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  • PRESS RELEASE : Households can save as plug-in solar panels come to market [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Households can save as plug-in solar panels come to market [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 August 2026.

    Households can save hundreds on bills as plug-in solar panels become legal to use and buy across the country.

    • Plug-in solar panels now legal to buy and use across the country 
    • Households could save up to £110 a year, with panels providing up to 20% of average home electricity use 
    • Savings follow government cuts to VAT on energy bills to offer breathing space this winter 

    More families are set to save money on bills as plug-in solar panels become legal across Great Britain.  

    From today (27 August), the easy-to-install panels can be plugged into homes across the country, saving households up to £110 a year on their bills through clean, homegrown power. 

    Each plug-in solar kit produces up to 800W of power, enough to provide up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use. This can run a typical fridge, television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger and an Xbox S operating at once when the sun is shining.  

    This all comes with no installation cost and without taking any electricity from the grid. 

    The legal changes follow rigorous, independent safety testing, covering all key electrical elements, which shows that compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring.  

    The UK safety specification is more stringent than that of Germany, where the technology is already widely used and around half a million new devices were plugged in last year. 

    Homegrown power is the only way to deliver energy security for the country and financial security for families and businesses.  

    Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: 

    Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away.  

    From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability power their homes with clean homegrown energy.

    Major retailers, such as Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon have worked with government on the rollout of plug-in solar and will soon have them available to purchase in stores and online.   

    The low-cost panels can be put in any outdoor space or on some balconies. Before purchasing or installing plug-in solar devices, people should check whether any permissions are required for the property. This may include permission from a landlord and/or building owner or freeholder permission, planning permission or listed building consent. 

    Decisions on whether to approve requests are a matter for landlords, freeholders or councils, but we encourage them to consider each case on its individual merits. 

    Enabling these easy-to-install panels is just one of the ways the government is giving people breathing space to help tackle bills.  

    In July, the Prime Minister announced plans to cut VAT on energy bills to give families breathing space this winter. This builds on the £150 of costs taken off energy bills in the Budget last year and the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount to around six million households.  

    Retailers including Amazon, Argos, Curry’s and Wickes have all committed to stocking plug-in solar panels. 

    John Boumphrey, UK & Ireland Country Manager, Amazon said: 

    Amazon is the largest corporate buyer of carbon-free energy in the UK, and we’ve invested in 50 solar and wind projects to date.  

    The government’s announcement on plug-in solar panels is a practical step that gives households a simple way to generate their own power, reduce bills, and contribute to the UK’s net zero goals. We’re looking forward to helping customers benefit from this technology. 

    Graham Biggart, Managing Director for Argos, said:  

    We’re really pleased to now offer plug-in solar panels for Argos customers. By making this technology more accessible, we’re putting more power in the hands of our customers and helping them explore practical ways to manage energy use at home. 

    As a brand trusted by millions of customers across the UK, we’re proud to bring innovative products like this to more homes and give customers greater confidence and choice when it comes to emerging home technologies.

    Michelle Gorringe-Smith, Director of New Categories at Currys, said:  

    The safe roll-out of plug-in solar products represents an important step in supporting consumers with ways to save money on their energy bills. 

    We’ll continue to work closely with DESNZ and our suppliers to make these products available to UK households as soon as possible, including through both our website and larger stores.

    David Wood, CEO, Wickes:  

    By giving people a simpler and more affordable way to generate clean energy at home, this technology has the potential to put solar within reach of many more households.  

    With the UK having some of the oldest and least energy efficient housing stock in Europe, making energy-saving technologies easier to access will be an important part of helping people reduce their energy bills and supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future.  

    We look forward to making these products available online to our customers in the coming weeks.

    Joanna O’Loan, Knowledge Manager at Energy Saving Trust, said:  

    The arrival of plug-in solar panels represents a significant milestone in expanding access to clean energy for households across Great Britain. 

    While the savings will vary from home to home, plug-in solar panels will give more people greater control over their energy use and costs. As these products become more widely available, access to clear and reliable information is essential to help people make informed choices that are right for their home and budget.

    Chris Hewitt, CEO Solar Energy UK, said: 

    This is a great example of Industry and government coming together and delivering quickly for Britain.  

