Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : 2026 – A crucial year for Tax Justice [January 2026]

The press release issued by Tax Justice UK on 9 January 2026.

Happy New Year! And what a start to the year. On day one, we saw crowds taking to the streets of New York City for new mayor Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration chanting “Tax the rich”. That’s the energy we need to bring to the UK as we head into a year full of opportunities to make the super-rich and mega-corporations pay their fair share, and for that money to be put to good use in our public services.

In early May 2026 Wales and Scotland elect new parliaments, and councils across the UK go to the polls. These elections matter. They give us the chance to win material reforms to our tax system that could change lives in the devolved nations, turn up pressure on the national government, and build the nationwide movement we need to win transformative change. And thanks to your generous support at our last fundraiser, we’re in a strong position to seize these opportunities.

We need to keep making it clear to everyone in Westminster that no party will win the next general election without offering a credible plan to improve people’s lives. This means the government standing up and tackling inequality, and showing they’re willing to face off the vested interests of the super-rich and corporations that are hollowing out our economy.

Mamdani’s victory in New York City showed how regional elections can spark hope far beyond their borders when they centre ordinary people make bold demands, and explicitly address inequality through tax reform.

But in just this first week of the year, we’ve also had stark reminders of the world as it is right now. A world where the rich and powerful rip up, rewrite or ignore any rules that don’t serve them, and where governments serve the interests of billionaires, by any means necessary.

Earlier this week, the OECD (an opaque club of rich countries that set a number of international tax regulations) announced that the 15% Global Minimum Corporation Tax (GMCT) will no longer apply to U.S. multinationals — effectively giving the green light to some of the world’s biggest corporations to continue dodging their taxes.

Even with the global minimum corporation tax agreed, the UK was already losing an estimated $9 billion a year to tax‑dodging by U.S. companies. Under the new “side‑by‑side system,” there’s no limits on the tax that U.S. giants’ can dodge by profit-shifting. This is an accounting trick used by multinationals to pretend they made £0 in profit on their massive sales & operations in countries like the UK, by recording £billions in profits from a tiny office somewhere in a tax haven like Luxembourg or the British Virgin Islands.

This change is technical, and with so much else going on it hasn’t got the headlines it deserves. But it’s incredibly important. It will mean yet another massive transfer of wealth into the bulging bank accounts of massive mega-corporations and their billionaire shareholders and CEOs, instead of being invested into services for our communities.

In June the UK is hosting a major summit on illicit finance and dirty money. With enough public pressure, this should be a turning point in the fight against profit shifting and tax evasion. We mustn’t let up on our demand to end UK tax havens that allow monumental amounts of tax dodging. The UK government must know the public is watching — and expects them to defend fairness, not fold to corporate pressure.

So we have a massive fight on our hands in 2026. We’ll be using every election, every platform, and every moment to push for a tax system that works for people, not just the powerful.

January 9, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Trump of the United States [January 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 January 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon.

The leaders discussed Euro-Atlantic security and agreed on the need to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia in the High North.

European Allies had stepped up in recent months to defend Euro-Atlantic interests, but more could be done to protect the area, the Prime Minister said.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

January 9, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte [January 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 January 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this afternoon.

The leaders began by paying tribute to the UK personnel involved in operations in the the North Atlantic and Syria in recent days to protect UK and Euro-Atlantic security.

Turning to the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Tuesday, both leaders welcomed the strong commitments by all participants in Paris. It was vital that the security guarantees for Ukraine ensured Russia was never able to invade again, the leaders reiterated.

The Secretary General then updated on the North Atlantic Council meeting this morning. They agreed that more needed to be done to deter Russia in the High North and welcomed discussions on how Allies could further protect the region from increasing Russian threats.

Both agreed to stay in close touch.

January 8, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Border Force seizes over 250 endangered species [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 January 2026.

Hundreds of endangered species seized in crackdown on international wildlife smuggling.

Live snakes, tarantulas and lovebirds have been found crammed into vehicles at the UK border following a global crackdown on wildlife smuggling gangs.

In just one month, Border Force seized more than 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products at airports, ports and mail depots across the country.

The seizures this autumn were part of an annual international operation to combat illegal wildlife smuggling – representing a 73% increase from 2023.

They include two rainbow boa constrictors, which officers found hidden under blankets in a car in Dover. The driver had bought them at a German reptile show without a licence.

Border Force also discovered over 100 endangered birds crammed into a car, including scarlet ibis, green-cheeked conures and lovebirds. Some had died and the rest were kept in filthy conditions, risking the spread of disease.

There has also been a surge in spider trafficking since 2023. In one instance, Border Force intercepted a car transporting over 2,000 live tarantulas from Europe – worth an estimated £70,000. The consignment included more than 300 protected species without the appropriate licences.

