Author: admin

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Lance Corporal James Stewart Freeman

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Lance Corporal James Stewart Freeman

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 June 2026.

    It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal Freeman, who died in Iraq during routine training activity on 31 May 2026. He was 29 years old.

    Lance Corporal Freeman was born on 1 January 1997. He joined the Army in June 2016, attending the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, before joining 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment (The Vikings) in February 2017.

    Lance Corporal Freeman was a dedicated and experienced Viking and Royal Anglian Regiment soldier. He deployed on Operations in South Sudan, contributed to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, supported force protection missions in Cyprus and most recently Operation SHADER, Iraq. In addition, he served in the Falklands, Jordan, Romania and Kenya. He served in a variety of roles throughout his career, including rifleman, mortarman and machine gunner. However, it was his most recent appointment, as a Section Second in Command within the Assault Pioneer Platoon, that was most notable. He was deeply invested in this role, pushing the capability, and always suggesting improvements to techniques, kit and equipment. He had a promising career ahead of him.

    A lover of the outdoors, he would often go clay pigeon shooting and regularly share stories about shooting with his dad. He also enjoyed gaming and would often play video games into the late hours with soldiers across the battalion.  

    Above all, he was a devoted family-man and never passed up on the opportunity to share that with his peers. He put them first in every situation whether it was a passing comment in a hard situation or expressing his excitement to see them when he was away.

    Colonel James WHM Bishop, Commander British Forces Operation SHADER, said:

    I am devastated at the loss of Lance Corporal Freeman. He was a highly professional Junior Non-Commissioned Officer whose dedication to his friends, his sub-unit in the United Kingdom Mobility Company, and the wider Battalion represented the very best of his generation. Larger than life and magnetically charming, he was a trusted junior leader who naturally brought people together, forming a wide and fiercely loyal group of friends across the entire Op SHADER contingent.

    His absence leaves a profound, irreplaceable void, and he will be missed beyond measure by everyone who had the privilege to serve alongside him. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, his family, and the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.

    Lieutenant Colonel Nick JP McGinley, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the death of Lance Corporal James Freeman. A soldier with a bright future ahead of him, he was everything you could wish for in a junior leader – selflessly committed, thoughtful and professional. His loss is felt profoundly by all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Most of all, our thoughts are with his family to whom he was utterly devoted. My condolences go out to them at this incredibly difficult time.

    Major James SD Pugh, Officer Commanding A (Norfolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    Lance Corporal Freeman was the very essence of a Viking soldier and a highly regarded member of the Royal Anglian Regiment. Unfailingly dependable, he set the highest standards for those he led, demonstrating consummate professionalism in every task he undertook. He was the kind of soldier you wanted by your side – steadfast and resolute. His enthusiasm, unwavering humour in the face of adversity, and determination were the cornerstones of his success. Whatever the challenge, he brought people with him.

    Beyond his military excellence, Lance Corporal Freeman was a devoted husband and father. His greatest pride was his daughter, and the simple walks to and from school were the moments he cherished most each day. His loss will be deeply felt by his fellow Vikings, but none more so than by his family. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them during this profoundly difficult time.

    Captain Daniel Bradnam, Company Second-in-Command, B (Suffolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    Lance Corporal Freeman was my go-to man – steadfastly dependable, unwaveringly professional, and a genuine joy to be around. He earned the respect and affection of everyone he met, and quick-witted humour never failed to brighten a room. I will always remember LCpl Freeman for his deep commitment and dedication to his family, whom he loved dearly and spoke about with great pride.

    It has been an absolute privilege to have commanded and served alongside LCpl Freeman. He will forever remain in the hearts and memories of all those in B (Suffolk) Company and will be sorely missed.

    WO2 Bradley P Hilton, Company Sergeant Major, B (Suffolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    Lance Corporal Freeman was the epitome of a Viking Non-Commissioned Officer. He was utterly reliable and I could always count on him. If I ever asked how he was progressing, he would flash a cheeky side smile and say, “Don’t worry Sir, I’m on it” – and he always was.

