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  • PRESS RELEASE : OSCE Annual Progress Report on Gender Equality – UK statement [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : OSCE Annual Progress Report on Gender Equality – UK statement [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 September 2026.

    Ambassador Holland recognises the OSCE continued work to promote gender equality and ensure women’s participation in politics, peace processes and conflict resolution.

    Thank you, Secretary General, for your presentation of the Annual Progress Report to the Permanent Council this morning.

    Gender equality, empowering women in politics, and combatting violence against women and girls remain key elements of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security.

    We support the organisation’s continued efforts to promote gender equality, and to ensure women’s participation in politics, peace processes and conflict resolution. The launch of the OSCE Roadmap on Women, Peace and Security, and the Secretary General’s endorsement of the UN Common Pledge, are important steps forward.

    The UK particularly welcomes the report’s strong focus on violence against women and girls. The publication of the first OSCE-wide report on femicide and the convening of the High-Level International Conference against Femicide represent significant contributions to tackling one of the gravest manifestations of gender-based violence. They also underline the importance of reliable data, effective prevention and accountability.

    At the same time, technology is creating new threats. Online harassment and abuse silence women’s voices and restrict their participation in public life – online and offline. OSCE efforts to address violence targeting women journalists is particularly valuable.

    The UK commends the excellent work of the OSCE WIN programme, particularly its support for women leaders in Ukraine, and exchanges between women activists from Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We welcome the work of the Women’s Peace Leadership Programme and YoungWomen4Peace in investing in the next generation of women peacebuilders and security leaders. These are practical investments in more representative institutions and sustainable peace.

    We also recognise the efforts to strengthen gender equality within the organisation. Progress in recruitment is encouraging, but women remain underrepresented in senior leadership positions. We as participating States have an important role to play in nominating women for senior seconded posts.

    The United Kingdom remains committed to working with participating States, the Secretary General and OSCE institutions to advance these goals. We owe it to women and girls in our region to deliver on our commitments – and doing so is directly in our shared security interests.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the panel discussion on the International Covenants on Human Rights [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the panel discussion on the International Covenants on Human Rights [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 September 2026.

    UK Statement for the panel discussion on the International Covenants on Human Rights. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Mr President,

    The United Kingdom welcomes this opportunity to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the two International Covenants.

    When these Covenants were adopted in 1966, it was recognised that, together, they gave effect to the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By enshrining civil, political and economic, social and cultural rights in binding international law, they affirmed the dignity and worth of every individual.

    This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved and reaffirm our shared commitment to uphold these rights and to remain steadfast in the face of any efforts to weaken them.

    As we look to the next sixty years, the United Kingdom is committed to working with the UN and partners worldwide to promote and protect human rights for all.

    And as noted in the agenda, “showcasing” the real-world value of these rights is essential to building and sustaining commitment to them.

    Mr President,

    We therefore welcome reflection from the panellists on what more we can do collectively to bring to life how these rights support people’s everyday experiences, making clear their relevance, impact and importance for communities around the world.

  • NEWS STORY : Liberal Democrats propose levy to fund online crime agency

    NEWS STORY : Liberal Democrats propose levy to fund online crime agency

    STORY

    The Liberal Democrats have proposed imposing a levy on large technology and artificial intelligence companies to finance a new Online Crime Agency. The party said the agency would receive £250 million each year to investigate and disrupt criminal activity conducted through digital platforms.

    The proposed agency would focus on offences including the distribution of child sexual abuse material, the online sale of drugs and weapons and the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson said technology companies should contribute towards tackling crimes facilitated through their services.

    The proposal was announced during the Liberal Democrat conference as the party sought to develop a clearer national policy platform. Other measures presented at the conference included a temporary 10p reduction in fuel duty and reduced public transport fares intended to help households with living costs.

  • NEWS STORY : Coalition calls for expansion of National Wealth Fund

    NEWS STORY : Coalition calls for expansion of National Wealth Fund

    STORY

    Trade unions, charities, environmental organisations and think tanks have called on the Government to increase the financial capacity of the National Wealth Fund. The coalition wants the fund to become a larger national development bank capable of supporting infrastructure, industry and regional investment.

