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PRESS RELEASE : Rough sleeping no longer a crime as Vagrancy Act repealed [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 28 June 2026.

The government will repeal the Vagrancy Act on Monday 29 June 2026, ending nearly two centuries of legislation that has criminalised rough sleeping and begging.

The government will repeal the Vagrancy Act tomorrow (Monday 29 June), bringing an end to nearly two centuries of legislation that has criminalised rough sleeping and begging.

Originally introduced in 1824, the Vagrancy Act has been found to punish people simply for not having a home. As a result, it has pushed vulnerable people away from support, increased the risk of fines or criminal records and made it harder for people to rebuild their lives.

Repealing the Act is a vital step in ending a system that has failed to address the causes of rough sleeping and in shifting the focus towards prevention, support and long-term solutions.

This sits at the heart of the National Plan to End Homelessness – backed by £3.6 billion over the next three years – which aims to halve long-term rough sleeping and end the unlawful use of B&Bs for families by the end of the Parliament. 

Alongside this, the government is delivering the biggest long-term investment in social and affordable housing in a generation – £39 billion over the next ten years – providing the homes people need. Recent figures show social and affordable housing starts are up 35% since 2024 and completions have risen again this year.  

Following a week of record temperatures, the public are also being reminded of the Streetlink alert system to notify their local authority of anyone who is rough sleeping and in need of support.  

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:  

Homeless people are not criminals, they are people who need help.

By repealing the outdated Vagrancy Act, we are shifting from punishment to prevention, alongside our investment to tackle homelessness for good.

Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said:   

Repealing the Vagrancy Act is a long-overdue step that reflects a modern understanding of homelessness.

We are turning our backs on a centuries old approach and instead focusing our attention on what works through providing support, preventing homelessness, and helping people rebuild their lives.

Our Plan to End Homelessness will drive that change, helping more people off the streets and into the security of a permanent home.

The Vagrancy Act was introduced in 1824 in response to rising homelessness following the Napoleonic Wars and Industrial Revolution. While its use has sharply declined, it is still sometimes used to move people on instead of addressing the root causes of a person’s homelessness. 

The National Plan to End Homelessness rewires the system to focus support where it’s needed most. This includes:
- A £159 million grant for supported housing is getting over 2,500 people across England off the streets and into more stable housing, as well as preventing those from getting onto the streets in the first place. 
- Setting clear targets for halving the number who become homeless on their first night out of prison and that no eligible person is discharged to the street after a hospital stay.
- It also sets a clear long-term ambition that no one should be made homeless from a public institution.
The upcoming Social Housing Bill will strengthen protections to victims of domestic abuse in social housing, helping to prevent homelessness – research shows that nearly 70% of women experiencing rough sleeping in 2025 had experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16.

There are already powers in place to tackle antisocial behaviour where it occurs, including under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. These are used where behaviour causes harassment or distress – not for simply being homeless. Statutory guidance will be updated to ensure these powers are used appropriately.

The government will continue to take a tough stance on organised crime. New offences in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 will target organised begging gangs, those who exploit others for financial gain, and trespass linked to criminal activity.
28/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Uganda’s Military Chief Orders Media Shutdown in Crackdown on Press Freedom

STORY

Uganda’s military chief has ordered the closure of leading independent media outlets in a sharp escalation of the country’s authoritarian drift, using the power of the army to suppress journalism and tighten control over public debate.

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and a likely successor to his father, ordered the shutdown of the Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, two of the country’s most prominent independent media organisations. Soldiers were deployed to the Daily Monitor’s offices in Kampala, preventing staff from entering or leaving the premises.

The move represents a grave attack on press freedom in a country already facing growing concern over militarisation, political intimidation and the repression of dissent. Kainerugaba made no serious attempt to disguise the nature of the intervention, declaring on social media that he did not believe in a free press and that the media should be guided by cadres of the revolution.

The closure order comes after a period of deepening repression in Uganda, where Museveni has ruled since 1986 and where opposition figures, lawyers and activists have faced increasing pressure. Kainerugaba has become an increasingly powerful political figure, combining his military role with open political ambition and a public style marked by threats and inflammatory statements.

28/06/2026
Dan Jarvis – 2026 Comments on Armed Forces Day

The comments made by Dan Jarvis, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 27 June 2026.

Armed Forces Day is an extraordinary opportunity for our nation to come together to thank the people who keep this country safe, and all those who support them.

It’s an honour to join the celebrations in Aldershot alongside thousands of people to pay tribute to the exceptional courage and dedication of all our personnel.

