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  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia must cease threats and attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia must cease threats and attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 May 2026.

    UK Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, warns that such actions violate international humanitarian law and undermine OSCE norms built since the Second World War to maintain security. Russia must cease these attacks immediately and to agree to a ceasefire as a first step towards a just and lasting peace.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.  This Friday, participating States will mark Victory in Europe Day. It is an appropriate moment for this Forum to reflect on the politico-military architecture that we collectively built in the decades after the Second World War to ensure, as the Helsinki Final Act’s first sentence put it, “true and lasting peace” in Europe. 

    The OSCE’s politico‑military acquis was designed to reduce the risks of miscalculation and unintended escalation, and to strengthen stability across the OSCE area. Several instruments stand out. 

    The Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe was explicitly aimed at “eliminating, as a matter of high priority, the capability for launching surprise attack and for initiating large-scale offensive action in Europe”. Its implementation resulted in the verifiable destruction of more than 70,000 pieces of treaty‑limited equipment and thousands of on‑site inspections.  This delivered unprecedented transparency and predictability in conventional forces. 

    The Open Skies Treaty further strengthened confidence through jointly conducted, unarmed observation flights. Data from these flights was shared among all States Parties, providing an objective, shared basis for assessing military activities and reducing the risk of misunderstanding. 

    The Vienna Document established mechanisms for military transparency, including prior notification and observation of certain military activities.  Its risk‑reduction procedures, for clarification and communication, were designed to alleviate concern.  

    The Code of Conduct on Politico‑Military Aspects of Security complemented these tools by setting clear norms on democratic control of armed forces and respect for international law. 

    Taken together, this interlocking web of politico-military instruments helped to create predictability and stability for decades. That achievement depended on good‑faith implementation and a shared commitment to restraint. 

    Russia’s ongoing full‑scale invasion of Ukraine has not only inflicted horrific casualties.  It also represents a clear breach of the Helsinki Decalogue and wider OSCE acquis. In January and February 2022, Ukraine and other participating States used Vienna Document risk‑reduction mechanisms to seek clarification about an unprecedented military build‑up on Ukraine’s borders. The failure by Russia and Belarus to engage seriously in these mandated processes was an important early warning signal. 

    This experience provides clear lessons for today and for the future. Arms control and confidence-and-security-building measures cannot stop a State that is determined to escalate intentionally.  Indeed, they were not designed to.  But their principles do remain valid for managing risk, reducing misunderstanding, and preventing unintended escalation.  Especially in periods of heightened tension. 

    Ukraine is bravely exercising its inherent right of self‑defence in accordance with the UN Charter. The United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine, in line with international law and the OSCE acquis.  As our King told the US Congress last week, our “unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace”.  

    Ukraine has repeatedly expressed its readiness for a ceasefire leading to a just and lasting peace, including through President Zelenskyy’s latest call for a ceasefire. The United Kingdom stands firmly behind this call. We deeply regret reports that Russia launched further attacks overnight. Russia must demonstrate its commitment to peace by agreeing to a ceasefire as a first step towards a full and lasting cessation of hostilities.  

    Mr Chair, we also condemn Moscow’s irresponsible threats to strike the heart of Kyiv and the warning to diplomatic missions to leave. Such threats are unacceptable: any deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilian objects constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law. 

    Ahead of Victory in Europe Day, we should reaffirm a simple truth: Europe is safest when security is built on our shared rules and commitments. Thank you.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 7 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 7 May 1926

    7 MAY 1926

    An official statement says that throughout the entire country the vital services of food, milk, light, and power are being successfully maintained by the Government, and every obstacle is being progressively surmounted.

    In the official strike bulletin the General Council of the Trade Union Congress states that, while it is ready at any moment to resume negotiations for an honourable settlement, it gives an unqualified “No” to the Premier’s request for an unconditional withdrawal of the strike notices.

    Edinburgh experienced some lively scenes in the evening, baton charges being repeatedly made by the police in the High Street in order to disperse the large crowds, which were becoming noisy and menacing.

    Mr Saklatvala, the Communist M.P. for North Battersea, refused to be bound over to keep the peace for twelve months, and elected to go to prison for two months.

    Lord Banbury’s motion for the second reading of the Trade Disputes Act, 1906 (Repeal), Bill in the House of Lords was, at the suggestion of the Government spokesman, Lord Salisbury, postponed.

    The Public Health (Smoke Abatement) Bill was read a third time in the House of Lords.

    In the course of a debate in the Commons, which was mainly occupied with the passage of the Emergency Powers regulations, Sir John Simon declared that the decision of the Trade Union Congress to call out everybody regardless of contracts was not lawful. Every man who came out without notice had broken his contract of employment. Every leader and striker was liable in damages.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 6 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 6 May 1926

    6 MAY 1926

    The Prime Minister, in a message in the British Gazette, asks all good citizens to stand behind the Government, who are doing their part confident that they will co-operate in the measures taken to preserve the liberties and privileges of the people of these islands.

