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  • PRESS RELEASE : Paul Lee appointed as new Chair of UK Endorsement Board [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Paul Lee appointed as new Chair of UK Endorsement Board [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 April 2025.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has today [15 April] appointed Paul Lee as the new Chair of the UK Endorsement Board (UKEB), replacing current Chair Pauline Wallace at the end of her term in September 2025.

    The UKEB is the UK’s national standard setter for international accounting standards. It influences the development, and considers the adoption, of new or amended standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, part of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation.

    Companies report using these standards to provide robust and comparable financial information.

    The UKEB is committed to ensuring that the interests of the UK corporate reporters are effectively represented to ensure standards meet the needs of UK companies and investors.

    Paul Lee brings extensive corporate reporting experience from his roles as Head of Stewardship and Sustainable Investment Strategy at Redington and Member of the Committee of Reference for the Premier Miton Ethical Fund. Paul is also currently a Non-Executive Member and one of the founding members of UKEB, bringing four years of UKEB experience to the Chair role.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    UKEB provide an invaluable service in scrutinising and adopting international accounting standards and representing our largest companies on an international stage.

    Paul will bring strong leadership to UKEB as Chair and his extensive knowledge of corporate reporting standards as one of the Board’s founding members will be vital in driving growth in the sector and economy as part of our Plan for Change.

    I would like to thank Pauline for her work over the past five years and look forward to continuing work with Paul.

    Incoming Chair of the UK Endorsement Board, Paul Lee, said:

    As an investor I understand the importance of international accounting standards and the role they play in supporting UK economic growth and inward investment. I also recognise the unnecessary burden that might be placed on companies if standards don’t achieve the right balance.

    I was pleased to join the UKEB Board four years ago because I firmly believed that the organisation’s remit, to act as the voice of UK stakeholders in the development of comparable and proportionate standards that add value to the UK long-term public good, forms part of the core foundation of a strong and growing UK economy. I still believe that.

    The UKEB has been robustly effective under Pauline’s thoughtful leadership, and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead the Board. I’m looking forward to getting started and deepening my work with our excellent Board and Secretariat.

    There are economic challenges ahead, both in the UK and globally, and my focus, and that of the Board, will be on understanding, supporting and balancing the needs of all UK stakeholders as we navigate those challenges.

  • NEWS STORY : ​UK Government Secures Raw Materials to Sustain British Steel Operations

    NEWS STORY : ​UK Government Secures Raw Materials to Sustain British Steel Operations

    STORY

    The UK government has taken decisive action to secure the future of British Steel by obtaining essential raw materials to keep the company’s blast furnaces operational. This move follows the enactment of emergency legislation aimed at safeguarding the nation’s steel production capabilities. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced that shipments of coke and iron ore pellets from the United States have arrived at Immingham docks. These materials are being transported to British Steel’s Scunthorpe site, ensuring the continuation of steel production in the immediate term.

    The government’s intervention comes in response to the financial difficulties faced by British Steel’s Chinese owner, Jingye Group, which had ceased ordering necessary raw materials. To prevent the shutdown of the UK’s last remaining blast furnaces, Parliament passed the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025. This legislation grants the government authority to direct company operations and, if necessary, assume control to maintain production.

    Reynolds emphasised the strategic importance of domestic steel production, stating, “Our industries depend on UK steel, and—thanks to our Plan for Change—demand is set to shoot up: helping build the 1.5 million homes, railways, schools and hospitals we need to usher in a decade of national renewal.” In addition to securing raw materials, the government has appointed Allan Bell as interim Chief Executive Officer and Lisa Coulson as interim Chief Commercial Officer to oversee operations during this critical period. The situation has also drawn international attention. China’s Foreign Ministry has urged the UK to treat Jingye Group fairly, cautioning against politicising the issue and emphasising the importance of safeguarding investor confidence.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government secures raw materials to save British Steel [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government secures raw materials to save British Steel [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 April 2025.

    The Government has secured raw materials needed to save British Steel.

    The Business Secretary pushes ahead with efforts to safeguard British Steel. Today [Tuesday 15 April] he will travel up to Immingham as the raw materials that have been waiting in the dock are unloaded and transported to the site, following the government settling payment for them.

    The materials – which have arrived from the US – are enough to keep the blast furnaces running for the coming weeks, with officials continuing to work at pace to get a steady pipeline of materials to keep the fire burning.

