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PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Item 10 General Debate [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Item 10 General Debate. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Madame Vice President.

The UK remains deeply concerned by the seriousness and scale of human rights violations in Yemen. This includes growing restrictions on women and their freedom of movement, child and forced marriage, sexual violence, and attacks on freedom of religion and belief. We strongly condemn the arbitrary detentions by the Houthis, including of UN personnel, humanitarian workers, and NGO staff, as well as indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We call upon all parties to the conflict to respect their human rights obligations.

In Nepal, we regret the loss of life during recent protests. It is vital now that Nepal’s interim government is able to deliver its agenda to strengthen democratic institutions and create a peaceful and inclusive transition ahead of elections in March.

We welcome Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with OHCHR and the establishment of a three-year mission, and urge full implementation of the UN act-finding recommendations. We support the consensus-led reform process in Bangladesh and encourage credible democratic elections that uphold human rights, strengthen institutions, and reflect the will of the Bangladeshi people. We urge the protection of the rights and dignity of Rohingya refugees.

Thank you.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update on Ukraine [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President.

Thank you, High Commissioner, for your update.

We condemn the Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian civilian detainees. Civilians are subjected to arbitrary detention, to torture and frequently held in dire conditions.

International humanitarian law is unambiguous: civilians can only be detained on lawful grounds and must be released from detention as soon as the lawful grounds for their detention cease to exist. Russia must cease unlawful detention and abuse of Ukrainian civilians, ensure humane conditions, and release those who have been arbitrarily detained.

They must also ensure the return of all Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories. Children must not be a pawn of war.

We recognise that, as a result of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the number of conflict-related detainees has strained the Ukrainian criminal justice system. We welcome the progress the Ukrainian authorities have made to improve detention conditions.

We urge the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that conflict-related civilian detainees are treated in full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. How best can the international community support Ukraine in these efforts?

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK fully supports the 2016 Peace Agreement in Colombia, which remains one of the most successful peace processes of the past 50 years – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

The UK fully supports the 2016 Peace Agreement, which remains one of the most successful peace processes of the past 50 years.

It has delivered tangible improvements in security and prosperity for Colombia and remains a roadmap for further progress.

Approaching the ninth anniversary of the Agreement, we remain concerned at the speed of implementation and call on the Government to accelerate its efforts.

The UN Mission continues to have a vital role to play.

While nothing could put right the wrongs of fifty years of crimes, the 2016 Agreement put restorative justice at its heart to promote reconciliation within Colombian society.

Last month, landmark sentences were issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) against those responsible for hostage taking and extra-judicial killings.

This represents real progress in delivering justice and accountability for the victims.

We urge the Colombian government and the SJP to work together to ensure full implementation of these and future sentences, in line with the expectations of victims.

We also welcome progress on rural reform and reintegration efforts of former combatants.

But sustainable progress to deliver the transformational change envisaged through the 2016 Agreement will only be possible with sustained parallel action to tackle criminality.

This includes drug trafficking, extortion and illegal mining which plague communities across Colombia.

The UK is concerned about ongoing violence towards peace signatories, community leaders and security forces.

480 peace signatories have been killed since the Agreement was signed.

We call upon the Government to do more to protect signatories and all vulnerable communities.

As we look ahead to elections next year, we are clear political violence, has no place in Colombia.

The assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe was a tragedy and a warning of the risks that Colombia faces.

We urge strengthened protection measures and improved institutional coordination to counter further violence.

The UK is and will remain a committed friend and partner to the people of Colombia as they journey towards lasting peace and security.

We look forward to working with partners in the council on the mandate renewal of the UN mission. This should reflect the situation on the ground and include efficiencies and streamlining of the mission, where appropriate.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President, and thank you, Special Rapporteur.

We welcome Cambodia’s progress in healthcare, education, social protection and climate action. We reaffirm our support for its ambition for a smooth transition from Least Developed Country status in 2029.

