Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Court and tribunal fees changes [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 June 2026.

The Ministry of Justice plans to make a series of changes to court and tribunal fees payable in HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

These changes will take place on 13 July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The purpose of the changes is to strengthen cost recovery, improve consistency in how and where fees are charged, and maintain fair access to justice for all.

The Help with Fees remissions scheme remains available for those with lower financial means who are unable to afford a court or tribunal fee.

The changes are:

The introduction of an exemption to the court fee otherwise payable by local authorities applying to the family court under Section 18 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (more commonly known as ‘Jade’s Law’). This change will be in force from the date the provisions in the Act are commenced.
Increases to fees in HM Courts and Tribunals Service to account for inflation. These include 170 fees which will increase by 2.6% in line with inflation for 2024/25 and 27 fees which will increase by an average of 34% (equivalent to £6.19) in line with accumulated inflation. Four fees will be reduced to reflect reductions in their underlying costs.
An increase to the probate application fee to £526. This recovers the cost of an ever-improving service, and the new cost accounts for rising inflation as well as investment in delivering an efficient and modern service.
Creating a separate, reduced fee for when someone requests copies of probate documents concurrently with their probate application, so that, instead of £16, the fee will only be £2. This will better reflect the cost of that service.
An increase to 80 fees across the Residential Property Division of the Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal, including for leasehold cases, most residential property cases and park and mobile home cases. This is the second tranche of changes in a wider programme of reform to introduce a new fees framework to cases in the Property Chamber.
- The new framework sets fees at one of five tiers, depending on case type and access to justice considerations. Most case types will attract fees of £200 for an application and £300 for a hearing, or fees of £114 for an application and £227 for a hearing.
- A small set of case types have further reduced fees: £47 for applications to appeal a rent increase, with hearing fees waived; £23 for applications to determine a pitch fee, with hearing fees waived; and no fees at all for matters relating to urgent building safety matters.
- These July changes apply this new framework to most cases in the Property Chamber. Fees for Electronic Communications Code and building safety cases will remain free of charge until early 2027.
- This framework was extended to cases impacted by the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) on 1 May 2026.

Inflationary increases to court and tribunal fees

Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008

SI Ref	Description	Current	New
1.4a	Recovery of Land – High Court	£545	£559
1.4b	Recovery of Land – County Court	£404	£415
1.5CC	Any other remedy – County Court	£377	£387
1.5HC	Any other remedy – High Court	£646	£663
1.6	Filing proceedings against an unnamed party	£67	£69
1.8a	Permission to issue proceedings	£67	£69
1.8b	Assessment of costs	£67	£69
1.9a	Permission to apply	£174	£179
1.9b	On request to reconsider at a hearing a decision on permission	£438	£449
1.9c	Permission to proceed	£874	£897
1.9d	Permission to proceed (claim not started by an application for permission to apply for Judicial Review (JR)	£174	£179
1.9(ba)	Application for judicial review where fee 1.9(b) has been paid and permission is granted at a hearing	£436	£447
2.2	Appellants/respondents notice (High Court)	£294	£302
2.3a	Appellants/respondents notice (County court small claims)	£147	£151
2.3b	Appellants/respondents notice (County court other claims)	£171	£175
2.4(a)	General application (on notice) excluding s3 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997& Court Fund Pay Out	£313	£321
2.4(b)	General application (on notice) excluding s3 of the Protection from Harassment Act 19976 & Court Fund Pay Out	£190	£195
2.5(a)	General application (by consent/without notice) excluding s3 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out	£123	£126
2.5(b)	General application (by consent/without notice) excluding Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out	£61	£63
2.7	Application to vary a judgment or suspend enforcement	£15	£16
3.1b	Petition for bankruptcy (presented by creditor/other person)	£343	£352
3.2	Petition for an administration order	£343	£352
3.3	Any other petition	£343	£352
3.4b	Copy of a certificate of discharge from bankruptcy	£11	£14
3.5	Insolvency – other application	£318	£326
3.8	Notice of intention to appoint administrator	£57	£58
3.11	Application within proceedings (by consent/without notice)	£30	£31
3.12	Application within proceedings (with notice)	£112	£115
4.1a	Copy of a document (10 pages or less)	£11	£14
4.2	Copy of a document in electronic form (for each copy)	£11	£14
5.1	Where the party filing the request is legally aided	£237	£296
5.3	Issue of default costs certificate – Civil	£80	£82
5.4	Appeal (detailed assessment proceedings) – civil	£283	£290
5.5	Request/application to set aside a default costs certificate	£148	£152
5.6	On a request or application for a fixed costs determination	£398	£408
6.1	On the filing of a request for detailed assessment in the Court of Protection	£99	£102
6.2	Appeal against a Court of Protection costs assessment decision	£79	£81
6.3	Request to set aside a default costs certificate in the Court of Protection	£74	£76
7.1	Sealing a writ of control/possession/delivery (High court)	£80	£82
7.2	Order requiring a judgment debtor or other person to attend court	£67	£69
7.3a	Third party debt order or the appointment of a receiver by way of equitable execution.	£135	£139
7.3b	Application for a charging order	£135	£139
7.4	Application for a judgment summons	£135	£139
7.5	Register a judgment or order, or for permission to enforce an arbitration award, or for a certificate or a certified copy of a judgment or order for use abroad	£80	£82
8.1	Issue warrant of control in any other cases	£94	£96
8.2	Request for attempt of execution of warrant at new address	£37	£38
8.3	Application to require judgment debtor to attend court	£67	£69
8.4a	Application for a third-party debt order	£135	£139
8.4b	Application for a charging order	£135	£139
8.5	Application for a judgment summons	£135	£139
8.6	Issue of a warrant of possession/warrant of delivery	£148	£152
8.7	Application for an attachment of earnings order – Civil	£135	£139
8.9	Application for enforcement of an award of a sum of money or any other decision made by any court, tribunal, body or person	£54	£55
8.10	Request for an order to recover a specified road traffic debt	£10	£11
8A.1	Service of a bailiff of an order to attend County Court for questioning	£135	£139
10.1	Bills of sale	£34	£35
10.2	Official certificate of the result of a search (for each name)	£54	£67
10.3	Search, in person, of court records (per 15 minutes)	£12	£15
10.4	Appointment of a High Court judge	£692	£710
10.5	Hearing before a High Court judge (per day or part day)	£692	£710
11.1	Issue of a warrant for the arrest of a ship or goods	£21	£22
12.1	Affidavit	£14	£15
12.2	For each exhibit referred to	£2	£3
13.1a	Application – permission to appeal/extension of time	£646	£663
13.1b	Permission to appeal is not required or has been granted	£1,466	£1,504
13.1c	Appellant/respondent filing an appeal questionnaire	£1,466	£1,504
13.2	On filing a respondents notice	£587	£602
13.3	On filing an application notice	£646	£663
15.1	Request for service by a bailiff of document (see order for exceptions)	£46	£47

