Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : FCDO Statement on Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : FCDO Statement on Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2026.

    An FCDO statement on recent Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, including plans to impose a maritime blockade.

    An FCDO spokesperson said:

    The UK strongly condemns recent Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, including plans to impose a maritime blockade. These provocations risk further regional instability, endanger freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and undermine efforts to secure peace in Yemen.

    We stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, and other partners within the region, in the face of these threats and call on the Houthis to immediately cease their escalatory actions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK welcomes the inaugural meeting of the Syrian People’s Assembly: UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK welcomes the inaugural meeting of the Syrian People’s Assembly: UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    I will make three points. 

    First, the United Kingdom welcomes the inaugural meeting of the Syrian People’s Assembly on 12 July. 

    This is an important step towards establishing Syria’s new political settlement. 

    The UK stands ready to support the efforts to strengthen Syria’s institutions and to help build long-term peace, stability, and security. 

    And we look forward to working with the Assembly as it seeks to build an inclusive, prosperous future for all Syrians. 

    Second, Syria’s security situation remains fragile. 

    There is a real risk that wider regional conflict could undermine the country’s long overdue recovery. 

    And we urge all parties to de-escalate and to focus on rebuilding regional stability. 

    We condemn the egregious Iranian-claimed attacks against Syria last week.

    And we also call on Israel to set out a timeline for their withdrawal from areas in southern Syria.

    And we urge the Israeli Government to return to negotiations with the Syrian Government. This is in all parties’ interests.  

    We also condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Damascus and offer our deepest condolences to those affected. 

    There can be no justification for such violence. 

    The UK will continue to work closely with the Syrian Government to support its counterterrorism efforts, and we remain an active member of the Global Coalition against Daesh. 

    President, this month marks one year since the violence in the southern province of Suwayda, in which many innocent lives were lost, and tens of thousands of people displaced. 

    We continue to support efforts to find a negotiated solution for Suwayda: one that upholds Syria’s sovereignty and unity, while addressing accountability, social cohesion, access to essential services, and humanitarian assistance. 

    Finally, we welcome the landmark decision by the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to restore Syria’s rights and privileges. 

    This recognises the leadership and commitment of the Syrian Government in locating and destroying the stockpile of chemical weapons left by the Assad regime. 

    President, Syria has made important progress in its efforts to build peace and security for its people, and in its commitment to play a positive and constructive role in its neighbourhood. 

    The Council should continue to support Syria in these efforts and to help forge a safer and more prosperous future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £20 million investment for hypersonic target to test air defence systems and boost British small businesses [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : £20 million investment for hypersonic target to test air defence systems and boost British small businesses [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2026.

    British small businesses will help develop a hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target, a vehicle intended to represent threats capable of travelling at five times the speed of sound, under a new £20m investment announced today.

    • £20 million contract will directly benefit British small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the supply chain, showing how defence is an engine for growth.
    • A new SME Action Plan will remove barriers and open up defence supply chains for British SMEs. 
    • Hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target will help new defence systems to counter advanced missiles and is part of a trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK, and the United States.

    British small businesses will help develop a hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target, a vehicle intended to represent threats capable of travelling at five times the speed of sound, under a new £20m investment announced today. The target will test missile defence systems designed to protect the UK from advanced threats such as hypersonic missiles.

    The contract, awarded to Lockheed Martin UK, will support around 63 jobs in Bedfordshire, and have 15 UK SMEs benefitting through the supply chain, showing how defence is an engine for growth.

    It comes as the government unveils today a new Defence SME Action Plan, which will open up opportunities for small businesses across the defence supply chain.

    Known as Project Bowline, the work will produce a hypersonic target, designed to act as an advanced ‘clay pigeon’ for next-generation air defence systems, including sensors and interceptors, to shoot down as they’re developed. This will help the UK test counter-hypersonic missile capabilities, ensuring that the Armed Forces lead on producing and countering the most advanced threats.

    The project is part of international collaboration under AUKUS Pillar 2, the trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK, and the United States to develop advanced military capabilities, including hypersonic and counter-hypersonic technologies.

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

    British businesses are the backbone of our defence industry, and we’re backing them to succeed. Our SME Action Plan will give firms of every size a clearer, faster route to contracts at home, while programmes like Project Bowline show exactly how major defence investment flows through to small businesses across the UK.

    With our commitment to spend £7.5 billion with UK SMEs by 2028 and a further £400 million ringfenced for UK Defence Innovation every year, defence is delivering growth across the UK, sustaining skilled jobs and strengthening our security at the same time.