However, we remain concerned about ongoing restrictions on civic space. Judicial harassment of opposition voices, human rights defenders and journalists undermines democratic principles. We are particularly concerned by the wide application of Article 495 of the Penal Code on incitement and its chilling effect on freedom of expression.

The UK is concerned by tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and we support efforts to uphold the ceasefire, rebuild trust and address the humanitarian needs of affected communities.

We are deeply concerned by reports of trafficking and forced labour linked to the online scamming industry. We encourage stronger, more consistent law enforcement and victim support.

We also urge Cambodia to continue working towards the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations, including on strengthening judicial independence and enabling civil society to operate freely. Looking ahead to the next elections, inclusive dialogue and the participation of all stakeholders, will help build confidence and stability.

A vibrant press, active civil society and respect for freedom of expression will not only reinforce democratic principles, but also support Cambodia’s long-term prosperity and international reputation.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New Midlands Area Chair for Arts Council England [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 3 October 2025.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has appointed Pawlet Brookes MBE as the Midlands Area Chair for Arts Council England.

Pawlet Brookes MBE

Pawlet is the Founder, CEO and Artistic Director of Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, a Leicester-based organisation committed to championing Black arts, heritage, and cultural equity in the UK and internationally. Under her leadership, Serendipity has become an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and a national leader in archiving, producing, and programming work that makes the invisible visible.

A curator, producer, and advocate, Pawlet established Let’s Dance International Frontiers, an annual festival bringing global dance practitioners to Leicester and has spearheaded major initiatives including the Living Archive, preserving Black British arts and heritage for future generations.

Pawlet has previously been a Midlands Area Council Member, contributing her expertise to funding policy and sector strategy, and is a regular speaker on equity and representation in the arts. In recognition of her contribution, she was awarded an MBE for Services to the Arts and Cultural Diversity in 2022. She was presented with an Honorary Fellowship from Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2023, an Honorary Doctor of Arts from De Montfort University in 2025, and an Honorary Fellowship from Falmouth University in 2025, marking her impact as both a cultural leader and an alumna of UK higher education.

Pawlet Brookes MBE has been appointed for a four-year term, from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2029.

Remuneration and Governance Code

The Midlands Area Chair receives an annual remuneration of £7,525. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.

Pawlet Brookes MBE has declared no such political activity.

Notes to Editors

DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK-Greenland trade deal talks resume [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 3 October 2025.

UK-Greenland trade deal talks resume to deliver cheaper seafood for British shoppers
- Negotiations resume on UK-Greenland trade deal to slash tariffs on over £70m of seafood imports, cutting prices for British shoppers
- Agreement will seek to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals and encourage further trade to boost economic growth and security, supporting the Plan for Change
- Deeper strategic partnership with all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark will deliver security and prosperity in the Arctic, North Atlantic and at home
British shoppers and restaurants could see the price of seafood fall with negotiations restarting on the UK’s trade deal with Greenland.

Seafood products became subject to tariffs of up to 20% when the UK left the EU, increasing costs and restricting choice for British shoppers as well as restaurants and the seafood processing sector.

A new agreement could reverse this by eliminating tariffs to benefit consumers and businesses including the likes of Grimsby Fish Market and Royal Greenland UK. Giving British businesses greater and more targeted access to global markets to help drive growth is a key part of the UK’s Trade Strategy.

Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark are central partners in the Arctic and North Atlantic, regions of strategic importance to UK and NATO security and prosperity. Deepening long-term relationships will support our shared economic interests, demonstrate Britain’s commitment to the Arctic and secure strong foundations as part of the Plan for Change.

The announcement follows UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attending the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen of Greenland and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark.

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

This partnership represents an opportunity to restore our trading relationship with Greenland and deliver real benefits for British families and businesses.

By eliminating tariffs on Greenlandic seafood, we can help to bring down prices on supermarket shelves whilst supporting thousands of jobs in our fish-packing industry, putting more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

Andrew Wrigley, Country Director at Royal Greenland UK, said:

We welcome the renewed negotiations on a trade agreement between Greenland and the United Kingdom. A modernised deal that reduces tariffs on seafood would strengthen our long-standing commercial ties and ensure continued access to high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood for our British consumers.