    The National Wealth Fund was established to use public money to attract private investment into major projects, with a target of securing £3 from private investors for every £1 committed by the taxpayer. Supporters of expansion said it could finance building improvements, reduce energy costs and create employment in areas requiring industrial investment.

    The groups have also proposed giving the fund greater independence to raise money while remaining consistent with the Government’s fiscal rules. The Treasury said the National Wealth Fund had secured investments worth £3.9 billion and supported the creation of 11,500 jobs.

  • NEWS STORY : Flagship apprenticeship scheme records just 160 starts

    NEWS STORY : Flagship apprenticeship scheme records just 160 starts

    STORY

    A flagship Government apprenticeship programme has recorded 160 starts during its first eight months, according to figures reported as ministers seek to reduce youth unemployment. The Government has set a target of creating 30,000 foundation apprenticeships by the end of the current Parliament.

    Foundation apprenticeships are intended to provide young people with entry level training and a route into longer apprenticeships or employment. The figures come as almost one million people aged between 16 and 24 are reported to be outside education, employment or training.

    Overall apprenticeship starts in England have increased by approximately 9% to around 308,000, although most of the increase has been among people aged over 25. The Department for Work and Pensions said further investment and incentives were planned, while a Fabian Society report called for regional apprenticeship funds and reforms allowing employers to use levy funding towards wages.

  • NEWS STORY : Burnham to hold first meeting with Trump at United Nations

    NEWS STORY : Burnham to hold first meeting with Trump at United Nations

    STORY

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to hold his first formal meeting with United States President Donald Trump during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting represents a change in approach for Burnham, who had previously criticised Trump and expressed reluctance to engage with him.

    Talks are expected to cover continued military assistance for Ukraine, including the supply of interceptor missiles. The two leaders are also likely to discuss efforts to restore safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following disruption caused by the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

    Burnham said the Government would seek common ground with international partners where it was in the British national interest. The meeting takes place amid disagreements between London and Washington over trade restrictions affecting Israeli settlements, regulation of American technology companies and the future of North Sea energy production.

  • NEWS STORY : Michael Marra elected leader of Scottish Labour

    NEWS STORY : Michael Marra elected leader of Scottish Labour

    STORY

    Michael Marra has been elected as the new leader of Scottish Labour, defeating Joe Fagan by 4,266 votes to 2,485. The contest had a turnout of 49.44%, with Marra securing approximately 63% of the votes cast.

    Marra succeeds Anas Sarwar following Scottish Labour’s poor performance in the May Holyrood election, when the party returned 17 MSPs. The new leader said the party needed to reconnect with working class voters and broaden its appeal beyond its existing electoral base.

    The North East Scotland MSP has also backed the proposed Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas developments, arguing that jobs and the Scottish economy must form part of energy policy. He is expected to seek a close working relationship with Prime Minister Andy Burnham while rebuilding the party before the 2027 council elections.

  • NEWS STORY : Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson joins Palantir

    NEWS STORY : Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson joins Palantir

    STORY

    Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has been appointed UK senior vice president of Palantir, the American data analytics and artificial intelligence company. Lord Watson of Wyre Forest, who had worked as a paid adviser to the business since 2024, has taken leave from the House of Lords while assuming the executive role.

    Palantir has become a significant supplier to the British public sector. Its contracts include the NHS Federated Data Platform, worth up to £330 million, and work for the Ministry of Defence reportedly worth about £240 million. The company’s expanding involvement in public services has prompted political debate about data protection, procurement and dependence on overseas technology suppliers.

    Watson said his new position would continue his work helping Governments use technology to modernise public services, adding that he wanted public contracts to support British employment. Transparency campaigners have raised concerns about the movement of former politicians into companies holding major Government contracts, although there is no suggestion that Watson has breached parliamentary rules.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New spy drones to give Army greater powers on the battlefield [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New spy drones to give Army greater powers on the battlefield [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 September 2026.

    British soldiers will receive new Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones, giving them better sight of the battlefield and greater protection against emerging threats in conflict.

    • British soldiers will be better protected and gain greater intelligence on the battlefield with new ‘spy’ drones. 
    • Up to £400 million investment in long-endurance surveillance drones and more than one thousand smaller drones unveiled as part of separate £16 million deal. 
    • Part of government’s commitment to the Army’s next generation of uncrewed aerial systems highlighted in the Defence Investment Plan. 

