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  • PRESS RELEASE : We need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

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

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Multilateralsiam.

    We are facing a deeply complex set of conflicts, including protracted crises in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine. On this, I feel compelled to mention Russia’s egregious attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, which only brings us further from the peace that the international community repeatedly calls for. These challenges require a coordinated global response, and a collective commitment to these principles.

    I will make three points.

    First, we need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council which has the primary responsibility for international peace and security. We know the tools – peacekeeping deployments, good offices, and sanctions – exist. But we need the collective will to ensure they are effective and fit for purpose.

    The Council should also be more representative of the world today, including via expansion of both its permanent and non-permanent membership. The UK supports permanent representation for Africa, alongside permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan.

    Second, we should collectively embrace the opportunity of the Secretary-General’s reform initiative to strengthen the broader UN system and bolster its impact. The Pact for the Future reflected a shared commitment to reinvigorate multilateral cooperation and improve how the UN delivers. UN80 should continue to build on that momentum, working towards a stronger, more effective UN, better able to deliver against today’s complex challenges. As we look ahead to the selection of the next Secretary‑General this year, their ability to deliver a fit-for-purpose UN will be particularly important.

    Finally, we must not lose sight of the UN’s successes thus far in preventing conflict, supporting peace, helping states uphold their human rights obligations, and responding to humanitarian crises.

    The UN continues to facilitate and provide lifesaving assistance across the globe. It has deployed over 70 peace operations, successfully stabilising some of the most challenging environments and bringing lasting peace including in El Salvador, Sierra Leone, and Timor-Leste. We honour the courage and sacrifice of the 4,500 UN personnel and peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948.

    The UN has also helped reduce polio by over 99 percent and driven landmark climate agreements. These achievements show what the UN can deliver when we work together.

    President, multilateralism faces unprecedented strain but remains the best tool we have to meet our shared challenges. Our response must be guided by the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights, and international law. Only through collective adherence to these principles can we deliver lasting peace, stability, and security. The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all Member States to this end.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Non-Executive Directors of the National Wealth Fund reappointed [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Non-Executive Directors of the National Wealth Fund reappointed [May 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 May 2026.

    Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland have been reappointed as Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) of the National Wealth Fund by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

    The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is playing a central role in investing public money in the UK’s future, and over the next five years aims to mobilise over £100 billion of finance into the UK economy supporting the government’s growth mission.

    Following the appointment of a new CEO, Olly Holbourn, and three new Non-Executive Directors last year, the NWF has, under this leadership, published its 5 year strategic plan (March 2026) and moved into its next phase of delivery.

    The NWF Board, chaired by Chris Grigg, has been central to this progress. These reappointments provide continuity and stability to the Board, as the organisation builds on the recent changes and continues to deliver its objectives.

    The NWF invests in a range of capital-intensive projects, businesses and assets, using debt, equity and guarantees, addressing market weaknesses and crowding in private investment to unlock growth and clean energy projects that otherwise would not have gone ahead. 

    Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Lord Livermore said:

    I am pleased to reappoint Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland to the Board of the National Wealth Fund. Their combined expertise across industry, energy and financial markets will continue to support the NWF’s work delivering investment and growth across the UK.

    Chair of the National Wealth Fund, Chris Grigg, said:

    I welcome the reappointment of Nigel, Tania and Marianne. They have each made a strong contribution to the Board, and their experience and insight will continue to be valuable as the organisation builds on recent progress and delivers its strategic plan.

    These reappointments have been made following a formal process and with the approval of the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and the Prime Minister. Reappointments are not automatic and are made on merit, in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Nigel Topping brings extensive experience across industry and climate leadership. He has held senior roles in UK manufacturing and industrial businesses and has played a leading role in driving the transition to a net zero carbon economy. Nigel served as the UK’s High-Level Climate Action Champion for COP26 and continues to hold a number of advisory and leadership roles in climate and energy. He brings strategic insight, a strong external network, and deep expertise in industrial decarbonisation to the NWF Board.

    Tania Songini has significant experience in the energy sector, particularly in renewable power generation and distributed energy systems. She has held senior leadership roles within Siemens’ energy business across the UK and northwest Europe, and currently holds a number of non-executive positions across the energy sector. As Chair of the NWF Remuneration Committee, she has played a key role in aligning organisational objectives with shareholder priorities. Tania brings strong commercial, operational and sector expertise to the Board.

    Marianne Økland brings deep banking and capital markets expertise, developed through senior roles at global financial institutions including JP Morgan and UBS. She has extensive experience in structuring and raising debt capital and in complex financial transactions. Marianne also brings strong technical knowledge of banking risk frameworks and economic capital, providing valuable challenge and oversight to the Board as the NWF’s portfolio grows in scale and complexity.

