Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK announces further support for Palestine refugees at UN pledging conference [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK announces further support for Palestine refugees at UN pledging conference [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2026.

    UK to provide £23 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to support Palestinian refugees and deliver humanitarian assistance in Gaza and across the region.

    • UK set to announce £23 million of support for UN agency responsible for supporting Palestine refugees at pledging conference in New York.  
    • Announcement forms part of the UK’s commitment to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza and support for Palestine refugees across the region.  
    • Funding comes as United Nations Relief and Workers Agency (UNRWA) continues to face severe restrictions and disruption to its lifesaving support.  

    The UK government  will  today  announce £23 million of support for UNRWA to deliver lifesaving support for Palestine refugees at a pledging conference in New York.

    The funding will help UNRWA continue delivering essential services for up to 5.9 million Palestine refugees across the region. The funding will also support civilians in Gaza, where humanitarian needs remain acute and families face displacement, food insecurity and limited access to basic services. Funding will support primary healthcare, basic education, social services, emergency food and shelter.  

    The conference comes as UNRWA faces serious challenges operating on the ground in Gaza, where 392 of its staff have been killed since October 2023. Ongoing steps by Israel, including legislation introduced in 2024, have sought to severely disrupt its operations. In January, UNRWA’s headquarters in East Jerusalem were demolished and persistent access restrictions on the humanitarian response in Gaza continue to hinder their efforts. 

    The UK’s funding, announced alongside support from other international partners, underlines continued international backing for UNRWA and the vital role of the UN in delivering humanitarian assistance.  

    UNRWA is central to delivering humanitarian assistance and remains uniquely placed to do so at the scale required in Gaza. Its staff, infrastructure and local networks are critical to reaching Palestinian civilians most in need.  UNRWA’s work in the West Bank is also supporting Palestinian refugees facing displacement, heightened insecurity, access restrictions and increasing humanitarian needs for protection and basic services. 

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:   

    The humanitarian situation in Gaza is desperate. Families urgently need food, shelter, clean water and medical support – I saw first-hand during my visit to Jordan how UNRWA is central to delivering help at the scale required.    

    That is why the UK is announcing £23 million of support for UNRWA, alongside international partners, to help sustain its vital work for Palestine refugees across the region and civilians in Gaza.   

    UNRWA must be able to operate safely and effectively. We condemn the Israeli government in preventing aid agencies like UNRWA to undertake lifesaving work. This means all crossings must be opened, and supplies must be allowed in.”  

    The UK continues to support UNRWA’s reform and improvement work, including implementation of its Action Plan following the Colonna Report, which set out measures to strengthen neutrality, accountability and integrity across the agency’s operations.  

    The UK has consistently called for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza at the scale needed, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which underscores the importance of the full resumption of humanitarian assistance in coordination with the UN and its partners.  

    Israel must comply with its obligations to facilitate humanitarian assistance, ensure aid workers can operate safely, and allow UN agencies, including UNRWA, to reach those in need.  

    The UK remains committed to a negotiated two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for Israelis and Palestinians.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Over 45 miles of new walking routes open on the Suffolk coast [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over 45 miles of new walking routes open on the Suffolk coast [June 2026]

    The press release issued by Natural England on 30 June 2026.

    On Tuesday 30 June, walkers in Suffolk will gain access to over 45 miles of stunning coastline. Two new sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path will open between Kessingland and Lowestoft, and Bawdsey and Aldeburgh. 

    The openings mean the public can now walk continuously along the Suffolk coast from Shotley Gate to Southwold. The route passes through an area protected for a range of wildlife, along ancient river estuaries, and through the Suffolk and Essex Coasts and Heaths National Landscape. 

    Kessingland to Lowestoft (7 miles)

    This new section trades a busy roadside stretch along the A12 for a cliff top route close to the sea. Where coastal erosion had affected existing footpaths, brand new trail has been created to fill the gaps, including 1.2km of new cliff top path at Pakefield.

    The route connects with the already-open section of the Coast Path running from Lowestoft to Hopton-on-Sea. Walkers should be aware that seasonal fencing is in place on Kessingland beach to protect nesting Little Terns, Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers during the breeding season.

    Bawdsey to Aldeburgh (38.5 miles)

    This longer section follows the open coast from Bawdsey to Shingle Street, then around the Alde-Ore Estuary to Aldeburgh. Five miles of new access have been created along cliff tops near Bawdsey and along the Butley River.

