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PRESS RELEASE : VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 8 May 2025.

Government announces £1.8 million investment to transform NHS care for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
- New training for NHS workers to improve healthcare support for veterans.
- Programme will improve access and outcomes for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
- Regional trainers will work with GP practices and mental health services to embed expertise where it is needed most
Armed forces veterans and their families will benefit from improved and targeted healthcare, the government has announced as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

A new training programme will ensure NHS staff across the country are supported to meet the unique health needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families.

The new programme will see NHS staff across England receiving dedicated training to help them identify and support patients with military backgrounds. GPs, doctors and NHS nurses will work with regional trainers to make sure they embed this support into their services.

Veterans can require specialised care for injuries sustained in combat, as well as mental health support for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Many also struggle to navigate civilian healthcare systems and may not self-identify as veterans to NHS staff, putting them at risk of missing out on the additional services and bespoke services that are already available.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we’re honouring our Armed Forces not just with words, but with action.

Too many veterans face a system that doesn’t fully understand their needs – that changes today.

This new training programme will help NHS staff across England give our veterans the personalised care they deserve. Through our Plan for Change the NHS will deliver for those who have delivered for Britain.

As of April 2025, every NHS Trust in the country became officially ‘Veteran Aware’, a status which means they have been recognised for demonstrating their understanding of military healthcare needs. The three-year training programme will build on this success and will be rolled out from October 2025 across England.

The programme, backed by £1.8 million, will support NHS bodies to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged because of their military service.

The training will support healthcare providers to improve identification of Armed Forces personnel, deliver more personalised care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for veterans and their families.

Kate Davies CBE, National Director for Armed Forces Health, NHS England said:

On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we honour the extraordinary legacy of our Armed Forces— and reaffirm the NHS’s commitment to those who’ve served.

As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, we’re launching our most comprehensive training programme yet to meet the unique healthcare needs of veterans.

Developed with frontline experts in veterans’ health and those with lived experience, this national initiative ensures those who’ve served receive the high-quality, specialised care they deserve.

Carol Betteridge OBE, Deputy Services Director at Help for Heroes said:

We’re pleased to see this important step forward in supporting veterans’ healthcare. Help for Heroes has already been delivering similar training through our Veteran Champion programme in NHS settings, and we look forward to working with NHS England to share our experience and help improve care for veterans and their families.

The announcement follows a £50 million boost in funding to ensure veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new UK-wide veteran support system, called VALOUR.

Through the Plan for Change, the government has delivered an extra 3 million appointments since July to cut waiting lists and provided the biggest boost to GP funding in years – an extra £889 million, and on Tuesday 6 May, the government announced a further major cash injection of over £102 million to upgrade and modernize GP practices.

The government is also bringing back the family doctor, recruiting an additional 1,500 GPs since October, and cutting red tape so GPs spend more time caring for patients.

Background
- The National Training and Education Plan will cost £1.8 million over three years (2025/26 – 2027/28), with funding already secured.
- All NHS Trusts have achieved Veteran Aware Accreditation under the programme led by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance.
- Key objectives of the programme include:
  - Driving down health inequalities and unwarranted variation in healthcare for the Armed Forces community
  - Increasing awareness of the unique characteristics of the Armed Forces community
  - Supporting NHS systems to deliver their statutory responsibilities under the Armed Forces Covenant
- The Training and Education leads will:
  - Provide standardised national Armed Forces awareness training for NHS staff at all levels
  - Help inform NHS commissioning bodies in developing health needs assessments for the Armed Forces community
  - Assist Integrated Care Boards to support armed forces families to better access health services
May 8, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Prime Minister Unveils ‘Defence Dividend’ Strategy to Boost Economy and Security

STORY

On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlined a comprehensive vision for a “defence dividend” aiming to intertwine national security enhancements with economic revitalisation. Speaking at the London Defence Conference, Starmer emphasised that increased defence spending should directly benefit working people across the UK. “Our task now is to seize the defence dividend—felt directly in the pockets of working people, rebuilding our industrial base, and creating the jobs of the future” Starmer stated. He announced a £563 million contract awarded to Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon jets, highlighting it as a significant investment in Britain’s engineering sector.

The Prime Minister’s address also underscored the necessity of a unified national effort, calling on the state, businesses and society to collaborate in bolstering the nation’s security and prosperity. This initiative comes in response to shifting global dynamics, including the United States’ reduced role in European defence under President Donald Trump, prompting the UK to increase its defence spending to 2.5% of GDP which is the highest since the Cold War.