Southport already hosts the largest Armed Forces event in their region, and as community that knows about resilience and coming together, it is fitting that they will host the 2027 national day. I congratulate all those involved in the successful bid.

28/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Nation unites to celebrate Armed Forces Day as Southport selected for 2027 national event [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 June 2026.

Tens of thousands of people have come together in Aldershot today and across the country to mark Armed Forces Day, the annual national moment to give gratitude to the people who serve and have served in the UK’s Armed Forces.
- Tens of thousands gather across the country to honour serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families
- Defence Secretary joins celebrations in Aldershot
- Southport announced as location for 2027 Armed Forces Day national event
Tens of thousands of people have come together in Aldershot today and across the country to mark Armed Forces Day, the annual national moment to give gratitude to the people who serve and have served in the UK’s Armed Forces.

More than 230 Armed Forces Day events took place across the country, as communities from every part of the UK marked the occasion. This included celebrations in Aldershot – the historic home of the British Army – which were attended by the Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP.

The event saw a spectacular parade of Armed Forces personnel and military bands from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Royal Air Force A400M Atlas aircraft joined a Dakota from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in a flypast over the celebrations.

Three military parachute display teams – the British Army Red Devils, the Royal Air Force Falcons and the Royal Navy Raiders – dropped into the main arena.

While in Aldershot, the Defence Secretary announced that the 2027 Armed Forces Day national event will take place in Southport, Merseyside. He also celebrated the Armed Forces’ powerful role in creating opportunity for young people form every background.

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:

Armed Forces Day is an extraordinary opportunity for our nation to come together to thank the people who keep this country safe, and all those who support them.

It’s an honour to join the celebrations in Aldershot alongside thousands of people to pay tribute to the exceptional courage and dedication of all our personnel.

Southport already hosts the largest Armed Forces event in their region, and as community that knows about resilience and coming together, it is fitting that they will host the 2027 national day. I congratulate all those involved in the successful bid.

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said:

Armed Forces Day is about more than a parade or a flypast – it’s about the bond between those who serve and the society they protect. In Aldershot today that bond was on full display, and I’m proud of every service person who took part.

Maintaining that connection is essential to our strength as a force. Southport has a strong Armed Forces presence and proud tradition of support, and I look forward to seeing it host a fitting national celebration next year.

Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Jennifer Corcoran said:

Sefton has a proud and longstanding connection with our Armed Forces, and it is a tremendous honour for Southport to host the national Armed Forces Day next year.

This announcement recognises the dedication and sacrifice of our service personnel, veterans and their families and also the strong sense of community we have here in Southport. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to celebrate, reflect and show our collective support for those who serve.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, added:

We are incredibly proud that Southport has been chosen to host Armed Forces Day 2027. This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a national spotlight on our borough, while paying tribute to the bravery and commitment of our Armed Forces community.

Across Sefton, we recognise the invaluable contribution made by serving personnel, veterans and their families, and we are committed to ensuring they feel supported and valued. We look forward to working with partners to deliver a memorable and fitting event that brings residents and visitors together in celebration and gratitude.

The town of Southport will welcome Armed Forces families, veterans, cadets and supporters from across the northwest when it hosts the 2027 Armed Forces Day national event, supported by Sefton Council and the Southport Armed Forces Community Hub.

Their winning bid emphasised that their Armed Forces Day celebrations will be “a national statement of service, resilience, unity and renewal.”

Armed Forces Day aims to strengthen the connection between the military and the communities they serve, demonstrating how everyone has a part to play in keeping the nation safe.

Southport has considerable experience planning major events for tens of thousands of visitors thanks to the annual Southport Airshow and British Musical Fireworks Championship and already hosts the largest Armed Forces Day community event in northwest England.

The Ministry of Defence invites bids to host the national event from communities across the UK and selects a winner based on the strength of their bid and the impact the proposed event could make on the Armed Forces community.

The winning hosts receive £50,000 of event funding from the Ministry of Defence, access to military assets such as flypasts, equipment and bands, and planning and communications support.

Major Nick McEntee, Director of Southport Armed Forces Community Hub added:

We are absolutely delighted that Southport has been selected to host the National Armed Forces Day 2027 celebrations.

This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the strength of the partnership between Southport’s Armed Forces Community Hub, the wider Armed Forces community in our town and Sefton Council. Together, we have a shared ambition to deliver an event that recognises and celebrates those who serve, those who have served, and the families and loved ones who support them.