    Solar and batteries are already the most effective way for homes and businesses to slash their energy bills by more than half, and making plug-in solar lawful will bring cheap, clean power to households that have not been able to access these benefits before.  

    Our industry continues to work closely with government to ensure that all customers can have confidence in the safety and reliability of these new technologies.

    Gary Booker, Managing Director of British Gas, said:   

    Until now, generating solar power has required the right roof, the right home and significant upfront investment. That’s why innovations like plug-in solar are so important. They open up the benefits of solar to more households, enabling more people to produce some of their own electricity. 

    At British Gas, we’re pleased to be bringing this technology to our customers, giving them more control over their energy use and helping them save money on their bills.

    Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association said:

    From today, with little more than a trip to the shops, people in Britain will be able to harness the energy of the sun to power their households.

    The arrival of plug-in solar is a huge step forward in democratising renewable energy and giving everyone the access they deserve to clean, cheap, homegrown power. Plug-in solar saves money – up to £100 a year – and it’s only right that this benefit should be felt by renters and flat-owners as well.

    Our electricity prices are some of the highest because of our exposure to volatile international gas markets.  Innovations like plug-in solar and the wider renewables roll out will help us bring down bills and strengthen our energy sovereignty.

    David Boyer, Director of Electricity Systems, at Energy Networks Association, said:

    This is a major step forward for incorporating micro generation safely and efficiently onto the UK’s energy grid. Network operators will continue to work closely with government, Ofgem and manufactures to ensure the registration process for micro generation evolves to meet consumer demands.

    There is already record demand for solar power across the country. Figures released by MCS recently showed there were almost 150,000 solar panel certified installations in the first six months of 2026, up 17% on the previous highest start to a year in 2025. That is the equivalent to an installation every 74 seconds.  

    Battery installations have also risen significantly, with installations almost double the same period last year with 36,000 certified installations. 

    Legalising plug-in solar panels builds on savings homeowners can already make of up to £480 a year from rooftop solar, helping more people in a range of property types generate their own clean electricity and cut their energy bills.  

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government’s Jobs Guarantee turns promise into paycheques for young people [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government’s Jobs Guarantee turns promise into paycheques for young people [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 26 August 2026.

    The first young people supported by a new Government programme for the long-term unemployed have started their jobs.

    • First cohort of young people start work through the Government’s Jobs Guarantee, delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to tackle youth unemployment
    • Scheme aims to create opportunity for those furthest from the jobs market and is backed by major businesses, including Boots and OCS
    • Over 90,000 fully funded jobs to be created by 2029 through the Jobs Guarantee, a key part of the Government’s £2.5 billion drive to tackle youth unemployment

    The Jobs Guarantee scheme offers a direct route into work for all 18–24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months.

    Roles on offer are matched to the individual’s skillset, with the government fully funding up to 25 hours paid work for six months to get individuals into the labour market.

    More than 90,000 young people will be supported into work by the scheme in the next three years, with the first cohort of young people having already started positions at retail giant Boots.

    Recognising that the longer people are out of work the more difficult it is to start working again, young people on the scheme get bespoke support to tackle barriers – from confidence building to skills training on the job. This means young people arrive at their new employer work ready and then continue to thrive.

    The Jobs Guarantee is the latest intervention in the Government’s ongoing, extensive employment support for young people, backed by £2.5 billion investment. It marks a major step in the Prime Minister’s drive to get more young people into work and bring hope to more than one million young people who are not earning or learning – a rise of 248,000 between 2021-2024.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden visited Boots to meet some of the first cohort of young people starting work through the Jobs Guarantee in administrative, retail and warehouse support roles.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

    Young people want to get on in life but for too long too many have been denied that opportunity. The Jobs Guarantee helps change that.

    Seeing the first young people start their roles brings to life what this scheme is about: real jobs, proper wages, and a genuine route into a career.

    As we roll this out to tens of thousands more young people across the country, we’re backing the next generation to succeed and backing British businesses to grow with the talent they need.

    The Jobs Guarantee has been rolled out in areas with some of the highest levels of youth unemployment:

    • Birmingham and Solihull
    • The East Midlands
    • Greater Manchester
    • Hertfordshire and Essex
    • Central and East Scotland
    • South East and South West Wales

    Later this year the scheme will be expanded to all eligible 18-24 year olds who are on Universal Credit and have been looking for work for 18 months.

