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PRESS RELEASE : 175 Years since the Public Libraries Act [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 9 October 2025.

Baroness Twycross gave the keynote speech at the charity, Libraries Connected, celebration event at Manchester Central Library to mark the 175th anniversary of the first ever Public Libraries Act.

Earlier this week, I was privileged to be at the reopening of the library in Muswell Hill.

The refurbishment is part of a £4.9 million investment in their library estate by the London Borough of Haringey.

One person, who used the library as a child, described the reopening as a ‘homecoming’ and there was a genuine excitement about the much loved building being open for business again.

As someone who always has at least one book on the go, for whom a weekend or holiday well spent is measured in books read, being Libraries’ Minister is an absolute delight and privilege.

Some of my own earliest memories are of being taken to the library. My mum walking us to West Norwood Library in London.

The amazing feeling of being allowed to choose a whole five books to take home.

Those five books each a passport to five different worlds, each waiting to be unlocked.

When I was finally old enough – I would get the bus into town on a Saturday morning and go to the library then to Woolworths for pick and mix.

Woolworths has long gone, but the library is still there, serving the next generation and probably the one after that.

I remember our school librarian helping me pick out books—guiding me towards books I was unfamiliar with, a new adventure between the pages of a story.

So I am sure, like me, you are delighted that the Chancellor last week confirmed this government’s £10 million commitment to have a library in every primary school by the end of this parliament.

I was fortunate to have books at home, to be encouraged to read and to be read to. I remember my father reading the ‘chapter books’.

The sheer anticipation as he turned the page to unleash the terror within 101 Dalmatians, the gentle wisdom of Charlotte’s Web, or the mayhem of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The act of sharing a story instilled in me not just a love of words – a love of literature – but the fundamental understanding that stories connect us.

You already know that this marks me out as one of the lucky ones. One of the children whose imagination and attainment was encouraged and lifted by being read to, and by reading for pleasure.

You know this because you are the guardians of our libraries.

And I would like to start by thanking you for everything you do – and everything you will do – to make sure that the next 175 years of public libraries are as relevant and as valuable as the first 175 years.

What marked those very first public libraries out was how they opened up knowledge, information, and creativity to those who could not afford either a subscription to a library, or to buy books themselves.

At their heart – and in their original form – our libraries are engines of social mobility – a radical opening up of access to information.

Founded on the notion that everyone should have equal access to knowledge.

In an age of digital connectedness, where information and ‘facts’ are disputed this trust and this universality is key.

Libraries are a unique public service open to everyone.

From toddlers attending their first rhyme time session to pensioners accessing digital services or simply enjoying an afternoon with the daily newspaper.

The library’s civic function has never been more vital.

You are bridging the attainment gap, one child, one book, one successful job application written on your computers at a time.

Librarians are up there as being among the most trusted of all professions. This is a trust earned through professionalism, and a dedication to the truth.

In an age of mis- and dis-information, the principle of free access to information enshrined in the Public Libraries Act 1850 remains a core principle now. We are witnessing a moment in history where the ability to distinguish truth from lie is critically essential.

The public library is arguably the purest expression of democracy in action—the idea that knowledge should be freely available to all citizens, regardless of their background or ability to pay.

The perception of the library as a strictly silent, solemn place belongs to the past.

One of my first visits to a library as Libraries’ Minister was to Rugby. A library which proudly states on its merchandise ‘we don’t shush, we roar’.

This simple slogan encapsulates the spirit of the library as a magnificent community hub.

A welcoming place where residents can speak to their bank, play the piano, use a 3D printer, grab a coffee and where students have a safe space to study.

This is the library of the 21st century: a comprehensive public service delivered under one roof and a safe space – signposting people to other services.

Rugby library is one in which – like so many other libraries – reading to children, and reading for pleasure is at the heart of what they do.

But one which also acts as an inclusive space that in the month I visited was proudly celebrating Pride Month.

175 years on from the 1850 Act, libraries have adapted to a changing society and evolving user needs.

From the provision of e-books and e-audio to enhanced children’s spaces and early years activities, community partnerships, employability and business support and cultural experiences, libraries continue to deliver a meaningful and impactful service for local people.

Indeed, the sheer breadth of services you now provide is astonishing.

Whether it is:
- Health services, such as those I saw in Harlesden.
- Or DWP services, such as those I saw in Dagenham
- Boosting growth and entrepreneurship through business support advice provided through the national network of Business and Intellectual Property Centres like the one I saw in Leeds, alongside its boisterous children’s play area.
Everything libraries deliver, is delivered alongside and inspired by the principle of encouraging literacy, open access to knowledge and opening up opportunities to all.

