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PRESS RELEASE : Over £20 million to help drones and flying taxis take to UK skies [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 1 April 2025.

We want the UK to have an advanced aviation ecosystem where everyone can benefit from new technology while tackling emissions.
- drone operations for emergency services and eco-friendly flying taxi services receive over £20 million to make everyday use a reality
- funding will also support the regulatory pathway that could see air taxis in use from 2028
- government, industry and regulator leaders meet to discuss aviation innovation, which will drive growth to propel the government’s Plan for Change
Drone services at a commercial scale and flying taxis could soon be a reality as the Aviation Minister confirms over £20 million funding today (1 April 2025) to launch new flight technologies.

The new funding will unlock barriers to growth – which is the priority of the Plan for Change – and maximise opportunities for better and cheaper public services while cutting carbon emissions.

It is designed to advance aviation tech to support healthcare for the NHS, assist police forces in combatting crime, help inspect and survey critical infrastructure and unlock delivery services for businesses and communities across the country.

As part of this, both the Aviation Minister and Science Minister have today also set out how the Department for Transport (DfT), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will streamline regulatory processes to support the commercialisation of the industry

Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:

I want the UK to have the most advanced aviation technology ecosystem in the world.

That means creating a nimble regulatory environment and a culture of innovation so everyone can benefit from cutting-edge transport while tackling emissions, traffic and potentially saving lives.

Our investment alongside the new Future of Flight industry group will bring together tech experts, drone operators, flying vehicle manufacturers and local communities to identify where change needs to happen.

With safety at the heart of these advancements, the RIO is driving smarter regulation to cut red tape while ensuring high safety standards. It will support DfT and CAA in enabling faster, integration of drones and flying taxi industries, helping businesses grow and innovate.

This includes consulting on the mandatory use of new electronic conspicuity standards and technologies, which allow aircraft to share their location electronically, helping drones and crewed aircraft fly safely alongside each other. By making approvals quicker and operations more efficient, this will open new opportunities for the industry while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said:

These regulatory reforms for drones – requiring all aircraft to share their location – will make drone operations safer and therefore speed up approvals, allowing them to operate near airports and simplifying their use for delivering medical supplies – while unlocking further commercial opportunities.

This is a practical step to cut red tape and a great piece of progress for the Regulatory Innovation Office, growing the UK’s position as a world leader in emerging technologies and helping drive the growth that will deliver our Plan for Change.

In addition, as previously confirmed by the Chancellor, plans are now underway to simplify regulations to enable 2-year airspace change for drone operations. This will enable operators to fly safely for longer and gather data to inform future services.

Other changes will simplify regulations to enable emergency services including firefighters and paramedics to use drone services, as well as noise exemptions for drone trials within the Airspace Change Process, and simplifying the drone operational application process to enable them to get flying faster and easier.

Furthermore, the regulator, drone operators, flying vehicle innovators and local authorities will come together with government at the Future of Flight industry group to help guide the government on its mission to transform technology in aviation.

Part of the government’s Plan for Change, the group will focus on how to unlock the benefits of future aviation technologies to propel the country’s economic growth forward. It will look at how government can harness the potential of technology and create a culture of innovation, with the aim of improving everyday challenges like emergency across the public sector face, while helping cut carbon emissions.

The Minister for Aviation will co-chair the group, alongside Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports and Co-Chair of the Future of Flight industry group, said:

This additional government funding is a vital boost for the UK’s leadership in next-generation aviation. This investment will accelerate the development and deployment of innovative flight technologies, from complex drone operations to advanced air mobility solutions.

I welcome this commitment, which will not only drive progress towards a more sustainable and connected future but also deliver significant economic benefits, high-value jobs and export opportunities across the UK. I look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with government and the regulator to turn these opportunities into reality.

The funding will be divided between the CAA, receiving £16.5 million in 2025 to 2026, to deliver a regulatory programme to enable drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and progress toward routine use of air taxis (eVTOLs) in UK skies.

This includes publishing a piloted eVTOL ‘roadmap’, development of ‘drone pathways’ for industry to follow and consulting on concept of operations for uncrewed traffic management (UTM) and Detect and Avoid (DAA) technology. This will make it quicker and easier for industry to prove the safety of these new technologies, deliver the necessary digital infrastructure and make sure that people, property and other aviation remain safe and secure when these new technologies fly in our skies.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:

Flying taxis will transform the way we move — making it quicker, quieter and cleaner to travel while connecting communities and supporting essential services.