Family Proceedings Fees Order 2008

SI Ref	Description	Current	New
1.1	Originating proceedings where no other fee is specified	£279	£286
1.2	Filing an application for a divorce, nullity or civil partnership dissolution	£612	£628
1.3	Application for matrimonial or civil partnership order	£415	£426
1.5	Amendment of application for matrimonial/civil partnership order	£59	£61
1.6	Answer to application for matrimonial/civil partnership order	£234	£240
1.7	Application for an order of assessment of costs	£57	£58
1.8	Application for parental order	£263	£270
2.1a	Parental responsibility (s4(1)(c) or (3), 4A(1)(b) or (3) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1b	Parental responsibility (s4ZA(1)(c) or (6) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1c	Guardians (s5(1) or 6(7) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1d	Section 8 orders (s10(1) or (2) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1e	Enforcement orders (s11J(2) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1f	Compensation for financial loss (section 110(2) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1g	Change of child’s surname or removal from jurisdiction while residence order in force (s13(1) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1h	Special guardianship orders (s14A (3) or (6)(a), 14C(3) or 14D(1) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1i	Secure accommodation order (s25 Children Act 1989) – England	£263	£270
2.1j	Change of child’s surname or removal from jurisdiction while care order in force (s33(7) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1k	Contact with child in care (s34(2), (3), (4) or (9) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1l	Education supervision order (s36(1) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1m	Variation or discharge of care and supervision orders (s39 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1n	Child assessment order (s43(1) Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1o	Emergency protection orders (s44, 45 and 46 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1p	Warrant to assist person exercising powers under emergency protection order (s48 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1q	Recovery order (s50 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1s	Warrant to assist person exercising powers to search for children or inspect premises (s102 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1t	Applications in respect of enforcement orders (paragraph 4(2), 6(2), 7(2) or 9(2) of Schedule A1 Children Act 1989)	£116	£119
2.1u	Amendment of enforcement order by reason of change of address (paragraph 5(2) of Schedule A1 Children Act 1989)	£79	£81
2.1v	Financial provision for children (paragraph 1(1) or (4), 2(1) or (5), 5(6), 6(5), (7) or (8), 8(2), 10(2), 11 or 14(1) of Schedule 1 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1w	Approval of court for child in care of local authority to live abroad (paragraph 19(1) of Schedule 2 Children Act 1989) – England	£263	£270
2.1x	Extension of supervision order (paragraph 6 of Schedule 3 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1y	Extension or discharge of education supervision order (paragraph 15(2) or 17(1) of Schedule 3 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1z	Appeals concerning foster parents (paragraph 8(1) of Sch 8 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.1ia	Secure accommodation order (s119 Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014)	£263	£270
2.1wa	Approval of court for child in care of local authority to live abroad (s124(1) Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014)	£263	£270
2.2	Application for proceedings (s31 of the Children Act 1989	£2,515	£2,580
2.3	Appeal relating to Children Act 1989 fees 2.1(a) to 2.1(s) (v) to (y) and 2.2	£245	£251
2.4	Appeal against a contribution order under Children Act 1989	£245	£251
2.5	Appeal against a contribution order – Wales	£245	£251
2.6(a)	Cancellation, variation or removal or imposition of condition of registration of child minder or day carer (England) (s72 Children Act 1989)	£263	£270
2.6(b)	Cancellation of registration of child minder or day carer (s34 of the Children and Families Measure Act (Wales)	£263	£270
2.7	Commencing child mind or day carer appeal (s34 Children and Families Measure Act (Wales) or s72 Children Act 1989 (England))	£245	£251
3.1	Application/permission to apply for adoption	£207	£212
3.2	Application for a placement order (under s22 of the Adoption and Children Act 2022)	£556	£570
3.3	Application to the High Court	£207	£212
4.1	Application for warning notice to be attached to a contact order	£56	£57
5.1	Application (without notice)	£60	£62
5.2	Application for decree nisi, conditional order, separation order (no fee if undefended)	£61	£63
5.3	Application (on notice) (unless otherwise listed)	£190	£195
5.4	Application for a financial order	£313	£321
6.1	Filing an appeal notice from a district judge, one or more lay justices, a justices’ clerk or an assistant to a justices’ clerk	£142	£146
7.1	Search of central index of decrees absolute/final orders	£65	£89
7.3	Search of index of decrees absolute/final orders	£45	£61
8.1a	Copy of a document (10 pages or less)	£11	£14
8.2	Copy of a document in electronic form (for each copy)	£11	£14
9.1	Where the party filing the request is legally aided	£94	£74
9.2d	Determination of costs, where costs claimed: Exceeds £100,000 but does not exceed £150,000	£1,365	£1,400
9.4	Appeal (detailed assessment proceedings) – family	£238	£244
9.5	Request/application to set aside a default costs certificate	£125	£128
10.2	Application for a maintenance order to be registered under the Maintenance Orders Act 1950 or 1958 Act	£57	£58
11.1	Application for an order for financial provision	£245	£251
12.1	Application to question a judgment debtor or other person	£61	£63
12.2	Application for a third-party debt order/appointment of a receiver	£88	£90
12.3	Application for a charging order	£43	£44
12.4	Application for a judgment summons	£83	£85
12.5	Application for an attachment of earnings order – Family	£38	£39
13.1	Application for enforcement of a judgment or order	£114	£117
13.3	Issue for a warrant of possession or a warrant of delivery	£135	£139
14.1	Sealing a writ of execution/possession/delivery	£68	£70
14.2	On a request or application to register a judgment or order; or for permission to enforce an arbitration award; or for a certified copy of a judgment or order for use abroad.	£68	£70
17.1	Taking an affidavit/affirmation/attestation upon honour	£12	£13
17.2	For each exhibit referred to and required to be marked	£2	£3