    He excelled as a junior leader and commander whilst deployed in Iraq. A devoted family-man and a true mate to his comrades. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, daughter, and family during this difficult time.

    Lieutenant Samuel Frost, Officer Commanding, 7 (Assault Pioneer) Platoon, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    As his Platoon Commander, he was the first person I would turn to. As well as his professionalism, we will remember him for his strength of character and sense of humour. He was often to be found sitting in the office, laughing, telling stories about the Platoon on previous exercises, and was a genuine pleasure to be around. An impressive soldier, he particularly stood out for his leadership and initiative.

    He loved his role and was pivotal in the re-creation of the Assault Pioneers Platoon and its subsequent success. Working with Lance Corporal Freeman has been a huge pleasure, and he will be sorely missed, rightfully commemorated, and never forgotten. He was one of the best. His passing is a shock to the Company, and his wife and daughter have my profound sympathy.

    Sergeant James Cobbold, Platoon Sergeant, 7 (Assault Pioneer) Platoon, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    I have had the privilege of serving as Lance Corporal Freeman’s Platoon Sergeant over the past eight months. James was everything you would want in a Section Second in Command, when something needed doing, you knew James would get it done. More than that, James had that rare ability to lift those around him; whether through his example, his work ethic, or simply his presence.

    Outside of work, a devoted family man, who spoke about his wife and child with pride and carried this responsibility with purpose. In the short time I knew him, James was a reliable soldier, a committed father and a truly good man.

    Corporal William S Thorpe, Section Commander, B (Suffolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    James was my best friend. A man who was committed to achieving any task before him to the highest standard and always professional, but also someone to talk to in confidence, either for advice or, most often, for a moan. I do not believe I would be where I am today without him, especially for the amount of “just do me a favour” favours I owe him.

    Lance Corporal Cameron AW Donald, Section Second-in-Command, A (Norfolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    Lance Corporal James Freeman has had a large influence on me as an individual and as a soldier from very early in my career. Having spent my first months with him in Troodos, Cyprus I quickly got to learn what kind of man he was. Not just an experienced and high-quality soldier, but also a deeply compassionate soul, who was willing to help the next man out before himself.

    James and I clicked very quickly, and we realised we had a very similar sense of humour. I considered him one of my best friends within work, and someone I looked up to as he steered me in the right direction to promote as a Lance Corporal. The world has lost a tremendous character, and we have lost a brother.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    Lance Corporal James Freeman served our country with dedication, professionalism and pride. He was a greatly valued member of his regiment who will be deeply missed.

    My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time. The tributes paid to James make clear he was an exceptional soldier, leader and friend.

  • NEWS STORY : Hospitality Figures Back Burnham Over VAT Cut Campaign

    NEWS STORY : Hospitality Figures Back Burnham Over VAT Cut Campaign

    STORY

    Leading chefs and restaurant figures have backed Andy Burnham’s call for a lower VAT rate for hospitality. The intervention follows the launch of a campaign arguing that VAT should be cut from 20% to 10% for pubs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses under pressure from rising costs.

    Supporters of the campaign argue that hospitality venues are closing at an alarming rate and that tax reform is needed to help protect jobs, high streets and local economies. Burnham, who is standing in the Makerfield by-election, has made the issue part of a wider pitch about practical economic support for working communities and struggling businesses.

    The issue also has clear national political implications. Reform UK has also backed a VAT cut for hospitality, making the policy part of a wider argument about who can speak most directly to small businesses, town centres and voters frustrated by the cost pressures facing everyday social life.

  • NEWS STORY : Union Chief Attacks Labour Net Zero Policy

    NEWS STORY : Union Chief Attacks Labour Net Zero Policy

    STORY

    A senior trade union leader has criticised Labour’s net zero approach, warning that the transition risks damaging jobs in traditional industrial and energy communities. Gary Smith, the general secretary of the GMB union, reportedly accused the Government of pursuing policies that could cost employment in North Sea oil and gas and related sectors.