    Anthony Hemmerdinger, Managing Director of Boots UK and Ireland, said:

    We’re pleased to create opportunities for young people to secure work placements in our stores, offices and warehouses through the Jobs Guarantee.

    Boots has a strong track record in supporting young people through our graduate schemes, work experience programmes, apprenticeships and youth employability partnership with The King’s Trust. We firmly believe that retail can play an important role in supporting young people to develop the confidence, experience, and skills that can shape their working lives.

    Simon Smithson, Director of Youth Services, Ingeus

    We’re delighted to be delivering Jobs Guarantee in the East Midlands. This programme represents a significant opportunity to help more young people access employment, develop new skills and secure brighter futures.

    The commitment shown by employers such as Boots demonstrates the power of partnership. By bringing together employers, communities and support organisations, we can create high-quality opportunities that benefit individuals, businesses and the wider regional economy.

    Local delivery partners will work with employers to match young people into roles and provide ongoing support to help placements succeed.

    The Jobs Guarantee is part of the Government’s wider £2.5 billion youth employment investment which will support almost one million young people and open up 500,000 opportunities to earn or learn over three years – spreading opportunity to every postcode.

    It comes alongside other incentives for business worth up to £8,000 for eligible young people and the biggest reforms in a generation to the apprenticeship system by putting more funding behind young people and tackling the 40% drop in apprenticeship starts over the past decade.

    Additional Information::

    • Eligible young people will earn at least the National Minimum Wage alongside minimum automatic enrolment contributions for the duration of their employment. Government will fund up to 25hrs/week at the NMW as well as pension contributions, for up to 6 months
    • Government funds support to Jobs Guarantee participants to support them to overcome their barriers to work and succeed in employment on the scheme

    Supportive quotes

    Louise Goodlad, Direct of Delivery (Scotland), King’s Trust said:

    The Jobs Guarantee reflects what The King’s Trust has long believed: that young people need both skills and opportunities to succeed, and that tackling youth unemployment requires government, employers and charities working together.

    The King’s Trust has begun delivering the first phase of the Jobs Guarantee programme in Central and East Scotland, and we are seeing first-hand the determination of young people who want to work as they seize the opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills.

    The Jobs Guarantee will create opportunities for young people at greatest risk of long-term unemployment while helping employers access the talent they need to grow.

    Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE, CEO of Youth Employment UK, said:

    We welcome seeing the Jobs Guarantee move from policy into real, paid opportunities for young people. For those who have been out of work for a long time, a good job can provide not only an income, but the experience, confidence and connections that help build a longer-term career.

    This year’s Youth Voice Census data, being released on 10 September, shows that 75% of young people think paid work experience would help them get a job – a powerful reminder of just how important opportunities like these can be.

    Sarah Williams, Chief People Officer, OCS said:

    Getting that first job is hard, and the Jobs Guarantee Pilot is about making it a bit easier. Young people joining us on our client sites get real experience, new skills and a proper look at the range of careers here at OCS; with clear routes into permanent roles and apprenticeships. The pilot delivery is working well and we are fully committed to rolling it out nationally.

    East Midlands Chamber, Chief Executive, Scott Knowles said:

    Getting more young people into work and equipped with the skills employers need is essential to driving growth and the Jobs Guarantee scheme is an initiative I welcome for addressing that. 

    With so many under 24’s not in Education, Employment or Training – NEET – supportive approaches like the Jobs Guarantee scheme that bridge the needs of employers with provision of opportunities for young people and a focus on upskilling during employment are a forward step. Tackling the skills gap, tackling youth unemployment and getting people into roles with the skills to thrive is what we want to see.

    Daniel Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

    “Hertfordshire being chosen as an initial rollout region for the Jobs Guarantee is a huge vote of confidence for our local economy. While major UK businesses are leading the first phase, the real transformational power of this programme lies within our vibrant SME sector.

    “Fully funding 25 hours a week significantly mitigates the financial risk for growing local businesses and gives young people a genuine pathway into work. The Chamber’s message to Hertfordshire employers is clear. Take advantage of this support, back local young talent and help build your future workforce.”

