Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Trade Secretary in New Delhi to progress next stage of trading relationship [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Trade Secretary in New Delhi to progress next stage of trading relationship [June 2026]

    The press released issued by the Foreign Office on 1 June 2026.

    Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle will meet India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi to advance trading relationship already worth £48 billion.

    • Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle will meet India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi to advance trading relationship already worth £48 billion
    • With the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz causing global economic shocks, the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) can unlock a timely boost for both economies
    • FTA will slash 99% of UK tariffs and 90% of Indian tariffs, benefiting businesses in both countries from day one

    Businesses and consumers across Britain and India are set to receive a timely boost in the face of global economic shocks, as the UK ramps up work this week to bring the UK-India Free Trade Agreement into force as soon as possible.

    Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle will arrive in New Delhi tomorrow (2 June) to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss bringing the FTA into force as quickly as possible, a priority for both governments.

    And as global conflicts including the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are causing economic shocks across the world’s biggest economies, Peter Kyle sees advancing the UK’s vital economic partnership with India as a key priority, with significant mutual benefits.

    The Trade Secretary’s visit during this time of rapid global change signals the UK’s determination to unlock the next phase of our modern economic partnership with India, so it can deliver growth for people in both countries. Bilateral trade is already worth £48 billion a year and the FTA will liberalise 99% of UK tariffs and 90% of Indian tariffs, supporting cheaper, quicker, and easier exports and trade between our markets.

    The Trade Secretary will also meet with Indian and British industry leaders aiming to support businesses to prepare for the deal coming into force.

    The UK-India FTA is the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has agreed since leaving the European Union. It covers 30 chapters – including standalone chapters on gender, innovation, environment, and labour – making it one of the most comprehensive trade deals that India has ever signed.

    The visit follows the Prime Minister’s trade mission to India late last year, where he and the Trade Secretary were joined in Mumbai by 125 of the UK’s most prominent CEOs, entrepreneurs and business leaders, unlocking significant opportunities for British business across numerous industries following the signature of the FTA.

    Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    From whisky to automotives, this landmark deal will unlock massive opportunities for businesses and consumers in the UK and India.

    I’m here in New Delhi to progress implementing this win-win agreement, which is worth billions to our economies.

    I look forward to working with Piyush Goyal to make sure everybody can start to feel the benefits as soon as possible.

    The UK Government is committed to delivering the certainty and stability that businesses need to grow in tough times. The trade deals we have struck with partners around the world support businesses to export and grow, boost jobs and increase wages. In May, the UK became the first G7 country to agree a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council. This marked the fifth agreement following major deals with India, the US, the EU and South Korea. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Boost for Britain’s air defence stockpiles in the Middle East with hundreds more UK-made missiles [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Boost for Britain’s air defence stockpiles in the Middle East with hundreds more UK-made missiles [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 June 2026.

    New contracts worth £36 million to supply hundreds of Lightweight Multirole Missiles for UK Armed Forces.

    The Ministry of Defence has signed new contracts with Thales in the UK to supply hundreds more Lightweight Multirole Missiles to the Armed Forces – boosting UK stockpiles and strengthening the protection of British personnel in the Middle East and beyond.

    Deliveries will begin in the coming months and continue throughout 2026, ensuring the Armed Forces remain equipped to counter aerial threats.

    The contracts support around 700 highly skilled jobs at Thales in Belfast, where the missiles are designed and manufactured. This Government is backing UK defence industry – supporting jobs while boosting national security and resilience.

    The latest contract, placed by the National Armaments Director Group in May, follows an additional order for the battle-proven Lightweight Multirole Missiles in April.

    Lightweight Multirole Missiles have already proven highly effective on operations. They have played a key role in defeating drone attacks in the Middle East, with more than 100 drones shot down using the missiles, including by RAF Regiment gunners using the Rapid Sentry air defence kit.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

    Our UK defence industry is the backbone of our Armed Forces. This is our new partnership with industry in action.

    We’re getting UK-built kit into the hands of our forces faster as we support good skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK. These interceptor missiles are battle-proven – successfully used in action by our RAF sharp shooters over recent months.  

    With these LMMs, our dedicated Armed Forces will continue to keep the UK and our partners more secure in the Middle East and beyond.

    The missiles are also deployed on Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, helping defend British people, bases, and allies from UK bases in Cyprus.

    This investment forms part of wider work by the Ministry of Defence and National Armaments Director Group to increase resilience in munitions supply chains and ensure the UK can sustain operations alongside allies.

    This year, the UK has stepped up its defensive presence across the Middle East, with more than 1,000 personnel deployed across the region, including fast jet squadrons and specialist counter-drone teams protecting British people, bases, and allies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Domestic abusers to be evicted under new landmark housing law [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Domestic abusers to be evicted under new landmark housing law [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 1 June 2026.

    The government’s landmark Social Housing Bill is returning to Parliament for its Second Reading today.

    • Landlords get new powers to evict domestic abuse perpetrators from social homes
    • Decades of new-build social housing sell-off stopped as Right to Buy rules overhauled and tightened  
    • Backed by the government’s £39bn investment in social and affordable housing – the biggest in a generation

    Abusers will be evicted from social homes and victims will be able to stay safely in their communities, under a new landmark Social Housing Bill returning to Parliament for its Second Reading today (Monday 1 June).

    Under new protections, landlords and courts will be able to evict perpetrators of domestic abuse from social housing – without the victim having to leave first. 

    Currently, landlords can only evict a perpetrator after the victim has already left the home, and in joint tenancies, the only option for the victim is to end the tenancy entirely – potentially leaving them homeless.

    The Bill also closes a loophole that let abusers serve a Notice to Quit to make victims homeless. Under the proposed new law, a Notice to Quit served by a perpetrator will not end the social housing joint tenancy while court proceedings are ongoing.  

    In addition, for joint tenancies, courts will be able to transfer the tenancy into the victim’s sole name, or where staying is not appropriate, require the landlord to provide suitable alternative accommodation where available. 