    The NED’s current terms are due to expire in June 2026. Following the reappointment process, Nigel Topping will serve a further four-year term, Tania Songini a two-year term, and Marianne Økland a one-year term.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on backdoor Russian sanctions evasion with tough new measures [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on backdoor Russian sanctions evasion with tough new measures [May 2026]

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

    Crypto and illicit finance networks exploited by Russia to circumvent UK sanctions are being targeted as the government ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine to support Ukraine.

    • UK ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine with tough new sanctions, targeting crypto networks used to bypass Britain’s sanctions. 
    • New sanctions also hit the Kremlin-backed A7 network, which actively exploits Kyrgyzstan’s financial systems to channel funds into Russia’s war economy.  
    • The UK is leading the international effort and adapting its sanctions to stay ahead of Russian evasion, shutting down the payment routes fuelling its war machine against Ukraine. 

    Crypto and illicit finance networks exploited by Russia to circumvent UK sanctions are being targeted today as the government ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine to support Ukraine.

    Putin’s regime is increasingly feeling the pressure on the economy from sanctions, and on the battlefield from Ukraine. This month [May 2026], Russia slashed its economic growth forecast for this year from 1.3% to just 0.4%, and halved its forecast for 2027. 

    As existing sanctions continue to bite, the Kremlin has increasingly turned to dark networks and shadow financial systems to bypass legal restrictions. Today’s action shows the UK is moving faster and further than ever before to clamp down on these routes and adapt its approach to stay ahead of Russian evasion tactics. 

    The UK has today announced a new package of sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and the ‘A7 network’, used by Russia to evade existing restrictions and channel funds to fuel its barbaric war against Ukraine. These sanctions will come into force immediately.

    Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: 

    If the Kremlin thinks it can evade our sanctions by hiding behind crypto networks and shadow financial systems, it is gravely mistaken. 

    The UK is adapting and strengthening our approach to target the evolving tactics Russia is using to evade restrictions. We are going after the infrastructure that underpins its war economy at the same time as Ukraine is increasing the pressure on Russia on the battlefield.

    We are tracking down and shutting off the financial lifelines that sustain Putin’s war machine. There will be no safe havens for those enabling Russia’s aggression. 

    We will continue to act fast and decisively, alongside our allies, to expose, disrupt and dismantle these networks, and ensure those enabling Russia’s aggression face consequences. 

    The A7 network is a Kremlin-backed system designed to bypass Western sanctions, finance military procurement, and process funds from the sale of oil to fund its war economy. The network claimed to have moved more than $90 billion last year – equivalent to roughly half of Russia’s yearly military expenditure.  

    Today’s package of 18 designations directly targets Russia’s illicit financial infrastructure used to move funds, procure goods, and sustain its war. 

    New measures also hit key A7-linked individuals. This gang is using a Kyrgyz bank suspected of facilitating payments for the network, alongside a major global cryptocurrency exchange that we suspect has channelled over $1.5 billion back into the Kremlin’s hands. We are also targeting 3 Georgian companies operating Russia focused exchanges seeking to evade sanctions. 

    Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine and continued strikes hitting innocent civilians and vital infrastructure has shattered peace in Europe. A threat to European security is a threat to our security at home, but through UK sanctions we are severing Putin’s access to vital cashflows and sending a clear message that the UK stands firmly in defence of our shared values and Britain’s safety and stability.  

    Today’s announcements marks a further step in the UK’s sustained effort to erode Russia’s ability to fund its illegal full scale invasion, ramping up pressure on Putin’s war chest. To date the UK has sanctioned over 3,300 individuals, businesses and ships meaning Russia’s war economy is creaking – having lost over $450 billion due to international sanctions, the equivalent of two years of funding for Putin’s illegal war. 

    As Russia seeks to expand these financial networks globally, the UK is leading efforts to disrupt them, working with allies to protect the integrity of the international financial system and support Ukraine for as long as it takes. 

    As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, the UK and its allies stand ready to ratchet up pressure on Russia and will continue to strengthen sanctions at every opportunity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New action against hidden childcare costs to help families [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New action against hidden childcare costs to help families [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 26 May 2026.

    Education Secretary writes to the CMA to examine the childcare market and launches a free tool helping families find childcare and budget for costs.

    Government is standing up for parents facing eye-watering childcare costs including non-refundable deposits and basics like nappies and suncream. 

    The Education Secretary has written to the independent Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as part of new government action to tackle hidden childcare fees hitting families. 

    While funded hours are meant to be free, too many parents report being asked to pay extra to secure a place including upfront deposits, compulsory add-ons, or additional hours to access their entitlement. 

    These practices undermine the value of 30 hours of free childcare and add to the pressure on working families. Nearly three quarters (72%) of parents say they are using savings to cover extra charges, while more than one in four (27%) say cost remains the biggest barrier to accessing the childcare they need. 