Magistrate Court Fees Order 2008

SI Ref ID	Description	Current	New
1.1	Application for Justice of the Peace to perform function not on court premises	£29	£30
2.1	Application to state a case for the opinion of the High Court	£156	£160
2.2	Appeal (deduction from earnings order)	£22	£23
2.3	Appeal – proceedings under Schedule 5 Licensing Act 2003	£70	£72
2.4	Appeal (no other fee specified)	£70	£72
3.4	Request for certificate/certified document (no other fee specified)	£23	£24
5.1a	Copy of a document (10 pages or less)	£11	£14
5.2	Copy of a document in electronic form (for each copy)	£11	£14
6.1	Request for licence/consent/authority (no other fee specified)	£31	£32
6.2	Application for renewal/variation of an existing licence	£31	£32
6.3	Application for the revocation of licence (no other fee specified)	£31	£32
7.1	On taking attestation of a constable or special constable	£12	£13
7.2	For every oath where no other fee is specified	£31	£32
8.1	Commencing proceedings where no other fee is specified	£284	£292
8.2a	Application for leave/permission to commence proceedings (no other fee specified)	£142	£146
8.2b	Proceedings where leave/permission has been granted	£142	£146
8.3	Contested hearing	£644	£661
9.1	Application for a warrant of entry	£22	£27
9.2	Application for any other warrant (no other fee specified)	£92	£94
10.1	Application for a warrant of commitment	£212	£215
10.2	Application for a warrant of commitment (Child Support Act 1991)	£46	£47

Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) Fees Order 2009

SI Ref	Description	Current	New
1	Permission to appeal under rule 21	£250	£257
2	Lodging a notice of reference under rule 28/ an appeal under rule 24	£313	£321
3	Absent owner application under Sch 2 Compulsory Purchase Act 1965	£624	£640
4	Applications to discharge/ modify a restrictive covenant	£999	£1,025
5a	Rights of light application rule 41 to s2 (d) Right of Light Act 1959- Definitive certificate	£775	£795
5b	Rights of light application rule 41 to s2 (d) Right of Light Act1959- Temporary & Definitive certificate	£761	£781
6	Interlocutory or consent order application	£125	£128
7	Interlocutory or consent order rule 50	£165	£162
11a	Hearing to determine entitlement to a restrictive covenant under s84(3A) Law of Property Act 1925	£624	£640
11b	Order without hearing(rule 46) – s84 (e) Land of Property Act 1925(e) discharge /modify restrictive covenant	£166	£161
11c	Substantive hearing of original Application to discharge /modify restrictive covenant	£1,249	£1,281
11d	Engrossing Mins of Order -s84 (e) Land of Property Act 1925 discharge /modify restrictive covenant	£41	£40
12	Hearing or preliminary hearing of reference /appeal (no amount awarded)	£624	£640

First-tier Tribunal (Gambling) Fees Order 2010

SI Ref	Description	Current	New
1.1	On filing an appeal under section 141 of the Gambling Act 2005 in relation to sections 65(2)(a) to (j) of the Act	£4,521	£4,639
1.11	Appeal under s141 of the Gambling Act 2005 – personal management office licence s127 of the Act	£1,816	£1,863
1.12	Appeal under s141 of the Gambling Act 2005 – personal operational function licence s127 of the Act	£908	£932
2	Appeal under s337(1) of the Gambling Act 2005 – order to void a bet s336(1) of the Act	£4,521	£4,639

Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) (JR) (E&W) Fees Order 2011

SI Ref	Description	Current	New
1.1	Application to request a reconsideration at a hearing of permission to apply for Judicial Review	£174	£179
1.1a	Proceed with JR – permission granted at oral hearing	£438	£449
1.2(a)	Permission for JR -where order permitting to proceed given and 1.1(a) has already been paid	£436	£448
1.2(b)	Permission for JR -where order permitting to proceed given	£874	£897
1.3	Permission for JR – where permission given to proceed with JR	£174	£179
2.1	General Application – On notice (where no other fee is specified)	£290	£298
2.2	General Application – By consent or without notice (where no other fee is specified)	£114	£117
2.3	Application for a summons or order for a witness to attend the Tribunal.	£57	£58
3.1a	Copy Documents – ten pages or less	£10	£14
3.2	Copy Document / Electronic copy – each copy.	£10	£14

Non- Contentious Probate Fees Order 2004

SI Ref	Description	Current	New
3.1	Duplicate/second grant for same deceased person	£21	£22
4	Applications for the entry or extension of a caveat	£3	£4
5	Application for a standing search	£3	£4
6	Deposit of wills	£23	£24
7	Inspection of will/other document retained by the registry	£23	£24

Court of Protection Fees Order 2007

SI Ref	Description	Current	New
4	Application to start proceedings or application for permission to start proceedings	£421	£432
5	Filling an appeal	£265	£272
6	Hearing fees	£259	£266
7.1	Copy of a document fee	£5	£8

The Enrolment of Deeds (Fees) Regulations 1994

SI Ref	Description	Current	New
2	Copy of change of name deed	£0.25	£0.50
3	Searches by staff on behalf of the applicant	£5	£11

First Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Fees Order 2011

SI Ref	Description	Current	New
3(3)(a)	Appeal determined without a hearing	£80	£82
3(3)(b)	Appeal determined with a hearing	£140	£144