Defence Secretary John Healey echoed Starmer’s sentiments, warning that global threats are at their highest since 1945, with Russia’s actions in Ukraine serving as a stark reminder of ongoing international tensions. Healey emphasised the importance of national unity and proactive efforts to secure peace in Europe today. While the government’s commitment to increased defence spending aims to strengthen national security and stimulate economic growth, public opinion remains divided. Recent polls indicate that only 35% of the population supports increased defence expenditure, highlighting the need for transparent communication about the benefits of such investments.

May 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Tech companies urged to join drive to cut crime [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 8 May 2025.

Top tech experts are meeting the Justice Secretary as part of a Government drive to use AI and technology to transform the justice system and cut crime.
- New study shows tags monitoring curfews cut reoffending by 20%
- Top tech experts assemble to address criminal justice challenges
- Ambition to use technology to deliver safer streets as part of Plan for Change
Today around 30 companies including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and Google will explore how revolutionary tech could be used to tackle violence in prison, better monitor offenders in the community and improve risk assessments of offenders.

The meeting comes as new research shows curfew tags, which keep offenders at home and off the streets during certain times, can reduce reoffending by 20 per cent. This demonstrates how even older technology is supporting punishment in the community and cutting crime.

The challenge now is to see how newer technology can contribute to help deliver the Government’s Plan for Change to make streets safer.

Today’s gathering will be chaired by James Timpson, the prison and probation minister, and opened by Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood.

Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, said:

We inherited a justice system in crisis, with prisons close to collapse and staff overburdened and under pressure.

We need bold ideas to address the challenges that we face – supporting our staff, delivering swifter justice for victims, and cutting crime.

Today, we have an analogue justice system in a digital age.

The UK has a world-leading and growing tech sector, and I know our tech firms have a huge role to play in delivering our Plan for Change to make streets safer.

The roundtable marks the first time key players in the UK’s tech ecosystem will meet with justice ministers to discuss some of the toughest challenges our courts, prisons and probation system face.

Discussion will focus on the potential for even more effective tracking of offender movement, using data to aid probation officers to perform better risk assessments and whether digital platforms can help offenders rehabilitate and integrate back into society, cutting reoffending.

It has been organised in partnership with techUK which is the trade association that brings together companies and organisations to promote digital technology.

techUK CEO, Julian David OBE said:

We’re honoured to be hosting this roundtable discussion with the Ministry of Justice – It presents an excellent opportunity for the tech sector to highlight the transformative role that technology is playing in modernising our criminal justice system.

techUK and our members believe that collaboration and open dialogue are essential to fostering innovation and driving meaningful reform – particularly in how offenders are rehabilitated – and that digital tools can be a powerful force in sustaining this positive impact across society.

Other companies attending include:
- Allied Universal: an industry leader technology and service company for three decades
- Cognizant Worldwide Limited: focuses on modernising technology, reimagining processes and transforming experiences
- TPXimpact: a UK-based company focusing on digital transformation and creating positive change for people, places, and the planet
Microsoft Ltd. UK Public Sector General Manager, Amanda Sleight said:

We’re thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative with the Ministry of Justice.

Microsoft is committed to advancing the ethical use of AI technology to reduce the administrative burden on prison and probation staff, allowing them more time to focus on delivering high-quality frontline services, reducing recidivism and helping integrate offenders back into society.

The aim is for a follow up to this meeting with an event open to the whole of industry to apply to come back and present their groundbreaking ideas and solutions in the coming months.

Earlier this year, the Lord Chancellor set out her vision for the Probation Service, which included a bold new £8 million pledge to introduce new technology to help risk assess offenders and cut back on admin, increasing focus on those offenders who pose the greatest risk to the public.
May 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to set out vision for ‘defence dividend’ in a changed world [May 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 May 2025.

As the nation marks VE Day, remembering the triumph of our values and the sacrifices made to secure them eight decades ago, the Prime Minister will share his vision for working people, once again, to feel the benefit of Britain stepping up.
- As the nation marks VE Day, PM will deliver keynote speech at the London Defence Conference
- He is expected to say that the benefits of boosting defence investment in a changing world must be felt directly in the pockets of working people
- Seizing on the conference theme of Alliances, he will set out how state, businesses and society must join hands on security and prosperity
- He will also unveil a £563 million contract for Rolls-Royce, becoming the latest investment in Britain’s first class engine building industry
As the nation marks VE Day, remembering the triumph of our values and the sacrifices made to secure them eight decades ago, the Prime Minister will share his vision for working people, once again, to feel the benefit of Britain stepping up.

Delivering the keynote speech at the London Defence Conference this morning, he will describe the government’s task to seize upon the ‘defence dividend’ presented by our increased investment in defence, in order to create jobs, wealth and opportunity in every corner of the country.