The UK has an incredible opportunity to lead the world in this new era of aviation, delivering not just greener transport but real economic growth and skilled jobs.

This latest funding is another welcome step towards seeing that ambition realised and our world-leading aircraft flying in British skies from 2028.

In addition, the Future Flight Challenge will receive up to £5 million from DfT and Innovate UK, to support industry to turn these new technologies into profitable business that benefits communities and support growth. This will include regional demonstrations and supporting development of commercial drone and air taxi solutions.

Mike Biddle, Executive Director of Net Zero, Innovate UK, said:

Innovate UK is excited to build on the highly successful work of the Future Flight Challenge by working in partnership with DfT through this joint funding. We look forward to working with industry, end-users, DfT, DSIT and the CAA as we accelerate the transition from innovation to commercial operations.
04/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Ditch single-use vapes as ban deadline looms [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 1 April 2025.

Shops encouraged to sell all remaining stock before 1 June 2025 deadline.

High street shops and convenience stores are today (Tuesday 1 April) being urged to deplete their stocks of single-use vapes ahead of new legislation coming into force banning their sale.

The deadline for selling any remaining single-use vapes was confirmed as 1 June 2025 when legislation was laid in parliament last year, with a government consultation showing overwhelming support for restricting their sale and supply.

Analysis by Material Focus found an estimated 8.2 million vapes are now thrown away or littered every week in the UK, which is the equivalent of 13 each second. However, recycling single-use vapes is notoriously arduous, with waste industry workers needing to take them apart by hand which can be a slow and costly process. Their contents also present a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment.

With under two months until the ban comes into force, businesses must take action now to ensure they are prepared for its implementation. This includes ensuring all remaining stocks of single-use vapes are sold, and only buying vapes that follow the new regulations.

If businesses have any single-use vapes in their possession after 1 June 2025, they will not be able to sell them to shoppers and must ensure they are disposed of safely.

Waste Minister Mary Creagh said:

For too long, single-use vapes have littered our streets, wasted valuable resources and harmed wildlife.

Our ban comes into force in just a few weeks so businesses must play their part by running down stocks and ensuring the remainder are collected for recycling.

The Government is committed to moving towards a more circular economy, where we use, repair and refill things for longer, to reduce waste.

Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, said:

The upcoming ban will take some of the most environmentally wasteful vape models off the market. But it is important now and going forwards that vape producers and retailers meet their long-standing obligations to provide and pay for the takeback and recycling of all types of vapes sold historically and in the future.

This means offering in store takeback wherever they are sold and financing the costs of recycling and recovering the materials from them to support a more sustainable and circular economy.

Material Focus has produced a vapes briefing paper that explains how vape retailers and producers can do this and also provides guidance for local authorities.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said:

Single-use vapes are one of the most wasteful products on our high streets, with 13 being thrown away every second across the UK.

But this isn’t just an environmental crisis – it’s a public health one too. Single-use vapes, often sweet in flavour, are the product of choice for many young people, drawing a new generation into nicotine addiction.

The ban will complement the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will tackle youth vaping and safeguard our children’s health. I urge retailers to plan accordingly, as we work together to create a cleaner, greener, and healthier Britain for future generations.

In England, any businesses which fail to comply with the ban could face a stop notice or a fine of £200 in the first instance, with all products seized by Trading Standards. If any further infractions occur, they could be hit with an unlimited fine or be prosecuted.

The ban is part of the government’s commitment to end the avalanche of rubbish filling our high streets, countryside, and oceans. The government’s action to clean up Britain doesn’t end there – with further moves to ensure the throwaway society is ended for good.

Last week, Environment Secretary Steve Reed set out his vision for delivering the revolutionary drive to create a truly circular economy, changing the relationship with the goods we use.

British businesses are leading the charge in showing what is possible when this forward-thinking approach is adopted. Working with the Circular Economy Taskforce, the Government will work with the first five priority sectors to make the greatest difference – textiles, transport, construction, agri-food and chemicals & plastics.

The Government has also taken action against stagnating recycling rates and the reliance on the burning of household waste by announcing that new waste incinerators will only receive planning approval if they meet strict new local and environmental conditions.

The Government has also announced that a £15 million government fund will help deliver thousands of tonnes of food from farms which would otherwise go to waste to those who need it most.