Increases to fees for existing fee-bearing case types in the Property Chamber

Application	Application fee	Hearing fee
Park and mobile homes
Form PH1 – For a written statement as to the terms of agreement	£114	£227
Form PH2 – For an implied terms order, express terms order or an unenforceable express term order	£114	£227
Form PH3 – Determination of any question arising under the Mobile Homes Act 1983	£114	£227
Form PH8 – To secure that a temporarily re-sited home is returned to the original pitch	£114	£227
Form PH9 or PH10 – Determination of a pitch fee	£23	£0
Form PH14 or 15 – Applications relating to site rules	£114	£227
Form PH21 – Revocation of a mobile home site licence where the manager is not a fit and proper person	£114	£227
All other applications	£200	£300
Right to buy appeals
Appeal of decision on Right to Buy application due to property being suitable for elderly people	£114	£227
Housing Act 2004 and Housing and Planning Act 2016
Applications brought by local authorities relating to demolition orders, Empty Dwelling Management Orders, Interim and Final Management Orders, and banning orders	£114	£227
All other applications	£200	£300
Leasehold management (apart from Ground Rents)
Application to challenge a leasehold management charge	£114	£227
Applications in relation to determination of liability for administrative charges	£114	£227
Applications to appeal a choice of insurer	£114	£227
Application to appoint a manager for a property	£114	£227
Application to limit or recover payment of landlord’s legal costs for a tribunal claim	£114	£227
Application in relation to liability for service charge	£114	£227
Application to vary a lease	£114	£227
All other leasehold management applications	£200	£300
Leasehold enfranchisement
Applications relating to leasehold enfranchisement	£114	£227
Tenants’ Association applications
Applications relating to tenants’ associations	£114	£227
Electrical Safety Standards
All applications	£200	£300
Right of entry for the Valuation Office Agency
All applications	£114	£227

21/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE : Resident doctors to vote on government offer to end strikes [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 19 June 2026.

Resident doctors will vote on an offer that will see greater opportunities for career progression, better pay and improved working conditions.
- Offer improves resident doctor pay, working conditions and career progression
- Ballot opened on 18 June and will close on 26 June
- Simple majority will end strikes long term
Resident doctors will see greater opportunities for career progression, better pay and improved working conditions if they vote for the government’s transformative offer in a ballot.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is now putting the offer to members for their say. Strikes set to take place this week were called off as a result of this vote.

The government has carefully listened to feedback provided by the BMA resident doctors committee on behalf of their membership and worked with them to strengthen and clarify the offer originally made in March.

The offer would see resident doctors benefit from pay structure reform, leading to more frequent pay rises as doctors gain key competencies and demonstrate increasing capability. The revised offer brings forward pay scale reform so that resident doctors experience the benefit of the pay rises faster compared with the offer set out in March.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, said:

This transformative offer improves the pay, working conditions and job prospects of hardworking resident doctors.

It is a very good offer, and it’s one that will not get any better.

We now all have a chance to draw a line under the disruption of strikes and focus on getting on with the job of caring for patients and fixing our health service.

Resident doctors have had a 28.9% pay rise over the last 3 years – the highest anywhere in the public sector.

Under the offer, resident doctors would see an average pay rise of 4.9% this year, making resident doctors on average 35.2% better off than 4 years ago. There would be even higher pay rises on average for the lowest paid first year and second year doctors – at 6.2% and 7.1% respectively.

The offer would also put money back in resident doctors’ pockets through the reimbursement of mandatory Royal College portfolio fees and mandatory examinations costs, often worth thousands of pounds. It would also raise the flexible pay premia for clinical academic resident doctors to £10,000 in recognition of their unique contribution.

To tackle training bottlenecks that can hinder career progression, the offer would see up to an additional 4,500 training posts implemented over the next 3 years, including 1,000 next year. Two hundred and fifty of these roles will start in February 2027. This builds on the impact of the Medical Training Prioritisation Act – the new law this government has already brought in – which is expected to halve competition ratios for this year’s applicants.

The offer also provides greater stability for locally employed doctors who are employed on a different contract to most resident doctors, allowing them to progress more easily into higher training and improve their terms and conditions.

Professor Francesca Swords, National Medical Director for the NHS, said:

We want the NHS to be the best place to work for resident doctors, and we know we haven’t always got things right.

But we are turning things around: ending the frustration of payroll errors, providing faster turnaround on repaying expenses and offering more training places – and we will not stop this important work.

This offer agreed together with BMA will increase pay further for resident doctors, reimburse them for expensive exam fees, ensure they have better training and job opportunities, and improve working conditions further.

I hope resident doctors are already starting to feel the difference, and I hope that they recognise the further significant improvements this deal could make for them.

In the most recent round of strikes, NHS staff delivered 94.1% of planned care, but every day of strike action affects patients and colleagues, impacts the NHS budget and delays improvements to working conditions.

If this offer is rejected in pursuit of further damaging industrial action, it will be operationally and financially impossible for the government to maintain such a generous offer again.

Resident doctors have until 26 June 2026 to vote on the offer, with a simple majority needed to proceed with the offer and end the strikes for the long term.

Despite major challenges, under this government NHS staff are treating more patients than ever before. The overall waiting list is now 403,000 lower than in June 2024 and 171,000 lower than a year ago.

Thanks to our record investment, modernisation and the remarkable efforts of NHS staff across the country, we are making the NHS fit for the future.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Border Force secures its largest ever cannabis seizure [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 June 2026.

Border Force has seized a record-breaking 12 tonnes of cannabis as part of a major international operation.

The staggering haul deprives organised crime of an estimated £139 million in revenue.

The illegal drugs were detected last month at Southampton Port, crammed into two shipping containers from Canada.

Officers found 1,200 boxes of cannabis inside them weighing around 12 tonnes – making it Border Force’s largest ever cannabis seizure.

Working with Canadian partners and UK law enforcement, expert Home Office intelligence analysts identified the two containers on their way to Southampton, priming officers to make the seizure.

The previous largest cannabis seizure that Border Force undertook was just under 8 tonnes (7,955 kilos) in April 2017 at Southampton Port.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said:

Congratulations to our brilliant Border Force officers for this record-breaking haul.

We will not allow criminal gangs to profit from misery and peddle their vile trade.

More than ever before, we are working with policing and international partners to secure our borders and keep our streets safe.

Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas said:

This biggest cannabis seizure ever shows Border Force’s relentless action to stop drugs reaching UK streets and destroying lives.

My thanks to our officers, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and the Canada Border Services Agency for their dedication, collaboration, and professionalism.

The interception on 6 May 2026 formed a key part of a wider South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) investigation into criminal gangs peddling drugs.

It follows the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) preventing a shipping container with cannabis destined for the UK leaving Canada in April.

SWROCU Acting Inspector, Stuart Cumine, said:

Operations like this, working with partners on a national and international level, disrupt criminal networks, deprive them of funds, and protect communities across the UK from the harm that drug supply and other organised criminality causes.