For Royal Greenland, it represents not only an economic opportunity but also a reaffirmation of our role as a reliable trading partner in the North Atlantic. We see this as a step towards deeper cooperation built on shared interests and mutual respect.

Martyn Boyers, Chief Executive of Grimsby Fish Market and Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, said:

Greenland plays an important role in the Seafood Industry and historically there have been strong partnerships with the UK, creating trade and opportunities for both sides.

Creating a platform for talks to restart and further cooperation can only be a good thing, especially for Grimsby, where a lot of the product imported from Greenland – particularly frozen prawns and white fish – is brought for packing by local seafood businesses.

Greenland remains a key exporter of seafood to the UK, with the UK importing around £70 million seafood products from Greenland each year; primarily comprising prawns, shrimp, and cod.

The deal could also support the UK’s seafood processing industry, which employed almost 16,000 people in 2024.

Beyond seafood, the UK will seek a deal that strengthens supply chains that could offer opportunities in critical minerals, where UK firms currently hold a third of mining licences in Greenland.

Developing these supply chains responsibly together with Greenland and our partners will safeguard strategically important industries, strengthen British and European long-term economic security and reduce dependence on volatile global markets.

Eldur Olafsson, CEO of UK listed Amaroq Ltd, said:

The resumption of talks is very good news for Greenland’s emerging mining sector and reaffirms the strategic importance of Greenland’s mineral resources to the global economy.

As the most active mining and exploration company in Greenland, including of critical metals such as copper and nickel, we look forward to collaborating with the UK to establish a sustainable supply chain for these essential materials.

This would be Greenland’s first bilateral free trade agreement and aims to be a platform for deeper cooperation spanning research and innovation, climate change, sustainable tourism, renewable energy and education. This builds on the UK’s recent £81m investment in the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) programme on Greenland climate tipping points.

Together with Greenland and Denmark, the UK is delivering a more prosperous and secure Arctic.

Notes to editors:
- Between 2022 and 2024 the UK imported an average £70 million seafood from Greenland each year. Sourced from HMRC import data by preference July 2025 – data on a country of origin basis.
- Employment figures sourced from Seafish – Seafood Processing Industry Performance 2024. In 2024 seafood processors employed 15,868 FTE workers.
- Negotiations for a UK-Greenland Free Trade Agreement opened in 2022, to reinstate tariff-free trade that ended when the UK left the EU. This agreement was paused prior to the UK’s 2024 general election.
October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Lord Vallance speech at the BVCA Pensions and Private Capital Showcase [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 2 October 2025.

The Science Minister, Lord Vallance gave a speech at British Venture Capital Association (BVCA) Pensions and Private Capital Showcase on 2 October 2025.

Thanks of course to the BVCA which has been a constructive partner to government including through its Pensions & Private Capital Expert Panel, led by Kerry Baldwin, and its work to launch the Investment Compact. I want to recognise your role, particularly in keeping this conversation practical and action orientated.

And I want to be clear, now is the time for action. 

It is encouraging to see so many pension investors here. As someone said to me recently, Canadian pensioners have done very well out of investing in UK science and technology companies. We need to do the same for UK pensioners. 

35 years ago in Cambridge, a small team at Acorn Computers created a revolutionary processor design. That innovation became Arm. From a handful of engineers, the business grew into a world leader whose designs power 99 per cent of the world’s smartphones. Arm began in the UK, built on British science and ingenuity – but much of the capital that fuelled its growth came from overseas, and today its primary listing is on NASDAQ in New York.

There are many other examples of exciting, impactful UK companies doing fantastic work, to which UK investors are underexposed. 

Arm’s story captures both our strengths and our challenge: world-class research and innovation, home to 4 of the world’s top ten universities, great talent, and now more startups than anywhere else in Europe.

But still too little domestic capital to take enough of our exciting innovation engines to global scale. Today’s Showcase is about changing that.

