to our 4,000 employees and many more people in our supply chains.

    After government intervention last April, everyone at British Steel has worked hard to stabilise the company. This deal represents us moving from stabilisation to building long-term sustainability for the business.

    As one of the largest ever orders for billet in the history of this company, it marks a tremendous vote of confidence in British Steel and UK manufacturing. And as the biggest order we have ever secured with UK Export Finance, it demonstrates how we are working with the UK Government to meet the global demand for our products.

    We thank the government for its support and look forward to working with Hitech Construction Africa Ltd on this transformative project.

    Richard Hodder, Global Head of Export & Agency Financing at Citi said:

    Citi has been present in Nigeria for over 40 years and is delighted to support NPA and the Federal Government of Nigeria in the financing of this critical infrastructure project which will deliver significant economic benefits to the Nigerian economy over the coming years. As the Coordinator of the transaction, we are pleased to have worked in close partnership with the team at UKEF to deliver one of the largest Export Credit Agency supported Buyer Credit Facilities ever seen in West Africa.

    Today’s milestones represent UKEF’s growing presence in the region. Since 2018, UKEF support for West and Central Africa has grown by over £3 billion, reflecting the region’s appetite for diversified trade partnerships and the UK’s commitment to being a trusted partner for long-term investment. 

    Tim Reid, CEO at UK Export Finance said:

    This deal represents a milestone for UK-Nigeria trade relations and demonstrates the full capacity of UK Export Finance to unlock transformational opportunities for British businesses, while supporting sustainable economic growth in key markets.

    With over £200 million feeding back to British companies, including one of the largest steel billet contracts in British Steel’s history and our new Memorandum of Understanding, UKEF is laying the foundations for a deeper, long-term relationship with Nigeria, that will open doors for British exporters across the entire region.

    Together, these announcements signal to international markets that Nigeria is open for trade and investment, demonstrating credible government-to-government delivery and building wider investor confidence around Nigeria’s trade infrastructure and growth agenda.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government announces plans to tag thousands of extra offenders [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government announces plans to tag thousands of extra offenders [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 March 2026.

    Thousands more criminals will be tagged alongside changes to supervision that will focus probation time on the offenders who pose the greatest risk.

    • Live surveillance part of £100m tagging expansion for domestic abusers & thieves
    • Tougher supervision and increased monitoring for the most dangerous offenders
    • Additional 1,300 probation officers to be recruited to help cut crime

    Dangerous criminals will be live tracked using real-time surveillance and receive more intense supervision as part of a greater focus on the most high-risk offenders. 

    The biggest expansion of tagging in British history will mean thousands of extra domestic abusers, thieves and burglars across the country will face tough GPS and alcohol monitoring in a major £100 million crackdown on crime.

    Frontline probation staff will also be given access to cutting-edge technology allowing instant access to the location of certain tagged offenders, which will help to identify escalating risk and allow for earlier interventions.

    In a boost for victims, a £5 million pilot will introduce proximity monitoring technology that creates an alert when offenders convicted of crimes such as domestic abuse and stalking approach their victim – a key commitment from the Government’s landmark strategy to end violence against women and girls.

    These changes are backed by an investment in probation of up to £700 million by 2028/29, which includes the recruitment of at least 1,300 extra probation officers in the next year, and will help ensure tougher monitoring of violent offenders to better keep the public safe. 

    To further increase public protection and cut crime, a reinforced probation workforce will focus more of their time on prolific offenders and ramp up the face-to-face monitoring of those who pose the biggest risk to the public – such as terrorists, murderers and prolific sex offenders.

    Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, said:    

    This is the biggest expansion of tagging in British history and means the most dangerous offenders will now be watched more closely than ever before. 

    By combining new technology with a stronger probation workforce, we’re making sure those who pose the biggest risk are under constant scrutiny to better protect victims and the public.