Canada Border Services Agency President, Erin O’Gorman said:

These seizures reflect the strength of the combined operational focus and intelligence-sharing efforts between Canadian federal law enforcement and our UK Border Force partners. It is the result of a highly coordinated, intelligence-led approach to disrupting transnational organised crime.

The movement of illegal cannabis fuels organised crime networks, and this seizure underscores our collective commitment to combat these criminal activities and keep our borders strong and secure.

Today (16 June 2026), SWROCU have arrested three people on suspicion of facilitating importations.

May’s huge cannabis seizure builds on a record-breaking year of Border Force action.

According to the latest statistics, almost 150 tonnes of illegal drugs (148 tonnes) were seized by Border Force (year ending March 2025), making it the highest amount since records began.

It also represents a 40% year-on-year rise in the quantity of drugs seized.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : SFO to secure further £491,000 from Jakarta expat scammer [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Serious Fraud Office on 19 June 2026.

Investigators track down hidden properties and luxury vehicles linked to man who conned British expats in Indonesia.

Today, the SFO secured an additional £491,967.97 uplift to the 2009 confiscation order against Alan Edwin Gardner, 57, after uncovering additional assets.

Gardner defrauded a number of overseas investors through a fictitious investment scheme targeting British expats by falsely claiming their money was being invested through reputable Swiss bank UBS AG.

Gardner was convicted in June 2009 after an SFO investigation revealed how he had persuaded investors, members of the expatriate community in Jakarta, to hand over their savings on the false promise of generous, and in some cases guaranteed, returns. While investors believed their money was growing, the funds were in reality spent by Gardner on personal expenditure or used to offset betting losses.

SFO investigators recently uncovered that Gardner had acquired additional assets since his original confiscation order was made, including equity in two UK properties, luxury vehicles and a number of bank accounts. The SFO acted swiftly to recover these, and the funds will go back to the public purse.

Gardner was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment by Worcester Crown Court in June 2009. The SFO has already secured £186,151.16 through a previous confiscation order, which Gardner paid in full.

Paul Napper, Head of Proceeds of Crime and International Assistance Division at the SFO, said:

Alan Gardner exploited the trust of British people far from home, convincing them their savings were in safe hands while he spent every penny. A conviction is never the end of the road for the SFO, and our proceeds of crime team will always make sure crime never pays.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Up to £70 million investment in essential spares for UK military aircraft [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 June 2026.

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded a £27 million contract to Leonardo (UK) Ltd to supply critical aircraft consumable spares across the UK’s entire fixed-wing and rotary-wing fleet.
- The National Armaments Director Group has awarded an initial £27 million contract to Leonardo (UK) Ltd to supply critical consumable spares for the UK Armed Forces’ entire fixed-wing and rotary-wing fleet, including aircraft on live operations in the Middle East.
- The Aircraft Consumables Commodities contract covers approximately 11,000 NATO-approved “stock numbers” and will run for up to seven years, providing long-term resilience in the supply of essential aircraft spares.
- Leonardo will take responsibility for spares forecasting, stock procurement and obsolescence management across key platforms including Typhoon, Apache, Chinook, A400M and C-17.
The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded a £27 million contract to Leonardo (UK) Ltd to supply critical aircraft consumable spares across the UK’s entire fixed-wing and rotary-wing fleet.

The Aircraft Consumables Commodities (ACC) contract will sustain defence aviation capability for up to seven years, with a total potential investment of up to £70 million, and supports 75 jobs across the UK defence industry.

The three-year contract, with the option to extend for four additional one-year periods, covers the sourcing of approximately 11,000 NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs) – the standardised catalogue references used to identify and procure military equipment. The agreement ensures a reliable and uninterrupted supply of airworthy consumable spares essential for keeping aircraft operational, from blind rivets and washers to cable ties and face masks – all of which play an important role in mission readiness.

Aircraft covered under the contract include Typhoon fighter jets, Apache and Chinook helicopters, and A400M and C-17 transport aircraft, a number of which are currently deployed in support of live operations in the Middle East. The ACC contract therefore plays a direct role in sustaining the UK’s ability to project military force and respond to international commitments.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:

This investment will be crucial in maintaining the military aircraft that keep the UK safe at home and secure abroad, from defending NATO’s airspace from the Russian drone threat to protecting British citizens and partners in the Middle East.

We’re making sure the UK’s historic rise in defence spending is an engine for growth, boosting opportunities across the country including supporting 75 jobs through this contract.

The contract introduces a smarter, hybrid approach to equipment management, distinguishing between “fast-moving” high-demand items, managed proactively by Leonardo directly against stores availability and “slow-moving” low demand items, handled through a more traditional “as-and-when” model. Leonardo will also take responsibility for spares modelling and forecasting, proactive maintenance, stock procurement, and obsolescence management.

Crucially, the new contract consolidates equipment management at depot level rather than supplying individual units directly – a change from its predecessor that delivers a more efficient and cost-effective model. This approach represents a significant improvement in how consumable spares are managed across Defence aviation, reducing complexity and improving responsiveness across the entire fleet.

Lisa Thorne, NAD Head of Support Capabilities and Commodities, said:

We are very proud and privileged to be working with Leonardo, one of our key suppliers. This contract provides vital services across multiple air platforms, ensuring operational readiness and enhanced capability for our forces.

David Arrowsmith, Vice President Support & Service Solutions UK, Leonardo said:

Leonardo is proud to have been awarded the ACC contract and to deepen our long-standing partnership with the MOD. This contract reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, innovative support solutions that keep the RAF’s aircraft mission ready. By taking ownership of the full supply chain, from forecasting and procurement through to obsolescence management, we are best placed to provide the MOD with the responsiveness and efficiency that modern defence operations demand.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Minister Chapman visits Lebanon, announces £13m in aid [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2026.

Baroness Chapman announced a new £13m UK humanitarian package to Lebanon to help deliver vital assistance to people affected by the crisis.

On a joint visit to Lebanon with her French and Qatari counterparts, Development Minister Jenny Chapman, concluded a two-day visit to Lebanon, her first as a Minister.

The visit underscored the urgent need for de‑escalation and showed the UK, France and Qatar’s united support for Lebanon and their commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance, in partnership with the Government of Lebanon.

Baroness Chapman announced a new £13m UK humanitarian package to Lebanon to help deliver vital assistance to people affected by the crisis, including the provision of, protection, education, healthcare, food and other basic services. This brings total UK support announced since March to £43 million.