    Supportive quotes from SMEs delivering the Jobs Guarantee

    A spokesperson for Matlock Ghost Emporium, said:

    This initiative is a true win-win for independent businesses and young jobseekers alike. Bringing early-career talent into our studio gives our production capacity a real boost, allowing us to expand what we do while actively investing in the next generation of makers.

    Watching a young person build their practical skills and grow in workplace confidence over six months is immensely rewarding, and we’d strongly encourage other small businesses to consider hosting a placement.

    Antony Rhodes, Arc Communications, said:

    Taking part in the Jobs Guarantee has been a really positive experience for our business. We have welcomed four young people into our office through the scheme, and they have already made a noticeable contribution to the team.

    The scheme has given us the opportunity to bring in enthusiastic young people, provide them with valuable workplace experience and develop their skills, while also giving our existing team the opportunity to support and mentor the next generation.

    We have been particularly impressed by the attitude and willingness to learn that the young people have shown. They have quickly become part of the team and are already adding value to the business.

    We would definitely encourage other employers to consider getting involved. The Jobs Guarantee provides a fantastic opportunity to give young people a genuine start in the workplace while benefiting your own organisation.

    Adam Tulloch, Founder & CEO, Total Insight Theatre, said:

    At Total Insight Theatre, we’ve always believed in starting with what young people bring to the table – their ideas, perspectives, creativity and strengths – rather than focusing on how much experience they might have on paper. The Jobs Guarantee has enabled us to welcome six young people into meaningful roles across our organisation, and they’re very much part of the team.

    We’re already benefiting from the fresh thinking, energy and different perspectives they bring to our work, while they gain paid experience and develop their skills. As an organisation that works with young people every day, having young people woven into the fabric of our own team really matters to us. I’d encourage other employers to get involved – there’s such genuine value on both sides.

    Simone Connolly, CEO, FareShare Midlands said

    Our experience of the Youth Job Guarantee has been overwhelmingly positive. We currently have three young people on placements at our Nottingham site, giving them the opportunity to build confidence, develop practical workplace skills and gain valuable experience in a busy warehouse environment.

    The programme builds on the employability support we already provide through SkillsShare, helping young people who may face barriers to work take positive steps towards employment.

    We understand that FareShare Midlands was the amongst the first organisations in the country to offer these placements, which we are very proud of. Based on our experience so far, we will certainly take part again and hope to offer further placements across all three of our sites in Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Both parties must fulfil their commitments under Resolution 2803 and refrain from actions that undermine peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Both parties must fulfil their commitments under Resolution 2803 and refrain from actions that undermine peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 August 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

    Madame President, last November, this Council adopted Resolution 2803, sending a powerful message of international support for President Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza.

    As we have heard from High Representative Mladenov, important progress has been made, which we welcome. But success relies on the actions of the parties themselves.

    First, all sides must fulfil the commitments they have made.

    The ceasefire must be respected.

    Israel must deliver her commitments made in the 20-point plan, including a phased withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza. 

    Hamas must deliver on its commitment to decommission its weapons and terror infrastructure.

    And there must be a credible Palestinian-led transition of governance and security, across the whole of the Gaza Strip.

    We encourage the Palestinian Authority to implement the reforms necessary to take on its responsibilities. 

    Plans to hold legislative elections in November and national elections next year in Palestine are an important step.

    They must be free, fair, and inclusive.

    Second, resolution 2803 requires the full resumption of aid into Gaza and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.

    Yet the humanitarian situation remains dire.

    Averting starvation cannot be the benchmark.

    59% of Gaza’s population still faces crisis levels of food insecurity or worse; 1.9 million Palestinians remain displaced; and fuel shortages are affecting hospitals, and water and sanitation infrastructure. 

    The Government of Israel must end excessive aid restrictions; ensure that all aid including fuel and engine oil can enter predictably, and at scale; open all crossings; and review the dual-use list to allow vital aid supplies in. 

    And Hamas must stop obstructing humanitarian operations, as they did in July at a UN warehouse and food distribution point. This disrupted the delivery of life-saving assistance, with two truck drivers reportedly assaulted.