Southport already hosts one of the most respected Armed Forces Day events in the UK, and National Armed Forces Day 2027 gives us an even greater opportunity to showcase our incredible seaside town to a national audience while saying a huge thank you to our Armed Forces community.

The hard work starts now, but our volunteers are ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. We can’t wait to work together to bring this unforgettable event to Southport alongside Sefton Council.

Armed Forces Day is the culmination of Armed Forces Week, an annual opportunity for the nation to thank the Armed Forces community: serving personnel and reservists, veterans, cadets and their families and supporters.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, rebuilding the relationship between the Armed Forces and civilian society is central to a whole-of-society approach to defence.
28/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Government and Industry Back £85 Million Obesity Care Programme

STORY

The Government has announced £85 million of public and industry funding for projects intended to improve obesity care and reduce pressure on health services.

The Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme will support 12 projects across the UK, including apps, round the clock virtual advice and AI assisted triage. The funding includes up to £50 million from Government and up to £35 million from pharmaceutical company Lilly.

Ministers said the programme would help people access support earlier and make services easier to use, particularly in underserved communities. The announcement comes as the NHS faces increasing demand linked to obesity and associated long term health conditions.

28/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Reform UK Makes Confrontational Start as Senedd Opposition

STORY

Reform UK has made a combative start as the official opposition in the Senedd after its strong performance in the 2026 Welsh election gave the party a significant role in Cardiff Bay.

The party won 29% of the vote and moved ahead of the Welsh Conservatives, taking leadership of five Senedd committees. Its early weeks have included sharp exchanges over migration and refugee policy, with criticism from other Members of the Senedd over language used in the chamber.

Reform UK has defended its approach as a challenge to established politics, while opponents have questioned whether the party is adapting to the more consensual working style of the Senedd. Its performance in Wales is being watched closely because of Nigel Farage’s wider ambitions for the party across the UK.

28/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Burnham Faces First Policy Test Over Public Ownership and Thames Water

STORY

Andy Burnham is facing growing scrutiny over how far he would expand public control of essential services if he becomes Prime Minister, with water, transport, energy and housing emerging as early policy tests.

The debate follows Burnham’s previous support for stronger public control of utilities and his record in Greater Manchester, where bus services were brought under public oversight through the Bee Network. Labour figures and policy advisers are now watching whether his leadership platform will include direct nationalisation, tougher regulation or new public development bodies.

Thames Water’s financial position is likely to be one of the first major tests of the next Labour leader’s approach. Burnham’s choice of Chancellor and his first economic speech are expected to give clearer signals about whether he intends to shift Government policy towards a more interventionist state.

28/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Mahmood Sets Out New Refugee Sponsorship Routes Under Asylum Reforms

STORY

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has set out plans for new legal routes for eligible refugees, with community groups, universities and employers able to sponsor people coming to the UK.

The proposals are expected to form part of the Government’s wider Immigration and Asylum Bill. Ministers have presented the scheme as a way to create controlled routes for genuine refugees while tightening rules around asylum appeals, modern slavery claims and the use of legal challenges to delay removals.

The announcement has drawn criticism from opposition politicians who argue that it could increase migration numbers. Mahmood said the aim was to combine compassion with firmer control of the asylum system, while replacing ad hoc schemes with a more structured sponsorship model.

28/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Rough Sleeping to Stop Being a Criminal Offence as Vagrancy Act Is Repealed

STORY

The Government has confirmed that the Vagrancy Act will be repealed on Monday, ending legislation that has criminalised rough sleeping and begging for nearly two centuries.

Ministers said the 1824 Act had punished people for not having a home and could push vulnerable people away from support. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said repeal would form part of a wider approach focused on prevention, housing supply and services for people sleeping rough.

The announcement follows renewed pressure from homelessness charities and campaigners, who have long argued that criminal sanctions are not an effective response to rough sleeping. The Government said it was also expanding housing support, with recent affordable housing starts and completions increasing under programmes delivered through Homes England and the Greater London Authority.

28/06/2026
James Murray – 2026 Comments on Obesity

The comments made by James Murray, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 27 June 2026.

Obesity is an epidemic and we need bold action to end it now. These innovative projects will bring together the NHS, local partners and industry to test new ways of delivering obesity care that uses the latest technology and is closer to people’s homes.

What we learn from these projects has the potential to help people across the country live healthier lives, underlining this government’s commitment to deliver the 10-Year Health Plan and shift healthcare from treatment to prevention and reduce long-term pressure on vital NHS services.

28/06/2026