Accompanied by Ambassador Hamish Cowell, Development Minister Chapman and her French and Qatari counterparts Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships Éléonore Caroit and Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, met with President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed, reiterating support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and state institutions.

Development Minister Chapman welcomed recent direct talks between Israel and Lebanon and reiterated support for diplomatic efforts as the best route toward lasting peace, security and stability.

With her French and Qatari counterparts and Minister Haneen Sayed, Baroness Chapman visited UK-funded programmes in Beirut and Saida. At the Grand Serail, she met the Government’s Disaster Risk Management Unit, which alongside the Lebanese Red Cross is leading the nationally coordinated, data-driven response to the humanitarian crisis. She praised the dedication of healthcare workers and first responders, stressing that attacks on those carrying out such vital duties are unacceptable and that all sides must ensure their protection in line with International Humanitarian Law.

They then visited with UNICEF Country Representative Marcoluigi Corsi, a collective shelter in Jnah for families displaced in the recent conflict escalation. Baroness Chapman saw how the UK and partners are supporting the Government-led response in delivering essential education and protection services to displaced children and families in a challenging environment.

In Saida, Baroness Chapman visited Al Murjan High School a collective shelter hosting displaced families, and heard from UKISF partner ABAAD, about Gender Based Violence challenges amidst the conflict. With UKISF support, ABAAD has provided psychological first aid, strengthened shelter safety systems, delivered Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) sessions for women and girls, and more.

With Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Imran Riza and UNOCHA’s Representative Kristen Knutson, Baroness Chapman joined by French minister Éléonore Caroit, visited a shelter in Saida hosting displaced families and heard about the impact of the humanitarian crisis. She saw first-hand how UK support through the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund is providing water, sanitation, hygiene, protection and food assistance to vulnerable people.

At the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) centre, Development Minister Chapman and French minister Éléonore Caroit heard about LRC’s frontline role as first responders and the impact of the conflict on south Lebanon. Through the British Red Cross, UK support is strengthening LRC’s crisis preparedness. Minister Chapman handed over 8 UK-funded ambulances to the Red Cross, in the presence of LRC Secretary General George Kettaneh and the British Red Cross.

She later visited a displaced family benefiting from UK support. Through the World Food Programme, the UK is contributing to the Government of Lebanon’s Shock Responsive Social Safety Net that is providing a vital lifeline amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Minister for Development Jenny Chapman said:

The US-Iran agreement is an important step forward in reducing tensions, supporting regional stability, and reopening vital routes for global trade. Our priority now is to support its implementation and help create the conditions for a lasting peace, including an end to hostilities in Lebanon.

Reckless and disproportionate Israeli escalation in Lebanon must end, as must Hizballah’s attacks on Israel, which have dragged the Lebanese people into yet another conflict they have not chosen.

Here with my partners from France and Qatar, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the conflict. We are coming together to emphasise the importance of delivering stability in the Middle East, and of a robust and lasting ceasefire in Lebanon.

We remain committed to working with the Government of Lebanon to ensure they can deliver the response needed to support stability and resilience.

Ambassador Hamish Cowell said: 

Baroness Jenny Chapman’s visit to Lebanon comes at a critical moment, as Lebanon faces the continuing impact of conflict.

We will continue to coordinate with the Government of Lebanon and humanitarian partners.

De-escalation is needed urgently. All parties must respect the ceasefire and uphold international humanitarian law.

21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Government procurement to prioritise national security [June 2026]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 June 2026.

Chancellor and Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister announce new drive to use power of public spending to strengthen national security and economic resilience.
- New procurement guidance will protect national security and enhance supply chain resilience across critical sectors
- Government separately confirms £5 billion in contracts awarded to British firms since March, accelerating delivery of the modern Industrial Strategy in priority sectors, and supporting growth in key industries
- Communities across the country to benefit from Farnborough to Huddersfield, and Edinburgh to Solihull
Every year the government spends around £400 billion on public procurement, and for far too long this spending has been focused too narrowly on short-term requirements and upfront costs.

This has left the UK exposed to global shocks, with recent events showing the fragility of global supply chains. This new guidance draws a line under that approach and works to protect the UK’s national security and build resilience in critical sectors.

Through the new guidance, the Chancellor, alongside the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, highlight the power of public spending to safeguarding sovereign capability, supporting businesses, jobs, and skills across the UK, with real money going straight to communities from Farnborough to Huddersfield, and Edinburgh to Solihull.

The Chancellor will also today confirm that British founded-firms have already seen a £5 billion surge in new government contracts since March, targeting high-growth sectors central to the Industrial Strategy.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

We have the right economic plan – using the power of public procurement to protect our national security and strengthen the UK’s economic resilience.

British companies are delivering the innovation and resilience we need in a more uncertain world. This government will continue to back British businesses as we strengthen our national security and economic resilience.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said:

From the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine driving up energy bills, recent events show why we need to protect our national security, and invest in home-grown British expertise and industry to secure our sovereign capability.

For too long, governments have prioritised short-term buying decisions that leave us vulnerable to the actions of others. This guidance will change that. From shipbuilding in Barrow to steel in Scunthorpe, we will make national security a priority and back British businesses and jobs.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:

Every child deserves access to world class support with their schoolwork, regardless of where they’re from or what their parents can afford. Today we are making that a reality.

These six British companies are developing world-leading AI that genuinely works in the classroom – safe, effective, and built around the needs of both pupils and teachers.

Up to 450,000 disadvantaged children will benefit from this ambitious investment. This government is breaking down barriers to opportunity and giving every young person the best start in life.

Cabinet Office Minister Chris Ward said:

This government is determined to make every penny of our procurement budget work for British businesses and national security. This is another big step toward that, and to boosting growth and resilience across the country”.

Since March, the government has awarded a number of new deals to British firms including:
- A new digital platform to support RAF pilots in flight
- AI fraud detection tools to help HMRC identify tax errors faster
- Essential road and vehicle recovery services on the strategic road network.
Up to 450,000 disadvantaged pupils are set to benefit from future-generation technology in AI tutoring from 2027. Six British organisations are among those selected and will receive £1.8 million to help build the next generation of safe and effective AI tutoring tools that will set the global standard for effective AI models.