Adult tarantulas can sell for between £50 to £500 depending on the species.

Other items prevented from reaching the black market included an elephant hair ring from the United States, king cobra balm from Thailand and a blacktip shark jaw from Australia.

Wildlife crime is worth up to £17 billion a year globally, making it the fourth largest international crime – behind firearms, drugs and human trafficking.

The intercepted items are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which is currently marking its 50th year.

Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said:

Wildlife smuggling is serious organised crime. It fuels corruption, drives species to extinction, and undermines our border security.

I congratulate Border Force on this year’s hugely successful operation, which has cut off a major source of funding for dangerous gangs.

But we won’t stop until we’ve broken this business model. Anyone attempting to bring illegal wildlife products into the UK – by air, sea, or post – will be searched and prosecuted.

DEFRA Minister Mary Creagh said:

The illegal wildlife trade is vile and destroys the natural world.

By tackling wildlife crime we’re sending a clear message to the criminal gangs that this government will strain every sinew to bring those involved to justice.

The seizures took place between 13 September and 15 October as part of Operation Thunder – an annual crackdown led by Interpol and the World Customs Organization to dismantle criminal smuggling networks.

Police supported this year’s operation, carrying out inspections across the country. Where sellers could not provide paperwork, officers seized items including shark and crocodile meat, ivory carvings and a tiger claw bottle.

Border Force’s specialist CITES team at Heathrow is recognised as world leaders in detecting and seizing illegal wildlife products.

More than ever before officers are taking an intelligence-led approach – working with international partners to share expertise and shut the trade down.

Where possible, seized items will be rehomed or used for research.

As part of the Plan for Change, the government is determined to strengthen border security and break the business model of organised crime.

Anyone who suspects smuggling and trafficking of any kind can report it online using the report smuggling service.

January 8, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : We welcome the Syrian leadership’s commitment to eradicate chemical weapons – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2026.

Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

It has been a year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.

This new Syrian government has provided hope that Assad-era chemical weapons will be verifiably identified and eliminated, once and for all.

The United Kingdom applauds the continued commitment of Syria’s leadership to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention and to meet its obligations under Resolution 2118 and we commend the continued professionalism and dedication of the OPCW technical secretariat staff who carry out their work in Syria under difficult conditions.

In 2025, Syria and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons made important progress under challenging circumstances.

First, multiple OPCW deployments to Syria have increased our understanding of the scale and scope of Assad’s chemical weapons programme. Evidence found of an undeclared chemical weapons programme was a stark reminder of the threat in Syria and to the wider region.

Second, a Syrian-led decision on expedited destruction was adopted by the OPCW Executive Council in October allowing Syria and the OPCW to deal with dangerous elements of Assad’s programme upon discovery.

And third, a Syrian-led decision adopted at the Conference of the States Parties in November was an important step towards restoring Syria’s rights and privileges at the OPCW.

The United Kingdom welcomes the establishment of a continuous OPCW presence in Syria and the appointment of a new Syrian Permanent Representative to the OPCW in the Hague. We pay tribute to Qatar for representing Syria since January 2025.

These milestones provide a foundation for Syria and the OPCW secretariat to accelerate their work in 2026; however, there remain challenges to overcome.

Significant and sustainable financial and in-kind support from the international community is needed to deliver the elimination of Assad’s remnant chemical weapons programme.

The United Kingdom is proud to support Syria in this respect, having contributed over $3.8million since December 2024 to OPCW Syria missions. We will continue to provide technical expertise to both Syria and the OPCW.

We urge Council members and the wider international community to assist in this endeavour.

President, this Council has spent more than a decade discussing this file.

With clear commitment from Syria’s leadership to eradicate chemical weapons and to seek accountability for their use, we hope to see continued progress in 2026 to deliver these important outcomes for the Syrian people.

January 8, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Flight PS752 – Sixth anniversary statement [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2026.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued a statement marking six years since the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

Today marks the six-year anniversary of Iran’s illegal downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.

After all these years, Iran continues to refuse to take full legal responsibility for the downing, despite admitting its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down Flight PS752.

This is an affront to the memory of the 176 innocent victims, including UK nationals.

The UK, alongside our allies in Canada, Sweden and Ukraine, remains committed to the pursuit of justice, accountability and transparency for the victims and their families.

We will continue to progress our legal cases at the International Court of Justice and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Iran must be held accountable for its breaches of international law.

January 8, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Serious Fraud Office returns £400,000 to victims of global email fraud [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Serious Fraud Office on 8 January 2026.

Nine fraud victims to be compensated 24 years after the crime following innovative SFO technique.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has successfully recovered more than £400,000 to be returned to nine fraud victims almost twenty-four years after they were defrauded.

Investigators used civil recovery action to reclaim funds for victims of a fraud committed in 2002. As there has been no conviction, these funds would normally go to HM Treasury.