Libraries are strong partners in delivering the government’s Plan for Change.

We want to work with library services to inform, engage, and connect the public.

From supporting health and wellbeing to building businesses and from building stronger, more resilient communities to showcasing high-quality arts and cultural experiences.

Our Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy, speaks passionately about libraries as part of the local cultural and creative landscape in communities as part of her vision for Arts Everywhere.

Libraries can often be the first place a young person might get exposure to the arts and music.

Libraries already do lots of work in this area through community events and provision of specialist facilities.

But we can do more and go further.

Especially in reaching children and young people who have less opportunity for music enrichment and for whom the library – local and familiar – is a much more accessible space.

Lisa is very keen to find ways to further support libraries to make this happen.

One of my key ambitions as libraries minister is to see strong partnerships built across the library sector to strengthen and enhance the value of all libraries.

I am pleased that what I have heard about the Libraries Alliance suggests that it will seek to pursue this aim.

Libraries across all sectors – public, schools, academic, prisons – share a vision and common ambition to provide free access to information and support.

You already know this but the numbers are worth repeating. A third of the adult population visited a library in the past year.

Libraries have 6 million members and a total of 143 million physical visits a year.

There is no doubt that libraries form part of the essential services to communities. Yet, we still need to do more to open up library services to engage underrepresented groups.

For my part, I will continue to promote the critical contribution public libraries can and do make to so many important Government strategic objectives to my ministerial colleagues across the whole of government.

But to do this, I need your help – by providing me with robust data on library usage and impact – quantitative as well as qualitative – that I can use to help me to make your case.

Next year is, as you will know, the Year of Reading.

This offers the opportunity for us to focus on groups – particularly boys aged 10-16 – who are least likely to read for pleasure.

The Year of Reading has been embraced by libraries across the country.

I know all of you here will do whatever you can to use it to democratise reading, in the truest sense.

To unlock the joy of reading and the opportunities it presents across society.

We recognise the irreplaceable value of the service you provide and the pressure you are under.

Creating and supporting the amazing libraries serving communities across the length and breadth of the country costs money.

We know that local government finances have faced huge challenges over recent years.

This has led to closures and cuts in library services in some areas.

A huge amount of ingenuity has been used to support the statutory library services.

This government is determined to get local government finances back on a stable and sustainable footing.

I also know that there are some concerns about what our plans for devolution mean for libraries in affected areas.

The goal of devolution is to bring decision-making closer to local communities. We think this is the right goal.

However, we will work with you to maintain the principle of a comprehensive and efficient library service for everyone.

I was delighted that we secured funding for a new round of the Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) administered by the Arts Council.

The successful bids for the £5.5 million pot of funding will be announced next March, and I look forward to seeing the transformative impact they will have.

We have already seen incredible results from this fund.

Projects such as the transformation of the first floor of Wythenshawe library. Their use of Libraries Improvement Funding to create a multi-functional culture, creative, digital media and community hub has shown the impact libraries can have in improving local cultural infrastructure with government support.

This is the model of the future: integrated, vibrant, and multi-purpose.

And I was delighted to see how the London Borough of Brent had developed two of its libraries through Libraries Improvement Funding, to enable more residents to access services in new and innovative ways.

And how Warwickshire Libraries used their Libraries Improvement Funding to extend their sensory offer by bringing Discovery Den, the first Sensory Mobile Public Library to the UK. These examples demonstrate the ingenuity and vision that exists across our service.

They show us that with targeted investment, the public library can and will continue to adapt to the diverse, complex needs of the 21st century population.

From the first Public Libraries Act 175 years ago to the dynamic community hubs you manage today, the mission remains the same: to open up knowledge, opportunity, and imagination to every single citizen, regardless of their circumstances.

You are not only custodians of books; you are custodians of trust, of truth, and of our shared potential. You are the guardians of a system that turns a simple choice of five books into a lifetime of opportunity.

Thank you for your tireless work, your unwavering professionalism, and your profound belief in the power of a book, a safe space, and a community that cares. Let us ensure that together, we don’t just preserve our libraries, but we allow them to roar.
October 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : India-UK Joint Statement [October 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 October 2025.