04/04/2025
NEWS STORY : Donald Trump’s Plans on Ukraine Rejected by Russia

STORY

Russia has turned down President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that the U.S. proposal does not address the root causes of the war, particularly Ukraine’s alignment with the West. He further emphasised that Russia would not consider the plan “while Zelensky is in power” highlighting a major deadlock in negotiations, with rumours that elections are being planned in Ukraine.

This rejection comes after Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil imports in an effort to pressure President Vladimir Putin into reaching an agreement. Trump has voiced frustration with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing Ukraine of reneging on a minerals deal. He also warned of tariffs on imports from nations purchasing Russian oil, a move that could affect major buyers such as China and India.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, citing his personal relationships with both leaders. He suggested that he would tell Zelensky, “no more, you gotta make a deal” and caution Putin, “If you don’t make a deal, we’re gonna give them a lot. We’re gonna give more than they ever got.” The Kremlin’s rejection of the U.S. plan underscores the complexity of achieving a peace agreement and further undermines Trump after he had made it clear that a deal would be easily achieved. Russia continues to demand that Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations and surrender control of four occupied regions, while the U.S. remains focused on securing a ceasefire first. Despite various diplomatic efforts, including U.S.-mediated talks in Saudi Arabia and attempts at a Black Sea ceasefire, significant progress remains out of reach.

01/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Victims attend parole hearings to see offenders held to account [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 1 April 2025.

Victims can attend the parole hearings of their perpetrators from today (1 April) as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
- Victims in England and Wales can now observe private Parole Board hearings
- Victims in pilot phase praise level of scrutiny faced by offenders
- Part of Safer Streets mission to improve and increase confidence in the justice system
For the first time, victims from across England and Wales will be able to apply to observe private Parole Board hearings held to decide if a prisoner is safe to be released.

It will let victims see first-hand how offenders are held accountable for their crimes, their subsequent behaviour in prison and their work to prove they can live law-abiding lives if released.

A pilot in the South West of England and Greater Manchester found victims were reassured to see the level of scrutiny that prisoners are put under before any decision to release them is made.

It is hoped, therefore, that these changes will provide more victims with a greater understanding of the decisions made by the Parole Board while ensuring they feel more involved in the process.

Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said:

For too long, victims have been locked out of the parole system.

As part of our Plan for Change, we are now giving victims the right to see how offenders are challenged when up for parole.

This Government is improving our justice system to ensure it serves victims better.

Even when the Parole Board makes the decision to release an offender on licence, they are then supervised by the Probation Service and subject to strict conditions, such as curfews and exclusion zones that prevent them approaching their victims. Offenders face going back to prison if they break the rules.

The Parole Board is an independent body that carries out risk assessments on prisoners to determine whether they can be safely released into the community on licence conditions or moved to an open prison.

Victims who are part of the Victim Contact Scheme will apply to the Parole Board to attend hearings with the help of their victim liaison officer and those who are successful in applying will observe remotely so they don’t have to sit with the perpetrator.

They will then be provided with in-person support during the hearing and victims will be directed towards additional support following the proceedings, such as counselling, if necessary.

Anna, a victim who attended a parole hearing as part of the pilot, said:

Observing the hearing was a surprisingly positive process for us. It has helped us to draw a line under the whole chapter and move on.

Witnessing the level of care taken by the Parole Board instilled in me genuine confidence regarding how the offender will be managed upon release.

Before the parole hearing, I had some unanswered questions. Observing the hearing helped me answer many of these.

The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, said:

As someone who has been through the parole process, I welcome this national rollout. This is a vital step towards lifting the lid on a system that has long felt closed off to victims, helping them feel more meaningfully involved rather than bystanders to proceedings.

As the rollout begins, it is crucial that victims are provided with all the information they need to make an informed choice about whether to apply – and to understand what to expect if their application is successful- alongside access to guidance and support at every stage of the parole hearing process. Open justice should always be encouraged, but victim welfare must remain paramount.

This latest reform to the Parole Board process follows new measures which will be implemented later this year to introduce a Ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous offenders.

This power will give Ministers better oversight of the release of the most serious offenders by allowing them to refer certain cases directly to the High Court for a second check.