    Last year, around 15,000 households in England were forced to find a new social home because of domestic abuse. This Bill means victims can stay safely in their homes and communities, close to support networks, schools, and work. 

    The news follows the swift introduction of the Bill earlier this month, which also includes the biggest overhaul of Right to Buy in a generation to reverse the decline of social housing.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “No victim of domestic abuse should face the awful choice between staying in danger or losing their home. This government is putting that right, so perpetrators are forced out and survivors and their children can stay safely in the homes and communities they know and love.

    “We’re also fixing the systemic issue of failing to protect and invest in social housing. I will never stand by as much-needed housing is sold off while families do not have a safe place to call home and children are growing up in temporary accommodation.

    “This government will stop at nothing to get Britain building, invest in social housing, and restore pride in communities in every part of our country.”

    Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:

    “Victims of domestic abuse have faced an impossible choice – stay in danger or make themselves homeless. This is a moral failure this government is determined to end and these changes are deeds not words that put victims first, give landlords the powers they need, and make sure perpetrators can no longer use housing as a weapon of control. 

    “But protecting tenants is only half the picture. We also need more social homes – and this Bill tackles the decades of sell-off that has left over a million families on waiting lists with nowhere to turn. Together, these reforms will make social housing safer, fairer and built to last.”

    The Bill also addresses and fixes the long-term decline in social housing. More than two million homes have been sold under the Right to Buy scheme since 1980, with many never replaced, and between 2012 and 2025, around 133,000 council homes were sold against just 51,000 replacements.

    Not only has this depleted much-needed stock, but it has also reduced the motivation and confidence of councils to build, and restricted broader investment in council housing. This has depleted supply, undermined councils’ confidence to build and restricted investment – at a time when 1.3 million households are on councils’ waiting lists and more than 175,000 children are living in temporary accommodation.

    The Right to Buy scheme provides an important route for social housing tenants to own their own home, many of whom may not otherwise be able to access home ownership, boosting social mobility and opportunity for families across the country.

    The Bill rebalances Right to Buy without closing the door on home ownership. Following extensive consultation, reforms will see eligibility rise from three to 10 years, newly built social homes protected for 35 years, hard-to-replace rural homes will be exempt, and discount rules will be updated to reflect the cash discounts cap introduced in November 2024. Councils will gain a stronger right of first refusal to buy back properties – helping recover homes lost to the scheme.

    The Bill also strips out outdated and unimplemented requirements from the Housing and Planning Act 2016, including rules forcing councils to sell high-value homes, offer fixed-term tenancies and charge higher rents to higher-income tenants, giving providers the certainty they need to build for the long term. 

    These reforms are backed by £39 billion through the 10-year Social and Affordable Homes Programme – the biggest investment in a generation. Together, they will protect existing social homes and build at the scale the country needs.

    Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs said:

    “Sharing a social home with a perpetrator presents victims and survivors of domestic abuse with an impossible choice. Remaining in their home means facing further abuse but leaving could put them at risk of homelessness and struggling financially. 

    “Alongside survivors and campaigners, I have been calling for action to be taken to stop perpetrators from weaponising joint tenancies – and I’m pleased to see that the government has listened. 

    “People experiencing domestic abuse need safety and stability in order to recover and rebuild free from harm. This will be an important step towards that for many.”

    Head of Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, Nicki Clarke said:

    “The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) welcomes the Government’s tenancy reforms proposed within the Social Housing Bill. These changes represent an important and long overdue step forward, with the potential to transform the lives of many domestic abuse victims.

    “Domestic abuse typically takes place in the home and it is where most women are killed. By enabling landlords to safeguard victims and hold the perpetrators of abuse to account, these reforms will enable domestic abuse victims, including children, to achieve safety, stability and long-term housing security. This is essential for all individuals impacted by domestic abuse to rebuild their independence and move forward with lives free from harm.

    “We look forward to working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support the development and implementation of these measures, and to ensure that the detail of the reforms delivers meaningful, practical outcomes for those affected.”

    Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, Veronica Oakeshott said:

    “Today, the Social Housing Bill has received its second reading, and we are pleased to see that it contains measures to protect some survivors of domestic abuse in joint tenancies, which Women’s Aid, along with sector colleagues, have long campaigned on.

    “For too long, survivors have been faced with impossible choices – either staying with their abusers or risking homelessness – all because of outdated practices. The measures introduced in this Bill begin to change that picture by enabling social landlords to transfer a tenancy to a survivor in certain circumstances or, where needed, evict perpetrators and prevent them from unilaterally ending a tenancy. While ultimately we hope the measures will go further to enable more survivors to qualify, this is an important start.”

    Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, Kate Henderson said:

    “This Bill demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding our social homes for future generations and to strengthening protections for survivors of domestic abuse.

    “No one should be forced to lose their home to escape abuse. We strongly welcome new powers to evict perpetrators of domestic abuse from social housing. This will support survivors to remain safely in their homes where that is the right option for them and reduce their risk of homelessness.

    “Reforms to Right to Buy are an essential step towards protecting social housing stock. The policy has led to the sale of over two million social homes in its lifetime, severely depleting numbers available for low-income families.

    “We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the government to deliver a decade of renewal for social housing and to build the new social homes our country needs.”

    Further information

    The Social Housing Bill was confirmed in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 and introduced to Parliament on 14 May 2026.

    For further details on the full list of measures in the Bill are available here.

    The Bill’s Right to Buy reforms build on the steps the government has already taken to date, including returning the maximum Right to Buy cash discounts to the pre-2012 levels, following a review of the impact of the higher discounts on social housing stock.

    The government response to the consultation on Reforming the Right to Buy was published in July 2025.