The recovery relates to money stolen by Abdullah Ali Jammal, a former director of a retail-depositor bank, who operated an email fraud scheme from the UK between 2001 and 2002, securing over £4.4 million. Victims were told that their help was needed to release money from countries including Nigeria, with the promise of a 10-25% commission in return. This advanced fee scheme defrauded eighteen people, many of whom lost tens of thousands of pounds.

In 2021, having determined that Mr Jammal – who fled the country before being charged – could not realistically be convicted, the SFO decided that the case’s unique circumstances merited an alternative approach to recovering money for victims. Mr Jammal’s accounts were frozen, including over £150,000 bound for the family-controlled Jammal Trust Bank in Lebanon, which remains sanctioned by the US for facilitating banking for a terrorist organisation.

Investigators then spoke directly to victims around the world, working with the Australian Federal Police, Belgian Police, French Liaison Magistrate, US’s Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to locate them and secure their consent for this action.

This demonstrates a new approach to civil recovery proceedings, with funds being returned directly to victims rather than the Treasury – a significant development in how proceeds of crime can be recovered. The SFO will now seek to use this technique across other relevant cases.

Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), said:

Fraud devastates lives and the SFO will pursue justice for victims using every tool at our disposal.

This groundbreaking case demonstrates that determination. After years of complex international investigation, we’re returning stolen money directly to the people who were defrauded.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP, said:

Fraud is a devastating crime. It hurts people, impacts businesses and damages the UK’s reputation as a trusted place to do business.

This government is determined to tackle fraud and disrupt the perpetrators. The SFO has successfully secured thousands of pounds, going directly back to the victims. This demonstrates their innovative approach to recovering illicit gains, working with international partners, and relentless commitment to delivering justice.

January 8, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Government to introduce academy trust inspections [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 8 January 2026.

New academy trust inspections to boost transparency for parents and strengthen outcomes for children.

Millions of children will benefit from a stronger, fairer and more transparent school system as the Government sets out plans to introduce inspection of multi-academy trusts.

The Education Secretary has today tabled an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, to give parents and communities greater confidence that schools are part of strong, supportive trusts focused on improving outcomes for every child.

The measure delivers on the commitment made in the government’s manifesto to bring multi academy trusts into the inspection system.

High-quality academy trusts play a vital role in raising standards and widening opportunity for children. Educating most pupils in England, they oversee key decisions that shape children’s education – from curriculum to staffing.

Trust inspection will ensure those decisions are subject to clear, independent scrutiny, while recognising, celebrating and backing strong trusts so every child benefits from the highest standards, wherever they live or go to school.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

Every child no matter their background should be able to achieve and thrive, and strong schools working together through high quality trusts help make that possible.

That collaboration must be matched by clear, fair accountability. Trust inspection will recognise excellence, support improvement and ensure no child is overlooked, especially those with the greatest needs.

This is national renewal in action – public services working together, rooted in communities and focused on improving outcomes so every child, wherever they grow up, is set up for success.

Trust inspections will focus on leadership, governance and impact – including how effectively trusts improve schools, provide high quality education, support staff, use resources and promote pupil wellbeing. The approach will celebrate excellence, support improvement and recognise trusts that play a wider system role by helping all children and schools across communities to succeed.

The Bill will also introduce new powers of intervention to step in when trusts are not meeting acceptable standards including moving academies to stronger trusts, whilst also offering a route of recognition and celebration of those that are transforming outcomes for pupils.

Cathie Paine, CEO of REach2, said:

We welcome the move toward trust‑level inspections. Trusts play a huge role in improving education and driving greater equity, so it makes sense to look at how they work as a whole.

The key will be making sure this is done proportionately and in a way that reflects the different sizes and approaches across the system. If we get that balance right, it won’t just strengthen accountability – it will give a clearer picture of how trusts support schools, add value and, most importantly, how we can make things better for every child.

It’s also a great chance for trusts to learn from each other and share what works, which can only make the system stronger.

These reforms are part of the Government’s drive to raise standards and renew public services. Groups of schools working together in strong, community-centred partnerships are one of the most effective and sustainable ways to secure better outcomes for children.

That is why strong collaboration between schools, in particular high quality school trusts, will play a pivotal role in delivering our vision in the forthcoming Schools White Paper – helping to raise standards across the system and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background, needs or where they live.

January 8, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : New proposals set out to reduce ‘out-of-area’ working for taxis and boost passenger safety [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 January 2026.

Have your say on our proposals to simplify the taxi licensing system and improve enforcement to increase safety and reduce unfair competition.
- proposals to reduce the practice of ‘out-of-area’ working, which sees drivers obtaining their licence in one area and operating mainly in another
- changes would simplify how taxi and private hire vehicle drivers get their licences by putting the power in the hands of local transport authorities
- step towards making our streets safer, especially for women and girls, helping deliver on the government’s Plan for Change
Women and girls will be better protected under government plans to reduce ‘out-of-area’ working by taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers.