    This Government has been clear that the crisis it inherited in the Probation Service has placed too great a burden on hardworking staff, with new statistics showing that, between 2023 and 2025, 31% of target probation appointments did not take place due to unmanageable workloads. 

    This has meant officers have been unable to pay enough attention to those offenders who pose the greatest risk.  

    Under the new approach, supervision will be better targeted so officers can focus their time on the most dangerous offenders, while those assessed as lower-risk will require fewer routine appointments. 

    These reforms will enable overworked probation staff to focus on the parts of their job that has the greatest impact on public protection and will unburden them from tasks that are less impactful when it comes to protecting the public. 

    A further £8 million is also being invested in new technology to reduce time-consuming admin tasks and save up to 250,000 days of valuable time every year, allowing frontline staff to spend more time monitoring offenders and keeping our streets safe. 

    Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones said:

    I welcome the Government’s plans for further investment in the Probation Service, and attempts to focus time and resources where they matter most.

    I have been clear that urgent action is needed to support a service that is currently facing significant challenge, with too few staff, who have too little experience, managing too many cases.

    We are entering a crucial period as the implementation of the Sentencing Act reforms begins. There must be a sharp focus on ensuring the Probation Service can recruit, train, and retain sufficient staff, and give them the tools and support they need – both to keep the public and victims safe, and to turn offenders’ lives around.

    As part of the Government’s Plan for Change to make streets safer, tens of thousands more criminals will be tagged over the next three years as part of a major technology expansion. 

    The Government is also introducing, for the first time, a presumption that all prison leavers will be tagged on release as part of intensive supervision with the Probation Service keeping a closer eye on offenders’ behaviour. 

    Meanwhile, a pilot that tags domestic abusers who pose a threat to a former partner, family member or their children after leaving prison will be rolled out nationally. 

    A report found overwhelming support for the scheme from probation staff, with 83% stating it gave victims peace of mind and more than three-quarters saying it would better protect them. 

    A separate pilot, in which convicted burglars and thieves are forced to wear a GPS tag so their movements can be tracked against unsolved crimes will also be rolled out across the country. 

    Evidence is increasingly proving the effectiveness of tags in cutting crime. Published research shows GPS and curfew tags can reduce reoffending by around 20%, and alcohol monitoring orders have compliance rates above 97%. 

    Notes to editors: 

    • The Domestic Abuse Perpetrators on Licence (DAPOL) pilot has tracked hundreds of prison leavers who pose a threat to a former partner or their children, with the tags serving as a constant physical reminder to offenders that we are watching their every move. It is currently live in eight probation regions and will be rolled out to all twelve across England and Wales by September 2026. 
    • The Acquisitive Crime scheme sees burglars and thieves forced to wear a GPS tag after their release from prison. Their location data is then mapped against unsolved crimes, serving as a strong deterrent to reoffending. The pilot is currently live in 19 police force areas and will be gradually rolled out to all 43 before the end of this Parliament. 
    • The Government is investing £5 million to pilot proximity monitoring within this Parliament, as committed to in the Government’s 10-year Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. This new technology – used to different extents internationally in Spain, the Netherlands, and Australia – enables probation to know if the offender comes within a preset distance of a victim. This represents a further powerful tool for managing risk in high-harm domestic abuse cases. 
    • The new Electronic Monitoring Data Insights tool will provide probation staff with quick access to electronic monitoring and behavioural information. Timely sharing of behaviour patterns – such as licence condition violations – will help staff make better decisions and support rehabilitation through earlier interventions, while easing their workload by replacing inefficient data collection processes. A small pilot will start in June 2026, and we aim to fully rollout by Autumn 2026  
    • The Government will further strengthen the Probation Service by recruiting an additional 1,300 trainee probation officers across 2026/27 — on top of the 2,300 already pledged to be brought in since 2024 — in a major drive to crackdown on crime. 
    • This will be supported by an increase in probation funding by up £700 million by 2028/29, which includes £100 million for the expansion of tagging, of which £5 million will fund the pilot of proximity monitoring.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Two-child limit scrapped as historic Bill to lift 450,000 children out of poverty becomes law [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two-child limit scrapped as historic Bill to lift 450,000 children out of poverty becomes law [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 19 March 2026.