In doing so he will highlight how the government’s boost to defence spending – the highest since the Cold War – will not only provide safety and security for the United Kingdom, but also cement the UK’s status as a defence industrial leader, with more high skilled jobs for people proud to keep our country safe.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to say:

Our task now is to seize the defence dividend – felt directly in the pockets of working people, rebuilding our industrial base and creating the jobs of the future.

A national effort. A time for the state, business and society to join hands, in pursuit of the security of the nation and the prosperity of its people.

An investment in peace, but also an investment in British pride and the British people to build a nation that, once again, lives up to the promises made to the generation who fought for our values, our freedom and our security.

The Prime Minister will use his speech to deliver a tribute to the bravery of the veterans who secured victory 80 years ago and the remarkable men and women who carry the vital task of protecting our security today. It follows a street party on Downing Street on Monday where the Prime Minister welcomed Second World War veterans and cadets from across the country, and comes ahead of his attendance at the service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon.

He will say:

Britain’s victory was not just a victory for Britain. It was a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil, for the light of our values – in a world that tried to put them out.

Now, as you know, there are people who would happily do likewise today. Our values and security are confronted on a daily basis. We must use this moment to deliver security and renewal for our country.

At the Conference the Prime Minister will address policymakers, military figures, defence firms and academics from around the world.

In the face of global instability, he will reflect on how the conference theme ‘Alliances’ should mean not only our iron-clad commitment to NATO and Western Values but also an opportunity to double down on efforts to work hand-in-hand with business and society to make the UK better off and more secure.

He will announce the latest significant investment in British expertise with a £563 million contract for Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of Britain’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets. The work to maintain 130 Typhoon engines will take place at Rolls-Royce’s sites, supporting hundreds of jobs in Bristol and beyond.

The announcement supports the government’s priority of continuing the UK’s great tradition of building the ships, missiles, artillery, vehicles, aircraft and more that keeps us safe – cementing the British defence industry’s place as the engine of national renewal.

It comes less than a week after the Prime Minister hailed the RAF’s new UK-made StormShroud drones. The groundbreaking new technology will make the RAF’s world-class combat aircraft more survivable and more lethal by delivering high-tech signal jammers to disrupt enemy radar at long ranges, protecting our aircraft and pilots.
May 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Russia has acted to obfuscate and embolden the DPRK’s unlawful pursuit of weapons of mass destruction – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.

Analysis from organisations like the Open Source Centre has become even more vital in the wake of the expertise gap left by the 1718 Panel of Experts.

One year on, the UK deeply regrets Russia’s decision to veto the mandate renewal of the 1718 Panel of Experts.

This was a deliberate act used to obfuscate and embolden the DPRK’s unlawful pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, and to conceal Russia’s own erosion of the UN sanctions architecture, which it has a responsibility to uphold as a permanent member of this Council.

The Panel’s credible, objective and independent reporting enabled this Council and the international community to effectively monitor the implementation of UN sanctions on the DPRK.

Most importantly, the Panel helped prevent the DPRK’s unlawful and dangerous development of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Since Russia’s veto last year, there have been over 40 missile tests, including one intercontinental ballistic missile test and one intermediate-range ballistic missile test.

This escalation represents multiple breaches of UN Security Council resolutions, for which we have been deprived of further analysis.

Colleagues, it is obvious that Russia’s objective was to clear the path for the expansion of their military relationship with the DPRK.

The DPRK is believed to have supplied 20,000 containers of munitions to Russia, and its artillery and mortar shells account for 60% of those used in Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.

And as we’ve heard, in the past week, Russia and the DPRK publicly flaunted their agreement to use DPRK troops as mere cannon fodder in that war.

Let me be clear, we cannot allow this brazen disregard towards UN sanctions to become normalised.

The UK will continue to work closely with partners to monitor sanctions evasion, to hold both Russia and the DPRK to account, and to call out those complicit in the DPRK’s violations of UN Security Council resolutions.

As we have heard over the course of the NPT Prepcom, this Council should stand firm in its defence of the global non-proliferation regime.

The UK remains steadfast with partners in our shared goal for the DPRK to abandon all nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

May 8, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 29 April 1925

29 APRIL 1925

In the House of Commons Mr Churchill introduced his Budget, the main features of which include a return to the gold standard, a reduction of 6d. in the Income-tax, provision for pensions for widows and orphans, earlier Old Age pensions, higher death duties, and lower Super-tax. The McKenna duties are to be restored, and there are proposals for Imperial Preference.

The report of the Committee on the Gold Standard, to which the Chancellor of the Exchequer referred in his Budget speech, has been issued.