    They range from small, easy-to-use drones that give soldiers real-time awareness on the frontline, to larger aircraft that give commanders detailed intelligence over longer distances and periods of time. 

    A new contact, worth up to £400 million, has today been awarded to Tekever to bring their AR5 drone into service. The AR5 is a long-endurance surveillance drone that can carry up to 50kg of cameras and sensors, replacing the ageing Watchkeeper system which has been used since 2014.  

    Meanwhile, more than 1,025 small drones are being delivered as part of a £16 million deal with three UK-based small and medium-sized companies with deliveries nearing completion.  

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP unveiled the news at this year’s Defence Vehicle Dynamics event – the UK’s biennial land warfare exhibition. 

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: 

    Our soldiers deserve the best technology, and that’s what we’re delivering. From small drones giving troops eyes on the enemy, to the AR5 offering commanders better intelligence over the battlefield, we’re transforming the Army’s ability to see, understand and act first.  

    This is defence procurement that backs British industry, creates skilled jobs and keeps our Armed Forces ahead of our adversaries.

    Both programmes are creating jobs in the UK. The Tekever contract will help support more than 1,000 highly skilled jobs by 2030 across the company’s UK sites in locations including Bristol, Swindon, Lydd, London, Southampton, Edinburgh, and at West Wales Airport. The small drone deal has created more than 30 new roles so far, with 18 already filled in Hampshire, Surrey, Exeter, including several veterans. 

    This builds on the government’s commitment to backing business and British industry, creating new jobs and delivering growth in every postcode. 

    The small drones being delivered include: 

    • 245 FOXE-NATO drones from Evolve Dynamics, based in Hampshire. These weigh less than 250g and include infrared cameras for use at night. 
    • 670 Skydio X10 INTL drones from Marlborough Communications Limited in Surrey. These can be ready to fly in under a minute and reach speeds of up to 45mph. 
    • 110 SONORA drones from a partnership between Brigantes Consulting (based in Exeter) and Harmattan AI. These are designed to help train soldiers before they use similar drones in real operations. 

    The Tekever AR5 deal starts with an initial order of six drones, rising to up to 24 by 2029. The drones will be built at a new Tekever factory in Swindon and have already been used by Ukraine against Russia. 

    Tekever UK’s Managing Director Karl Brew said: 

    We are proud to be delivering the AR5 to the British Army at this critical moment for national security. This investment allows us to grow our UK operations, create hundreds of skilled jobs and bring cutting-edge surveillance technology, proven on the battlefield in Ukraine, into service with British forces.

    The small drone deal was delivered by the UK National Armaments Director Group. It forms part of Project Rapstone, the Army’s programme to bring new technology to soldiers faster, with a goal of doubling the Army’s fighting power by 2027 and getting new equipment from industry to the front line within 24 months. 

    The Defence Investment Plan commits new investment in the Army’s long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including the next generation of uncrewed aerial systems to replace legacy Watchkeeper drones. 

  • NEWS STORY : Police inspectorate asked to review support for officers and staff

    NEWS STORY : Police inspectorate asked to review support for officers and staff

    STORY

    Policing Minister Sarah Jones has asked the police inspectorate to assess the support available to police officers and staff across England and Wales. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services will consider the current provision and identify what further action may be required at force and national level.

    Jones announced the assessment during a speech to the Police Superintendents’ Association conference in Stratford upon Avon. She said the Government was placing workforce support at the centre of its police reform programme, with an additional £2.4 million being provided through the Police Covenant during the current financial year. The minister paid tribute to six officers who had died during the previous year and acknowledged the pressure experienced by officers and their families.

    The speech also confirmed that the Government intends to introduce a new police funding formula alongside wider structural reforms. Its plans include stronger Local Policing Areas, a National Police Service for cross border threats and changes intended to reduce duplication among the 43 territorial forces. Jones said a separate Police Workforce Strategy was being developed, while the Government’s full response to recommendations on police leadership from Lord Blunkett and Lord Herbert would be published during the autumn.