    The increasingly dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence, and obstruction which puts humanitarian workers at risk needs to end.

    The inviolability of UN premises must be respected. 

    The forcible entry and reported seizure of UNRWA’s Kalandia Training Centre in Jerusalem yesterday is deeply concerning.

    The UN, including UNRWA, and NGOs should be able to operate safely and at scale, in line with international humanitarian law.

    Accountability is essential where these standards are not met.

    It is right that the Israeli military will launch a criminal investigation into the killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab, six of her family members, and two paramedics in Gaza in 2024.

    But the decision to bring no criminal action over the fatal strikes on a World Central Kitchen convoy in April 2024, which killed seven staff members, including three British nationals, is unacceptable.

    Their families deserve justice, accountability, and answers from the Government of Israel.

    Third, on the West Bank.

    UNSC resolution 2334 is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal.

    We call on the Government of Israel to retract immediately construction tenders for the E1 settlement project.

    These unilateral plans take us further from peace.

    They will drive a wedge through the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem and exacerbate instability.

    As Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has said, “we will not stand back and accept the destruction of the Two-State Solution.”

    We have also witnessed the tragic consequences of unprecedented levels of violence.

    The UN reports that eighty Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed in the West Bank this year.

    We are appalled by recent settler attacks in Taybeh, the ongoing siege of homes in Qusra, and the killing of a 17-year-old in Sa’ir. 

    The Government of Israel has said that addressing extremist violence is a priority. As Qusra has shown, the current approach is not working. 

    More must be done to tackle settler violence, cease actions that enable it, and to ensure accountability.

    Restrictions on the Palestinian economy are also pushing it to a cliff edge, with over $6 billion in revenues withheld since May 2025, $5.8 billion trapped in banks, and correspondent banking services at risk.

    This threatens public services, the banking system, and the viability of the Palestinian Authority.

    Madame President, there is strong international support for full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803.

    But the parties themselves must fulfil the commitments and refrain from actions that undermine peace.

    They must give Palestinians and Israelis the future they deserve, where a safe and secure Israel exists peacefully alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state comprising Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 28 August 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 28 August 1926

    28 AUGUST 1926

    The verbatim report of the conference between Ministers and miners’ leaders at Downing Street makes it clear that the Government have rejected overtures for further financial assistance to the coal industry.

    The men having refused Lord Vernon’s terms for a resumption of work at Poynton Colliery, in Cheshire, the ponies have been brought to bank as the first step in the closing down of the colliery foreshadowed by the owner.

    Austrian Trade Unionists have levied themselves in support of the British miners.

    The Ambassadors’ Conference have sent a Note to the German Government insisting on the fulfilment without delay of the demands of the Inter-Allied Military Mission in regard to Germany’s disarmament. Official circles in Berlin regard the Note as coming at an inopportune moment in view of Germany’s impending entry into the League of Nations.

    A Paris telegram states that French diplomacy has been taken by surprise both by the manner and the matter of the Spanish Note on the Tangier question.

    Elections are to be held in Greece on October 24.

    Further details have been received of the advance of the Cantonese “Red” Army in Central China. The “Reds” have taken a large number of prisoners. The important treaty port of Hankow is their immediate objective.

    Chinese pirates, who were disguised as passengers, have looted the Norwegian steamer Sandviken near Hong-Kong, getting away with booty valued at 20,000 dollars.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 27 August 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 27 August 1926

    27 AUGUST 1926

    A conference took place at 10 Downing Street between miners’ leaders and members of the Government. A bulletin was afterwards issued stating that the coal situation had been reviewed, and that a verbatim report would be published to-day.

    A six hours’ conflict between police and miners in the St Helen’s district is reported. Several baton charges were made, and the police were stoned, several mounted men being struck by missiles. Two photographic pressmen were mobbed and threatened with immersion in the canal, and their cameras were smashed.

    There is a probability of a withdrawal of safety men in the South Wales coalfield, and the Bentley (Doncaster) Branch of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association have passed a resolution withdrawing authority to 300 of their members to continue working as safety men.

    A party of miners and miners’ wives leave for Russia to-day, under the auspices of the Miners’ Federation, with the object of collecting funds.