    Historic legislation to end the two-child limit has become law, putting 450,000 children on a pathway out of poverty in the final year of this Parliament.

    • Two child-limit – which pushed 100 children a day into hardship – to be scrapped as child poverty bill becomes law.
    • 450,000 children to be lifted out of poverty in the final year of this Parliament – the largest reduction in child poverty since records began.
    • Comes as part of Government’s wider plan to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start in life.

    Historic legislation to end the two-child limit has become law, putting 450,000 children on a pathway out of poverty in the final year of this Parliament.

    Since its introduction in 2017, the two-child limit has been the biggest single driver of child poverty and today, 2.6 million children in the UK don’t have enough food at home, over 172,000 have no permanent home, and babies born in the poorest areas are twice as likely to die before their first birthday.

    The policy’s removal is the single most cost-effective measure available to the Government to drive down poverty rates. Up to 1.5 million children across Great Britain could be helped by the change, representing the most significant action to tackle child poverty since comparable records began.

    This will predominantly help working families — around sixty per cent of households affected by the two-child limit have a parent in work, and nearly half were not on Universal Credit when any of their children were born.

    Removing the two-child limit sits at the heart of the Child Poverty Strategy which brings together action across government to increase family incomes, cut the cost of essentials and strengthen local services. Alongside measures such as expanding free school meals, extending childcare support, and supporting parents in work, the strategy is set to lift 550,000 children out of poverty in the final year of this parliament.

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, said:

    Today is an historic day, marking a turning point for 450,000 children across Britain.

    Scrapping the two-child limit is about more than family finances today, it’s about the Britain we’re building for tomorrow.

    Children growing up in poverty are far more likely to leave school without qualifications and end up not in work or education as young adults, and we’re determined to break that cycle once and for all and give every child the best start in life.

    Children in the poorest areas are four times more likely to have mental health problems, twice as likely to suffer from obesity and tooth decay, and disadvantaged pupils are twice as likely to be persistently absent from school — with hunger and unsuitable housing making it harder to come to school ready to learn.

    These early disadvantages have lasting consequences: children growing up in poverty are more likely to leave school without good GCSEs, less likely to find work, and go on to earn around 50% less by the age of 40 than their better-off peers, making early action both a moral imperative and sound economic policy.

    Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson, said:

    For too long, the two-child limit has held children back through no fault of their own.

    With the law now changed, hundreds of thousands of children will grow up with greater security and opportunity.

    We’re determined to break the link between a child’s background and their life chances and today brings us a step closer to that goal.

    The change removes the existing restriction in Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit that limited support to a family’s first two children. It takes effect from 6 April 2026, with families already claiming Universal Credit seeing the update applied automatically with no action needed.

    This comes as the government continues to take wider action to help families by driving down the cost of living with measures including increasing the National Living Wage, cutting an average £150 from household energy bills and freezing rail and prescription charges.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK steel industry backed by major new trade measure and strategy [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK steel industry backed by major new trade measure and strategy [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 March 2026.

    UK steel producers and thousands of steel workers to benefit from a new landmark Steel Strategy and robust trade measure.

    • Landmark new Steel Strategy sets ambition for up to 50% of steel used in the UK to be made in the UK, boosting production from 30%.
    • UK will introduce new trade measure to support national security by preserving vital steel production for critical national infrastructure and defence. 
    • Steel import quotas will be reduced with higher tariffs of 50% outside of quotas, ensuring the UK steel sector’s future in the face of global overcapacity.  

    UK steel producers and thousands of steel workers from Glasgow to Port Talbot will benefit from a new landmark Steel Strategy as Government takes bold action to protect domestic steelmaking and build more resilience in the supply chain for critical national infrastructure and defence. 