    In the House of Lords the Secretary for India, in supporting the continuance of the regulations under the Emergency Powers Act, said that whatever the lengths to which the present quarrel might be carried, it would be ended only with the recognition of the fact that there was one Government and one Government only in this country.

    The Government’s new Emergency Regulations were explained in Parliament by the Home Secretary and afterwards debated.

    In the House of Commons, Mr McNeill, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, replying to Lieutenant-Commander Kenworthy, said that there was no proposal to close the Stock Exchange during the present emergency.

    In the view of the Government, the railway services are improving in a gratifying manner, and a pleasing feature of the situation is the fortitude and good temper shown by the bulk of the population.

    The first prosecution at Manchester under the Emergency Regulations, 1926, was that of William Richard Stoker (40), a director of a Manchester company, who was sent to prison for two months in the second division for attempting to do an act calculated to cause disaffection amongst His Majesty’s forces. Stoker’s car, the police stated, was ready to take seditious literature to Glasgow.

    Polling took place in the Buckrose (East Yorkshire) Division. The candidates are Major Braithwaite (Unionist), Sir Harry Verney (Liberal), and Mr H. C. Laycock (Socialist). The result is to be declared to-day.

    The Polar airship Norge left Trotsky (Gatchina), near Leningrad, for Spitzbergen.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 5 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 5 May 1926

    5 MAY 1926

    Scenes and incidents in connection with the first day of the general strike are described by correspondents in all parts of the country.

    The British Gazette, a Government publication, makes its first appearance to-day. It is a reply to the strike makers’ plan to paralyse public opinion. In an explanation for its appearance the real meaning of the strike is emphasised as well as the conflict between the Trade Union leaders and Parliament.

    Proceedings have been taken against Mr Saklatvala, the Communist M.P., on account of a speech made at a May Day demonstration in London.

    There was some discussion in the House of Lords with regard to the industrial crisis, following a statement by Lord Salisbury, who said that if wiser counsels did not prevail the Government would do its duty.

    Formal first reading was given in the House of Lords to a Bill introduced by Lord Banbury to repeal the Trade Disputes Act.

    Through Mr Snowden and Mr Lloyd George the Opposition parties in the House of Commons signified their readiness to expedite passage of the Budget resolutions in view of the overwhelming importance of the industrial situation. The report stage of these resolutions was agreed to, and the Finance Bill was brought in by the Chancellor and read a first time.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 4 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 4 May 1926

    4 MAY 1926

    Further negotiations for a settlement of the coal dispute failed, and a general strike was called at midnight.

    The House of Commons debated a statement by the Premier on the failure of negotiations in the coal dispute.

    A number of London newspapers were prevented from being issued by strike action on the part of sections of their workers.

    Mr Ramsay MacDonald, addressing the London Labour party, said the situation was such that, so far as he could see, they would have to go on. He did not like a general strike, but what could be done? They were, however, still prepared to negotiate.

    Prince Victor Napoleon Bonaparte died at Brussels, following an apoplectic stroke.

    At question time in the House of Commons the Financial Secretary to the Treasury said bets made by private persons, whether in clubs or elsewhere, would be outside the scope of the duty.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 52nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Paraguay [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : 52nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Paraguay [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 May 2026.

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

    Thank you Mr Vice President

    We welcome Paraguay’s engagement with the UPR process and its acceptance of a majority of the recommendations from the previous cycle. We also recognise Paraguay’s efforts to strengthen national coordination mechanisms to monitor implementation and encourage continued transparency in reporting.

    But challenges persist in ensuring effective protection of civic space, equal protection from discrimination, and access to essential services for vulnerable groups. Addressing these challenges will consolidate progress and deliver tangible improvements in human rights on the ground.

    We recommend that Paraguay:

    1. Reviews and amends legislation and administrative practices to ensure that journalists, human rights defenders and civil society actors can operate free from intimidation or undue restriction, and publishes annual data on investigations and outcomes related to alleged harassment or threats.
    2. Adopts and implements comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation to ensure equal protection and effective remedies for all and publishes regular data on enforcement and remedies provided.
    3. Sets and implements time‑bound targets to reduce disparities affecting Indigenous and rural communities in access to health and essential services, with progress reported through publicly available national monitoring mechanisms.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Armed Forces better protected with new jamming-proof navigation tech [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Armed Forces better protected with new jamming-proof navigation tech [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 May 2026.

    UK Armed Forces personnel will be better protected from enemy interference with navigation systems through the development of innovative new technology.

    • Military operations to become safer with navigation systems that work when satellites are blocked
    • Two-year Urgent Compass programme will develop deployable alternative to satellite navigation
    • £6 million contract awarded to Team Elaris partnership

    A £6 million contract has been awarded to QinetiQ-led partnership Team Elaris by the Ministry of Defence’s National Armaments Director Group to develop the new system, driving investment in the UK’s advanced defence technology sector.