India-UK Joint Statement (9 October 2025)

1.At the invitation of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, Hon’ble Prime Minister of the United Kingdom paid an official visit to India from 08-09 October 2025. Prime Minister Starmer was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade the Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Scotland the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister for Investment Mr. Jason Stockwood, and 125 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university Vice Chancellors and cultural leaders.

2.This is Prime Minister Starmer’s first official visit to India. The visit follows the visit of Prime Minister of India to the United Kingdom on 23–24 July 2025, during which both sides signed the historic India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and adopted the India – UK Vision 2035 and a Defence Industrial Roadmap.

3.Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer delivered keynote addresses at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai on 09 October 2025. The Leaders held restricted as well as delegation-level talks in Mumbai on 09 October 2025, where they expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed common commitment to global peace, stability, and a rules-based international order. They also discussed global and regional issues of mutual interests.

Growth

4.The Prime Ministers welcomed the meeting of the CEO Forum in Mumbai on the sidelines of the India-UK Summit. Both leaders looked forward to the ratification of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as early as possible to realise its benefits.

5.The Prime Ministers also welcomed the re-setting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) which will support the governance and utilisation of the CETA and drive forward our wider trade and investment partnership.

6.The strong business delegation accompanying UK Prime Minister demonstrated the opportunities for investment in both countries in the focus sectors of construction, infrastructure and clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence, education, sport, culture, financial and professional business services, science, technology and innovation, consumer goods and food. The existing UK India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB), between NITI Aayog and City of London Corporation, is an example of our shared ambitions for sustainable growth.

7.Both Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to improving connectivity and enhancing cooperation in the aviation sector and welcomed that both sides are discussing the renewal of India-UK Air Services Agreement, along with other aviation related matters. This provides an opportunity for both countries for closer cooperation across the aerospace sector.

Technology and Innovation

8.The Prime Ministers of India and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their shared commitment to harnessing frontier technologies to drive inclusive economic growth, strengthen national security, and shape the future of global innovation. Building on the landmark Technology Security Initiative (TSI), both leaders welcomed the tangible progress made across critical and emerging technologies, including telecommunications, critical minerals, AI, and health tech.

9.Under the TSI, the leaders expressed happiness at the establishment of:
- The India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre, a joint hub focused on developing AI native network for 6G, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), and cyber security for telecoms, with at least £24m of joint funding in the first phase of the project.
- The India–UK Joint Centre for AI, advancing responsible and trustworthy AI across health, climate, fintech, and engineering biology.
- UK – India Critical Minerals Processing and Downstream Collaboration Guild to build concrete partnerships which strengthen and diversify critical mineral supply chains and deliver investment and growth in both nations. We also announce Phase 2 of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory to expand Mineral coverage, further integrate advanced technologies, unlock new bilateral investment opportunities and establish a new satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad.
10.The UK and India continue to work together to advance biotechnology with strategic partnerships being signed between institutions like Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) UK and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) institutions in India, Henry Royce Institute (HRI) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and BRIC – Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC-CDFD), to deliver transformative outcomes in Biomanufacturing, 3D Bioprinting, and Genomics.

Defence and Security

11.The Leaders agreed to expand bilateral exchanges between the armed forces of India and UK through joint exercises, training and capacity building. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the port call of UK’s Carrier Strike Group and the Royal Navy’s exercise KONKAN with the Indian Navy. Both sides committed to robust maritime security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, including establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

12.In the context of cooperation on training, the two Leaders welcomed progress on an arrangement that will see Indian Air Force Qualified Flying Instructors integrated into UK Royal Air Force training, alongside an agreement that will facilitate our strong training and education relationship.

13.Both Prime Ministers are pleased to confirm the intent to finalise an India – UK Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on cooperation in developing maritime electric propulsion systems for the Indian Naval platforms.

14.Both leaders also announced the agreement to proceed via government to government route on an initial supply of the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems. This will further support India’s air defence capabilities and, in the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, meet the current and future requirements of the Indian Ministry of Defence, and support a long-term collaboration on complex weapons between our two countries.

15.The two Prime Ministers unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. They called for zero tolerance for terrorism and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. They agreed to counter radicalisation and violent extremism; combat financing of terrorism and the cross-border movement of terrorists; prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes; tackle terrorist recruitment; enhance cooperation in information sharing, judicial co-operation, capacity building; and strengthen bilateral and multilateral co-operation in these spheres, at the UN and FATF. They condemned in the strongest terms the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. They committed to strengthen co-operation to take decisive and concerted actions against globally proscribed terrorists, terror entities and their sponsors.