    A separate ship which contains yet more coking coal is on the way to the UK from Australia. This cargo was the subject of a legal dispute between British Steel and Jingye over the weekend that has now been resolved. The materials have been paid for using existing DBT budgets.

    New legislation passed last weekend, in an unprecedented move, gives Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnaces running. It also permits the Government to do these things itself if needed. The government acted to protect 37,000 jobs in supply chains and ensure we can build the infrastructure needed to deliver growth which is fundamental to the Plan for Change.

    On Monday, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed the appointment of Allan Bell as interim Chief Executive Officer, and Lisa Coulson as interim Chief Commercial Officer, both with immediate effect – ensuring the right expertise is in place to keep the site running smoothly.

    After intensive work over the weekend, the government has secured coke and iron ore pellets for the blast furnaces and is confident there will be enough materials to keep the furnaces burning.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We will always act in the interest of working people and UK industry. Thanks to the work of those at British Steel, and in my department, we have moved decisively to secure the raw materials we need to help save British Steel.

    Our industries depend on UK steel and – thanks to our Plan for Change – demand is set to shoot up: helping build the 1.5 million homes, railways, schools and hospitals we need to usher in a decade of national renewal.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Pledges £120 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Sudan Amid Escalating Crisis

    NEWS STORY : UK Pledges £120 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Sudan Amid Escalating Crisis

    STORY

    The United Kingdom has announced a new £120 million humanitarian aid package for Sudan, aiming to address the country’s deepening crisis as conflict and famine continue to devastate the region.  The funding, unveiled at an international donor conference in London co-hosted by the UK, France, Germany, the European Union, and the African Union, is part of a broader effort to mobilise support for Sudan, where over 30 million people are in urgent need of assistance.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised the UK’s commitment to supporting Sudanese civilians, stating that the aid will provide lifesaving food, nutrition, and emergency support for survivors of sexual violence. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has led to widespread displacement, with over 12 million people forced from their homes. The UK’s latest contribution brings its total humanitarian support for Sudan and neighbouring countries to over £226 million, reflecting a significant increase in aid amidst the worsening crisis. Despite the substantial aid commitments, challenges persist in delivering assistance to affected populations, with ongoing violence and access restrictions hindering relief efforts.The UK continues to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access to ensure that aid reaches those in need.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new humanitarian funding for Sudan [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new humanitarian funding for Sudan [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 April 2025.

    The UK has announced new support to Sudan ahead of the Sudan conference which will bring together international representatives.

    • the UK will commit further life-saving aid for over 650,000 people affected by the ongoing violence as Sudan faces the worst humanitarian crisis on record
    • a one-day conference will unite foreign ministers and leading humanitarian leaders at a conference in London to mark the 2-year anniversary of the brutal conflict in Sudan
    • international representatives will discuss how to achieve a peaceful end to the conflict and address the issues preventing aid reaching those most in need

    Today (15 April) the UK will co-host a conference in London alongside the African Union, EU, France and Germany to mark the 2-year anniversary of the conflict in Sudan with attendees including major donors and multilateral institutions.

    Bringing together foreign ministers from across the globe, the Foreign Secretary will step up international efforts to protect civilians and work towards an end to the conflict.

    During a one-day conference, he will announce new life-saving aid to support over 650,000 Sudanese people. Alongside international counterparts, he will also identify steps to improve humanitarian access and find a long-term political solution.

    Sudan is facing the worst humanitarian crisis on record, with over 30 million people in desperate need of aid, over 12 million people are displaced, and famine is spreading throughout Sudan. Over 12 million women and girls are also at risk of gender-based violence.

    The new £120 million funding announced today will deliver lifesaving food and nutrition supplies, including for vulnerable children and will provide emergency support to survivors of sexual violence.

    The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    Two years is far too long – the brutal war in Sudan has devastated the lives of millions – and yet much of the world continues to look away.  We need to act now to stop the crisis from becoming an all-out catastrophe, ensuring aid gets to those who need it the most.

    As I saw earlier this year on a visit to Chad’s border with Sudan, the warring parties have shown an appalling disregard for the civilian population of Sudan. This conference will bring together the international community to agree a pathway to end the suffering.

    Instability must not spread – it drives migration from Sudan and the wider region, and a safe and stable Sudan is vital for our national security. The UK will not let Sudan be forgotten.

    African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, HE Ambassador Bankole Adeoye said:

    Achieving peace in Sudan depends on valuing every voice and everyone playing a role in building a prosperous Sudan. The African Union is committed to assisting all the people of Sudan build a brighter democratic future by working to silence the guns.