    A new free cost of living tool will also help parents make the most of the childcare offer, from finding local provision to planning and getting exactly what they are entitled to. 

    Government support is already massively reducing costs, with eligible families saving an average of £8,000 a year per child and more than 500,000 families now benefiting from funded hours. 

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 

    I grew up in a family that knew what it meant to count every penny. I am so proud of the crucial difference that 30 hours funded childcare makes to family finances, saving £8,000 a year per child on average. 

    The vast majority of nurseries and childminders have been brilliant in helping us deliver, but I will not accept the small minority letting families down and stopping them get what they were promised.

    The government has also asked the CMA to do more to investigate the role private equity and other ownership models are playing in the childcare market, including whether they are working in the interests of families or driving up costs and creating risks for those who depend on their local nursery. 

    The new cost of living tool also includes a trial of a new map of local childcare. Launching first in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset, the map will help families find funded childcare near them while promoting local nurseries and childminders to more parents. Families nationwide will be able to use it later this year. 

    This work sits alongside a wider government drive to make life simpler and more affordable for families. The newly launched GOV.UK Chat – a new AI tool that allows parents to ask questions in plain English and get instant answers about what support they could have – means help is now available at any time of day. 

  • NEWS STORY : Bill Butler Named as Preferred Chair of New Local Audit Office

    NEWS STORY : Bill Butler Named as Preferred Chair of New Local Audit Office

    STORY

    Bill Butler has been named as the Government’s preferred candidate to chair the new Local Audit Office, as ministers seek to overhaul the local audit system in England.

    The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said Butler would be appointed for a five-year term, subject to a parliamentary pre-appointment hearing. The new chair will help establish the organisation and provide strategic leadership as it takes on statutory responsibilities for local audit.

    Local Government Minister Alison McGovern said Butler brought “a wealth of leadership experience” from across the public and regulatory sectors and would help restore confidence, strengthen accountability and secure better value for taxpayers. Butler is currently chair of Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd, which appoints external auditors to local authorities, police bodies and other public organisations in England.

    Butler said he was honoured to have been nominated and that, if confirmed, he would focus on establishing a robust organisation to support the recovery and long-term resilience of the local audit system. He is due to appear before the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee on 16 June before a final appointment decision is made.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 22 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 22 May 1926

    22 MAY 1926

    In their reply to the Government’s mining proposals the coalowners urged the need for a return to the eight hour day and for freedom from political interference.

    At a joint meeting of railway companies and railway Unions in London arrangements satisfactory to both parties were made for suspension of the guaranteed week. These arrangements, it is stated, will enable the companies to spread out work so as to remove the difficulties which have arisen as to reinstatement of the staff who were recently on strike.

    Replying in a speech at Bournemouth to criticism directed against the Trade Union leaders who called off the general strike, Mr J. R. Clynes, M.P., said the whole idea of trying to settle anything by such a method was a delusion; but out of the result they could gather a most profitable experience if the leaders maintained anything like the unity and loyalty of the rank and file.

    Mr Philip Snowden writes to the Socialist candidate in the Hammersmith by-election that the great lesson of the recent deplorable industrial stoppage is the need of increased Labour representation in Parliament, so that industrial questions may be settled by peaceful methods and without resort to steps which inflict injury on the country.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 21 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 21 May 1926

    21 MAY 1926

    At a sitting in London the miners’ delegate conference passed a resolution submitted by the Executive that, while agreeing with the legislative and administrative proposals in Mr Baldwin’s suggested basis for a settlement of the coal dispute, they objected to the proposed wages reduction. A special meeting of the Cabinet was held to consider the situation.

    The Chancellor wound up the debate on the Finance Bill in the House of Commons, replying at length to Mr Snowden’s criticisms earlier in the sitting, and dealing with the general strike and the coal deadlock in their effect upon the finance and trade of the country. He emphasised the seriousness of a continuance of the last-named trouble and the futility of further subsidy to the industry. The Bill passed second reading by 324 to 117.

    The Secretary for Home Affairs stated in Parliament that during the general strike he stopped £100,000 intended by Russian Trade Unionists as a gift to the British workers; but a payment in aid of the miners, who were engaged in a genuine trade dispute, stood on a different footing.

    Attention was drawn in the House of Commons to Major Stemp’s statement at the inquiry into the recent railway accident at St Margaret’s, Edinburgh, reflecting on the humanity of a strike picket in the vicinity.