    The Right to Buy reforms in this Bill include:

    • Extending the minimum period of secure public sector tenancy to be eligible for the scheme from 3 to 10 years
    • Reforming the percentage discounts for the scheme, to start at 5% of the property value, increasing by 1% per annum up to a maximum of 15%, subject to the revised cash caps (whichever is lower).
    • Exempting newly built social and affordable homes from the scheme for 35 years.
    • Exempting rural properties from the scheme, which will include homes in National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and areas designated as rural.
    • Preventing tenants who have previously benefitted from the Right to Buy from using the scheme again, with exceptions for victims of domestic abuse and in cases of irretrievable relationship breakdown.
    • Exempting council homes for market rent from the Right to Buy.
    • Extending the period in which, on resale of the property, the council has the right to ask for all, or part, of the Right to Buy discount to be repaid, from 5 to 10 years.
    • Extending the right of first refusal, in which a former Right to Buy property when sold must first be offered to the former landlord, from 10 years after the original sale to in perpetuity.
    • Allowing the Secretary of State to determine the rules governing the spending of Right to Buy capital receipts through issuing a determination.
    • Amending the Right to Acquire scheme for housing association tenants in line with the changes to the Right to Buy, to better align the two schemes.
    • Supporting councils with the administration of Right to Buy applications.

    The territorial extent of the Bill is England and Wales, with all measures at introduction applying to England only. 

    Eligibility for social housing remains unchanged. Asylum seekers are not eligible for social housing. 

    The Bill does not make changes to the private rented sector. From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act gives private renters greater security and stability.

    For the social rented sector this Act will be implemented from October 2027.

    Under the Bill, a Notice to Quit served by a perpetrator in a social housing joint tenancy will not take effect where a notice under the domestic abuse grounds is in force, or during ongoing court or eviction proceedings, preventing the misuse of such notices to force tenants out of their homes.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Landmark report sets out action to address key skills gaps [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Landmark report sets out action to address key skills gaps [June 2026]

    The press release issued by Skills England on 1 June 2026.

    Skills England has published its first Annual Skills Report, providing the most comprehensive picture to date of current and future skills demand across England.

    • Skills England has today published its first Annual Skills Report, providing the most comprehensive picture to date of current and future skills demand across England
    • it sets out actions to tackle key challenges and build a more responsive, high-quality skills system
    • new analysis shows demand in priority sectors will grow by 24% over the next decade
    • up to 1.8 million additional workers will be needed to meet this demand

    Skills England has today published its Annual Skills Report, marking its first anniversary with a comprehensive assessment of current and future skills needs.

    The Alan Milburn interim report into young people and work, published last week, found that nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), underlining the need to better connect young people to jobs and training. At the same time, Skills England’s new analysis shows demand across priority sectors is expected to grow by around 24% over the next decade — equivalent to an additional 1.8 million workers.

    Together, these trends underline the urgent need for a more agile, high-quality skills system that can respond to the needs of a fast-changing economy while opening up opportunities for young people.

    The Annual Skills Report draws on detailed skills needs assessments across ten priority sectors critical for driving economic growth. It sets out priorities for strengthening the skills system, making sure it delivers for the Industrial Strategy and better meets the needs of employers, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), and supports individuals into good jobs.

    The top five challenges identified in report and the targeted action Skills England will take are:

    1. Addressing skills shortages: Demand for key occupations will grow by nearly 25% in the next decade. Reskilling and upskilling workers will be essential. Skills England will review and reshape the mix of apprenticeships and technical education, so training is closely aligned to labour market priorities.
    2. Maximising employer investment: The long-term decline in employer investment continues and SMEs struggle to engage in the skills system. Employers want training that is relevant, responsive and gives a clear return on investment. Skills England will deliver this by using data, AI-enabled insight and a new expert network to adapt training at pace, giving businesses the apprenticeships and short course they need to develop their workforce.
    3. Responding to rapid adoption of AI: AI will affect almost every job and sector, but the pace of this change and the future skills requirements are uncertain. Skills England will define and embed core AI skills in technical education to equip the workforce to adopt new technologies at pace.
    4. Supporting young people’s employability: The Milburn Review has warned that the number of young people not in education, employment or training could rise to 1.25 million over the next few years. At the same time, employers report gaps in work-readiness. Skills England will work with partners, including Youth Employment UK, to improve how employability skills are recognised and valued by employers, alongside supporting higher-quality work experience.
    5. Building a responsive place-based skills system: The national skills framework needs to enhance local systems by aligning data and insight to shape provision in a local area. Skills England will work with Strategic Authorities and other local partners to better connect people to jobs. The Skills England Investment and Infrastructure Service provides major projects with expert advice and works with local partners to support businesses deliver a skilled workforce.

    The report emphasises that no single organisation can address these challenges alone, and highlights the need for stronger partnerships between employers, providers, local leaders and government. 

    Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills:

    Today’s report highlights the importance of making sure our workforce has the skills it needs today, while preparing for the demands of tomorrow. With 1.8 million new priority jobs expected by 2035, we are determined to keep this country at the cutting edge of fast-growing sectors like AI and the creative industries. Our reforms to the apprenticeship and skills system, alongside continued engagement with employers, will ensure people can build long lasting and fulfilling careers that work for them and the wider economy.

    Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, said:

    We’re expecting strong growth in priority jobs, which presents a huge opportunity for the UK. But to realise it, we must urgently address the skills gaps holding people and businesses back. The Milburn review findings made clear the scale of the challenge, particularly with so many young people currently not in education, employment, training. Employers – especially small and medium-sized businesses – also have a critical role to play in investing in apprenticeships, training and reskilling staff. I’m proud of what Skills England has achieved in its first year. This report sets out how we will work with partners across the system to tackle these long-term challenges and make sure people and businesses can thrive.

    Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL, CEO of Youth Employment UK, said:

    Skills England’s first Annual Skills Report lands at a critical moment. With more than one million young people now not in education, employment or training, and demand in priority sectors set to grow significantly, we have to connect the youth employment challenge with the skills and workforce needs of the economy. Young people are not short of aspiration, but too many are still locked out by unclear pathways, limited access to work experience, uneven local support and employers who often want to help but find the system difficult to navigate. A more responsive skills system must make it easier for employers, especially SMEs, to invest in young talent and to understand the practical steps they can take. Youth Employment UK welcomes Skills England’s focus on employability, employer engagement and place-based skills systems.

    Sara Todd, Chief Executive of Trafford Council, said:

    It’s great to see Skills England shining a light on how much Place matters when it comes to skills. What works in one area won’t always work in another, and local leaders know their economies best. Strategic Authorities are already bringing businesses, providers and communities together to make training match real jobs. This report recognises that and backs a more local approach. If we keep building on that, we can make it easier for people to get the skills they need and help local economies grow in a way that works for them.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Regional leaders to get more power over innovation funding to drive local jobs and growth [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Regional leaders to get more power over innovation funding to drive local jobs and growth [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 June 2026.

    Mayors in England to be given more power to fuel innovation and boost jobs in their region through Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.

    • Mayors in England to be given more power to fuel innovation and boost jobs in their region through Local Innovation Partnerships Fund 
    • The Fund helps local leaders target R&D investments to support opportunities for growth and support innovations which improve people’s lives, from new medical technology to cleaner energy 
    • This comes alongside the announcement today of two projects in Liverpool set to receive £23.7 million in Local Innovation Partnerships funding

    Mayors in areas including Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and Greater London will be handed control of Local Innovation Partnership funding designed to boost the new industries and technologies that will drive the growth, jobs and businesses of the future. 

    After the next Spending Review, Mayors of Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities will be given the ability to decide how and where to target regional R&D investment through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund on their own doorstep.   

    This decision is driven by the government’s commitment to empower local leaders to make the right funding decisions for their communities and unlock investment in their region.  

    The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund supports partnerships of local leaders, businesses and universities to turn existing research breakthroughs into practical solutions that back local businesses, create jobs and improve people’s lives. 

    Joining mayors and local officials on a visit to Liverpool today (Monday 1st June), Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has confirmed plans to pass future control of the Local Innovation Partnership Fund in England to regional leaders, with the change expected to kick in during the next Spending Review period. 

    Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: 

    Science and technology is the ultimate driver of growth, and this Government is determined to ensure every region shares in the prosperity brought about by innovation. 

    Through the future devolution of Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, we are putting money and power into the hands of regional leaders that know the strengths of their communities best, allowing them to back local businesses, encourage innovation and create the high-quality jobs that will drive the growth these regions need now and in the future.

    Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: 

    The projects being backed in our region today show exactly what can happen when you trust places like ours to lead from the front. We’ve got world-class expertise here in the Liverpool City Region and this investment will help turn that innovation into good jobs, new industries and real opportunities for local people. 

    But the really important part of today’s announcement is about what comes next. For too long, decisions about funding and investment have been made in Whitehall by people too far removed from the strengths and challenges of our communities. Giving mayors greater control over future innovation funding is another important step towards putting those decisions in local hands. 

    Whether it’s life sciences, AI, advanced manufacturing or clean energy, we’ve shown time and again that our region can compete with anyone when we’re given the tools to do it. This is about backing our strengths, growing the economy and making sure the benefits are felt by the people who live here.

    The £500 million committed last year for the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund between 2026-31 will power innovative businesses in 17 regions across the country.  

    Today, the local partnership in Liverpool City Region has announced that two projects led by the University of Liverpool are set to receive £23.7m of the £30 million Local Innovation Partnership Funding for the region.  

    One project, AIM HI, will accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and robotics in materials chemistry, to increase productivity and new business growth. The other project, NBIC LIVE, will establish the world’s first centre of innovation excellence dedicated to AI-enabled rapid innovation of antimicrobial, anti-viral, and anti-biofilm surfaces and materials. 

    The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund builds on the success and knowledge gained by previous regional innovation funding programmes, which have generated hundreds of high-quality jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds worth of private co-investment.  

    This will ensure that the decisions on how the fund’s future support will be even more locally led than before, helping them to be directly targeted to the businesses, researchers and projects with the most potential in their communities. 

    The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund is part of the government’s record £86 billion R&D settlement until 2030. The level of funding delivered through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in future will be subject to affordability to be determined at future Spending Reviews. 

    The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology and UKRI will now work closely with mayors over the coming months to determine the best way to deliver this commitment to devolution.  

    Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: 

    For the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy to succeed, it needs to empower the local leaders who know their communities, businesses and universities best. 

    From financial services and health technology to advanced manufacturing and clean energy, West Yorkshire is a world leader in the sectors that are growing the UK economy fastest. 

    With local control of public innovation funding, we’ll target investment where it has the greatest potential to create good jobs, boost economic growth, and create a stronger, better off West Yorkshire.

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:  

    The West Midlands has always been a powerhouse for innovation. Its strengths in science and technology are at the very heart of my plans to drive new growth and prosperity across our region. We know better than anyone the massive potential our communities offer. By putting funding directly into local hands, we’re giving our people the tools they need to spearhead breakthroughs, create new jobs, and power the wider UK economy. 

    Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool said:

    This new funding recognises the power of partnership between universities, industry and civic leaders. Through AIM-HI and NBIC-LIVE, the University of Liverpool will help accelerate world-leading advances in AI-enabled materials chemistry and life science, while creating new opportunities for businesses, researchers and the LCR workforce.

    The projects have been developed through strong partnership working with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and our industry partners The LCR LIPF projects will foster long-term economic growth and support high-value jobs whilst securing our region’s reputation as a global centre for scientific and technological innovation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 20,000 fewer A&E visits a year thanks to single patient record [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : 20,000 fewer A&E visits a year thanks to single patient record [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 1 June 2026.

    NHS Modernisation Bill will introduce the single patient record, resulting in safer, more co-ordinated care for patients.