Climate and Energy

16.The Leaders reaffirmed the importance of collaboration to achieve net-zero goals. The Prime Ministers welcomed the ‘India-UK Climate Finance Initiative’ to enable scaling up of climate finance, unlocking green growth and new investment opportunities for both countries. They announced a new joint investment in the Climate Tech Start-up Fund. This strategic initiative under the MoU between the UK Government and State Bank of India will enhance support for innovative entrepreneurs working in frontier sectors such as climate technology and AI, driving innovation and fostering growth.

17.The Leaders welcomed the establishment of Offshore Wind Taskforce. They reiterated their intent to explore possibilities for working together under the Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA).

Education, Culture and People to People

18.The leaders underlined the importance of youth, cultural and educational exchanges in shaping the future of the bilateral relationship. They expressed commitment to the first Annual Ministerial Strategic Education Dialogue, and the implementation of the Programme of Cultural Co-operation signed by both Ministers of Culture in May 2025.

19.Acknowledging education as a key area of bilateral cooperation both sides expressed happiness on the progress in opening of campuses of nine leading UK universities in India. The University of Southampton has welcomed its inaugural cohort of Indian students to its campus in Gurugram. The University Grants Commission has also handed over Letters of Intent (LoI) for establishment of branch campuses of University of Liverpool, University of York, University of Aberdeen and University of Bristol in India. Further, Queens University of Belfast and Coventry University have been authorised to open their branch campus in GIFT City. During the visit, Indian authorities also handed over the LoIs for opening of campus of Lancaster University in Bengaluru and in-principle approval for opening campus of University of Surrey in GIFT City.

20.The Prime Ministers expressed their commitment to continue implementing the Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP). While noting the progress in cooperation for curbing irregular migration, both sides reiterated their commitment to continue collaborating in this domain.

21.Both Leaders recognised the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom as a living bridge between the two countries and appreciated its contribution to strengthening bilateral economic, cultural, and societal links. The Leaders acknowledged the potential of the UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation to bring together the talent in both countries in the areas of Culture, Creative Industries, Arts, Tourism and Sports.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

22.The Prime Ministers reiterated their shared commitment to global peace, prosperity and rules-based international order. They agreed to work closely in promoting reformed multilateralism, including reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The UK reiterated its long-standing support for India’s legitimate aspirations for permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.

23.The Leaders acknowledged that the shared values of 2.5 billion peoples spread across diverse geographies constituting the Commonwealth was its strength. They agreed to work closely in the areas of Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Youth Engagement with the new leadership at the Commonwealth Organisation.

24.The two Prime Ministers expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. They welcomed the ongoing diplomatic efforts by various countries to achieve this.

25.They reiterated their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, calling for restraint, protection of civilians and to comply with international law, and refrain from taking actions that could further escalate the situation and compromise regional stability. They expressed their support for the US peace plan for Gaza and their commitment to working with regional partners to secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of the hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid, and their shared commitment to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a Two-State solution, with a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state.

26.Prime Minister Starmer thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warmth and hospitality extended to him and members of his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong growth and positive trajectory of the India – UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which is built upon shared democratic values and deep and enduring bonds of friendship between the two countries.
October 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Fraudster, Haralambos Ioannou, spent Covid loan funds on gambling and crypto investments [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 9 October 2025.
- Haralambos Ioannou fraudulently applied for two separate Bounce Back Loans worth a total of £100,000 for Opti-Bond (GB) Ltd
- He spent large amounts of one loan on gambling, crypto investments, cash withdrawals and payments to his then wife 
- The 49-year-old received a suspended sentence of 22-months in custody with 150 hours of unpaid work to be completed
The boss of a glazing firm who fraudulently applied for two Covid Bounce Back loans and spent significant sums on gambling and crypto investments has received a sentence of 22 months in custody, suspended for two years.

Just months into the pandemic, Haralombos Ioannou secured two maximum-value £50,000 Bounce Back Loans when businesses were only allowed one.

The 49-year-old used the first loan legitimately for his glass-fitting company, Opti-Bond (GB) Ltd.

However, money from the second loan was used for personal purposes, breaking the rules of the scheme.

Ioannou, of Cow Lane, Edlesborough, Buckinghamshire, but previously of South London, was given a 22-month suspended sentence at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday 7 October.