    Highlights along the route include:

    • The Alde-Ore Estuary — intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh that attract internationally protected overwintering birds including Avocet, Bewick’s Swan and Redshank, as well as important breeding habitat for Marsh Harrier and other species.
    • Orford Quay — a gateway to Orfordness, with its unique vegetated shingle landscape; boat trips to the National Trust site and the RSPB’s Havergate Island reserve run from here.
    • Snape Maltings — a world-renowned arts and cultural venue set in beautiful riverside surroundings.
    • Aldeburgh — a historic seaside town famous for its fish and chips, beach sculpture, and distinctive character.

    Seasonal routes either side of the Butley River protect sensitive wildlife and will be clearly marked, and walkers are asked to follow local signage.

    Hannah Thacker, Natural England Deputy Director for Norfolk and Suffolk, said:

    These new sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path have improved access on Suffolk’s stunning coastline, particularly at Bawdsey and between Kessingland and Pakefield.

    We have created access where the existing public rights of way had been affected by coastal erosion. Whether walking along the coastal cliffs or around the beautiful estuaries, this Suffolk coastline has something for everyone.

    Councillor Morgan Brobyn, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Food, Waste and Rural Affairs, said:

    Suffolk is home to some of the most beautiful and distinctive coastal landscapes in the country, so I am delighted to see the opening of these new sections of our Coast Path.

    Our coastline is rich in history, wildlife, and natural beauty, offering something for everyone to enjoy. The new paths will enable residents and visitors to experience more of what Suffolk has to offer, while supporting local communities and businesses.

    Sam Kench, Delivery Manager, Wildlife Wise, said:

    It’s so important we all work together to help keep these places as a sanctuary for wildlife, especially with so few truly wild spaces remaining in Suffolk. We hope walkers will help bird’s nest, feed and raise their chicks undisturbed. Please give wildlife space, keep to the path, and keep any dogs under close control.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £15 billion new funding boost to transform Armed Forces and keep the UK safe [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : £15 billion new funding boost to transform Armed Forces and keep the UK safe [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 June 2026.

    Britain’s Armed Forces will be ready and equipped to fight the wars of today and the future following a landmark £15 billion investment to fund key equipment and technology, announced today.

    • Additional funding to strengthen military readiness and accelerate the drone transformation, boost future fighter jets and strengthen the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
    • Defence Investment Plan will also create nearly 60,000 extra direct and indirect UK industry jobs by the end of the decade, taking forecasted defence spending related jobs supported in the UK to more than half a million.
    • Nearly £300 billion in funding over next four years to transform the UK military with cutting edge equipment.

    Britain’s Armed Forces will be ready and equipped to fight the wars of today and the future following a landmark £15 billion investment to fund key equipment and technology, announced today.  

    The Prime Minister announced during a major speech at Malloy Aeronautics this morning that the Defence Investment Plan will be backed by £298 billion of investment across the next four years, including £15bn of additional spending on top of last year’s Spending Review.

    It will see an increase in defence funding from £54 billion a year under the previous government to almost £80 billion a year by 2029, and will see the UK’s defence spending increase to 2.7% of GDP.

    This means the proportion of GDP spent on defence will now be higher than at any time during the last thirty years by the end of this decade, and puts the UK on track to meet NATO’s defence spending targets by 2035.

    The major spending uplift will also create nearly 60,000 extra direct and indirect UK industry jobs by the end of the decade, taking forecasted defence spending-related jobs supported in the UK to more than half a million. 

    The Defence Investment Plan set to be published later today will implement the vision set in the Strategic Defence Review, seeing the Armed Forces adapt for the wars of today and tomorrow by investing in new equipment and embracing new technology, such as drones, autonomy and AI.  