    The two-year Urgent Compass programme will develop enhanced Long-Range Navigation (eLoran) technology. Unlike satellite-based systems, eLoran’s ground-based, low-frequency signals continue working even when jammed or manipulated by adversaries, providing a trusted alternative for troops in contested environments worldwide.

    The contract supports the Government’s growth mission by catalysing private sector investment in sovereign defence capabilities and high-skilled jobs across the UK. Team Elaris brings together UrsaNav® and UK firms QinetiQ, Roke and GMV NSL – four specialist navigation technology companies whose combined expertise represents exactly the kind of cutting-edge industrial partnership the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy is designed to foster.

    This Government is backing UK Armed Forces with the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

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

    In this new era of threat, we are in constant confrontation with adversaries seeking to interfere with our military networks, which are essential to how a military operates in modern warfare. This investment will boost our Armed Forces’ resilience on the battlefield by developing technology to protect them, ensuring that they can continue vital operations protecting UK citizens and allies around the world.

    This contract catalysing private investment is our Defence Industrial Strategy in action. We are backing innovative technology companies, boosting defence skills and strengthening supply chains, making defence an engine for growth across the UK.

    Modern military operations depend on accurate position, navigation and timing. When signals are blocked or spoofed, troops can be misdirected and guided weapons sent off course. This programme addresses that vulnerability while building UK commercial capability in resilient navigation technologies that have significant export potential.

    The programme builds on existing MOD investment in resilient navigation and will inform future demonstration and deployment work, creating a pipeline of further opportunity for the UK defence technology supply chain. Work will explore solutions that can be rapidly deployed to contested locations worldwide. The programme is currently in its assessment phase, working with users across the military to produce a deployable system by April 2028.

    Steve Wadey, Group CEO, QinetiQ, said:

    This award brings together Team Elaris’ decades of advanced navigation experience and builds on existing work to deliver Alternative Navigation solutions. Our expertise in eLoran systems will support the UK Government’s requirements for resilient position, navigation and timing capabilities to help protect the UK from adversaries seeking to undermine this critical service.

    The programme also supports the Government’s commitment to national security, with secure and resilient defence capabilities playing a crucial role in protecting the UK from evolving threats.

  • NEWS STORY : NHS Review Finds Pregnancy Screening Information Is Helping Women Make Informed Choices

    NEWS STORY : NHS Review Finds Pregnancy Screening Information Is Helping Women Make Informed Choices

    STORY

    NHS England has said public information about screening tests in pregnancy is helping women make informed choices, after an evaluation found that 81% of women felt well-informed throughout the non-invasive prenatal testing process.

    The evaluation looked at how women understand NHS public-facing information about screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome. Non-invasive prenatal testing, known as NIPT, was added to the NHS fetal anomaly screening programme in 2021 after a recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee.

    Eligible pregnant women in England are offered screening tests to assess the chance of their baby having one of the three conditions. Those who receive a higher chance result from the combined or quadruple test can then be offered NIPT as a secondary screening test. NHS England said the introduction of NIPT gives women access to more accurate information about their pregnancy in a safer way than immediately proceeding to diagnostic tests such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, which carry a small risk of miscarriage.

    The evaluation, carried out with Thinks Insight & Strategy, used qualitative work and a quantitative survey with women from a range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds across England. Participants included women who were more than 20 weeks pregnant, or who had been pregnant within the previous 12 months.

    NHS England said women valued information that was balanced, detailed without being overwhelming and clear that screening was a choice. An animated resource was praised for being engaging, colourful and free of jargon, helping women understand complex medical information during pregnancy.

    The review also found that midwives remain the most trusted source of screening information. However, it warned that women often receive information verbally at the same time as large amounts of other pregnancy advice, meaning some struggle to retain details and are left with unanswered questions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British businesses celebrated as The King’s Awards for Enterprise mark their 60th anniversary [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : British businesses celebrated as The King’s Awards for Enterprise mark their 60th anniversary [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 May 2026.

    Recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise announced, celebrating the achievements of outstanding businesses from across the UK.

    • 186 recipients announced in The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards 
    • The King’s Awards for Enterprise mark 60 years of celebrating outstanding UK business excellence 
    • In this milestone year, the Awards are expanding to champion the next generation with the launch of The King’s Award for Enterprise – Young Founder. 
    • The new Young Founder category will spotlight founders aged 18–30 who are actively leading their businesses and building success with impact.   

    The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of outstanding businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital contribution to economic growth and improving lives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each successful business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Healthcare workers must never be targets in conflict – UK statement at the UN Arria meeting on protecting medical care in conflict amid evolving threats [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Healthcare workers must never be targets in conflict – UK statement at the UN Arria meeting on protecting medical care in conflict amid evolving threats [May 2026]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    I will make three points.

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

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

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

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

    These steps are essential to ensuring accountability.

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

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

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

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

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