    • Single patient record will mean people don’t have to repeat their medical history to different NHS staff unnecessarily
    • NHS Modernisation Bill will introduce reforms to support patients and ease burden on hospitals
    • Expected to save NHS more than £20million a year by reducing medication errors, adverse drug reactions and duplicate prescribing

    Up to 20,000 fewer patients will have to go to A&E and 6,000 fewer will be admitted to hospital each year thanks to reforms made possible by new legislation marking the next step in the government’s plan to make the NHS in England fit for the future.

    The NHS Modernisation Bill, which will be debated in Parliament today (Monday 1 June), will introduce the single patient record, allowing fragmented health information to be joined up around the country for the first time ever.

    The single patient record will mean all NHS providers – including hospitals and GPs – have to share data so the right doctors, nurses and specialists across England can securely see a patient’s medical history, no matter where they are treated.

    For patients, this means they will not have to keep repeating their story unnecessarily. It will result in safer, more co-ordinated care, with clinicians having the full picture when and where it’s needed.

    The record will support better care closer to home – joining up community services and helping people manage their conditions. It will reduce A&E attendances by allowing better community care for frailty patients and reducing misdiagnoses.

    It will give clinicians across the country a complete view of patients’ medicines, allergies and prescribing history, allowing them to deliver safer treatment and saving the taxpayer more than £20 million per year in unnecessary medicines expenditure. It will also save doctors around 500,000 hours a year by having patient data available on the spot and reducing the amount of time spent searching for information and inputting data which they will be able to spend on treating patients instead of admin.

    Patients will also have more control over their care, with clear safeguards, audit trails and choice over how their data is used.

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

    When I was in my 20s I was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition. I am now symptom-free and I get fantastic support from the NHS. But I know how much effort it can be to keep different parts of the health service joined up, and how distressing it is for some patients to repeat their medical history over and over.

    That’s why our Single Patient Record is so important. It sits at the heart of our NHS Modernisation Bill will end this once and for all – making care safer while saving clinicians’ time.

    My priority as Health Secretary is to modernise the NHS and make it work better for patients. This is our 10 Year Health Plan in action — making the NHS fit for the future by building it around patients’ lives, not the other way round.

    Dr Alec Price-Forbes, National Chief Clinical Information Officer at NHS England, said:

    For too long, patient information has been held in silos, leading to patients having to repeat their stories, and creating workarounds, potential duplication or gaps in understanding for clinicians.

    The Single Patient Record will give us an invaluable single point of truth for both the clinician and the patient and means higher quality, safer, more joined-up and more personalised care for patients.

    Clinicians will get improved access to records as early as 2027 for specialties including maternity and frailty care.

    At present, pregnant women are required to go through their entire medical history in a first appointment with a midwife, relying on memory. There can subsequently be gaps in information as women move through their pregnancy, and can be distressing for those who have suffered baby loss. The single patient record will stop this issue at source.

    Dr Michael Cocker, consultant obstetrician at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said it will “set a new benchmark” for maternity care while Dr Maurice Cohen, consultant geriatrician at North Middlesex Hospital and clinical director at the London Frailty Network, said the single patient record would mean the NHS is “wrapping ourselves around the patient rather than the patient wrapping themselves around us”.

    The Bill will also cut layers of bureaucracy so more time and money can be spent on frontline services by formally transferring NHS England’s functions into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the wider system.

    Local leaders have complained of ‘2 centres’, creating confusion and inertia, and – most importantly – diluting democratic accountability for the NHS.

    Abolishing NHS England will reduce duplication and free up resources to be reinvested in the frontline, with less time spent on administration and more time focused on delivering care while putting patients’ voices at the heart of decision making.

    The NHS Modernisation Bill second reading comes on the day the chair of NHS’s groundbreaking new online hospital trust has been named. NHS Online, which will provide virtual specialist care for patients through the NHS App and video consultations, has now been formally established as the Online NHS Trust with John Browett as the Chairman. 

    Launching in 2027, NHS Online will be a new, optional online service allowing patients to digitally connect with clinicians across England. Doctors will be able to log in and help cut backlogs much more quickly and efficiently. It will deliver the equivalent of up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years – four times more than an average trust – cutting waiting times for patients and improving lives by speeding up access to expert care. 

    This is further evidence of the government’s efforts to digitise the health service and bring it into the 21st century.

    These developments follow the government hitting its interim target to cut the huge backlogs it inherited. The overall waiting list is at its lowest level in three and a half years, and that in March this year the waiting list fell by 110,000 – the largest improvement in performance for a single month in 17 years. 

    More care is now available on people’s high streets, with over 100 community diagnostic centres now open at evenings and weekends. The government has recruited an extra 2,000 GPs and almost 8,700 additional mental health workers. GP satisfaction rates are up from 60% in July 2024 to 75% in March 2026, and online booking requests are now available for GP appointments to help end the 8am scramble. Ambulance response times for conditions like strokes and heart attacks are three minutes faster than last year, and NHS productivity is up 2.8%.

    Dr Deb Gompertz, Honorary Secretary and Vice President for Policy at the British Geriatrics Society, said:

    Older people are among the highest users of NHS services, often receiving care from multiple teams across hospitals, community services and primary care. Better sharing of information has the potential to improve continuity of care and reduce the burden on patients and carers having to repeat their history.

    It supports safer, more joined-up, person-centred care for older people who often live with multiple long-term conditions, including frailty and dementia. 

    The British Geriatrics Society welcomes steps to improve access to timely clinical information across the NHS, particularly where this helps clinicians make informed decisions and supports older people to remain independent for longer.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Support Hub launches for victims and survivors of terrorism [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Support Hub launches for victims and survivors of terrorism [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 June 2026.

    A new Support Hub has launched delivering tailored, trauma-informed care for victims and survivors of terrorism.

    Victims and survivors of terrorism will receive around the clock support to help them navigate recovery through a dedicated Support Hub, which opens on 1 June.