    The new SME Action Plan, led by the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, sets out concrete steps to remove the barriers small and medium businesses face when working with defence – opening up supply chains, simplifying procurement and creating accessible opportunities across the defence industry. The plan will simplify processes at all stages of the contracting cycle and marks another key step in the MOD’s drive to increase defence spending with SMEs to £7.5 billion by 2028, representing a 50% increase on the current spend.

    The announcements come as the Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP and Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP are championing the UK defence industry at the Farnborough International Air Show, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defence trade events.

    National Armaments Director Rupert Pearce said:

    Delivering Project Bowline will help ensure the UK stays ahead of rapidly evolving hypersonic threats. By working with our AUKUS partners and investing in advanced missile technology in the UK, we strengthen our national arsenal, boost a key sector in our economy, and support our ability to deliver effective missile defence.

    The Ministry of Defence already works with around 12,000 SMEs through its supply chain, and that work has only accelerated in the year since publication of the Modern Industrial Strategy and Defence Industrial Strategy. That work has included: the launch of the Defence Growth Deals and Defence Technical Excellence Colleges; the award of thirteen British-based SMEs contracts of up to £4 million each from the Defence Unicorn Fund; and the ringfencing of £400 million annually for UKDI to accelerate innovation. 

    Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS said:

    We welcome the publication of the SME Action Plan today – it is a positive and timely step towards unlocking the full potential of the UK’s defence industrial base. Smaller businesses – including more than 1500 ADS members – form our industrial bedrock, delivering innovation, agility and critical capabilities throughout the UK.

    Commitments to simplifying procurement processes, improve access to opportunities and increase engagement with smaller businesses will help ensure that innovative UK companies can compete, invest and scale with confidence.

    We look forward to working closely with Government and our members to deliver this ambition into tangible opportunities for businesses across every region of the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Taoiseach of Ireland [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Taoiseach of Ireland [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, today.

    The Taoiseach began by congratulating the Prime Minister on his appointment, with the Prime Minister thanking him and underlining how much he is looking forward to working together.

    The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the UK’s partnership with Ireland and welcomed the continued close cooperation, particularly through the annual UK-Ireland Summit. 

    The leaders agreed on the need to continue to work together across shared priorities, including security, energy, and both countries’ enduring commitment to the Good Friday agreement.

    The Prime Minister then congratulated the Taoiseach on the launch of Ireland’s EU Presidency. He reiterated the UK’s commitment to strengthening relations with the EU, to deliver opportunities for normal people across the UK. 

    The Prime Minister and Taoiseach said they looked forward to meeting in person soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Canada joins next-generation fighter jet programme as first Observer Nation [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Canada joins next-generation fighter jet programme as first Observer Nation [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2026.

    One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is even stronger  as the UK, Italy  and Japan welcome Canada  to  the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as  the  first Observer Nation.

    • Canada becomes the first Observer Nation of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), founded by the UK, Italy  and Japan. 
    • GCAP  is designing, developing  and building  the next generation of fighter  jet  to  support  national  security. 
    • Ambitious  programme  supports  thousands of jobs in  the UK, with  over 600  companies up and down the country involved. 

    One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is  even  stronger  as the UK,  Italy  and Japan welcome Canada  to  the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as  the  first Observer Nation.   

    GCAP  will  deliver a next generation combat  aircraft,  designed to  fight,  win  and keep the UK fit to face the future.

    GCAP is part of the UK’s future combat air system  which already supports 4,500 jobs in the UK, with thousands more expected to be supported. Over 600 organisations up and down the UK are in the supply chain, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships and driving growth in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.   

    Canada will gain direct insight into GCAP, including capability development, industrial  collaboration  and long-term delivery plans through structured engagement with partner nations. 

    While  Canada  won’t  have a  decision-making role, the move gives them privileged  access to the  programme  and  paves the way for discussions on Canada’s future participation and contribution to GCAP.   

    The announcement was made as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP hosted his Japanese, Italian and Canadian counterparts - Shinjirō Koizumi, Guido Crosetto, and David McGuinty  –  on his first day in post at Wellington Barracks in London.  

    Prime Minister, Andy Burnham said:

    As I said on the steps of Downing Street, we are going to honour our commitments on defence – and use that investment to transform people’s lives.

    And we are going to work even more closely with our allies.

    So today, we are not just recommitting to our state-of-the-art GCAP fighter programme – but I am delighted to announce that Canada will join the programme as the first Observer Nation.

    GCAP is already one of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships – supporting 4,500 jobs across the UK. Today’s announcement makes it even stronger.

    Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said:  

    The first duty of any government is to keep our country safe. That’s why I’m pushing this programme forward on my very first day in the job. GCAP continues to strengthen our security, drive technological innovation and create highly skilled jobs across the UK.    

    We are proud to welcome Canada to this new phase of engagement and look forward to sharing expertise and  working on technological advances as we continue to deliver this groundbreaking programme.