Further Guidance:
- Victims will not be able to observe the entire hearing, as certain evidence must be heard in private, such as that relating to risk management.
- The pilot began in September 2022 in the South-West Probation Region and was expanded to Greater Manchester in September 2023.
- The Government’s ‘Understand Your Rights’ Victims’ Code campaign raises awareness of the Victims’ Code and highlights that it is there for every victim, whatever the crime. The campaign directs users to understand their rights at Your rights as a victim of crime – Victim and Witness Information
01/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : New cyber laws to safeguard UK economy and secure long-term growth [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 April 2025.

The government sets out the scope and ambition of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill for the first time today.
- Plans set out to bolster UK’s online defences, protect the public and safeguard growth – the central pillar of the UK government’s Plan for Change.
- New measures will boost protection of supply chains and critical national services, including IT service providers and suppliers.
- Cyber Security and Resilience Bill to be introduced later this year to face down growing range of online threats.
Hospitals and energy suppliers are set to boost their cyber defences under the new Cyber Security Bill, protecting public services and safeguarding growth as government delivers its Plan for Change.

This will ensure firms providing essential IT services to public services and the wider economy are no longer an easy target for cyber criminals. 1,000 service providers will fall into scope of measures expected to be introduced later this year.

The move forms part of the government’s drive to secure Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, delivering security and renewal by strengthening our critical infrastructure. It will give the British public, businesses and investors greater confidence in digital services – supporting the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth.

Cyber threats cost the UK economy almost £22 billion a year between 2015 and 2019 and cause significant disruption to the British public and businesses. Last summer’s attack on Synnovis – a provider of pathology services to the NHS – cost an estimated £32.7 million and saw thousands of missed appointments for patients. Figures also show a hypothetical cyber-attack focused on key energy services in the South East of England could wipe over £49 billion from the wider UK economy.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, said:

Economic growth is the cornerstone of our Plan for Change, and ensuring the security of the vital services which will deliver that growth is non-negotiable.

Attempts to disrupt our way of life and attack our digital economy are only gathering pace, and we will not stand by as these incidents hold our future prosperity hostage.

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, will help make the UK’s digital economy one of the most secure in the world – giving us the power to protect our services, our supply chains, and our citizens – the first and most important job of any government.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and create real risks for our health service if we do not act now to put the right protections in place.

We are building an NHS that is fit for the future. This bill will boost the NHS’s resilience against cyber threats, secure sensitive patient data and make sure life-saving appointments are not missed as we deliver our Plan for Change.

The government is also exploring additional measures to make sure it can respond effectively to new cyber threats and take rapid action where needed to protect the UK’s national security. This includes giving the Technology Secretary powers to direct regulated organisations to shore up their cyber defences – putting the UK in the strongest possible footing to defend against new and existing threats.

Another potential avenue may include new protections for more than 200 data centres – bolstering the defences of one of the main drivers of economic growth and innovation, including through AI. Data centres process mountains of data which they need to churn out new products which have become commonplace everywhere from banking and online shopping to booking holidays and staying in touch with friends and family. The government will now consider the best route to deliver these additional measures.

In the year to September 2024, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) managed 430 cyber incidents, with 89 of these being classed as nationally significant – a rate of almost two every week. The most recent iteration of the Cyber Security Breaches Survey also highlights 50% of British businesses suffering a cyber breach or attack in the last 12 months, with more than 7 million incidents being reported in 2024.

To face down this threat, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will ensure the vital infrastructure and digital services the country relies on are more secure than ever, as the government sets out its legislative ambitions for the first time today.

Richard Horne, NCSC CEO, said:

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is a landmark moment that will ensure we can improve the cyber defences of the critical services on which we rely every day, such as water, power and healthcare.

It is a pivotal step toward stronger, more dynamic regulation, one that not only keeps up with emerging threats but also makes it as challenging as possible for our adversaries.

By bolstering their cyber defences and engaging with the NCSC’s guidance and tools, such as Cyber Assessment Framework, Cyber Essentials, and Active Cyber Defence, organisations of all sizes will be better prepared to meet the increasingly sophisticated challenges.

While the legislation will arm the UK with the cyber defences it needs to meet the challenges of today, it also includes measures to ensure a swift response to new threats which emerge in the future. To do this, the Technology Secretary will be given powers to update the regulatory framework to keep pace with the ever-changing cyber landscape.

Confirmed in last year’s King’s Speech, today marks the first time the government has shared full details on its plans for the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament this year.