    On a visit to Tata Steel Port Talbot to meet steelworkers and launch the Strategy, the Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle announced the Government’s ambition to boost domestic production so that it can meet up to 50% of our domestic demand for steel, and secure the industry’s role in supporting vital UK sectors like infrastructure, defence and clean energy. 

    Building on the direct financial support the government has made so far, the National Wealth Fund will be the government’s main mechanism for providing up to £2.5 billion of financing for investment in the steel sector this Parliament. The Steel Strategy forms a vital part of the Government’s activist and strategic approach to British industry, taking decisive action to give businesses the certainty and support they need in uncertain times and bolstering the UK’s resilience.

    Today, the UK also announces that from 1 July 2026, overall quota levels for steel imports will be significantly reduced by 60% compared to current arrangements, and steel coming into the UK above these levels will be subject to a 50% tariff.   

    The robust new measure is a vital step to protect UK steel production in the face of global steel overcapacity. It will apply to imported steel products where they can be made in the UK.

    Without action, the UK’s steelmaking capability faces real jeopardy, leaving us reliant on overseas suppliers for materials essential to our energy security, defence and transport infrastructure.  

    Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

    “Making steel in the UK is vital for national security, critical infrastructure and the wider economy. Steel-making is a cornerstone of our modern industrial policy that deliberately focuses support for key industries, technologies, and strategically important sectors.   

    “With this strategy we are closing the decades-long chapter of destructive de-industrialisation and committing instead to strengthening and sustaining Britain as a steel-making nation.” 

    The new Steel Strategy also commits to: 

    • Confirm electric arc furnaces (EAF) as the future of British steelmaking, continuing the shift from blast furnaces to cleaner, EAF-based production using recycled scrap to support net zero. 
    • Enable offshore wind developers to include steel manufacturers in the next round of Clean Industry Bonus applications (launching this year) to maximise UK steel use in renewables. 
    • Launch a cross-government working group to ensure a sustainable supply of scrap metal for UK steelmakers. 
    • Task the Steel Council with action on workforce needs and practical research and innovation to boost productivity and competitiveness. 

    Alongside the new trade measure being announced today, the Government will also be raising the UK’s maximum Most Favoured Nation (MFN) steel tariffs at the WTO to 50% to protect domestic industry in the long run from the impacts of global overcapacity. 

    This approach reflects feedback from government’s recent Call for Evidence, aligns with the UK’s Industrial Strategy and Trade Strategy, and follows months of engagement with UK steel producers and downstream industries.  

    In tandem, the Government will explore the possibility of introducing requirements to identify where steel imports are melted and poured, in order to better understand our supply chains and ensure the UK steel industry is better protected from global overcapacity.  

    The new measure is not about stopping steel trade: steel imports are necessary for industry and will continue. Quota allocations have been carefully designed through engagement with industry to help maintain security of supply and minimise impacts on the wider economy.

    Following engagement with downstream sectors, there will be a quarterly roll-over of quotas within the year and a review of the measure after twelve months.   

    The UK remains committed to working with international partners, including the European Union, with whom our supply chains are so connected, to tackle global steel challenges. The UK will also continue to work through the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity and take forward efforts to advance WTO reform.

    Further good news for the UK’s steel sector will be unveiled later today during the Nigerian State Visit, with a substantial new deal backed by UK Export Finance worth £70 million, for British Steel to supply the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s trading ports. 