Currently, 263 different bodies issue licences to drivers, including councils and Transport for London (TfL). But under the proposals set out in a new consultation launched by the Department for Transport (DfT) today (8 January 2026), this would be reduced to 70 local transport authorities (LTAs), which already manage local transport planning.

This change would simplify the licensing system, improve enforcement and tackle ‘out-of-area’ working, which happens when drivers licensed in one area operate mainly in another, creating safety risks and unfair competition.

By reducing the number of licensing authorities, the number of boundaries between areas is reduced and licensees would have fewer opportunities to seek out less stringent licensing rules. For example, currently in Greater Manchester, there are 10 licensing authorities. However, under the proposals, this would be reduced to just one licensing authority.

These proposals form part of the government’s response to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which highlighted the issue of ‘out-of-area’ working and recommended more rigorous statutory standards for local authority licensing and regulation of taxi drivers.

Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

Passenger safety is at the heart of everything we do. These proposals, combined with the introduction of national minimum standards, are important next steps to making taxis and private hire vehicles as safe as possible.

By moving licensing to all local transport authorities, we’re encouraging greater consistency and stronger enforcement across the country.

A spokesperson for the Licensed Private Hire Car Association said:

We are delighted that the government is consulting on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.

Reducing the number of licensing authorities should enable licensing efficiencies and consistency of standards nationally for taxis and private hire vehicles, which in turn will improve safety for the travelling public.

This public consultation will run for 12 weeks and is available on GOV.UK.

This consultation follows proposed new standards on taxi licensing to strengthen safety and protections for passengers in taxis and private hire vehicles.

Under the new rules, the Transport Secretary would have the power to introduce national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing.

This would see all drivers subject to robust checks and would mean passengers can feel safe in the knowledge that their taxis and PHVs meet strict national standards, no matter where they are in the country.
January 8, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Tough new legal duties on water companies to cut pollution [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 8 January 2026.

Water companies legally required to produce pollution reduction plans for the first time, using detailed instructions published today.

Water companies must now publish annual pollution-cutting plans under tough new powers introduced by the government.

Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs) were previously voluntary, with only some water companies electing to produce and deliver them. Through powers in the Water (Special Measures) Act, they will now be mandatory and must be made public, creating unprecedented transparency and accountability in the sector.

Failure to publish compliant plans – with the first batch due this April – will be a criminal offence for both companies and their chief executives.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

It is completely unacceptable that so much sewage is still entering our waterways, and it cannot continue.

This government is delivering a new era of accountability in the water sector. We’ve banned unfair bonuses for water bosses, introduced tough penalties for pollution and these mandatory plans are the latest step to hold water companies to account and tackle the root causes of pollution.

And we’re not stopping there. Our Water White Paper will set out long-term reforms to strengthen regulation, clean up our waterways, and drive infrastructure delivery.

The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have today (8 January) published detailed guidance for companies on what to include in their plans and how they should be used to cut pollution.

The plans must set out the specific actions companies will take to cut their pollution, including through better monitoring, clearing blockages, and customer awareness campaigns. Companies have also been told to identify and explain the root causes of their pollution incidents, to ensure they are focused not just on short-term fixes but on long-term prevention.

From 2027, companies will also have to produce annual ‘Implementation Reports’ demonstrating their year‑on‑year progress to cut pollution incidents.

Environment Agency Water Director Helen Wakeham said:

Pollution incidents from water companies happen far too often and can have devastating consequences on the environment and communities.

We have been clear that every water company now needs to focus on delivery. These plans will ensure companies are taking actions to cut their pollution incidents and are publicly accountable for doing so.

Our guidance is designed to help companies plan and deliver results – and we will continue to challenge them if they fall short.

The Environment Agency’s latest ratings of water companies’ environmental performance were the lowest since 2011. In 2024 alone, there were 2,801 reported pollution incidents in England – 75 of which were classified as serious.

The new guidance comes ahead of the government’s Water White Paper which is expected to set out plans for longer-term reforms to strengthen regulation and tackle pollution – including through the creation of a new, single water regulator, and accelerate the delivery of vital infrastructure.

Notes to editors
- The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 requires all water and sewerage undertakers (as defined by the Water Industry Act 1991) to publish annual PIRPs from April 2026 and Implementation Reports from April 2027.
- For water companies, annual PIRPs will sit alongside statutory Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs). While DWMPs provide the 25‑year strategic plan and investment pathway, PIRPs and Implementation Reports should show shorter‑term, operational action on frequent causes of pollution. Together, they will support a more proactive approach to building more resilience in the water system and maintaining and improving asset health and performance.
January 8, 2026