    The criticism is politically awkward for Labour because the GMB is one of the party’s most important affiliated unions. Smith argued that clean energy policy must create secure domestic employment rather than rely heavily on imported infrastructure, and warned that some working-class voters were being pushed towards Reform UK by economic insecurity.

    The Government has argued that clean energy investment will create new jobs and strengthen Britain’s long-term energy security. However, the intervention highlights the challenge facing ministers as they try to combine climate commitments with industrial policy, union support and the politics of communities that fear being left behind.

  • NEWS STORY : Lords Begin Scrutiny of Financial Services and Markets Bill

    NEWS STORY : Lords Begin Scrutiny of Financial Services and Markets Bill

    STORY

    Peers are set to begin detailed consideration of the Financial Services and Markets Bill as the legislation starts its passage through the House of Lords. The Bill forms part of the Government’s wider attempt to update financial regulation and support growth in one of the UK’s most important economic sectors.

    The second reading debate will allow members of the Lords to examine the main principles of the Bill, including how far ministers should go in changing regulatory rules while maintaining stability, consumer protection and confidence in the financial system. The legislation is expected to attract close scrutiny from former ministers, regulators and members with financial sector experience.

    The Government has repeatedly argued that financial services reform is central to its growth agenda. However, the Bill also raises broader questions about the balance between competitiveness and caution, particularly after previous crises in which weak oversight was blamed for exposing consumers and taxpayers to risk.

  • NEWS STORY : Steel Nationalisation Bill Returns to the Commons

    NEWS STORY : Steel Nationalisation Bill Returns to the Commons

    STORY

    MPs are due to continue scrutiny of the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill as the legislation moves through its committee stage in the House of Commons. The Bill would give ministers powers to nationalise steel companies where a public interest test is met, with British Steel among the companies potentially affected by the framework.

    The Government has argued that the legislation is needed to protect strategically important industrial capacity and safeguard the long-term future of UK steelmaking. Ministers have said the powers would be used only where necessary, but the Bill has become part of a wider debate over industrial policy and the proper role of the state in supporting key sectors.

    Opposition MPs are expected to press ministers on cost, compensation, commercial risk and whether nationalisation would address the underlying challenges facing the industry. The legislation is one of the Government’s clearest interventions in heavy industry and is likely to remain politically prominent as it moves through Parliament.

  • NEWS STORY : PIP Review Launches New Engagement Toolkit

    NEWS STORY : PIP Review Launches New Engagement Toolkit

    STORY

    The Timms Review into Personal Independence Payment is expanding its public engagement work after the closure of its call for evidence. The Department for Work and Pensions has launched new resources designed to help organisations run workshops with disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.

    The materials are intended to gather views on what PIP is for, people’s experiences of applying and how decisions are made. The Government said the review had already received 38,000 responses through its call for evidence, with the new toolkit designed to reach groups whose views may not otherwise be heard through formal consultation routes.

    Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, said disabled people’s experiences were vital to the review. The work is politically significant because welfare reform remains one of the most sensitive areas facing Labour, with ministers seeking to present the process as co-produced rather than imposed from Whitehall.

  • NEWS STORY : Government Considers Restrictions on Harmful Social Media for Under-16s

    NEWS STORY : Government Considers Restrictions on Harmful Social Media for Under-16s

    STORY

    The Government is considering new restrictions on access to harmful social media platforms for children under 16. Reports suggest ministers are looking at an Australian-style approach, although the immediate package may focus first on tighter rules around dangerous online content, addictive features and the misuse of sexualised material involving young people.

    The proposal follows pressure from bereaved parents, online safety campaigners and MPs who argue that existing protections do not go far enough. Earlier this year, the Government consulted on possible measures including time limits, curfews and controls on platform design features that encourage prolonged use by children.

    The issue is likely to become one of the most contested parts of the Government’s technology agenda. Supporters argue that stronger intervention is needed to protect children from harm, while critics have warned that any age-based restriction would raise practical questions around enforcement, privacy and the ability of young people to bypass controls.