    The hub will provide specialist, trauma-informed support for anyone affected by a terrorist incident, ensuring victims can access the help they need at any stage of their recovery.

    Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

    For too long, victims and survivors of terrorism have had to navigate complicated and fragmented support services. I am pleased to say that ends today with the launch of our new Support Hub.

    It will offer a simpler, more joined-up approach for those rebuilding their lives after an attack – providing a single point of contact for timely emotional and practical support, dedicated caseworkers and personalised support plans.

    Delivered in partnership, Victim Support will work with the Peace Collective and West London NHS Trust to bring together leading expertise into one coordinated service.

    Together, they will combine clinical expertise and practical assistance to deliver a coordinated service tailored to the needs of victims and survivors – bringing dedicated caseworkers, personalised support and specialist provision for children and young people together into one place.

    Katie Kempen, Chief Executive at Victim Support, said:  

    The horror of experiencing a terror attack is far-reaching and can have a devastating impact on victims, survivors and their families. The road to recovery can be a long and complicated one. Being able to access the right help at the right time can make a huge difference.    

    We are proud to be working in partnership to deliver specialist trauma-informed support services – including immediate emotional reassurance, practical help, specialist psychological support, and longer-term recovery assistance – to anyone who needs it.

    Delivering on a government commitment, the new Support Hub will operate 24/7 and will assign each victim and survivor a single point of contact for tailored, trauma-informed support.

    Victims and survivors can access the Support Hub via the website or by phone, ensuring support is available quickly and simply when it is needed.

    Dedicated caseworkers will coordinate services and build personalised support plans, with specially trained caseworkers involved to work with children and young people.

    Where needed, the hub will also provide specialist mental health assessments and psychological support via the National Psychology Service for Victims and Survivors of Terror at West London NHS Trust.

    Cheryl Stollery, wife of the late John Stollery – Sousse, Tunisia, said:

    Since surviving the Sousse, Tunisia terrorist attack on 26 June 2015, in which my husband John was killed, I have lived with the profound trauma, grief and challenges it brought to my family. Learning to survive such an attack is beyond belief; the aftermath is different for everyone and often too complex to manage alone, especially where incidents occur overseas.

    Since 2015, I have campaigned for improved, centralised support and championed the survivor voice. Today, I welcome the new victim and survivors Support Hub, which will provide tailored support, clear guidance and renewed hope for those affected.

    Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, said:

    Following a terrorist attack, one of the hardest challenges for many victims is navigating how to access support. From medical care to compensation and the legal system, there is no clear structure and victims are passed from pillar to post whilst their condition worsens, and society moves on.

    Terrorism seeks to shatter our confidence in the government’s ability to keep us safe, and if we don’t properly support those affected, we risk doing the terrorists’ job for them. The Support Hub is an important step forward, and we stand ready to support, and – where required – scrutinise its work.

    William Roberts – Victims and Survivors Service Manager, Peace Collective, said:

    We are very proud to be part of this new partnership with Victim Support and West London NHS Trust. We know that people will need different kinds of support at different points in their lives, and often many years after their experience. The Support Hub is an important step in making support more coordinated, accessible and responsive to those changing needs over time.

    West London NHS Trust Chief Executive, Maria O’Brien, said: 

    It’s vital that victims and survivors of terrorist attacks get the support they need and the launch of this pioneering Support Hub makes that a reality.  

    West London NHS Trust has a strong track record of providing specialist mental health support to those managing the long-term impact of a terrorist attack and other major incidents in London, and we’re proud to bring this expertise nationally so that more people get the help they deserve.

    Tom Clementi, Pool Re CEO, said:

    We know only too well that terrorism has devastating consequences, affecting not only the victims but also disrupting and undermining confidence within the wider community and across the UK.

    As a country we must be prepared should there be an incident, and that means being primed to support those impacted in its aftermath. Pool Re is proud to be part of this launch, which will provide the crucial care to those who need it most.

    The launch of the Support Hub comes just over 2 months out from the nation coming together on 21 August to mark the UK’s very first national day for victims and survivors of terrorism.

    The day will honour those whose lives have been tragically cut short as a result of terrorism and recognise those whose lives have been forever changed. It will provide an opportunity for remembrance, reflection and a moment of solidarity across the country.

    Victims, survivors and all members of the public are encouraged to observe the national day in a way which is meaningful to them. This may be in their homes, with loved ones, or together in their local communities.

    The Home Office will host a hybrid inaugural event to mark the first national day.

    The event will be an intimate commemoration, bringing together a small cross‑section of the victim and survivor community, alongside government representatives.

    Invitations are being issued for the event in central London, with a livestream of the commemoration available to anyone wishing to participate. Further details will be shared in due course.

    The delivery of the new Support Hub and national day for victims and survivors of terrorism follows campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition and the government’s commitment to improve support available to them – ensuring their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Former M&S Chief Executive hired to spearhead Government drive to help young people into work [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Former M&S Chief Executive hired to spearhead Government drive to help young people into work [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 30 May 2026.

    A business leader with decades of experience at the most senior levels has been appointed to drive forward the Government’s Youth Guarantee and ensure all young people have the chance to earn or learn.

    • Marc Bolland appointed Lead Non-Executive Director at DWP, tasked with convening business leaders to help address the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
    • Bolland – whose charity Movement to Work has helped over 200,000 unemployed young people into work – will help drive delivery of the Government’s Youth Guarantee to ensure every young person can earn or learn.
    • Appointment confirmed after interim findings of the Government-commissioned Alan Milburn review which set out the scale and complexity of the youth unemployment crisis.

    Former Marks & Spencer Chief Executive Marc Bolland has been tasked with convening CEOs across sectors to help implement Youth Guarantee reforms, bringing the voice of businesses into policy delivery. This will help create opportunity for young people and tackle the crisis of one million not in employment, education or training (NEET).