Ioannou was also disqualified as a company director for five years and ordered to pay £40,000 in compensation as well as complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

Haralambos Ioannou exploited the Bounce Back Loan Scheme by fraudulently applying for a second Bounce Back Loan when companies could apply for one loan of up to £50,000 for support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He not only fraudulently applied for a second loan but then spent it on activities which had nothing to do with his company’s operations such as gambling, crypto-investments, cash withdrawals and payments to his then partner.

The Insolvency Service remains committed to taking robust action against those who abused the Bounce Back Loan Scheme. Government-backed schemes were a lifeline for businesses during the pandemic, and we will continue to pursue those who deliberately  exploited this support at the taxpayers’ expense.

Ioannou was the sole director of Opti-Bond (GB) Ltd, which was set up in October 2019.

The 49-year-old submitted an application for a first loan of £50,000 in May 2020, stating his company’s 2019 turnover was £216,000.

He then submitted an application for a second loan of £50,000, but this time declared Opti-Bond’s turnover in 2019 was £236,000.

Ioannou received the £100,000 within an eight-day period between late June and early July 2020.

After receiving the second loan, Ioannou made 38 transactions totalling almost £20,000 to his personal account.

In the same period, around £25,000 of payments were made to gambling companies from this personal account.

Aside from gambling, approximately £8,000 of the second loan was transferred to investment and crypto-investment companies.

Almost £6,000 of the loan was withdrawn from ATM machines, whilst a further £16,000 of this loan was also transferred to an account in the name of Ioannou’s now ex-wife.

Opti-Bond (GB) Ltd entered liquidation in November 2021 but Ioannou failed to inform the liquidator of the company’s first Bounce Back Loan as he was legally required to do.

Further information
- Haralambos Ioannou is of Cow Lane, Edlesborough. His date of birth is 21 June 1976.
- Opti-Bond (GB) Ltd (company number 08716051)
October 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK End of Session Statement [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 October 2025.

UN Human Rights Council 60: UK End of Session Statement. Delivered at the 60th session of the HRC in Geneva.

Mr. President.

The UK unequivocally condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia, and remains steadfast in its commitment to tackling these injustices.

Regarding resolution L28. Rev 1, whilst we appreciate the efforts of the resolution’s sponsors, the UK wishes to place on record that, had it been a member of the Human Rights Council, it would not have been able to support the resolution.

The UK reaffirms our commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (or “DDPA”). Yet, its provisions do not alter the established legal principle against retroactive application of international law in matters of State responsibility. The resolution’s language must remain within the scope of the DDPA.

The UK fully acknowledges the profound and enduring legacy of historical injustices, including colonialism, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade. The UK remains committed to constructive engagement and continued dialogue.

The UK also commends the OHCHR’s support to the DRC. However, references in both DRC resolutions to “hate speech” and Article 20.2 of the ICCPR are problematic.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits the incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. For accuracy, therefore, we ask that the Secretariat corrects the translation of “discours d’incitation a la haine” to “incitement to hatred” in the resolutions.

Thank you.

October 13, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Warns of Global Consequences in Strong Statement at OSCE on Ukraine Conflict

STORY

In a forceful address at the OSCE on 9 October 2025, the UK’s Ambassador to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe challenged the global community to recognise what he called the far-reaching stakes of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Ambassador Neil Holland argued that the conflict is not just a tragedy for the region, but a test of the rules-based international order. He insisted that Russia’s narrative, one of inevitable victory, is false, outlining heavy losses and stalled territorial gains as evidence of that. According to his account, since November 2022, Russia has captured only 1 % more Ukrainian territory and sustained catastrophic losses in personnel and equipment.

He also highlighted Russia’s domestic challenges as further proof that the war is unsustainable: spiralling budget deficits, rising taxation, and cuts in social spending. Turning to the humanitarian front, Holland condemned Russia’s targeting of civilians, pointing to recent attacks on a maternity hospital and gas infrastructure. He cast these not as isolated incidents, but part of a pattern.

October 13, 2025
NEWS STORY : East London Mosque Faces Scrutiny Over ‘Men Only’ Running Event

STORY

The East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre are currently under fire after announcing a “Brothers Running Session” event explicitly for male participants, prompting accusations of division and discrimination.

The event, advertised on the mosque’s social media channels and website, stated its aim was to “promote fitness and brotherhood” within the community, offering a structured running session and guidance. However, the explicit “male only” stipulation immediately drew criticism from various quarters, including women’s rights advocates and equality campaigners.

Several individuals have confirmed making reports to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), citing concerns that the event may contravene the Equality Act 2010. The Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics, including sex, in the provision of services and public functions.