    Key funding includes:

    • More than £8 billion in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) over the next four years, progressing the programme which will build a next-generation stealth fighter jet for the Royal Air Force, alongside our close allies Japan and Italy.    
    • More than £63 billion over the next four years to strengthen the UK’s nuclear deterrent and to fund Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarines, a new warhead, and other crucial nuclear work. Additionally, we will also purchase 12 F35As and join NATO’s nuclear mission.  
    • Including elements of the above nuclear investment in the first four years, £26 billion over the next decade in Project Royal Oak – the biggest naval base upgrade for over 45 years, including multi-billion-pound upgrades at Faslane, Portsmouth and Devonport.  
    • Over £5 billion for the next four years to fund a drone transformation for our Armed Forces. As part of this, £650 million will deliver inexpensive expendable autonomous systems including drones and uncrewed ground vehicles to rapidly enhance the lethality of the Army, Commando Force and Special Forces.   
    • Nearly £2 billion to integrate our Armed Forces through a new Digital Targeting Web. This will enable faster decision-making and speed in destroying identified targets and will be underpinned by world leading AI and software.
    • £790 million over the next four years to enhance protection of the UK homeland and overseas bases from air, drone and missile threats. This will revolutionise command and control and buy new radars and sensors. We will also invest in Directed Energy Weapons, upgrade Sea Viper for our Type 45 destroyers, expand counter drone systems, and build a new Integrated Air, Space and Missile Defence Operations Centre.   
    • £11 billion on munitions and weapons to increase UK stockpiles and ensure our Armed Forces have the right mix of capabilities to defeat targets, including long-range strike weapons, low-cost cruise missiles and one-way effectors. By 2030, we will have built at least six new energetics factories and increased our national munitions production capacity. 
    • £900 million investment to drive efficiency and reform procurement, including a £500 million Transformation Fund to deliver productivity improving investments in AI and workforce transformation, as well as an initial £400m contribution to setting up the Multilateral Defence Mechanism.     
    • £100 million for the Prime Minister’s Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce (RAID) to accelerate the deployment of AI-enabled capabilities into the hands of our Armed Forces.

    On top of this, the government is investing £115 million to raise the UK’s defences against the threats from AI, including using AI to improve our biosecurity and mitigate risks posed by autonomous AI agents.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:   

    This record investment puts the security of the British public first, transforming our Armed Forces and giving them the funding and equipment they need to fight and defend our nation.

    The world is a more dangerous and volatile place, so it is only right we are boosting the number of troops on the ground, rebuilding ammunition stockpiles and investing in cutting edge technology to ensure we outpace our adversaries for generations to come.

    Every pound in this plan will work twice, delivering economic growth and opportunity for the British people, and supporting more than half a million jobs by the end of the decade, as well as reinforcing our national security.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    I have boosted defence spending to the highest level since the Cold War – and today’s Defence Investment Plan goes further still, committing almost £300 billion over this Parliament to transform our Armed Forces. That’s more money, spent more effectively, to keep the country safe and back British industry, jobs and growth.

    Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:

    I know first-hand the importance of our Armed Forces having the kit and technology they need to do the difficult job we ask of them.

    I have secured more money and made different choices for defence. We will invest £298 billion over the next four years. That includes an additional £15 billion, of which most is extra day-to-day spending for training and improving availability of ships and aircraft to increase our war-fighting readiness. 

    By choosing to embrace new technology, I am equipping our forces with the autonomous systems which will give them the edge. 

    This extra money and these choices send a clear signal to our allies and our adversaries alike: Britain is stepping up on security.

    Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said:

    This plan sets out how and where we will invest in defence over the coming years to deliver the Strategic Defence Review and build the integrated force the nation needs.

    It also reflects both the importance of national defence and the vital contribution our Armed Forces make every day to keeping the country safe.

    Reinforcing today’s additional investment, the Prime Minister also announced this morning a new £50 billion defence export facility established by UK Export Finance to support British defence firms to win contracts across the globe. This will support British defence companies of all sizes and strengthen the UK’s competitiveness in a rapidly growing market. 

    The Defence Investment Plan continues this Government’s delivery of the Strategic Defence Review’s vision for UK defence.  

    GCAP is a groundbreaking collaboration between the UK, Japan and Italy to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter aircraft, which already supports 4,500 jobs across the UK. The work is deepening our defence, industrial, and technology collaboration with our partners in both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.  

    The Defence Investment Plan will include significant funding to renew and maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent, the ultimate guarantor of our security, also declared to the defence of NATO.

    Over the next four years, £20 billion more will be invested into the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, compared to the previous four years. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to fund the nuclear “triple lock” building four Dreadnought submarines in Barrow, sustaining the nuclear deterrent, and delivering future upgrades, including the replacement warhead.    