    One of the most terrible accidents in the history of motor racing occurred at Boulogne. Captain R. Howey, a well-known British motorist, and a spectator were killed. Three other onlookers were injured.

    An inquest was held at Weybridge on George L. Parkes, Norbury, a racing motor cyclist, who was killed at Brooklands. Parkes was hurled forty yards from his machine.

    A Geneva message states that M. Ninchitch, Foreign Minister of Jugo-Slavia, will likely be the President of the seventh Assembly of the League of Nations.

    A Greek Cabinet has been formed by General Kondilis.

    Four of the accused in the conspiracy trial at Angora were sentenced to death.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 26 August 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 26 August 1926

    26 AUGUST 1926

    At a Privy Council at Balmoral, a new Proclamation of Emergency was signed. A second Proclamation summons Parliament to meet on Monday next, August 30.

    The miners’ leaders have asked for an interview with the Minister of Labour, who has been left in charge of the coal situation by the Government.

    In order to prevent intimidation of returning miners, the Home Office has made elaborate police provision.

    A meeting of the National Joint Trimming Committee failed to reach an agreement in connection with the coal-trimming dispute. It was decided to invite the Ministry of Labour to appoint a Court of Inquiry.

    Mr Lloyd George, in an address to the Inter-Jewish University Federation delegates at Bangor, paid a tribute to the patriotism of the race during the war. He revealed how a discovery by Dr Weizmann, a Zionist leader, had helped the Allies to win.

    The officers of the Spanish Artillery are reported to have demanded the dismissal of General Primo de Rivera, the Prime Minister.

    Considerable dissensions have manifested themselves in the Air Sub-Committees on Disarmament at Geneva.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 25 August 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 25 August 1926

    100 YEARS AGO

    His Majesty the King has arrived at Balmoral Castle.

    The Rev. Dr Norman Maclean, St Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh, has been appointed one of the Chaplains-in-Ordinary to His Majesty in Scotland.

    The Privy Council meets at Balmoral Castle to-day to recall Parliament for Monday next to confirm the Emergency Regulations.

    Following Mr Cook’s hurried week-end tour to “stop the rot” in the Midlands, a considerable falling-off in the number of miners who had resumed work is reported. A serious feature of the situation is an outbreak of violence and intimidation.

    Admiral Koundouriotis has definitely decided to reassume office as President of the Greek Republic till the new elections have been held. A Coalition Cabinet is to be formed. General Pangalos has been transferred from Athens to the island of Ægina.

    The Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs stated at the close of a meeting of the Cabinet that he would not be attending the forthcoming League meeting at Geneva. The problems of Tangier and the League of Nations were discussed at the Cabinet Council.

    According to news received in Paris, there is danger of another seditious movement in the Spanish Army owing to the dissatisfaction prevailing with the new conditions in regard to the promotion of Artillery and Engineer officers.

    Dr Marx, the German Chancellor, speaking at the Catholic Convention at Breslau, complained that the various sections of the nation were too much under the spell of a spirit of individualism.

    Mr Charlton, the Australian Labour leader, in a speech at Weston, New South Wales, expressed himself opposed to the proposed constitutional alteration giving the Government special powers to protect the interest of the public in case of an actual or probable interruption of any essential service.

    A man exploded a bomb in a bank at Pittsburgh, U.S.A. The interior of the building was wrecked. One person was killed, and many were injured.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New counter-terror hub launched to protect British communities [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New counter-terror hub launched to protect British communities [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 26 August 2026.

    UK to lead new international Countering Violent Extremism Hub based in the UK.

    Action to protect the UK from terrorism is being stepped up with a new international counter-extremism hub to be established in the UK, which will strengthen efforts to stop violent extremism before it threatens British communities.

    At the Five Country Ministerial in Sydney, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood secured agreement from her Five Eyes counterparts to establish a permanent joint Countering Violent Extremism Hub in the UK capital.

    It follows a number of atrocities in recent years, including attacks linked to individuals radicalised online through exposure to harmful content, extremist propaganda and violent networks. Violent attacks and the radicalising effects of new technologies, including AI, are rapidly emerging as threats across the globe.

    The hub will bring together counter-terrorism and counter-extremism specialists from across the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, creating a dedicated centre for intelligence sharing, collaboration and early intervention.