The BBC contacted the organisers for a statement, but the mosque had yet to respond at the time of writing.

October 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The stakes in Ukraine are high and should matter to us all – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 October 2025.

Ambassador Holland explains what is at stake in Ukraine and why Russia’s narrative that it is on a path to an inevitable victory is false.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Last week Ukraine marked Defenders’ Day. This is a day when Ukrainians honour those who defend them and remember those who gave their lives so that Ukraine could live.

Today millions of Ukrainians stand united in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression. Once again, they are defending their statehood, their culture and their independence. On these grounds alone, Ukraine’s fight is an honourable one worthy of the world’s backing. But the stakes are, in fact, even higher, and they should matter to us all.

Because Ukraine stands between a world that is based on agreed principles, norms and laws, which has, for the most part, delivered stability and prosperity for our populations over several decades. And the alternative: a world where would-be aggressors are rewarded rather than punished. A world without rules and principles governing international relations and conduct. And a world where conflict and instability increase while prosperity and cooperation decrease.

The Kremlin’s propaganda machine wants to convince us all that Russia’s war against Ukraine is now on the path to an inevitable victory. They want to give the impression that Russia’s army is relentlessly advancing. In doing so, they hope to create a self-fulfilling prophecy where Ukraine’s allies reduce their support.

But this narrative is nonsense. Look at the statistics. Since November 2022, Russia has gained only 1% of Ukrainian territory. Its losses are both unconscionable and unsustainable – more than one million soldiers have been killed or wounded. Russia is also losing huge amounts of materiel that it can’t replace fast enough, including over 4,000 tanks, 9,000 armoured vehicles and 2,000 artillery pieces. Failing to achieve its goals on the battlefield, Russia has resorted to terrorising Ukraine’s civilians through aerial bombardments, including strikes this past week on a maternity hospital and gas infrastructure.

In this room, Russia tries to distract us by telling us about our economic challenges. Yet in Russia, the economy is stagnating. Even those around President Putin are publicly admitting that the economy is in trouble. Meanwhile, the cost of the war is piling up, and ordinary Russians are footing the bill. The 2025 budget deficit is now set to be almost five times greater than the original target; VAT is rising to 22%; taxation thresholds are dropping from 60 to 10 million roubles, and social spending faces real-term cuts.

I will conclude with a segment from a recent opinion piece in The Financial Times by Yuval Noah Harari under the title ‘Why Ukraine is winning the war’.

“It is impossible to tell how the war will develop, since it depends on future decisions. But in one crucial respect, the Ukrainian victory is already decisive and irreversible … War is not won by the side that conquers more land, destroys more cities, or kills more people. War is won by the side that achieves its political aims. And in Ukraine, it is already clear that Putin has failed to achieve his chief war aim — the destruction of the Ukrainian nation.”

We should all be grateful to those defending Ukraine. And they can rest assured that they do not stand alone.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

October 13, 2025
Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement in India

The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 9 October 2025.

Namaskar doston. Prime Minister Modi, it was an honour for me to host you in the United Kingdom in July at Chequers, and I am so delighted to be making this return visit just a few short months later. And can I just extend my thanks to the very warm welcome that you and the whole country extended to me as Prime Minister, to the whole delegation and through us, to the whole of the United Kingdom.

It is very much appreciated, very much noticed, and it is an important statement as we stand here, about our shared commitment to this special relationship. Because we are building something here, we are creating a new, modern partnership focused on the future and on winning the opportunities that it offers, and we’re doing it together. And that’s why we struck the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement in July. A breakthrough moment, years in the making. Slashing tariffs, increasing access to each other’s markets to drive growth and create jobs for our people and making life better in both of our nations.

Beyond the words on the page of the agreement is the spirit and the confidence that that has given to our two great countries to work even more closely together, something which we’ve seen evidence during the course of this visit here over the last two days.

It is significant that we’re meeting here in Mumbai as India’s economic and financial capital, because India’s growth story is remarkable. I want to congratulate the Prime Minister on his leadership, aiming to be the world’s third largest economy by 2028. And your vision of Viksit Bharat is a completely developed country by 2047, and everything I’ve seen since I’ve been here is absolute proof to me that you’re on track to succeeding in that. So we want to be partners on that journey, and my visit this week is about doubling down on the potential of our trade deal for the benefit of all of us, and that’s why I brought a record 126 British businesses with me to India this week. We had to get a bigger plane to travel over here than the one we planned, but that delegation is some of our biggest, most iconic businesses, and smaller and medium sized businesses, but also leaders from education, some of whom are with us here, and sport and the arts.