A Washington telegram says the announcement that the gold basis is being restored in England is gladly received by Treasury officials.

The Commonwealth has issued a proclamation that Australia is returning to free export of gold concurrently with Britain. Mr Bruce, the Premier, announces that it is not intended to substitute gold for notes as internal currency.

Holland has returned to the gold standard.

In the House of Lords the Licensing (Scotland) Bill passed second reading by 33 votes to 23. Lord Salisbury, who voted for the measure, said he could not promise Government support any further, as they could not suspend the 1913 Act by a private member’s Bill.

May 7, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 28 April 1925

28 APRIL 1925

While there is apprehension that the election of Field-Marshal von Hindenburg to the Presidency portends a revival of militarism and monarchism in Germany, the belief is held by the Republican parties that Hindenburg will make no disturbing changes in foreign policy. France, however, is anxious, and Mr J. W. Gerard, American Ambassador in Berlin during the war, commenting on the result of the election, describes it as a danger to world peace.

The Earl of Balfour is to join the Cabinet as Lord President of the Council, in succession to the late Lord Curzon. The Marquis of Salisbury will be the Leader of the House of Lords.

This is Budget day. At a special meeting of the Cabinet Mr Churchill, it is understood, explained his proposals to his colleagues.

Sir Alfred Mond, speaking at Chelmsford, defended his proposals for the relief of unemployed, and said he would allow nobody to get in the way of his scheme being tried if he could help it.

Mr W. Dobbie, President of the National Union of Railwaymen, predicted a labour crisis on the railways when the companies rejected the men’s demands.

The National Joint Emergency Commission had a meeting with the building employers and workers over Summer Time hours and reached a decision (not yet published) which it is hoped will end the existing difficulties.

Mr Coppock, the secretary of the National Federation of Building Trade Operatives, said in London that his Federation were prepared to give Lord Weir the opportunity to erect his houses if he paid the price for the labour he used.

May 7, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 27 April 1925

27 APRIL 1925

Hindenburg has been elected German President.

Communists at Plevna, in Bulgaria, have burned down the theatre and the municipal library there.

Speaking at the funeral of the victims of the Communist outrage in Paris, M. Millerand said that Republican France, after having repulsed the enemy from outside, was not going to tolerate civil war.

Anzac Day was observed in Australia and New Zealand. A special service of commemoration was held in London.

A memorial to the men of the Royal Naval Division who fell in the Great War was unveiled on the Horse Guards’ Parade, London. An address was delivered by the Right Hon. Winston Churchill.

“I can promise those who criticise that before the end of the year we shall have made quite a satisfactory start with the reforms we mean to carry out before we leave office in some four or five years’ time,” said the Premier, addressing the annual meeting of the Bewdley Division Unionist Association at Worcester. After weathering the trade crisis the country would emerge better, stronger, and sounder.

The King and Queen received a warm welcome in the streets of London on their homecoming.

Lord Weir and Sir John Gilmour took part in the formal opening at Newton-Stewart of the first municipal housing scheme of the Weir type completed in Great Britain. Lord Weir said Newton-Stewart had shown a progressive spirit in breaking away from tradition and a departure from the past rigidity of practice which ought to be an example to other communities.

May 7, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 26 April 1925

26 APRIL 1925

Stanley Baldwin, the Prime Minister, made a speech to the Worcester Unionist Association where he made reference to communist extremists wanting to destabilise the economy. He added that Winston Churchill’s budget would be interesting and he added of his concern about peace in Europe.

The King and Queen returned to London following their cruise to the Mediterranean.

May 7, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Urges Restraint as India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Following Deadly Strikes

STORY

The United Kingdom has called for immediate de-escalation and direct dialogue between India and Pakistan after a series of military strikes and retaliations have brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to their most volatile point in decades. The crisis erupted after India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of air and missile strikes targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes were in response to a deadly terrorist attack on 22 April in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Pakistan condemned the Indian strikes as an “unprovoked and unjustified” act of war, reporting at least 26 civilian deaths and 45 injuries. In retaliation, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft and launched its own strikes, reportedly destroying an Indian army brigade headquarters. The situation has led to intensified cross-border shelling, civilian evacuations, and the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian airlines. The Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed “serious concern” over the escalating conflict, urging both nations to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue. “Current tensions between India and Pakistan are a serious concern. The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward” Lammy said in a statement.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments during Prime Minister’s Questions, stating that the UK is engaging urgently with both countries and international partners to encourage dialogue and de-escalation. “Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain” Starmer said. The escalation has raised fears of a broader conflict, with international observers warning of the potential for a catastrophic confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for military restraint, emphasising that “the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

May 7, 2025