    To tackle the increasing online radicalisation of young people, ministers have also agreed a new diversion programme so authorities can intervene faster when people show signs of radicalisation or develop a fixation with violence.

    This will complement the UK’s Prevent programme by helping professionals identify vulnerable people online, connect them with the support they need, and refer them to Prevent where necessary.

    As part of this work, Five Eyes partners will work closely with technology companies, industry partners and governments to act faster against harmful content and strengthen protections for users. Acting together means greater pressure to remove content that may not be illegal, but could breach terms of service.

    This will make it harder for extremists to exploit online platforms for recruitment, radicalisation and the spread of violent material.

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

    As we have seen with so many tragic incidents across the world, the threat posed by violent extremists is real and continues to evolve, often fuelled by new technologies.

    Bringing together intelligence and expertise from our closest international partners will strengthen our ability to disrupt dangerous networks and prevent violence before lives are put at risk.

    The radicalisation of children and young people online is a particular concern across the globe. Our new diversion programme will ensure we act faster to keep everyone safe.

    For years, the Five Eyes have worked together to make the citizens of each of our countries safer. This is the next step forward in that shared endeavour.

    The new Countering Violent Extremism Hub will identify emerging patterns of behaviour, share lessons from previous incidents and assess risks before they escalate into violence. It will support the development of threat assessments and prevention initiatives, helping intelligence or law enforcement agencies to intervene before harm occurs.

    By pooling expertise, intelligence and resources, the hub will reduce duplication, improve coordination and enable partners to learn from each other in real time.

  • PRESS RELEASE : David Dinsmore to leave role as Permanent Secretary for Government Communications [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : David Dinsmore to leave role as Permanent Secretary for Government Communications [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 26 August 2026.

    David Dinsmore will stand down as the Permanent Secretary, Director of Communications, by mutual agreement on 30 September.

    David was appointed to lead a major programme of reform across government communications. During his tenure a wide-ranging Government Communications strategy was developed and a Strategy Unit established alongside the Government Media Unit. The foundations have been laid for the next phase of implementation.

    Following the change of Prime Minister and administration, David and the First Secretary of State have agreed that this is an appropriate point to hand over leadership of the programme.

    David Dinsmore, Permanent Secretary, Director of Communications, said:

    It has been an enormous privilege to serve at the heart of government at this crucial time for our country. Over the past months we have fundamentally reshaped the way government approaches communications, establishing a clear strategy and creating the Government Media Unit to make the impact of government highly visible to citizens and stakeholders.

    Government communications is now moving from strategic design into implementation and I leave with great confidence in the outstanding civil servants who will take that work forward.

    I have also been privileged to work with outstanding Permanent Secretaries across government and experience real change in action day after day.

    I will always be grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the vital modernisation of how government communicates to its citizens, its stakeholders and the wider global audience.

    Dame Antonia Romeo, Cabinet Secretary said:

    In a short period, David has done a brilliant job establishing the strategy, structures and capabilities required for lasting change in government communications. I am grateful for his leadership, support and professionalism, as well as his collaboration on the permanent secretary group.

  • NEWS STORY : Fraudster Michael Haslam given suspended sentence over £210,000 building losses

    NEWS STORY : Fraudster Michael Haslam given suspended sentence over £210,000 building losses

    STORY

    Derby builder Michael Haslam has received a suspended prison sentence after admitting fraudulent trading that caused losses of approximately £210,000 to seven customers. Haslam, of Littleover, operated M&J Builders Limited while knowing that the company was insolvent, accepting advance payments for building projects between November 2020 and 2022.

    Customers were left with unfinished and potentially dangerous homes, including inadequate structural steelwork, exposed sewage and properties without running water. One customer paid more than £150,000 but received work valued at only £40,000, while another family was warned that its incomplete extension might have to be demolished. Insolvency Service investigators also found substantial cash withdrawals, online purchases and payments to Haslam’s relatives.

    Haslam pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulent trading in May and was originally sentenced at Derby Crown Court to 28 months in prison. On 26 August, the Court of Appeal suspended that sentence for two years and imposed a rehabilitation requirement and 160 hours of unpaid work. He remains disqualified from acting as a company director for 15 years.