    This investment will be underpinned by a commitment to drive out waste and inefficiency, including tackling £250 million fraud and error, and accelerating investment in AI and procurement reform.

    The Government has set out details of how the Defence Investment Plan will be funded through reprioritising public spending, acting within our fiscal rules and without taking resources away from day-to-day spending on frontline services.

    This approach will allow the country to continue renewing and rebuilding and ensure that the Armed Forces have the resources they need to meet this new era of threat.

  • PRESS RELEASE : CPTPP Parties begin preparatory discussions on accession [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : CPTPP Parties begin preparatory discussions on accession [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 30 June 2026.

    UK welcomes CPTPP decision to begin preparatory talks on accession with the Philippines, potentially leading to stronger trade ties.

    The United Kingdom welcomes a significant milestone for the Philippines, as Parties to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreed to begin preparatory discussions on accession with the Philippines. 

    The announcement was made at the 10th CPTPP Commission Meeting held virtually on 26 June 2026, where ministers confirmed that preparatory discussions will begin with the Philippines, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

    CPTPP is one of the world’s most significant free trade agreements, which the UK joined in 2024. Its membership currently includes 12 economies spanning four continents across Asia-Pacific and beyond, including Japan, Canada, Australia, and the UK. CPTPP currently covers roughly 15% of global GDP. 

    The UK has been a consistent supporter of the Philippines’ application to join CPTPP. 

    UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia), Rhiannon Harries said the announcement builds on the CPTPP Joint Ministerial Statement from November 2025, which outlined CPTPP interest in the Philippines, Indonesia, and the UAE. 

    We’ve strongly supported the Philippines’ application. If the Philippines completes the process and joins the agreement, businesses in our countries would benefit from lower tariffs, simpler trading rules, and stronger supply chains.

    She further added:

    These preparatory discussions could help lay the groundwork for the launch of a potential future accession process for the Philippines, which could open new opportunities for business, investment, and growth.

    For the Philippines, joining CPTPP would mean access to one of the world’s most comprehensive trade networks, potentially lowering tariffs and streamlining trading regulations across diverse markets. The UK sees CPTPP as an important strategic forum for advancing and expanding the reach of high standard, rules-based trade.  

    While preparatory discussions do not guarantee accession or the launch of formal negotiations, they are designed to advance engagement and understanding between the Philippines and CPTPP Parties on the agreement’s standards.  

    British Ambassador to the Philippines, Sarah Hulton OBE, said: 

    We warmly welcome this important milestone. The UK looks forward to working together with CPTPP Parties and the Philippines through this process.

    The UK’s enthusiasm for this milestone reflects the strength of its partnership with the Philippines, which is especially meaningful as the two countries celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations this year. 

    The UK and the Philippines have been building deeper economic ties through the inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) in 2025, which sets out closer cooperation across infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and technology. Philippine exporters also benefit from the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), offering tariff-free access on 92% of products. 

    The UK looks forward to continuing to work alongside the Philippines to strengthen trading relationship.  

    This announcement comes one year after the UK published its Trade Strategy, which included a focus on deepening and widening CPTPP.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Mr Vice President,

    The UK thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and remains deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Belarus.

    We are particularly troubled by the sustained use of arbitrary detention, the targeting of journalists and civil society, and the ongoing repression of those exercising their fundamental freedoms. Reports from organisations such as Viasna, alongside other trusted sources, continue to highlight ill treatment in detention and the systemic absence of due process. The Belarusian authorities’ persistent refusal to engage with UN mechanisms, including the mandate of this Special Rapporteur, further demonstrates their disregard for international obligations.

    The UK continues to support accountability efforts, including through multilateral initiatives, and to stand with Belarusian civil society, both inside the country and in exile. We will continue to work with partners to ensure that violations are documented and that those responsible are held to account.

    We remain concerned by the broader climate of fear and the increasing pressure on independent voices, including through legislative measures designed to restrict dissent.

    Special Rapporteur,

    How has the Belarussians’ approach to cultural repression changed since the 2020 protests?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of Ambassador to Turkey – Jennifer Anderson [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of Ambassador to Turkey – Jennifer Anderson [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2026.