    The ongoing conflict and instability risks spilling over into the wider region, driving Sudanese people away from their homes, with some taking dangerous onward journeys to the UK and Europe. Instability in Sudan also directly impacts the UK’s national security.

    The UK wants to help tackle instability in Sudan and reduce the level of irregular migration from the region to Europe and the UK as part of its Plan for Change.

    In January 2025, the Foreign Secretary visited the Chad-Sudan border at Adré to see first-hand the impact of the conflict on refugees.

    Background

    • countries and organisations attending the Sudan conference include the United Kingdom, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), France, Germany, Canada, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Norway, Qatar, South Sudan, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, United States of America, alongside high-level Representatives including the League of Arab States (LAS) and the United Nations (UN)
    • on 17 November 2024, the Foreign Secretary announced a £113 million aid package, which will support over a million people affected by violence in Sudan
    • the new £120 million funding announced today is for the 2025 to 2026 financial year and will deliver food including pulses, oils, salts and cereals
    • the UK welcomes the 13 February decision to keep the critical Chad-Sudan Adré border crossing open for 3 more months. But the Sudanese Armed Forces must keep it open permanently, and without restrictions
    • the parties to the conflict continue to obstruct the work of humanitarian agencies, through delaying visas for aid workers and limiting their movements throughout Sudan
    • funding announced today aims to reach over 600,000 people including:
      • 670,000 people reached with food assistance for 3 months
      • 205,000 people reached through a cash-based response
      • 600,000 people reached through nutrition and water and sanitation
  • NEWS STORY : UK Disburses £752 Million Military Loan to Ukraine Amid Ongoing Russian Assaults

    NEWS STORY : UK Disburses £752 Million Military Loan to Ukraine Amid Ongoing Russian Assaults

    STORY

    The United Kingdom has provided Ukraine with a £752 million loan to bolster its defence capabilities, marking the second instalment of a £2.26 billion package under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine scheme. This funding aims to support Ukraine in procuring vital military equipment, including urgently needed air defence systems, as Russia continues its aerial bombardment, notably the recent attack on the city of Sumy.

    The ERA scheme is structured to be repaid using profits generated from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets, ensuring that the financial burden does not fall on Ukrainian taxpayers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasised the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, stating, “This loan underscores our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and our dedication to upholding international law.”Defence Secretary John Healey added, “Providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend itself is paramount. This funding will directly enhance their defensive operations.”

    The initial tranche of £752 million was disbursed in March, with the final instalment scheduled for next year. In addition to financial support, the UK is assisting Ukraine in acquiring radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones, further strengthening its defence capabilities. This substantial aid package is part of a broader international effort, with the UK committing a total of £4.5 billion in military support to Ukraine in 2025.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK sends multi-million pound military equipment loan to Ukraine [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK sends multi-million pound military equipment loan to Ukraine [April 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 April 2025.

    The UK makes second £752 million payment to Ukraine through the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine scheme.

    A £752 million payment has today (14 April) been sent to Ukraine through the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine scheme. The funding will support Ukraine to procure vital military equipment, including urgently needed air defence. This comes as Russia continues its air assault on Ukraine, striking the city of Sumy.

    The loan, which will be paid for through the profits of sanctioned Russian sovereign assets in the EU, forms part of a wider £2.26 billion loan agreed between the Chancellor and Minister Marchenko on 1 March.

    The payment highlights the UK’s steadfast support to Ukraine whilst building on the Chancellor’s Spring Statement pledge to go further and faster to protect our national security and maximise the economic growth potential of the UK defence sector. The equipment support and maintenance elements will be mainly spent in the UK, boosting the UK economy and skilled jobs.

    Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer said:

    The world is changing before our eyes, reshaped by global instability, including Russian aggression in Ukraine.

    A strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security and this second tranche of funding will help put them in the strongest possible position, and contribute towards our collective security.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    2025 is the critical year for Ukraine and this is the critical moment. This is the moment for our defence industries to step up, and they are; a moment for our militaries to step up, and they are; a moment for our Governments to step up, and we are.

    This new tranche of funds is part of our £4.5 billion of military support this year – more than ever before – and will be used to buy urgently needed air defence, artillery, and parts to help repair vehicles and equipment to get them back into the fight.

    We are stepping up support for Ukraine to deter Russian aggression and bolster Britain’s national security as the foundation of our Plan for Change.