We meet at an exciting time. The UK is Europe’s leading destination for tech investment, and we are serious about commercialising and scaling our research. Our Modern Industrial Strategy, with 8 Sector Plans:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Clean Energy Industries
- Creative Industries
- Defence
- Digital and Technologies
- Financial Services
- Life Sciences
- Professional and Business Services
provides the framework.

And as many people have said to me – unlike previous industrial strategies you don’t need to look in the appendix to find science and technology. It is woven throughout every part and every sector plan.

All underpinned by smarter investment from our public financial institutions, pro-innovation regulation, stronger procurement signals, an excellent talent and skills pipeline, and by deep partnerships with business and investors. 

The UK ranks third globally for venture capital investment, behind only the US and China, yet has produced only 2 tech firms valued at over £10 billion in the last 50 years — Sage and Arm. But many many more UK inventions and startups have fed growth elsewhere.

I want to be clear. Unlocking more pension fund investment is central to our mission. This is not just about returns — although it will help deliver greater returns. It is also about fuelling the innovation that underpins UK competitiveness: boosting productivity, strengthening the NHS, advancing defence capability, accelerating the clean energy transition, and scaling UK leadership in life sciences, AI, fintech and sustainability. 

Of course, the UK has deep pools of institutional capital, yet only a fraction reaches our most promising growth companies. UK DC schemes allocate about 0.5% to private equity. By contrast, Australian superannuation funds invest up to 5% in private markets.  

And we know that the proportion of UK capital invested in S&T companies drops dramatically from seed funding through to scale up.

But – and many thanks to many in this room – we are making progress.

The Mansion House Accord, the Investment Compact and the BVCA’s Expert Panel’s report have provided structure and ambition, and government has provided capital and support through initiatives such as the British Growth Partnership and LIFTS. Using LIFTS capital and co-investment from Phoenix Group, Schroders’ UK Long-Term Asset Fund has already deployed capital into companies such as Draig Therapeutics working on next generation medicines for neuropsychiatric disorders. 

We’ve seen strong venture inflows – over $16 billion invested into UK start-ups and scale-ups last year, and more than $8 billion raised in the first half of 2025, exceeding France and Germany combined. But IPO activity has fallen sharply: in H1 2025 just £160 million was raised via IPOs in London – a 98 per cent drop compared to H1 2021 and one of the weakest periods in 3 decades – while overseas investors continue to acquire leading UK technology companies, and benefit from the innovation we have developed here.  

So, the challenge is clear: great science, fantastic people, strong early-stage funding – but still too many barriers at scale-up and sustainability. 

That is why we are reforming the UK’s capital markets to ensure high-growth companies can scale and stay here. We are streamlining listing and prospectus rules, removing outdated restrictions on follow-on capital, and have launched PISCES – a new stock-exchange model to help private companies scale and provide a stepping-stone to public markets.

It is beginning to work but we need to go faster. We get more spin outs and startups every month and every day we don’t fix the scale up deficit we increase the lost opportunity.

We are pushing better regulation, including through the work of the Regulatory Innovation Office which has cleared away barriers in 4 technology areas and will expand its work over the next year.

We are reforming procurement to enable government to be a better customer for innovative SMEs and leveraging public capital through the National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank.
- We have committed £670 million for quantum technologies; £500 million for the Sovereign AI Unit; AI Growth Zones; and invested in computing infrastructure for AI. 
- The Life Sciences Sector Plan will be supported over the lifetime of the Spending Review by government funding of over £2 billion. Alongside the Wellcome trust we will invest £600M in creating the Health Data Research Service to utilise our extraordinary data resources to improve treatments, prevention and cures. 
- Defence will commit a £2.5 billion increase in SME spend by 2028. 
- In clean energy and sustainability we will double investment to £30 billion annually by 2035, including ambitious plans for new nuclear technologies
Today’s Showcase represents the next phase of that work: connecting pension industry representatives with high-growth companies across defence, life sciences, AI and fintech, cleantech and sustainability. 