    Ms Jennifer Elizabeth Anderson CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey in succession to Ms Jill Morris CMG. Ms Anderson will take up her appointment during August 2026.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Jennifer Elizabeth Anderson

    YearRole
    2020 to 2024FCDO, Director, Consular and Crisis
    2017 to 2020Ankara, Deputy Head of Mission
    2016Pre-post training, including Turkish language training
    2013 to 2015FCO, Head of Counter Terrorism Department
    2013Jakarta, Deputy Head of Mission
    2010 to 2013Gaborone, High Commissioner and UK Representative to the South African Development Community (SADC)
    2006 to 2009FCO, Head of Business Engagement Group
    2003 to 2005FCO, Deputy Head of Security Policy Department
    2001 to 2003Brussels, First Secretary (Political/Military) UK Permanent Representation to the European Union
    1999 to 2001FCO, Head of Bosnia and Croatia Section
    1997 to 1999FCO, Head of Visegrad Section
    1997Joined FCO
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK’s first maternity and neonatal commissioner to be appointed [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK’s first maternity and neonatal commissioner to be appointed [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 30 June 2026.

    New commissioner and extra funding announced to make maternity and neonatal care safer, fairer and more consistent across England.

    • First ever commissioner to speak up for women, babies and families
    • National action plan will be published in December to overhaul services and drive long-term change
    • Additional £41 million investment to improve safety at maternity and neonatal facilities
    • New standards for maternity triage across the country will end the postcode lottery in care 

    Families across the country will see their maternity and neonatal care overhauled, as the government today (Tuesday 30 June) takes urgent steps in response to Baroness Amos’s landmark independent investigation – including the creation of the UK’s first ever maternity and neonatal commissioner. 

    The new commissioner will provide independent leadership to hold the system to account, drive change and rebuild trust, co-chairing the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce with the Secretary of State. Crucially, the commissioner will ensure the voices of women are always heard by those at the heart of the system.

    Baroness Amos examined the experiences of thousands of women, their families and staff, alongside local investigations of 12 trusts, and her report paints a stark picture.

    It found a system that is fragmented, overly complex and too slow to learn, that women and families are not being listened to, that there is a lack of accountability and answers when things go wrong, and that racism and discrimination are driving inequalities in care. Staff also reported feeling unheard.

    The measures announced today will begin the process of turning that around.

    A comprehensive national action plan will be published in December 2026, setting out priority actions and long-term reform to deliver safer, fairer care. This will be driven by the taskforce, bringing together families, clinicians and other experts with a clear focus on safety, equity and accountability.

    Alongside structural reform, the government is investing a further £41 million to tackle urgent safety risks in maternity and neonatal facilities, building on £145 million already committed since April 2025. This funding will address issues such as fire safety, ventilation issues and outdated infrastructure – creating safer environments for mothers and newborns.

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

    For too long, women, babies and families have been failed by a system that didn’t listen. Their stories are heartbreaking and demand action. 

    I am grateful to Baroness Amos for her work on this landmark review, which is a turning point. Appointing the UK’s first ever maternity and neonatal commissioner will drive lasting change and make sure women and families are never ignored again.

    For patients, the changes will mean more consistent, responsive care. New national standards for maternity triage will ensure women are assessed quickly, listened to properly and given safe, timely care from the moment they arrive. The aim is clear: to end the postcode lottery and ensure every family receives the same high standard of care.

    Further urgent changes include the national rollout of the Perinatal Equity and Anti-Discrimination Programme. This will tackle unacceptable inequalities in care and outcomes, particularly for Black and Asian women, those from deprived backgrounds and other marginalised groups. 

    A total of 1,000 temporary roles will be created to help newly qualified midwives join the NHS, backed by more than £10 million in government funding. The jobs will be for graduates and will help prevent a third of student midwives from leaving the profession.

    The taskforce will also be looking at all parts of the health system when things go wrong – including regulators – to ensure that accountability is established.

    Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said: 

    Too many women, babies and families have been harmed, bereaved or badly let down by maternity care, and too often women and families who raised concerns were not listened to.

    This has to change. Women and families must be taken seriously when they say something is wrong, and staff must feel able to speak up when they are worried about safety.

    The NHS is determined to address this quickly and we will work with the new maternity and neonatal commissioner to achieve this. NHS leaders are also coming together today to set out how immediate actions can be taken across all maternity and neonatal services in England to improve safety and the support and care offered to women and families.

    I know recent reports will be deeply worrying for women and families, but please continue to speak to your midwife or maternity team if you have any concerns. They understand and want to make sure you have the care and support you need.