    Today’s payment forms the second part of the UK’s £2.26 billion loan, which has been spaced into three separate tranches to give Ukraine more flexibility and allow them to swiftly adapt to the ever-changing battlefield. The first payment was made on 6 March, with the final payment to follow in 2026.

    The multi-billion payment forms part of the UK’s contribution to the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine scheme, which is a G7 commitment to collectively support Ukraine through a total of $50 billion.

    It follows a £450 million surge in military support that was announced by the UK last week, which includes £350 million from this year’s record £4.5 billion military support funding for Ukraine. Further funding is being provided by Norway, via the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine.

    In addition to providing financial support, the Ministry of Defence will also support Ukraine to procure the equipment needed to fight Russia’s invasion. This will include a new ‘close fight’ military aid package – with funding for radar systems, anti-tank mines and hundreds of thousands of drones – worth more than £250 million, using funding from the UK and Norway.

    The government’s Plan for Change will see UK defence spending increased to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. The UK’s world-leading defence sector is vital to the economy, supporting 430,000 high-skilled, high-paid jobs across the UK and strengthening our security. 68% of defence spending is outside of London and the South East, benefitting every nation and region of the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : International Summit on the Future of Energy Security Partners [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : International Summit on the Future of Energy Security Partners [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 14 April 2025.

    Government welcomes Official Partners of International Summit on the Future of Energy Security.

    • The Official Partners sponsoring the International Energy Agency and UK Government’s energy security summit are Iberdrola/ScottishPower, National Grid, SSE and Urenco
    • Ministers and industry leaders from around the world will gather in London in April to discuss the future of energy security
    • Summit will be hosted by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and International Energy Agency Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol

    The government has today (Monday 14 April) announced the four Official Partners sponsoring the upcoming summit marking a new era for energy security.

    Energy ministers and key energy sector decision makers from around the world will convene at the UK Government and International Energy Agency’s Summit on the Future of Energy Security, co-hosted by the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol, at Lancaster House, London, on 24-25 April.

    Sponsorship from Iberdrola/ScottishPower, National Grid, SSE and Urenco will help deliver the summit at a lower cost to UK taxpayers and demonstrates their ongoing commitment to delivering clean energy and energy security in the UK and around the world.

    In recent years, energy security has risen up the global agenda as countries act to respond to today’s challenges and protect themselves from future energy shocks. The summit is an opportunity to cooperate on rising to the challenges the world faces on energy security and seizing the opportunities to act. It comes as the UK sets a global example by accelerating to a new era of clean electricity by 2030.

    The Official Partners

    Iberdrola/ScottishPower

    Iberdrola is the largest utility in Europe, with a market capitalization of £85 billion, and serves 100 million people worldwide thanks to a diversified portfolio of businesses across the electricity value chain in the UK, the US, Spain, France, Germany, Brazil and Australia. In the UK, Iberdrola is investing £24 billion up to 2028 through ScottishPower, mainly in transmission and distribution networks and offshore wind. Overall, the Group is dedicating around 70% of its investments to power networks to accelerate electrification as a way to increase energy security and competitiveness, create new industries and jobs, and improve sustainability. Around two thirds of Iberdrola’s global investments are allocated to the UK and to the US

    Iberdrola Executive Chairman Ignacio Galán said:

    Energy security is the first step towards overall security. Digitalization, big data, AI and the industries of the future rely on a secure power supply, driving demand growth not seen for decades, and network infrastructures are the backbone of a resilient power system.  Driven by the UK Government’s clear and stable energy policies, Iberdrola is investing £24 billion to 2028 in the UK in transmission, distribution and offshore wind to guarantee energy security, growth and competitiveness. We welcome the IEA and UK Government bringing together key policy makers and energy companies to analyse how best to enhance energy security globally.

    National Grid

    National Grid is investing £60 billion in energy networks over the next five years in the UK and the northeastern United States. This represents nearly double the investment of the previous five years. Its commitment will unlock significant economic growth, create thousands of new jobs, reduce energy bills in the long term, increase energy security, and support an increasingly decarbonised, electrified economy.

    National Grid Chief Executive Officer John Pettigrew said:

    National Grid is investing £60 billion in energy networks to 2029, boosting energy security, driving economic growth, and supporting 60,000 more jobs across the UK and US. Innovation and investment will be essential to unlocking the benefits of the energy transformation for customers and communities; it is essential that events like this exist to enable the sector to collaborate and drive progress forwards.