    The Home Secretary, Sir W. Joynson-Hicks, speaking on the general strike and the future, said that no attempt would be made to destroy the legitimate position and influence in the country of Trade Unions. They wished them to continue their beneficent work, but they did not intend that the country should be exposed again to the risks of a lightning universal strike. They would not legislate in a hurry, but would consider carefully what could be done to protect the country and not to injure the legitimate work of the Trade Unions.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 20 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 20 May 1926

    20 MAY 1926

    It is understood that the Executive of the Miners’ Federation have decided to recommend the delegate conference to-day to endorse the reorganisation proposals in the report of the Royal Commission, but to reject the immediate wage reduction implications in the Government’s proposals and the report of the Commission.

    The Secretary for India, in reply to Lord Olivier in the House of Lords, made a statement with regard to the conference agreed upon by the Governments of South Africa and India for the discussion and, if possible, amicable solution of problems connected with the colour bar legislation of the first-named Government.

    The House of Commons discussed the Finance Bill on the motion for second reading. Mr William Graham moved the rejection of the Bill. He urged that greater attention should be paid to Income-tax evasion, suggested that £15,000,000 could be saved in three years on armaments by overhead cuts on the three Departments concerned, and that the task of relating finance year by year to financial and industrial conditions might be delegated to a body representative of the House. The debate was adjourned.

    Statements said to have been made by Zinoviev, Radek, Trotsky, and other Russian members of the Soviet Government, that the general strike in Britain was political, and an important stage towards the Communist revolution, and that contributions from Russian workmen would enable the lie to be given to the denial of the British Labour leaders that it had a political complexion, formed the subject of questions in the House of Commons.

    In reply to questions in Parliament, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs said his attention had been called to the fact that three British subjects had been sentenced to imprisonment on charges of espionage in France. He laid stress on the denial issued by Lord Crewe, on instructions from His Majesty’s Government, when the accused were arrested in December. He had not seen a report of the trial, but he had no reason to suppose that the judgment of the tribunal indicated any doubt of the truth of the statements by His Majesty’s Government.

    Their Majesties the King and Queen have found it necessary to cancel their projected visit to Edinburgh.

    Publication of the King’s Birthday Honours List is postponed until the 3rd of July.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 19 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 19 May 1926

    19 MAY 1926

    An official announcement by the three railway Trade Unions states that further trouble has arisen over the failure of the companies to reinstate large numbers of their employees under the terms of settlement.

    Further consideration was given by the Executive of the Miners’ Federation to the Prime Minister’s proposals. So that there could be no ambiguity about the terms, and that a clear-cut issue could be placed before the delegates, a further meeting with the Premier was arranged, at which a general discussion in explanation of the Government’s proposal took place.

    Mr Frank Hodges, secretary of the Miners’ International, interviewed on the coal situation, said:—“The disaster, for such will be its description for many a long year, arises from the noticeable disposition in recent years to drift away from economic facts.”

    Mr Ramsay MacDonald, speaking at Shepherd’s Bush, referred to the general strike, and said that during its meetings he never heard a single member of the Trade Union Congress General Committee whisper an idea, give a piece of advice, or suggest a move or policy that was aimed at a political issue.

    The General Council of the Trade Union Congress, urging affiliated Unions and their representatives not to be led into public controversy in relation to the recent strike, states that the Council will take an early opportunity to justify its policy to the authority from which it received its mandate.

    Viscount Astor moved in the House of Lords the second reading of the Education (Employment of Children and Young Persons) Bill, which empowers local Education Authorities to make by-laws regulating the employment of children up to the age of 18. Lord Desborough, having given an assurance that the Government meant to deal with this question at the earliest opportunity, and by better and surer methods than that now proposed, Lord Astor withdrew his Bill.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 18 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 18 May 1926

    18 MAY 1926

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer stated in the House of Commons that the effect of the general strike upon direct taxation would mainly appear in next year’s assessments. He saw no reason at present to propose additional taxation.

    The state of the nation’s trade was discussed in the House of Commons on a Board of Trade Vote. Sir Robert Horne gave his views on the question of industrial output and efficiency, and laid weight upon recent testimony to American methods. Replying to criticism of the Safeguarding of Industries policy, the President of the Board of Trade declared that there is not the least likelihood of its reversal by the Government.

    The Midwives and Maternity Homes Bill, which has passed the Commons, and which, it was stated, had been taken up as a Government measure, was read a second time in the House of Lords. The Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill was read a third time and passed, and the Local Authorities (Emergency Provisions) Bill was read a second time.

    In the Finance Bill, the text of which was issued, particulars are given of the machinery for the collection of the betting duties, and of the penalties to be imposed in the case of non-compliance with the regulations.

    It is officially stated that, in consequence of the recent emergency, all Territorial Army training camps due to assemble on or before 15th June are cancelled.

    Mr Winston Churchill was in negotiation in London with M. Péret on the question of France’s war debt to Britain.

    Open water at the North Pole was observed by the Amundsen Expedition.