    As well as leading major companies including Marks & Spencer, Morrisons supermarkets and Heineken, Marc is founder chairman of the charity Movement to Work, which working with the DWP has helped over 200,000 unemployed young people into work.

    In his new role as Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Marc will convene leading Chief Executives across sectors to help expand opportunity, create clear routes into work and tackle the long-standing challenge of youth unemployment.

    He will also advise Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on the Government’s response to the Alan Milburn Review, which has just released its interim report. In this role he will be asked to place partnership with business and the third sector at the heart of the Government’s approach.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

    The number of young people not in education, employment or training is a serious challenge that has been allowed to persist for too long. That is why I asked Alan Milburn to look hard at the underlying causes and what it will take to fix them.

    Marc Bolland’s appointment sends a clear signal that we are serious about tackling that challenge. His track record in business and through Movement to Work make him uniquely placed to bring employers together and open up real opportunities for young people who need them most.

    I’ve also commissioned senior officials in my department to look at how we go even further in the support we provide young people – particularly young people with health conditions. And I’ve asked that that be done together with employers, charities, disabled people’s organisations and young people themselves.

    Marc’s role will:

    • Turbo-charge delivery of the Government’s Youth Guarantee, helping ensure 1 million young people, including those with a disability or health condition, have access to employment, training or education – backed by £2.5 billion investment.
    • Convene employers to business support for youth employment, alongside disabled people’s organisations, charities and young people
    • Advise the Secretary of State on the Government’s response to the Milburn review – putting partnership with business and the third sector and disabled people’s organisations at the heart of Government’s response.

    Marc Bolland said:

    As founder and chairman of Movement to Work we have, in close cooperation with DWP, brought over 200,000 NEETs into work and I am honoured and passionate to join the DWP now.

    I believe the Government is serious about tackling this generational crisis of youth unemployment, and I know that working hand in hand with business to support young people gives them the best possible chance of success.

    Marc brings experience at the most senior levels of business, having served as Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer plc, Chief Executive of Morrisons supermarkets, and Chief Operating Officer at Heineken.

    He also brings a deep passion for improving young people’s lives through work, as demonstrated in his role as founding chairman of Movement to Work, a charity that offers free support to businesses to create youth employability programmes. The organisation has so far delivered more than 200,000 opportunities for 16 to 30-year-olds facing barriers to work.

    Marc will help bring business into solving this national crisis – with some employers already stepping in to be part of the solution.

    Severn Trent is the latest major employer to back the Government’s Youth Guarantee, which aims to give every young person the chance to earn or learn. Other supporters include the Premier League, Channel 4, Royal Shakespeare Company and Pinewood Studios.

    The Government has commissioned Alan Milburn to look into the root causes of youth inactivity and identify what more can be done to support young people into work and learning. Last week, Alan Milburn published his interim findings which highlighted calls for a system reset to support more young people into work.

    The report found that, without urgent action, the number of young people who are NEET – not in education, employment, or training – will rise from 1-in-8 to 1-in-6 young people within five years, representing 1.25 million young lives.

    The government is prioritising early intervention, ensuring young people are supported before they reach crisis point, identifying and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), speech delays, and behavioural risks as early as possible to improve long-term outcomes.

    Marc is the latest major figure from the world of business brought in by the department to utilise their extensive experience and expertise. Last year, former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield was asked to lead the Keep Britain Working Review which, with the support of employers, has been looking at ways to help people return to or stay in work.

    Additional information

    • Marc Bolland is founder chairman of Movement to Work, a registered charity offering free support to businesses to create youth employability programmes. It has delivered more than 200,000 opportunities for 16 to 30-year-olds facing barriers to work.
    • The Youth Guarantee aims to ensure every young person aged 18 to 21 has access to employment, training or education.
    • Alan Milburn was commissioned by the Secretary of State to conduct an independent review into youth inactivity. Final recommendations for fundamental system reform will follow later this year.
    • Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review has gained the support of some 150 organisations employing 1.5million people across 24 sectors, 10 mayoral and strategic authorities and all nations of the UK: Keep Britain Working: Final report – GOV.UK
  • PRESS RELEASE : Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 May 2026.

    First-of-its-kind project to develop cutting-edge uncrewed underwater technologies as AUKUS nations ‘step on the accelerator’ for Pillar 2.

    • Follows first successful submarine maintenance period for a UK submarine at HMAS Stirling earlier this year, as UK and US submarines set to rotate through the Australian base from 2027.
    • Additionally, three British companies named amongst winners of the UK 2025 AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge, receiving a share of £3 million.

    Pioneering technologies deployed from uncrewed underwater vessels have been announced by AUKUS Defence Ministers at a meeting in Singapore which pushed forward progress in the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    The joint development of transformational tech is the first signature project to be announced under Pillar 2 of the partnership, with the first capabilities expected in service next year.

    Under AUKUS, Pillar 1 focuses on Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, while Pillar 2 pools the talents of each nations’ defence sector to develop advanced military capabilities to support security around the world.

    Announced by Defence Secretary John Healey MP alongside US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Singapore, the new project will see AUKUS partners ‘step on the accelerator’ for Pillar 2 of the programme to develop, produce and deploy cutting-edge technologies carried by uncrewed underwater vessels (UUV). The work shows how AUKUS partners are collaborating to rapidly develop groundbreaking maritime capabilities to boost warfighting readiness.

    This work will support the development of payloads, such as sensors and weapons systems, that can be deployed across all three nations’ UUV fleets, increasing collective strength and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic. This project will provide opportunities for UK industry in furthering work on underwater capabilities, supporting good jobs and growth across the nation.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    AUKUS is delivering for our security and for our economy. Together we are announcing ground-breaking underwater capabilities that will keep Britain safe, backing British businesses that are driving growth, and standing shoulder to shoulder with our closest allies. This is what modern defence looks like. We’re stepping on the accelerator to develop cutting-edge tech to boost our collective deterrence and support our shared security.