    Involvement in GCAP  will further  strengthen the UK’s defence cooperation with Canada, building on decades of close collaboration as  Five Eyes members  and NATO  Allies. 

    GCAP  will deliver a sixth-generation  aircraft, designed to operate  alongside  capabilities including the F-35. It will  use  advanced autonomy, AI, uncrewed  systems and next-generation sensors to maintain  air superiority against  ever  evolving threats.   

    This announcement comes  alongside an investment of £8.6 billion into  GCAP over four years as part of the Defence Investment Plan.  

    Earlier this month,  the  UK,  Italy  and Japan  finalised a £4.6 billion contract with  Edgewing  -  the  industry joint venture  –  to  advance the next stage of the aircraft’s design by  establishing  its key requirements and rigorous testing.   

    The work strengthens the UK’s sovereign industrial base, securing skilled good manufacturing jobs, and industries in Italy and Japan.    

    GCAP brings together the industrial and technological strengths of all three nations, driving innovation and skills across key areas such as digital engineering, advanced propulsion, sensors  and data systems, delivering a highly capable future combat air system.   

    Since its  inception, GCAP has been founded on the principle that international collaboration delivers significant benefits, demonstrating how trusted partners can work together to enhance interoperability, strengthen  security and deliver a world-leading future combat air capability.  

    Canada’s Observer status  represents  a significant step in  GCAP  as  an open, scalable  and internationally relevant partnership, designed to meet the  threats of the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

    I want to start by welcoming the Secretary-General’s recent visit to Haiti, which comes at a critical time for the Haitian people. 

    Nearly 1.5 million people are currently displaced, more than half the population is food insecure, and access to essential services is severely restricted. 

    Within the most recent reporting period, BINUH documented 853 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, in which collective rape accounted for 84% of cases.

    I will outline three urgent priorities to help address these intersecting crises.

    First, we welcome the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, whose success will be key to addressing instability in Haiti.

    It is vital that operations are fully compliant with the human rights framework set out in resolution 2793 and include robust child protection measures. 

    In this context, the UK has committed up to $7.5 million to the Human Rights Compliance Mechanism for the Gang Suppression Force, delivered by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    This builds on our support for the human rights elements of the GSF’s predecessor, the MSS mission and reflects our firm conviction that accountability and civil protection are fundamental to restoring trust and stability in Haiti.

    Second, we remain deeply concerned by the high proportion of children recruited by gangs. We need to take action to break the cycle of violence and prevent future lost generations.

    We welcome the visit in May to Haiti of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict and the clear message that she has underlined today: that children associated with gangs must be treated as victims.

    We urge the Haitian authorities to implement the handover protocol for children associated with gangs without delay, including establishing the promised task force and framework.

    We also call on the Government to develop credible and resourced disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programmes that tackle the drivers of instability and protect the most vulnerable.

    Thirdly, recent progress on Haiti’s electoral timetable is welcome. We encourage continued momentum towards holding credible elections, which are vital for Haiti’s transition.

    Madam President, listening today, many have referred to this being a critical moment, a window of opportunity. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace, where improved security is matched by strengthened rule of law and respect for human rights.

    We will continue to work with all Haitian stakeholders and our international partners to this end, for the benefit of all the people of Haiti.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Quadrilateral Joint Statement on Canada becoming an Observer to GCAP [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Quadrilateral Joint Statement on Canada becoming an Observer to GCAP [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2026.

    On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjirō, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

    The Ministers of Italy, Japan and the UK welcomed Canada’s participation as an Observer, and all four Ministers welcomed the opportunities arising from this important development. This announcement marks an important step in strengthening cooperation among trusted, like-minded partners through the Programme.

    Observer status will provide Canada with enhanced insight into GCAP and an opportunity to deepen its understanding of the Programme’s governance, capabilities and industrial framework, as well as the related security requirements and wider partnering opportunities.

    For Italy, Japan and the UK, Canada’s involvement will also support greater alignment of strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding of future combat air ambitions, thereby strengthening global security.

    Since the Programme’s inception, GCAP has been founded on the principle that international collaboration delivers significant benefits. In a complex global security environment, Italy, Japan, and the UK have remained committed to engaging with trusted allies and partners to strengthen the Programme and maximise its long-term strategic impact.

    As they begin this new phase of the Programme, the Ministers of Italy, Japan, and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to openness, collaboration with like-minded partners, and the delivery of a next-generation combat aircraft capable of meeting future security challenges.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with First Ministers [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with First Ministers [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister had calls with the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister of Wales and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland today. 