    Notes to editors 

    • The Government is engaging directly with affected stakeholders and trading partners. 
    • We are exploring a transitional arrangement under which the new tariff would not apply to goods under contract agreed before 14 March and imported between 1 July and 30 September 2026. We are finalising the details to ensure it gives genuine support from unexpected costs, while still protecting the UK market from excessive imports.
    • Read the new Steel Strategy. 
    • The Steel Strategy builds on major support the Government has already put in place for the steel industry since taking office, including slashing electricity costs for producers via the Supercharger, reforming procurement rules to ensure more UK-made steel is considered for public projects and speeding up grid access for new investment projects.  
    • Since the Government’s intervention at Scunthorpe last year British Steel has made other important progress, including hiring new apprentices and signing significant contracts, such as supplying a Turkish rail project worth tens of millions. 
    • Other active government support for Britain’s steel sector and communities since taking office has included £500 million to support the construction of a new electric arc furnace (EAF) at Port Talbot, alongside over £100 million of transition funding for local businesses and to retrain ex-workers. 
    • The Government has also backed the Official Receiver with the funding to run a sales process for Speciality Steel UK’s sites, protecting jobs in Rotherham and Stocksbridge in the interim. 
    • The up to £2.5 billion of funding for the steel sector this Parliament is in addition to £500 million already earmarked for Tata Steel’s £1.25 billion transformation at Port Talbot, securing 5,000 jobs. 
    • In 2024, nearly 40,000 people worked across the UK steel industry, with steelmakers paying on average 32% above local average wages
    • 40,000 employed in the UK steel industry sources: ONS JOBS03: Employee jobs by industry Q3 2025, ONS JOBS04: Self-employment jobs by industry Q3 2025 and ONS: Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES) 2024
    • 32% above local average wages source: Employee earnings in the UK – Office for National Statistics

    Stakeholder quotes:

    Jon Bolton, Co-Chair of the UK Steel Council, said:

    “This Steel Strategy, alongside the recently published Industrial Strategy, demonstrates the government’s determination to support Foundational Industries and sets out a case for investment in the UK”s steel sector.  

    “Steel along with all industrial sectors is facing many external challenges emphasising the need to secure a competitive UK supply chain.  A significant demand for steel in the UK supported by a positive policy landscape, a globally recognised academic knowledge base and a skilled workforce will enable the sector to arrest its many years of decline.”

    Gareth Stace, Director General, UK Steel, said:

    “Steel underpins our national security, our energy transition, and the delivery of critical infrastructure. Yet for too long, the UK has lacked a coherent, long‑term plan to support the sector. Today’s strategy acknowledges the essential role steel plays in every part of the economy and sets out the direction needed to attract investment, boost innovation, and strengthen our industrial foundations.

    “This is a crucial moment: with global markets distorted by overcapacity and subsidy, a clear and ambitious domestic strategy is exactly what is required to ensure steelmaking not only survives in the UK but thrives.”

    Community Union General Secretary, Roy Rickhuss CBE, says:

    “Since taking office in 2024, the Government has taken many decisive steps to support the steel industry and those who work within it. This Steel Strategy represents the culmination of these efforts.

    “The trade measure outlined in this Strategy represent a bold and significant step forward, strengthening our domestic industry and helping to ensure that local economies continue to benefit from a secure, resilient steel sector and the employment it provides.”

    Sir Andrew Cook CBE, Chairman, William Cook Holdings Ltd, said:

    “The Government’s measures are a recognition of the need to defend the industry from the distortions in global markets. I welcome them, and trust that we can look forward to further trade defence initiatives extending to other areas of the steel industry that are badly damaged by subsidised imports.”

    Nick Haycock, Managing Director at Marcegaglia UK, said:

    “Unlike some of the steel producers, we have not had any defence for our core products until now. Our markets have been badly impacted by unfair competition and this reduction in quotas offers us an opportunity to grow our domestic market share and domesticate our supply chains. Marcegaglia UK has made major investments in recent years, and these measures will lead to further job creation in our local area.”

    Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB National Secretary, said:

    “GMB had been calling for a steel strategy for a long time – so it’s good we now have some kind of plan.

    “This administration has done more for UK steel than any Government for many, many years.

    “But, as ever, the devil will be in the detail and key questions around ownership of Scunthorpe and the future technology mix will be key to our members and their livelihoods.”