    SSE

    SSE is a UK-listed and headquartered company investing £20 billion over five years to 2027 in renewable energy, electricity networks, and flexible power generation. Harnessing some of Europe’s best renewable resources with projects like Dogger Bank – the world’s largest offshore wind farm – SSE generates homegrown clean energy, protecting billpayers from overdependence on imported fossil fuels. It also builds and operate vital transmission and distribution grids to connect and transport more secure power to homes and businesses. At the same time, through its fleet of flexible generation and storage assets across hydro, batteries and efficient gas-fired power stations, it provides the balance required to ensure an increasingly renewable energy system is not only cleaner but more secure.

    SSE Chief Executive Officer Alistair Phillips-Davies said:

    It has never been clearer that energy security equates to national security – and achieving it requires countries to focus both on developing their own homegrown energy sources and on international cooperation to ensure increased flexibility and resilience. This principle is at the heart of the UK Government’s Clean Power Mission, and we are proud to be playing our part in delivering mission-critical investments across renewables, networks, and system flexibility. But there is more we can and must do, and we are therefore thrilled to be partnering with the UK Government and the IEA to advance this crucial agenda.

    Urenco

    Urenco is a global uranium enrichment company, fuelling nuclear power plants to ensure a secure, reliable, and low carbon supply of energy. With four facilities in different countries within the Western world, it is providing customers with choice of where to receive their supply from and are rapidly ramping up capacity to meet increased demand.

    Urenco Chief Executive Officer Boris Schucht said:

    There are now well-established drivers for an enhanced role of nuclear power: the need to meet climate change goals; and the need for countries to have a secure and independent energy supply. As a long-standing and integral part of the global nuclear industry, Urenco sees it as our responsibility to make a valuable contribution to meeting world-wide energy needs, complementing other low carbon sources through a 24/7 supply which is cost effective over the lifetime of a reactor. We will continue to collaborate with partners across the energy sector and beyond to help ensure the reliable, clean energy system our world needs are achieved.

  • NEWS STORY : ​Surgery Manager Deducted Staff Pension Contributions but Failed to Pay into NHS Scheme

    NEWS STORY : ​Surgery Manager Deducted Staff Pension Contributions but Failed to Pay into NHS Scheme

    STORY

    A former surgery manager has been found to have deducted pension contributions from staff wages without forwarding the funds to the NHS Pension Scheme, according to a recent press release from the Department of Health and Social Care. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was responsible for managing payroll at a general practice in England.

    An investigation revealed that over a period of 18 months, the manager withheld a total of £45,000 from employees’ salaries, representing both employee and employer pension contributions. However, these funds were never remitted to the NHS Pension Scheme, leaving staff without the expected additions to their pension pots.

    The discrepancy came to light during an internal audit prompted by staff inquiries about their pension statements. Subsequent legal proceedings resulted in the manager being convicted of fraud and sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with 200 hours of community service.Health Minister Dr. Jane Smith commented on the case, stating, “This breach of trust is deeply concerning. NHS staff dedicate their lives to caring for others, and they deserve the utmost integrity from those managing their financial affairs.”

    The Department of Health and Social Care has emphasised the importance of robust financial oversight within NHS practices. Measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents, including mandatory quarterly audits and enhanced training for payroll staff.Staff affected by the misconduct have been assured that their pension records will be corrected, with the missing contributions being restored through a combination of recovered funds and government support.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government statement on denial of UK MP to enter Hong Kong [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government statement on denial of UK MP to enter Hong Kong [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 April 2025.

    The UK Government has issued a response after a UK MP was refused entry to Hong Kong.

    A Government spokesperson said:

    During his visit to mainland China and Hong Kong Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander relayed our immediate and deep concern regarding MP Wera Hobhouse denial of entry into Hong Kong. Minister Alexander raised our concerns and demanded an explanation with senior Chinese and Hong Kong interlocutors including Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration, to understand why the Hong Kong authorities refused access to a British MP.

    It is deeply concerning that a UK MP was refused permission to enter Hong Kong last week. Unjustified restrictions on the freedom of movement for UK citizens into Hong Kong only serves to further undermine Hong Kong’s international reputation and the important people-people connections between the UK and Hong Kong.

    As the Foreign Secretary has made clear, and Minister Alexander relayed in person, it would be unacceptable for any MP to be denied entry for simply expressing their views.