    Michelle Welsh MP, Maternity Adviser, said:

    I am pleased that a maternity and neonatal commissioner role will be established, and I look forward to seeing a robust appointment process take place.

    I want to thank Baroness Amos for her hard and thorough work on this report, as well as those who have contributed to this effort – most importantly the families who have shared their experiences, alongside the organisations that have supported this work.

    It is now vital that we work together to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements in maternity care centred around safety and compassion.

    Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, Chair of the Race Equality Engagement Group, said:

    The findings highlighted by Baroness Amos’s important report reveal the deeply entrenched racial inequalities that exist in maternity and neonatal services in England. 

    Racism and discrimination have no place in our health service. The fact that women have received worse care due to their race or background is totally unacceptable and cannot continue. I look forward to the government’s urgent work to now deliver the manifesto commitment to set a target for tackling the maternal mortality gap.

    I would also like to place on record my thanks to Baroness Amos for leading this vital and timely report.

    These announcements build on significant action the government has already taken to improve maternity and neonatal services. This includes:

    • implementing a new programme to reduce the 2 leading causes of avoidable brain injury during labour 
    • delivering a package of initiatives and interventions to reduce stillbirths, neonatal brain injury, neonatal death and preterm birth 
    • completing the full rollout of a Perinatal Culture and Leadership Programme to develop a culture of safety, learning and support for leads from all maternity and neonatal units 
    • expanding maternal mental health services to support women who experience moderate to severe or complex mental health issues following birth trauma or perinatal loss
    • extending the baby loss certificate scheme to include all historic losses
    • rolling out guidance across the NHS to tackle the leading causes of maternal death including thrombosis, mental health, epilepsy and haemorrhage
    • publishing a maternity and neonatal equalities dashboard to support NHS trusts and integrated care boards to identify and address health inequalities while promoting transparency by publishing information on outcomes
    • extending Martha’s Rule to maternity and neonatal wards in England to ensure every parent can request a rapid review from an independent medical team if a baby or mother’s condition is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being responded to
    • ensuring past and present NHS staff can be compelled to provide evidence in the upcoming maternity reviews in Leeds and Sussex, once the Public Office (Accountability) Bill completes its passage through Parliament
    • driving improvements in the regulation of mortuaries – including an audit of over a decade of records to strengthen accountability

    Many families have positive experiences of maternity and neonatal care, but tragically there have been too many cases of avoidable harm and tragic loss. Baroness Amos’s investigation explored the reasons why this has continued and what must now change.

    It is vital that women who are currently accessing maternity or neonatal care raise any concerns they may have about themselves or their baby with their midwife – they are there to support you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK drone transformation to strengthen Armed Forces backed by more than £5 billion [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK drone transformation to strengthen Armed Forces backed by more than £5 billion [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 June 2026.

    Britain’s Armed Forces will be strengthened and thousands of British jobs created through a drone transformation, announced by the Prime Minister and backed by more than £5 billion in the Government’s Defence Investment Plan.

    • Largest ever drone investment in UK Armed Forces – more than £5 billion over the next four years – to be included in the Defence Investment Plan.
    • Investment will drive a drone transformation for the UK Armed Forces, with new technology and infrastructure to keep the nation at the leading edge of innovation, and back British jobs.
    • Prime Minister to launch Defence Investment Plan today (Tuesday 30 June), setting out how the Government will go further and faster on defence spending to protect the nation.

    Britain’s Armed Forces will be strengthened and thousands of British jobs created through a drone transformation, announced by the Prime Minister today and backed by more than £5 billion in the Government’s Defence Investment Plan.    

    In a major speech at a British defence firm today (Tuesday 30 June), the Prime Minister will set out how new investment in defence will accelerate the use of drones and autonomous systems across the Armed Forces and keep the country safe for years to come, as he launches the Defence Investment Plan.   

    As the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine show, drones are rapidly reshaping warfare, with cheap systems destroying high value targets and innovation cycles measured in weeks, not years. 

    Ukraine uses roughly 200,000 drones a month to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric invasion, while at the height of the Iran conflict, 700 offensive drones were being launched per day.  

    The £5 billion investment will see Britain build a flexible, integrated force with attack drones flying alongside Army helicopters, RAF jets made invisible from enemy detection with new drones, and a hybrid Royal Navy made up of crewed and uncrewed vessels.   