Mayoral Strategic Authorities are also playing a crucial role in the new push, such as with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Combined Authority procuring new local electric buses and steel from UK businesses.

New guidance on national security and resilience

The new guidance sets out the process for departments to use the national security exemption within the Procurement Act 2023 in key sectors to support the country’s national security and economic resilience. To support this new approach, the government has appointed dedicated Sector Leads in key departments across Whitehall.

These Leads will support Ministers and oversee upcoming procurements, so they can appropriately apply the national security exemption for contracts – supporting national security and stronger supply chains, while helping ensure the UK is better prepared in an increasingly uncertain world.

Alongside this, the Treasury will be writing to accounting officers across government on the importance of protecting national security through future spending decisions. This will provide guidance on the use of the exemption to deliver value for money.

Both new pieces of guidance are consistent with our international trade agreements and complement the government’s work with international partners to improve the security and resilience of key sectors, ensuring that we can collectively respond to global challenges.

This includes recognising that our global trading partners and close allies will often have suppliers well-placed to help us meet our security needs. Our approach is built on collaboration; trusted international partners and global suppliers are at the heart of our procurement strategy, bringing the innovation and resilience we need to stay secure.

The government also announced the publication of the Supply Chain Centre’s mission statement and action plan this week, setting out a new cross-government approach to securing the inputs the UK economy relies on and boosting supply chain resilience.

Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy and Insights, British Chambers of Commerce:

“The world order has shifted dramatically in the last five years and a stronger government focus on economic security and supply chain resilience is one we support.

Our Chambers are involved in infrastructure projects across the UK and know how investment in British firms can be transformative for local economies and communities.

One third of all the money that government spends is on procurement so its potential to shift the dial is huge.

Opening the system up to more SMEs is also one of the best and quickest ways to increase the impact this spending has. Chambers will be keen to get involved in the supply chains for these projects to maximise that effect.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : National Drought Group meets after dry spring and recent heatwave [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 19 June 2026.

Weather whiplash continues as climate change brings increasingly volatile weather.

Just three months after the last drought officially ended, the parched conditions this spring have increased the risk of drought this summer.

The National Drought Group met yesterday (Thurs 18th June) and heard that while water resources remain in a relatively healthy position following an exceptionally wet winter, some areas are already seeing the impacts of drier conditions.

Spring has seen a marked north-south divide emerging, with Northern England receiving 90% of average rainfall in recent months compared to just 50% in Southern England.

East Anglia is set to return to prolonged dry weather next week, while Devon & Cornwall are on a watchlist to also enter prolonged dry weather later in the summer. The late May heatwave – which brought six consecutive days above 30°C in some areas and a new May record high of 35.1°C in West London – has added to concerns if these conditions are repeated.

As we mark the infamous drought of 1976, industry leaders at the drought group discussed the action being taken to prepare for summer. The Environment Agency is working with water companies on their drought plans and is actively monitoring water levels and rainfall patterns.

National Drought Group chair and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, Helen Wakeham, said:

We enter summer in a generally favourable position, but we can never be complacent ahead of those crucial drier months.

Heatwaves will continue to be a concern as they can drive spikes in water demand, so we need to continue to work collaboratively to use our finite water wisely.

While many of us enjoy the hot weather, we ask everyone to be mindful of their water use. Every drop saved leaves more available for farmers, our local rivers and wildlife.

The National Drought Group brings together the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, hydrologists, and conservation experts to share intelligence on water resources, ongoing research, and preparations for future drought – working collectively to protect the country’s finite water supplies.

The group noted the particular pressure prolonged dry weather places on the farming sector. Farmers have reported issues with the growth of spring crops and have had to begin irrigating earlier than normal because of the dry soils. The Environment Agency is working closely with farmers to understand and respond to their water needs, alongside longer-term work with government to build resilience in a changing climate.

National Farmers’ Union Deputy President, Paul Tompkins, said:

Food security depends on profitable farm businesses having reliable access to the water needed to produce food for the nation. Irrigation is vital for the growth of many crops.

With current projections for summer water availability ranging from moderate to poor in parts of the country, it is essential that farmers and growers retain the flexibility within their licences to access water when it is available to sustain crop production.

To safeguard our domestic food supply, we must build resilience to climate volatility. To secure farmers and growers’ access to water during shortages, they need enabling planning rules and regulatory reforms that support on-farm water storage, investment in water efficiency and innovation in more water-efficient crops and systems.

The public also has a vital role to play. Small changes at home can make a surprising difference – a leaking toilet alone can waste up to 400 litres a day, a similar amount to what most people use in three days. Simple measures like fitting a water butt, using the eco setting on dishwashers and washing machines, and installing a low-flow shower head all add up to meaningful savings that help keep rivers healthy and taps running.

Met Office Head of Environment and Energy Sarah Davies said:

The weather in recent months highlights the variability we can experience, with a notably dry spring followed by a much wetter start to June, and more settled, drier conditions returning more recently.

Looking ahead to the rest of June and into July, the Met Office long range forecast suggests conditions are likely to remain widely dry and settled, with above average temperatures for many areas. However, there remains the potential for more changeable and unsettled periods at times.

Climate change means the risk of drought is increasing and the last decade alone has seen droughts in 2018/19, 2022 and 2025.

This summer marks the 50th anniversary of England’s last severe drought, which resulted in widespread ecological devastation, crop failures, rota cuts and standpipes, plus a swarm of billions of starving ladybirds.