As I say, our largest trade delegation for a decade, and so my first as Prime Minister, so of course, the destination for that had to be here, had to be India. Later today, the Prime Minister and I will convene a renewed CEO forum, and that was much discussed yesterday as a direct channel for business. There was a real buzz in the room yesterday that this forum is going to have real life breathed into it to embody the agreement that we’ve already reached to ensure that the deal does deliver the opportunities that we want to see. And we are committed to that, and when we leave India later on tonight I expect that we will have secured major new investments creating thousands of high-skilled jobs in the sectors of the future for both of our nations.

The UK and India stand side by side as global leaders in tech and innovation, and so we’ve also taken the opportunity to deepen our cooperation through our Technology Security Initiative with new commitments on AI, advanced communication, defence technologies and much, much more. We’re announcing a deal to make Bollywood films in the United Kingdom after a fantastic visit to the studio yesterday. And we’re deepening our cooperation in education as we’ve evidenced here on the film and with the people that we have in the room. It is the younger generation in India who will lead the charge to deliver on that 2047 target. The demand for the best quality higher education is very high, so I’m really pleased that we’re announcing today that all British universities will be setting up campuses right here in India, making Britain India’s leading international provider of higher education and delivering on our Vision 2035 that we set out in July.

These incredible economic bonds are the jewel in the crown of this relationship, but of course, our cooperation goes much wider too, and so we’ve had the opportunity to discuss issues of vital importance to global stability and security, including the situation in the Middle East. I strongly welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of the peace plan in Gaza. This is a moment of profound relief that we felt around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families and for the civilian population of Gaza who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years. I’m grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, United States and many others in securing this crucial first step.

This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay and be accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stages of the talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan.

The Prime Minister and I also discussed the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the need for stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, and the need to cooperate in critical areas like climate and energy, including breaking away from dependence on fossil fuels.

India is a global player. We sit together in the Commonwealth, the G20, and we want to see India taking its rightful place on the UN Security Council too, so we are committed to strengthening our strategic partnership and in fact has already been mentioned, our carrier strike group is, is here in India right now exercising with the Indian Navy, showing the strength of that relationship on defence and security which we’ve discussed this morning we want to take even further.

And look, the whole thing, this particular partnership, goes much deeper because in the end it is about people. The human connections between India and the UK are unique, forming what Prime Minister Modi has called the living bridge between our two countries. A bridge between people, a bridge between hearts, and in that spirit Prime Minister, I want to express my deepest sympathies to all the victims of the Air India crash earlier this year. A terrible day and a tragedy for both of our nations, and it showed, frankly, that we are family.

And I am proud this week that we are taking this incredible partnership between our two nations and making it stronger than ever for working people on both sides of that bridge. Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity, as we enter the festive period, to wish the people of India joy and happiness and a very happy Diwali. Diwali ki shubhkamnayein. Thank you.

October 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of new homes get the go ahead in North Sussex [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 October 2025.

21,000 new homes in North Sussex unlocked after four-year bottleneck.

Families in North Sussex are set to benefit from thousands of new homes following a landmark agreement between government, regulators and industry – resolving a four-year pause on development while safeguarding local wetlands and wildlife.

This marks a major step forward in delivering homes for local families, supporting community growth and protecting the natural heritage of the Arun Valley.

Around 4,000 homes that were previously stalled will now proceed while enabling a further 17,000 to be built.

This breakthrough builds on the government pledge to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament, a core milestone of the Plan for Change.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
This breakthrough ends a broken status quo and shows how we can build the homes the community needs while protecting nature.

Under the government’s Plan for Change, we are taking a win-win approach that unlocks growth while protecting and restoring the natural world we all depend on.

We are getting Britain building again while securing a brighter future for our precious wetlands, wildlife and local rivers.

Discussions were led through Defra’s Water Delivery Taskforce, a forum for government departments, water companies, regulators and developers to drive progress and resolve issues like this one.

Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:
This type of sustainable development clearly shows how we can build the new homes this country needs while restoring and protecting nature.

A thriving natural environment is at the heart of a strong economy and is vital to all of our health and wellbeing. We know that people want to live near nature and cases like this where sound nature regulations prompted innovative solutions mean we can continue to make that possible.