  • NEWS STORY : Starmer to Say Technology Revolution Must Work for Everyone

    NEWS STORY : Starmer to Say Technology Revolution Must Work for Everyone

    STORY

    Sir Keir Starmer is expected to use a speech at London Tech Week to argue that the technology revolution must benefit the whole country rather than a narrow group of companies or already prosperous areas. The Prime Minister is due to say that artificial intelligence and new digital tools should be used to create jobs, support public services and improve opportunity across the United Kingdom.

    The speech comes as the Government seeks to place technology at the centre of its wider economic and public service agenda. Ministers are expected to present AI as a tool for growth, with a particular focus on skills, employment support and the use of digital systems inside Government departments.

    The intervention also comes at a politically sensitive moment for Starmer, with pressure on his leadership continuing inside Labour and the Makerfield by-election approaching. Downing Street will hope that a focus on technology and opportunity helps shift attention back towards policy delivery rather than internal party tensions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sir Ian Cheshire confirmed as new Ofcom chair [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sir Ian Cheshire confirmed as new Ofcom chair [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 3 June 2026.

    Sir Ian Cheshire has been announced as Chair of Ofcom, the UK’s independent regulator for communications.

    • Technology Secretary confirms Sir Ian Cheshire, as new Chair of Ofcom 
    • The former Channel 4 Chair will oversee regulator responsible for enforcing the UK’s Online Safety Act, driving growth across communications sectors, and protecting consumers  
    • Sir Ian has committed to ensuring the regulator acts decisively to protect people from online harms as he steers Ofcom through crucial next chapter. 

    Business leader Sir Ian Cheshire has been announced as Chair of Ofcom, the UK’s independent regulator for communications, following a pre-appointment hearing with the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee. 

    His appointment signals a significant moment for Ofcom, which has evolved considerably since it was first established, with telecoms, broadcasting and online safety now all within its remit. 

    In taking on the role, Sir Ian has committed to ensuring the regulator is guided by the experiences of those most exposed to online harms and translates that insight into strong, effective action. He has also committed to working constructively with Government on all aspects of Ofcom’s remit, including effective implementation of the Online Safety Act including government’s recent action to build on it, delivering Ofcom’s growth goals, and developing robust KPIs, while fully upholding Ofcom’s operational independence.  

    Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: 

    Sir Ian brings exactly the kind of leadership experience that Ofcom needs as it enters this next critical chapter.  

    The Online Safety Act must be enforced robustly and without compromise, and Ofcom has a central role in making the UK the safest place to be online. 

    From protecting consumers and tackling online harms to driving growth across our communications sectors, the regulator has never had a more important role to play. I look forward to working with Sir Ian as he leads Ofcom into this next phase.

    Sir Ian Cheshire said: 

    I am honoured and delighted to take on the Chair of Ofcom at this vital time as it begins to tackle the new challenges of Online Safety while continuing to deliver its traditional oversight of telecoms and broadcasting . I am especially interested in the lived experience of our citizens and also seeing the data that allows us to measure the increase of our impact.

    Sir Ian was most recently Chair of Channel 4 from 2022 to 2025, and previously Chief Executive of Kingfisher plc. He has since held senior non-executive and advisory roles across business, sustainability and public policy, including as Chair of Barclays UK, Landsecurities PLC and various charities. 

    The Chair provides strategic leadership to Ofcom to ensure it can deliver its statutory responsibilities, including implementing and enforcing the Online Safety Act, protecting consumers and supporting growth and innovation across the UK’s communications sectors. 

    He succeeds Lord Michael Grade, whose term as Chair concluded at the end of April 2026.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Mahama of Ghana [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Mahama of Ghana [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 June 2026.

    The Prime Minister met President Mahama of Ghana in Downing Street.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the signing of the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership in London on Monday, which represents exciting new opportunities for mutual economic growth and forworkers and businesses in both countries. 

    The leaders discussed the UK and Ghana’s strong migration partnership, and the Prime Minister said he was keen to build on that further. 

    On global security and economic stability, the Prime Minister set out how the UK urgently wants to see a swift and lasting resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, and that it was vital to ensure a permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

    The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s stance that human rights apply equally to all people, including those who are LGBT+. 

    They looked forward to meeting again soon.