Notes to editors

DROUGHT AND CURRENT WATER RESOURCES
- Most of the country was in drought or prolonged dry weather last summer. East Anglia moved to prolonged dry weather status in July 2025 and was the final area to move back to normal status in March 2026. Parts of the region (Cam & Ely Ouse, North-West Norfolk and North Norfolk catchments) will move into prolonged dry weather next week.
- Devon & Cornwall are on a watchlist to also enter prolonged dry weather later in the summer. No areas are in drought.
- The recent heatwave saw significant peaks in water demand, including some public supply outages.
- Reservoir storage is currently 88.6% with chalk groundwater levels generally normal.
- River flows are decreasing but around two-thirds are still around normal for this time of the year. However, the Burn, Yare, Ely Ouse and Cam in East Anglia are notably low. The River Till in Northumbria is exceptionally low.
- The dry spring has seen an early start to the irrigation of crops in the east and south east with higher demand on farm irrigation reservoirs. There are also some concerns for non-irrigated crops, such as wheat and barley.
- A dry and hot summer will increase the risk of a “flash drought” as experienced in the summer of 2022.
WEATHER WHIPLASH
- This year has been marked by weather whiplash. A wet start made way for a very dry spring, with just 65% of average rainfall across March, April and May.
- However there has been a marked north-south split. Northern England saw 90% of average rainfall, compared to just 50% in Southern England.
- The late May heatwave saw six consecutive days above 30C in some areas, including a new May record high of 35.1C in West London.
- The three warmest springs on record for England now stand as 2024, 2025 and 2026. Nine of the ten warmest springs since 1884 have occurred in the last 20 years.
- June has seen a return to wetter weather, with England seeing 89% of its average monthly rainfall already.
- The UKHSA has issued an amber heat health alert issued for East of England, London, South East and the South West. Yellow heat health alert has also been issued for East Midlands and West Midlands.
CURRENT AND FUTURE ACTIONS
- Water companies are continuing to drive down leaks, and the Environment Agency is working closely with them to ensure they follow their drought plans.
- The Environment Agency expects to see more focus on nature-based solutions, such as wetlands and catchment management, to help hold more water when it rains.
- All National Drought Group members are embedding learnings from last year’s drought, which will help identify emerging drought risks earlier.
- The Environment Agency has just updated its summer prospects for irrigation, with most of the country indicating moderate to good, but parts of East Anglia and West Midlands are projected to be moderate to poor in a dry summer.
- The Environment Agency is working with abstractors to manage dry weather pressures. Abstractors are advised to contact the EA as soon as possible if they have any concerns and there is a wide range of support available to help improve resilience this summer and beyond.
- After last year’s record-breaking temperature, we know many fishery owners are prepared to take action to protect fish from reduced oxygen levels.
- A third round of Local Resource Option screening studies are now open until 5 July which are designed to support groups of farmers in identifying practical, local solutions to improve their long-term water resilience.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : “Migration is a global challenge requiring global co-operation” says Foreign Secretary, announcing expansion of North Africa programme to support migrants closer to home [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2026.

The UK is expanding funding for programmes which helps countries across North Africa deal with the impacts of migration from regional conflict.
- programme expanded to help migrants who have fled regional conflicts rebuild their lives much closer to home across North Africa
- £9 million will support people into local jobs in the region and benefit host communities
- while visiting Egypt the Foreign Secretary will meet migrants from Sudan who have been supported by the programme
The UK is expanding funding for programmes which helps countries across North Africa deal with the impacts of migration from regional conflict – helping people into local work, and helping prevent dangerous and illegal onward journeys to the UK.

The flagship North Africa Migration and Development (NAMAD) programme will extend to Libya for the first time, alongside expanding support in Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia.

The Foreign Secretary has made it a foreign policy priority to tackle migration challenges internationally and to prevent illegal migration to the UK. Prevention work to support migrants and refugees closer to home goes alongside stronger law enforcement against criminal smuggler gangs reducing dangerous journeys and illegal migration.

During a visit to Egypt, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will meet Sudanese migrants who have escaped the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and have benefited from the UK-backed programme to help them rebuild their lives in the region. Over 12 million people have fled their homes in Sudan since the current war began in 2023, including over a million who have sought refuge in Egypt.

The Foreign Secretary will meet the families at an International Organisation for Migration (IOM) facility supported by NAMAD and announce £9 million of further funding.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Migration is a global challenge requiring global co-operation.

Egypt and other North African states host millions of people displaced from conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region, including Sudan, the largest humanitarian catastrophe of the 21st century.

Helping these countries as they deal with the impacts of this displacement, and helping vulnerable people rebuild their lives much closer to home, is the right thing to do. It’s also an important part of preventing dangerous and illegal onward journeys to Europe and the UK.

Since its launch, NAMAD’s work in Egypt has helped over 22,500 people including:
- over 2,500 migrants and vulnerable Egyptians supported with key skills needed to enter the local workforce
- over 15,000 vulnerable migrants received medical support, including through travelling medical teams
- over 13,400 people have received multi-purpose cash assistance and/or non-food items including blankets and hygiene kits
To support Egypt’s longer-term economic development, and its ability to flourish despite these pressures, the Foreign Secretary is also announcing a new programme of support for Egypt’s ambitious economic reform agenda, through an £8.7 million partnership with the World Bank.

The programme will provide advice and analysis to the Government of Egypt to boost inclusive private sector-led growth, making it easier for businesses to invest, trade and expand. This technical assistance given through to 2029 will boost Egypt’s economic resilience.
21/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK Statement on the sixth UK-Thailand Strategic Dialogue [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2026.

Minister Seema Malhotra met HE Mr Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Thailand’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, on 25 May 2026 for the Sixth UK–Thailand Strategic Dialogue.

The UK welcomed the opportunity to mark the conclusion of the year commemorating the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Minister Malhotra reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership in the years ahead, grounded in friendship, mutual respect, and common interests.

The UK reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Thailand–United Kingdom Strategic Partnership Roadmap and underlined the importance of boosting economic growth by further liberalising trade, promoting bilateral investment flows, and accelerating sustainable development. The UK welcomed agreement to build on the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) and deepen economic cooperation, including through a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).

The UK welcomed opportunities to strengthen friendship and mutual understanding through expanded tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges, recognising their vital role in underpinning the long-term resilience of bilateral relations. The UK also welcomed continuing cooperation in science, technology and innovation, health, education, and arts and culture, including efforts to reduce barriers to people-to-people connections such as transnational education and mutual recognition of qualifications.

The UK welcomed agreement to hold the next Thailand–United Kingdom Security Dialogue to deepen security cooperation, protect shared interests and uphold shared values amid an increasingly turbulent global and regional environment. The UK welcomed efforts to ease tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border and expressed support for a peaceful, lasting agreement between the two sides. The UK also welcomed collaboration across a range of areas, including agriculture, as well as joint action against cannabis smuggling and scam centres. The UK reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net zero and welcomed stronger collaboration on climate change, energy and nature, including cooperation on carbon markets and efforts to mobilise investment.

21/06/2026