Jennie Donovan, Environment Agency Director Nature and Place, said:
The Environment Agency are committed to protecting the environment whilst supporting growth and sustainable development, ensuring new homes are built with adequate flood risk protection, supply of drinking water and sewerage services.

This agreement shows how working together to manage our water needs can unlock development and enable new homes for local communities, whilst helping nature recover at the same time.

Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said:
The breakthrough achieved in Sussex North demonstrates how through smart policy interventions we can unlock precisely the kind of win-win for development and nature that this government is committed to achieving.

Building work had been halted since 2021 due to concerns over the amount of water being taken from rivers and wetlands in the Arun Valley, which risked impacting protected wildlife and local water resources.

Work will begin from 1 November, with local authorities and developers working together to deliver homes that meet high environmental standards.

Under the agreement by Defra, Natural England, the Environment Agency and Southern Water, the water company will change its water abstraction permits to limit the amount of water taken from local rivers and wetlands, as well as provide funding to restore habitats. This will be paid for by the company and not by consumers.

The agreement ensures protection for rare species like the Lesser Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail, a unique part of the Arun Valley’s ecosystem.

New homes will also be built to higher water efficiency standards in line with the building regulation guidance for water scarce areas, reducing daily water use and easing pressure on local watercourses.

This follows our announcement on changes to Building Regulations that will tackle water shortage bottlenecks and unblock stalled developments in areas of water scarcity.

Notes to editors:
In 2021, Natural England issued a water neutrality position statement in relation to the Arun Valley. As a result, new housing developments in parts of Horsham, Crawley and Chichester were paused.

Today’s agreement enables development to continue, building work will resume on 1 November.

This government recognises the significant contribution by local authorities in managing the implications of water scarcity and the future challenges involved in getting appropriate development back underway, and we will continue to work with them to this end.

The projected number of homes is based on estimates provided by local authorities.

October 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry – statement on full and fair financial redress [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 9 October 2025.

Introduction

This statement is provided by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Post Office in response to Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report, which recommended that:

The Minister and/or the Department in conjunction with the Post Office shall make a public announcement explaining what is meant by the phrase ‘full and fair financial redress…’.

Since the launch of the Horizon redress schemes, Government and the Post Office have been committed to providing full and fair redress. Paragraph 6.4 of the Inquiry report states:

The evidence adduced at the Inquiry satisfies me that the commitments to provide financial redress which is full and fair and to provide it promptly were made in good faith and represented the genuinely held aims of the Post Office, the Department and Ministers. I am satisfied too, that the Post Office, the Department and Ministers continue to adhere to the aims of providing financial redress, which is full, fair and prompt.

DBT and Post Office joint statement on full and fair redress

‘Full’ redress means:
- For both financial and non-financial losses, at least as much redress as the postmaster would receive if they were awarded damages by a court. For financial losses specifically, it means restoring the postmaster to the position they would have been if they had never been affected by the Horizon Scandal.
- Where there is an appropriate range, decision makers should always apply a generous approach to assessing within that range.
‘Fair’ means there should be fairness in the amount offered (considering the harm suffered by the individual applicant and the background of the Horizon scandal) and the way in which the redress process operates. In particular:
- Schemes should aim to ensure that all relevant elements of loss and damage have been identified and considered.
- Although the schemes are underpinned by legal principles and procedures, postmasters should be compensated for the impact of the scandal on them, without having to prove losses under strict legal principles or by way of an adversarial and legalistic process. If fairness demands it in a particular case, it is permissible to depart from the established legal principles which would normally govern the assessment of damages in civil litigation.
- Fairness in the context of these schemes goes beyond the recompense provided by the courts and it should reflect the context in which the schemes were established. It should acknowledge the lifelong impacts of these events on the postmasters affected, and the time it has taken for their experiences to be recognised, acknowledged and truly heard. It should also acknowledge the struggles faced by postmasters to reach the point where they have achieved public recognition that they were wronged, along with Post Office’s failure to acknowledge this at a much earlier date.
- Fairness requires an acknowledgement of the lack of evidence held by postmasters. The passage of time means that some evidence has not been retained; and during the scandal, the Post Office in some cases wrongly withheld or destroyed it. Wherever it is fair in the particular circumstances of each case, postmasters should receive the benefit of the doubt.
- Ultimately, fairness also depends on the particular circumstances of each postmaster’s case. When considering claims, a range of factors should be examined, considered in the round and assessed on their own merits, ensuring fairness in each individual case. At the same time, the schemes should aim for broad consistency in redress awards where claimants have endured similar experiences.
October 13, 2025