The legislative proposals follow other government recent action to boost UK cyber security, including a new, world-leading AI cyber security standard to protect AI systems, a new international coalition to boost cyber skills and the Cyber Local programme to support the UK’s rapidly growing £13.2 billion cyber security industry, which has created 6,600 new jobs in the past year.

Further Information

A full copy of the policy statement containing details of the measures in the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill policy statement has been published today.

Figures on the economic impact of a hypothetical cyber incident targeting the South East’s energy structure (PDF) by the University of Cambridge.

If the proposals are adopted:
- More organisations and suppliers will need to meet robust cyber security requirements, including data centres, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and critical suppliers. This means third-party suppliers will need to boost their cyber security in areas such as risk assessment to minimise the possible impact of cyber- attacks, while also beefing up their data protection and network security defences.
- Regulators will have more tools to improve cyber security and resilience in the areas they regulate, with companies required to report more incidents to help build a stronger picture of cyber threats and weaknesses in our online defences.
- The government would have greater flexibility to update regulatory frameworks when needed, to respond swiftly to changing threats and technological advancement. This could include extending the framework to new sectors or updating security requirements.
01/04/2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 4 March 1925

4 MARCH 1925

Replying to the Earl of Oxford and Asquith in the House of Lords, the Marquis Curzon said that no decision would be taken on the question of the retention of British troops in Cologne without making public the whole of the facts on which that decision was based.

The Merchant Shipping (International Labour Conventions) Bill passed Committee stage in the House of Lords, and the second reading of the War Charges Validity Bill was agreed to. Lord Curzon, replying to a question with regard to the Geneva Protocol, said he hoped it would be possible for the Government very shortly – perhaps in ten days or a fortnight – to announce its decision.

The China Indemnity (Application) Bill, the object of which is to enable the China indemnity payments accruing as a result of the Boxer Rebellion to be diverted to educational and other purposes in that country, was read a second time in the House of Commons. The Trade Facilities Bill was debated in Committee.

Speaking at the Reform Club, the Earl of Oxford and Asquith said that although for Liberals their real moral authority and influence in councils of the world seemed for the time being removed from actuality and realisation, yet they would fight on.

The German Presidential election will take place on Sunday, March 29.

The Turkish Government has resigned.

The Viceroy of India (the Earl of Reading) is coming home on short leave at the invitation of the Secretary of State for India in Council.

01/04/2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 3 March 1925

3 MARCH 1925

The Minister of Agriculture announced in the House of Commons that the proposed Conference of representatives of agricultural interests had fallen through, and that the Government, under the circumstances, would frame, on its own responsibility, proposals for the assistance of the industry.

The financial position of the Empire Exhibition was discussed in the House of Commons on consideration of the guarantee. An assurance was given on behalf of the Government that, in the event of a loss being incurred, the State would assume no further liability. Discussion of the trade facilities proposals also took place, and the appropriate Bill was read a second time.

The Conference of Ambassadors will to-day consider in Paris the report on German armaments, together with Marshal Foch’s comments on it. The Temps and other Paris papers state that the report shows that Germany is systematically violating the Treaty of Versailles, and is taking steps for building up an army with which, at a suitable moment, to seize a chance of vengeance.

A Berlin telegram says it is generally expected that the Presidential election will be held on the last Sunday in April or the first Sunday in May.

01/04/2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 2 March 1925

2 MARCH 1925

A Paris telegram states that according to reliable French reports M. Herriot received ten days ago a proposal by Herr Stresemann for a guarantee pact between Germany and France. The prospect of the offer is regarded sceptically by most of the French newspapers.

M. Raynaldy, French Minister of Commerce, and Herr von Trendelenburg, German delegate, who have been negotiating a commercial treaty, signed the Franco-German modus vivendi.

After an all-night sitting the French Chamber passed the Finance Bill by a majority of 89 (328 to 239.)

Imposing scenes were witnessed at the funeral of M. Branting, the Swedish statesman.

An earthquake shock was felt in New York and suburbs on Saturday evening. Similar tremors are reported from other places in the Northern United States and Canada.

In the Indian Legislative Assembly, Sir Basil Blackett made his Budget statement, in which he announced a fall in military expenditure, considerable relief to the provinces in the matter of contributions, and no further increase in taxation.