    It will also fund Europe’s biggest drone testing centre, the Uncrewed Systems Centre, opened earlier this month in Swindon, and a new Uncrewed Systems Taskforce to rapidly develop and field new autonomous capabilities with industry. This will ensure the UK can continuously scale production and get the very latest drones into the hands of our Armed Forces to protect the UK and our Allies.  

    The Prime Minister will today lay out other key areas of the Defence Investment Plan and how the Government will go further and faster on defence spending to protect national security, drive growth across the country and deliver opportunity.  

    The Defence Secretary has spent the last two weeks refocusing the DIP so that it prioritises getting the latest kit into the hands of military personnel, including for the UK’s elite Commandos. They will be equipped with new high-speed boats and the latest drone and autonomous technology. At least six new warships will also be built for the Royal Navy, delivering the UK’s most advanced maritime air defence capability and keeping British shipyards working for decades to come.   

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:   

    This game-changing investment will strengthen our Armed Forces on land, at sea and in the air, ensuring our servicemen and women have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to deter evolving threats and keep the British people safe.

    At the same time, we are backing British innovation, British industry and British jobs and delivering opportunity to every corner of the country.

    Today’s Defence Investment Plan will help drive growth across the UK, giving our industrial base the confidence, certainty and support it needs to develop and scale the technologies that will keep our country safe and secure long into the future.

    Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:

    Our Armed Forces are serving at an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable time. We are determined to give them what they need as they serve with courage and exceptional skill to keep us safe.

    The character of warfare is rapidly changing. In Ukraine and the Middle East, uncrewed systems are defining conflicts. This largest ever UK investment into these evolving technologies will help our Armed Forces stay ahead of our adversaries, backed by the best of our defence industry. We are giving our extraordinary people the equipment they need to fight and win.

    This major investment will see capabilities ranging from highly complex autonomous mine-hunting drones to small ‘quadcopter’ tactical drones, and low-cost ‘kamikaze’ one-way attack drones. The drone transformation will be accelerated across all the services:  

    Royal Navy  

    The Royal Navy is transforming into a Hybrid Navy, combining autonomous vessels and AI with warships and aircraft, including:    

    • Type 91: Uncrewed missile platforms to increase the firepower of the Hybrid Fleet.  
    • Type 92: Uncrewed sense platforms designed to hunt enemy submarines across the North Atlantic, supporting our new frigates.
    • Type 93: Extra-large uncrewed underwater vessels which will work alongside crewed hunter-killer submarines to seek and destroy enemy submarines.  
    • Type 94: Uncrewed sense platforms designed to scan the skies for threats to the hybrid navy or the homeland.  
    • In the 2030s, we will expand the numbers of the above platforms and bring at least six Common Combat Vessels into service as the brain of a networked Maritime Air Defence system.    
    • Project PANTHEON: Development of a Hybrid Carrier Air Wing, including trialling jet-powered drones to work alongside our F-35B force.  
    • Our Royal Marine Commandos will benefit from further investment in their transformation, equipped with new high-speed boats and the latest drone and autonomous technology. 

    British Army   

    The British Army is increasing its lethality, including through:  

    • A major investment into inexpensive expendable autonomous systems and loitering munitions to enhance the lethality of the Army, including a £50 million boost over the next 12 months for the Army’s RAPSTONE programme, funding additional first person view and interceptor drones. 
    • Uncrewed Ground Vehicles: A new programme to rapidly develop and produce uncrewed vehicles and their associated mission systems for the Army through UK industry.  
    • Project NYX: Up to 24 autonomous armed drones will be operational by 2030, flying alongside the Army’s recently upgraded Apache helicopters. They will carry out reconnaissance, precision strikes, and electronic warfare.  
    • Project Corvus: Up to 24 surveillance drones to replace the Watchkeeper system, carrying out intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.   

    Royal Air Force   

    The Royal Air Force is transforming, investing in:  

    • A new, national Collaborative Combat Air programme:  The development of new autonomous fighter jets which will fly alongside crewed jets, to defend the UK’s skies with a demonstrator flying by at least 2030. 
    • Storm Shroud system: Bring our new uncrewed electronic warfare drone into service this year.   

    This Defence Investment Plan is delivering the vision set out in the Strategic Defence Review and placing defence on a stronger, more sustainable footing. 