    The Prime Minister said he was serious about creating a new politics – rooted in finding common ground based on collaborative, practical and pragmatic relations with the Heads of the Devolved Governments. 

    Working in partnership, the Prime Minister said together they could drive deeper devolution to all parts of the United Kingdom to get growth going. 

    The Prime Minister added he was focused on practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums, to give families more breathing room by helping them with the cost of living, which he had done today by helping millions of households with their energy bills. 

    The Prime Minister said he looked forward to meeting with the Heads of the Devolved Governments soon and visiting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland shortly.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New PM cuts tax on household electricity bills to give breathing space on cost of living [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New PM cuts tax on household electricity bills to give breathing space on cost of living [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 July 2026.

    • New Prime Minister takes immediate action to cut taxes on electricity bills to give millions of households breathing space this winter
    • Tax cut this year funded from cancelled Digital ID programme will see VAT on electricity bills removed from October 1
    • In one of his first acts as Prime Minister Andy Burnham promises to “put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope”

    Millions of households across the UK will benefit from immediate action to help with their electricity bills this winter, the Prime Minister has announced as one of his first decisions in office.

    This follows his commitment to the nation on the steps of Downing Street yesterday to give people some breathing space and help with the cost of living. 

    Government is tackling rising bills with a tax cut to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from October 1 in time to impact the next Ofgem price cap. This immediate action applies and is funded for this financial year.

    The cost of this immediate action for this financial year – taken now, before the next price cap – is being funded from the cancellation of the (£1.8 billion) Digital ID programme.

    Any further action, including on funding for longer-term measures, will be taken at the Budget alongside an OBR forecast. All decisions at that point will continue to be funded and also consistent with the government’s fiscal rules.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: 

    Westminster has not been working for people for too long, with families struggling with the cost of living.  

    That needs to change. I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister.   

    We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope.

    Cutting VAT on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October. This is on top of the £150 removed from bills at the last Budget.  

    By targeting electricity bills, more people will be supported with rising bills and the government is helping to keep inflation down.  

    All suppliers are expected to pass the VAT reduction on to all customers, including those on fixed tariffs, as they did with the £150 of costs taken off energy bills announced at the last Budget.

    Small businesses who qualify for the domestic energy VAT relief and are not registered for  VAT, as well as charities and residential care homes eligible for the reduced rate will also benefit.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey MP said: 

    For too long, too many people have struggled with the cost of living. 

    Today’s energy tax cut will give families some breathing room on bills, and provide some reassurance this winter. 

    This measure is funded this year from cancelling the Digital ID programme, and it will help bring down inflation while supporting households in every postcode.

    As part of the day one commitment to bring back hope to Britain, the change supports the poorest households, who spend a higher percentage of their income on energy bills. 

    Energy bills have risen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and have been exacerbated because of the war in Iran. But people need support now, which is why the government has acted to provide immediate breathing space for millions of households.

    The NI Executive will receive comparable funding to enable it to support NI Households with the cost of living to ensure households across the UK benefit.  

    Additional information

    • This VAT cut, from 5% to 0%, is estimated to reduce  CPI inflation by around 0.10 percentage points and RPI by around 0.14 percentage points. 
    • This action is estimated to cost  around £850 million in 2026-27 on the basis of estimated electricity prices. Updated costs will be set out at Budget.
    • We are funding this through the cancellation of the Digital ID programme, which was going to cost £1.8 billion over the next three years. Savings were due to be identified from within existing budgets through reprioritisation, which will now be redirected towards this measure. Any further action, including on funding for longer-term measures, will be taken at the Budget, and all decisions at that point will be funded and also consistent with the government’s fiscal rules. 
    • The government expects all suppliers to pass the VAT reduction on to all customers, including those on fixed tariffs, as they did with the £150 of costs taken off energy bills announced at the last Budget. 

    Northern Ireland 

    • Under the terms of  the  UK’s exit from  the  EU, the  EU VAT rates  apply  in NI on goods, including electricity.  Agreement from the EU to implement in NI would be necessary.
    • Therefore to ensure that households in NI receive the same support as quickly as the rest of the UK, the NI Executive will receive comparable funding to enable it to support NI Households with the Cost of Living.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Chancellor Merz of Germany [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Chancellor Merz of Germany [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, this evening. 

    It was clear the relationship between the UK and Germany was vital to delivering for people in both countries, the Prime Minister said. 

    Both leaders underlined their ambition to increase cooperation under the Kensington Treaty, and the Prime Minister said he would ask his teams to accelerate work on implementation. 

    Discussing Ukraine, the Prime Minister looked forward to working with Chancellor Merz and President Macron as they drove the Coalition of the Willing forward to support a just and lasting peace. 

    The two leaders look forward to meeting in person soon.