The Cabinet, it is stated, have definitely decided not to support the Trade Union (Political Fund) Bill. Mr Clynes, speaking at Ashton-under-Lyne, referring to the Bill, stated that the political arm of the Labour movement must be left free for the Parliamentary endeavour of organised Labour.

There is published to-day correspondence which has passed between Mr Churchill, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Earl of Balfour on the subject of the grant voted by Parliament to the Universities of Great Britain, except Oxford and Cambridge. Mr Churchill announces that the grant will be increased from £1,122,570 to £1,350,000.

01/04/2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 1 March 1925

1 MARCH 1925

The death of Herr Ebert, the President of the German Republic, was announced. He was 54 and had been the President since the founding of the Republic in 1919.

Z. A. H. Ekisler, a wealthy Armenian merchant, was found by his secretary seriously injured following an attack.

01/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Landmark summit agrees new measures against organised immigration crime [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 31 March 2025.

The Prime Minister and Home Secretary gathered leaders from across the world in London today (31 March) to tackle organised immigration crime.

The purpose of the Organised Immigration Crime Summit is to agree new action to tackle organised immigration crime (OIC) and boost border security.

Discussions at day 1 of the summit included:
- tackling the supply chains and enablers of OIC
- the role of criminal finances in facilitating OIC
- the UK’s systems based approach to border security
as well as how countries can tackle organised crime groups’ operations online in relation to the advertising, promoting and facilitating of illegal immigration services.

The UK and allies including France, Iraq, Vietnam and the USA, and partners including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and representatives from social media organisations, met to agree actions to secure our collective borders, protect vulnerable people from exploitation, and tackle the global threat of organised immigration crime.

Unlike previous summits, this event engaged both European nations and key source and transit countries, as well as those that are integral to the supply of equipment, including small boats and engines, ensuring a broader, more comprehensive approach to tackling OIC.

Concrete outcomes have been agreed across Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and North America to strengthen international partnerships to disrupt OIC networks. This also includes new joint work with France to tackle irregular migration in source and transit countries, through community outreach and bolstering false document detection capabilities to Iraqi officials.

The agreement represents a key step forward in the government’s Plan for Change to deliver on working people’s priorities to restore order to the immigration system and comes after the publication of new figures showing more than 24,000 people with no right to be here have been returned since the election – the highest rate of returns in 8 years.

A communiqué was issued that sets out how we will deepen our collaboration internationally to tackle this vile crime.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Organised immigration crime undermines our security and puts lives at risk. The criminal networks have spread across the globe and no single country can tackle this problem alone.

Today, at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, the UK has led the way forward by securing international commitments to disrupt and pursue this vile criminal trade in people – part of our Plan for Change to strengthen our borders and keep communities safe.

Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said:

I have said since I came into my post as Border Security Commander that organised immigration crime requires a coordinated international response to effectively dismantle criminal networks.

In my role I have seen first-hand how the cruelty and greed of criminal gangs puts the lives of the most vulnerable at risk in dangerous small boat crossings all for financial gain.

This summit marks a step change in the international community’s approach to tackling the problem, presenting a critical opportunity to strengthen global cooperation, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent further loss of life.

Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA) Graeme Biggar said:

Criminal gangs are using sophisticated online tactics, the abuse of legitimate goods and services, and illicit financial networks to facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys which put thousands of lives at risk each year and undermine border security.

Today’s summit sets out international agreements to tackle an international problem.

International intelligence sharing and cooperation is absolutely crucial to track criminal activity across borders allowing us to put a stop to these dangerous criminals.

In addition, today the Home Secretary confirmed over £30 million in funding within the Border Security Command to tackle Organised Immigration Criminal Networks. This significant funding package will be spent on key security projects across Europe, the Western Balkans, Asia and Africa, designed to strengthen border security and combat international criminal smuggling gangs.

The Home Secretary also announced joint work with France to fund an additional grassroots engagement programme to educate local communities on the dangers of irregular migration and people smuggling gangs, raising awareness of the realities and difficulties with travelling to Northern France to cross the Channel to the UK.

This will target both potential irregular migrants and, for the first time, teachers, religious leaders, and family members within vulnerable communities, and builds on the Home Office digital deterrence comms campaign that is already running in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The UK will also collaborate with France to deliver critical training to Iraqi officials and commercial transport staff, helping them detect fraudulent documents and passports used to facilitate irregular migration and OIC activities.
01/04/2025