    The Defence Investment Plan will prioritise growing sovereign British AI and autonomous technology, drawing on the UK’s world-leading research base – collaborating with key allies and positioning Britain to export cutting-edge defence capabilities internationally.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Justice for victims as domestic killers to face longer behind bars [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Justice for victims as domestic killers to face longer behind bars [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 29 June 2026.

    People who kill their partner, or ex, to face a 25-year sentencing start point under a change announced today by the Deputy Prime Minister.

    • Longer sentences for murders committed by partners or exes
    • DPM pays tribute to courageous campaigners who fought for historic change
    • Part of Government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls

    Heinous offenders who kill their partner, or ex, could face an additional 10 years in prison, under a change announced today by the Deputy Prime Minister.

    Under the current law, most domestic murders have a 15-year sentencing starting point, because they take place in the home with a weapon most likely already at the scene. However, for other murders where a weapon is taken to the scene with intent, the starting point is 25 years.

    The Government has announced today (30 June) it intends to close this 10-year gap so that domestic murders are dealt with the same severity as other murders – regardless of whether they happen at home or anywhere else.

    Domestic murders are among the most devastating crimes and often represent a culmination of prolonged trauma and abuse.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, David Lammy said:

    For centuries, the law failed to protect women from violence at the hands of their partner – whether from marital rape or from abuse behind closed doors. Whilst we’ve made significant progress, we need to continue righting these wrongs.

    This change closes a long overdue gap and will ensure those who murder their partner face sentences that better reflect the devastating harm they cause.

    I pay tribute to Carole Gould, Julie Devey and Elaine Newborough whose courageous campaign will help future mothers, daughters and wives get the justice they deserve.

    More than a fifth of all murders are domestic, and overwhelmingly women are the victims in these cases.

    This change forms part of the Government’s commitment to halve Violence Against Women and Girls, and ensure swifter justice for victims and their families.

    The change will also include important safeguards to further protect victims. This means in cases where a victim of domestic abuse kills their abuser, the existing 15-year baseline starting point will still apply.

    This change was only made possible by this Government stabilising the prison system and introducing the Sentencing Act to ensure that the most dangerous offenders can always be put behind bars.

    Further information:

    • This change to the law is subject to consultation with the Sentencing Council.
    • This measure will be introduced as soon as possible.
    • Further policy details, including the application to children who murder, will be outlined in due course.
    • The new starting point will apply to future murders after the date of implementation and will not be applied retrospectively.
    • This work is being conducted alongside the Law Commission’s review of homicide law and sentencing, to address the disparity as quickly as possible, ahead of the review’s conclusion in 2028.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Civilians must never bear the consequences of conflict – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Civilians must never bear the consequences of conflict – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

    Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Belarus.

    Any loss of civilian life is a tragedy.

    We are saddened by reports of the incident on 17 June involving a bus carrying Belarusian civilians in Bryansk, Russia.

    Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured. 

    Civilians must never bear the consequences of conflict, and children must always be protected.

    At present, we are not aware of any independent verification of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    We note that Ukraine has publicly denied any claims that a Ukrinaian drone struck the bus.

    What we do know is that if Russia truly wished to protect civilians, it would agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. 

    According to OCHA, over 16,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its war of choice on 24 February 2022.

    None of this would be happening had Russia not launched its illegal full-scale invasion against Ukraine.  

    President, the United Kingdom’s position is consistent and clear: all allegations of civilian harm should be taken seriously, wherever they occur. 

    The protection of civilians remains a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law.

    We made that same point when this Council met last week following reports of civilian casualties resulting from recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities. 

    We reiterate it today.

    Children have been particularly affected. 

    The UN has reported that at least 796 children have been killed in Ukriane and a further 2,835 injured since the start of Russia’s war, bringing the total number of child casualties to 3,631.

    In Ukraine, children’s homes, schools, and hospitals have been damaged and destroyed. 

    Russia has targeted the electricity infrastructure that heats their houses in winter, it has disrupted their education, and its attacks have displaced families across Ukraine and beyond.

    We should all strive to prevent further civilian suffering.

    Russia could do so immediately.

    Ukraine has time and again reiterated its commitment to a ceasefire.

    We call on Russia also to commit to a ceasefire, to engage meaningfully in peace talks, and to end its illegal war against Ukraine.