Yes – there are good things to invest in, and plenty of them.

And to support that journey I’m pleased to announce that we have published the second edition of the UK Innovation Clusters Map. This gives a clearer, more comprehensive view of our innovation clusters across the UK and is a practical tool to help investors identify the strongest opportunities. We are pushing the rapid development of the extraordinary Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and the opportunities of the Northern Growth Corridor.

Arm’s story shows what is possible: a British idea, scaled to global impact.

Rather than rely solely on overseas capital, we want domestic investment to back the next generation of UK success stories. If we unlock more of our own long-term savings to support UK innovation, the next Arm, the next AstraZeneca, the next Rolls Royce, the next Oxford Nanopore can emerge and be sustainable. Investors and pensions will share in the returns, the NHS will get better treatments faster, and Britain will cement its position as the best place in Europe to scale a company. 

That is the prize before us. But we need to move fast. If you didn’t feel the weight of expectation on your shoulders before you entered the room, I hope you do now.
October 8, 2025
Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on the New Archbishop of Canterbury

The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 3 October 2025.

I welcome the appointment of The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally D.B.E as the new Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the role.

The Church of England is of profound importance to this country. Its churches, cathedrals, schools, and charities are part of the fabric of our communities.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will play a key role in our national life. I wish her every success and look forward to working together.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury [October 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 October 2025.

The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally D.B.E., for election by the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral in the place of The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Portal Welby, GCVO, as Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan.

Lord Evans of Weardale, KCB, DL, Chair of the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury welcomed the news:

It has been a great privilege to have chaired the Crown Nominations Commission as it sought to discern who God is calling to lead the Church of England and Anglican Communion as Archbishop of Canterbury. That discernment began with the public consultation, which heard the voices of thousands of people as they expressed their hopes for this nomination, and continued all the way through to the Commission’s final meeting. I would like to thank all those who took part in this process, particularly those who took time to share their views in the consultation and the members of the Commission who worked so diligently over several months, ably assisted by the Appointments Secretaries and by the Appointments and Vocations team at Lambeth Palace. I shall be praying for Bishop Sarah as she prepares to take up this new ministry in the coming months.

Background

Sarah Mullally was, prior to ordination, the Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England having specialised as a cancer nurse. She was educated at South Bank University, London, and Heythrop College, University of London, and trained for ministry at the South East Institute of Theological Education. She completed her title at St. Saviour Battersea Fields, in the Diocese of Southwark, and was ordained as a priest in 2002.

In 2006, Sarah was appointed Team Rector, Christ Church, Sutton, Southwark and then became Canon Residentiary and Treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral in 2012. In 2015, Sarah was consecrated as Suffragan Bishop of Crediton, in the Diocese of Exeter, and in 2018 took up her current role as Bishop of London as well as Dean of the Chapels Royal from 2019.

October 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Technical Cooperation in Libya [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Technical Cooperation in Libya. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President.

We welcome OHCHR and United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) technical assistance and capacity building in Libya, and their growing cooperation with the Libyan authorities. We support Libya’s renewal of this Item 10 resolution so that it stays on this Council’s agenda.

The OHCHR’s report raises a number of concerns, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture, with limited accountability.

We urge Libya to address threats to civic space, including reprisals against civil society and restrictions on youth organisations. Women and girls reportedly face violence and discrimination while migrants suffer abuse and are subjects of disinformation. We call for international non-governmental organisations to be permitted to operate in accordance with international humanitarian law and domestic regulations, and deliver vital services to vulnerable groups.

We urge the Libyan authorities to adopt legislation on reconciliation, women’s protection, and to close all unofficial detention centres.

We welcome the extension of the ICC’s jurisdiction in Libya, and we support calls for a comprehensive, rights-based transitional justice process. The UK stands ready to support inclusive Libyan-led efforts to restore the rule of law and deliver justice for victims.

Mr Vice President, how can the international community support Libya to ensure transitional justice efforts are inclusive, victim-centred, and lead to meaningful accountability?

October 8, 2025