    The first capabilities are expected to be in service by 2027 and will help drive the Royal Navy’s transition to a Hybrid Navy – a more flexible, modern force that blends crewed and uncrewed platforms. The payloads will allow the Royal Navy to detect underwater threats to the UK and allies’ critical undersea infrastructure. The Royal Navy will be able to integrate payloads from the US and Australia, meaning a more effective and lethal force. The tech will be used to reinforce the future SSN-AUKUS attack submarine fleet.

    Defence Secretary John Healey also announced the winners of the 2025 AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge. The challenge is the second iteration of AUKUS Pillar 2’s Innovation Challenge Series and sought companies innovating which enable the command, control and teaming of undersea systems.  Three of the four winning suppliers are UK based:

    • Decision Analysis Services Ltd., an SME based in Basingstoke
    • SEA Ltd., a large enterprise based in Frome
    • A-2i, a micro-consultancy based in Dorchester, Dorset
    • MSI Transducers, a large enterprise based near Boston, USA

    The winners show the breadth and diversity of innovation across AUKUS innovation: three UK and one US company, one SME, two large suppliers, and one micro-consultancy. Each company will receive a share of £3 million in funding to develop and test their capabilities.

    This investment in three British companies demonstrates how defence is driving economic growth across the UK, creating skilled jobs and opportunities for companies of all sizes. The UK Government is committed to backing SMEs and scalable business.

    The AUKUS Defence Ministers also announced progress in establishing Submarine Rotational Force-West, which will see a rotational presence of UK and US nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling in Australia. The first rotation of a nuclear-powered US submarine to HMAS Stirling is expected in 2027, to be followed by a UK Astute Class submarine. This follows the first successful submarine maintenance period (SMP) conducted on a UK Astute class submarine at HMAS Stirling earlier this year.

    Today’s announcements are the latest in a series of significant milestones delivered by this Government under AUKUS, building on the Geelong Treaty signed in July 2025, which established the framework for the deepest level of bilateral UK-Australian defence cooperation in generations.

    The AUKUS partnership is backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

  • PRESS RELEASE : G7 nations agree first-ever joint approach to protecting children online and drive safe AI growth that delivers for all [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : G7 nations agree first-ever joint approach to protecting children online and drive safe AI growth that delivers for all [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 29 May 2026.

    G7 Digital Ministers have agreed a common approach to shielding children and young people from harm online for the first time.

    • Strongest-ever G7 collective commitments see partner nations commit to a shared approach to protecting children online
    • Collaborative approach to promoting children’s online safety complements UK ambition to be the safest place in the world to be online
    • Tool created to support small businesses in G7 to adopt AI at pace

    Following talks at the G7 Digital Ministers in Paris today (Friday 29 May), the UK and G7 partners have for the first time agreed a common approach to shielding children and young people from harm online.

    G7 countries have agreed to a set of new shared principles to help tackle the growing risks children face in a digital world, from harmful content to exploitation. These are centred around promoting digital literacy, addressing risks to children from AI chatbots, and pushing digital services providers to take a robust approach to online safety.

    The landmark G7 agreement sets clear expectations that children’s safety should not be an afterthought, but built into digital services from the start, underpinned by effective age assurance. There is also a commitment to closer cooperation between digital service providers and children, parents and guardians.

    The agreement comes just a few days after the UK’s consultation on protecting children from online harms closed, which asked for views on measures including potential bans or curfews for under-16s, restrictions on harmful app features like infinite scrolling, and stronger parental controls. The consultation received thousands of responses from children, parents and experts alike, with the Government intending to respond in the very near future.

    As part of the discussions at the G7, countries also agreed that data sharing between online platforms, parents and researchers should be improved, to better understand how digital services impact children’s wellbeing.

    Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    AI and other technologies have the power to transform our economies and create prosperity for people across all our nations.

    But ordinary citizens and businesses will only see those benefits when they have trust that these technologies are being developed safely and responsibly — and when children can grow up in a digital world designed with their wellbeing in mind.

    The agreements we have reached today are an important step on that journey: outlining a shared approach to protecting our children, backing our small businesses to adopt AI, and ensuring AI is developed safely and responsibly.

    While much of today’s discussions in Paris focused on online safety, they also recognised the immense potential for emerging technologies like AI to unlock economic growth and improvements to the everyday lives of citizens.

    G7 countries reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring AI is developed and used in ways that people can trust, all while recognising the transformative benefits of the technology.

    Ministers highlighted the importance of staying ahead of a range of threats such as cyberattacks, and the development of chemical and biological capabilities. Under France’s Presidency, G7 countries agreed to further discussions on a mutual understanding of AI risk assessment frameworks, to ultimately boost public trust in the technology and ensure innovation can flourish.

    To ensure the benefits of AI are felt more widely across society, Ministers agreed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be supported to adopt the technology with a tool developed in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that will also help small businesses better their AI-readiness and identify areas where they can improve their workforce’s knowledge to speed up AI adoption. G7 leaders also agreed a Vision on AI Openness, recognising that AI models play a key part in supporting innovation, scientific discovery, and economic growth.

    Taken together, these steps will help ensure AI delivers real improvements to people’s lives and that people can trust that these technologies are being developed with their safety in mind. G7 members will now take forward these commitments in partnership with international organisations, industry and academia.

    Notes to editors:

    • Elsewhere, Ministers highlighted the importance of improving detection of AI-generated content, helping users – including children – identify misleading or deceptive material online.
    • The agreement stressed the need to ensure AI systems are secure, guarding against misuse and vulnerabilities that could harm individuals or society.
    • Ministers reiterated the importance of trust in data as a foundation for innovation, committing to enable cross-border data flows while maintaining strong protections for privacy, security and intellectual property.
    • They also agreed to continue work to ensure the digital and AI sector is resilient and resource-efficient, recognising growing pressures on energy and infrastructure as AI adoption increases and the role AI and wider digital technologies can play in the solution by improving efficiency and optimising energy systems.